Family Portraits with Pets: 5 Tips from an Indiana Family Photographer

If you’re dreaming of family photos that feel real, joyful, and true to who you are, and your dog, cat or furry sidekick is part of your story, this one’s for you. As a lifestyle family photographer serving families across Sheridan, Westfield, Noblesville, Carmel, Zionsville, Indianapolis and all of Central Indiana, I can tell you this with confidence. When you bring your pet to your session, you’re guaranteed two things. One, your photos will instantly feel more personal. Two, something unpredictable will absolutely happen. And honestly, that’s part of the charm.

Dogs don’t care about shot lists. Cats do not care about golden hour. But your pet is part of your heart and your story. So if we’re photographing your real life, they deserve a place in your family portraits. With a little preparation and the right mindset, including your furry family member can be easy, fun and full of personality. Here are my five favorite tips to help your pet shine in your session.

1. Choose a Pet Friendly Location That Sets You Up for Success

Your location can make or break a session with animals, so choose a space that helps your pet relax, not work against you. For many families I photograph in Sheridan, Westfield, Noblesville, Carmel and Indianapolis, we pick open fields, wooded trails or parks with space to explore. A fenced area or familiar spot can help your dog settle in faster. If your pet is anxious, skittish, easily distracted or not great with strangers or other dogs, avoiding busy parks is key. A quieter option like your backyard, an open meadow, or even your home is sometimes best.

When pets feel safe, they naturally act more like themselves. That means more snuggles, more goofy faces and more moments where your kids are belly-laughing as your dog tries to lick their entire face. That’s the stuff you’ll want to remember.

2. Pack the Essentials: Treats, Toys and a Few Bribes

Real talk. A little bribery goes a long way. Pack the good treats. Not the training ones they tolerate. I’m talking the “I’d do my taxes to earn that” treats. Bring their favorite toy, a ball, squeaker or even a peanut butter spoon if that’s their love language. If your dog is motivated by food or play, we’ll use it to get interaction, attention and connection.

If we’re photographing in Carmel, Zionsville, Noblesville or anywhere with open space, toys are especially helpful during transitions. If your pet gets the zoomies mid-session, no problem. That energy often turns into the sweetest lifestyle shots of real play, real joy and real connection.

A collapsible water bowl, poop bags, wipes and a leash that looks neutral in photos are also helpful. Think of it as packing a tiny diaper bag but for the four legged child who listens less.

3. Bring a Handler So You Can Focus on Your Kids and Connection

This one is huge. When families include pets in a session, the best gift they give themselves is an extra human. A grandparent, aunt, friend or older teen who can wrangle, walk, entertain or take the pet home halfway through. This allows us to get beautiful photos with your pet and then relax into the rest of your session without juggling leashes, panting, sniffing or barking while also wrangling toddlers.

I photograph many families in Westfield, Indianapolis, Noblesville, Carmel and Sheridan with dogs, and every single time a handler is present the session runs smoother, feels calmer and allows parents to be present with their kids instead of directing their pet. The result. Your gallery feels more connected, more relaxed and more you.

4. Embrace the Chaos and Let Your Pet Be Themselves

If your dog wants to sniff every leaf at MacGregor Park or your cat refuses to look at the camera in your Zionsville backyard, don’t stress. Animals take a little time to warm up, and that’s okay. We will always grab a couple of “everyone looking” photos, but the heart of your session is in the in between moments. The tail wags, slobbery kisses, leash tangles that turn into giggles, the nose nudge on your child’s cheek, the way your pet curls up at your feet. Those unscripted moments are what make lifestyle photography special.

This is true for families across Central Indiana and beyond. When pets are involved, perfection is the enemy. Patience wins every time. Go in expecting play, interaction and flexibility. I promise, the images that come from that mindset are always the favorites.

5. Start with the Pet Photos, Then Let the Session Flow

Animals have a short window of cooperation, so I like to photograph pets first while energy and attention are high. After we capture those sweet family with pet portraits, we tuck the animal with the handler or into a comfy spot and continue the rest of your family session.

This keeps stress low and momentum high. Your pet gets their star moment, your kids are thrilled that their furry best friend was included and you get the best of both worlds. Authentic family photos that reflect your life.

FAQ: Family Photos with Pets

What if my dog will not sit still?
Then your images will reflect real life. We’ll create movement based prompts that work with your dog, not against them.

Can we include more than one pet?
Absolutely. We will plan the flow of your session to make it doable.

What kind of pets can I bring?
Dogs and cats are common, but I’ve photographed chickens, bunnies, horses and more. If they are part of your story, they can be part of your session.

What if my dog does not like other dogs?
We choose quiet locations in Sheridan, Westfield, Carmel, Noblesville or Indianapolis where you can avoid crowded parks.

Your Pet Is Part of the Family, So Let’s Photograph It

If your pet is part of your heart, they deserve to be part of your photos. Whether we’re in a wide open field in Westfield, your backyard in Sheridan, a creek in Noblesville or a cozy spot at home in Indianapolis, sessions with pets are always full of joy, personality and real connection. Your family story is unlike anyone else’s. Let’s document it that way.

The Heart Narrative || Westfield Indiana Family Photographer

Photographer
Lauren Lewis, The Heart Narrative

Lauren Lewis is a Sheridan Indiana based lifestyle photographer, specializing in Family, Newborn Lifestyle and Senior Photography.
Serving Carmel, Cicero, Indianapolis, Noblesville, Westfield, Sheridan, Zionsville and the surrounding areas.

Are you ready to book with me for your family photoshoot with pets?
Let’s do it! Fill out my contact form, and let’s capture the important moments in your life! Follow my Pinterest for family photo ideas, and check out my other blog/journal for more pet photography inspiration.