If you’re wondering if you can include your beloved pup in your photo shoot, the short answer is YES. (In fact I LOVE it!!!) If you’re wondering some logistics about engagement photos with dogs though…

Here’s some fun tips on how to get engagement photos with dogs involved!

1. Have a friend to help! They can entertain the dog while you get photos of just the two of you!

2. Bring plenty of treats and a toy – this will help get the dogs attention in front of the camera and gives them a nice reward for being a good boy.

3. Don’t stress! Animals will be themselves and do their own thing so just enjoy the moment and interact with you pet like you would at home! Showing off their personality will leave you with photos you will cherish even more!

I spent the evening with Logan, Drew and their dog Blu at Shawnee Mission Park! Dogs always add to the fun in engagement sessions and Blu didn’t disappoint! We tried to grab as many candid moments with mom and dad interacting with Blu because of how nice it is to have natural photos with your pup! I’d love to have you guys feel like you were at home on the floor playing with your dog instead of just posing for 30 minutes to get the “perfect” photo. I think the perfect photos are the ones that feel real and natural! That’s what I hope for getting engagement photos with dogs involved!

We grabbed a few photos of Logan and Drew at the end of the session for their save the dates!

Thanks so much to all three of them for being such great company! I loved everything about this night!

engagement photos with dogs at Shawnee Mission Park during fall
engagement photos with dogs wearing bandana collar walking through a field
walking with dog during engagement session wearing long dress and dress clothes
sitting in field during engagement session with dog wearing bandana collar
wearing a floral dress dancing in a field during engagement session with dogs
white long dress and floral shirt during engagement session at Kansas City park
walking towards pond during engagement session with dogs wearing dress and dress clothes
showing off engagement ring during engagement session with dogs at Kansas City park
holding hands near lake in Kansas City with engagement photographer
intimate moment standing in path wearing white long dress
walking path during engagement session with dogs near pond wearing floral dress shirt

Engagement Photos with Dogs | Kansas City Photographer

couple and their golden retriever at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City

Living in the middle of the midwest we are lucky to have a wide variety of location options when it comes time for photos. Whether you want a natural area or more of an urban feel to your photos there is always a place that will fit what you’re looking for. Chelsea and Thao wanted a more natural location for their fall photos because they wanted to capture the autumn colors. We decided to do their fall couples photos at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area.

couple and their golden retriever at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
couple with their dog, golden retriever
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what to wear to your couples photos, what to wear to your engagement session

James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area is in Jackson County, near Lee’s Summit Missouri. As a Kansas City photographer it was a great location to add to my list. Chelsea and Thao had been to the area many times, they love to take their golden retriever, Thor, there to run and play. The area is also great for fishing which is one of their favorite past times.

This made choosing to do their couples photos at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area even easier because it’s a place that’s more sentimental to them, rather than just another park or a place they’ve never been before.

I always suggest my couples choose a location that means something to them over somewhere that’s just “pretty”, backgrounds are important but the way the location makes you feel makes all the difference.

Fall Couples Photos at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area
couple and their golden retriever at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
couple and their golden retriever wearing a black and white plaid bandana
Kansas City couples photographer
couple walking their dog at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City

The area is HUGE we had so many different spots to choose from, I’m surprised we didn’t get lost! We found really beautiful places in wide open fields, near the water, and spots to really capture the beauty of fall.

We had a great time exploring the park and finding all these great spots. We were all smiling the entire session, especially watching their dog get so excited to be outside.

Check out my blog for other photographer recommended Kansas City locations for your next photoshoot, especially this session at Shawnee Mission Park

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golden retriever wearing a black and white bandana, couple takes fall photos with their dog
couple and their golden retriever at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
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golden retriever wearing a black and white plaid bandana
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James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area, Kansas City photographer
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couple photos by the lake at James A Reed in Kansas City
couple and their golden retriever wearing a black and white plaid bandana James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
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black and white photo of couple kissing by the lake at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
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couple and their golden retriever at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
couple and their golden retriever at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
Fall couple photos at James A reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
what to wear to your fall photoshoot, couples session outfits
where to take your engagement pictures in Kansas City, James A reed Memorial Wildlife Area
couple and their golden retriever at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
Fall couple photos at James A reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
Fall couple photos at James A reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
couple and their golden retriever at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City, fall photos with your dog

Fall Couples Photos at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area

couple and their dogs taking pictures in Antioch Park to use for their Christmas card

Every year the holidays sneak up on us and before you know it, it’s time to send out holiday cards AGAIN. In this post I’ll share with you the best time to take your holiday card photos and how to make the process stress free.

stress free holiday card photos with Kansas City Photographer

The best time to take your yearly photos is in the fall between October and December. Depending on your photographer’s turn around time for photos you will have to schedule accordingly.

I’m a local Kansas City photographer and my turn around for a full session gallery is within a week after our session. I do my best to edit quickly and efficiently to ensure you have your photos back in time to turn them into a beautiful holiday card to mail out to all of your friends and family or to post online for a virtual seasons greetings.

stress free holiday card photos with Kansas City Photographer

If you chose me as your photographer the process can be made even simpler by ordering your holiday cards directly from your online gallery. Once your photos are delivered to you all you have to do is select your favorite image, choose a greeting card template, and place your order. Before you know it your holiday cards will be at your doorstep! Save time by not having to download your photo and re-upload it to a 3rd party site.

Another great way to make the process stress free is to choose a location that is simple but will give you a lot of variety. A local park like Antioch Park (pics featured in this post), Shawnee Mission Park, or Gezer Park are all amazing options. You’ll have a variety of different backgrounds all within one spot!

Check out this blog post for the best photo worthy locations in Kansas City.

To book your holiday photos fill out my contact form down below!

The best time to take your holiday card photos
couple and their dogs taking pictures in Antioch Park to use for their Christmas card
couple taking their holiday card pictures at Antioch Park in Kansas with their photographer
couple taking their holiday card pictures at Antioch Park in Kansas with their photographer
couple taking their holiday card pictures at Antioch Park in Kansas with their photographer
couple and their dogs taking holiday card photos in Antioch Park
couple taking pictures in Antioch Park to use for their Christmas card
couple in Antioch Park with their Kansas City Photographer
couple and their dogs taking pictures in Antioch Park to use for their Christmas card
couple and their dogs taking pictures in Antioch Park to use for their Christmas card
couple and their dogs taking holiday card photos in Antioch Park
couple and their dogs taking holiday card photos in Antioch Park
dogs at Antioch Park in Kansas
The best time to take your holiday card photos
stress free holiday card photos with Kansas City Photographer
stress free holiday card photos with Kansas City Photographer
couple and their dogs taking holiday card photos in Antioch Park

The Best Time To Take Your Holiday Card Photos