Ohio Commercial Pet Photography Shoot - Beer Can Label for Columbus Brewery

For the past few years, I have been fortunate to be a part of super a unique and popular fundraiser contest in support of RESCUEDohio, a Columbus, Ohio-based dog rescue organization I volunteer with. For this contest, people submitted pictures of their dogs and got friends and family to “vote” for them for the chance to be the new face of 3 Seventh Son Brewing beer cans! Each “vote” was a $1 donation to RescuedOhio. Through this contest we raised over $37.5k for RescuedOhio!!! These funds will go to helping provide medical treatment, housing and supplies, and adoption services to homeless, abandoned, abused and neglected dogs and puppies here in Central Ohio.

After the contest ended, I photographed the top 3 winning dogs for their beer label. I just love how these turned out. Take a look at how good Georgie, Winry, and Buddy look on the cans! We went with bold, primary colors, as they look super eye-catching when in a 6-pack.

To celebrate the release, Seventh Son Brewing threw a release party. To build excitement and get the word out, I did a photo shoot with the 4th place winner at the brewery. We used these photos across social media to help bring awareness to our campaign.

Ready to Party

Pastrami, the 4th place dog at Seventh Son Brewing

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

Capturing Pets & their People

You and your dog share a unique and incredible bond. Here’s why hiring a pet photographer should be at the top of your list if you’re considering getting photos taken together with your dog.

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.

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.

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!

Winter End of Life Pet and Family Photo Session - Tyskie | Gahanna, Ohio

Tyskie’s family sharing a quiet, loving moment during their End of Life Session | © Holly Hildreth Photography

Tyskie the Border Collie mix recently came to me for a session after receiving some unfortunate health news. Since it was so close to Christmas, we decided to take advantage of Creekside park in Gahanna, which has an amazing Christmas light display in December. Tyskie’s family wanted to capture some portraits of him by himself as well as a few photos together. Take a look below for some of my favorites from our session.

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End of Life pet photography is not about dwelling on the inevitable, but rather about celebrating the life, love, and the unique bond you share with your dog.

Dogs bring us immeasurable joy, unconditional love, and goofy antics that fill our lives with laughter and warmth. As much as we cherish every wonderful moment together, the reality of their shorter lifespans means we will all have to say “goodbye” to our best friends as some point.

Here's why end-of-life pet photography is a gift worth giving to yourself or a loved one:

• Treasured memories: Photos transcend time and hold the incredible power to transport you back to joyful moments. A gentle nuzzle, a goofy grin during belly rubs, their soft gaze – these details might fade with time, but photographs keep them vibrant and alive.

• Comfort in grief: Losing a pet is never easy, and the pain can feel overwhelming. End-of-life photos offer a tangible connection to your furry friend, a source of comfort and solace when you need it most. Looking at their familiar face, can bring a wave of bittersweet joy and cherished memories. The session itself also provides owners a sense of closure and peace knowing that we’ve captured something to hold on to after your pet passes.

• Honoring the bond: These photos are a testament to the unconditional love and unwavering loyalty shared between you and your dog. They capture the pure joy pets bring to us, as well as the deep devotion we share. These are more than just portraits; they are gallery-worthy works of art created as an homage to your pet and their impact on your life.

• Celebrating life: While acknowledging the inevitable, end-of-life pet photography is ultimately a celebration of life. It's a way to honor your dog through a beautiful tribute to their spirit. The session also gives us an opportunity to go on one last tail-wagging adventure before they cross the Rainbow Bridge. Owners often remark that their dog is so overjoyed during our session that they catch a beautiful glimmer of their dog acting like their old, happy selves.

Making the experience special:

• Choose the right photographer: Look for someone who specializes in pet photography and understands the emotional sensitivity of end-of-life sessions, as well as the extra considerations that may be needed for a terminally-ill pet.

• Focus on comfort: Prioritize your dog's well-being above all else. Choosing the setting, keeping the session stress-free, and letting your furry friend guide the pace means that you and your dog are both going to have a positive and fun experience

• Doggy Bucket List: Does your dog love cheeseburgers more than anything? Or maybe they could never resist going for a swim. We can customize your session to your pet, which means we have an opportunity to incorporate some of your pet’s favorite things. Our session provides you with one last memory-making adventure together.

If you are interested in booking an end of life pet photography session for your dog, please use my contact page to request a session. Because I know time is of the essence in these cases, I will be in touch ASAP to get your pup in for their photo shoot.

Why Your Pet Business NEEDS Custom Commercial Animal Photography

While most of my blog posts here are of private client sessions, I also offer commercial pet photography services. Whether you are a small business making dog bandanas at home, a grooming salon looking to grow your client base, or are well-established pet supply chain, custom commercial animal photography of YOUR business and products is an excellent way to elevate your brand.

Research shows that 60% of consumers are more likely to contact a business that has high-end professional photos on their website and social media. Additionally, 90% of online shoppers say high quality, professional images are the most important factor when considering a purchase. As a result, not having these kinds of photos could be a deal-breaker for your clients, which in turn costs you business.

Some folks turn to stock photography for their marketing and website needs. But, you may want to reconsider. Eye-tracking research shows that consumers tend to ignore stock photos and "filler content" images. Generic stock photos can make your brand feel impersonal, cold, and less trustworthy. Plus, stock photos aren't exclusive or unique to you, meaning your competition could be using the exact same photos on their website! This makes it so much harder to stand out to prospective customers, especially in a highly competitive market.

If you are ready to invest in a custom commercial animal photography session for your pet business, contact me today! We'll discuss what makes your offerings unique and how to shoot that in order to make your brand stand apart from the competition. If you’re ready to take the next steps and elevate your brand, contact me today.

Columbus End of Life Pet Photography - Oscar

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we have loved deeply, becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller

Oscar and his two Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sisters, (Willow and Bea), came to me recently for a session when Oscar's owner received the devastating news that he had a tumor on his heart. We didn't know how much time he had left, but thought it best to do our End of Life session as soon as possible to be safe. Oscar was nothing but positive vibes during the session. He was such a sweet, goofy boy that just radiated happiness. Plus having a tail that never stopped wagging was like the cherry on top. I couldn't help but smile behind the camera the whole time I was shooting. I'm so glad we braved the heat and got Oscar in ASAP for photos, as he suddenly passed away a few days later. While it's terribly painful to say goodbye to such a loved pup, I know Oscar had a few furry friends who were waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge.

Losing a pet is one of the most difficult experiences in life. It's a time of immense grief and sorrow. However, End-of-life pet photography can be a beautiful way to capture some final memories before your beloved furry family member passes. It can help you cope with your grief, as many people find these physical reminders of their pet help them navigate the loss and remember their pet in a happy light. Owners also report it gives them a sense of closure. Sessions provide a time and a place to celebrate your dog’s life as well as come to terms with what is next. It also provides you an opportunity to give your pup one last evening to do the things they love, whether that’s just laying outside in the sunshine, wading in some water, going for a car ride, receiving pets, eating their favorite foods, or just enjoying some fresh air with you.

If you're considering doing end-of-life pet photography, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it's important to choose a photographer who is experienced in this type of photography. This is a highly sensitive and emotional time for you, so you’ll want to be sure you choose a photographer that will make you and your pet comfortable and at ease. An End of Life pet photographer will also be able to help you create photos that are both beautiful and meaningful. Plus, they are experienced with working with animals that may not have the same energy, mobility, or stamina of a healthy/younger dog. Your session can focus solely on your dog, or the bond you and your dog share. When selecting a professional pet photographer, be sure to look through the photographer’s portfolio to make sure their photographic style matches up with what you’re envisioning for your session.

Secondly, DO NOT WAIT. Some folks wait until their pet is in their final hours before booking a session, or wait so long that their pet passes before they even reach out to me. I highly recommend getting photos done sooner rather than later. We want your pet to be comfortable and at peace during this time. Plus many owners wish to have images of their pet while they’re still feeling like themselves, looking happy and healthy, and able to get around on their own. Of course we can’t control the timing or effects of our pet’s health issues, so this is not always possible. I will work with you to make sure we’re able to get incredible images of your pet, regardless of their ailments. If your dog is in need of immediate services, please contact me right away so we can get your scheduled.

New Albany, Ohio, Pet Photography Sessions - Location Scouting: Wildflowers

One exciting challenge in pet photography is trying out new locations for your sessions. But when working with dogs, it’s extra important to know what you’ll be getting yourself in to if you were to do a photo shoot there! When I am considering a new location for an outdoor pet session, there are some key things I need to figure out before the shoot in order to set your dog up for success.

One of the most crucial questions I want to answer when I am location scouting is: what are this park’s distractions? In order to get a first-hand look, I like to visit the park before our session (with my own dogs), and try to find out: Are there a lot of other park-goers? Will there be other dogs near us? Would we potentially encounter wildlife like geese, rabbits, ducks, or deer? How loud is the park? Are there any sounds that may startle a dog? How close to the road or parking lot will we be? How accessible are the areas within the park where I want to shoot? Where will the sun be setting in relation to some key features of the park? The list goes on and on, but each and every thing is an important detail in making sure you and your pup have the most stress-free photography experience as possible.

Recently, I had been wanting to scout out a new location closer to where I live in New Albany. As luck would have it, I actually stumbled upon an amazing spot one evening when we were walking to a restaurant. Nestled along a walking path in New Albany’s Rose Run Park, I spotted the most gorgeous pink and purple wildflowers. We took a walk through the park, and snapped some cell phone photos at a few spots I thought would make for a perfect background. I mentally took note of how busy the park was, what kind dog/foot/bike traffic there was, and then calculated when the best time for the session would be based on how the sun filtered in through the tree canopy. After our little scouting expedition, I knew just the dog that would be a perfect fit for this location: Oksana the Siberian Husky.

Coincidentally the same day, I attended a corgi meet-up with my own pup, Brisket, at Rocky Fork Dog Park in New Albany. Driving in, we noticed that there was an incredible field of wild butterweed just across the road! So when Oksana’s owner agreed to help me do a test photoshoot at Rose Run Park, I convinced her to also pop over to Rocky Fork afterwords. I’m so glad we did, as the shots from both locations turned out amazing! They were so good in fact, that I actually went back the next morning with my own dog for another photo shoot! But that’s a story for another post.

Happy Paw-ther's Day! -Columbus, Ohio, Pet Photography

Happy Father's Day to all the dog dads out there! You are the best of the best. You are always there for your furry friends, no matter what. You take them for walks, play fetch with them, and give them endless love and cuddles. You are their best friends and they are lucky to have you.

Do you have an awesome dog dad in your life? If so, head over to my Facebook Page and give them a shout out in the comments for a chance to win a FREE mini-session!

Celebrating Specially-Abled Pets - Columbus, Ohio, dog photography

Hooray! Today is Specially-abled Pets Day! This day honors and celebrates differently-abled pets, their stories, and the families that love them.

One concern I hear from owners is that they’re afraid their pet isn't suitable for a photo shoot due to being blind, deaf, mobility or otherwise impaired. They worry that we may not be able to get their attention, or that if their pet is not able to run and play, then they will look sad in the photos. I’m here to tell you that you have no reason to worry! Here is proof that we will absolutely get wonderful images of your faithful friend regardless of any impairments they may have.

In my years’ of experience, I have had the pleasure of working with pups from a whole spectrum of abilities, and as a result, I have figured out lots of the little secret tricks to get your dog’s attention. From dogs who are diabetic and unable to have treats during the shoot (my personal dog is diabetic too!) to seniors who are unable to stand, to dogs experiencing deafness, blindness…(or both!), I have seen it all, and know just the right ways to photograph these pets. Plus, you might pick up a secret tip for getting your dog’s attention from our photoshoot, that you can use at home when you’re taking your own snaps of your furry friend.

I wanted to celebrate today by sharing some of my oh-so-cute clients who haven’t let life’s curveballs slow them down.

Do you share your life with a specially-abled pet? If so, tell me about them in the comments below!