Hello Cute Puppy Photos: 10 Adorable Puppy Photo Shoot Ideas

Shell & Katy Pretty Fluffy Editors

Shell & Katy are two style-savvy dog mums celebrating the best in pet-friendly living. A pet photographer and dog lifestyle writer, together they share trending pet products, recipes, inspiration and expert tips with discerning dog lovers around the world.

Cute puppy photos. Who doesn’t love them? (unless you’re strictly a cat person!)

We recently welcomed our cocker spaniel puppy, Sunny, into our family. And you bet we were brainstorming these adorable puppy photo shoot ideas long before we met him!

If you’ve recently brought home a new puppy like us, you’re probably super excited to take cute photos of your puppy to share with all your family and friends.

These ridiculously cute puppy photo shoot ideas can be done at home, and are guaranteed to make your photos as sweet and squeal-worthy as can be.

Take it from us – as well as being the editors here at Pretty Fluffy, we’re also pet and puppy photographers. So when it comes to puppy photography tips and ideas, you’ve come to the right place!

RELATED: Puppy Must-Haves: The Ultimate Checklist for Puppies (2024) 

10 Fun & Easy Puppy Photo Shoot Ideas

Katy’s background as a newborn photographer inspired many of these cute puppy poses, which makes sense when you think about it – because it’s basically a newborn puppy photo shoot!

So whether you’re a pet parent or pet photographer looking for cute puppy photo shoot ideas, or you’re here just to look at cute photos of puppies, these are sure to put a big cheesy smile on your face.

Cue the oohs and ahhhs!

#1. Puppy in a hammock 

Anne Geddes, the original queen of newborn photography, became famous with her iconic images of babies sleeping in hammocks. And if a baby looks cute in a hammock, of course a puppy does too!

Just remember, safety first – this photo was taken above a bed, which is just out of shot.

#2. Puppy in a swaddle

Newborn photography 101 – but for puppies! For this puppy photo shoot idea, grab your favourite light throw blanket and wrap it round your puppy so they are nice and snuggly.

Lay their ears out, or tuck their paws under their chin, for that extra adorbs factor.

#3. Puppy in bed

Hands down the easiest time to photograph your puppy is when they’re asleep (which is 90% of the time – puppies sleep alot!)

For this shot, tuck your sleeping puppy in bed nice and snug, with their paws over the sheet for extra cuteness.

#4. Puppy’s first run in the garden

The unbridled joy your puppy feels when they are let loose to run around your garden for the first time is a precious memory you will 100% want to capture.

Tip: Get down to your puppy’s level to capture the moment from their perspective!

#5.Puppy hanging in a swaddle

Sure, a hammock is cute. But when it comes to adorable puppy pictures, a hanging swaddle is even sweeter.

Again, safety first – this photo was taken just above a bed, because you never know when your sleeping puppy is going to wake up suddenly and want something!

#6.Puppy announcement idea

Need cute puppy announcement ideas? Sharing your exciting news with the world via a sweet or funny message on a letterboard is all the rage across Facebook and Instagram, for good reason.

Sunny’s letter board above is from Bebe Robe on Etsy.

#7. Puppy with flower crown

Just when you think a sleeping puppy can’t look any more innocent…out come the flower crowns!

Not that we used an actual flower crown, that is – these are just a few flowers from our garden resting gently on Sunny’s head. The effect is the same – blooming adorable. 

#8. Puppy in a basket 

Another idea inspired by classic newborn photography, the ‘puppy in a basket’ shot is a must!

If you have a wicker basket, simply pad it out with one or two light throws (we opted for one plain, one patterned throw) then tuck your sleeping puppy in while laying on their back, so you can get the shot from directly above.   

#9. Paws on paws

Little paw paws touching their little toe beans…puppy photos don’t get much cuter.

Make a nest with a blanket and place your sleepy puppy inside, laying on their back.

Make your puppy nice and tight and snug, which will bring their four paws close together so they are touching – then snap away!

#10. Puppy’s little details 

Does your pup have adorable little features you love?

Such as their puppy paws, eyelashes or floppy ears?

Capture all the little things you love and put them together in a cute puppy photo collage.