Ohio Dog Photographer | Lincoln’s End of Life Pet and Family session

“Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really.” – -Agnes Sligh Turnbull

I recently had an End of Life session with this adorable doodle named Lincoln, and his sister Maizey. Lincoln was such a gentle and sweet boy, taking treats with the best manners, sitting patiently for photos despite Ohio’s winter temperatures, and happily accepting pets from anyone who would give them. I'm so glad we decided to brave the cold and give Lincoln one last tail-wagging adventure, as he crossed the Rainbow Bridge just a couple hours after our session. Please join me in sending some love to Lincoln's family during this difficult time.

Valentine's Day Themed Dog Photoshoot by Ohio Pet Photographer Holly Hildreth

Adorable Valentine’s Day Puppy Portraits

A big round of a-paws for Rigby and Brisket being the best doggy models

While I’m not a huge fan of Valentine’s day, I decided that my two corgis needed a Valentine's-themed shoot anyway. I knew I wanted to try something new, and decided to create my own background and set for this photo shoot. The inspiration came when I realized I needed to cut off and toss some seamless paper that got thoroughly scuffed up from use, but instead of just throwing it away, I had arts and crafts time! I cut hearts out of the used paper and taped them onto a clean roll of seamless with painter’s tape. The result was a super-festive, greeting-card worthy set of photos of my pups that you can’t help but smile about

Columbus Professional Dog Photography Session - Archie & Angel

Two signature elements of my photographic style are bold colors and dramatic lighting. When I get to combine those two things with a gorgeous dog? It's the best feeling ever--so satisfying! Angel and Archie recently came to me for a fall pet session. We began their shoot by taking advantage of the last bits of fall color, and then migrated down to the lake shore of Hoover Reserivor for some sunset shots. This little sandbar is underwater all year and only emerges in late fall/early winter. This is the first session this year where it's been accessible, and it was the perfect spot for getting some gorgeous golden hour sunset portraits.

Ohio Dog Photography - Dolly & Juniper

Pet + Family Photoshoot

If you’d love a shot like this of you and your furry friend, then a Pet & Family session is the right fit for you!

There are tons of great reasons to get pet portraits, but one of the most special is when you add a new furry family member to your home. I recently had the pleasure of photographing Dolly and her little sister, Juniper the Toy Poodle puppy, together with their mom. I like to keep all my sessions as stress-free as possible for everyone involved, which means we'll work with whatever your dogs feel like doing. With puppies, sometimes that means letting them get their zoomies out while I photograph!

This little family of three was such fun to work with. Dolly and Juniper were full of life and personality, and it was so easy to see just how special they are to their mom. I love capturing the quiet little moments of love shared between a dog and their human. Which photo below is your favorite from this session?

Ohio End of Life Dog Photography - Louis, Slugger, & Easton

End of Life Pet Photography

Saying “goodbye” to our furry friends is never easy. EoL Pet Photography is a wonderful way to celebrate the life of your furry friend before they pass.

While I always hope for amazing sunny skies for every session, sometimes Mother Nature has her own plans and gives you a dark and drizzly day instead. Your can actually see the raindrops in some of these photos if you zoom in! Louis, Slugger, and Easton recently had their fall session with me. Days before their session, Slugger's family found out he is diabetic. Getting a diabetes diagnosis in dogs can be extremely overwhelming at first--trust me, I know firsthand! Since my personal dog is also diabetic, I knew exactly what Slugger needed. We were able to time his session around his feeding and insulin schedule as well as use low-glycemic treat options that wouldn't impact his blood sugar. I'm so glad we were able to capture some beautiful portraits of these 3 adorable pups, despite the rainy weather, and am wishing Slugger's family all the best as they embark on their doggy diabetes journey together.

Here’s what their owner had to say about their pet photography experience:

“Wow! Holly was fantastic for so many reasons! She worked with all three of our dogs at once and delivered some fantastic photos! She took pictures of our three boys on a rainy, yucky day and turned them into magic!

My favorite part of the experience was the accommodations she made for our newly diabetic pup, Slugger. She was so great working with all of our dogs, but really tailored our experience to Slugger, by recommending the best treats, working around our feeding schedule, and offering her experience with her own diabetic fur baby.

We could not be happier with our experience. :)”

Ohio Commercial Dog Photography Shoot - Shetland Sheepdogs

I recently had the pleasure of doing a multi-dog photoshoot for a commercial client looking to license some photos of Shetland Sheepdogs for their products. I put out a model call over on my facebook page. I quickly got connected with Érable Shetland Sheepdogs, who brought me these 4 amazingly-well behaved Shelties. We had our session at New Albany’s Rose Run Park. Although we had a gloomy fall day to work with, that didn't stop these pups from shining bright. Plus the moodier lighting felt perfectly fitting for this October photoshoot.

If you are a pet-focused business looking some high-quality, professional animal imagery, please use my contact page to reach out today. I have thousands of images available for licensing, or we can also set up your own custom commercial pet photo shoot.

Travel and Destination Dog Photography - Grey and Otto

I feel like I met a celebrity! Recently I got to photograph Grey the Great Dane & Little Brother Otto! I met their mom, Charlene, on Facebook several years ago through a mutual interest in dog photography. Charlene is a talented Pittsburgh pet and family photographer (check out her work here: https://usandthedog.com/ ) It was so amazing to finally meet everyone in person. Plus it’s always extra special when you get to photograph another dog photographer’s pets!

For those who don't know, Grey and Charlene are an accomplished therapy dog team in the Pittsburgh area. Together they have clocked hundreds of therapy visits, bringing a little piece of doggy cheer to those who need it most. Grey's little brother Otto hopes to fill his big shoes one day when he's old enough, and become a certified therapy dog as well.

For our session we traveled to a cute little campground destination situated in the Appalachian foothills of eastern Ohio, near Cambridge. It's always an exciting challenge to photograph somewhere totally new, but we had some beautiful scenery to work with. My favorite part of the session was the blue-hour portraits we did beside the campground lake.

Are you interested in getting dramatic, eye-catching, one-of-a-kind portraits of your dog, but you reside outside of the Columbus, Ohio, metro area? Let’s talk! Travel and Destination pet photography could be the right fit for you. Whether you’re 30 miles away or 3,000, I can build you a custom package that meets your needs. Plus, if there’s one thing I love just as much as photographing pets, it’s traveling! Use my Contact Page today to schedule your travel and destination pet photography session!

Columbus, Ohio, Commercial Dog Photography - Parachute Home National Dog Day Campaign

One of the things that has helped me develop my photographic style as a pet photographer, is my background in commercial photography! Any time I am able to combine commercial lighting and styling with photographing pets—I’m in heaven. So when Parachute Home reached out and asked me if I would join them again this year for their annual Puppy Party on National Dog Dog at their new Easton location, I was so excited! We had a great turn out, and created some beautiful product photos featuring our puppy party guests for Parachute’s campaign.

Did you miss the party this year? There’s always next year! Parachute Home loves celebrating National Dog Day by throwing a party just for you to come shop with your best friend, enjoy some local treats and drinks, and get your very own FREE pet portrait! Hope to see you next year!

Newark, Ohio Puppy Photography Session at Highland Hills

All puppies are cute, but holy cow, English Bulldog puppies are in a league of their own!

I had the pleasure of photographing 8 rolly, polly English Bulldog puppies and their momma at the gorgeous Highland Hills Venue. These insanely cute puppies belong to the venue owner, so it was fitting to do the session there. I'm so glad we did, because the location is amazing!

Nestled in the Appalachian foothills outside of Newark, Ohio. Highland Hills Venue is a photographer's dream. They have a gorgeous wooden barn, outdoor string lights, a beautiful view of the surrounding hills, a pond with fountain, a vintage truck, longhorn and highland cows...and the list goes on! If you're looking for an event venue for a wedding, party, or just a place to photograph your next shoot, I highly recommend checking them out!

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.

Columbus Commercial Dog Photography - Envious Borzoi

I have always wanted to photograph a Borzoi, so when a commercial client requested a few Borzoi images, I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to finally photograph such gorgeous dogs! But you don't exactly see these Russian wolfhounds walking down the street every day, so that's why I put out a model call! Luckily I found Envious Borzoi who so kindly made the drive out from Dayton with 4 Borzoi in tow. Their dogs are simply gorgeous, super friendly, and wonderful ambassadors of the breed. During our session, we had lots of people walking by that stopped and asked to pet these beautiful pups and we even unintentionally started to draw a little crowd at one point. But that didn't stop these beautiful sighthounds from being great doggy models for me. We got so many fabulous shots during their session that it was hard to narrow it down for the sneak peek!

We had our session in one of the gardens at Whetstone Park of Roses in Clintonville. This park is always a sure bet when it comes to having loads of seasonal color. If you’re interested in setting up a session for your pups, please reach out via my contact page.

Columbus End of Life Pet Photographer - Tanner & Sadie

The loss of a pet can be one of the most difficult experiences in life. After all, our pets are our family. They provide us with unconditional love, companionship, and silent support. When they pass, we are left with a hole in our hearts.

End-of-life pet photography can help us to cope with the grief of losing our furry friends. It allows us to capture their likeness and personality in a way that will last a lifetime. These photos can remind us of the good times we had together, and they can help us to heal our hearts.

You may recognize Tanner and Sadie here from a previous photoshoot. We did a studio session of these two with their family a few months ago when Tanner's health was taking a turn. Luckily spunky 18-year-old Tanner is still with us, and continues to make his family smile.

We did Tanner and Sadie’s End of Life outdoor session at the always-wonderful Everal Barn and Homestead in Westerville, Ohio. This gorgeous park is not only filled with seasonal flowers, but it offers a quite, private setting for a Rainbow Bridge session.

If you or a loved one is faced with End of Life circumstances with your pet, please do not hesitate to reach out via my contact page, and I will be in touch ASAP. I keep time in my schedule reserved specifically for End of Life cases.

Westerville, Ohio, Pet Photography Session - Scout and Finnegan

This wonderful Westie pair is Scout and Finnegan (The Scout Report & Finn Files). This dynamic duo had so much expression and personality, which made my job easy! These furry friends enjoy competing in all kinds of dog sports and of course love spending time with their family.

We had our session at Everal Barn and Homestead in Heritage park in Westerville, Ohio. I wanted to be sure to include some seasonal flowers as well as capture a gorgeous sunset. Scout and Finn came to me through a recent model call on my Facebook Page. I do occasionally put our model calls for special projects, so if you’re interested in your pup being considered, make sure to follow my page to stay informed!

Dublin, Ohio, End of Life Pet Photography Session - Spencer

Sometimes home is where the session is! This handsome gentleman is Spencer. Unfortunately Spencer's health was declining, and his family wanted to capture some memories together before they had to say "goodbye". Since Spencer was vision, hearing, and mobility-impaired, we thought he would be happiest and most comfortable doing his End of Life photoshoot at home.

Spencer was such a sweetheart during his session. He had the warmest smile, and an equally sunny disposition to match. It was very easy to see how much his family adored him.

Losing a furry family member is never easy--especially when you've shared so much of your lives together. But, I like to think that we are not saying "goodbye" but rather "see you later". As author Pam Brown once said, “If there is a heaven, it’s certain our animals are to be there. Their lives become so interwoven with our own, it would take more than an archangel to detangle them.”

Bexley, Ohio, Puppy Photo Session - Solitaire the Cocker Puppy

Isn't Solitaire just gorgeous?! This sweet, cuddly Cocker Spaniel puppy came to Stop the Suffering Animal Rescue of Ohio as a cast-off from a puppy mill. This poor baby had a bad heart, so her breeder planned to euthanize her instead of providing her with the PDA surgery she really needs to fix it. Luckily STS was able to rescue her and get her the medical attention she needs in order to have a normal, happy life. Solitaire was adopted and now lives with an amazing family who adores her. She has 4 children and 3 doggy siblings to play with, as well as a dream back yard to run around in. We took advantage of the incredible gardens at Solitaire’s new home for her session. There was such amazing spring color, gorgeous landscaping, and of course perfect golden hour light for our shoot. Solitaire was so much fun to photograph, and I’m wishing her all the best in this next chapter!

Westerville, Ohio, End of Life Pet Photography Session - Nymeria & Maks

How adorable is this brother/sister duo?! We had beautiful weather for littermates Maks and Nymeria's photoshoot. Their owner reached out to me through The Tilly Project to schedule an End of Life session when Nymeria unfortunately received a terminal cancer diagnosis. Unsure of how much time she had left with us, we made certain to get her in ASAP for a photoshoot. Both of these pups were super sweet during their session, and Nymeria was acting so happy that you almost couldn't tell that this 13-year-old girl was so sick. I hope that she continues to be her happy self and enjoy all her favorite things in the time she has with loved ones.

The Tilly project connects families with photographers who specialize in end-of-life pet photography. The aim of these End of Life sessions is to provide families with portraits to remember their beloved pet after they are gone, as well as provide a way to process the grief of losing their furry friend.

In addition to providing end-of-life pet photography services, The Tilly Project also offers a variety of resources for families who are grieving the loss of a pet. The project's website includes a grief toolbox, a blog, and a forum where families can connect with each other and share their stories.

Westerville, Ohio, End of Life Pet Photography Session - Nellie

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

This is sweet senior face is Nellie. Her mom reached out to me for an End of Life photoshoot when Nellie's health began to sharply decline. Luckily I have the most amazing, understanding clients which allowed me to move some session around in order to get Nellie in the very next day for her shoot!

Nellie’s owner describes her more like a sister than a pet. They have made so many memories in their 16.5 years together. It was easy to see just how special their connection was. While Nellie’s health issues limited her mobility, that didn’t stop her from laying in the soft grass, sniffing the cool spring breeze, and enjoying watching the sunset with the ones she loves the most: her mom, and fur-sibling Patriot. I'm so glad we were able to get Nellie in for her session when we did, as 2 days later, she made her journey to the Rainbow Bridge. Run free, Miss Nellie! Until we meet again.

While we all want our furry family members to be by our sides forever, unfortunately at some point we all must say goodbye. End of Life pet photography sessions are an amazing gift that you can give yourself. We capture beautiful memories in our time together, that many owners find helps them with the grieving process when their beloved pet passes. I keep time reserved in my schedule every week specifically for End of Life sessions where owners aren’t sure how much time their dog has left and/or are dealing with tough decisions around the declining health of their best friend. If you find yourself in this situation and would like to book your own EoL Pet Photo shoot, contact me today , and I will be in touch ASAP.

Reynoldsburg End of Life Pet Photography Session - Tanner

“Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog”. – Sidney Jeanne Seward

I am always honored to be trusted to photograph an end of life pet photo shoot, as I know how important these images are to the pup’s family. It’s an even bigger compliment when you’re capturing memories for a fellow photographer!

This is Tanner and his fluffy sibling, Sadie. Their owner (the wonderfully talented Jacqueline Marie ) contacted me for a session when Tanner's health started to fail. When you're an 18-year-old dog, you have to treat every day as a gift, so we got them in for my earliest available appointment. Once I met Tanner, it was easy to see just how much his family loves him, and the joy he brings to their lives. They all have a special connection that is just palpable in every photo.

Columbus, Ohio, Pet Photography Session - Lucy & Rosie

Lucy and her recently adopted sister-from-another-mister, Rosie, were a delight to photograph. Lucy was so bubbly and eager to please. She just wanted to be in the spotlight! Rosie was a little hesitant, but soon learned that photos mean lots of treats! But...can we just take a minute to talk about the glow-up Rosie has had?!

Rosie had a tough start in life. She is a former puppy mill momma. She was stuck in a wire cage 24/7, with another cage on top of her. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the excrement from the dog above her would fall onto her, which is a horrible way to live! Luckily Stop the Suffering Animal Rescue of Ohio stepped in and got her out of there. Four months ago Rosie started her life over, and she has totally won the jackpot being adopted by an amazing, patient, loving family that adores her. Only happy days are ahead for this girl--and she deserves it!

New Albany, Ohio, Pet Photography Session - Kevin and Harvey the Frenchies

Aren't Kevin and Harvey the French Bulldogs the absolute cutest?! Aside from these ladies having the best names ever, they were so sweet. They had to make sure to crawl in my lap and give kisses every couple minutes to remind me that they were just brimming with love and cheer. It's hard to have a bad day when you have these two looking back at you! Since French Bulldogs are not quite built for the cold, we had opted for a studio session.

Kevin and Harvey’s people brought the perfect fuzzy blanket from their house to incorporate in their shoot. We wanted to be sure to match their owner’s home decor colors with these photos, sowe opted for neutral, earth tones to match. I think that was the perfect call for these beautiful Frenchies!