If you’re planning a photoshoot and wondering how to include your dog, you’re not alone—more and more couples and families are bringing their pups along, and I couldn’t love it more. Dogs bring warmth, personality, and a natural ease to any session. If your dog is part of your everyday rhythm—quiet mornings, muddy trail walks, cozy evenings—then they absolutely deserve to be part of your photos. More and more families and couples want dog-friendly photography, and as a Vermont photographer, I fully encourage it—your pup is part of your daily life, and they deserve to be part of your story.

Here’s my guide, as a Vermont family and couples photographer, on how to make your dog-friendly photo session feel relaxed, joyful, and true to who you are.

Choose a Dog-Friendly Photoshoot Location

Location sets the tone for your entire session, especially when you’re including pets.
Some of my favorite dog-friendly photo locations in Northern Vermont include:

• Stowe Recreation Path
• Wiessner Woods in Stowe
• Mills Riverside Park in Jericho
• Waterbury Reservoir
• Cambridge Community Trail
• Your Home or Favorite Place to Play!

Pack a Dog Essentials Kit for Your Photo Session 🎒

A few simple items can make your photoshoot with your dog smooth and enjoyable:

• High-value treats
• A favorite toy for focus
• Water + a small bowl
• Waste bags
• A neutral-colored leash or collar

This “adventure kit” keeps the session flowing, keeps your pup happy, and makes sure we’re set up for success.

Give Your Dog Time to Adjust

Before we start photographing, I always encourage a few minutes for your dog to sniff, explore, and unwind. Letting them settle into the environment helps them relax—which translates into more natural, genuine photos with your pet.

Choose Simple Dog Gear for Photos

If your dog needs to stay leashed (which is totally okay), choosing a neutral leash and collar helps keep the focus on the moment instead of the gear. Brightly colored harnesses can distract from the overall look, whereas minimal gear blends beautifully.

Plan for Breaks During Your Dog-Friendly Session

We’ll weave your dog in and out of the session so they never feel overwhelmed. They’ll join for some moments, then rest or explore while we focus on photos of just the humans. This keeps the entire experience calm, relaxed, and enjoyable for everyone.

Bring a Helper for Your Dog (If Possible)

If you can bring a friend or family member, it helps tremendously—someone who can take over when your dog needs downtime or when we’re grabbing a few couple-only or family-only portraits. It removes pressure and lets you be fully present in the moment.

Why Including Your Dog in Your Photoshoot Matters

Your dog is part of your home, your routines, and your memories. Bringing them to your session adds a layer of meaning and warmth that shines through every image. Whether it’s a family session in Stowe, a dog-friendly engagement session in Vermont, or a lifestyle photoshoot with your pet, these moments become treasured keepsakes.

If you’re dreaming of a dog-friendly photoshoot in Vermont, I’d love to help you plan the perfect location and experience. Bring the treats, bring the tail wags—and let’s create something beautifully true to your life.