Should You Be in the Photos With Your Dog? (Yes, and Here's Why)

When was the last time you got a good photo of you and your dog (or cat, or any beloved pet) together? Not the blurry selfie where half their face is cut off, or the one where you're mid-blink and they're already looking away. I mean a real photo - one that actually shows the way your dog looks at you, the connection between you, the love that's so obvious to everyone else but somehow never makes it into a picture.

This is one of the most common things I see with my clients here in Traverse City and Northern Michigan. We take thousands of photos of our dogs (because of course we do), but we're almost never in them. And I get it - but I also think that's a shame, because you're half the story.

So let's talk about why I always invite my clients to step into the frame with their pets, and why those images often end up being the most meaningful ones from the entire session.

Why We Stay Out of the Frame (And Why That Makes Sense)

I completely understand not wanting to be in photos. Maybe you don't love how you look right now, or you just feel awkward in front of a camera. That's real, and I'm not here to push you into anything that doesn't feel right.

But here's what I know: your dog doesn't see you the way you see yourself in photos.

They're not worried about your hair or your angles or whether you're wearing the "right" thing. They just love you - completely, unconditionally, with their whole heart. And that love shows in every photo. It's one of the most beautiful things I get to capture.

A lot of people start their sessions by saying something like, "I don't need to be in the pictures - I just want photos of my dog." And that's fine. That's where we start. But once the session gets going and everyone relaxes, a lot of clients feel ready to step in. Not for posed, perfect portraits (unless that's your thing - I'm here for it either way), but just for the real moments. The closeness. The connection.

How We Make It Feel Natural

If the idea of being in photos makes you nervous, I promise we'll keep it easy and low-pressure. You don't have to pose or perform - that's kind of the opposite of what I do. I approach each session like a casual adventure, a beach hang or trail walk where I get to be your enthusiastic third wheel, camera in hand (and usually a pocket full of dog treats).

We start with your dog. The session begins with them - running, sniffing, being their wonderful, goofy selves. As everyone settles in and the vibe gets more relaxed, I might suggest a few natural interactions. A cuddle. Sitting together on a log. Your hand resting on their back. Things you'd do on any other day with your pup.

You don't have to be the focus. There are so many ways to include you in your dog's portraits without putting you front and center. You can be softly blurred in the background while they're sharp and clear. We can capture just your hands on their fur, or a close-up of them snuggled into your shoulder. The goal is to show the bond between you - not to make you feel like you're on display.

It's all about what feels right to you. If you want to be in a few shots, great. If you'd rather not, that's completely okay too. There's no pressure. I just want to make sure you have the option - because these are often the images people end up treasuring the most.

These Are the Photos You'll Be Most Grateful For

I can't tell you how many times someone has seen a photo of themselves with their dog and just started to tear up. It's that moment of recognition - seeing exactly what your relationship feels like, right there in front of you. I completely understand it.

After I lost my soul dog, Lupin, one of my biggest regrets was how few meaningful photos I had of the two of us together. I had plenty of him (though I still wish I had more), but I didn't have nearly enough of us. The way he looked at me. The way I looked at him. That kind of love deserved to be remembered, and I let too much of it go undocumented.

The truth is, these are usually the images people come back to the most after their pet is gone. Even if they weren't sure about being in photos at first. Even if they thought they didn't want them.

So my approach is simple: let's just take them. You don't have to share them with anyone. You don't even have to display them if you don't want to. But you'll have them - and that's what matters most.

Why It's Worth Stepping In

The connection you share with your dog isn't something I want you to pose for. It's something I want to capture exactly as it is.

Whether we're on a Northern Michigan beach, walking your favorite Traverse City trail, or just hanging out in the best light I can find, your dog is happiest when they're with you. And when you're in the frame together - relaxed, natural, just being - something really special happens.

That's when we create images that don't just show what your dog looks like, but what your relationship feels like. And that's the kind of art worth putting on your walls.

Ready to Be in the Frame?

If you've been thinking about doing a session - or if you're on the fence about being in the photos yourself - I'm here to make it as comfortable and easy as possible. Every session is guided by your pet's personality, pace, and absolutely zero pressure.

If step one is just saying "maybe," that's enough. Let's make sure the love you share doesn't go undocumented.

You can explore more of my work and get started with booking your Traverse City or Northern Michigan pet session here.