One of the most common requests I get from clients is whether they can include their dog during their baby’s in-home newborn session, and my answer is YES! As a dog person myself, I love when families incorporate their “first baby” into the session. It was really important to this sweet family that we include their dog, Simba, so I was happy to oblige!

Seeing how dogs react to their new family member has got to be one of the sweetest things. Immediately when I arrived, Simba greeted me at the door. He was so curious with baby brother and very well-behaved. Honestly, I’d even venture to say he was very photogenic! It’s not often dogs will look right at me during a session for photos, but Simbia nailed it!

Safety is my number one priority so when dogs are close to baby, I always have a parent just out of the shot waiting to help. You know your dog’s demeanor the best, so if getting your pup on the bed with baby isn’t feasible or safe, we’ll find alternative ways to include them!

If you look hard enough you’ll see a few adorable details that look just like Simba… can you spot them?!

This is one of my First Year Membership families who I met around Christmastime for baby boy’s lifestyle newborn session. We’re currently planning his sitter session, and I am SO excited to see how much he has grown! As Members, I’ll get to document their family one more time at the first birthday milestone before we start working on his one year album.

Mom wore two dresses from the CMP Client Wardrobe, which I loved on her! The blue tones were perfect with the colors in the nursery and she looked so beautiful.

To book your in-home newborn session and include your dog in portraits, contact me here!

Caitlyn Motycka is an award-winning Charleston Family, Maternity and Newborn Photographer based out of Charleston, SC. Service areas include Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, James Island, Folly Beach, and surrounding areas.

If you’re looking for a newborn photographer in Mount Pleasant, SC and interested in scheduling a session, contact me here! Let’s take some pretty pictures together!