Your own home can be a nice setting for portraits at the holdays … or anytime.

Yes, pets are welcome in your family portraits!  However, I suggest you containing them so that you can take a few without your pets as well.  While most of the time it works out fine with pets, like in this photo, pets (like children) can be unpredictable. The added stress of coordinating the extra family members can sometimes make grown-ups forget to smile.

Kathy called to schedule their family portrait, hoping I could work with their need for a tentative, and possibly last minute date.  Her oldest son was going to be on leave from defending our country for just a few days.  And, as those with family in the military know, just exactly which days were to be determined.  I completely understood, since my little brother is in the service as well, and was glad to be able to help create their family portrait.