Your dog is part of the family, so it makes sense that they belong in your family photos too. Dogs bring an easy, joyful energy to a session, and the photos where everyone is laughing at something the dog just did are often the ones families treasure most. Posing with a dog does take a little planning, though, because your pup has no idea why everyone is suddenly standing so still.
Below are seven family photo ideas with dogs that we use during our Atlanta family sessions, along with how to set up each pose and the small tricks that help your pup look their best. These dog and owner poses work just as well for couples as they do for larger families, and whether you want one classic portrait for the wall or a gallery full of candid moments, they give you a starting point to talk through with us before your session.
Before You Pose: Bring a Handler and a Few Favorite Treats
The most helpful thing you can do is bring an extra person whose only job is your dog. A friend or family member who isn’t in the photos can hold the leash between poses, step in when your pup wanders and keep everyone relaxed. If your dog gets tired or overwhelmed partway through, your handler can take them home so the rest of the session continues at an easy pace.
Pack your dog’s favorite treats, a squeaky toy and a few waste bags. During each pose, your handler stands just behind our team and holds a treat or toy above the camera, which draws your dog’s eyes and ears toward the lens at the same moment everyone else is smiling. Parks are full of squirrels, other dogs and interesting smells, so having something your dog truly loves on hand makes a real difference.
For more ways to get ready, including grooming and exercise before the session, see our guide on how to prepare for family pictures with dogs.
1. The Classic Family Portrait with Your Dog
This is the portrait that goes on the wall and in the holiday card. Everyone gathers close together, and your dog sits front and center or between two family members, with smaller breeds held in someone’s arms. Of all the family portrait ideas with dogs, this one suits nearly every family and every pup, which is why we usually start here while everyone is fresh and your dog is still curious about the camera.
How to set it up:
- Stand or sit close together so there are no gaps between family members, and we’ll help you hold the leash so it stays close and as discreet as possible.
- Ask your dog to sit or lie down in front of the group; if they know “stay,” this is the moment to use it.
- Let your handler call your dog’s name from behind the camera so their ears perk up just as everyone smiles.
- Choose a simple backdrop, such as a tree line, a garden path or a wooden fence, so your family and your dog stay the focus.
Grown children and larger families can use the same approach. Arrange everyone in a loose group with the dog in the middle, and give your pup a moment to settle before we begin. For more on planning larger groups, see our guide to extended family photos.
2. The Walk-and-Talk Pose
Walking together gives everyone something to do, which is often the fastest way to relax both people and dogs. Your family strolls side by side along a path while chatting, holding hands or looking down at your dog, and we photograph the natural movement as it unfolds. Most dogs are happiest on the move, so this pose tends to bring out relaxed body language and a happy, open-mouthed expression.
How to set it up:
- Walk a little slower than feels natural, which keeps everyone in step and the leash loose.
- Let your dog lead slightly ahead, or walk between two family members for balance.
- Talk to each other and to your dog, since genuine conversation reads beautifully in photos.
- Walk toward us and then away from us, so you have both a classic view and a sweet over-the-shoulder moment.
This pose suits shaded garden paths, park trails and quiet sidewalks. For pet-friendly spots around the city, see our guide to family photos with dogs in Atlanta.
3. The Cuddle and Snuggle Pose
For families who want to highlight their bond with their pet, getting down to your dog’s level is a lovely choice. Kneeling or sitting together on the grass, on a blanket or on a bench brings everyone’s faces closer together and makes room for small, affectionate moments, such as a child resting their head on the dog’s back or a dog leaning into a hug.
How to set it up:
- Kneel or sit on a blanket so your dog can settle in between family members.
- Let kids hug the dog gently or rest their heads on the dog’s back.
- If your pup loves belly rubs, go ahead and give them one; the laughter that follows is often a highlight of the session.
- Save this pose for a calmer moment, ideally after your dog has had a chance to burn off a little energy. It works especially well with dogs who love affection.
4. The Paw Shake Pose
If your dog knows a trick or two, include them. A paw shake, a high five or a sit and stay shows off your dog’s personality and gives the rest of the family something genuine to react to. These interactive moments tend to produce the warmest expressions, because everyone is focused on the dog and the camera fades into the background.
How to set it up:
- Have one family member kneel and ask for a paw shake while the others gather around and watch.
- Reward right away with a treat, which keeps your dog eager to repeat the trick.
- Stick with the tricks your dog already knows well, since a session is a fun place to show them off.
- If your dog isn’t trick-trained, a gentle scratch behind the ears or a hand resting on their chest creates the same warm connection.
5. The Playful Action Pose
High-energy dogs often shine brightest when they are free to be themselves. Tossing a toy, jogging a few steps along an open path or simply laughing together while your dog bounces around creates bright, joyful photos full of wagging tails and happy expressions. Kids usually love this part, too, and it gives everyone a chance to shake off any stiffness from the more posed portraits.
How to set it up:
- Keep play within leash length, since the parks we recommend require dogs to stay leashed.
- Bring a favorite toy and let one family member play with your dog while the others cheer them on.
- Plan this pose toward the end of the session, after the calmer portraits, since an excited dog may need a few minutes before sitting still again.
- Choose an open lawn or a wide path with room to move.
6. The Dog’s Perspective Pose
Sometimes the dog deserves to be the star. In this pose, your dog sits front and center, closest to the camera, while the family gathers just behind or rests a hand on your dog’s back. The result is a portrait that is all about your pup, with the people who love them framing the story.
How to set it up:
- Have your dog sit or lie down while family members kneel or stand just behind them.
- Rest a hand gently on your dog’s shoulder or back, which connects the family to the moment and helps your dog stay put.
- Ask for a few portraits of your dog on their own, too.
- This is a lovely way to honor a senior dog or celebrate a new puppy.
7. The Holiday or Seasonal Pose
Seasonal sessions are a sweet way to create cards and keepsakes that include every member of the family. A festive bandana, a cozy sweater or a little bow tie adds charm without overwhelming your dog, and outdoor backdrops such as fall leaves or spring blooms set the season naturally.
How to set it up:
- Choose subtle, pet-friendly accessories your dog is comfortable wearing, and try them on at home first.
- In the fall, look for colorful trees and leaf-covered paths; in spring, flowering trees and gardens.
- Coordinate your dog’s accessory with your family’s outfits; our guide on what to wear for family photos has color palettes that work well.
For a cozy holiday look with your dog, an in-home session is a wonderful option. Our team comes to you, so your dog can relax on their own sofa in front of your own tree and twinkle lights, and nobody has to worry about the weather. Dogs aren’t able to join our indoor Christmas mini session sets, so families who want their pup in holiday photos book a private session instead, either at home or at an outdoor location. In-home sessions are also a comfortable choice during Atlanta’s hot, humid summers. You can learn more about in-home sessions on our Atlanta family photographer page.
Tips for Posing Two Dogs or a Big Dog and a Small One
Families with more than one dog, or with a gentle giant and a tiny sidekick, can use every pose above with a few adjustments. Position the larger dog toward the back or side of the group and the smaller dog in front or in someone’s arms, so both faces are easy to see. A second handler is a big help, since getting two dogs to look at the camera at the same moment takes a little teamwork, and a treat held above the lens for each one keeps both pups engaged.
Where to Take Family Photos with Your Dog
Leash-friendly parks, gardens and river trails give dogs room to explore and give your family a beautiful backdrop. Our guide to pet-friendly locations for family photos near Atlanta covers the spots we like to recommend, from Piedmont Park to Cator Woolford Gardens, along with the leash rules and timing to keep in mind. Spring and fall are the most popular seasons for outdoor family photos in Atlanta, and the soft light of the late afternoon flatters people and pups alike.
Family Photo Ideas with Dogs: Common Questions
What Are Some Cute Poses to Do with Your Dog for Photos?
Some of the sweetest poses are the simplest: kneeling to your dog’s level for a cuddle, walking together along a path, letting your dog sit front and center with the family just behind, and showing off a favorite trick like a paw shake. Seasonal accessories such as a bandana or bow tie add an extra touch of personality.
How Do You Get a Dog to Look at the Camera?
Bring a handler who stands just behind the photographer and holds a treat or squeaky toy above the camera. Calling your dog’s name or making a fresh sound at the right moment usually earns a quick look, and rewarding right away keeps your dog interested. Short, playful bursts with plenty of rewards help your dog stay engaged throughout the session.
Why Won’t My Dog Look at the Camera?
Parks are full of new sights, sounds and smells, and a camera pointed their way is unfamiliar to many dogs. Giving your dog a few minutes to sniff around when you arrive, exercising them beforehand and keeping their favorite treats within reach all help. Photos of your dog gazing up at you can be just as meaningful as the ones where they look at the camera.
Should I Bring My Dog to Family Photos?
If your dog is part of your everyday family life, we think they belong in your family photos. Pets are welcome at our outdoor and in-home sessions. Plan for a handler, bring treats and waste bags, and keep in mind that your handler can take your dog home partway through, so the rest of the session continues at an easy pace.
Can We Bring Our Dog to a Christmas Mini Session?
Dogs aren’t able to join our indoor Christmas mini session sets. If you’d love holiday photos with your pup, book a private family session instead, either outdoors or at home in front of your own tree.
Plan Your Family Session with Your Dog
We love photographing families with their dogs, and we’ll help you choose the poses, location and timing that suit your pup’s personality. Schedule a quick call with Jaimie to talk through your ideas, or reach out through our contact page.
Still choosing a spot? See our pet-friendly locations for family photos near Atlanta, and read how to prepare for family pictures with dogs. To see how our family sessions work from start to finish, visit our Atlanta family photographer page.
