Austin Family – McDowell Nature Preserve – Clover Family Photographer

Shelly called Red K Photography about a month ago with a very specific request – her oldest son is heading off to college in the fall and she wanted a family photo session before he left.  We chatted for a bit so I could get a feel for what she was looking for from the session and so I could learn a little more about the family.  Then, just as we were about to hang up, Shelly had one more request – can we include the dog?  Now, for those of you who know me well, you know exactly how I feel about this request.  But Shelly and I had never met, so she had no idea how much I LOVE including pets in family shoots.

I firmly believe that having an animal involved in a shoot makes everything go smoother.  (For proof check out the recent engagement shoot + pup or maternity shoot + cats).  I know it sounds odd – but in reality, the reason we have pets in our lives is to help us relax, and give us unconditional love at all times.  Now, if you had a source of unconditional love living in the same house as your family, wouldn’t you want to have it in a family photo shoot?  I think so!  Bringing a pet makes everyone more relaxed, and gives us all something to laugh at throughout the shoot.  It also insures that no one looks posed!  Pets are king of awesome non-posed shots, and they can really loosen up a crowd.  So, without further delay, here are a few faves from the Austin shoot this past weekend out at McDowell Nature Preserve (BTW – one of my new favorite places to shoot)!

Have you ever seen a Dad look more proud to be standing between his two sons?  Love it!

Did I mention that I LOVE dogs?  Molly was really awesome.  And in case you can’t tell, the entire family is dressed in khaki + white, including Molly.

Even the forest looks awesome in black & white…

My favorite shot of the day – Molly totally worked it out – such a poser!!

Check out the drool in this shot… Love it!

Now there’s only one thing I love more than including a pet in a shoot, and that’s having a pet that is willing to do anything for their parent!  Molly (aka Louise) was such a trooper, and check out that big huge smile on her face, she’s loving it.

Brian – have an AWESOME time at college, enjoy every minute of it!