Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting seasons — and one of the fastest.


They grow quickly.

They change constantly.

And before you know it, that tiny puppy phase is gone.


As a Charlotte dog photographer, one of the most common things I hear is:


“I wish I had more photos from when they were little.”


If you’re wondering when the best time is to schedule photos for your puppy, this guide will walk you through the most meaningful stages to capture during their first year.


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8–10 Weeks: The “Just Brought Them Home” Stage


This is when everything is brand new.


Your puppy is tiny, curious, and still figuring out the world.


This stage is perfect for:

• close-up portraits

• in-home lifestyle photos

• capturing their size and features


These moments feel quiet and intimate — and they pass quickly.


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3–4 Months: Personality Starts to Shine


At this stage, your puppy is starting to come into their personality.


They’re more playful, more expressive, and a little more comfortable with their surroundings.


This is a great time for:

• playful outdoor sessions

• interaction photos with you

• capturing their growing confidence


They’re still small — but you can already see who they’re becoming.


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5–6 Months: The “Awkward but Adorable” Stage


This is one of the most underrated stages.


They might be a little lanky.

Their ears might not match.

They’re growing into themselves.


And it’s honestly one of the most fun times to photograph.


These sessions capture:

• their goofy personality

• movement and play

• that in-between stage that doesn’t last long


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9–12 Months: Almost Grown, But Not Quite


By this point, your puppy is starting to look more like their adult self.


But they still have that softness and playfulness that makes this stage special.


This is perfect for:

• more polished portraits

• golden hour outdoor sessions

• family + dog sessions


It’s a beautiful transition stage — not quite a puppy, not quite fully grown.


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Do You Need to Do Every Stage?


Not at all.


Even capturing just one of these stages is meaningful.


If you’re choosing one, most people love:

• the very early stage (8–10 weeks)

or

• the 4–6 month stage (personality + playfulness)


But if you want to fully document their first year, spacing out a couple sessions creates a really special story.


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What If My Puppy Isn’t Fully Trained Yet?


That’s completely normal.


Puppies don’t need to be perfectly trained for photos.


I guide sessions in a way that works with their energy — not against it.


We keep things:

• relaxed

• flexible

• and fun


Some of the best photos come from those unplanned, in-between moments.


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Charlotte Puppy Photography Locations


For puppy sessions, I typically recommend:


• quiet outdoor parks in Charlotte

• open spaces with room to move

• or in-home sessions for very young puppies


We choose locations based on your puppy’s comfort and personality.


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Why These Photos Matter More Than You Think


The puppy stage feels long in the moment — but it’s incredibly short.


These images become the ones you look back on years later.


The tiny paws.

The curious eyes.

The way they looked at you in the beginning.



If you’ve recently brought home a puppy and want to document this stage, I’d love to help you plan a session that feels natural and true to your dog.


I photograph puppies throughout Charlotte, Concord, and surrounding areas.


👉 [Inquire here to begin planning your session]