If your pet is part of your family—and let’s be honest, they absolutely are—then yes, you can (and should!) include them in your family photos! From loyal pups to cuddly cats, animals bring such warmth, personality, and fun to photo sessions. At Impressions by Ellie, I absolutely welcome your furry companions. In fact, I love capturing the sweet connection between your pet and your family.

Why Include Pets in Your Family Portraits?

Pets are more than just animals—they're often the first 'baby' before the babies arrive. They comfort us, play with our kids, and complete our family in the most unconditional way. Including them in your photos captures a more complete story of your life right now.

Whether you're doing a maternity session, a family shoot, or newborn portraits, having your pet there can add something truly special. Those goofy grins, curious sniffs, and tail wags tell a story all their own.

Tips for a Pet-Friendly Photo Session

Bringing a pet along for your session does take a little planning, but it’s so worth it. Here are a few tips to make the experience fun and smooth:

1. Bring a Handler – If possible, bring someone who can help manage your pet when they’re not in the shot.

2. Bring Treats & Toys – These help keep your pet engaged and reward them for being awesome.

3. Practice Commands – A quick refresher on sit, stay, and come can make a big difference.

4. Walk Them Before – A bit of exercise before your session can help release some energy.

5. Keep Expectations Light – Just like young kids, pets don’t always follow direction—and that’s okay! Sometimes the most adorable moments are unplanned.

Where Can We Do Pet-Inclusive Sessions?

If you're in Port Orchard, Bremerton, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Gig Harbor, Tacoma, or anywhere in Kitsap or Pierce County, there are plenty of outdoor locations that are perfect for pet-friendly photo sessions. Parks, trails, and even your own backyard can serve as beautiful backdrops.

Studio sessions can also accommodate smaller or calmer pets! I’m happy to discuss what’s best for your pet and family when we plan your session. Whether you're in Kitsap County or Pierce County, I’ll help you choose the right setting for everyone—including your four-legged family member.

Pet Photo Inspiration

Imagine your toddler reaching out to hug your dog, your newborn snuggled beside your purring cat, or a candid moment of your pup licking your cheek mid-laugh. These are the moments that tug at your heartstrings and make your family story feel complete.

Whether your pet is a big fluffy golden retriever, a shy rescue pup, or even a sleek little bunny, they deserve to be remembered right alongside your loved ones.

So yes—bring the pets! I can’t wait to meet every member of your family and capture the love you all share, paws and all.

Pregnancy is a beautiful, transformative journey, filled with anticipation, excitement, and love. From feeling those first tiny kicks to preparing a nursery, every moment is a step closer to meeting your little one. Maternity and newborn photography help preserve these fleeting moments, allowing you to relive the magic for years to come.

The Beauty of Maternity Photography

A maternity session is a celebration of motherhood and the incredible strength of a woman’s body. It captures the glow, the emotions, and the connection between parents and their soon-to-arrive baby. Whether it’s an intimate studio session or an outdoor shoot bathed in golden light, these portraits tell a story of love and anticipation.

Many expecting parents choose to schedule their maternity session between 28-34 weeks, when the baby bump is beautifully rounded, and moms-to-be still feel comfortable posing. Flowing dresses, form-fitting gowns, or cozy casual wear—whatever makes you feel radiant—is perfect for these photos. Including partners and siblings makes the session even more meaningful, capturing the family’s excitement as they await their newest addition.

Welcoming Your Little One: Newborn Photography

Then comes the moment you’ve been waiting for—your baby’s arrival. Those first few weeks are a blur of love, snuggles, and adjusting to a new routine. A newborn photography session freezes these precious early days, capturing tiny fingers, sleepy smiles, and the overwhelming love between baby and parents.

Newborn sessions are best scheduled within the first two weeks of life, when babies are still sleepy and easily curled into those adorable poses. Soft wraps, neutral tones, and cozy setups create timeless images that showcase just how small and perfect your baby is. These sessions are designed to be peaceful, giving parents a moment to simply soak in the beauty of their newborn.

A Story That Comes Full Circle

Pairing maternity and newborn sessions creates a beautiful storytelling experience—one that follows your journey from pregnancy to welcoming your baby into the world. Displaying these images side by side in an album or gallery wall shows just how much love and anticipation surrounded your little one before they even arrived.

If you're expecting and want to capture this incredible chapter of life, let's create something special together. Whether you're in Port Orchard, Bremerton, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Gig Harbor, Tacoma, or anywhere in Kitsap or Pierce County, I’d love to help you document the journey from bump to baby.

There’s nothing quite like photographing a one-year-old—full of energy, curiosity, and an endless supply of giggles. If you’ve ever witnessed a little one exploring the world around them, you know they move at lightning speed, with boundless enthusiasm for every new sound, texture, and toy. As a photographer, capturing these fleeting moments is both a challenge and a joy!

The Magic of One-Year-Old Sessions

One-year sessions are some of my favorites because they showcase such a fun and exciting stage of life. At this age, little ones are often just finding their footing—some wobbling through their first steps, others crawling at record speed. Their expressions range from wide-eyed wonder to squeals of delight, making every second in the studio an adventure.

Rather than expecting a one-year-old to sit still and pose, I embrace their energy! These sessions are all about movement, play, and letting their unique personality shine through. Whether it’s clapping hands, waving, or belly laughing at a silly noise, these tiny moments become cherished memories.

Tips for a Fun and Successful Session

If you’re planning a studio session for your one-year-old, here are a few tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

1. Keep It Light and Playful – The best photos happen when your child is having fun. Tickles, peek-a-boo, and favorite songs are all great ways to keep them engaged.

2. Bring a Favorite Toy or Snack – Familiar objects can help them feel comfortable and encourage natural smiles.

3. Dress for Comfort – Simple, soft outfits in neutral or pastel tones photograph beautifully and allow your little one to move freely.

4. Be Ready to Move! – Expect lots of chasing, clapping, and silly antics to keep your child engaged. I’ll be right there, capturing all the joy in between.

5. Embrace the Chaos – Sometimes, the best moments come from the unplanned—those bursts of laughter, surprise expressions, and spontaneous cuddles with mom or dad.

A Session to Remember

Every one-year-old session is completely unique, just like the little one in front of the camera. Whether they’re toddling toward me with a mischievous grin, clapping their hands in delight, or giggling uncontrollably at a game of peek-a-boo, the goal is to capture the pure joy of this milestone.

So, if you're in Port Orchard, Bremerton, Silverdale, Gig Harbor, or anywhere in Kitsap County or Pierce County, and you're ready to chase giggles and celebrate your little one’s first big year, let’s create some magic together. I can’t wait to capture these fleeting, joy-filled moments!

Choosing the perfect outfits for your family photo session can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! With a few simple tips, you can create a look that feels natural, timeless, and beautiful. Here are my top recommendations to help you feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera.

1. Start with a Color Palette

Begin by choosing a color scheme with 3-4 complementary colors. Soft neutrals like beige, cream, and gray paired with gentle pastels or earth tones create a timeless look. Consider shades of blue, sage, or dusty rose for a classic and flattering palette. Avoid overly bright neon colors, as they can distract from your faces.

2. Coordinate, Don't Match

Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans. Instead, aim to coordinate colors and textures while letting each family member's style shine. Think about layering textures like knits, denim, or linen to add depth to your images.

3. Focus on Timeless Pieces

For a timeless look, choose clothing that feels classic rather than trendy. Flowy dresses, simple button-down shirts, and cozy cardigans all photograph beautifully. Avoid large logos or busy patterns, as they can pull attention away from your family's connection.

4. Dress for the Season

Your outfits should reflect the time of year. For spring and summer, think soft fabrics and light colors. In fall and winter, rich tones like deep greens, mustard yellows, and burgundy add warmth and depth.

5. Think About Movement and Comfort

Clothing that allows for movement makes a huge difference in capturing genuine moments. Dresses with flow, loose-fitting shirts, or layers that allow you to move freely can help create more relaxed and natural photos. Keep kids especially comfortable so they can play, cuddle, and be themselves.

6. Add Meaningful Accessories

Accessories like scarves, hats, or jewelry can add personality and visual interest. Bonus points if you incorporate sentimental pieces that tell a story about your family.

7. Plan Ahead

Lay out your outfits a few days before your session to ensure everything fits well and looks cohesive. This gives you time to make adjustments without the last-minute stress.

Final Thought: Be Yourself

The most important thing is that your family feels like you. Choose outfits that reflect your personality and make you feel comfortable. When you feel good, it shows in your photos — and those are the moments you’ll cherish forever.

If you have any questions or need help choosing outfits, I'm always here to offer guidance. Let's create timeless memories together!

Whether you're in Kitsap or Pierce County — from Port Orchard and Bremerton to Silverdale, Gig Harbor, and Tacoma — I'm here to capture your family's special moments.

At Impressions by Ellie Photography, I always ask for permission before sharing any photographs on social media. If you prefer to keep them private, that’s completely okay— I 100% respect your privacy. I wanted to share this image with you all because it perfectly illustrates this, and yes, I have permission to post it. I just want to reiterate that it’s absolutely okay to keep your baby’s identity offline. Doing so helps protect their privacy and allows them to shape their own digital presence in the future.