A chocolate lab sits and golden retriever lays down while on top of a large tree stump at Rattlesnake Lake, with dog mom's legs behind them.

While some pet parents love being included in their dog’s photo session, others need a little encouragement.

I get it. I’m not a big fan of having my picture taken either!

But one of the big reasons dog and cat lovers come to me is because they don’t have photos of themselves with their pets (though they have thousands of their dog sleeping).

And even those who are nervous about being in their dog’s photos end up having fun and absolutely loving the end results far more than they thought they would!

Let’s talk about all the ways you can be included in your dog or cat’s photo session while keeping the focus on them, not you.

A woman stands facing away from the viewer, wearing a white jacket with a drawing of her dog on it, while holding her mini australian shepherd in her arms facing the viewer

Included, but only barely

There are lots of ways we can include you in the photos that tell the story of the loving bond you share with your dog while only having a small part of you in the photo.

Over the shoulder

One great way for small dog lovers to be included is by picking them up and turning away from the camera, while having them peek over your shoulder towards me.

This can also work for bigger dogs and can result in some funny photos while getting set up!

A woman in all black faces away from the viewer, with a senior white chihuahua resting on her shoulder looking at the viewer

A woman faces away from the viewer, with a dachshund drapped over her shoulder looking at the viewer, Gold creek pond and mountains in the background

At your feet

Another great one is having your dog sit/stand at your feet. This could be a close up of them and features you from the knees down. If you have a partner with you, we might also focus a little higher and include the two of you holding hands above them.

A couple stand in the background while their Dalmation stands in front of them looking at the viewer with a head tilt, everyone in front of Gold Creek Pond

In your lap

Similar to being at your feet, smaller dogs can simply sit in your lap. I know you might be worried about your stomach (after having a c-section, it’s my biggest concern, too) but with the right attire (which I’ll guide you with) and having your pup as the center of attention, you won’t even notice!

And professional retouching can also lend a little hand, too, if needed.

A woman sitting on the ground with a dachshund puppy in her lap, the focus being close up to the dog and showing little of the mom

A close up photo of A couple and a bi-eyed corgi sit on a blue couch, one person on either side of the dog

In your hands

Whether you’re holding their sweet face or your dog is comfortable with you holding their paw, including just your hands can tell that story of connection between woman and dog. It keeps the center of attention on the bond while only minimally including you.

An overhead photo of two hands and two paws, all coming towards the center with one appendage entering the image from each corner, snow on the ground

A little more involved

If you’re feeling up for it during your dog’s session, we can also try including more of you in the photo while keeping things flattering.

This could be done in a couple of ways

Laying down

It’s easy to hide all the unflattering features we worry about most if we’re laying down covering them up! Getting down to your dog’s level can also mean LOTS of slobbery kisses and laughs, too!

dog mom with flaming red hair lays in the grass with her senior pit bull, smiling as he licks her face, in Everett — Pro Tip: pushing your elbows out away from your body can help with those pesky arms.

A couple lay in tall grass with a malamute in the middle, the mom hugging the dog closely, with mount rainier in the background featuring a beautiful sunset

Get moving

Adding movement not only helps to create more natural images, but it can be a great way to include yourself more in your dog’s photos. We all take our dog’s out for walks and hikes, it’s one of the most common things we do with our dogs! But how often do you get to see what that looks like, and get to cherish it together?

A couple walk along a beach, away from the viewer, with a dog on leash to either side, in Tacoma — Pro Tip: getting photos while walking away can help with those concerned about how to smile or their concentration face.

Pro Tip: you won’t be able to concentrate on how self-conscious you might feel when you’re too busy playing with your pup!

Silhouettes

Lastly, a great way to be included while “hiding” in your dog’s photos is by using a silhouette. I love ending sessions with these because they are so simple but can be so impactful and artful.

Silhouette of a dog mom facing away from the viewer, with a large dog on either side of her looking up at her, Rattlesnake Lake behind them

Silhouette of a dog mom kneeling and holding the paw of a dog sitting in front of her, both looking at each other with Tacoma and the Puget Sound in the background

If you’re like me and worry about being in your dog’s photo session, I hope this post has helped to assuage your fears and maybe even empower you to take on a bigger role in the photos! We’ll chat about all of that during the planning stages and I’ll give a little nudge during your session as well.

Better to give it a go during your session so you have the options in your gallery. You only purchase the photos you love, but don’t be surprised if you love the photos that include your dog-loving, smiling face!

Your dog isn’t the only one who’s adorable and beautiful.

This post is a part of a photography blog circle featuring photographers specializing in a variety of niches. See what the next photographer is sharing for our weekly theme, “Center”.

According to Carol Mudra of Apawture Studios in Milan, Italy you're totally failing The Furry Center of Your World if you aren't doing this for them!

Continue to click the link at the end of each post in the blog circle until you eventually find your way back here.

Not The Center of Attention: Being Included in your dog’s photo Session