An Unforgettable Dog Birthday Photoshoot - Entropy the GSD

While most dog’s birthday photos feature cute party hats, cakes, and bows, that’s not Entropy’s style. He’d rather wear clumps of mud than some silly birthday hat! Entropy was determined to celebrate his 1st birthday his own way, which truly made for some unique photos.

This fluffy pup’s photoshoot started like any other. We captured some beautiful, quiet and composed shots of him by himself as well as some some sweet dog and owner portraits. But it wasn’t long before Entropy’s cheeky personality took over, and soon he was driving the crazy train and everyone else was along for the ride! Entropy decided he didn’t want to look like a posh show dog, so he chose to spend our session splashing through mud puddles instead of smiling at the camera. And honestly, I can’t argue—I mean it’s his birthday after all, and he’s here to party hard!

This session is a tribute to high energy pups who keep life interesting, and is a testament that sometimes the best photos come from embracing the chaos, (especially when you’re celebrating a spicy dog like Entropy).

Entropy was true to his name and kept us all on our toes. Entropy wanted to make sure to share the love and helped cover us in mud while he romped along the shoreline, chasing his frisbee, and diving into puddles. By the end of the session, we looked like we had spent the last hour mud wrestling! Although we were caked in mud, we were laughing about how much fun we’d all had as we walked back.

The biggest misconception about professional pet photography is that your dog has to sit still. Entropy here says “you’re joking, right?” There’s no such thing as too much energy. I welcome all the wiggly puppies, non-stop zoomies, and ball-is-life diehard dogs. These kind of sessions are a ton of fun for and always end up with amazing results full of so much personality.

While posed pet portraits are a classic, sometimes the best way to celebrate your dog’s unique personality is by embracing their wild side. Sessions like Entropy’s are a reminder that the most authentic photos come from letting your dog just be themselves.

4 Things That Made This Dog’s Photo Shoot a Success

1. Highlighting Personality: Whether your pup is an elegant poser or an energetic adventurer, I want to let their personality shine through in every photo. Entropy’s love for play (and getting messy) made his session uniquely him—a perfect fit!

2. Taking the Lead: When I am photographing I let the dog lead the session by dictating the pace and type of shots we get. For high energy dogs like this, they have much more fun playing and moving around than sitting still and looking at the camera, so that’s what we’ll roll with! That way your pup isn’t forced into doing something they have no interest in, and it keeps them excited and engaged with everything we’re doing.

3. Great Location: We are blessed with a ton of beautiful dog-friendly parks in the Columbus area that provide great backgrounds for your dog’s photo shoot. For this session, we wanted wide open spaces for the birthday boy to run and chase his frisbee, which is his favorite thing to do. The shoreline of Hoover Reservoir provided the perfect spot for us to shoot. With the water level so low we had miles of open shoreline to explore and Entropy could stretch his legs. This was a great location for an adventurous dog—even if there was tons of mud.

4. Dressed for Success: Muddy paws and wagging tails make for unforgettable photos… and a dirty car ride on the drive home if you’re not prepared! For sessions like these I recommend bringing plenty of towels and a change of shoes for you in order to keep the mess as contained as possible. For this muddy photo shoot my water-proof hiking boots came in quite handy. A good carseat cover is also a lifesaver for water-loving dogs like Entropy.

Celebrate Your Dog’s Big Moments

Your dog’s first birthday only happens once, and it’s worth celebrating. Whether you’re envisioning posed portraits with cute props or wild adventure, I’m here to make it happen. Let’s plan a session that’s as unique and special as your pet. Contact me today to schedule your dog’s birthday photo shoot.

Dog and Owner Birthday Photoshoot for a High-Energy Aussiedoodle

Happy birthday to an adorable pup who celebrated with a doggy birthday photo shoot in Columbus, Ohio!

Can you believe that the cutest puppy in the whole world is not actually a puppy at all? Meet Holly (great name, right?), the ridiculously adorable mini-Aussiedoodle who celebrated turning 5 with a dog birthday photo shoot. Happy Birthday, Holly!

Holly’s session was a total joy from start to finish. Her boundless energy and playful spirit were a photographer’s dream. One of the biggest misconceptions about pet photography is that your dog needs to sit still or "pose" to get great photos. Let me tell you a secret: the more personality, the better! High-energy pups like Holly bring so much life, personality, and expression to their session. Holly had loads of character—she looked like she walked straight out of a Pixar movie!

Holly’s owners also wanted to capture a nice family photo with their dog for their Christmas cards.

During Holly’s session, we captured a mix of solo shots and moments together with her loving owners.

Holly’s owners also wanted to be sure we got one traditional posed portrait together with their dog for their Christmas cards. I think it’s safe to say this little family of 3 rocked it!

One of the best parts of Holly’s session was seeing how her owners embraced her energy. They laughed, played, and let Holly be her authentic self, which made for some truly heartwarming photos. We got such a wide variety of shots that it was hard to narrow it down! This was definitely a shoot that had me smiling from ear to ear the entire time behind the camera.

We had the most perfect late fall evening with great temperatures, sunshine, and bright fall colors. It’s hard to take a bad photo when the locations look as good as this. Plus it helps that Holly is such a beautiful pup—that gorgeous red fur; she’s totally an Autumn!

I absolutely love when owners bring props to their dog’s sessions, and Holly’s owners went all out with a personalized chalkboard sign for her birthday. The sign featured her name, age, and some of her favorite things, which was a nice, personal touch to the photos. Props like these make the session even more special by telling a story and celebrating the milestones that matter most.

One especially delightful moment from Holly’s shoot was when she donned a tiny birthday party hat. It was sparkly and absolutely adorable—a perfect match for her playful personality. Despite all her energetic zoomies, Holly paused for a moment as if to show off how proud she was of her festive flair. The hat brought an extra layer of charm to the session, making her 5th birthday photos even more memorable.

Doggy birthday photo shoots like these also serve as a timeless way to document your pet’s life. Dogs grow and change so quickly, and capturing them at different stages of their lives allows you to hold onto those precious memories forever. Our dogs bring so much joy and happiness into our lives that every moment is worth celebrating!

If you’ve been holding off on booking a session because you think your pup is too wiggly or energetic, let Holly’s story be your inspiration. Whether your dog loves to leap, sprint, or never sits still, there’s no such thing as a “wrong” energy level! Every dog’s personality shines in its own way, and I’m here to make sure it’s captured beautifully.

Let’s celebrate your pup—whether it’s their birthday, adoption anniversary, or just because they’re the best dog ever. Bring on the zoomies, the chaos, and all the love. Together, we’ll create photos that capture your dog’s unique personality and the special connection you share. Ready to book your session? Let’s make some magic!

6 Clever Ways to Add Color to your Winter Pet Photography Session

As dog photographer in Columbus, I am all too familiar with the challenges of outdoor photo shoots in the winter in Ohio—a place that’s notorious for being depressingly drab this time of year. When the ground is bare, the trees are lifeless, and it’s cloudy for days (sometimes weeks) at a time, it may seem tempting to just wait and shoot in the spring instead. But even in the bleakest months, there are some easy, clever ways to create colorful, eye-catching pet portraits, even when there’s no snow on the ground. Here are six of my secret pet photographer tricks (plus one extra fun bonus tip at the end) that I use to infuse my winter photo sessions with vibrant color and personality, no matter how gray the season gets.

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Pro-tip #1: Incorporate Water

Even a mud puddle can give you colorful results in your winter pet photography sessions!

My favorite (and perhaps the easiest) way to introduce lots of color into a winter pet photo shoot is to use a location that has water. The water reflects the color of the sky, even on cloudy days (and even if the water is frozen!) The more of the frame you can fill with water, the more color there will be. Whether it’s a stream, pond, lake, or yes, even a puddle, incorporating water is one of the easiest ways to ensure an otherwise drab scene still yields colorful results. It’s an added bonus if you are able to shoot around sunset when the brilliant hues in the sky bounce off the water and help bathe the scene in lovely splashes of color.

Safety Note: While some dogs are magnets to water and want to dive right in regardless of the temperature, be careful, as not all dogs are cold-tolerant! If your doggy model is eager to get his feet wet just be sure not to spend prolonged periods of time in the water, and I recommend saving the in-water shots for the end so that your pup doesn’t spend the rest of the session cold and wet.

I’m a sucker for a good waterfall! I love this spot at Creekside Park in Gahanna. The sun shining through the splashing water is just perfection!

Pro-Tip #2: Evergreen Spots

Locations with evergreens, like pine or spruce trees, give you a great way to include a natural and consistently-green backdrop that will still be vibrant even in the winter. One of my favorite Columbus-area parks has a beautiful pine tree grove where the fallen orange pine needles carpet the ground, which brings in lots of gorgeous color. Plus, as an added bonus, the pine trees are great for blocking some of the wind and cold during the session, so it’s a win-win!

If you DO have snow, then pine trees will give you the quintessential winter wonderland setting, (which is perfect for Christmas card photos with your dog). The texture, and shapes of the branches adds a nice touch of winter magic, especially with the stark contrast of the white snow against the deep greens of the trees.

Can’t find any pine trees to use for your session, or maybe they’re not your vibe? Don’t worry, there are other ever-green options out there to try! Not sure where to start? Take a short stroll through the woods and I bet you’ll find it almost immediately in the form of moss!

Fallen logs are an excellent source of brilliant green moss that retains its color year-round. Trees growing near water also tend to have moss on them as well as large rocks and boulders in certain climates. Here in central Ohio, moss is easy to find in most all wooded or wetland areas, making it a fantastic and readily-available option for winter photo shoots regardless of if you have snow or bare ground.

Pro-Tip #3: Urban Magic

This cute spot is at the train depot in Homestead Metro Park!

There is color to be found all around in the city if you know where to look! Whether it’s the red brick cobblestone streets of the German Village, the buildings in the Columbus skyline, or colorful graffiti murals, leveraging these features provides an opportunity to add some color to the scene. Urban settings also offer a dynamic and modern feel to your session. Brightly painted doors, colorful park benches, or even seasonal decor in storefronts can add an extra pop of color and visual interest. Here in Columbus there are many dog-friendly parks that have these colorful features. I’ve got plenty of recommendations for you!

Safety note: While it may look like these pups are running free in the city, it is important to keep dogs on leash during our session for safety and to follow the local laws. I will Photoshop the leashes out after.

Can you believe this is February?

The great combo of the graffiti wall with the red-orange paint of the stairs gave this Afghan Hound photo session a kaleidoscope of colors.

Pro-Tip #4: Golden Grass

Now I know what you’re thinking: “What? Dead grass?! Isn’t that the exact thing people want to avoid when trying to make a scene look colorful?” While it sounds counterintuitive, the secret ingredient to making this work for you lies in the lighting. While direct light on dead grass can look fairly flat and brown, if you shoot with the sun shining through the grass (golden hour is the best for this) the whole world transforms from bland and brown into a gloriously golden grotto. The biggest challenge with photographing a dog with their back to the sun is making sure the dog doesn’t become a silhouette. I use off-camera flash to light the dog so that you can see all the beautiful details of their fur, their bright eyes, and gentle expression while also getting gorgeous warm color in the background.

Even without snow, this mid-January pet session still had tons of color, which made it so worth the 15 degree weather!

In this photo I had the sun shining on the dog and grass directly (rather than the sun shining through it from behind). I supplemented the sunlight with off-camera flash to give the scene much softer shadows than what natural light would provide. So even if the sun isn’t behind the dog lighting up the grass you can still get a beautiful, soft scene.

Pro-Tip #5: The sky’s the limit

A beautiful mid-January morning so cold you can see this pup’s breath, which is illuminated by the golden light of the rising sun.

The good news is that no matter what time of year it is, the sky is always there! Whether it’s a bold blue sky of a crystal clear day, or the vibrant symphony of colors that light up the evening sky as the sun goes down, or even the deep blue hues of twilight, you really can’t go wrong.

While it may seem pretty straightforward to photograph a dog in front of a beautiful sky, in order to pull this off with the best result, knowing how to properly use off-camera flash is huge! Without it you run the risk of over-exposing your sky (so it ends up totally white), or underexposing your doggy subject so he is too dark to see (and then spending way too much time in Photoshop trying to fix it). Using OCF allows me to balance the light sources from my flash and the sun, which means you end up with perfectly-exposed colorful skies and subject in every photo.

Bonus tip: Shooting from a lower point of view than the dog allows you to include more of the sky in the frame. Sometimes in order to get a better view of the sky, it helps to put the dog up on a rock, tree stump, picnic table, etc. That way I can lay down on the ground and use a wide angle lens to shoot up at your dog so that we can get as much of sky in the scene as possible while still keeping your dog center stage.

Now, I am well-aware that this IS Columbus, Ohio…a city that is known for being cloudy practically every single day from late fall until spring. Trust me, I LOVE a beautiful sunny day with gorgeous golden hour light…but that can be hard to come by this time of year! But the beauty of off-camera flash with high speed sync is that it turns the grey boring cloudy skies into dramatic moody scenes. So if we don’t have any sunshine or sunset, we can still get jaw-dropping skies, even if it doesn’t quite look that way to the naked eye during your session—you will be shocked by the results!

Cloudy skies turned from light grey to dark blue when using off-camera flash with high speed sync. This gloomy day was transformed into a brilliant blue moody sky which helped this yellow lab really stand out during her cloudy late November photo shoot at Whetstone Park of Roses in Clintonville.

Pro-tip #6: Accessories

If the photo shoot location is lacking color, then you can bring the color to the location! The options are endless when it comes to incorporating accessories and props. A bright bow or bandanna can do wonders (plus it’s stinkin’ adorable).

You can also bring a colorful blanket for your pup to lay on, or perhaps some seasonal props like a scarf or garland to spruce things up (see what I did there?).

For an extra slick boost of color, coordinating the dog’s collar/bandana with their owner’s outfit is a perfect way to create some cohesion through color during a dog and owner photo shoot.

Bonus Pro-Tip: Christmas Lights

This is one of my all-time favorite self-portraits with my dog Rigby. I just adore the vibrant colors of the Christmas light display at Creekside Park in Gahanna

I love Christmas (which should be no surprise given the fact that I am named after a Christmas plant). My favorite thing about Christmas is seeing all the beautiful lights shining bright in December. Honestly I wish it was socially acceptable to leave up Christmas lights year-round, as it seems like only hanging them up for a couple week in December isn’t enough time!

Christmas lights are an excellent source of color and interest for a winter photo shoot—especially when shooting with a telephoto lens to give you stunning bokeh. I always get excited when owners are looking for Christmas card pictures with their dog and are wanting a location that fits the theme. I know almost instantly the shoot is going to be a ton of fun (with beautiful results). There are a some great Christmas light displays in Columbus that run from the end of November to beginning of January that are the perfect spot for your photo shoot.

I hope these pet photography pro-tips were helpful in giving you some ideas of how you can incorporate color into your winter photo shoots. If you’re ready to schedule you’re dog’s winter photo shoot, click here to request your appointment.

End of Life Pet Photography: What to Expect During Your Dog's Session

A bittersweet moment of an owner saying goodbye to her dog during and end of life pet photography session

Dogs are treasured family members who give us daily reminders to find joy in the little things in life. They’re by our side through thick and thin with a gentle nudge and tail wags when we need it most. While we all want our pets to live forever, unfortunately one day we must say goodbye.

It can be overwhelming when your dog receives a terminal diagnosis or you’re facing a heartbreaking decision around their declining quality of life. With all the emotions and stress going on, booking an end of life pet photography session is probably not top of mind, (which is understandable!) But one blessing in disguise from knowing your time together is limited is that it provides an opportunity to be intentional about making a few last beautiful memories together. End of Life pet photography is a meaningful way to pay tribute to your dog’s life by capturing their essence and the incredible, deep bond you share.

For pet owners, knowing what to expect during their dog’s session helps ensure your dog has a positive and stress-free experience. Below you’ll find the most frequently asked questions I receive about End of Life Pet photography and what you can expect during your dog’s session.

What is End of Life Pet Photography?

End of Life (EoL) photo sessions are for dogs that have received a terminal health diagnosis or are in need of compassionate euthanasia. Just as every dog’s situation is different, so is every session. These sessions are tailored to your dog’s individual needs and abilities, which means their comfort, happiness, and dignity is at the forefront of everything we do. Some families use their session to capture the joy of doing a few of their dog’s favorite things before they pass as a sort of doggy bucket list. Others prefer more formal portraits. Whether your session is a quiet hang-out in your back yard or an adventurous romp through the park, you’ll come away with one-of-a-kind beautifully meaningful portraits of your pet.

Many people find peace and closure through these sessions, as it provides a dedicated time and a place to acknowledge the grief around your pet’s transition and turn it into something beautiful through photography. The photos also bring a sense of comfort to owners once their dog has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

“We don’t know how much time we have, how quickly can we schedule?”

These sessions are often last-minute, as dogs are so great at hiding pain from us that sometimes by the time you suspect something is wrong, they are already in their final few days with us. Because of the urgent nature of these sessions, I keep time set aside in my schedule every week specifically for EoL clients, and am able to get most pet owners in for an EoL photo shoot within 48 hours of contacting me.

“Can I be included in the photos with my dog?”

You’re more than welcome to join your dog in front of the camera (though it is not a requirement for End of Life Pet Photography). One bonus of being in the photos with your dog is that you’re right next to them to comfort them during the session, and they can help you relax in front of the camera too—it’s a win-win.

“Do I need to wait until my dog is about to pass for an EoL Session?”

If there’s one piece of advice I could give to dog owners it’s: DO NOT WAIT! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard from regretful families who thought they had more time with their pet, and their pup ends up passing away before they even get around to contacting me. There is no such thing as “too early” to book a session. In fact, the earlier the better! Your pet is more likely to still be acting/looking like their normal selves at the begging of a diagnosis, and that may change quickly. With some illnesses like cancer, your pet may not look same toward the end of their life. Most owners would prefer the photos show their pup as their “normal” selves, capturing the way they looked and acted most of their life, rather than the way they were for their last few days on this earth. Sometimes at the end of a dog’s life they may no longer be able to stand or walk, eat or drink, control their bodily functions, or are in pain, so please do not wait to schedule. Of course life is unpredictable and pets can go downhill quickly. I will do whatever I can to accommodate your pet and provide you both with a positive and stress-free experience.

“Where will my dog’s photo shoot take place?”

Most clients prefer to have their End of Life pet photography session at park. There are several great options to choose from in the Columbus area, and I will give you some park recommendations that generally have fewer other people walking around, in order to give us some privacy. I’ll also make my recommendations based on your dog’s abilities. My top priority will be making sure your dog is comfortable. As a result, it usually means that these sessions minimize the amount walking required. On the flip side, if your pet is still feeling great and is able to get around well, it also provides us with the opportunity to incorporate some of their favorite things into your session, like splashing in the creek, eating their favorite treats, or playing with their favorite toy to give them one more tail-wagging adventure together.

“What if my dog is too unwell to leave home?”

While photographing at a park is great, there are some situations where you may not be able to travel with your dog. For those cases, an at-home End of Life photo session might be a good fit for your pet. Whether it’s lounging in your yard or chilling on the couch, we can still capture beautiful photos of your dog at home without putting him through the stress of a car ride. There may be a small mileage fee for at-home sessions depending on where you are located. Contact me for a quote

“How do you ensure my pet is comfortable during the session?”

The most important thing in an EoL photography session is your dog’s comfort. We will work together to do whatever we can to accommodate them. Whether that’s bringing along a soft dog bed for them to lay on during the session, bringing a wagon full of blankets for them to ride around in so they don’t have to do any walking, or simply making sure they have plenty of cool water and shade available to hang out in during our photo shoot. Before your session we will chat about your dog’s abilities and their unique needs. We’ll also discuss their triggers to make sure we avoid those kinds of things during our photo shoot. We will work at your dog’s pace, and I will never pressure them into a stressful situation. I want to make sure it’s a tail-wagging experience from beginning to end.

“How do you handle the highly sensitive and emotional nature of the session?”

I know the pain you are going through. EoL sessions are absolutely judgement-free. This is a sacred time together for you and your dog. Whatever feelings you have are valid, and you don’t need to justify or hide those emotions from me. Heck, I’ll probably be tearing up behind the camera right along with you! While the nature of end of life pet photography may feel inherently sad, many owners find the experience actually ends up being much more joyful than they expected. Owners’ faces always light up when talking about and interacting with their dog, and every session ends up with genuine moments of laughter, because dogs are the best at getting us to smile.

During our time together we can chat about the things you love about your dog or your favorite memories together. I can lend a sympathetic ear to listen to what you’re pet is going through and how you’re coping. Or we can simply enjoy our time together in silence if you prefer. It is completely up to you how you’d like your session to go.

“How do I prepare for my dog’s photo shoot?”

Before your session, I will be in touch with some tips for preparing for your shoot. We’ll discuss your pet’s abilities, their likes and dislikes, and I’ll provide you some suggestions on how to make sure your dog has a comfortable experience. I also have an extensive FAQ page to help answer some of the most common questions I hear from pet owners and you can also take a look at Your Experience to get more details on what you can expect before, during, and after our photo shoot.

“How long does an end-of-life pet photo shoot typically last?”

While each package I offer comes with a different amount of shooting time, sometimes at this point in your pet’s journey they don’t have the stamina for a regular-length photo shoot, and that’s ok! Since we’ll work at your dog’s pace, if he is totally “over” the experience, I will not push him to keep posing for me. I understand if your dog needs to go home early, and will not be offended if we need to cut the session short. I’ve never come away from a session not having enough images (in fact I usually have TOO MANY to choose from,) so there is no need to worry about us not getting any shots. On the flip side, if your pet ends up requiring more time to complete the session you will not be charged for the additional time. We will take whatever time your dog needs, so they don’t feel rushed.

What inspires you to offer this kind of work?

Stoli was always a clown who never ceased to make me smile! Seeing photos like this always cheers me up.

I know firsthand the absolutely devastating heartbreak of losing your furry best friend. I lost my soul-dog, Stoli, completely unexpectedly, right before his 5th birthday. Navigating his loss was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, and although it’s been a decade since he passed, I still think of him every day.

While I never had the chance to take EoL photos together with him before he died, I do have an older photo I took of him hanging in my home. Seeing his happy face brings me a smile whenever I see it. So, all of this is to say that I know the pain you’re going through and how incredibly precious these photos are. I am blessed to be able to do this work as a way of honoring Stoli’s memory.

“How do I book my dog’s End of Life Photo Session?”

The first step is to fill out my new client questionnaire here. This gives me an idea of how to prepare for your dog’s session and what special considerations we may need. I will be in touch ASAP to get you scheduled. Most people are able to get in within about 48 hours.

Kamden's Dog and Owner Photo Shoot with Columbus Ohio’s Premiere Pet Photographer

Your pup’s quirky antics and fun-loving disposition deserve to shine in a professional pet photography session. As an experienced dog photographer, I know how to bring out your pup’s unique personality so that it totally shines through in the photos. Whether your dog is goofy or serious, outgoing or shy, laid-back or energetic, I can capture it all. It’s that versatility that means that we can let your dog do whatever he wants during our time together, and you’ll walk away with jaw-dropping pet portraits after every session! As a testament to versatility in pet photography, I give you Kamden the Golden Doodle’s dog and owner photo shoot which had it all! Posed portraits, action shots, stunning sunsets, cute candids, and more.

While Kamden’s dog momma wanted the photo shoot to mainly focus on him by himself to celebrate his birthday, she also wanted to be sure we captured a couple candid shots of dog and owner together as a tribute to the beautiful friendship they have. There were so many sweet moments to capture; they made my job easy! I loved hearing about their story and how Kamden has been by his mom’s side through lots of big moments in life including a few moves across the country for work. It’s another great reminder that our dogs are there for us through thick and thin, offering unconditional love and endless tail wags when we need them most. A dog and owner photo shoot is a beautiful way to capture a visual legacy of your life together. These images are not just photos; they’re one-of-a-kind works of art of you and your dog.

I think Kamden’s favorite part of his pet photo shoot was playing in the creek! The cool water didn’t faze him one bit. He splashed, leaped, and had an absolute blast. Whether standing still for a regal pose or mid-splash in action shots, Kamden showed off his playful yet composed personality like a professional dog model!

This location was the perfect spot for a dog photo shoot in the Columbus area. Having access to the creek, the slate cliffs, and colorful autumn leaves, meant we were certain to get amazing shots of an adventurous dog surrounded by the natural beauty of central Ohio. There’s just something so magical about incorporating water into your pet photography session—especially when it means your water-loving pup is having the time of his life like Kamden here!

After photographing in the creek bed, we moved to a tall prairie grass field area. This allowed us to get another background that looked really different from the photos we did in the creek. We started off with some more posed portraits of Kamden with the fall colors of the field.

In addition to the candid photos, Kamden’s owner also wanted to get one nice formal posed portrait of her and her dog together for their Christmas card. While we didn’t have snow on the ground for a truly Christmas-y look, this dry prairie grass made for a nice neutral winter background with the warm golden hues from the setting sun shining through. I think this was the perfect dog and owner portrait for their Christmas card.

Which Photo Is Your Favorite?

Kamden gave us so many fantastic shots that it’s hard to choose a favorite. Do you love the elegant, posed portraits? Or the joyful, splash-filled action moments best?

If you’re looking for the best pet photographer in Ohio for your dog and owner photo shoot, look no further! I would love to capture some beautiful portraits of your and your dog. Whether your pet is a calm poser or an energetic explorer, we’ll show their unique personality in every photo.

Dog and Owner Christmas Card Photo Shoot - Stevie

A sweet candid moment of Stevie and her mom together during a Central Ohio Dog and Owner Photo shoot.

A few moths back Stevie’s mom contacted me to set up a photo shoot for the Golden doodle’s 1st birthday. Here’s the link in case you missed that post: Dog Birthday Photo Shoot

We had such a blast during our time together at her summer session that Stevie’s mom decided to do another shoot to capture some fun dog and owner photos for their Christmas card. Although, I think Stevie misheard us and thought we were saying “funny Christmas card photos” instead.

From the moment Stevie arrived, she brought the energy. Instead of the calm, posed portrait vibes her mom might have envisioned, Stevie brought the comedy! Her signature kangaroo hops had her bouncing down the creek on two legs.

Just look at that cheesy smile. You just KNOW she thought she was the star of the show! Of course, no photo shoot would be complete without some unexpected moments. For Stevie, it was the discovery of a pile of horse poo. Let’s just say she was absolutely enchanted by it. We had to work hard to redirect her attention (and keep her from getting too cozy with it), but her magnetic draw to it had us in stitches.

Despite Stevie's antics—or perhaps because of them—we captured some truly beautiful moments. Her playful personality and the bond she shares with her mom really shone through. And honestly, isn’t that what a Christmas card photo should reflect? The love, laughter, and goofiness that makes every family unique.

Stevie, you’re an absolute goofball, and I love it. Thanks for making this pet and person photo shoot one to remember. I can’t wait to see how those Christmas cards turn out—horse poo and all!

Thinking about a fall photo session with your own pup?
Whether your dog is a natural model or a certified goofball like Stevie, I’d love to help you capture their unique personality. Reach out today to book your session!

Columbus Dog and Owner Photo Shoot - Diesel

Senior black lab Diesel surrounded by gorgeous fall colors during his pet photo shoot | © Holly Hildreth Photography

Celebrating Grey Muzzles and Golden Memories

"Every white hair is one day of experience in being the very best friend you’ve ever had." – Jaymi Heimbuch. This beautiful sentiment perfectly encapsulates the joy and wisdom that comes with having a senior dog in your life. I absolutely adore capturing the charm of senior pets, and Diesel here had the best salt-and-pepper look of them all!

We met for Diesel’s pet and family photo shoot on a crisp autumn morning at a park in Columbus, Ohio. The chill in the air added a seasonal magic to our session—you can even see Diesel’s breath in some of the photos! While the morning was brisk, the warmth between Diesel and his family shone through every shot, showcasing the deep bond they’ve built over their 13 years together.

Timing is everything in outdoor photography, and I’m so glad we scheduled this session when we did. Not long after we wrapped up, the wind picked up and blew most of the remaining leaves off the trees. Fortunately, we were able to capture the vibrant, golden colors of autumn in all their glory before they disappeared!

Some of the most heartwarming photos come from candid moments—the unscripted, natural interactions that show the true bond between you and your pet. Candid photos capture the essence of your relationship, showcasing the love, joy and signature quirks that makes your dog unique.

A great benefit of taking candid photos is it takes the pressure off of you to smile and pose a certain way. This makes it easier to relax and focus on just having fun with your dog. Whether it taking a stroll with your pup or giving them a belly rub, these real and authentic moments make for beautiful photos (and often you end up having a great, genuine smile on your face as well!) These candid shots also give us an opportunity to incorporate some of your dog’s favorite things like playing with their favorite toy, eating a special treat, or snuggling up to you for belly rubs.

One of the goals of this session for Diesel’s family was to get some high-quality photos together with their dog for their Christmas cards. Since they had never had professional photos done, they weren’t quite sure what to expect, but were pleasantly surprised by how much fun the sessions was! We took a variety of images both candid as well as traditional posed portraits where everyone is looking at the camera and smiling.

If you’ve been thinking about booking a pet and owner photo shoot in Columbus, Ohio, fall is one of the most picturesque seasons to do so. The changing leaves, cozy sweaters, and the beautiful natural scenes create the perfect setting for photos that look like works of art (and make great canvas prints for your walls at home!). Whether your furry companion is a playful puppy or a seasoned senior like Diesel, every stage of their life deserves to be celebrated.

Book Your Pet and Family Photo Shoot Today

Time moves fast, and seasons change in the blink of an eye. While Fall is coming to an end, we can still do pet photos in any season! I offer outdoor dog photography sessions year-round (yes, even in winter!) We can still get incredible images long after the vibrant fall colors have faded.

Contact me today to book your pet and family photo shoot in Columbus, Ohio, and let’s create some amazing images of you and your best friend.

Use the link below to get started with requested a dog and owner photoshoot for you and your pets.

6 Reasons Why You Should Choose A Professional Pet Photographer for a Pet and Family Photoshoot

Dogs are such a special part of our lives. They provide us with unconditional love, companionship, and endless entertainment. A Professional Pet Photographer can help you to capture the deep connection you share, creating not just photographs, but masterful works of art featuring you and your dog.

Woman and her dog relaxing in a park during a dog and owner photo shoot in Columbus, ohio

Unlike people and family photographers that may also shoot weddings, graduations, newborns, etc, I ONLY take on sessions that include an animal. That means you’re getting someone who is not only dedicated to the craft of photography, but someone who knows how to get the best out of your dog. Because of this and the wealth of experience I have in this field, it means that I can give you an incredible portrait of you and your dog that you never would be able to get from a people/family photographer.

Sweet moment with a loving embrace during a dog and owner photoshoot in the late fall

Now I know what you’re thinking. “If I want to be in the photos with my dog, why wouldn’t I just hire a regular family photographer?” Well, here are 6 reasons why you should specifically book a professional pet photographer for a session of you and your dog:

1. Professional Pet Photographers are Experts at “Reading” Your Dog. Did you know the main way dogs communicate is through body language? A dog is always broadcasting what they’re feeling and what they need through tiny signals that most people don’t even notice. I am an expert at seeing and interpreting the subtle little signs your dog gives off, and in turn tailoring your session to what your dogs needs in order to create an enjoyable, stress-free experience for your pet. My goal is to always keep your pup safe, happy, and engaged in everything we’re doing.

2. During Your Session, Your Dog is the Boss. A professional dog photographer can adapt on the fly and roll with whatever your dog feels like doing. Your dog will never be pushed into stressful situations or forced to do anything they don’t want to do. I am continuously watching for signs that your dog needs to take a break—and we will take as many as your dog needs. Sometimes all it takes is 10 seconds of belly rubs to to hit the reset button in your dog’s brain to get them back to feeling confident, happy, and interested in getting their photo taken. Letting your dog set the pace and dictate the kind of shots we get in turn means that you and your dog will both have a positive experience. Your dog may even blissfully fall asleep smiling during your drive home from our session.

3. Pets are Family. Period. With some people-focused photographers, your dog can end up looking like just an accessory in your photos and not like an equally-important part of your family. Often times people photographers will relegate dogs to the very edge or bottom of the frame. The dogs may also look disengaged—the people are smiling at the camera, but the dog is way more interested in what’s happening behind him. With a Professional Pet Photographer, your dog is not an afterthought, he is the main event. That means all our poses are built around your pup. So instead of it feeling like you’re doing a family session and your dog is just tagging along, your dog will be treated as THE reason for the photo shoot

4. Pet Photographers are Wizards at Getting Your Dog’s Attention. We always hear from clients that they’re worried their dog won’t be suitable for a photo shoot as they don’t know any commands, are high energy, or have a short attention span. But, there’s no reason to worry. I have tons of tricks up my sleeve for getting your dog to look at me and stay engaged with what we’re doing. Clients are always genuinely shocked at how many great photos we get from a session. Knowing when to press the shutter button is key, as it really only takes a split second of attention to make your dog look like he was a perfectly-posed best-boy. Pet photographers are able to anticipate when your dog is about to be in the perfect position and have the best expression, and are masters at knowing when to take the shot.

5. We know How to Capture Your Dog's Best Side. Pet Photographers can turn a bouncy puppy or a salt-and-pepper senior into a doggy super model. I know how to work with any kind of dog regardless of their age, size, breed(s), energy levels, training, abilities, and personality. This means every client walks away with incredible images. Regular Family photographers that specialize in people portraits do not have an in-depth understanding of animal behavior—just like how you wouldn’t expect your primary care doctor to also be a veterinarian. Hiring someone who specializes exclusively in pets means you are choosing someone who knows how to get the very best from your dog. I have hundreds of hours of positive-reinforcement dog training classes under my belt, and I also volunteer my photography services to 2 local rescues by photographing adoptable dogs. This means I’ve also worked extensively with dogs who have experienced trauma, are under-socialized, have special needs, or are wary of humans. I’ve never met a dog that I couldn’t win over; sometimes it just takes a little extra patience for your dog to feel comfortable and come out of their shell. Before the end of the session, your dog will be all smiles—they might not even want to leave!

6. We know how to showcase the bond you share. Every photo has a story, and we know the best way to show and tell it. While your session may feel like you’re just hanging out with your dog in a beautiful park, I’ll be behind the lens, capturing the genuine and subtle little moments that tell the story of the love you share. While we can do set-up poses, often the most beautiful results are organic and candid.

Looking for even more reasons to get photos done together with your pet? Take a look at the gallery below for some of my favorite pet and people sessions.

Are you ready to book your pet photo shoot? If so, visit my Contact Page to request your session today!

Ohio Dog and Owner Photoshoot - Berklee at Hoover Reservoir

An Autumn Pet and Owner Portrait Session in Westerville, Ohio | © Holly Hildreth Photography

Berklee the hound mix came to me for a Pet and Owner photo session at Hoover Reservoir in Westerville. Berklee's mom wanted to be sure we incorporated some color into our shoot—something that can be tough in early winter. Luckily for us, there are still beautiful pockets of color if you know where to look.

Berklee the hound striking a pose during a pet photography session in Ohio with Holly Hildreth Photography

One of the trademarks of my photography is my off-camera flash lighting style. Even when a scene might regularly look pretty brown or drab (as is common in the late fall and winter here in Ohio), by utilizing a combination of high shutter speeds and a flash, I am able to make the colors pop. This technique is how I do all my dramatic sky sunset sessions. By shooting this way, it makes the colors of the sky and the golden sunlight much more intense and brings back some virbrant color into a scene.

Candid moment during a Dog and Owner Photoshoot in Columbus, Ohio | © Holly Hildreth Photography