This Family Photographer…

Wants to Photograph Your Whole Family! C’mon, Bring Your Pets!

I remember the day my first child went from the most important little girl in my life and became a dog. A pet. This sounds depressing or even alarming perhaps, but I am talking about our wonderful family dog. The day Abby became a sister, she also transformed from our baby to a family dog. You may be visualizing her locked up on a leash somewhere neglected but no, that’s not the case. She is sitting comfortably on her recently laundered bed in front of the fireplace, chewing on a bone as I type.

Somethings inevitably changed. Our five mile walks every day turned to (fingers crossed) a ball thrown at the park and a bi-weekly run. Her spot on the couch was replaced with a spot for the baby and now toddler. Her workouts now consist of being chased by my three year old, or chasing my son when he has food. Every Sunday morning we would invite her on the bed for belly rubs we called family cuddles. Now that means she can be on the bed while we dote on our son on Sunday morning.

When my son is gone to preschool, Abby and I get to have our little moments back. She always knows I have just dropped him off and with a little extra spark, wags her tail knowing it’s just me and her. We hug and snuggle, even play for a little bit. She will always be a huge and important part of our family. And even though she is our dog, she is not just a dog. She’s so much more than that.

So when families ask me if they can bring their pets to my sessions, my response is always an enthusiastic and resounding, “Yes!” Please, please do. I do want to capture the whole family, after all.