Family and Dog Photo Session in Paddington, London W9
A Heartwarming Family & Pet Photo Session in Paddington
Last spring, I received an email from a client who had been gifted a photography voucher for a baby and dog session. Her family wanted to capture some special moments for their daughter’s first birthday, so we began planning for a shoot later that year.
Fast forward to October, and we found ourselves meeting at their charming home in a quiet mews in Paddington, London. It was a crisp yet pleasant day, with overcast skies and just enough sunshine peeking through to keep things cozy.
Team Work For A Successful Family Photoshoot
The family was simply delightful—so playful, warm, and full of love. They really enjoyed spending time together, playing games with their daughter and sharing joyful moments. In my ten years as a family photographer across London and Surrey, I've learned that a successful session is truly a team effort. While I set the scene and guide the direction, it’s the parents' involvement that brings those authentic, candid moments to life. The more engaged they are, the more natural and creative the photos turn out.
At Home and Outdoor Family & Pet Photo Session
We started the session right outside their doorstep, spending around 45 minutes in the mews. The little one, their adorable daughter, had so much fun playing with her parents and their gorgeous black cockapoo—being thrown in the air, cuddles, tickles, and a fair bit of running around with the dog. Of course, there were also a few posed shots, and their dog made sure to steal the show in a few of them. In fact, I got creative and even used the pup to frame a portrait of the little girl. He was a star, and rightfully so!
Children Photography
When photographing families with young children, I often find it helpful to take a short break midway through. A snack, a change of clothes, or just a moment to unwind gives the little ones a bit of a boost for the second half of the session. After a quick breather—and some fun hide-and-seek portraits with their daughter inside—I suggested a change of scenery. We made our way to a nearby private garden for the next round of shots.
Autumnal Family & Pet Photography
As soon as we stepped through the garden gate, the sun finally emerged from behind the clouds, giving us that perfect autumnal glow. The golden light added a touch of magic to the family portraits, as well as some sweet couple shots and more playful images of their daughter.
Family Dog Action & Portrait Photography
To wrap things up, we headed back home for some action shots of the family dog. I had a little fun with this one, positioning him on top of a neighbor’s car (he was quite the model!). It was the perfect ending to a beautiful day of family and pet photography.
Reflections on Family Photography
Every family is unique, but what I love most about these sessions is how they capture the essence of connection—between family members and their pets, between parents and children, and the moments that truly tell a story. Photography is about more than just posing for the camera; it’s about creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.
Booking a Family Photo Session
If you are considering hiring a professional family photographer you’ve come to the right place! To find out more about family photo sessions, please visit my family photography services page. If you’ve already made up your mind, and you would like to book me in for a family session, or to mark your child’s first birthday, or baptism please contact me on mina@minamilanovic-photography.com or send me an enquiry though the contact form on my website. I look forward to hearing from you!
Photography Gift Voucher
Photography Gift Vouchers make unique and personal gifts for any occasion. Whether it is Mother’s Day, a first birthday, an anniversary, your beloved family pet, a baptism or arrival of a new family member, family & pet photography will capture precious memories which will be cherished in years to come. Contact me for more details, or visit my Store to find out more.
About Me
Hello! My name is Mina, I am a professional family & pet photographer based in Surrey, England. I love meeting new families and helping them capture the joy of their family. If you would like to find out more about me, please visit my “About Me” page. If you would like to know more about my family photo sessions, please visit the “Family Portraits” page. To discuss your upcoming family photo session, or family event like christening, birthday party or anniversary, please get in touch - I look forward to hearing from you!
Autumnal Newborn and Pet Photo Session in Wimbledon | London Family and Pet Photographer
Newborn and Pet Photo Session
This was one of my favourite family portrait sessions from last year. This sweet family were gifted a pet photography gift voucher as a 30th birthday present. Because of their circumstance at the time, they asked me if they could upgrade the pet photoshoot to a newborn photo session, and postpone the shoot until the baby was born. I am so pleased that they did!
We arranged to meet on Wimbledon common as it was a half way location. It was an overcast autumnal day, the soft light perfect for family portraits. We started the shoot with together shots of all the family, to get the important shots done while the baby was awake and content. In my experience working as a professional family and pet photographer, it is important to seize the moment and not follow a well structured plan and order of shots to take.
Outdoor Newborn and Pet Photoshoot
Newborn photoshoots are often associated with cozy interiors and snuggled up babies. I do like an indoor newborn photoshoot, but there is something really nice about being outside in nature with the little one and documenting those first weeks in a new family’s life. If I was asked what is the main difference between photographing newborns indoors and outdoors is, apart from the obvious light conditions and the setting, it would be that babies tend to be calmer in the natural environment. They seem to really enjoy the sounds, smells and sights, looking more engaged, awake and interested in what is going on around them. During this particular outdoor newborn photoshoot, the baby was super calm, enjoying cuddles and soaking in the surroundings.
After a few initial shots cuddling with mum, this little girl was really content and calm so I took the opportunity to photograph her up-close, capturing those sweet looks and sleepy yawns.
It wasn’t all about mummy cuddles during this family photo session. It is just as important to capture tender moments between dad and baby, to document those initial weeks when bonds are being formed and both parents and children are discovering each other. I really like this set of photos and they made such amazing prints (more to come later in the blog!)
Outdoor Pet Photography on Wimbledon Common
A big part of the joy when doing a baby and pet photoshoot is photographing the pet (often a dog or a cat) while the baby is feeding or being changed. Doughy the cockapoo was the perfect model, posing very patiently when asked to wait and looking very handsome indeed.
A pet photo session wouldn’t be complete without a few action shots. I chose a wide path which was filled with fallen beech leaves, and bordered with trees, all in their autumnal attires. The resulting colours and simplicity of the background really made the subject stand out. I love the resulting frame of Doughy running - the expression of pure joy and freedom.
Autumnal Photo Session For the Whole Family
The next set of photographs was focused on family portraits. We found a beautifully colourful beech tree and decided to use it as a backdrop for autumnal family photography. The baby had eaten and fallen asleep; it was lovely to take a few snuggly photos and even capture a mid-sleep smile.
We finished this family photography session with a few casual shots of the family walking together, Doughy in the middle of action, and with the baby peacefully sleeping in their parents’ arms.
Who Are Outdoor Newborn and Pet Photoshoots Suitable For?
Outdoor Newborn and Pet Photo Sessions are great for people who love the outdoors and want to capture precious moments after their baby’s born, together with the whole family (pet included!).
These sessions are also great for dog owners, who in the past have considered having a dog photo session but have never gotten round to doing it. A family & pet photo session provides an opportunity to have pet portraits taken while at the same time capturing tender family moments.
For more information about newborn photography, please visit my Newborn Photography page.
What Will I Receive After the Photo Session?
After the photo session, I will edit a selection of photographs and upload them onto a private gallery where you will be able to access and view the image for two weeks. You will be able to choose which photograph you would like printed, as your complementary print, and choose any additional digital files, prints or other photography products. These can be purchased at an additional cost. Most people choose to purchase digital files, and some clients choose prints and framed prints which are great as gifts or finished products that can be enjoyed on display at your home. This lovely family chose to frame several prints. I work with a local framer who offers handmade fine art framing in a variety of finishes, with optional mount boards and anti-reflective glass. I would highly recommend framing some of your family and pet portraits as it really lifts photography to another level and provides a beautiful artwork in your home. Below are a couple of examples from this recent session.
About Mina
I am a family and pet photographer and live in the beautiful Surrey hills with my husband and children. I’ve always enjoyed looking at old family photographs and reliving the moments, or imagining the time that once was, with my ancestors being the main characters of their life. I use natural light to capture connections between families (and their pets) and joyful moments which can be treasured in years to come. I provide gentle guidance and create an environment which would provoke natural reactions, enabling me to capture genuine moments - children having fun, dogs running with ears flapping, families having a good time.
I offer outdoor and at-home newborn, family, couple and pet photo sessions across Surrey and London. Whether you would like to document the first few weeks of your new family, capture your dog on your favourite walk or to record a moment in time in your family life, I am here to help.
If you are expecting a baby, or would like to document your family, please get in touch, I would be delighted to hear from you!
Please fill out the form below or get in touch via mina@minamilanovic-photography.com.
Family and Pet Photo Session with Teenagers in Wandsworth Common | London Family and Pet Photographer
Family Photoshoot with teenagers and puppy
I recently photographed a really sweet family with two teenagers & puppy in Wandsworth. My brief was to photograph the two teenagers and their teenage puppy, a 9 month old golden retriever called Juno, to be used as Christmas cards during the upcoming holidays.
Outdoor Family Photography
We decided to do a home-park split, starting with some relaxed outdoor photographs on Wandsworth Common and going back home for more cozy images. It was an overcast day, the light was lovely and the common was bursting with autumnal colours, giving a gorgeous warm tone to the photographs.
Dog Action Photogrpahy
We started this family and pet photoshoot with some together photos, but soon the 9 month old puppy became restless and needed to move a little. She loved chasing leaves so I thought an action shot of her jumping to catch leaves would be fun. My two helpers gathered a bunch of leaves and on coundown they threw the leaves up in the air and Juno excitedly went after them. I love the resulting image - it is full of energy and movemet, and to me symbolises the joy of autumn.
Wandsworth Common Family and Pet Photography
Since golden retrievers love water, and Wandsworth common happens to have a large pond with a beautiful little feature bridge, I decided to use it as a backdrop and take the next set of photographs there. The love between the two teens and Juno was evident, and so I wanted to capture all the cuddles and kisses which were given out in bountiful quantities.
Family Portrait Photography in London
The rustic bridge on Wandsworth common was the perfect place for a group family photo. The trees in the background provided a colourful, but plane background, and the gentle uphill raise provided a pleasing perspective. We paused here for a few moments, for me to take a few frames of the family together, and the children on their own with the puppy.
Portraits of Teenagers with Puppy
Before heading back home, I wanted to capture each teen with their beloved puppy, and also take some photos of them having fun together, running around in the field.
London Dog Photographer
Finally just a few portraits of June before it was time to leave the park. By this point she was tired from all the running around, and kept relatively still for me to take a few portraits of her in the dry leaves.
Family and Pet Photo Session at home in Wandsworth
It was then time to head back home, snuggle on the sofa and capture a few quiet moments. I very much enjoyed working with teenagers and their puppy, learning what their interests are and hearing about their ideas for potential photos. I thoroughly enjoyed this family and pet photo session, and I hope I meet this family again to see what they are up to in a few years time.
Book a Family and Pet Photo Session in London and Surrey
If you’d like to book a family and pet photoshoot, please contact me though my website, or email at mina@minamilanovic-photography.com. I would love to capture memories of you and your family and pet enjoying each other’s company.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Gift a Photography Gift Voucher This Christmas
If you know someone who’s just got a puppy, or would like to surprise a dog lover in your life with a unique gift, then why not consider my family and pet photography gift vouchers? You can purchase a one hour, or a two hour photo session, and gift a fun experience together with captured memories which will be cherished in years to come. Please visit my gift voucher page, or contact me directly to discuss your requirements. Thank you!
Family Photo Session with Dog at Fulham Palace
A few years ago, I went to an open air cinema event at Fulham Palace, a gorgeous estate on the banks of the river, right next to Putney Bridge in West London. It was a warm summer’s evening and the palace grounds were the perfect backdrop to “When Harry Met Sally”.
Family Photoshoot with Dog
Fast forward several years, and I was back at Fulham Palace to photograph a lovely family with a dog. The grounds were even more beautiful than I remembered with lots of varied backdrounds for family portraits and dog shots. The dog was so sweet, resembling a real life nanny, looking after the baby and checking in on him.
London Children Photographer
The baby (or toddler!) was around a year old, he was finding his feet and loved crawling and walking. This made it difficult to position him at times but I’ve learned over the years that with children you have to go with the flow, and adjust your working style to suit their needs. Therefore, I was on the go a lot!
Dog Photography in Fulham
During this family and pet photo session, I worked fast to photograph the family in various locations, and get a variety of shots for my client. Here are some of my favourite images from this London family and dog photo shoot, hope you like them too!
Get In Touch
If you would like to arrange a family photoshoot with your pet, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I love working with families and pets and I look forward to working with you!