Since my goal is to capture the family as they are, I do minimal orchestration for the majority of each session, preferring to accompany my families through whatever routines and activities are part of their daily lives. Whether the family dog was mom and dad’s first baby or whether a new puppy, kitten, lizard or hamster is the latest addition, pets are an important part of family life and thus, an important part of their story. She is also a volunteer photographer for The Gold Hope Project, a non-profit organization that gifts pediatric cancer families a free photo session. Including pets in family portraits adds a unique charm and warmth, capturing the true essence of family life.
Furthermore, including pets in family portraits can also serve as a testament to the shared experiences that families have with their animals. That often means I’m in search of good light in which to photograph my family and pets rather than waiting for moments to unfold where they may. Jaye McLaughlin is a family lifestyle photographer in New York serving NYC, Westchester County and Southern Connecticut. Anyone who’s ever felt the love and loyalty of a family pet knows that memories of that relationship will always be intertwined with their memories of family life.
Pet photographers are everywhere and they know the tricks of the trade needed to capture that paw-fect family photo.