Christmas Dog and Family Photo Session - Creekside at Gahanna, Ohio

Crowley and Family

A Christmas-themed session in Gahanna, Ohio

I just LOVE Christmas--it's my favorite holiday (I mean... I AM named after a Christmas plant after all, AND I was supposed to be born on Christmas day). So when Crowley's family booked a session at Creekside Plaza in Gahanna to get some photos for their Christmas cards, I was so excited. I knew we were going to get some amazing shots with their incredible Christmas lights display at Creekside.

I hadn’t been to Creekside for their Christmas display in quite some time, but I was so impressed. It seems to keep growing year after year! There were hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights all around the park as well as a gigantic tree all decked out.

Crowley’s family wanted to get some photos of themselves together with their dog. While I am an animal photographer first and foremost, it’s also super rewarding to capture the beautiful connection people share with their pets. Here’s what Crowley’s family had to say about their session with Holly Hildreth Photography:

“To say this was a wonderful experience is an understatement. It was joyful, fun and Holly made it effortlessly easy for us. She is a wealth of knowledge for places that suit the dogs needs on top of having gorgeous backdrops. She was amazing with our high energy dog and helped create a safe space for him. The photos will be forever on our walls until the next time we book with her for updates.”

Columbus Professional Dog Photography Session - Archie & Angel

Two signature elements of my photographic style are bold colors and dramatic lighting. When I get to combine those two things with a gorgeous dog? It's the best feeling ever--so satisfying!

Angel and Archie recently came to me for a fall pet session. We began their shoot by taking advantage of the last bits of autumn color, and then migrated down to the lake shore of Hoover Reservoir for some sunset shots. This little sandbar is underwater all year and only emerges in late fall/early winter. This was the first time this year where it's been accessible, and it was the perfect spot for capturing some gorgeous sunset portraits during a dog and owner photo shoot.

Ohio Professional Dog Photography - Dolly & Juniper

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.

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?

Travel and Destination Dog Photography - Grey and Otto

I feel like I met a celebrity! Recently I got to photograph Grey the Great Dane & Little Brother Otto! I met their mom, Charlene, on Facebook several years ago through a mutual interest in dog photography. Charlene is a talented Pittsburgh pet and family photographer (check out her work here: https://usandthedog.com/ ) It was so amazing to finally meet everyone in person. Plus it’s always extra special when you get to photograph another dog photographer’s pets!

For those who don't know, Grey and Charlene are an accomplished therapy dog team in the Pittsburgh area. Together they have clocked hundreds of therapy visits, bringing a little piece of doggy cheer to those who need it most. Grey's little brother Otto hopes to fill his big shoes one day when he's old enough, and become a certified therapy dog as well.

For our session we traveled to a cute little campground destination situated in the Appalachian foothills of eastern Ohio, near Cambridge. It's always an exciting challenge to photograph somewhere totally new, but we had some beautiful scenery to work with. My favorite part of the session was the blue-hour portraits we did beside the campground lake.

Are you interested in getting dramatic, eye-catching, one-of-a-kind portraits of your dog, but you reside outside of the Columbus, Ohio, metro area? Let’s talk! Travel and Destination pet photography could be the right fit for you. Whether you’re 30 miles away or 3,000, I can build you a custom package that meets your needs. Plus, if there’s one thing I love just as much as photographing pets, it’s traveling! Use my Contact Page today to schedule your travel and destination pet photography session!

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.

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.

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!

Happy Paw-ther's Day! -Columbus, Ohio, Pet Photography

Happy Father's Day to all the dog dads out there! You are the best of the best. You are always there for your furry friends, no matter what. You take them for walks, play fetch with them, and give them endless love and cuddles. You are their best friends and they are lucky to have you.

Do you have an awesome dog dad in your life? If so, head over to my Facebook Page and give them a shout out in the comments for a chance to win a FREE mini-session!

Dublin, Ohio, End of Life Pet Photography Session - Spencer

Sometimes home is where the session is! This handsome gentleman is Spencer. Unfortunately Spencer's health was declining, and his family wanted to capture some memories together before they had to say "goodbye". Since Spencer was vision, hearing, and mobility-impaired, we thought he would be happiest and most comfortable doing his End of Life photoshoot at home.

Spencer was such a sweetheart during his session. He had the warmest smile, and an equally sunny disposition to match. It was very easy to see how much his family adored him.

Losing a furry family member is never easy--especially when you've shared so much of your lives together. But, I like to think that we are not saying "goodbye" but rather "see you later". As author Pam Brown once said, “If there is a heaven, it’s certain our animals are to be there. Their lives become so interwoven with our own, it would take more than an archangel to detangle them.”

Westerville, Ohio, End of Life Pet Photography Session - Nellie

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

This is sweet senior face is Nellie. Her mom reached out to me for an End of Life photoshoot when Nellie's health began to sharply decline. Luckily I have the most amazing, understanding clients which allowed me to move some session around in order to get Nellie in the very next day for her shoot!

Nellie’s owner describes her more like a sister than a pet. They have made so many memories in their 16.5 years together. It was easy to see just how special their connection was. While Nellie’s health issues limited her mobility, that didn’t stop her from laying in the soft grass, sniffing the cool spring breeze, and enjoying watching the sunset with the ones she loves the most: her mom, and fur-sibling Patriot. I'm so glad we were able to get Nellie in for her session when we did, as 2 days later, she made her journey to the Rainbow Bridge. Run free, Miss Nellie! Until we meet again.

While we all want our furry family members to be by our sides forever, unfortunately at some point we all must say goodbye. End of Life pet photography sessions are an amazing gift that you can give yourself. We capture beautiful memories in our time together, that many owners find helps them with the grieving process when their beloved pet passes. I keep time reserved in my schedule every week specifically for End of Life sessions 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. If you find yourself in this situation and would like to book your own EoL Pet Photo shoot, contact me today , and I will be in touch ASAP.

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.

Westerville, Ohio, End of Life Pet Photography Session - Shadow

Shadow's owner contacted me when she received some devastating health news about this sweet, 9-year old Labrador mix. They wanted to get her in for photos while she was still acting and feeling like herself.

We planned to do photos with some nice fall colors in the background. However, after having 2 days the previous week with 50mph winds, I was worried there would be no leaves left. But even with most of the trees being bare, there are still little pockets of color to be found if you know where to look!

End of Life sessions are such an incredibly valuable gift that you can give yourself and your loved ones. I keep time reserved in my schedule every week specifically for cases like this 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. If you find yourself in this situation and would like to book your own EoL Pet Photo shoot, contact me today and I will be in touch ASAP.

Westerville, Ohio, Pet Photography Session - Buggy the Shar Pei mix

I admit, I absolutely LOVE fall! And whenever I see some gorgeous golden sunlight shining through colorful autumn leaves during a session, it's just perfection. Meet Buggy, the Shar Pei mix. Buggy takes doggy modeling very seriously and demanded to be paid in McDonald’s chicken nuggets. Obviously she got all the nuggets she wanted! I mean, how could anybody say "no" to that face?

Buggy has short black fur, which really stood out against the colorful fall leaves. One concern I hear a lot from clients is that they can’t seem to get a good picture of their black dog on their own at home. Often there’s no detail in the fur or the fur looks blue. I tell these owners that they’ve come to the right person, as I have extensive experience photographing black dogs of all shapes and sizes, and have been able to hone my lighting to really show off that gorgeous black fur that truly looks black.

Westerville Ohio Puppy Photography Session - Carmella the Mini-Bernadoodle

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.

Westerville, Ohio, End of Life Pet Photography Session - Twinkle the Boston Terrier

Twinkle’s owner reached out to me as soon as she received some devastating health news about her furry family member. Less than 24 hours later, Twinkle was in front of my lens for her special photoshoot. Twinkle passed away at home, surrounded by family, shortly after our session. I am glad that we had this chance to make a few last happy memories in the time she had left with us, and grateful to Twinkle’s family for trusting me with such an important shoot.

Twinkle’s owner found me through The Tilly Project, a network that connects pet owners with photographers who provide End of Life (EoL) pet photography services for cases just like Twinkle’s. EoL sessions are such an incredibly valuable gift that you can give yourself and your loved ones. I keep time reserved in my schedule every week specifically for cases like this 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. If you find yourself in this situation and would like to book your own EoL Pet Photo shoot, contact me today and I will be in touch ASAP.

Westerville, Ohio, Pet and Owner Photography Session - Scout & Kira

Ohio weather in the summer can be a gamble. For instance, as I was driving to my shoot with Scout, the beagle/chihuahua mix, the sky opened up and absolutely poured. As I arrived at the park the rain was tapering off a bit, though it was still very blue in the west and the radar said more rain was on its way. We decided to roll the dice and go ahead and shoot as much as we could before the rain arrived.

Scout’s owner let me know that he is pretty timid around strangers and in new situations. But as soon as I got out of my car this little dude tried to immediately French kiss me! It’s safe to say I had his approval. With shy and skittish dogs, I like to budget a little more time into the session to make sure your pup is comfortable in front of the camera. One great way to make sure your pup is relaxed is to do some action shots of walking/playing. That usually helps them loosen up a bit. Another good approach is taking some candid shots of the sweet moments between owner and pet. Getting pets and reassurance from their owner can really put a pup at ease, plus it gives me a great opportunity to catch those special moments.

Scout’s owner was hoping for a sunset for their session. One thing about these kind of rainy days is you rarely get a sunset. But sometimes, you get super lucky and are surprised with an amazing array of colors as the sun goes down. Sunsets after a storm are usually much more vibrant than normal due to the higher moisture content in the atmosphere and greater scattering of the sun’s rays. All this goes to say fortune favors the bold. I’m so glad we decided to go for it and shoot anyway, despite everything looking like we would be rained out!