Ohio Adventure Dog Photography - Teddy's Creek Session

Teddy the dog was ready for his close-up during his adventurous outdoor pet photography session.

I just love a dog who's not afraid to get their feet wet—it makes a photo shoot so much more fun! There’s something special about capturing a pup’s pure joy as they play in the water, and it creates the most vibrant and dynamic photos. One of my recent shoots with Teddy, an adventurous pup, was a perfect example of this.

Meet Teddy: The Creek-Splashing Superstar

Teddy came ready to play. We headed out to a picturesque hiking spot with a gently flowing creek surrounded by the rich, golden hues of autumn. As soon as Teddy saw the water, his eyes lit up, and I knew we were in for a great time. It’s always a treat when a dog is willing to explore new environments, and Teddy was all about it—no hesitation, just excitement.

Why Water Makes for Great Photos

There’s a certain magic that happens when dogs play in water. The way it splashes around them, how it reflects the light and colors from the scene, and the added movement—it all comes together to create visually stunning images. In Teddy’s case, the cool creek and the surrounding fall foliage gave us a beautiful natural backdrop. The vibrant colors reflected off the water, adding a warm glow to every shot. It was the perfect setting for photographing the spirit of an adventurous dog.

Capturing the Moment

Teddy wasted no time diving right in. He immediately got in the water the moment he saw it, splashing and chasing after leaves floating by. His joyful energy was infectious, making the session not only fun for him and his owner, but for me as the pet photographer as well. Some of my favorite shots from the day were of Teddy mid-splash, with water droplets frozen in time around him. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do—being able to capture the soul of a dog in their most authentic state.

Tips for a Water Photo Shoot with Your Dog

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast considering a professional photo shoot for your water-loving dog, here are a few pro-tips:

• Bring Towels: It’s always a good idea to have a towel or two on hand for a quick dry-off afterward.

• Pick a Safe, Dog-Friendly Spot: Opt for creeks, shallow streams, or lake where your dog can safely play without or strong currents. I have a list of great dog-friendly spots in the Columbus, Ohio area that have been the perfect locations for for these types of sessions. Don’t want to have to hike to get to a spot? I’ve got you covered! I even have some water options that are just mere steps from a parking lot.

• Let Your Dog Lead the Way: Some dogs may be hesitant at first, so let them explore at their own pace. We will NEVER push or pressure your dog into the water. If they decide to jump right in like Teddy, then great! If they prefer to stay on the edge, that’s perfectly fine too.

• Dress Appropriately: Chances are, you might get a little wet too. I recommend owner’s wear water-proof footwear such as rain boots, hiking boots, or even sandals. Wearing clothing that is safe to get wet is also important (so probably best to leave the cashmere sweaters and dry clean-only pants at home for this one).

Why Adventure Dog Photo Shoots Are Perfect for Outdoor Lovers

For dog owners who love to hike and explore nature, an adventure dog photo shoot is a fantastic way to capture your pet’s playful personality in their favorite environment. Imagine having professional photos of your dog splashing in a creek, running through forest trails, or posing against a scenic Appalachian foothills backdrop. These types of sessions are perfect for capturing the unique bond between you and your dog while incorporating something special that you both love.

If you’ve got a dog who loves swimming hiking, or simply exploring new places, let’s talk!

To request your dog’s photo shoot, click the link below to get started by filling out my new client questionnaire. Your answers help me to make sure your session runs as smoothly as possible, ensuring everyone has a positive experience. Once I receive your request, I will be in touch with you within 2 business days to chat about the available days and times I have open, as well as suggest a few photo shoot locations for you to choose from that I feel would be a good fit for your pet based on their personality, abilities, and the type of images you’re looking for. Book your shoot today—adventure awaits!

Adventure Dog Photography: Epic Outdoor Corgi Photo Shoot

For outdoor lovers, there’s nothing quite like hitting the trail with your furry friend by your side. Recently, I had the perfect reminder of why I love combining pet photography with outdoor adventures. You’ve never seen a dog enjoy a hike like this! 💦 🐕 📸 A couple of weeks ago, I took my dog, Brisket, hiking at one of my favorite local spots. The only problem? I didn’t bring my real camera and regretted it the entire time. I was dying inside every time we passed a beautiful spot, especially when the light was perfectly golden. I knew I had to go back.

So, on our next visit, I overcompensated by bringing not only my camera but also a light to capture the fun. With the extreme drought we’ve been experiencing here in Ohio, the creek that’s usually a couple of feet deep had almost dried up, leaving just an inch or two of water in most spots. It was the perfect place for my corgi, Brisket, to stomp around—stubby legs and all—while I snapped photos!

This is exactly what makes outdoor pet photography so special. Letting your dog’s adventurous spirit run wild, just like Brisket did in the creek. Whether your pup is splashing through the water or exploring new trails, those natural, carefree moments tell the best stories and showcase your dog in their element.

From Hocking Hills to Battelle Darby Creek, I love creating photo sessions that feel more like an outdoor adventure. Maybe your dog is a fearless explorer, leading the way on every path, or perhaps they love to take their time, sniffing every plant and rock along the way. Each dog brings their own unique energy, and that’s what makes these sessions so exciting. The changing seasons, the beautiful light, and the diverse scenery—everything comes together to create moments that are completely one-of-a-kind. Every adventure deserves to be remembered, and what better way to the story of your dog’s wild heart?

Ready to hit the trail with your furry trailblazer? Reach out, and we’ll make it an unforgettable experience! Click here to get started!

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A look behind the scenes

Travel and Destination Pet Photography: Iowa Waterfall Corgi Photo Shoot

If there’s one thing I love almost as much at pet photography it’s traveling! This summer my travels brought me to northeastern Iowa to visit family. I am originally from Iowa, but now that I live 11 hours away in Ohio, I don’t get back there very often. When I do, it’s for Christmas. So this was the first time in 10 years that I was in Iowa in the summer! So of course I needed to hit all my favorite places while we were there, which included Dunning’s Spring in Decorah, Iowa.

Dunning’s Spring originates in a cave that has ice on the walls year round, which means the chilly water flowing out was so cold that it was steaming from the temperature difference with the air. This made for some nice foggy effects in the photos.

Dunning’s Spring is a magical spot for destination pet photography. Despite the water's super cold temperature, that didn't stop either of the dogs from taking a dip. I’m pretty sure they would have both happily sat in the waterfall all day long if they could.

Our photo shoot didn’t stop at the waterfall. We hiked to the top of the ice cave and took in the stunning views, all while I captured the dogs exploring the outdoors. What I love about Dunning’s Spring is that it feels like a hidden gem—this waterfall looks like it belongs in the mountains, not in the heartland of Iowa! It’s the perfect backdrop for an adventure pet photography session that blends travel and natural beauty.

I have fond memories of my parents bringing me to Dunning’s Spring to play in the waterfall and then we would head over to the fish hatchery for a picnic lunch and eagle-watching. We decided do just that for old time’s sake during our visit, and my two corgis got to come along!

For me, the best part of traveling with pets is sharing these special moments. Rigby, my blind corgi, was thrilled to be on an adventure. Even though he couldn’t see the waterfall, he could sense the excitement in the air and the cool water on his paws.

I’m so happy to have these beautiful waterfall portraits of my dogs in such a special and meaningful place.

Travel and destination pet photography offers a unique opportunity to capture your furry companion in stunning, scenic locations. Whether it’s a stunning waterfall or a special location that is meaningful to you, these sessions allow you and your pet to explore while we create beautiful, lasting memories. Perfect for adventurous pets and their owners, destination shoots combine travel with the joy of professional pet portraits, ensuring you come away with extraordinary images of your pet in some of the world's most picturesque settings.

If you’d like to receive a custom quote for your destination pet photography session, please contact me today.

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!

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 with outdoor string lights, a beautiful view of the surrounding hills, a pond with fountain, a vintage truck, and horses, longhorns, and highland cows. If you're looking for an event venue for a wedding, party, or as an amazing photo shoot location, I highly recommend checking them out!

The center piece of the venue is a large, rustic barn. I liked that the neutral wood colors and textures made a simple yet attractive backdrop.

On the back side of the barn is a nice covered patio with string lights. This spot overlooks the pastures where the longhorns and Scottish highland cows reside. I especially love that this patio and barn is slightly higher elevation than other areas of the property. This allowed me to get an unobstructed view of the hills and sky in the background.

The whole venue is amazing, but I think my favorite spot was the cute vintage pickup truck by the pond with the Appalachian mountain foothills in the background. What a perfect setting for pet photos!

Travel and Destination Pet Photography - Angel in Cocoa Beach, Florida

Angel the Dachshund had a blast during our destination pet photography session in Cocoa Beach, Florida!

Blondes really do have more fun! This beautiful blonde dachshund is Angel. I met Angel's owner, Liz, about 13 years ago online through Flickr. We hit it off, connecting through our mutual interest in dog photography, and our friendship grew from there. Liz has been a great cheerleader for me and always very supportive of my pet photography passion! So when I recently had an opportunity to travel to Cocoa Beach, Florida, I knew I just HAD to meet up with Liz and do a little photoshoot with her pup while I was there. It was truly so special for both of us to be able to do this!

We wanted to make sure to have a location that just screams "Florida". With those classic pastel hues and beachside views, South Beach Inn in Cocoa Beach was the perfect spot for our session.

While many of my clients live in Central Ohio, I do offer travel and destination pet photography services. Contact me today to get a custom quote!