Let’s be honest. If you pulled out your phone right now, your camera roll probably reads like a love letter to your dog. Silly grins, muddy paws, mid-zoomies and cozy couch naps (or strange position naps that make you wonder how they could possibly be comfortable)—your pup is the star of the show.

But when’s the last time you made it into the photo?

And no, I don’t mean a half-cropped selfie or your reflection in the living room window. I mean you, with your dog, captured in a way that shows the soul of your bond—the way they lean into you when they need comfort, or look up at you like you hung the moon.

Let’s talk about why it matters so much—and how we can do it in a way that feels authentic and true to you and the bond you share with your soul dog.

You’re part of your soul dog’s story, too

We capture our dogs because we want to remember everything—those bright eyes, the way they carry their favorite toy like it’s made of gold, that little happy hop they do when you come home.

But what about the way they see you?

To them, you’re their whole world. Their safe place. Their joy. And if we’re documenting their story, how can we do that without including the heart of it—you?

These portraits become more than just pretty pictures. They become time capsules. They freeze the way your dog looked at you, the way your hand cradled their face, the laugh you couldn’t hold back when they snuck in a kiss mid-photo.

Someday, you’ll look back on these images and be so glad you stepped into the frame to be with them.

Not a fan of the camera? You’re in good company

Let’s just call it out: getting in front of the camera can feel awkward. Maybe you're worried about how you'll look, what to wear, or maybe you'd simply rather the spotlight stay on your pup (they are outrageously cute, after all).

But I promise you, it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. You don’t have to know how to pose or be dressed to the nines. You just have to show up—with love. The rest? I’ve got you.

Here are a few ways we make it feel natural, easy, and maybe even… fun (gasp!).

“Lucy is the star of the show and a natural in front of the camera. Her mother however, not so much. Marie made me feel comfortable and at home and was able to get some amazing photos of Lucy and even ones that included her less photogenic mother (me).”
*- Lucy’s mom, Kayla B.*

You don’t have to “look perfect”—You just have to show up

You know what I see when I photograph you with your dog?

I see connection. I see love. I see comfort.

I don’t see the things you’re worried about—the hair you didn’t have time to do, the few pounds you wish weren’t there, the dress you almost didn’t wear.

Your dog sure doesn’t notice those things. They see you.

The way you smile when they do something silly. The way your shoulders soften when they curl into your side. The way you can’t help but kiss that little spot on their forehead.

That’s what I capture. That’s what matters.

The Marie Wulfram Photography Difference: If you’re really worried about what to wear, we can setup a wardrobe consult where I’ll personally come to you and we’ll work it out together.

How to be in the photos—comfortably

Here’s a little secret: you don’t have to be front and center in every shot to be included. There are so many thoughtful, subtle, and artful ways to weave you into your dog’s portraits:

Hands holding a paw
There’s something timeless about the quiet simplicity of a hand-in-paw moment. It speaks volumes—gentle, steady, full of love.
Your feet next to theirs
Sitting on a blanket, standing on a forest path, side-by-side on the porch—your favorite boots and their messy paws make for a poetic little snapshot of togetherness.
Your silhouette behind them
Whether it's the soft outline of your profile in golden-hour light or a backlit image of you walking together, silhouettes are a gorgeous and simple way to include you without worrying about perfect smiles.
Over-the-shoulder snuggles
Your pup resting their chin on your shoulder, your head leaning into theirs? Heart-melting. Trust me.
The quiet in-between moments
A gentle touch, a shared glance, a laugh when they do something ridiculous—those are the ones you’ll treasure.

We’ll tailor it to what feels comfortable for you. Some clients want to be featured prominently, others just want a whisper of their presence in the shot—and both are equally beautiful.

Your future self will thank you

The truth is, dogs never live as long as we wish they would. And someday, these photographs will become more than just images—they’ll be treasures. A tangible reminder of the love you shared, the connection that was uniquely yours.

When your dog is no longer beside you, you’ll be able to look at those portraits and feel them with you again. That’s the magic of being in the frame.

And here’s the thing: I’ve never once had someone say they wished they didn’t get in at least some of the photos, but many dog moms have expressed how thankful they were to have photos of them with their dogs, even if it took a little extra encouragement from me.

Some have even gone from “I don’t think I want to be in any photos” to “The photos with both of us are my favorites!”.

Ready to be seen—Truly seen?

If you’ve been putting it off… waiting until you’ve lost the weight, grown your hair out, or found the “perfect” outfit, I encourage you to pause for a moment. Ask yourself what your dog would say.

They’d say you’re already perfect. They’d say now is the moment worth remembering. The messy bun, fur covered pants and all.

So come as you are. Let’s capture the love, the laughter, the life you’ve built together. And let’s make sure you are part of that story—beautifully, authentically, joyfully.

Because your dog loves you more than anything. Isn’t it time you were in the photo, too?