Why Engagement Sessions are Better with Your Dog


This early fall engagement session in the Wasatch Mountains was everything I love about autumn in Utah! Golden aspens just starting to turn, mountain fields ready to run through, and one very excited golden retriever who couldn’t believe her luck. With every laugh, every muddy paw, and every playful chase, these two soaked up the mountain air and spending time with each other while creating photos that feel wild, real, and so them. Engagement sessions with pets aren’t just cute; they tell the fun and whole story of your little family.

 

A couple shares tender moments near a rocky shoreline surrounded by autumn foliage in a natural outdoor setting.
Beautiful golden retriever sits with couple in autumn aspen grove with white bark trees and yellow leaves.
A couple stands on a mountain trail with their Golden Retriever against a backdrop of evergreen trees and autumn colors.

 

Golden Leaves, Golden Light, Golden Retriever


I definitely encourage couples to include their pets if they want to and if their pets will enjoy it. I'm on team "Pets are Family" and feel that including them in your photoshoot can be the ultimate way to make your photos feel perfectly YOU! Some things you will need if you are planning to include your furry friends in your photoshoot are:

  1. If you have enough time and forethought, work on some basic training commands that will help with photos. Sit, Stay, Lay Down, Don't eat the camera. Ya know, the basics!
  2. You need to bring an extra person (or two) with you to serve as "handlers". We will not include your pets in every photo, so having someone to specifically care for them is very important! Plus, they can help catch their attention with toys or treats and a familiar face.
  3. Bring waste clean up baggies - just in case!
  4. Bring their favorite treats or toys to reward them for a job well done!
  5. Make sure to let your photographer know pets are coming so they can select an animal friendly location.
  6. Planning a grooming appointment prior to the photoshoot so they are all clean and fresh for their (Oh, I mean YOUR) photos!
  7. Bring a water and food dish and some bottled water and a ziploc baggy of kibble to be able to also keep them hydrated and fed as well!

If you know that you want to include your furry friend in your photoshoot double check with your photographer prior to booking them that they are okay with animals. Though most don't mind animals, not everyone does so make sure not to limit your options by forgetting to ask before booking!

 

Couple crossing rocky stream together surrounded by evergreen forest and autumn foliage in mountains.
A romantic couple share an intimate moment in a mountain meadow surrounded by autumn foliage.
A couple laughs together in the mountains while their golden retriever rests on the ground nearby.
Black and white photo of couple embracing in mountain valley with evergreen forest backdrop.
A loving moment shared between a couple among golden aspen trees in autumn.
A tender moment captured in black and white against a mountainous backdrop.
A romantic couple embraces while standing in mountain wilderness surrounded by yellow wildflowers and evergreen trees.
A happy couple poses with their Golden Retriever dog against a backdrop of mountain scenery and fall colors.
A romantic couple shares a tender moment outdoors in a black and white photo against a mountainous backdrop.
A couple hikes a mountain trail with their golden retriever dog amid autumn foliage in a scenic landscape.
Close up of hands with turquoise ring embracing from behind against mountain landscape.
A golden retriever walks on a grassy field in front of a couple against an autumn mountain backdrop.
A couple stands together in a mountain meadow filled with autumn foliage and evergreen trees.
A loving couple in coordinated casual wear embraces while posing for a black and white portrait in nature.
A couple shares an intimate moment against a backdrop of evergreen trees and mountain peaks.
A couple stands together on rocky ground near a stream surrounded by autumn foliage.
A couple sharing a tender moment among yellow wildflowers with mountain scenery behind them.
A couple walking hand in hand with their dog through a scenic mountain valley with autumn foliage and evergreen trees.
A romantic engagement photo showing a close embrace, with a sparkling ring visible on the woman's hand.
Joyful couple in casual attire sharing intimate moment against scenic mountain wilderness background.
A happy Golden Retriever running on a trail ahead of two people walking together on an autumn day.
A couple walks their golden retriever on a trail with mountain views and fall colors.
A happy golden retriever dog lying on its back in tall grass with playful expression.
A couple poses with their golden retriever against stunning mountain scenery with fall colors.
A couple and their dog stand on a rock overlooking a scenic mountain forest landscape in autumn.
A couple walking through a scenic aspen grove with white bark trees in autumn.
A couple stands among yellow wildflowers with mountain peaks and evergreen forest in the background.
Golden retriever playing with couple in mountain meadow surrounded by evergreen trees and fall colors.
A couple embraces on rocky creek bed surrounded by autumn foliage and evergreen forest.
A joyful moment shared between a couple against a backdrop of mountain forest.
Two people walk hand in hand through a mountain meadow surrounded by autumn foliage and evergreen trees.
A couple stands together among white birch trees and autumn foliage.
A romantic couple embraces in a sunlit grove of birch trees with golden autumn leaves.
A couple explores a mountain trail surrounded by yellow wildflowers and towering evergreen forests.
A couple and their Golden Retriever pose together on a mountain trail surrounded by evergreen trees and autumn colors.
A couple shares a moment together on a mountainside trail surrounded by vibrant fall foliage in the wilderness.
A couple embraces in a mountain meadow with evergreen trees and autumn colors surrounding them.
Two people walk together on a mountain trail surrounded by evergreen trees and autumn foliage in Colorado.
A couple poses in a scenic mountain landscape with evergreen trees and golden fall foliage in the background.
Close-up of embracing couple wearing casual autumn attire.
A tender moment between a couple in outdoor setting with woman in white sweater touching companion's face.
A couple shares a joyful embrace while laughing together in a field of golden autumn grass.
Two people walking through mountain meadow with peaks and autumn foliage in background.
A couple shares a romantic moment on a hiking trail with mountains and evergreen trees in the background.
A couple enjoying an autumn hike along a mountain trail surrounded by golden foliage and aspen trees.
Scenic mountain landscape in autumn with evergreen forest and golden aspen trees in a meadow clearing.
A couple holds hands in a scenic mountain meadow surrounded by golden fall foliage and evergreen trees.
Two hands reaching out to hold each other against a backdrop of autumn mountains.
A couple walking hand in hand along a wooded trail in a forest setting.
Couple laughing together in autumn mountain meadow with evergreen forest and rocky peaks in background.
A couple and their golden retriever pose together in front of a scenic mountain landscape with fall foliage.
A couple walking hand in hand on a mountain trail with rugged peaks in the background.
A couple shares an intimate moment in a mountain meadow with evergreen trees and peaks behind them.
Golden retriever dog playing with couple in scenic mountain meadow with autumn foliage and evergreen trees.
A romantic embrace among white birch trees in a golden autumn forest.

 

Want your pup at your own engagement session?


If you’re dreaming of a fall engagement session that feels playful, real, and totally you, don’t forget to bring your pup along for the ride! Pets add so much personality, fun, and heart to your photos, and I’m always here for muddy paws, wagging tails, and wide-open mountain fields. If you’re ready to plan your own mountain adventure (with or without your fur baby), reach out and let’s chat! I’d love to help you create something unforgettable.

 

 

Let's Get in Touch!

 

Photographer stands with cameras under blooming cherry blossom trees along a path on a bright spring day.

Let's get in touch to check availability for your own session! I can't wait to hear from you and all about your own ideas!

Inquire with Coley