Family portraits become even more special when your furry friend is part of them. At Merakles Studio – Pet Friendly Family Photography, we believe pets are not just companions—they’re family. Including them in your photoshoot brings warmth, authenticity, and joy to your images.
But to ensure the session goes smoothly, it’s important to prepare your pet in advance. This blog will help you understand how to get your dog, cat, or any pet ready for a beautiful and stress-free family photoshoot.
Why Include Your Pet in a Family Photoshoot?
Pets bring natural expressions, energy, and personality to your photos. When your pet feels comfortable, your images become more real, emotional, and memorable. At Merakles Studio, we specialise in creating a safe, friendly, and relaxed environment where pets can be themselves—playful, curious, or calm.
How to Prepare Your Pet for a Family Photoshoot
1. Choose a Pet-Friendly Photography Studio
Not every studio is designed for pets, but Merakles Studio is!
We create a clean, comfortable, distraction-free space so your pet feels at ease. Before the shoot:
✔️ Check how your pet responds to indoor or outdoor environments
✔️ Let us know your pet’s behaviour or special needs
✔️ Bring along anything that keeps them calm
2. Groom Your Pet a Day Before
A well-groomed pet photographs beautifully. Do this 24–48 hours before the session:
- Give them a bath
- Brush their fur to reduce shedding
- Trim nails if needed
- Clean eyes, paws, and ears
- Use a pet-safe comb or conditioner for smoother fur
This helps them look neat and feel comfortable on shoot day.
3. Bring Their Favourite Items
Pets feel safer with familiar things. Carry:
- Their favourite toy
- Treats
- A comfy blanket
- Their collar, harness, or a cute accessory
These help grab attention, reward good behaviour and create adorable candid shots.
4. Plan a Pre-Shoot Play Session
A short walk or playtime before the shoot helps your pet burn off extra energy. This makes them calmer, more cooperative, and ready for posed as well as candid moments.
5. Coordinate Your Outfits with Your Pet
For a visually pleasing family portrait:
- Choose soft, neutral colours
- Avoid loud patterns or distracting prints
- Ensure your pet’s accessory (bandana, collar) matches the mood
- Pick colours that contrast with your pet’s fur
- This creates a balanced and cohesive look.
6. Practice Simple Poses at Home
You don’t need perfect training—just basic familiarity. Try practicing:
- Sit / stay
- Walking beside you
- Look at the camera
- Cuddling or holding positions
This helps your pet understand what’s expected during the session.
7. Arrive Early to Let Your Pet Explore
Pets—especially dogs and cats—need a few minutes to adjust to new places. Arriving 10–15 minutes early helps them:
- Sniff around
- Meet the photographer
- Settle their nerves
- Get comfortable with equipment
- A calm pet = a smooth photoshoot.
8. Be Patient & Enjoy the Moment
- Pets can be unpredictable—and that’s what makes photos charming!
- At Merakles Studio, we follow their pace.
- Relax, have fun, and trust the process. Candid, natural moments often become the best photos of the entire shoot.
What to Expect at Merakles Studio
At Merakles Studio – Pet Friendly Family Photography, we are experienced in working with dogs, cats, and other pets. We ensure:
- A calm and safe environment
- Pet-friendly lighting and poses
- Plenty of breaks
Stress-free handling - Natural, emotional, and storytelling photos
- Whether your pet is playful, shy, energetic, or laid-back—we capture their true personality.
Want to book your pet family photoshoot?
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @meraklesstudio
📩 DM us for bookings or enquiries
🐾 Let’s capture moments you’ll cherish forever!
🌿 Perfect settings for pets who love the open sky.