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.

Dog Adoption Photo Shoot: Ed and Ellie in Columbus, Ohio

Congratulations to Ed and Ellie who were recently adopted into the same amazing family! Their new family came to me for a fun "Gotchya Day” photo shoot to celebrate finalizing their adoption. Both of these sweet pups' stories tugged at my heart strings.

Ellie: From Toyless to Treasure Keeper

When Ellie the yellow lab was picked up from her previous owner, her new family was told she wasn’t interested in toys—and she had never even had one. Can you imagine? Fast forward to today, Ellie is all about her toys! She loves them so much that she carries one with her everywhere she goes. (I made sure to snap a picture as adorable proof that she’s making up for lost time!)

Ed: One Senior Dog’s Journey Home

Ed ended up at the shelter after his owner passed away. The future was not looking so great for this deaf 13 year old senior. That is until an amazing foster family stepped in and gave him a nice place to crash while he went through heartworm and Lyme disease treatment. His foster family fell in love with his gentle and loving demeanor, and they knew he was right where he was meant to be, so made things official by adopting him.

I am so happy that Ed and Ellie hit the jackpot with their new family, and will spend the rest of their days living like the king and queen they are.

Book Your Gotcha Day Session Today!

Adoption stories like Ed and Ellie’s remind us of the transformative power of opening your heart and home to a new pet. If you’ve recently welcomed a pet into your home or want to celebrate a special milestone, I’d love to help you tell their story. Contact me today to schedule your own pet photography session in Columbus, Ohio!

Columbus End of Life Pet Photography - German Village's Abby the Boston Terrier

End of Life sessions are never easy, but this one definitely tugged at my heart strings--even now as I write this I am fighting the tears welling up in my eyes. I have a very special connection to this beautiful Boston Terrier; 6 years ago Abby was my foster dog through RESCUEDohio!! Abby had a rough start in life. She was failed by her previous humans, and came into the rescue as just skin and bones. She needed a little TLC to get back on her feet, but she had tons of love to give and a sunny disposition, which made it easy for anyone to fall in love with her. I did a little photo shoot with her in my studio to help her get adopted (the purple background photo below is from that shoot), and it worked!

A wonderful family adopted Abby into their home and gave her an amazing life. So when I recently received a message from her adopter saying Abby's health was rapidly failing, I knew I had to get there quickly to make sure we captured a few last memories for her family before she passes. We wanted to make ensure Abby was comfortable during our session, so we did our photos in the back yard of her home in the beautiful German Village area of Columbus.

I couldn’t believe how much more grey fur Abbey had compared to the last time I saw her! She almost looked like a different dog (especially when you compare this photo to the purple one!) But all that frosty grey hair is just a happy reminder of the many beautiful memories she’s made over the years with her loving family.

Abby’s aggressive brain tumor meant that she was no longer able to run and play, so we made sure her photo shoot was nice and relaxing. We let her lounge in the sun in her favorite chair while being fed treats, and watched as she sniffed in the German Village ivy before she decided on the perfect spot to lay down for a nap in the shade of an old oak tree.

Saying goodbye to a faithful friend is never easy—whether you’ve had 5 years together or 15, it still hurts to lose a much-loved pet. I'll be keeping Abby and her family in my thoughts as they make the most of their remaining time together.

And to Abby: my little “Spaghetti Frog”, I'm honored to have been able to help such a wonderful pup on their journey. You can run free knowing you've brought a lot of joy to the people who were lucky enough to have you in their lives.

Choosing the right Professional Pet Photographer in Columbus, Ohio, for your Dog’s End of Life Photo Shoot

When selecting an end of pet photographer it’s important to find someone who is not only highly skilled in pet photography, but also someone who is compassionate and understanding of the very sensitive nature of the session. This session is your time and place to make a few last memories with your pup, as well as process the emotions that come with saying goodbye to your lifelong friend.

As a professional pet photographer, I specialize in creating a personalized, dignified, and respectful experience for you and your dog during this difficult time. My goal is to help you celebrate your pet’s life with images that capture and preserve your dog’s memory forever, as well as provide you one last opportunity to make a few more special memories together they pass.

We all wish our dogs could live forever, but if you’re facing the heartbreaking reality of saying goodbye to your pet, please contact me today to book your session.

Ohio Puppy Photography - Winnie the Golden

One frequently asked question I get is “Can you photograph young puppies?” Clients worry that their new wiggly ball of fluff won’t sit still long enough to have their picture taken. But here’s the secret: they don’t have to! With puppy sessions we will go with the flow and make sure it’s a fun and stress-free experience for your puppy. They may even blissfully fall asleep at the end of our shoot like 8 week old Winnie the golden retriever puppy here.

Your pup's adorable antics and charm deserve to be preserved forever. Puppies grow up so fast! That's why investing in professional pet photography while your new pet is still a young puppy is a great choice.

Professional pet photographers specialize in capturing the unique personality and quirks of your puppy. They know how to bring out the best in their subjects, whether it's their playful spirit, curious nature, or heart-melting puppy dog eyes.

Puppies can be super wiggly at this age, so keeping them on leash is always a good idea. I will photoshop the leash out after our session so it looks like your sweet little fluff ball was running free, when in reality she is safe and leashed the whole time. That means there’s one less thing to worry about during your session!

Plus, the experience of a professional pet photoshoot is enjoyable for both you and your puppy. It's a chance to bond, create lasting memories, and have fun capturing moments that reflect the joy your puppy brings to your life.

If your ready to book your puppy’s pet photography session, visit my booking page to request your shoot: Book A Session

Columbus Dog Photography - Pet Birthday Photo Shoot with Freyja and Max

Freyja the Rough Collie and Max the German Shepherd recently had a professional pet photography session to celebrate Freyja’s 1st birthday in style! We captured some of the beautiful spring colors as well as some exciting birthday photos for Freyja’s doggy birthday party announcement. These two were so fun to work with, and they had a blast while getting their photos taken. Freyja even had her own party hat and birthday bandana.

Meet the Birthday Girl!

Let’s Pawty!

Is your furry friend's birthday just around the corner? Are you looking for a unique and memorable way to celebrate their special day? Look no further than the magic of professional pet photography! Capturing your canine companion's personality and charm through expertly crafted images is not only a wonderful way to mark the occasion but also creates lasting memories you'll cherish for years to come.

Here are a few reasons why investing in professional pet photos for your dog's birthday is a pawsitively brilliant idea:

1. Forever Memories

Just like any cherished family member, our pets hold a special place in our hearts. Professional pet photographers have a knack for capturing those fleeting moments of joy, mischief, and affection that define our pets' personalities. Whether it's the way they tilt their head, their playful antics, or their soulful gaze, these images freeze-frame the essence of your furry friend, creating timeless memories you'll treasure forever.

2. Tail-wagging Fun

A pet photo shoot isn't just about striking a pose; it's a fun and interactive experience for you and your furry friend! Professional pet photographers are skilled at creating a relaxed and enjoyable environment where your dog can be themselves, whether that means chasing balls, frolicking in the grass, or simply lounging in the sun. The result? Authentic and heartwarming images that capture the true spirit of your pet.

3. Personalized Pup Portraits

Every dog is unique, and their birthday photos should reflect their individuality. Professional dog photographers work closely with you to understand your dog's personality, preferences, and quirks, ensuring that the images captured are a true reflection of who they are. Whether you envision a playful outdoor shoot, a cozy indoor session, or a themed extravaganza, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating personalized pup portraits that celebrate your dog in all their glory.

4. Share the Love

What better way to spread some birthday cheer than by sharing adorable photos of your four-legged friend with family and friends? Whether you frame them, create a custom photo album, or share them on social media, these images are sure to bring smiles to the faces of everyone who sees them. Plus, they make paw-some gifts for fellow pet lovers!

5. Professional Quality

While smartphone snapshots are great for capturing everyday moments, nothing beats the quality and artistry of professional pet photography. From expert lighting and composition to high-resolution images that showcase every whisker and wag, professional dog photographers have the skills and equipment to deliver stunning results that you'll be proud to display in your home.

So, why not treat your furry friend to a birthday experience they'll never forget? With the help of a professional pet photographer, you can celebrate Fido's big day in style, creating memories that will warm your heart for years to come. After all, every dog deserves their moment in the spotlight!

A Picture Perfect Puppy Party | Pet Birthday Photo Shoot by Professional Dog Photographer Holly Hildreth

Besides photographing other people’s dogs, I try to make a point of capturing my own two corgis, Rigby and Brisket. I have a yearly tradition of doing a small photo shoot to celebrate on their birthdays. Rigby recently turned a whopping 9 years old, so we had a photoshoot to celebrate!

Setting the Scene:

For Rigby’s 9th birthday, I wanted to go with a classic, sleek black and gold theme. I was going for a little bit of a Great Gatsby vibe. I transformed my studio with colorful gold streamers layered on top of a black velvet background and completed the scene with a golden “9” balloon and glittery party hats.

Behind the Scenes

I attached yellow streamers to black velvet background paper. On the table I have a piece of black acrylic to create a reflection.

The Birthday Boy

This one melts my heart every time!

More Than Just Snaps: Memories Made

By the end of the shoot, I had a camera roll full of hilarious and heartwarming photos that perfectly captured Rigby’s personality. Our session was a joyful celebration of the unconditional love our furry companions bring to our lives. So Happy Birthday, Rigby! I am looking forward to many more years together still to come.

If you want to celebrate your dog’s birthday in style, then ditch the grainy phone pics and create lasting memories with a professional pet photoshoot. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Engagement Photo Shoot Featuring Georgie the Rescue Dog in Columbus Ohio

Georgie here has a big announcement: His Humans are Getting Married!

I photographed Pam, Devon, and Georgie a few years ago for a pet and family session, so I was excited for the opportunity to work with them again for their engagement photos. For their photo shoot, they wanted to be sure to include Georgie, their rescue dog. We also wanted the images to have a warm and relaxed vibe, as well as incorporate their favorite drinks as a special touch.

Since it was the middle of winter and ridiculously cold outside, we had to get creative. We beat the chilly weather by photographing at The Junto Hotel! This dog-friendly hotel in downtown Columbus is incredibly beautiful and made for the perfect backdrop for our session. It also gave us an excellent view of the skyline.

While I’m a pet photographer first and foremost, it’s always a special treat to be able to capture pets with their people—especially when celebrating some of life’s big milestones! Your dog isn't just a pet, they're family. So, when it comes to capturing the joy of your engagement, include them in the celebration! Here's why your furry friend deserves a spot in your engagement shoot:

• Furever Part of the Story: Your engagement photos tell the story of your love, and your dog has likely been there for some of the most special moments in your relationship. Including them reflects the true essence of your growing family.

• Laughter & Lightheartedness: Dogs are natural stress relievers and bring a sense of fun to any situation. Their playful energy can inject humor into your photos and help you relax in front of the camera.

• Unique & Unforgettable: Engagement photos including your dog are guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind, truly special photos that capture not just the bond between you and your partner, but the incredible love you all share.

Ready to book your session? Visit my Contact Page today to request your photo shoot!

Ohio End of Life Dog Photographer - Lincoln’s 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.

Ohio End of Life Pet Photography - Cosmo

Cosmo and his family recently came to me for an End of Life Pet Photography Session when he received the unfortunate news that his cancer had returned. It's always an honor to be trusted with capturing some final memories of pets and families together—documenting the love and deep bond that is shared. While none of us know how long our pups have with us, it is never easy to say goodbye. I'll be thinking of Cosmo and his family as they spend his golden days together. I'll leave you with my little poem about the most handsome one-eared wonder, Cosmo:

"For now let's cherish every day,

Savor every moment's play.

Though I may not have much pep

Please know I’ve loved every step.

So scratch my ear that special way,

Say the things you want to say.

Talk to me and let me know

It's "ok" when I must go."

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!

Columbus End of Life Dog Photography - Chloe the Sheltie

“I lost a treasured friend today

The little dog who used to lay

Her gentle head upon my knee

And shared her silent thoughts with me.

Although my eyes are filled with tears

I thank God for the happy years

He let her spend down here with me

And for her love and loyalty."

Chloe's family recently brought her to me for an End of Life photo session. While Chloe’s health issues limited her mobility, that didn’t stop her from laying in the grass, sniffing the summer breeze, watching storm clouds roll in, and sipping on some dirty lake water (her favorite!) I'm so glad we were able to get Chloe in for her session when we did, as the next day she crossed the Rainbow Bridge. After Chloe’s passing, her mom reached out to let me know how important these photos were to her. They were glad Chloe was able to get out of the house and enjoy one last evening together doing some of her favorite things. They remarked that Chloe seemed happier and more herself than she had in a long time. It was a bittersweet goodbye, but I am honored that I had the opportunity to document some final happy memories together for Chloe’s family to cherish.

Losing a pet is one of the most painful experiences in life. However, End-of-life pet photography can be a beautiful way to capture some last happy memories before your beloved furry family member passes. It can help you cope with your grief, navigate the loss, and remember your pet in a happy light. Owners also report it gives them a sense of closure as the 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 are in need of End of Life Pet Photography services, please use the form on my Contact page to reach out today.

Columbus, Ohio, End of Life Pet Photography Session - Rocky

"I didn’t want to go at first,

I fought with all my might.

But something seems to draw me now

to a warm and loving light.

I want to go, I really do.

But I will try as best I can

to live just one more day with you.

To give you time to care for me

and share your love and fears.

I know you’re sad and afraid,

because I see your tears.

I’ll not be far,

I promise that, and hope you’ll always know

that my spirit will be close to you

wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.

You know I love you too,

that’s why it’s hard to say goodbye

to this life with you." - Susan A. Jackson

I recently had an End of Life session with sweet Rocky here. Rocky's family contacted me about a session when he got some devastating health news. Unfortunately I was in Florida at the time. We discussed checking in to other awesome pet photographers in the area who might be able to get Rocky in before I got back to Ohio, as time is of the essence when dealing with End of Life cases. But, Rocky is a determined guy! He held on until I got back to Columbus. I think he knew just how important these photos would be to his family. After having a rough night, Rocky did not have the strength to walk or sit/stand for more than a fleeting moment, but what he could do was stretch out and enjoy laying in the cool grass, watching his fur sibling, Minnie, explore the park, and soaking up all the snuggles and pats from the people who love him the most.

Bittersweet portrait of dog and owner together during an end of life pet photography session in Ohio

One concern I hear from owners considering End of Life pet photography is that they’re afraid their dog isn't suitable for a photo shoot due to being blind, deaf, or mobility or otherwise impaired. They worry that if their pet is not able to run and play, then the photos won't capture their pup's personality. I’m here to tell you that you have no reason to worry! Here is proof that we will absolutely capture wonderful memories of your faithful friend regardless of any impairments they may have.

If you’re looking for an end of life pet photographer in Columbus, let’s chat! You can request your dog’s photo shoot HERE

Columbus, Ohio, Dog Photography Session - Ziggy

Happy-go-lucky 6 month old Ziggy had his session at Schiller Park recently. This park holds special meaning to his owners, so it was a perfect spot for us to shoot. Selecting a meaningful location can make your session even more memorable.

Schiller park offered us lots of great backgrounds to choose from. Plus Ziggy lives right by there, so he knew the park like the back of his paw, and led me to the best spots!

Another way to make your session even more special is to include yourself in some of the photos with your pet. Not a fan of being in front of the camera? No worries—I’ve got you covered. There are lots of ways to be included in the photos together with your dog, without you having to stare right into the camera and smiling. We can take candid shots of the special bond you have with your puppy. We can also photograph in a way that doesn’t show your face. The goal is to make your session as stress-free and fun for both you and your dog as possible. So rest assured, you’ll leave your shoot feeling great about our photo shoot!

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!

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!

Alexandria, Ohio, Pet Photography Session - Spider the Mudi

When I saw the forecast was going to be a high of 24 degrees, I asked Spider’s owner if she wanted to reschedule for a warmer date. She decided to keep the original date and brave the cold, and I’m so glad she did! We got a little dusting of snow the night before, and the shallow creek we photographed at had turned to ice. It made for a beautiful location! I’ve been really wanting to do some more winter-looking shoots, and I got my wish! Spider was seriously such a treat to work with. He happily did all the poses I asked for, including climbing on logs, balancing on rocks, and more. We got so many great shots.

Many owners are hesitant to book a winter shoot, as they worry that the backgrounds will look boring and drab. Well, here's proof that you can still get amazing shots in winter! If you'd like to do your own winter shoot (and your dog is cold-tolerant), contact me today to schedule! www.hhildrethphoto.com/contact

Westerville, Ohio, Pet Photography Session - Gunner & Jasmine

Meet Jasmine, Gunner, and their adoring pet parents! Jasmine was such a sweetheart, coming right up to me and demanding pets as soon as I arrived. Gunner wasn’t so sure about getting his photo taken, but with some treats and patience he came around!

We chose Everal Barn and Homestead in Westerville for our soot location, as we wanted a park that still had some late fall color and was also quiet. This tranquil park is one of my favorite spots for my shy dogs! There’s not much noise or other park-goers, and it’s big enough that I don’t need to be super close to a shy dog—I can give them lots of space by photograph them from a distance with a telephoto lens. That way the shy pup does not get stressed about a stranger being too close.

As with all sessions, I work at the dog’s pace. I want to make sure every photoshoot is fun for the dog and owners, so we’ll only do things your dog is comfortable with. Through my pet photography career, as well as my experience in training my own dogs for obedience and agility, I’ve learned how to read all the subtle cues and body language dogs give off when they’re feeling overwhelmed. During your session I am always watching your pup’s interactions and continually reading what they’re “saying” during the shoot. When I see your pup needs a break, we will pause to give them a minute to relax, get a drink of water, play with a toy, or get some belly rubs from their owners. Having that small moment to reset and focus on something positive always helps pups to regroup, and keeps the whole experience positive and happy for them.

Commercial Pet Photography Shoot in Central, Ohio - English Springer and Cocker Spaniels

I always love commercial shoots, as they’re just so much fun to work on. For this particular project, the client was looking for glamorous and seasonal images of English Springer Spaniels in the great outdoors. Of course I instantly knew which location to use!

This secret spot is my absolute favorite spot in the fall. It’s a little hidden gem in the Appalachian foothills, just a short drive from Columbus. Every October the trees completely carpet this creek bed with leaves, which makes for an incredible scene set against towering shale cliffs. For me when I get to combine dramatic landscapes with gorgeous dogs in a shoot—it’s just ...*chef’s kiss*

I had the pleasure of photographing Kelce and 14 week-old Tate from Windmoor English Springer Spaniels. They brought along 2 beautiful English Cocker friends as well, so of course I snapped a few shots of them too! It’s hard to pick a favorite shot from this session, as they’re all just sublime!

Grove City, Ohio, At Home Pet Photography Session - Marcella

Sometimes home is where the shoot is! Meet Marcella. Marcella’s owner found me through The Tilly Project, which is a network that connects pet owners with photographers who provide end of life photography services. We did Marcella’s session in her own back yard where she was most comfortable. While this girl is getting up there in age, you'd never be able to tell. She was happy to play tug and fetch just like a pup! Here’s what Marcella’s owner had to say about her session:
“This was a stress free project and Holly’s organizational skills and knowledge led to amazing results. It could have been stressful with the wrong person. Her energy is calming. I did not feel rushed at all or pressured about anything from our first contact on Facebook to the correspondence with the final product. Booking Holly is 100% with the time and money!!! Thanks to her I have images I only dreamed of having but she made them a reality. Thank you, Holly, for being so easy to work with and sharing your talents with us all!!!!!”

Do you have a furry family member who is in need of End-of-Life Pet photography services? If so, please contact me today. I keep time reserved in my schedule every week for cases just like Marcella’s, 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. End of Life pet sessions are such an incredibly valuable gift you can give yourself and loved ones that captures your pet’s personality and the special bond between owner and pet.