Travel and Destination

Adventure Dog Photography: Epic Outdoor Corgi Photo Shoot by Holly Hildreth

A corgi dog in a creek in the woods of Appalachian Ohio during a professional pet photography session.

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.

Amazing pet photography with dramatic lighting showing a corgi dog standing in a creek during a hike and dog photo shoot in central Ohio.
Adventure dog photography of a corgi taking a rest as he explores a creek near Columbus, Ohio, during a professional pet photography session by Holly Hildreth

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.

Columbus, Ohio pet photography session of a corgi dog playing in a creek in the late summer.

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!

corgi dog pauses to sniff the air while playing in a creek in Ohio during a hike and pet photography session

Travel and Destination Pet Photography: Iowa Waterfall Corgi Photo Shoot by Holly Hildreth

Destination pet photography session of two corgi dogs at Dunning's Springs waterfall in Decorah, Iowa

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.

Adventure pet photography session of a corgi dog at Dunning's Spring waterfall in Iowa
Professional pet photography of a dog in front of a waterfall 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.

Travel pet photography of a dog in front of a tall waterfall in northeastern Iowa

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.

Foggy portrait of a corgi dog next to Dunning's Spring waterfall in Decorah, iowa, during a destination pet photography shoot
Etherial portrait of a corgi dog laying next to a waterfall with fog coming off the water, during a travel pet photography session

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.

Long exposure landscape shot of Dunning's Spring waterfall in Decorah, iowa in June

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 by Holly Hildreth

Professional Pet Portrait of a Great Dane standing next to a lake at sunset in the Appalachian Foothills of eastern Ohio

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.

Travel pet photography portrait session of two great dane dogs in eastern Ohio
Travel and Destination pet photography session of a Great Dane in the Appalachian Mountains of Ohio

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 by Holly Hildreth

Two English Bulldog puppies in front of the Appalachian foothills of Newark, Ohio

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!

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

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!

A travel and destination pet photography shoot in Florida featuring a blonde dachshund in front of a building with classic Miami color scheme