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!
