Owatonna Minnesota Family Photographer

If you’re a pet parent, you already know—your furry friend is 100% part of the family. So why not include them in your next photo session? As a photographer here in Owatonna, MN, I love when families bring their dogs along. (Yes, even the hyper ones!) Here’s how to make it a smooth and fun experience:

A romantic sunset photoshoot in a wildflower field with two well-behaved dogs sitting patiently in the foreground.

1. Let Me Know Ahead of Time

I’ll help you pick a location that’s pet-friendly and has space for your pup to run a little. We can also plan some poses that work well with animals.


2. Exercise Before the Session

A quick walk or play session helps get the zoomies out and calms nerves (for both humans and pets).


3. Bring the Essentials

Don’t forget the leash, waste bags, water, and a favorite squeaky toy or treat. I’ll use the toy or treat to help grab their attention for those "looking at the camera" shots.


4. Consider Their Outfit Too

If your dog wears a cute bowtie or floral bandana, bring it! Just avoid anything that might annoy them or distract from their personality.


5. Be Flexible

Sometimes your pet will sit like a pro, and sometimes they’ll want to sniff everything in sight. Either way, I’ll work with what they give me to capture natural, loving moments.

Bonus tip: If you’re worried about wrangling kids and a dog, consider bringing along a friend or grandparent to help out. That way you can relax and enjoy the session!

A brown and black dog sits in a concrete tunnel pathway during golden hour light.
Sequence of cropped photos showing children's legs and feet sitting on wooden steps covered in autumn leaves.
Child and fluffy white dog making Christmas cookies together at festively decorated kitchen counter with holiday decorations.
A cowboy wearing a checkered shirt and black hat gently pets a gray horse beside a rustic red barn structure.
A group standing together on a wooden bridge in an autumn forest with sunlight filtering through the trees.
A small group poses with their black dog on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by autumn trees at sunset.
A pregnant woman in a pink dress stands with a gray horse wearing orange leg wraps in a sunlit meadow near trees.
A group stands together on a dirt path with their dog during autumn, surrounded by fall foliage.