Can I Bring My Pet, Partner, or Props to My Portrait Shoot?
Absolutely—yes, yes, and yes! One of the best things about portrait photography is that it’s completely personal to you. Whether it’s your dog, your other half, or some meaningful items, bringing a bit of your world into the shoot can make your photos feel even more authentic and special.
Let’s break it down…
Bringing Your Pet
Pets are family, and including them in your session can add warmth, joy, and a lot of personality to your portraits. Whether it’s a bouncy puppy or a chilled-out cat, animals bring natural expressions and fun energy.
Top tips:
Bring treats and their favourite toy to help keep their attention.
Consider having a friend come along to take care of your pet when they’re not in the shot.
Let me know beforehand so we can choose a pet-friendly location.
Including Your Partner
If your portrait shoot is for yourself but you’d love a few couple shots too—go for it! Having your partner pop in for a few frames can be a lovely way to celebrate your relationship and ease any nerves.
Why bring them?
They can help you feel more relaxed in front of the camera.
We can capture a mix of solo and couple photos in the same session.
You get beautiful memories of your connection without needing a whole separate shoot.
Props With Personality
Props can really help tell your story. Whether it’s your camera (if you're a fellow creative!), a vintage book, a skateboard, a hat collection, flowers, or even your favourite mug—they can give the images depth and individuality.
Some ideas:
Think about what represents your personality or passions.
Keep it simple—one or two thoughtful props are better than a whole suitcase.
If you’re not sure what to bring, I’m always happy to chat it through and help plan.
Final Thoughts
Your portrait shoot is all about you—your story, your style, and what makes you feel most like yourself. So yes, bring your dog, your partner, or that basket of fresh-cut tulips. Let’s create photos that are true to who you are.
If you’re planning a session and have ideas or questions, just drop me a message. I love hearing what you’re dreaming up!
