Weekly Blog Post #1- Why you should include your dogs in photoshoots!
Welcome to my weekly blogs here at Melissa Milne Photography! I am a documentary wedding and family photographer located on Vancouver Island in Nanaimo BC. I hope this blog can be a useful insight into my process and thoughts as a documentary wedding and family photographer. Today I am here to share my thoughts on why you SHOULD include your furry friend in your families, couples or wedding photos! Please read more below.
Herman joined J&J for their engagement/connection session as he will be their ring dog for their wedding! He is a big part of these twos life and therefore wanted to have him included in their session. Why Bring your furry friend to your next photo session!
When it comes to including your dog in your photography session I am all for it! I LOVE when my couples or families ask if they can include their furry friend in their photos. To me there are a few great reasons to include your dogs in your session. These are…
1) Dogs give us Permission to be our unflitered self
Dogs have an uncanny ability to bring out the most genuine and unfiltered aspects of our personalities. Their unconditional love and acceptance create a safe space where we can express ourselves without fear of judgment. Unlike human interactions, which often come with expectations and societal norms, the bond with a dog is pure and straightforward. This simplicity allows us to shed our inhibitions, relax, and be more present in the moment with one another. Whether it's talking to our dogs about our day, playing with them, or simply enjoying their company, these moments foster a sense of authenticity and genuine connection that might be harder to achieve in other relationships.
Moreover, dogs live in the moment and exhibit a natural, carefree attitude that is contagious. Their spontaneity and joy in simple pleasures encourage us to embrace a similar mindset, letting go of our daily stresses and pretenses. This shift can inspire us to approach life with a more open and unfiltered perspective, appreciating the beauty in small, everyday moments. In the presence of dogs, we are reminded to be present, to laugh more freely, and to show our true emotions. This deepens our self-awareness and enriches our lives, making us more attuned to our true selves
2) They help us connect
Dogs can significantly enhance the authenticity and depth of human connections during documentary photography sessions. Their playful and affectionate nature naturally brings out genuine interactions among family members or couples, making the captured moments more heartfelt and real. When people engage with their dogs, they often drop their guards, displaying candid smiles, laughter, and emotions that might not surface otherwise. This unfiltered behavior fosters a relaxed environment where the subjects feel more comfortable and connected, allowing me, the photographer to capture the essence of your families or couples relationships.
Additionally, the presence of dogs during a photography session can serve as a bridge between the myself and my clients, breaking down any initial awkwardness or shyness. Dogs have a way of easing tension and creating a fun, interactive atmosphere that encourages everyone to be themselves. As people focus on their pets, they become less aware of the camera, resulting in more spontaneous and natural shots. This dynamic interaction not only enhances the authenticity of the photos but also strengthens the bond between the subjects, as they share genuine moments of joy and affection centered around their beloved pets.
3) Dogs help us ID what part of life’s adventures we are currently in
As a documentary photographer, capturing moments with dogs adds a profound layer of meaning to the images, highlighting the transient nature of life. Dogs, with their relatively short lifespans, embody the essence of fleeting yet deeply impactful relationships. Photographing you and your dogs allows us to mark specific periods in their lives, creating a visual record that holds immense sentimental value. These photographs become treasured keepsakes that capture the joy, companionship, and unconditional love shared with a pet, serving as a poignant reminder of a beloved presence that won't last forever.
Moreover, documenting the evolving bond between humans and their dogs over time provides a powerful narrative of growth, change, and enduring affection. Each image tells a story of moments that might otherwise be forgotten, preserving the essence of a particular phase in life. From the playful antics of a puppy to the gentle companionship of an aging dog, these photographs chronicle the passage of time in a deeply personal and meaningful way. As a documentary photographer, capturing these moments is not just about creating beautiful images but about honoring the unique and irreplaceable connection that dogs bring to our lives, ensuring that their memory lives on long after they are gone.
My pup on a camping adventure 2023 with my partner and I
The latter was a large reason my client K decided to get photos done with her pup Timber. They love to visit the beach together and throw balls and run through the water so we decided to have this be the main focus of our session together. Below is a few more kind words from K about her session with Timber here in Nanaimo BC.
Why K decided to do a photoshoot with her Pup Timber: I chose Melissa for a shoot with my dog and I, as my dog is aging and I wanted to have some nice, professional photos captured to hang on to. Melissa not only made the experience itself of being photographed easy, and not at all stressful like I had anticipated (never had photos done professionally before), but the photos turned out amazing. They beautifully and accurately captured what a beach day looks like for us, one of Timbers favourite places, and I will forever be admiring these photos. I know one day when my beloved girl is no longer with me, I’ll look back on these photos and be extra glad I had them done. Life is short - have the photos taken, you won’t regret it!