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.

Meet Columbus, Ohio's Top Pet Photographer, Holly Hildreth

Portrait of Columbus, Ohio Pet Photographer Holly Hildreth and her 2 dogs, Rigby and Brisket.

If you're looking for the best pet photographer in Columbus, Ohio, look no further than Holly Hildreth. An award-winning professional pet photographer, Holly's skill for creating dramatic animal images (often with a twist of humor) is known across the world. With a background rooted in commercial photography and a passion for capturing dogs in their element, she has become a go-to name for pet lovers and businesses alike.

“An Absolute Master of Her Craft”

Holly’s journey into pet photography began at the University of Central Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Commercial Photography with honors. With her keen eye for detail and a love for creative and humorous storytelling, Holly quickly set herself apart from the crowd with her eye-catching portraits of dogs. Her innate drive to continuously hone her craft didn’t stop there; she went on to earn the prestigious Master Photographer degree from The Professional Photographers of America, solidifying her expertise in the field. She has received awards from the PPA including Bronze, Silver, and Platinum photographer IPC awards, as well as recognition from the AKC as Family dog Photographer of the year.

Holly’s portfolio is diverse, ranging from private pet portrait sessions, to end of life pet photography services, dog and owner photo shoots, and commercial animal photography. Her work is characterized by dramatic lighting, precise timing, and a knack for turning ordinary moments into extraordinary images. Holly's photos are more than just pictures—they’re pieces of art that you will not find anywhere else.

The Art of Pet Photography

Holly’s unique style sets her apart in the crowded photography market of Columbus, Ohio. She combines her expertise in complex lighting with a natural ability to read canine behavior to best capture the spirit of her canine subjects. Her photos are full of life, personality, color and emotion. With abundant kindness and patience, she manages to portray each pet's personality and character beautifully. Holly's sessions are tailored to each client, focusing on making the pets feel comfortable and at ease during the entire process. This approach allows her to capture genuine, candid moments that reflect the pet's true nature, and leads to both dog and human having a positive experience.

Serving Columbus and Beyond

Based in Columbus, Holly primarily serves Central Ohio but is also available for travel and destination pet photography sessions, making her a sought-after choice for pet owners who want high-quality, professional photos of their pets in unique settings. Whether it's an urban photoshoot in downtown Columbus, a quiet session at one of the city's many parks, or a private end of life photo shoot in the comfort of your own home, Holly's versatility and experience allow her to deliver stunning images regardless of the location.

Giving Back to the Community

Holly’s passion for animals doesn’t stop at her professional work. In her free time, she volunteers her expert skills to local animal rescues such as RescuedOhio and Stop the Suffering Ohio by photographing adoptable dogs to increase their chances of finding forever homes. Her striking portraits of rescue dogs help capture their charm and personality, often making a significant difference in their adoption journey.

Her volunteer work is a testament to her love for animals and her desire to give back. It’s no wonder that Holly has become a beloved figure in the Columbus pet community, known not just for her incredible talent but also for her character and heart.

Life with Rigby and Brisket

At home, Holly is kept company by her two corgis, Rigby and Brisket. These two are more than just pets—they’re an essential part of Holly’s life and, unsurprisingly, frequent doggy models. Rigby and Brisket are no strangers to the camera, often appearing in her photos, showcasing their playful personalities and love for the spotlight. These two keep life interesting and remind Holly of why she does what she does.

If you’re interested in having professional photos of your pet, Holly Hildreth is the photograph your’ve been searching for. Holly offers a variety of packages tailored to meet the needs of her clients, and she works closely with pet owners to ensure that each session is fun, relaxed, and all about bringing out the best in your dog.

Get in Touch

In a city full of pet photographers, Holly stands out with her passion, skill, and ability to create truly unforgettable images. Don’t miss the opportunity to work with Columbus, Ohio’s top pet photographer—your pet's personality deserves to be captured in a way that only Holly can achieve. To book a session, click here.

Adventure Dog Photography: Epic Outdoor Corgi Photo Shoot

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

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

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

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

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

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A look behind the scenes

Ohio Rescue Dog Photography - Studio Portraits of Josie

In my free time I volunteer my pet photography talents to a few Columbus, Ohio-area dog rescues in hopes of helping adoptable dogs find their forever homes. Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph Josie, a very special one-eyed English bulldog, who is available for adoption through Stop the Suffering Animal Rescue of Ohio!

Meet Josie: A Sweet Bulldog Searching for Her Forever Home

Josie is a one-eyed, 2-year-old English bulldog with a heart of gold. Despite her delicate condition, Josie is full of love and eager to find someone who can provide her with the care she needs. She has a heart arrhythmia that is improving but requires regular medication—something her future adopter should be prepared to manage long-term. In addition to her special medical needs, Josie also requires typical bulldog maintenance care, such as having her facial folds wiped regularly and avoiding overheating.

Josie is incredibly friendly, fully house-trained, crate-trained, and gets along well with other dogs and people of all ages. She has a sweet personality. She was happy to pose for photos for me—as long as she could take some breaks to come over and get some belly rubs and eat some treats in between shots.

Josie is the whole package. She even has a full wardrobe of doggy clothes that she loves to get dressed up in! She truly deserves a loving home where she can thrive and receive all the care and attention she needs. If you are interested in giving Josie her forever home, please visit Stop the Suffering Animal Rescue of Ohio to apply.

Why I Volunteer to Photograph Adoptable Dogs

Volunteering to take photos of adoptable dogs is incredibly meaningful to me. As a professional pet photographer, I understand the importance of a great photograph! The difference between a cell phone snap and a professional portrait can make a world of difference for a dog waiting to be adopted. Many dogs spend too much time in shelters or foster homes simply because potential adopters don't see their true personality from a standard photo. Often photos of adoptable dogs are taken at the animal shelter. The Pound can be a very scary place for most dogs! By busting these dogs out of doggy jail, we’re able to get them to a much more calm and positive environment, which in turn puts them at ease and allows me to capture each dog's unique spirit. I hope to increase their chances of being noticed by a family that will give them a loving home.

My goal is to use my pet photography skills to give back to the community here in Columbus, Ohio and help homeless dogs find their forever families. Every animal deserves a chance to be loved, and if my photographs can help make that connection, then all the effort is worthwhile.

Book a Professional Pet Photography Session in Columbus, Ohio

If you’re looking for a professional pet photographer in Columbus, Ohio, I’d love to help capture beautiful memories of your beloved pet. Whether it’s in the studio or outdoors on location, we will get a ton of incredible pet portraits. I photograph dogs and puppies of all ages, sizes, breeds, and abilities. Click the link below to book your dog’s photo shoot today.

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!

Arrow's Dog and Family Photo Shoot by Midwest Pet Photographer Holly Hildreth

As a professional pet photographer, I always love having sunny weather for a session, But, sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. For Arrow's Family and Pet photo shoot, her plans included torrential downpours! But the silver lining to the gathering storm clouds is that it made for some really dramatic skies and lighting, which allowed us to take incredibly unique family photos. The impressive thunderstorm that provided us with such a great background for our session ended up drenching us on our way back to the parking lot at the end of the shoot. (Still worth it!)

We began our outdoor pet photography session in a shallow creek area at Alexandria, Ohio’s best hidden gem: Lobdell Reserve. The cloudy skies allowed us to get nice, soft lighting while we were photographing by the stream. This is proof that cloudy days can still give you amazing results for your dog and owner portraits!

Arrow loves to wade in water, so this was the perfect session location for him. It’s always so fun to incorporate some of your dog’s favorite activities to really help capture the essence of your dog. Plus you can’t help but smile watching your dog having a blast in their element.

After our playful romp in the creek, we took a little break to go back up on the edge of the woods where we found a nice little bench to take a moment to catch our breath before moving on to another spot.

Next we headed over to a hiking trail through a tall prairie grass field. This spot gave us an unobstructed view of the sky and allowed us to get some shots with the approaching storm in the background. We tried to work quickly to get our portraits done before the storm got too close, but we were really cutting it close. You can even see some raindrops in a few of these photos if you zoom in. While most people think of family portraits they envision a clear blue skies, but I vote for making stormy sky portraits a thing! I grew up in Tornado Alley, and nothing reminds me of home quite like watching a storm build up in the distance. While we don’t get nearly as many storms here in central Ohio, every now and again we do get a pop up storm that puts on a show.

Ready to book a pet and family session for you and your dog?

Click the link below to get started!

Book A Shoot

Ohio End of Life Pet Photography - Dog and Family Session | Woody the Jack Russell Terrier

Saying goodbye to a faithful friend is never easy. I have had the pleasure of photographing Woody several times over the years. So when I heard he received a terminal diagnoses, we got him in immediately for one last photo shoot to celebrate his life. While he didn’t have a ton of energy, he was still happy to hang out in the warm sunshine and get lots of treats and pats. Woody and his family have had lots of adventures over their 15 years together, and I was honored to capture the incredible bond they share before he passes.

End of Life Pet Photography is such a special way to capture the incredible bond you share with your pet before they cross the Rainbow Bridge. Whether your pet has received a terminal diagnosis, or they are super seniors, I am able to provide you and your family a time and place to make a few last memories together with your dog that will be preserved forever. I tailor the session to your pet’s specific needs to ensure their comfort and safety is top priority. If you are in need of End of Life Pet Photography services in the Columbus, Ohio region, please contact me today. I am usually able to get most clients in for photo shoot within 48 hours.

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!

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

Winter End of Life Pet and Family Photo Session - Tyskie in Gahanna, Ohio

Tyskie’s family sharing a quiet, loving moment during their End of Life Session | © Holly Hildreth Photography

Tyskie the Border Collie mix recently came to me for an end of life photo shoot after receiving some unfortunate health news. Since it was so close to Christmas, we decided to take advantage of Creekside park in Gahanna, which has an amazing Christmas light display in December. Tyskie’s family wanted to capture some portraits of him by himself as well as a few photos together. Take a look below for some of my favorites from our session.

End of Life pet photography is not about dwelling on the inevitable, but rather about celebrating the life, love, and the unique bond you share with your dog.

Dogs bring us immeasurable joy, unconditional love, and goofy antics that fill our lives with laughter and warmth. As much as we cherish every wonderful moment together, the reality of their shorter lifespans means we will all have to say “goodbye” to our best friends as some point.

Here's why end of life pet photography is a gift worth giving to yourself or a loved one:

• Treasured memories: Photos transcend time and hold the incredible power to transport you back to joyful moments. A gentle nuzzle, a goofy grin during belly rubs, their soft gaze – these details might fade with time, but photographs keep them vibrant and alive.

• Comfort in grief: Losing a pet is never easy, and the pain can feel overwhelming. End-of-life photos offer a tangible connection to your furry friend, a source of comfort and solace when you need it most. The session itself also provides pet owners with a sense of closure and peace knowing that we’ve captured something to hold on to after your pet passes.

• Honoring the bond: These photos are a testament to the unconditional love and unwavering loyalty shared between you and your dog. They capture the pure joy pets bring to us, as well as the deep devotion we share. These are more than just portraits; they are gallery-worthy works of art created as an homage to your pet and their impact on your life.

• Celebrating life: While acknowledging the inevitable, end-of-life pet photography is ultimately a celebration of life. It's a way to honor your dog through a beautiful tribute to their spirit. The session also gives us an opportunity to go on one last tail-wagging adventure before they cross the Rainbow Bridge. Owners often remark that their dog is so overjoyed during our session that they catch a beautiful glimmer of their dog acting like their old, happy selves.

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Making the experience special:

• Choose the right photographer: Look for someone who specializes in pet photography and understands the emotional sensitivity of end of life pet sessions, as well as the extra considerations that may be needed for a terminally-ill pet.

• Focus on comfort: Prioritize your dog's well-being above all else. Choosing the setting, keeping the session stress-free, and letting your furry friend guide the pace means that you and your dog are both going to have a positive and fun experience

• Doggy Bucket List: Does your dog love cheeseburgers more than anything? Or maybe they could never resist going for a swim. We can customize your session to your pet, which means we have an opportunity to incorporate some of your pet’s favorite things. Our session provides you with one last memory-making adventure together.

If you are interested in booking an end of life pet photography session for your dog, please use my contact page to request a session. Because I know time is of the essence in these cases, I will be in touch ASAP to get your pup in for their photo shoot.