Dog Birthday Photo Shoot for Stevie the Doodle in New Albany Ohio

The Rumors are true, Stevie Nicks totally rocked her recent birthday photo shoot. Her sunny Don’t Stop (feeding me peanut butter) disposition made her the stuff of Dreams to photograph. This Gold Dust Woman was once a shy puppy mill castaway, but she wants you to know that she's Never Going Back, because sometimes in life you gotta Go Your Own Way. Now Stevie's thrilled to be living life off The Chain ( how many Fleetwood Mac references can I cram in one post?

Stevie’s owner wanted to do a photo shoot to celebrate her dog’s birthday. After not having the best start in life, this rescue dog is now living her best life, which includes being spoiled with a photo shoot!

For this session we used Rose Run Park in New Albany, Ohio. The roses were in full bloom, which made for a beautiful setting. All those roses give a few of the photos an Alice in Wonderland garden vibe!

While this photo shoot was supposed to be just of Stevie, I snuck a photo of Stevie and her mom together having a sweet moment in the garden.

Besides photographing in the rose garden, we also took a walk on the path through the woods. This gave us a great opportunity to get some different backgrounds so that it almost looks like the sessions was in 2 different parks!

As we walked through the wooded area of the park, I took advantage of a tree stump. I had Stevie perched on top of the stump, and then I got down low and used a wide angle lens to get the blue sky and dog in the same shot.

Afterwords we circled back toward the New Albany library garden and caught the tail end of golden hour there. I love that we didn’t have to go far to get so many different “looks” from this park.

But, regardless of where you have your dog’s photo shoot, the main thing is capturing your pup’s spirit and unique personality and the million little things that make them who they are.

Celebrating your dog’s birthday with a photo shoot is a fun and unique gift for you both. Hiring a professional pet photographer adds a special touch to the celebration. A professional knows how to capture your dog's personality in a way that highlights their individual characteristics. Photographers who specialize in working with animals understand how to keep your dog happy, engaged, and comfortable throughout the session.

Lighting plays a crucial role in photography, and it can turn an ordinary moment into a breathtaking work of art. Professionals pet photographers are equipped to handle these elements with skill, ensuring that every shot looks stunning—no easy task when it comes to lighting a moving subject. Dog models are way less predictable than human models. Hiring an experienced pet photographer who specializes in dog photography is essential to making sure get incredible images and also have a positive, stress-free experience. Afterall, this is your pet’s birthday—it’s a joyful occasion! We’ll do whatever we can to make sure your dog has a blast during her photo shoot. They may even have so much tail-wagging fun during our session that they fall asleep smiling during the ride home.

If you’re in Columbus and looking to commemorate your dog’s birthday, a tailored pet photo shoot is a fun, meaningful, and unique way to celebrate your dog. To book your dog’s birthday photos, CLICK HERE to get started!

2-Dog Photo Shoot with People : Ellie and Harrison’s New Albany Pet and Family Session

Capturing the Heartwarming Bond Between Ohio’s Dogs and Their People

Ellie the Golden Retriever and Harrison the Doodle mix made for quite the dynamic doggy duo at their photo shoot. Ellie's total happy-go-lucky goofball personality perfectly complemented Harrison's super chill Bob Ross vibes. It was a joy to witness and capture the unique bond these two dogs share with each other and their adoring pet parents during our pet and family photography session.

This couple wanted to make sure we captured their dog’s personalities with this photo shoot. I think it’s safe to say that Ellie and Harrison's souls shine through in every shot. Between Ellie’s joyful leaps and silly expressions, and Harrison’s calm and collected demeanor, we got a ton of gorgeous images. Their owners were equally wonderful to work with, and it was a pleasure to be a part of capturing the love and joy they share.

If your dog is your ride-or-die, then including them in your family pictures is a no-brainer. They’re a much-loved family member! Your session is your chance to celebrate and forever freeze those fleeting moments of affection, joy, and companionship.

As Columbus, Ohio’s best pet photographer, I specialize in capturing the special connections between pets and their people. Just as every dog is different, so is every photo shoot! Custom pet photography means I tailor your shoot specifically to you and your dog. Before your session we will chat about the type of images you’re looking for, your dog’s individual needs, abilities, personality and quirks. We’ll also discuss the locations we could use for our shoot as well as see if there is any special occasion you’re celebrating. Whether you’re marking a happy milestone like your dog’s birthday, celebrating the adoption of a new puppy, or simply wanting to capture the daily happiness your dog brings into your life, a professional pet photo shoot is the perfect way to do so. This couple wanted to celebrate their wedding anniversary with a fun summer photo shoot together with their furry friends. They wanted to to tell the story of their little family as well as create some dramatically-lit colorful portraits to turn into canvas print wall art for their new home.

Since your session is tailored to you, if there’s something special you’d like to capture (like a cute trick, or your dog playing with their favorite toy), let me know! There are lots of fun and unique ways to incorporate these little details into your shoot in order to truly make your photos unique.

Not only will we capture the natural beauty of your dog by themselves, but I’ll document the bond you share as well. During your session, we will have plenty of opportunities to capture candid moments as well. I love being able to freeze these sweet, quiet moments of owners together with their dogs forever. Beautiful candid shots are a great representing of your relationship and the depth of your bond. Often these unscripted scenes end up being the owner’s favorite, as they tend to really show genuine emotions and don’t feel “stuffy” or posed like traditional family photos that you would get from a people-photographer (rather than a professional pet photographer).

Whether you’re in Westerville, Dublin, German Village, or anywhere else in the Columbus area, there are plenty of beautiful locations for a dog and owner photo shoot. We chose New Albany’s Rose Run Park for this portrait session location because we wanted to get a beautiful blend of natural scenes like the woods and the stream with some more man-made features like the brick bridge over the water. This picturesque location, with its lush greenery and serene atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of tail-wags and belly laughs.

Interested in family photos with your dog? Let’s talk!

Your first step is to request your photo shoot HERE . Once I receive your submission I will be in touch within 2 business days to discuss your session details.

Why Your Maternity Photos Should Include Your Dog | Columbus, Ohio Pet Photographer Holly Hildreth

If you’re looking to have maternity photos done, your first thought is probably not, “I should contact a local pet photographer!” While naturally the focus of a traditional maternity photo shoot is solely on the mom-to-be, there’s another important family member who deserves to be part of the experience: your dog! And no other photographer will be able to capture the incredible bond you and your dog share better than a professional pet photographer.

Your dog has been by your side through all the ups, downs, and big moments in your life. If your dog is your ride-of-die, then you will definitely want to include them in your photo shoot to add a unique and meaningful touch—after all, you were a dog mom first!

While many portrait, family, and maternity photographers are skilled in capturing beautiful moments between people, a pet photographer brings unique expertise that can make all the difference when your dog is involved.

Professional animal photographers are familiar with capturing both the human and animal dynamic. They know how to direct and pose you, your partner, and your dog together in ways that look and feel natural. They’re incredibly skilled at timing those shots to capture the split-second moments that a people-photographer may miss. They also know how to get your dog’s attention and how to get them to look in the right direction, whereas a people-only photographer may just be focused in on with how you look, which means your dog ends up being more of an after-thought.

While a traditional people and family photographer may have a whole list of pre-decided poses for you to do during your session (that they likely use for most sessions), going with the flow during your session and letting your dog set the pace allows us to have a much more casual, low-pressure experience, which in turn lets us capture beautiful candid moments. I aim to make your session as stress-free and fun for everyone as possible. I mean, pregnancy is already stressful as it is—there’s no need add more to your plate! So rather than feeling like a formal and serious photo shoot, your session will feel more like you are just enjoying some time together with your furry friend at one of the many beautiful parks in central Ohio.

One of the key reasons to hire a pet photographer for a maternity photo shoot with your dog is their understanding of animal behavior. While your dog might be a perfect angel at home, animals can be unpredictable, especially in new places or around unfamiliar people, sights, smells, and sounds. A pet photographer knows how to work with your dog in order to create a safe and relaxed environment to put them (and you) at ease. They’re skilled at capturing your dog’s unique quirks and personality, whether that’s through playful moments, tender interactions, or loving gazes.

Are you’re looking for some cute dog-themed nursery decor? We can also capture some photos of your dog by themselves, which makes for great canvas prints and wall art which is a creative way to incorporate meaningful decor in your baby’s nursery. Photos of your dog can also make great wall art for other areas of your home, so it’s almost like you are really getting a two-for-one!

Dogs also bring a sense of joy, spontaneity, and fun that can lighten the mood during a photo shoot and help you relax in front of the camera. Whether they’re interacting with you, being cheeky, or simply snuggling up, the natural moments they create let me capture genuine emotions that may be harder to capture with just people alone. These candid shots are client favorites, and they often make the most memorable photos that reflect the authentic dynamics of your family, complete with real smiles and natural expressions.

So, if you’re looking to include your dog in your maternity photo shoot, then a professional dog photographer should be your first stop. Not only will you get gorgeous images of you and your dog together, but your whole experience is sure to be a stress-free, fun-filled outing with lots of laughs and big smiles.

Are you ready to book your session?

Click the button below to request your photoshoot today!

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

3 Samoyed Session - Ohio Commercial Pet Photography

What’s better than one fluffy polar bear-looking dog? How about 3? I had the pleasure of working with these 3 Samoyeds during a professional pet photography session at Rocky Fork Metro Park in New Albany. During our shoot we took advantage of the blooming wildflowers in the park, which made for a spectacular background.

Besides photographing people’s personal pets, I also offer commercial pet photography services. I photographed these 3 dogs for a commercial client that needed high-quality photos of Samoyed dogs for a product they are making. Through a model call I was able to connect with the owners of these 3 beautiful babies, who rocked their session.

The Importance of Professional Animal Photography for Pet Brands

In today's visually-driven world, the impact of high-quality, compelling imagery cannot be overstated. Whether you're selling pet products or you own a pet service business, photography plays a vital role in conveying your message to potential clients effectively.

In such a competitive market, trust, quality, and credibility are key differentiators. Custom commercial pet photography helps establish a polished and professional image for your brand, making potential customers more likely to trust your products or services. 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 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. Whether it's a soft and cozy pet bed, tasty homemade dog treats, or stylish pet accessories, professional photography ensures that every detail is presented in the best possible light (literally).

Commercial pet photography is not just about taking pictures; it's about telling your story, piquing your audience’s interest, and building a strong brand presence. For pet brands, investing in professional photography is an investment in your brand's success. So, whether you're launching a new product line or are looking to refine your pet-centric lifestyle brand, professional photography is your gateway to making a lasting impression. If you are a pet business looking for high-quality, professional animal imagery, please use my contact page to reach out today. We can chat about setting up your own custom shoot, or if you prefer to use dog stock photography, I have thousands of images available for licensing.

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.

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

Ohio Commercial Dog Photography Shoot - Shetland Sheepdogs

I recently had the pleasure of doing a multi-dog photoshoot for a commercial pet brand 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.

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.