A Cosy Christmas at Home: A Couple’s Photoshoot with Their Dog 🎄🐾
There’s something really special about photographing couples in their own home, especially at Christmas. No rushing around, no awkward posing, no worrying about the weather. Just real life, real connection, and a dog who absolutely believes the photoshoot is about them (as it should be).
This particular shoot took place on a crisp November afternoon, inside a beautifully cosy home filled with soft lights, festive details, and the glow of a Christmas tree that had clearly been decorated with love… and possibly supervised by a four-legged quality control officer.
Why At-Home Christmas Photoshoots Just Work
Home is where people relax. It’s where personalities come out, shoulders drop, and moments happen naturally, and that’s exactly what I love to capture.
For this shoot, we stayed close to the Christmas tree, letting it become the backdrop rather than the focus. The fairy lights added warmth, the neutral décor kept everything timeless, and their dog drifting in and out of frame made the whole session feel wonderfully real.
No stiff smiles. No forced poses. Just:
Feeling festive with their stockings
Laughing when the dog decided to sit exactly where the camera needed to be
Quiet moments by the tree, lights twinkling in the background
Honestly? Perfection.
Bringing Your Dog into Your Photos (Without the Chaos)
Including pets in a photoshoot can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be. Dogs don’t need to “perform”; they need to exist. Some of my favourite images from this session came from unscripted moments; paws on laps, curious sniffs of baubles, and that classic dog expression of “I deserve a treat for this.”
My approach is always relaxed and flexible. We let things unfold naturally, take breaks when needed, and work around your dog’s personality.
The result? Images that feel like you, not a setup.
The Magic of Keeping It Simple
What I loved most about this session was how understated it was. Neutral outfits, soft textures, gentle light. Nothing overly styled,
just a calm, festive atmosphere that will still feel beautiful years from now.
These are the kinds of images that don’t just live on Instagram for a week. They’re the ones that end up:
Printed and framed
Used on Christmas cards (this couple were using theirs for Christmas cards to be sent home to Canada)
Looked back on with a smile when life feels busy
Thinking about a Christmas Shoot at Home next year?
If you love the idea of a relaxed, natural Christmas photoshoot, whether that’s with your partner, your dog, or your whole family,
your home is the perfect place for it. You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect space.
You just need a little light, a bit of warmth, and a willingness to be yourselves.
If this sounds like your kind of thing, I’d love to chat.
✨ Because the most meaningful photos are the ones that feel like home.
