A Spring Family Session at LSU Hilltop Arboretum with Destanee, Wyatt & Bud
Some sessions just feel easy in the best possible way.
Destanee and Wyatt met me at the LSU Hilltop Arboretum on a warm spring afternoon with their sweet pup, Bud, in tow — and from the very beginning, Bud made it very clear he planned to be the main character of the day.
And honestly? He earned it.
Between the happy panting, treat-fueled zoomies, dramatic puppy expressions, and the way he proudly posed between his humans, passerby couldn’t help but stop and smile. More than once we heard some version of:
“You’re taking family photos with your dog? That is SO cute.”
And my answer will forever be:
Of course they are.
Because pets are family.
As a Baton Rouge family photographer, I always encourage clients to include the parts of their real life that matter most to them — and for so many people, that includes the dog that greets them at the door every day, steals their spot in bed, and somehow becomes woven into every chapter of their story.
Bud brought so much life and energy to this session. The unpredictability, the excitement, the little in-between moments of Destanee laughing while trying to wrangle him or Wyatt holding him close while he looked wildly thrilled to exist — those moments are what made the session feel alive.
But one thing I always tell couples bringing pets is this:
Include your pets… but leave room for yourselves too.
Your dog is part of the story, but so is your connection with each other.
Some of my favorite images from this session were actually the quieter moments when Bud took a little break and Destanee and Wyatt settled into each other naturally — laughing, hugging, sneaking little almost-kisses, and just existing together in that soft golden spring light filtering through the trees.
That balance is where the magic happens.
The result feels less like “perfect portraits” and more like a snapshot of a season of life.
Real. Timeless. Emotive.
Tips for Bringing Your Dog to a Family Session
If you’re thinking about including your pup in your next session, here are a few things that help tremendously:
Bring Treats — Lots of Them
Treats are basically the universal language of dog photography. High-value treats help grab attention quickly and reward cooperation.
Don’t Expect Perfection
Your dog does not need to sit perfectly still and stare at the camera for every image. Some of the best moments happen in the chaos.
Pack the Essentials
Water, poop bags, a leash, a favorite toy, and maybe a lint roller if your pup is extra fluffy.
Consider Bringing a Helper
If possible, bring a friend or family member who can hold the dog for a few portions of the session so we can also capture images of just you and your people.
Lean Into Interaction
Walks, cuddles, playing, tossing treats, forehead kisses, laughter — movement photographs beautifully and helps everyone relax.
Trust the Process
Pet sessions are naturally a little unpredictable, but that unpredictability often creates the most joyful and authentic images.
Sessions like this are such a good reminder that family photography doesn’t have to look stiff or overly polished to be meaningful. Sometimes it looks like dirt on your shoes, a dog tongue hanging out, sunlight through the trees, and laughter you can practically hear through the image.
And honestly? That’s my favorite kind.
Baton Rouge Family Photographer | Pet-Friendly Family Sessions
If you’ve been considering updating your family photos and can’t imagine doing them without your dog, bring them along. Whether we’re at the LSU Hilltop Arboretum, your home, downtown Baton Rouge, or your favorite local spot, I want your session to feel like you.
Messy moments included.
