This is a question I get every now and then.


Whenever clients ask if they can bring their dog to their session, the answer is a very enthusiastic yes.


A resounding yes, actually.


I love when clients bring their best friend along for a few photos. I love dogs in general, and I honestly think they add such a fun, personal touch to a session. Especially for grad photos.

And to be clear...


I am saying this as a MAJOR dog person. Two MVPs in my life are my dog Ducky (a frenchie lab mix), and my parents' dog, Keeko (a shih-tzu bichon frisé mix).


You can guess who's who in these pictures!

I also just think dogs make sessions better. They bring personality and a little bit of chaos, which I say lovingly. Sometimes they’re super well-behaved and photogenic like they were born for this. Sometimes they’re just happy to exist and mildly confused about why everyone is clapping at them. Either way, it’s usually adorable.


And especially for grad sessions, it can make the photos feel even more personal.


For a lot of people, their dog has been there through the whole college experience too. Maybe not literally in class, unless your professor was super chill, but definitely there for the late-night study sessions, the stress, crying over assignments, and everything in between. Obviously if your dog has been a big part of this season of your life, it makes total sense to want them in a few photos.


AND ON SEGUEING OFF OF THIS POINT - your grad photos do not have to be super serious or overly polished to be meaningful. Sometimes the best part is including the things and the beings that actually mattered during that chapter of your life. And if that includes your dog, hell yeah.

A couple practical notes though, just so things go smoothly:


If you’re bringing your dog, I definitely recommend having another person come along to help out. That way, someone can hold the leash, hang onto treats, or take over dog duty while we finish the rest of your gallery. It just makes the whole session a lot easier.


Treats help. A favorite toy helps. A dog who knows at least one command helps a little too.


LONG STORY SHORT: yes, you can bring your furry friend. I support it!