As a Butler County newborn photographer, I have mentioned many times in the past that I love to include the family dog in newborn and family photo sessions. However, I have not talked enough about including cats! Yes, I would love to include your kitty in the photo session!
While dogs are often known to be more cooperative in getting in the photos with a new baby and family, cats on the other hand are known for doing whatever they want to do!
Most often the cat of the family will hide out when I am at a family’s home for a photo session. I may see it peering at me from behind a sofa or from a staircase but it’s not too often they want to get up close and personal with me. They usually just come to smell my camera bag when I am not paying attention.
However, there are always exceptions and this pretty kitty was definitely an exception! While her sister kitty never left her comfy nap space on the kitty tower in the window, this kitty seemed to think she was the star of the session!
She immediately made her presence known and was front and center for many of the photos! She was very curious and almost protective of her new baby brother and put on a bit of a show for me while I was there. She showed off her balancing skills by walking on the crib rail and wanted to “play” through the crib railing. Thankfully I know how a kitty can “play” and was careful to not get too close to her claws!
And just like when I include a dog in photos, I never force a pet to be in the photos or in a certain pose or spot. Not all cats will pose perfectly, and that’s okay. I allow the cat to come and go naturally during the shoot and I’ll capture those candid moments.
I always prioritize the safety of the baby and since cats can be unpredictable, I always make sure an adult is present to monitor the interactions. I also would never force an animal to be included and I would never put a pet next to a newborn baby if I thought there was any risk of danger to the baby. So although Miss Kitty wanted to play with me, she was very well-behaved around the baby.
Even Mom and Dad were so surprised about how present and personable their original “baby” was during the session! It was obvious how adored and loved their kitty is, so I was very happy to include her in so many of the photos.
But of course, we know who the real star of the session was! Just look at this precious little guy! He barely made a peep the entire time I was there! I loved that we were able to get awake and sleepy photos of him with his mom and dad!
Including the family cat in a newborn family photo session can add a lot of personality to the photos. Including the family pet makes your at home newborn photo session even more unique to your family! So be sure to let me know if you have a kitty! Or more likely, we can wait to see if the kitty decides they want to be a part of the session!
If you’re looking for a newborn or baby photographer in Butler County, please get in touch to inquire about a session! I’d love to plan a photo session for your new baby!
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All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography
Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in family and newborn photography in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over fourteen years of experience photographing families, newborns and babies in Pittsburgh including the South Side, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Oakland, the North Shore and Northside. Her style is very relaxed and natural and your family session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family!
I love that you encourage including the four-legged family members into the sessions! Great images, and especially love the close-ups of their cat!
Adding the 4-legged family members is the best!
This is so sweet and special. I love that you offer this!
I love this SO much! I love how many photos Kitty is in!
I love that you have example images with a cat. I feel like dogs are common for photographers to include but you don’t often see cats! And that baby is incredibly adorable. Beautiful images!