How to Get Amazing Senior Photos with Your Dog

So You Want Senior Pics With Your Pooch?

On a scale from zero to heart-melting, senior pictures with your dog might just be off the charts. Because your pup has been there for it all, right? The early mornings, late-night study sessions, the heartbreaks, the wins, the snacks. (Mostly the snacks.)

That’s why I highly recommend bringing your furry best friend along for your senior session. I’ve got tips to help everything go smoothly, because yes—there will be tail wags, maybe a little chaos, and definitely slobbery kisses. But trust me, it’ll all be worth it.

Spoiler Alert: Dogs Don’t Take Direction.

You know those perfectly timed pet commercials where the pup leaps into the air on cue? That was probably take #412—and the photographer is halfway to a cabin in the woods to live off-grid. Don’t worry, though. The best pics always come from the unscripted moments—like Trevor and Mario’s sweet little snuggle.

We never get enough time with our four-legged besties, which is exactly why I always try to get at least one picture of just your pup. You might not think it matters now, but trust me—it will. After Mario passed away, Trevor’s mom messaged me just to say how much this photo meant to their family. Yeah…I cried too.

Keep it Simple (and Sanitary)

If you’re hoping your pup will wear a velvet capelet, prance through a field in slow motion, and gently boop a butterfly with her nose… yeah, that’s not happening.

But you will get something better—real, messy, lovable moments. A wagging tail. A slobbery kiss. A slightly chaotic cuddle that turns into the photo you never knew you needed.

Whatever your dog’s personality—goofy, serious, playful, stubborn—I want to capture that. Does your pup get the zoomies as soon as they see grass? Let’s go with it. Do they flop on their back begging for belly rubs? Even better. These are the moments that tell your story.

No need to stress about sit-stays and perfect behavior. Honestly? This whole session is out of the ordinary for them, so don’t expect them to act “normal” anyway—and that’s what makes it fun.

Oh, and a quick heads up: please clean up after your pup! We’re usually in public spots, so don’t forget a bag and some paper towels. It’s all part of the adventure, right?

The Best Moments Are Unplanned

Seconds before this photo was taken, Marissa’s dog nearly knocked her over. I yelled, “Quick! Grab him and give him a hug!” And let’s just say… a 10-month-old pit bull had other plans.

But honestly—this face?! Worth every second of the chaos.

Buddy was sitting perfectly—until he wasn’t. One second he’s posing like a pro, the next he’s barreling toward me, nose-first, ready to investigate my camera up close. Pretty sure he left a nose print on my lens…and honestly? Worth it.

He even gave us a little doggy smile in this one. Total keeper!

What Really Happens Behind the Scenes

You might think this part of the session is a total disaster… but trust me, it’s not.

Take this photo of Matthew and his dog, Cooper. It was technically an outtake—notice the leash isn’t attached? That’s because Cooper had his own ideas and decided it was time to explore.

But that unexpected moment? It turned into one of the final images in Matthew’s gallery. It started as a total outtake—unposed, unplanned, and even unedited—but once I cleaned it up, we realized it was one of the most genuine moments from the session.

The Photo You Think You Want… and the One You’ll Love

Got Snausages? Great—bring ’em. I’m not opposed to a little bribery when it comes to senior pictures with dogs. Fill your pockets with treats, favorite toys, or a spoonful of peanut butter. Whatever works to keep your fluffball focused (or at least happy).

Need snacks for yourself too? Go for it. Just maybe skip anything orange or leafy that could show up in your teeth. (We’ve all been there. Broccoli is not senior-photo chic.)

Now, here’s the thing: the first photo is what every client thinks they want. The classic pose. Both of you smiling at the camera. And yes, we’ll get that.

But you know what ends up on the wall?

It’s the one with the puppy breath and the slobbery kisses. The moment you didn’t plan—the one where you’re laughing too hard to pose and your dog is licking your face like you’re the last scoop of peanut butter on Earth.

That’s the photo you’ll love forever.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

Here’s where we throw in a little strategy. You may have noticed that your doggo doesn’t exactly have the longest attention span—and that’s totally fine!

To get the best shots, we’ll limit the time your pup is in front of the camera. While you’ll likely go to a few different locations, your furry friend will usually just tag along for one.

We’ll work together to pick the perfect spot. I usually schedule pet time at either the very beginning or very end of your session and have someone (mom, dad, a friend) bring your dog by just in time.

We’ll choose a safe location—not near busy streets or train tracks—just in case your pup decides to go rogue. Wide open spaces like parks or even backyards are ideal so there’s less noise and fewer distractions.

I’ll grab several sweet, silly, and snuggly shots of you and your pup, and then they can head home for a well-earned nap. Super easy for you—and way less stressful for your pet!

My Dog is Crazy!

Um…aren’t they all? That’s why we love them! I’ve heard it all—“too hyper,” “won’t sit still,” “they’ll ruin everything!” But wild and chaotic is basically my specialty. Seriously, if your pup’s a hot mess? You’re in the right place.

You Know Your Dog Best

Louie is such a sweet boy, but like many rescue pups, he was a little timid. Normally, I recommend a quiet field or peaceful spot for senior pictures with pets—but Madie had something different in mind.

She wanted include Louie in her senior pictures in Downtown Gilbert.

And you know what? She was right! She knew him best. We gave him a little time to adjust to the surroundings, and as long as he was with Madie, he was totally content.

He ran, played, gave kisses, and soaked up all the love from his family. And in between those happy, wiggly moments, we captured some absolutely gorgeous senior photos for Madie.

Trained? Kinda. Loved? Absolutely.

When Lance and I got our first dog (forever ago—before we were even married!), we had her trained by professionals. Let’s be honest though… they trained us, not the dog.

The good news? It stuck. Over the years, my husband and I have picked up techniques that work with all kinds of pups. I’ve photographed rescues, tiny lap dogs, giant goofballs—you name it.

And hey, it doesn’t have to be a dog! I’d love to meet your cat, horse, bunny, or any other beloved pet that’s part of your story. (Just please leave the snakes at home—we’re not that wild around here!)

Just for fun, meet our own sweet girls—Sophie and Roxie!

Including your pup in your senior session doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a little planning, we’ll make sure your furry sidekick gets their moment to shine—whether it’s a silly photo, a slobbery kiss, or just a quiet cuddle.

When we meet to plan your session, ask to see some of my favorite senior-and-dog moments. Once you do, you’ll see just how special it can be to include the one who’s been there for all the ups, downs, and snack breaks!

Schedule Your Senior Portrait Session

If you’re a 2026 grad and already know your dog must be part of your senior session, let’s make it happen. When you book with me, we’ll choose a dog-friendly spot and a timeline that works for both you and your fur baby.

Want to learn more about how it all works? Click below to get my Senior Client Welcome Guide delivered straight to your inbox!

Keep the Ideas Coming…

Want even more inspo for senior pictures? Follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook—I’m always posting the latest looks, posing ideas, favorite location, and real client sessions to help you plan the senior pictures of your dreams!

Got a few more tabs open? Hey, me too! So if you’re on a roll, check these out next:

→ Senior Year Planning Guide
→ Ideas for Girls Senior Pictures
→ Ideas for Guys Senior Pictures