editorial Wedding Photography

The Wednesday Blog

How to Have an Engagement Session with Pets

The engaged couple is hugging their dog. Editorial engagement photo image by Jenny Fu Studio

You’re probably reading this now because you’re a pet lover like me! Let’s face it. Sometimes, our pets are our worlds. We adore and love them just like we do our families. So don’t think twice if you consider including your fur babies in your engagement session. And allow us to show you how to have a smooth, fun-filled engagement session with pets!

Black and white photos of the engaged couple with their black dog. Engagement session with pets photo by Jenny Fu Studio

Ask Your Photographer First

Don’t just bring in your pets without telling your photographer beforehand! Advise your photographer on your first meeting that you want to include your pets in the engagement session. Many couples nowadays want their pets with them in the photos. So this is not something new with your photographer and might even give you tips on what to do for a flawless session. They might even advise you on pet-friendly locations too.

The engaged couple is at NY Central Park with their pet. Engagement session with pets photo by Jenny Fu Studio.

Choose Your Location Wisely

Location is a critical part of an engagement session with pets. Bringing them to an unfamiliar place might not be the best idea. They might feel nervous or uneasy, resulting in not-so-good photos. It’s better if you can go to a familiar place, so they can take it easy, relax, and have fun!

The engaged couple is at NY Central Park with their pet. Engagement session with pets photo by Jenny Fu Studio.

Plan for Activities

Planning out something to do with your pet will be helpful. Simple things your pet enjoys doing with you, like walking, playing fetch, and handing them treats, will provide great photo ops and give you sweet memories of the years you spent with them.

The engaged couple is crossing the street in NYC with their dog. Engagement session with pets photo by Jenny Fu Studio.

Prepare and Pack More than What You Need

Preparation is key! Pack everything your pet will need a day before your session to ensure you’ll not miss something. Pack a leash, poop bags, water and water bowl, treats, toys, props, and anything else you think your pet will need for the photo shoot. It’s better to pack more than what you need rather than staring blankly into space when you get there and realize you forgot to bring something important.

The engaged couple is cuddling their pet. Engagement session with pets photo by Jenny Fu Studio.

Arrive Earlier Than Your Photographer

This is especially important if you’re visiting a new place with your pet. You can use at least thirty minutes in advance to show your pet around and do his stuff to get ready for the session.

The engaged couple is looking at each other's eyes while their dog is lying in their laps. Editorial Engagement session by Jenny Fu Studio.

Bring a Helping Hand

Aside from photos with your pet, you want to have photos of only the two of you. So the big question is, who will care for your fur baby while you’re getting photos done? You can always ask a friend or a family member to come along and stick around, looking after your pet while you pose for the camera. Or, they can take your pet home right after.

Editorial photo of the engaged couple with their pet at the park. Engagement session with pets photo by Jenny Fu Studio.

Have Fun with Your Fur Babies!

Most important of all, you need to have fun while doing the engagement session with pets! The positive vibe will radiate in your photos, which will look adorable on your invitation cards, save the dates, wedding website, and the walls of your new home.

The engaged couple's dog is sitting on the fiance's lap while it's looking at the camera. Engagement session with pets photo by Jenny Fu Studio.