Blog - Page 9 of 28 - Studio Cath. Photography In Chicago IL

Gender Reveal Photos For Parents Who Want To Include Older Siblings

Welcoming a new baby into the family marks an exciting chapter, especially when older siblings join in the celebration. A gender reveal photoshoot creates lasting memories of this special time, capturing the anticipation and joy shared by the entire family. For Chicago families looking to include older brothers and sisters in their pregnancy journey, here’s how to create magical gender reveal moments that everyone will cherish.

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Making Siblings Feel Special During Gender Reveal Moments

Older siblings often experience a mix of emotions about a new baby joining the family. They might feel excitement one moment and uncertainty the next. Including them in a gender reveal photoshoot acknowledges their important role in the growing family.

Studio Cath has photographed countless Chicago families during these precious moments. The key is creating an environment where siblings feel they’re active participants rather than just observers. This approach transforms what could be a parent-focused event into a meaningful family experience.

Children’s natural reactions—their wide-eyed wonder, spontaneous laughter, or thoughtful curiosity—create photographic gold. These authentic moments tell your family’s unique story far better than any posed shot ever could.

Creative Gender Reveal Ideas That Siblings Can Help With

Surprise Box Reveals

A large box filled with pink or blue balloons makes for an exciting reveal. Siblings can open the box together, creating a stunning visual as the colored balloons float upward. Their expressions of surprise make for frame-worthy photos that capture pure joy.

For indoor studio sessions, this controlled environment allows for perfect lighting while giving children space to express their genuine reactions without distraction.

Confetti Poppers

Kids love anything that makes noise and creates a mess (when permitted!). Confetti poppers filled with pink or blue confetti give siblings an active role in the big reveal. The resulting photos capture both the colorful explosion and the children’s delight.

Chicago’s beautiful parks like Lincoln Park or Millennium Park provide stunning backdrops for outdoor confetti reveals, especially during golden hour when the light turns magical.

Color-Revealing Cupcakes or Cookies

Sweet treats with colored filling inside make for both a tasty and photogenic reveal. Siblings can bite into cookies or cupcakes simultaneously, revealing pink or blue filling. The anticipation and subsequent reaction create a storytelling sequence that works beautifully in photo albums.

According to Parents Magazine, food-based gender reveals rank among the most kid-friendly approaches, combining celebration with a treat children can enjoy.

Preparing Siblings for a Successful Photoshoot

Even with careful planning, photoshoots with children require flexibility. Here’s how to set everyone up for success:

Age-Appropriate Involvement

Toddlers might simply hold a “Baby Brother or Baby Sister?” sign, while older kids can take more active roles in the reveal itself. Teenagers might enjoy being behind some of the planning, perhaps helping to set up the reveal mechanism.

The key is matching each child’s role to their abilities and interest level. Forcing participation can lead to reluctance, while finding ways they genuinely want to participate creates natural smiles and engagement.

Pets are often seen as siblings too! Of course they play a role in the gendre reveal photo session!

Timing Is Everything

Schedule the photoshoot when siblings are well-rested and fed. For most children, mid-morning often works best—after breakfast but before lunch when energy levels remain high. Avoid times when children typically nap or when they might be hungry or tired.

Chicago weather can be unpredictable, so for outdoor shoots, having a backup date saves everyone from disappointment if rain or extreme temperatures interfere with the original plan.

Practice Without Pressure

For younger children, a quick practice run (without revealing the actual gender) helps them understand what will happen. This rehearsal reduces anxiety and confusion during the actual photoshoot.

Remember that perfect photos come from imperfect moments. Sometimes the outtakes—a toddler’s confused expression or a preschooler’s unexpected reaction—become the most treasured images.

Capturing Authentic Reactions and Emotions

The most beautiful photos happen in unscripted moments. Professional photographers know how to fade into the background, becoming almost invisible while documenting real emotions as they unfold.

The Importance of Candid Shots

While posed family photos have their place, the magic of a gender reveal lies in the spontaneous reactions. A skilled photographer captures the millisecond when understanding dawns on a child’s face—that moment of pure, unfiltered emotion.

Studio Cath specializes in documentary-style photography that preserves these fleeting expressions. The approach is less about directing and more about anticipating and being ready when meaningful moments occur.

Sibling Interactions

Some of the most heartwarming photos come from siblings interacting with each other or with mom’s baby bump after learning about their future brother or sister. These quiet moments often follow the initial excitement and reveal deeper emotional connections.

Encourage older siblings to talk about their hopes for the new baby or to share a message with their future sibling. These tender interactions create photographs filled with meaning and emotional depth.

After the Reveal

The celebration doesn’t need to end when the gender is revealed. Many Chicago families extend the experience with additional photo opportunities:

Sibling Promises

Older children might write or dictate promises to their future sibling. Photographing these meaningful pledges creates images with lasting significance that families can revisit as children grow.

According to What to Expect, these activities help siblings form an early bond with the baby and establish their role as helpers and protectors.

Future Family Portraits

Some families choose to include a mini family portrait session after the gender reveal. These photos, taken during a moment of shared joy, often capture family connections in a particularly authentic way.

Consider locations that might become traditional family photo spots. Chicago offers countless beautiful settings, from neighborhood parks to iconic downtown locations, where families can return year after year to document their growing journey.

A gender reveal with siblings isn’t just about discovering if a baby is a boy or girl—it’s about celebrating how a family grows and changes together. Through thoughtful planning and professional photography, these special moments transform into treasured memories that tell the story of a family’s journey through life together.

Family Photos For Kids Who Never Sit Still

Capturing precious family moments with energetic kids can be a challenge. Children rarely want to pose for photos, preferring to run, jump, and explore their surroundings. But these authentic moments often make for the most treasured family pictures. Studio Cath in Chicago specializes in photographing families with active children, creating natural and genuine portraits that showcase real personalities.

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Embracing Movement in Family Photography

Traditional photography often requires subjects to sit still and pose, but this approach rarely works with young children. Instead of fighting against their natural energy, Studio Cath transforms this liveliness into photographic gold.

Kids express themselves through movement. Their running, twirling, and jumping tell stories about who they are. A skilled photographer captures these fleeting moments, preserving authentic expressions that posed photos might miss.

Parents searching for “family pictures near me” in Chicago will find that Studio Cath’s approach focuses on candid interaction rather than stiff poses. This creates images filled with genuine smiles, real laughter, and true connection.

The Play-Based Photography Approach

Studio Cath uses games and activities to engage children during photo sessions. This play-based approach keeps kids entertained while allowing the photographer to capture natural expressions and interactions.

Simple games like “Red Light, Green Light” or “Simon Says” work wonders during family sessions. These activities create opportunities for authentic smiles and laughter while keeping children engaged throughout the shoot.

The Chicago Children’s Museum explains that play is essential for child development. Similarly, play-based photography creates an environment where kids can be themselves, resulting in photos that truly capture their personalities.

Perfect Chicago Locations for Active Family Photos

Chicago offers stunning backdrops for family photography, with many locations ideal for active children who need space to move.

Urban Parks and Nature Areas

Millennium Park provides a mix of green space and iconic architecture. Children can run through the open areas while photographers capture the city skyline in the background.

Lincoln Park offers beautiful natural settings with trees, gardens, and the lakefront. Active kids have plenty of room to explore while creating wonderful photo opportunities against natural backdrops.

Beach Settings

Chicago’s beaches along Lake Michigan make perfect settings for family photos with energetic children. The open space allows kids to run freely, dig in the sand, and splash in the water (weather permitting).

North Avenue Beach and Montrose Beach provide expansive areas where children can move naturally while photographers capture candid family moments with Chicago’s stunning skyline in the background.

Timing Your Session for Success

Scheduling plays a crucial role in successful family photos with active children.

Working Around Nap Schedules

Tired children rarely cooperate during photo sessions. Studio Cath works with families to schedule shoots when children are naturally most alert and happy, typically after naps and snacks.

Morning sessions often work best for young children who have the most energy early in the day. Evening “golden hour” sessions can work well for older children who maintain their energy later.

Seasonal Considerations in Chicago

Chicago’s changing seasons offer diverse backdrops for family photos. Summer provides lush greenery and beach opportunities, while fall delivers stunning foliage in the city’s parks.

Winter sessions can capture magical snowy scenes, though these require quick work with young children. Spring brings flowering trees and blooming gardens that create colorful backdrops for family portraits.

The Chicago Park District maintains numerous beautiful spaces throughout the year, offering perfect settings regardless of season.

What to Wear for Active Family Photo Sessions

Clothing choices can make or break a family photo session with active children.

Comfort First Approach

Uncomfortable clothes restrict movement and lead to unhappy children. Studio Cath advises families to choose comfortable outfits that allow kids to run, jump, and play freely during the session.

Layered clothing works well for Chicago’s changeable weather and adds visual interest to photos. Families can remove or add layers as needed throughout the session.

Color Coordination Without Matching

Gone are the days of identical matching outfits. Today’s family photos look best when everyone wears coordinating colors rather than identical clothes.

Studio Cath recommends choosing a color palette of 3-4 complementary colors and having family members wear different combinations. This creates visual harmony while allowing individual expression.

Preparing Children for Photo Day

Preparation makes a tremendous difference when photographing active children.

Setting Expectations

Children respond better when they know what to expect. Parents should explain the photo session as a fun playtime where someone will take pictures, rather than a formal event requiring perfect behavior.

Studio Cath encourages parents to avoid bribing children for good behavior during sessions. Bribes create pressure that often leads to meltdowns. Instead, framing the experience as a fun family activity yields better results.

Bringing Comfort Items

Familiar items help children feel secure in new situations. Bringing a favorite toy or blanket can provide comfort during breaks in the session.

Snacks and water keep energy levels stable throughout the photo shoot. Small, non-messy snacks work best for quick energy boosts without ruining outfits.

The Magic of Candid Photography

The most treasured family photos often come from unplanned moments.

Documentary Style Family Photography

Studio Cath specializes in documentary-style photography that captures real family interactions. This approach reveals genuine connections between family members rather than posed perfection.

Parents searching for authentic family portraits find that candid photography captures their children’s true personalities – the mischievous grins, curious expressions, and loving glances that make each child unique.

Mixing Directed and Undirected Shots

Professional photographers balance gentle direction with candid capture. Simple prompts like “whisper your favorite ice cream flavor to Mom” create natural interactions while keeping children engaged.

These semi-directed moments often lead to spontaneous laughter and genuine expressions that make for frame-worthy family portraits.

Studio Cath creates lasting memories for Chicago families, turning the challenge of photographing active children into an advantage. By embracing movement and authenticity, even the most energetic children become perfect subjects for beautiful family portraits that capture this fleeting time in their lives.

Turning Your Chicago Campus Walk Into A Meaningful Grad Session

The Magic of Campus Backdrops

Chicago’s college and university campuses transform into magical settings for graduation shoots during spring and fall. The blend of historic architecture, lush greenery, and urban landscapes creates perfect backdrops for commemorating academic achievements. Students from DePaul, Loyola, University of Chicago, and Northwestern find meaningful connections in these familiar spaces where they’ve spent formative years.

Each campus offers unique characteristics. Gothic spires at University of Chicago provide dramatic framing, while Loyola’s lakefront location delivers breathtaking water views. DePaul’s Lincoln Park campus mixes vibrant urban energy with peaceful garden nooks, and Northwestern’s Evanston campus features stunning lakeside paths and distinctive buildings.

graduation shoot - Studio Cath in Chicago

Timing Your Campus Visit

Scheduling makes a difference. Early morning sessions (7-9 am) offer soft, golden light with fewer crowds. Evening shoots (1-2 hours before sunset) provide romantic golden hour lighting that flatters every graduate. Weekday sessions typically have fewer people than weekends, allowing for more spontaneous shots without waiting for crowds to clear.

Personal Touches That Tell Your Story

A graduation shoot becomes truly special when it reflects the graduate’s journey. Props like textbooks from favorite classes, musical instruments for music majors, or lab equipment for science graduates add meaningful context. Including items that represent student clubs, sports teams, or Greek organizations helps document the complete college experience.

Incorporating School Pride

School colors, mascots, and traditions bring energy to photos. Scarves, pennants, or subtle accessories in school colors create school spirit without overwhelming the composition. Consider locations tied to campus traditions—that bench where study groups met or the coffee shop that fueled late-night study sessions.

Chicago weather can change quickly, so layered outfits allow for flexibility. Graduates should bring both their cap and gown plus a dressy outfit for variety. Comfortable shoes help when walking between multiple campus locations.

Beyond the Standard Poses

While the cap toss and diploma pose remain classics, creative approaches capture authentic personality. Action shots of graduates walking through favorite campus spots create natural movement. Candid moments—laughing with friends or gazing thoughtfully at a meaningful building—often become favorite images.

Group Dynamics

Including roommates, study partners, or close friends adds emotional depth. These relationships formed a crucial part of the college experience and deserve documentation. Creative group poses might include friends lifting the graduate, forming a circle around them, or creating a “through the years” progression showing how relationships evolved.

Family photos gain special significance during graduation. Parents, siblings, and grandparents who supported the educational journey deserve recognition. Multi-generational shots with alumni family members wearing their own graduation years create powerful visual stories.

Chicago’s Urban Campus Extensions

Campus boundaries often blend into Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods, offering extended photo opportunities. The Lincoln Park area near DePaul provides garden settings and city skyline views. Hyde Park surrounding University of Chicago mixes historic architecture with cultural landmarks. Rogers Park and Edgewater near Loyola feature beautiful beaches and diverse urban scenes.

Skyline Connections

Many graduates want Chicago’s iconic skyline in their photos. Several campus-adjacent locations offer spectacular views. The Adler Planetarium peninsula provides panoramic skyline views perfect for sunset shots. North Avenue Beach near DePaul captures both water and buildings. Promontory Point near University of Chicago offers southern skyline perspectives with a peaceful park setting.

Public transportation between campus and skyline locations allows for diverse settings in one session. The CTA train itself can become an interesting photo backdrop representing the graduate’s Chicago journey.

Weather Challenges and Creative Solutions

Chicago’s unpredictable weather requires flexibility. Rain doesn’t need to ruin plans—umbrellas become charming props, and wet reflections on pavement create artistic opportunities. Campus buildings with beautiful interiors, grand staircases, or striking architecture provide shelter while maintaining the collegiate atmosphere.

Seasonal Considerations

Each season offers distinct advantages. Spring graduation coincides with blooming flowers and fresh greenery. Summer provides lush landscapes and longer daylight hours. Fall delivers spectacular foliage colors. Winter graduates can embrace Chicago’s snowy scenes for dramatic, unique images that stand out from typical graduation portraits.

Professional photographers familiar with campus locations know how to adapt to weather conditions while capturing meaningful moments. Their experience helps graduates navigate unexpected challenges while staying focused on creating beautiful memories.

Preserving Memories Beyond Digital Files

After the session, graduates have numerous options for showcasing their photos. Custom graduation announcements featuring favorite images announce the achievement to extended family and friends. Photo books chronicling the college journey make thoughtful gifts for parents and grandparents.

Gallery Wall Inspiration

Creating a gallery wall with framed campus photos helps graduates bring college memories into their new homes or workspaces. Mixing professional portraits with casual snapshots tells a complete story. Canvas prints of standout images make statement pieces for first apartments or professional offices.

Digital slideshows set to meaningful music create emotional keepsakes to revisit milestone anniversaries. Many graduates incorporate their professional photos into LinkedIn profiles and professional websites, bridging their academic accomplishments with professional aspirations.

Chicago’s diverse campus settings provide the perfect backdrop for commemorating academic achievements. Through thoughtful planning and personal touches, graduation photos transform from simple documentation into meaningful visual stories that capture both accomplishment and potential.

Gentle Maternity Sessions For Expecting Moms Who Feel Camera Shy

Every pregnancy journey unfolds as a sacred chapter in life’s book. For many expectant mothers in Chicago, preserving these fleeting moments becomes a priority, even when camera shyness threatens to hold them back. Studio Cath specializes in creating a safe space where these beautiful memories can be captured without stress or discomfort.

maternity photographer - Studio Cath in Chicago

Creating Comfort During Maternity Photography

Camera shyness affects many expecting mothers, yet the desire to document this transformative time remains strong. A gentle maternity photographer Chicago understands that comfort forms the foundation of stunning pregnancy portraits.

Studio Cath takes time to build a connection with each mom-to-be before the camera even appears. The photography experience begins with a pre-session consultation where expectations, concerns, and preferences get discussed openly.

The Power of Preparation

Preparation makes all the difference for camera-shy clients. Before the session, Studio Cath provides:

Wardrobe guidance tailored to different personalities
Sample poses that flatter pregnant bodies
Clear explanations of what to expect during the session
Options for location—either at home or at Chicago’s beautiful outdoor spaces

This groundwork helps anxious moms feel more in control of their photography experience. Many clients report that knowing what to expect significantly reduces their pre-session nerves.

Posing Techniques That Build Confidence

Posing often creates the most anxiety for camera-shy individuals. An experienced maternity photographer uses gentle direction rather than complicated instructions.

Studio Cath employs a “build-up” approach, starting with simple, comfortable positions before progressing to more artistic poses. This gradual method helps mothers relax into the session rather than feeling overwhelmed from the start.

Natural Movement Over Rigid Poses

Rather than holding stiff poses, expectant mothers are encouraged to move naturally. Simple prompts like “gently place your hands on your belly” or “take a deep breath and relax your shoulders” create authentic moments that translate beautifully on camera.

According to American Pregnancy Association, relaxation techniques benefit both maternal well-being and photographic outcomes. These gentle approaches help camera-shy clients forget their self-consciousness.

Lighting That Flatters Every Mother

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating flattering maternity portraits. Studio Cath uses soft, diffused lighting that enhances a mother’s natural glow while minimizing concerns about perceived flaws.

In Chicago’s changing seasons, lighting options vary dramatically. Summer sessions might utilize the golden hour along Lake Michigan, while winter appointments benefit from the controlled environment of the studio’s professional lighting setup.

The Magic of Chicago Backdrops

Chicago offers stunning settings for maternity photography throughout the year:

North Avenue Beach for sunset silhouettes
Lincoln Park Conservatory for year-round greenery
Millennium Park for iconic urban backdrops
Neighborhood streets capturing Chicago’s distinctive architecture

These familiar surroundings often help local mothers feel more at ease than they would in an unfamiliar studio environment.

Including Partners and Siblings

Sometimes having loved ones present helps camera-shy mothers relax. Studio Cath encourages family involvement when appropriate, capturing the anticipation shared by partners and siblings.

These inclusive sessions shift attention away from the mother alone, creating natural interactions that result in genuine expressions and less self-consciousness.

Creating Meaningful Connections

The most touching maternity images often capture connections—a partner’s hand on the belly, a sibling’s excitement, or the quiet contemplation of a mother bonding with her unborn child.

These relationship-focused images tell a deeper story than posed portraits alone, and they happen naturally even with the most camera-shy clients.

Gentle Guidance Through the Experience

From inquiry to final delivery, Studio Cath provides clear communication that puts anxious clients at ease. The entire process is transparent, with no surprises or pressure tactics.

Respecting Boundaries and Preferences

Every mother has different comfort levels with being photographed during pregnancy. Some embrace artistic nude silhouettes that celebrate their changing form, while others prefer fully clothed portraits that focus on facial expressions.

A respectful Chicago maternity photographer never pushes clients beyond their comfort zone. Professionals emphasize the importance of bodily autonomy during pregnancy—a principle that extends to photography sessions, as well.

The Viewing and Selection Process

After the session, clients review their images in the comfort of their own home. Studio Cath presents only the most flattering photographs in your own provate online photo gallery.

Many clients express surprise at how beautiful they look, having overcome their camera shyness to create lasting memories of this fleeting time.

Booking Your Gentle Maternity Session

Studio Cath recommends scheduling maternity sessions between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, when the bump is beautifully defined but mothers still feel relatively comfortable.

Camera-shy mothers throughout Chicago discover that with the right photographer, the experience becomes not just tolerable but truly enjoyable. The resulting images provide a lasting celebration of strength, beauty, and the miracle of new life.

Through gentle guidance, technical expertise, and genuine compassion, these photography sessions transform camera-shy mothers into confident subjects who proudly display their maternity portraits for years to come.

Quiet In Home Sessions For Families Who Prefer Calm Over Chaos

Quiet moments often speak louder than loud ones. As the photographer behind Studio Cath, I focus on “quiet in-home sessions” — the kind of family photography that feels like cozy pajamas, sun streaming through a window, and the soft hum of everyday life.

For families who prefer calm over chaos, these sessions capture gentle connections, small gestures, and real love — not forced smiles or staged poses.

family photographer - Studio Cath in Chicago

Why Choose a Calm In-Home Session

Families often dread traditional photo shoots — the getting-ready, the coordinating outfits, the travel, the pressure to “perform.” An in-home session flips that script.

Being in your own space means everyone feels comfortable, even camera-shy members. Kids don’t need to sit still, pets can roam free, and there’s no pressure to act. These sessions let your home become “the backdrop to real life,” allowing laughter, cuddles, even the everyday mess to shine.

Home sessions tap into the atmosphere of normalcy. That quilt on the couch, the bookshelf full of bedtime stories, the backyard your kids know by heart — these are more than props.

They’re part of your story. Photographing them preserves a snapshot of your family’s unique rhythm.

What a Session with Studio Cath Looks Like

When you book an in-home photo session with me at Studio Cath, there’s no sterile studio, no backdrop stand, no waiting for perfect light.

I come to your home. We pick a few rooms where natural light streams in — maybe the living room, a bedroom, or a cozy corner with your favorite rug. I suggest keeping things low-key.
Choosing one or two activities you enjoy doing together as a family at home adds to the lively and authentic vibe of your photos. Think: baking cookies, reading a book to your child, playing your favorite game, building a tent in the living room, anything goes! We don’t aim for perfection. Instead, the goal is real connection.

I look for the in-between — those glances, the gentle touches, the laughter you barely notice in the moment, but that leap off the frame later.

Why These Moments Matter

Time passes faster than we think. Children grow, hair changes, routines evolve.

A family photo taken in a flurry of chaos might look nice today, but a photo taken during a quiet normal weekday — in pajamas or socks — tells the story of who you really are.

Families who invest in regular sessions often mention how surprised they are to rediscover their own small rituals, gestures, and moods captured forever.

These images don’t just stay locked in a file or on a screen. When you print them and place them around your home, they shape the atmosphere.

Studies suggest that seeing family photos regularly can help children build a stronger sense of belonging and identity — reminders that “I matter,” “This was our home,” “These are the people who love me.”

For Families Who Value Comfort and Authenticity

If you’ve ever thought, “We’d love family photos, but I don’t want chaos or forced smiles,” an in-home session might be exactly right for you.

You don’t need to clean every corner or stage perfect outfits. I’m not there to photograph porcelain — I’m there to photograph you.

Pets? No problem. Everyday mess? Not an issue. Kids need snacks or naps? Totally fine. The session moves with your family’s rhythm. I’m just along for the ride — quietly documenting.

What to Expect and How to Prepare

Pick a few spaces in your home with good window light — living room, nursery, kitchen, even a hallway works.
Forget matching outfits; wear what feels natural.
Don’t worry about deep cleaning. A light tidy-up is enough. We don’t need perfection — we need real life.
Be ready for unposed moments. Snacks? Storytime? Morning coffee? That’s where the magic happens.

Quiet in-home sessions become a mirror of your life, the small details that tell the bigger story.

If you’re looking for a calm, meaningful, relaxed way to capture your family as you truly are, I’d love to help. I’m Studio Cath — no studio, just your home, your family, and a camera that waits for the right moment.

Let’s freeze time together.

Bringing Your Dog Into Newborn Photos Safely And Sweetly

Welcoming a newborn into your home changes everything. It also stirs up a major question for pet lovers: can your dog be part of those first photos? At Studio Cath in Chicago, I say yes — but with care, planning, and a few simple precautions.

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Why Some Families Want Their Dog in the Newborn Session

Your dog was your first baby. You walked them as a puppy, cheered their tricks, watched their tail wag when they saw you.

Now there’s a tiny human arriving. Including your dog in newborn photos helps capture your family as a whole — furry first, and human next. These images document a unique chapter: the meeting of family’s two worlds.

When done right, they give warmth, authenticity, and that cozy, “our crazy full house” feeling.

What to Do Before the Session to Prepare Dog and Baby

A relaxed dog makes for beautiful photos. Before scheduling your shoot, consider introducing your dog to “baby stuff.” Maybe bring home a blanket or onesie before the baby arrives so your pup can sniff and get used to the scent.

Some vets and child-safety organizations recommend mimicking baby noises or motions (like from a swing) — that helps pets adjust to new sounds and changes.

Good training is important even before your newborn arrives. If your dog responds reliably to basic commands — sit, stay, calm down on cue — that gives your photographer (and your family) more control once the baby is home.

A calm pet helps make the session smoother.

It pays to groom your dog, too. A recent trim and a good brushing can reduce shedding and make sure stray hairs don’t end up in blankets or on clothing.

I would also suggest having a lint roller handy just in case.

What Happens During the Session: Safety Comes First

At Studio Cath, safety is the top concern. When a dog is part of a newborn session, there are a few crucial practices.

First, the baby stays within arm’s reach of a parent or designated adult at all times. If the dog is joining the photos, someone else should manage the pet — maybe gently holding the leash or offering treats — not the person holding the baby.

That way, both baby and dog stay calm and secure.

Also, some of those dreamy, posed photos you see online — baby curled up next to dog, or paws on a crib should be done with care.

Photographers often start with simpler, low-pressure photos: dog alone, baby alone, or parents with baby and dog nearby. Once everyone seems comfortable, we may try gentle family-style frames — always ready to pause or shift plan if dog (or baby) feels uneasy.

Posing Ideas That Work — and What to Avoid

Here are a few tried-and-true pose ideas for newborn sessions with dogs:

Baby in a swaddle or soft wrap, lying in a basket or crib, while the dog lies calmly nearby or rests a paw on the crib’s edge.
Parents holding baby (standing or seated), with dog at their feet or gently leaning into the frame — no pressure on the baby.
Lifestyle-style family photos, where the dog roams nearby — sometimes the most natural, unplanned moments end up being the most touching.

Some poses to avoid: forcing a small puppy or energetic dog to lie still beside a newborn, putting a pet directly on a potentially unstable surface above floor level, or expecting the dog to hold attention for long stretches.

Those setups are more stress than sweet.

Help Your Photographer Capture the Best Moments

Choosing a photographer familiar with pets and newborns makes a big difference. For example, at Studio Cath, I treat newborn sessions with pets the same as any newborn — with patience, breaks, hydrate-and-feed pauses, and slow transitions. Dogs get a chance to sniff around, settle in, and warm up before cameras come out.

You can help by setting aside time for one parent to manage the pet, bringing favorite toys or treats, and allowing extra wiggle room in the schedule.

More so than precise poses, many of the best photos come in those tiny moments: a paw on baby’s crib, a curious sniff, a little fur nose close to a swaddled bundle.

If you’re on the fence, think about what you care most about. Is it a perfectly styled, stylized portrait? Or a real, honest record of how your family introduced your little one? If the latter, including your dog — gently, safely, lovingly — can make those first photos feel even more like “home.”

If you’d like to explore how Studio Cath approaches newborn sessions in Chicago with pets, just say the word. I’d be happy to walk you through how we tailor each shoot to your dog’s personality and your family’s comfort.