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

Rare Dog Breed Photography - Ginko

Capturing Rare Dog Breeds: A Hungarian Mudi Photo Shoot in Columbus, Ohio

One of the things I love most about being a professional pet photographer in Columbus, Ohio, is the incredible opportunity to meet and capture stunning images of some of the most unique and rare dog breeds in the world. Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Ginko, a beautiful Hungarian Mudi! For those unfamiliar with the breed, the Hungarian Mudi is a truly remarkable dog. Originally bred as herding dogs in Hungary, they’re known for their intelligence, agility, and versatility. These energetic dogs are always eager to work and learn, excelling in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding competitions.

The Mudi’s striking appearance makes them a dream to photograph. Their coats can range from wavy to curly, and they come in a variety of colors, from solid black to unique merle patterns. While they may be relatively small in size, their big personalities (and even bigger voices) make them stand out. As a pet photographer, it’s an absolute joy to capture their playful and energetic spirit through my lens. Mudis are incredibly loyal, loving, and bond closely with their owners, which always shines through in their portraits.

What makes the Hungarian Mudi even more special is how rare they are—only about 450 of these incredible dogs are living in the United States. Each encounter with one feels like a special treat, and believe it or not, I’ve had the privilege of photographing several Mudis here in Columbus! I guess you could say I’m a Mudi magnet! Whether you have a rare breed like the Mudi or a beloved mixed breed, capturing the essence of your pet’s personality is what I strive for in every photo session.

If you’re looking for professional pet photography in Columbus, Ohio, and want stunning images that highlight your dog’s unique beauty, intelligence, and personality, I’d love to help you create memories that last a lifetime.

Travel and Destination Pet Photography: Iowa Waterfall Corgi Photo Shoot

If there’s one thing I love almost as much at pet photography it’s traveling! This summer my travels brought me to northeastern Iowa to visit family. I am originally from Iowa, but now that I live 11 hours away in Ohio, I don’t get back there very often. When I do, it’s for Christmas. So this was the first time in 10 years that I was in Iowa in the summer! So of course I needed to hit all my favorite places while we were there, which included Dunning’s Spring in Decorah, Iowa.

Dunning’s Spring originates in a cave that has ice on the walls year round, which means the chilly water flowing out was so cold that it was steaming from the temperature difference with the air. This made for some nice foggy effects in the photos.

Dunning’s Spring is a magical spot for destination pet photography. Despite the water's super cold temperature, that didn't stop either of the dogs from taking a dip. I’m pretty sure they would have both happily sat in the waterfall all day long if they could.

Our photo shoot didn’t stop at the waterfall. We hiked to the top of the ice cave and took in the stunning views, all while I captured the dogs exploring the outdoors. What I love about Dunning’s Spring is that it feels like a hidden gem—this waterfall looks like it belongs in the mountains, not in the heartland of Iowa! It’s the perfect backdrop for an adventure pet photography session that blends travel and natural beauty.

I have fond memories of my parents bringing me to Dunning’s Spring to play in the waterfall and then we would head over to the fish hatchery for a picnic lunch and eagle-watching. We decided do just that for old time’s sake during our visit, and my two corgis got to come along!

For me, the best part of traveling with pets is sharing these special moments. Rigby, my blind corgi, was thrilled to be on an adventure. Even though he couldn’t see the waterfall, he could sense the excitement in the air and the cool water on his paws.

I’m so happy to have these beautiful waterfall portraits of my dogs in such a special and meaningful place.

Travel and destination pet photography offers a unique opportunity to capture your furry companion in stunning, scenic locations. Whether it’s a stunning waterfall or a special location that is meaningful to you, these sessions allow you and your pet to explore while we create beautiful, lasting memories. Perfect for adventurous pets and their owners, destination shoots combine travel with the joy of professional pet portraits, ensuring you come away with extraordinary images of your pet in some of the world's most picturesque settings.

If you’d like to receive a custom quote for your destination pet photography session, please contact me today.

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!

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.

Dog Birthday Party Photography - By Ohio's Premiere Pet Photographer Holly Hildreth

I have a tradition of doing birthday photos every year of my own dogs on their birthday to celebrate. I try to make the theme different every year, and also use it as an opportunity to get a little creative! Today I wanted to share with you my youngest corgi Brisket’s birthday photos. Brisket turned 3 this year, and you may not know this, but he’s not actually a dog—he’s really 3 possums stacked on top of each other in a trench coat…inside a corgi’s body.

This year I went with a color explosion for the party theme. I wanted a vibrant color pallet, reminiscent of Lisa Frank’s style for my puppy’s 3rd birthday party.

Of course I can’t just share this year’s photos without also including his last 2 birthdays as well. For his 1st and 2nd birthdays, I wanted to go with something simple, since he was still very much a puppy and not interested in modeling for me. Now that he’s older he is obsessed with getting his picture taken.

Brisket’s 2nd Bday

Brisket’s 1st Bday

Bonus Photo:

Brisket enjoying his doggy ice cream

Which doggy birthday party photos are your favorite? If you’re looking to book a professional pet photographer to capture some birthday portraits of your dog, please use my contact page to request your session today!

6 Reasons Why You Should Choose A Professional Pet Photographer for a Pet and Family Photoshoot

Capturing Pets & their People

You and your dog share a unique and incredible bond. Here’s why hiring a pet photographer should be at the top of your list if you’re considering getting photos taken together with your dog.

Dogs are such a special part of our lives. They provide us with unconditional love, companionship, and endless entertainment. A Professional Pet Photographer can help you to capture the deep connection you share, creating not just photographs, but masterful works of art featuring you and your dog.

Unlike people and family photographers that may also shoot weddings, graduations, newborns, etc, I ONLY take on sessions that include an animal. That means you’re getting someone who is not only dedicated to the craft of photography, but someone who knows how to get the best out of your dog. Because of this and the wealth of experience I have in this field, it means that I can give you an incredible portrait of you and your dog that you never would be able to get from a people/family photographer.

Now I know what you’re thinking. “If I want to be in the photos with my dog, why wouldn’t I just hire a regular family photographer?” Well, here are 6 reasons why you should specifically book a professional pet photographer for a session of you and your dog:

1. Professional Pet Photographers are Experts at “Reading” Your Dog. Did you know the main way dogs communicate is through body language? A dog is always broadcasting what they’re feeling and what they need through tiny signals that most people don’t even notice. I am an expert at seeing and interpreting the subtle little signs your dog gives off, and in turn tailoring your session to what your dogs needs in order to create an enjoyable, stress-free experience for your pet. My goal is to always keep your pup safe, happy, and engaged in everything we’re doing.

2. During Your Session, Your Dog is the Boss. A professional dog photographer can adapt on the fly and roll with whatever your dog feels like doing. Your dog will never be pushed into stressful situations or forced to do anything they don’t want to do. I am continuously watching for signs that your dog needs to take a break—and we will take as many as your dog needs. Sometimes all it takes is 10 seconds of belly rubs to to hit the reset button in your dog’s brain to get them back to feeling confident, happy, and interested in getting their photo taken. Letting your dog set the pace and dictate the kind of shots we get in turn means that you and your dog will both have a positive experience. Your dog may even blissfully fall asleep smiling during your drive home from our session.

3. Pets are Family. Period. With some people-focused photographers, your dog can end up looking like just an accessory in your photos and not like an equally-important part of your family. Often times people photographers will relegate dogs to the very edge or bottom of the frame. The dogs may also look disengaged—the people are smiling at the camera, but the dog is way more interested in what’s happening behind him. With a Professional Pet Photographer, your dog is not an afterthought, he is the main event. That means all our poses are built around your pup. So instead of it feeling like you’re doing a family session and your dog is just tagging along, your dog will be treated as THE reason for the photo shoot

4. Pet Photographers are Wizards at Getting Your Dog’s Attention. We always hear from clients that they’re worried their dog won’t be suitable for a photo shoot as they don’t know any commands, are high energy, or have a short attention span. But, there’s no reason to worry. I have tons of tricks up my sleeve for getting your dog to look at me and stay engaged with what we’re doing. Clients are always genuinely shocked at how many great photos we get from a session. Knowing when to press the shutter button is key, as it really only takes a split second of attention to make your dog look like he was a perfectly-posed best-boy. Pet photographers are able to anticipate when your dog is about to be in the perfect position and have the best expression, and are masters at knowing when to take the shot.

5. We know How to Capture Your Dog's Best Side. Pet Photographers can turn a bouncy puppy or a salt-and-pepper senior into a doggy super model. I know how to work with any kind of dog regardless of their age, size, breed(s), energy levels, training, abilities, and personality. This means every client walks away with incredible images. Regular Family photographers that specialize in people portraits do not have an in-depth understanding of animal behavior—just like how you wouldn’t expect your primary care doctor to also be a veterinarian. Hiring someone who specializes exclusively in pets means you are choosing someone who knows how to get the very best from your dog. I have hundreds of hours of positive-reinforcement dog training classes under my belt, and I also volunteer my photography services to 2 local rescues by photographing adoptable dogs. This means I’ve also worked extensively with dogs who have experienced trauma, are under-socialized, have special needs, or are wary of humans. I’ve never met a dog that I couldn’t win over; sometimes it just takes a little extra patience for your dog to feel comfortable and come out of their shell. Before the end of the session, your dog will be all smiles—they might not even want to leave!

6. We know how to showcase the bond you share. Every photo has a story, and we know the best way to show and tell it. While your session may feel like you’re just hanging out with your dog in a beautiful park, I’ll be behind the lens, capturing the genuine and subtle little moments that tell the story of the love you share. While we can do set-up poses, often the most beautiful results are organic and candid.

Looking for even more reasons to get photos done together with your pet? Take a look at the gallery below for some of my favorite pet and people sessions.

Are you ready to book your pet photo shoot? If so, visit my Contact Page to request your session today!

Columbus End of Life Pet Photographer - Tanner & Sadie

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.

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.

Columbus, Ohio, Pet Photography Session - Lucy & Rosie

Lucy and her recently adopted sister-from-another-mister, Rosie, were a delight to photograph. Lucy was so bubbly and eager to please. She just wanted to be in the spotlight! Rosie was a little hesitant, but soon learned that photos mean lots of treats! But...can we just take a minute to talk about the glow-up Rosie has had?!

Rosie had a tough start in life. She is a former puppy mill momma. She was stuck in a wire cage 24/7, with another cage on top of her. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the excrement from the dog above her would fall onto her, which is a horrible way to live! Luckily Stop the Suffering Animal Rescue of Ohio stepped in and got her out of there. Four months ago Rosie started her life over, and she has totally won the jackpot being adopted by an amazing, patient, loving family that adores her. Only happy days are ahead for this girl--and she deserves it!

New Albany, Ohio, Pet Photography Session - Kevin and Harvey the Frenchies

Aren't Kevin and Harvey the French Bulldogs the absolute cutest?! Aside from these ladies having the best names ever, they were so sweet. They had to make sure to crawl in my lap and give kisses every couple minutes to remind me that they were just brimming with love and cheer. It's hard to have a bad day when you have these two looking back at you! Since French Bulldogs are not quite built for the cold, we had opted for a studio session.

Kevin and Harvey’s people brought the perfect fuzzy blanket from their house to incorporate in their shoot. We wanted to be sure to match their owner’s home decor colors with these photos, sowe opted for neutral, earth tones to match. I think that was the perfect call for these beautiful Frenchies!

Columbus, Ohio, Rescue Dog Photography - Giving back

Growing up my parents engrained in me the importance of giving back to your community in whatever way you could. The idea that you should always give more than you take, is one that I’ve carried with me into adult life…which is how I became involved in dog rescues!

As a kid, some of my happiest memories were going to the local humane society with my dad, and just spending time with the animals. I loved being able to meet so many different pets and giving love and attention to them when they need it most. Especially since ending up at a shelter is perhaps the most stressful experience of a dog’s life.

When I was in college, rescues started becoming more common. I also got my very first dog at this time, and well, once I had a dog in my life it was game over—I became obsessed with dogs and began photographing friends’ pets for some of my college assignments. So, when I graduated and moved to Ohio, I wanted to find my fellow dog people. That’s when I decided to join my first animal rescue. I started out by fostering dogs when my schedule would allow it, and then quickly discovered the need for high-quality photography of these adoptable dogs. With the rise of social media and adoption sites like Petfinder, having professional, attention-getting images of dogs in need proved to be instrumental in helping these good boys and girls find their forever homes.

Besides the obvious benefit of giving back to the community and helping animals in need, I love photographing rescue dogs and puppies, as it helps me keep my skills sharp. In rescue you have all kinds of cases, from beloved family pets whose owners passed away, to puppies that maybe were an impulse buy from a pet store or backyard breeder, and now that puppy is too big/energetic/too much work for their new owners. We also see some devastating cases of abuse, neglect, and severe under-socialization in situations like hoarding cases or puppymill cast-offs. Through volunteering with area rescues, I have been able to work with animals with all different levels of training, energy, confidence, and friendliness. This experience has helped me learn how to work with each animal individually, tailoring the shoot to their comfort level, in order to make their session as stress-free as possible.

The most common worry I hear from new clients inquiring about a photo shoot for their family pet is that they worry their shy dog won’t “cooperate”. I always reassure them that in 13 years of photographing animals, I’ve not yet met a dog that I couldn’t win over. I owe a lot of that to my experience in volunteering to photograph for rescues. Meeting and working with such a wide variety of dogs and cats has given me the necessary skills, tricks, and patience to take on any pet confidently.

Winter in Ohio is generally the slow season for most photographers. This means I have more time to volunteer and photograph adoptable dogs. One recent session that has really stuck with me is the “PopStar Litter”. The “PopStar” puppies are currently looking for their forever homes through Stop The Suffering Ohio. This little family’s backstory is heartbreaking. Unfortunately, the 7 adorable puppies you see here had an awful start in life. These sweet babies were found (as newborns) the day after Christmas, literally freezing to death in a trash pile in Kentucky! Luckily they were found just in time by a good Samaritan. After receiving emergency medical care, battling respiratory illnesses, and being bottle fed and cared for around-the-clock by foster volunteers, these babies are finally happy and healthy pups who are ready for their forever homes. To apply to adopt, visit stopthesuffering.org/adopt

Not in a position to adopt a new friend, but still want to help homeless pets? Area rescues and animal shelters are at capacity. If it weren't for our volunteers, we wouldn't have been able to save this little family. It takes a village-- from those who transported the puppies to Columbus, to the veterinarians who treated them, to the foster homes who provided love and care, to those who helped raise the funds to be able to pay for the emergency costs. Every bit of help makes a difference, and there are so many ways to make an impact. Visit STS's website to learn about ways you can help pups like these: https://www.stopthesuffering.org/copy-of-about-1

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 - Kaiser & Copper, Doberman

I had the privilege of photographing Copper and Kaiser, the Doberman Pinschers, at Hoover Reservoir in Westerville. We had perfect, unseasonably warm autumn weather for our session. One reason I love photographing at this park is that it offers many different “looks”. We took advantage of the colorful leaves and gorgeous backgrounds, and ended with the pups taking a little dip in the lake for some action shots. These two good boys were a total pleasure to work with, and were eager to try anything, whether that was posing on a rock or splashing through the water.

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

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

Do you have a furry family member who is in need of End-of-Life Pet photography services? If so, please contact me today. I keep time reserved in my schedule every week for cases just like Marcella’s, where owners aren’t sure how much time their dog has left and/or are dealing with tough decisions around the declining health of their best friend. End of Life pet sessions are such an incredibly valuable gift you can give yourself and loved ones that captures your pet’s personality and the special bond between owner and pet.

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.

Columbus Ohio End of Life Pet Photography Session - Rajah

I’ve known Miss Rajah for years, as her owner is a good friend of mine. In fact, this beautiful brindle ball of sweetness had play dates with my oldest corgi, Rigby, when HE was just a tiny puppy. When Rajah received some unfortunate health news, her owner asked if I would do a session with her in the time she had left. The answer was an enthusiastic “YES!!!”

Rajah is, and always has been, one of the Good Ones. I wanted to make sure I captured her sweet, incredibly laid-back personality. Rajah is more of a “lay in the sun” rather than “go for a run” kinda girl, (which…SAME). Rajah has lived an amazing life so far. Since Covid hit, Rajah and her owners have been road tripping all across the US in their camper van. I think Rajah has been able to pee in more states than any other dog I know.

We had Rajah’s session at Clintonville’s Park of Roses, which is absolutely bursting with color this time of year. We took a nice stroll around the park, taking advantage of the gorgeous backgrounds as we went. At the end we got a nice, subtle sunset. A perfect session ending for such a perfect girl.

End of Life Pet Photography 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 End of Life Pet Photo shoot, Contact me today .

One regret I hear over and over from clients is not booking a shoot soon enough. They figured they have plenty of time and plan to eventually book something later on, but their beloved furry family member passes away before they get around to contacting me. While I can always do a shoot that accommodates your dog wherever they are health and ability-wise, many folks prefer doing a session while their dog is still happy, alert, and mobile, as they want to remember their friend’s spirit while they’re still acting like themselves. I HIGHLY recommend doing your shoot sooner rather than later, as we never really know how much time we have with our pets. To see more examples of End of Life sessions, click on the “end of life” tag at the bottom of this post.

Westerville, Ohio, Pet Photography Sunset Session - Bernard & Cookie

Bernard’s owner reached out to me to take advantage of my July fundraiser for Stop the Suffering Animal Rescue of Ohio, where a portion of every session fee is donated to help homeless and neglected pets in central Ohio. Bernard had some unfortunate health news, and his owner wanted to get him in for a session while he was still happy and able to get around. Bernard’s sister-from-another-mister, Cookie, came along too for some photos. Their owner let me know that Cookie is shy and can be skittish in new and strange situations, so we made sure to budget extra time into their session to ensure Cookie was comfortable with everything, and worked to make the experience as stress-free as possible for her.

Our shoot day was…INSANELY HOT! But sometimes you just get crazy lucky during a shoot and not only get a stellar sunset, but a brilliant blue twilight complete with a few stars and fireflies! I may have been dripping sweat through Bernard and Cookie's session, but it was so worth it for results like these!

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!

Commercial Pet Photography - Columbus, Ohio, Magazine Shoot

I absolutely LOVE working on commercial pet photography projects for clients. I recently had a fun project come up for Dogster Magazine that involved photographing some Afghan hounds for the cover of their June/July 2022 issue. Afghan hounds aren’t exactly dogs you see walking through your neighborhood every day, so I was super lucky to find two incredible dogs from Solina Hounds in Alexandria, Ohio. Owner Sophia graciously brought her Afghan Hounds, Inca and Genny, to me for their glamour shots. We wanted to have a true beauty magazine cover look complete with a fan to blow out those luscious locks. These two gorgeous ladies did not disappoint. Both models were so friendly, happy, and easy to work with that it made my job easy! Below is the final cover for Dogster, a small sampling of some of my favorite shots from this session, and a behind-the-scenes look at my set-up.