doodle

Kamden's Dog and Owner Photo Shoot with Columbus Ohio’s Premiere Pet Photographer by Holly Hildreth

Action shot of a Golden Doodle dog splashing in a creek during a professional pet photography session in central Ohio in the fall.

Your pup’s quirky antics and fun-loving disposition deserve to shine in a professional pet photography session. As an experienced dog photographer, I know how to bring out your pup’s unique personality so that it totally shines through in the photos. Whether your dog is goofy or serious, outgoing or shy, laid-back or energetic, I can capture it all. It’s that versatility that means that we can let your dog do whatever he wants during our time together, and you’ll walk away with jaw-dropping pet portraits after every session! As a testament to versatility in pet photography, I give you Kamden the Golden Doodle’s dog and owner photo shoot which had it all! Posed portraits, action shots, stunning sunsets, cute candids, and more.

Dog and owner photo shoot idea showing a smiling woman crouching down to pet her dog next to a creek bed in central Ohio.

While Kamden’s dog momma wanted the photo shoot to mainly focus on him by himself to celebrate his birthday, she also wanted to be sure we captured a couple candid shots of dog and owner together as a tribute to the beautiful friendship they have. There were so many sweet moments to capture; they made my job easy! I loved hearing about their story and how Kamden has been by his mom’s side through lots of big moments in life including a few moves across the country for work. It’s another great reminder that our dogs are there for us through thick and thin, offering unconditional love and endless tail wags when we need them most. A dog and owner photo shoot is a beautiful way to capture a visual legacy of your life together. These images are not just photos; they’re one-of-a-kind works of art of you and your dog.

Action shot of a golden doodle dog running next to a creek and toward the camera during a pet photography session in Columbus, Ohio
Beautiful pet portrait of a Golden Doodle by Ohio's best pet photographer Holly Hildreth

I think Kamden’s favorite part of his pet photo shoot was playing in the creek! The cool water didn’t faze him one bit. He splashed, leaped, and had an absolute blast. Whether standing still for a regal pose or mid-splash in action shots, Kamden showed off his playful yet composed personality like a professional dog model!

This location was the perfect spot for a dog photo shoot in the Columbus area. Having access to the creek, the slate cliffs, and colorful autumn leaves, meant we were certain to get amazing shots of an adventurous dog surrounded by the natural beauty of central Ohio. There’s just something so magical about incorporating water into your pet photography session—especially when it means your water-loving pup is having the time of his life like Kamden here!

Stunning professional dog photography of a golden doodle dog splashing in a creek in the autumn.
Golden Doodle dog having fun playing in water during a professional pet photography session in Columbus, Ohio
Professional pet photography of a golden doodle standing in a creek in central Ohio

After photographing in the creek bed, we moved to a tall prairie grass field area. This allowed us to get another background that looked really different from the photos we did in the creek. We started off with some more posed portraits of Kamden with the fall colors of the field.

Professional Dog Photography of a Golden Doodle surrounded by fall colors during a pet photo shoot in Ohio
Professional pet photography of a golden doodle dog standing in a field of tall grass in the late fall in Central Ohio
Woman smiles as she pets her golden doodle during a dog and owner photo shoot in Columbus, Ohio
Dramatic sunset pet photography in Columbus, Ohio showing a Golden Doodle dog looking at the sky
Woman smiles at the camera while hugging her dog during a dog and owner photoshoot in Columbus, Ohio

In addition to the candid photos, Kamden’s owner also wanted to get one nice formal posed portrait of her and her dog together for their Christmas card. While we didn’t have snow on the ground for a truly Christmas-y look, this dry prairie grass made for a nice neutral winter background with the warm golden hues from the setting sun shining through. I think this was the perfect dog and owner portrait for their Christmas card.

Cute golden doodle dog smiling at the camera during a professional pet photography shoot in Columbus, Ohio

Which Photo Is Your Favorite?

Kamden gave us so many fantastic shots that it’s hard to choose a favorite. Do you love the elegant, posed portraits? Or the joyful, splash-filled action moments best?

If you’re looking for the best pet photographer in Ohio for your dog and owner photo shoot, look no further! I would love to capture some beautiful portraits of your and your dog. Whether your pet is a calm poser or an energetic explorer, we’ll show their unique personality in every photo.

Dog and Owner Christmas Card Photo Shoot - Stevie by Holly Hildreth

A golden doodle puppy licks her person's face during a dog and owner photo shoot for their Christmas card.

A sweet candid moment of Stevie and her mom together during a Central Ohio Dog and Owner Photo shoot.

Christmas card portrait of a woman and her dog in colorful fall leaves in Ohio

A few moths back Stevie’s mom contacted me to set up a photo shoot for the Golden doodle’s 1st birthday. Here’s the link in case you missed that post: Dog Birthday Photo Shoot

We had such a blast during our time together at her summer session that Stevie’s mom decided to do another shoot to capture some fun dog and owner photos for their Christmas card. Although, I think Stevie misheard us and thought we were saying “funny Christmas card photos” instead.

From the moment Stevie arrived, she brought the energy. Instead of the calm, posed portrait vibes her mom might have envisioned, Stevie brought the comedy! Her signature kangaroo hops had her bouncing down the creek on two legs.

Funny action shot of a golden doodle dog hopping on two legs during a professional pet photography session in a creek in Columbus, Ohio
Funny pet photography of a golden doodle dog smiling at the camera while standing in fall leaves next to a creek in Ohio

Just look at that cheesy smile. You just KNOW she thought she was the star of the show! Of course, no photo shoot would be complete without some unexpected moments. For Stevie, it was the discovery of a pile of horse poo. Let’s just say she was absolutely enchanted by it. We had to work hard to redirect her attention (and keep her from getting too cozy with it), but her magnetic draw to it had us in stitches.

Unique dog and owner photo shoot pose idea showing a dog sitting next to her owner who is standing.
Dog and owner photoshoot at sunset in Columbus Ohio

Despite Stevie's antics—or perhaps because of them—we captured some truly beautiful moments. Her playful personality and the bond she shares with her mom really shone through. And honestly, isn’t that what a Christmas card photo should reflect? The love, laughter, and goofiness that makes every family unique.

Beautiful candid moment of a woman and her dog during their dog and owner photo shoot in central Ohio

Stevie, you’re an absolute goofball, and I love it. Thanks for making this pet and person photo shoot one to remember. I can’t wait to see how those Christmas cards turn out—horse poo and all!

A wide angle shot of a Golden doodle dog smiling at the camera with colorful sunset sky in the background

Thinking about a fall photo session with your own pup?
Whether your dog is a natural model or a certified goofball like Stevie, I’d love to help you capture their unique personality. Reach out today to book your session!

Cute Christmas card photo of a golden doodle wearing a holiday bow and sitting in a pile of orange leaves during a professional pet photography session in Ohio

Autumn Pet Photography Session in Central Ohio - Murphy and Mella by Holly Hildreth

Colorful dog photography of a dachshund wearing a bowtie with fall trees in the background, during a pet photo shoot in Columbus, Ohio

Murphy the Dachshund during his professional dog photography session in central Ohio

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, it's the perfect time for a professional pet photography session in Ohio. I recently had the absolute pleasure of capturing two adorable dogs, Murphy the dachshund, and Mella the mini golden doodle, at one of my all-time favorite spots in Ohio. Let me take you behind the scenes of this memorable fall photo shoot and show you why autumn is one of the best seasons for pet photography in Ohio!

Meet Murphy the Dachshund and Mella the Mini Golden Doodle

Dramatically-lit professional pet photography of two dogs standing in colorful fall leaves in a forest at sunset. The dogs are a mini golden doodle and a dachshund, as photographed by Columbus Ohio dog photographer Holly Hildreth

Murphy and Mella are quite the dynamic duo. Murphy, a lively dachshund brings a classic charm to every photo. His short legs and long body make him an absolute joy to photograph (I am a total sucker for short-legged dogs). Mella, is a fluffy mini golden doodle with an irresistibly sweet face. Her soft, wavy fur and playful personality made for the perfect contrast against the rich fall backdrop.

Why Fall is the Best Time for Pet Photography in Ohio

The vibrant fall colors are a photographer's dream, especially when it comes to outdoor pet photo session. I have a favorite hidden gem photo shoot location here in central Ohio that never disappoints, and that’s exactly where we did Murphy and Mella’s photo shoot. I love how the colorful fall leaves carpet the creek bed every fall, creating a natural, picture-perfect setting. I often find myself wishing the fall season would last all year long, as it provides the most stunning backdrop for capturing the unique personalities of pets.

Dachshund dog poses for a professional pet photo shoot in Columbus, Ohio in the fall
Funny photo of a golden doodle dog smiling at the camera during a professional pet photography session in Columbus Ohio

Tips for a Successful Fall Pet Photo Shoot

If you're considering a professional pet photography session in Ohio this fall, here are a few tips to make the most of it:

Fall scene of a dachshund dog wearing a bowtie and standing fall leaves with a creek and appalachian mountains in the background. Professional dog photo shoot in central Ohio
Sweet moment during a dog and owner photo shoot with a dachshund licking his person's face during while she smiles

Puppy kisses: A sweet candid moment during this dog and owner photo shoot

  1. Choose the Right Location: There are several local parks and wooded trails in the Central Ohio area that have great fall color. Whether you want to have your dog’s photo shoot at Hocking Hills, Highbanks Metro Park, Hoover Reservoir, or anywhere in between, chatting with your dog photographer about location is a great first step to making sure you have an incredible and memorable pet photography experience.

  2. Dress for the Season: Not just for the humans—consider bringing a cute bandana or seasonal accessory for your pup. It can add a nice touch of personality to the photos and make them feel more festive. For This photo shoot, Murphy’s owner dressed him in a dapper bowtie collar.

  3. Time It Right: The best time for a fall photo shoot is during the "golden hour," shortly after sunrise or just before sunset. The soft, warm light enhances the colors of the leaves and adds a magical glow to the photos.

  4. Let Your Pets Be Themselves: The most captivating pet photos come from candid moments. Let your dogs explore, play, and show their true personalities. It’s in these unscripted moments that we capture their unique spirit.

Why book a professional photo shoot for you and your dog

Professional pet portrait of a doodle dog sitting in front of a field at sunset in ohio

Booking a professional pet photographer can make all the difference in capturing those perfect moments with your furry friend. As an experienced pet photographer, I know how to work with all kinds of dogs of all ages, personalities, and abilities. It’s incredibly important to me that I am able to give you and your dog a stress-free and enjoyable photo shoot experience. Whether it's a solo dog session, two best friends like Murphy and Mella, or capturing the beautiful bond between dog and owner, the results are timeless images that you can cherish for a lifetime.

With the fall season in full swing, now is the perfect time to schedule your pet photography session in Columbus, Ohio. The stunning backdrop of autumn leaves combined with the playful energy of your pets will result in photos that are not only beautiful but also full of heart and personality.

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

Dog wearing a birthday bandanna during her birthday photo shoot with a professional dog photographer 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?

Dog in rose bushes at Rose Run Park in New Albany, during a pet photography photo shoot.

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!

Golden Doodle dog in a rose garden during a professional pet photography session in New Albany, Ohio's Rose run Park
Dog and owner birthday photo shoot with Alice in wonderland rose garden theme. Sunsets, Dramatic lighting, and vivid colors are the signature photographic style of of pet photographer Holly Hildreth's portraits.

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!

Cool Professional Pet photography with dramatic sky lighting featuring a golden doodle in a park in Columbus Ohio
Professional pet portrait of a Golden Doodle sitting on a tree stump during a professional photo shoot for her birthday
Professional pet photography of a golden doodle in a garden in Columbus, Ohio

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.

Pet portrait from Ohio's best dog photographer showing a Golden Doodle dog in a garden at golden hour

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!

Ohio End of Life Dog Photographer - Lincoln’s Pet and Family session by Holly Hildreth

Woman saying goodbye to her dog, a golden doodle, during and end of life pet photography session in New Albany, Ohio

“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.

Two doodle dogs sitting in a grassy area in the winter, during a pet photography session in columbus ohio
Woman touches noses with her doodle dog during an end of life pet photography session in columbus, ohio

Ohio Professional Dog Photography - Dolly & Juniper by Holly Hildreth

Woman holding her cockapoo dog at sunset during a dog and owner photo shoot in Alexandria, Ohio
A woman smiles at her puppy during a professional dog and owner photo shoot in the Appalachian foothills of Ohio

There are tons of great reasons to get pet portraits, but one of the most special is when you add a new puppy 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! Although most people think a professional dog photographer would prefer a puppy who sits still the secret is I love the chaos and energy puppies have as it allows me to get some cool action shots.

Professional dog photography action shot of a black toy poodle puppy running toward the camera during a photo shoot in Ohio

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?

Professional pet photography of a cockapoo dog in a pile of leaves with the Appalachian mountains of southeastern Ohio in the background
Natural Light Pet Photography of a dog and person in Ohio

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

End of Life dog photography session with a special needs schnauzer dog in Ohio

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. :)”

Columbus End of Life Pet Photographer - Tanner & Sadie by Holly Hildreth

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 Puppy Photography Session - Carmella the Mini-Bernadoodle by Holly Hildreth

Meet Carmella, the 10 week old Mini-Bernadoodle. This insanely cute puppy was just as sweet as she looks—nothing but wiggles and kisses from this good girl. She was curious about everything during our session at Everal Barn and Heritage Park in Westerville, which made for a super fun shoot. I LOVE photographing puppies! With all their energy and excitement, it makes it easy to get lots of great personality shots. But you have to have a quick trigger finger, or else you’ll miss those fleeting moments of stillness!

One concern I hear quite often from prospective puppy clients is the worry that we won’t be able to get good pictures because their young puppy doesn’t know any commands, and also can’t be trusted off leash. But, what most folks don’t know, is that I keep the puppies on a leash the whole time. Yep, that’s right. In every photo here Carmella is actually wearing a collar and leash, and I Photoshop the leash out afterwords. That way there’s no worries about safety, and we can keep your pup close by. There’s also no need for these little ones to know any commands. Although it’s always nice to have a good “sit”, sometimes you get more exciting photos when you just let your pup play, explore their environment, and just be a puppy. Puppies have a very short attention span, so it’s important to make sure to keep the session light and fun. That way the experience is as stress-free as possible for both you and your puppy.