Family photos are about more than getting everyone in the same frame.

They’re about capturing what it feels like to be together.

Right now. For this moment.

For some families, that includes a dog who won’t sit still, steals the spotlight, or somehow becomes the reason everyone is actually smiling.

Great family photos don’t depend on pets.

But when they’re part of your life, they add something you can’t recreate any other way.

Why include your dog in family photos?

Dogs change the energy of a photo session.

In the very best way.

A head tilt. A quick lick. The way they settle in next to your kids without being asked.

Those moments don’t come from posing.

They happen in between… in those unexpected encounters or assaults (you know what we mean).

And those are the photos most families come back to years later.

You’ve read this far so we know you’re intrigued with our approach. Really get behind the curtain on how we approach family and pet photography.

Why Northwest Arkansas is perfect for family and pet photography

Northwest Arkansas gives families room to breathe.

Open spaces, trails, parks, and quiet corners make it easier for everyone to relax, including your family’s best friend.

Places like Lake Atalanta, Gulley Park, and the trail system throughout NWA give us flexibility. Kids can move. Dogs can settle in. And we’re not forcing anything into a tight space.

That’s when better photos happen.

Check out our updated article on dog-friendly parks in Northwest Arkansas.

Tips for a smooth family and pet photoshoot

Including a dog adds personality—and a touch of unpredictability. Here’s how we make it work in Northwest Arkansas::

• Know Their Vibe. Social butterfly or quiet shadow? Tell me how your dog handles new places and people so we can shape the photography experience for them.
• Pack the Motivators. Treats, a favorite squeaker, or a tennis ball keep focus high and make the portrait session fun for your pup.
• Keep it Comfortable. A water bowl, short shade breaks, and a familiar blanket help during an outdoor session at spots like Gulley Park or Lake Atalanta.
• Don’t Chase Perfect Poses. The pet photos people treasure are the spontaneous ones—snuggles, zoomies, and that look only your dog gives you.
• Keep it Simple. Short prompts for kids (“show me your dog’s favorite trick”) create natural smiles fast during the photo session.

Learn more about our Family + Pet Session.

Preparing your dog for the session

A little prep goes a long way.

Give your dog a walk before the photo shoot to take the edge off. Brush its coat and bring a quick-clean towel if we’ll be on trails or grass. If your dog is camera-shy or leash-reactive, tell me in advance; I’ll adjust lens choices, distance, and pacing.

We can meet at a dog-friendly park, along a quiet trail, or keep things at home if that’s where your pup is most at ease.

Managing the chaos (and the fun)

Kids and dogs don’t follow scripts.

Good., because that’s where the best photos come from.

We don’t try to control everything. We guide just enough to get things started, then let the moment take over.

If things get a little chaotic, we reset and keep going.

And most of the time, the photo you end up loving wasn’t the one you expected.

Check out some of our best work with dogs: golden retrievers and Weimaraners. Also, see if you love our photos of wild horses as much as we do. If you are really energetic, give a look at our many different birds in flight and wild animals.

Creating timeless memories

This isn’t about getting more photos.

It’s about getting the right ones.

After the session, we go through everything and pull out the images that actually matter… the ones that feel like your family, not just a version of it.

If you want to turn those into something for your walls, we can help with that too.

Todd Gurley: Better late than never

Todd Gurley is a photographer who has come to the professional party late, but has had a big boy camera since he was 14.

Todd’s love of photography always had an outdoor focus. It started with sports, evolved to landscape, and then wildlife and birds.

And now pets!.

Based in St. Louis, Missouri, but an Arkansan at heart, Todd lives with his partner in crime of 50 years Sheila and about 250 pounds of dogs. They have two golden retrievers named Gracie and Ellie and one black lab named Norman. And bringing up the rear is an additional 10 pounds from Sally the rescue cat. She’s in charge if you are wondering.

Todd has this other business with his son Drew called Redbird Advisors. Oh, and he now has this website which was first discussed 25 years ago.

No wine before its time!

P.S. The photo above was taken on our way to the summit of Mt. Quandary, a 14,271-foot peak in the middle range of the Rockies, south of Breckenridge. Colorado. There are 58 named “14ers” in Colorado, the most of any state.