Incorporating Your Dog into Your Newborn Photography Session / Santa Clarita. CA Newborn Photography

What's more heartwarming than capturing those precious newborn moments? How about adding your beloved fur-baby into the newborn photoshoot! Babies and puppies together make for an adorable combination. I'm thrilled when clients want to include their furry friends in their newborn or maternity sessions. It's a joy to incorporate your fur-baby into these special moments, ensuring your whole family is part of the experience. While preparing for a newborn session with your dog may seem daunting, let's discuss how to seamlessly include your pup and what to anticipate during the photoshoot.
Preparing for a newborn and dog photoshoot adds sweetness to capturing precious moments. If you're considering including your furry friend, ensure safety and trust your dog. Here's what to do:

Introducing Your Newborn to Your Dog:

• Familiarize Your Dog with Baby's Scent: Before bringing your baby home, introduce a blanket or beanie with the newborn's scent to your dog.
• Maintain Routine: Stick to your dog's regular schedule to reassure them amidst changes.
• Exercise Caution: Know your dog's temperament and take necessary precautions when introducing them to your newborn.

Preparing for the Day of the Photoshoot:

• Maintain Routine: Stick to your dog's routine to avoid disruptions.
• Exercise and Relieve: Prioritize exercising your dog to ensure cooperation during the shoot.
• Grooming: Treat your furry companion to a grooming session for better appearance in photos.
• Essentials for the Session: Pack necessary items to keep your dog engaged and comfortable.
• Post-Session Plans: Arrange for your dog's well-being if they won't stay for the entire session.

Preparing Your Dog for the Studio:

• Upon Arrival: Keep your dog leashed to help them acclimate to the surroundings.
• Divide Responsibilities: One parent focuses on the dog while the other attends to the newborn.
• Create a Comfortable Space: Set up a designated area with essentials to reassure your dog.​

During the photoshoot, maintaining safety protocols is crucial to ensure the well-being of both your newborn and your dog. Here are some essential safety guidelines to follow:

Supervision: Usually, one parent assign closely watch over the dog at all times during the shoot. This ensures that your furry friend doesn't get into any potentially harmful situations, especially when interacting with your baby. Another parent or assistant stay close to the baby. We can then use photo editing techniques to remove parents from the final images, ensuring a seamless and safe experience for both your dog and your baby.

Gentle Handling: When positioning the dog and baby together for photos, handle them with care and gentleness. Avoid any sudden movements or actions that could startle or distress either of them. It's also crucial to maintain a calm atmosphere and avoid loud sounds to help keep both your dog and baby relaxed during the shoot.

Distraction: Keep toys or treats on hand to redirect the dog's attention if needed. This can help keep them engaged and cooperative during the shoot, reducing the risk of any unwanted behavior. Once the shoot is complete, gradually remove the dog from the shoot area to prevent any accidental harm to the baby.

Breaks: Allow your dog to take breaks as needed throughout the session. If they seem tired or stressed, give them time to rest and recuperate before continuing with the shoot.
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In addition to these guidelines, it's important to communicate openly with me about any concerns or preferences regarding your dog's involvement in the shoot. I can adjust my approach accordingly to ensure everyone's safety and comfort.

​By following these steps, you ensure a positive experience for both your dog and newborn during the photoshoot. Capture these precious memories safely.