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Senior portraits are already a big deal on their own. But some of the most meaningful images I’ve ever made weren’t just of the senior – they included a mom, a sibling, or a beloved pet who had been part of her whole story. When those moments work, they really work. And when they don’t, it’s usually because no one planned ahead. So let’s talk about how to include the people (and animals) who matter most in a way that actually feels like your family, not a stock photo of one.

The Sessions That Changed How I Think About This

I’ll be honest – I didn’t always fully appreciate how heavy these additions could be until a few sessions shifted my perspective completely.

One senior included her mom at the end – her mom who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. We made sure to work family time into the session, and those images are some of my favorite I’ve ever made. Not because they were technically perfect, but because I know that one day this family will look back and have those photos forever. That’s the whole point.

Another senior brought her horse. What I didn’t know going in was that she was selling him – it was their last week together. He had been a big part of her life, and now she has photos of him during one of the most significant years she’s lived. Those images mean something that no studio backdrop ever could.

That’s what I mean when I say these moments can be real rather than performative. It’s not about posing everyone perfectly. It’s about recognizing what actually matters to this particular family at this particular time.

What Clients Usually Get Wrong About This

The biggest misconception I run into is that including a family member or a pet is something that can just happen on the fly. Like, someone can show up mid-session and we’ll figure it out.

Here’s the thing – it can work out, but it rarely works out well without a heads up.

Your photographer is mentally managing a timeline the whole session. She knows roughly how long each outfit is taking, where the light is going to be, and when golden hour is going to hit (especially if you’re on Tybee Island and that sunset is not waiting for anyone). If family shows up unexpectedly, or if a pet appears out of nowhere and no one knew to budget time for that, it throws everything off.

It’s not that it can’t happen. It’s just that mentioning it ahead of time costs nothing, and it protects the whole experience.

How to Actually Make It Work

Here’s what I tell my seniors and their moms when they want to include extra people or pets:

Bring it up before the session, not the day of

Tell your photographer from the start. It doesn’t have to be a big conversation – just mention it when you’re booking or in your pre-session communication. That way your photographer can plan for it.

Let your photographer guide the timing

A good photographer will tell you when during the session makes the most sense to bring family in. Usually it’s toward the end, after the senior has had time to warm up and the main portraits are handled. Trying to start with family and then transition to solo shots can make the solo portion feel rushed or awkward.

Come coordinated, not matching

This is where photographer-provided resources really help. You don’t need everyone in the same outfit, but you also don’t want your family to look like they each got dressed in a different decade. Ask your photographer if they have any guidance on this – it takes the guesswork out completely.

For pets, think about logistics honestly

You might have the sweetest, most well-behaved dog in existence. But keeping up with a dog on a leash while also trying to take photos is a lot. Bring someone whose only job is managing the pet. That way the senior isn’t distracted, and the dog actually gets into the frame looking like he belongs there instead of pulling toward a squirrel.

Sunset sessions especially need a plan

If you’re doing a beach session on Tybee Island or anywhere where the light is a big factor, timing matters even more. You don’t want family members running late or unsure of the location while your photographer is watching the golden light disappear. Coordinate the meeting spot, the time, and the plan in advance.

Why This Matters More Than You Might Think

Senior year already goes faster than anyone expects. And the photos from this season aren’t just for Instagram – they’re for the years ahead, when everyone looks back and says, “remember when.”

The sessions that include family or pets aren’t just cute additions. Sometimes they’re the whole reason someone chose to do portraits at all. A horse. A mom. A little sister who insisted on being included. These are the details that make a gallery feel like your story instead of anyone else’s.

My job isn’t just to get a great photo of a senior in a pretty Savannah location. It’s to help your family walk away with something real – something that was actually worth documenting.

Ready to Make It Happen?

If you’re thinking about including your mom, your dog, your horse (yes, really), or anyone else who means something to you – let’s talk about it before your session. The earlier I know, the better I can build it into your timeline and make sure it actually goes the way you’re hoping.

Head to jadengiorgianni.com to reach out and start planning your Savannah senior session. Bring the people (and pets) who matter. We’ll figure out the rest together.