There is something undeniably special about the way a dog rests its head on a growing belly or how a curious cat quietly inspects a brand-new baby from the corner of the bed. As a Fort Worth newborn photographer with pets woven into many of my sessions, I can confidently say this: your animals are not an accessory to your story. They are part of your family. Let’s include pets in newborn photos!
Including pets in newborn photos is a beautiful way to capture the essence of your family.
There are countless ways to make sure we include pets in newborn photos during our sessions.
Always remember to consider how to include pets in newborn photos without causing stress for your furry friends.
When families reach out about maternity or newborn sessions, one of the first questions I often hear is, “Can we include our dog?” The answer is almost always yes. In fact, some of the most meaningful images I have ever delivered have included four-legged siblings.
If you are expecting and wondering whether to include your pet in your maternity or newborn session in Fort Worth or the greater DFW area, this guide will walk you through exactly how to do it in a way that feels beautiful, safe, and completely natural.
Table of Contents
Families often share how much they want to include pets in newborn photos as part of their story.
You’ll find that including pets in newborn photos can add a layer of warmth and joy to your memories.
Including pets in newborn photos also creates candid moments that are full of life and laughter.
1. Including Pets in Newborn Photos is Meaningful
When we include pets in newborn photos, we capture the unique bond families share with their animals.
We can create beautiful and natural images by strategically planning to include pets in newborn photos.
Having a plan in place will allow us to include pets in newborn photos seamlessly.
As a Fort Worth newborn photographer with pets regularly included in sessions, I see firsthand how deeply attached families are to their animals. For many couples, their dog or cat was their “first baby.” That season matters.
When you look back at your newborn images years from now, you will not just see your tiny baby. You will see your whole family at that moment in time. The golden retriever who used to sleep at your feet. The rescue pup who sat by the bassinet. The cat who claimed the nursery rocker as her throne.
Pets bring authenticity. They create movement, laughter, and sometimes a little unpredictability. And honestly, that is where the magic often lives.
2. The Powerful Connection Between Pregnancy and Your Pet
When we focus on the connection, we can truly include pets in newborn photos that feel authentic.
During maternity sessions, animals often sense that something is changing. I have photographed dogs gently leaning into a mama’s belly, resting their chin across her lap, or sitting protectively nearby. These moments cannot be staged. They happen organically.
When planning your maternity session in Fort Worth or DFW, we can intentionally create space for your pet to interact naturally. Outdoor sessions at local parks, open fields, or even your own backyard give your dog room to move comfortably. In-home maternity sessions are also beautiful because your pet is already relaxed in their environment.
Safety and comfort should always be prioritized when including pets in newborn photos.
When we include pets in newborn photos, we create images that tell a fuller story of your family.
As your Fort Worth newborn photographer with pets in mind, I will guide you into simple, natural poses and then let connection unfold.
Remember that including pets in newborn photos can be achieved through thoughtful planning and patience.
3. 3 Essential Tips to Prepare Your Pet for a Newborn Session
While I love spontaneity, preparation matters.
Trust that I will work to include pets in newborn photos in a way that feels easy and natural.
The memories that include pets in newborn photos can become some of your most cherished moments.
Incorporating your pets into these special photos is essential to including pets in newborn photos.
To make the most of your session, think about how we can include pets in newborn photos comfortably. If I were to include my two, very crazy labs in a family photo session, these tips would be a must, especially the extra exercise!
First, exercise is everything. If you are including your dog in a newborn session, a long walk beforehand can make a world of difference. A tired dog is typically a calmer dog.
Second, keep treats and a favorite toy nearby. Sometimes we only need your pet’s attention for a few seconds to capture the perfect frame.
Honoring your pets in these sessions is part of what it means to include pets in newborn photos.
Third, embrace flexibility. Not every pet will want to cooperate the entire session, and that is okay. As an experienced Fort Worth newborn photographer with pets regularly in the mix, I plan our timeline so we can photograph your pet early on and then allow them to relax elsewhere if needed.
Fourth, if you’re planning to include your pup in your newborn or maternity session and want them looking (and feeling) their best, consider scheduling a quick refresh at a local pet spa like Petbar Waterside in Fort Worth, or even easier, an at home service like Roaming Paws Mobile Grooming. A simple bath, nail trim, and light grooming a few days before your session can make a noticeable difference — especially in close-up snuggle shots. It’s not about perfection, but a clean coat and trimmed nails help your images feel polished while still completely natural.
Your session does not revolve around your pet. It simply includes them.
4. Safety First: How to Include Pets in Newborn Photos
Safety is non-negotiable in newborn sessions. When incorporating pets, I am always mindful of positioning and proximity. Your baby’s safety comes first, always.
Often, I will photograph pets sitting beside parents holding the baby rather than placing a newborn directly next to an animal. Sometimes we create the illusion of closeness through angles and perspective. Other times, we document simple moments like your dog peeking into the bassinet.
The goal is not perfection. It is presence.
If at any point a pet seems overstimulated or unsure, we pivot. The beauty of in-home newborn photography is that there is space to adjust naturally.
5. In-Home Sessions: The Ideal Setting for Pets
One reason I love in-home newborn sessions in Fort Worth is because pets feel most comfortable in their own space. When your dog is on familiar ground, behavior is typically calmer and more predictable.
Your home becomes part of the story. Maybe your dog always sleeps under the crib. Maybe your cat curls up on the nursery rug. These details matter.
Most of my newborn sessions take place in your home, where both babies and pets feel most relaxed. If you’re curious about how that works, you can read more in my guide to newborn photos at home.
There is no need for elaborate setups or props. Your home and your family are enough.
6. Keeping It Natural, Not Staged
The most powerful pet images are rarely posed. They happen in between.
It might be your toddler giggling while the dog licks her toes. It might be your husband kneeling to pet the dog while holding the baby. It might be a quiet frame of your pet watching over you during a feeding.
Ensure that we capture those genuine interactions when we include pets in newborn photos.
I gently guide, but I do not over-direct. My style is candid, child-led, and connection-focused. That same philosophy applies to animals.
If you are searching for a Fort Worth newborn photographer with pets experience, know that it is less about commanding your dog to sit perfectly and more about capturing what unfolds honestly. When I include pets in newborn photos, it will be an authentic moment. These moments look like sitting together on the sofa or lying on the floor together while the dog sniffs the baby.
7. Including Pets in Outdoor Maternity Sessions
For families in the DFW area who prefer outdoor maternity sessions, pets can add beautiful movement and life. Fort Worth offers stunning natural backdrops, especially during golden hour.
We can choose pet-friendly locations with open space so your dog can walk alongside you or sit near your feet. I always recommend bringing a helper if possible. A grandparent or friend can step in to hold the leash when we want images of just the two of you.
These candid moments are why we include pets in newborn photos throughout your session.
Outdoor sessions feel relaxed and breathable. Pets often thrive in that environment.
As a Fort Worth newborn photographer with pets included in both indoor and outdoor sessions, I help you choose the location that aligns best with your vision and your pet’s personality.
Ultimately, your session will reflect your family story when we include pets in newborn photos.
Because these memories should always include pets in newborn photos that celebrate your life together.
What If Your Pet Is “Too Crazy”?
I hear this often. “Our dog is wild.” “Our puppy does not sit still.” “Our cat hides from strangers.”
First, I promise I have seen it all.
Second, we do not need your pet to perform. Sometimes one single image of your dog standing nearby is enough. Sometimes we capture interaction from a distance. Sometimes your pet simply appears in the background, and that subtle inclusion is perfect.
The beauty of lifestyle newborn photography is that it honors real life. If your dog is energetic, that is part of your story right now.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Years from now, your baby will grow. Your home will change. Your dog may gray around the muzzle. Seasons will shift.
Photographs become anchors to who you were in this moment.
Choosing a Fort Worth newborn photographer with pets experience ensures that every member of your family is considered. You deserve images that reflect your full story, not a trimmed-down version of it.
Including your pet is not about creating a Pinterest-perfect image. It is about honoring the life you have already built as you step into a new chapter.
Planning Your Session in Fort Worth or DFW
If you are expecting and wondering how to plan your maternity or newborn session, here is what you can expect when working with me.
We will start with a conversation. We will talk about your home, your pet’s temperament, and your vision. I will provide wardrobe guidance that feels relaxed and natural. I will help you think through timing, light, and flow.
Most newborn sessions take place in the morning when light is soft and babies are calm. Maternity sessions are often scheduled during golden hour outdoors or mid-morning indoors.
And yes, your pet is welcome.
If you are looking for a Fort Worth newborn photographer with pets woven seamlessly into your story, I would love to connect. Whether you are in Fort Worth, Aledo, Southlake, or anywhere in the DFW area, your family’s story deserves to be told completely.
Because the tiny fingers.
The sleepy stretches.
The loyal dog curled up at your feet.
It is all part of it.
And it is all worth remembering.
Allison Krogness is a lifestyle newborn photographer based in Fort Worth, TX. She serves Aledo, Mansfield, Arlington, Dallas, Southlake, and the surrounding areas in DFW. She is known for her relaxed, candid sessions that are focused on family connections and beautiful natural light.
Allison Krogness is a lifestyle newborn photographer based in Fort Worth, TX. She serves Aledo, Mansfield, Arlington, Dallas, Southlake, and the surrounding areas in DFW. She is known for her relaxed, candid sessions that are focused on family connections and beautiful natural light.
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