By Pei Aui – Melbourne Newborn, Maternity, Family and Couples Photographer
If your pet is part of your everyday life, it only makes sense to include them in your photos. Whether you’re celebrating an engagement, welcoming a newborn, or updating your family portraits, having your dog or cat in the session adds warmth, personality, and a little extra fun. As a Melbourne newborn, maternity, family and couples photographer, I’ve noticed that pets have a way of transforming a photo shoot. Dogs bring energy and playfulness, while cats add a touch of curiosity and quiet charm. They naturally weave themselves into your story, making moments feel more relaxed, genuine, and uniquely yours.
Here’s how you can include your furry family members in a way that keeps everyone happy and stress-free.
1. Choose the Right Location
- For Dogs: Dog-friendly parks or beaches like Brighton Beach, Albert Park, or The Tan are perfect for letting them explore while giving us stunning backdrops. If your pup is more relaxed at home, we can create a cosy in-home lifestyle session—ideal for newborn or maternity shoots.
- For Cats: Most cats prefer the safety of home. An in-home session lets us capture them in their natural environment—lounging in a sunny window, curled up on the couch, or curiously watching from the background until they’re ready for their close-up.
2. Keep Them Close and Safe
If we’re outdoors with your dog, a leash keeps them secure and nearby when they’re not in the frame. For in-home sessions, pets can roam freely until we bring them in for photos. The key is making sure they’re comfortable and safe so we can capture their true personalities.
3. Plan for Breaks (and Treats!)
Pets—like toddlers—sometimes need time to reset. Bring along their favourite treats or toys, and for dogs outdoors, a portable water bowl is always handy. For cats at home, we can work around their mood, letting them retreat to their safe spot and rejoining when they’re ready.
4. Use a Squeaky Toy for Attention
Sometimes we need a quick way to get your pet to look towards the camera. A squeaky toy (or even a crinkly treat packet) works wonders for grabbing their attention—just be prepared for the adorable head tilt that follows.
5. Coordinate Your Outfits Without Overdoing It
You don’t have to dress to match your pet exactly (though a dog in a bow tie or a cat in a sweet collar can be adorable). Instead, choose colours that complement your pet’s fur. Neutral and earthy tones work beautifully in Melbourne’s natural light and keep the focus on your connection.
6. Embrace the Candid Moments
The best moments often happen between poses—when your dog bounds over for a cuddle, your cat rubs against your leg, or they settle into your lap unexpectedly. These in-between interactions often become the most treasured photos, because they’re real.
7. Prioritise Comfort Above All Else
Your pet’s comfort is always more important than a perfect pose. For dogs, that might mean giving them time to sniff around before we start. For cats, it might mean waiting patiently until they’re ready to be part of the action. When everyone feels at ease, the photos shine.
Including your dog or cat isn’t just about the “cute factor.” It’s about capturing your real, everyday life—the love, the laughter, and even the chaos. Years from now, you’ll look back on these images and remember not just how your pet looked, but how much they were a part of your story.
Let’s Plan Your Pet-Friendly Session in Melbourne
Whether you’re celebrating an engagement, welcoming a newborn, or gathering as a family, we can create a relaxed, fun, and pet-inclusive session that truly reflects your life.
📷 I’m a Melbourne newborn, maternity, family and couples photographer, and I love capturing families (and their furry friends) in genuine, heartfelt ways.
If you’re ready to start planning—or want to chat through ideas—get in touch here and let’s create something you’ll treasure forever.