Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s most exciting (and exhausting) milestones. The tiny paws, the floppy ears, the awkward clumsiness, ugh, it all goes by faster than anyone expects!

One of the most common questions I hear from new puppy parents across Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland is:

“When should I schedule a puppy photoshoot?”

The short answer?
Sooner than you think, but not immediately.

Let’s break it down so you can choose the right timing for you and your pup.

The Sweet Spot: 10–16 Weeks Old

For most puppies, the ideal window for a puppy photoshoot is between 10 and 16 weeks old.

At this stage:

Your puppy is still visibly tiny
Their features are soft and expressive
Personalities start to peek through
They’re curious but not yet overly independent

This age captures that unmistakable “puppy look” that disappears almost overnight.

In the image below, sweet Beau is about 12 weeks old!

Why Not Right Away? (The First Few Weeks Matter)

While it’s tempting to schedule photos the moment your puppy comes home, the first few weeks are often better spent adjusting.

During the early days:

Puppies are still settling into their new environment
Sleep schedules are unpredictable
Vaccination timelines may limit outdoor sessions
Stress levels (for both puppy and human) are high

Waiting a few weeks allows your puppy to feel more comfortable, confident, and ready to engage, which leads to better photos and a more enjoyable experience overall.

What About Very Young Puppies?

If you’re bringing home a puppy younger than 8 weeks (for any reason), I usually recommend waiting until:

Your puppy has had at least initial vaccinations
You’ve established a basic routine
They’re comfortable being handled and gently guided

That said, every puppy is different. If you’re unsure, I’m always happy to talk through timing based on your specific situation.

Puppies Grow Faster Than You Think (Seriously)

One of the biggest regrets I hear from dog parents is waiting too long.

Puppies change dramatically:

Week to week
Sometimes day to day
Often between booking and the actual session

Scheduling earlier ensures you capture:

Their puppy proportions
Their curious expressions
That unmistakable “new puppy” energy

If you wait until they’re six months old, they’ll already look like a very different dog.

Beautiful June offers a great example of this! Below, she is just 10 weeks old. The image below that, she is six months old. Look how much she grows!

What If My Puppy Can’t Sit Still?

Great news: they don’t need to.

Puppy sessions are designed around:

Movement
Exploration
Breaks
Treats and positive reinforcement

There’s no expectation of perfect behavior. Some of the best puppy images come from in-between moments, a head tilt, a curious glance, a playful bounce.

My job is to work with your puppy, not against them.

Should I Be in the Photos Too?

I always encourage puppy parents to step into a few frames.

This stage of life is about bonding, learning from each other, growing together, and building trust. Including yourself:

Shows scale (just how small they were!)
Captures your early connection
Creates images that become even more meaningful over time

Years from now, these photos will remind you of how it all began.

What If I Miss the “Puppy Stage”?

First, please be kind to yourself. Life gets busy.

The good news?
There’s no bad time to photograph your dog.

While puppy sessions are wonderful, every stage has its own beauty. If you’re past the puppy phase, we can still create images that celebrate your dog exactly as they are now.

Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference

If you’re bringing home a puppy soon, I recommend reaching out early, even before they arrive. That way, we can:

Talk through timing
Plan a stress-free session
Choose a location that feels safe and comfortable
Make sure you don’t miss that fleeting puppy phase

Puppy Photoshoot FAQ

When is the best age for a puppy photoshoot?
Most puppy photoshoots are scheduled between 10 and 16 weeks old, when puppies still have that soft, unmistakable puppy look but are settled enough to enjoy the session.

Can my puppy have a photoshoot before all vaccinations are complete?
Yes, many puppy sessions are done in low-risk environments before full vaccination. I’ll help you choose a location that prioritizes your puppy’s safety and comfort.

What if my puppy won’t sit still?
That’s completely normal. Puppy sessions are designed around movement, play, and breaks. There’s no expectation of perfect behavior — some of the best images come from natural, unscripted moments.

Where do puppy photoshoots take place?
I offer puppy sessions throughout Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland, typically in quiet outdoor locations or controlled environments that are well-suited for young dogs.

Should I be in the puppy photos, too?
Absolutely. Including yourself helps tell the story of this early bond and adds emotional depth to your images, especially meaningful as your puppy grows.

What if I miss the puppy stage?
Every stage of your dog’s life is worth celebrating. While puppy sessions capture a fleeting moment, adult and senior dog portraits are just as meaningful in their own way.

Thinking About Scheduling a Puppy Photoshoot?

If you’re wondering when to book, well, now is probably the right time to start the conversation!

I photograph puppy sessions throughout the DMV, including DC, Alexandria, and Arlington, and help clients choose calm, puppy-friendly locations that feel safe and manageable during those early weeks.

Let’s chat during a no-pressure phone call. We can get to know each other, discuss your dream session, and, most importantly, you can show me your cute puppy!

📸 Book your puppy photoshoot
Let’s capture this once-in-a-lifetime stage before it slips quietly into memory.

When Should I Schedule a Puppy Photoshoot?