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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you ready to book your session?

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Columbus Pet and Family Photo Shoot - Logan the Frenchie

Dog and Owner Photo Shoot in Columbus, Ohio | © Holly Hildreth Photography

Logan, the silliest French Bulldog of them all, was a joy to photograph during his recent pet and family session. This super friendly pup is very loved by his family, and holds a special place in the heart of his dog-dad. Logan and his dad made the big move to Columbus, Ohio, from Puerto Rico and went through the difficult transition of starting anew so far from home. Logan played an important role in keeping his dad's spirits up by providing lots of love, laughs, and company during an otherwise stressful time. I can definitely relate. When I moved across the country to Columbus back in 2012, I knew absolutely no one here and only had my corgi by my side, so I completely understand how important our furry friends are in helping us get through the challenging seasons of life.

We did our photo shoot at Creekside Park in Gahanna, Ohio. We wanted to have a good mix of urban scenes as well as some natural backgrounds to give us lots of variety. I love using this park, as you don’t have to walk far to get lots of different looks during a session.

As it turns out, it doesn’t matter what the background or location it—Logan is going to do his best to give face licking kisses wherever he goes. This goofy boy and his inability to hold his licker let me get beautiful portraits of him with his family with genuine smiles and laughter, and helped keep the session fun and lighthearted.

Logan’s people also wanted to be sure we captured a shot of him wearing his Superman costume complete with a big red cape. This was such a fun shot—I love when we get to do unique and personality-filled photos like this. To get this shot I placed Logan on a large rock and then I laid down on the ground and aimed my camera up. This allowed me to get a great larger-than-life shot of Logan proudly showing off his costume while his cape billowed in the wind.

Incorporating special items into your pet photo shoot is a great way to make photos more meaningful and memorable—whether it’s a costume, special collar, favorite toy, or their favorite treat.

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.

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11 Poses for Dog and Owner Photo Shoots | Rock your Next Session with These Professional Pet Photography Tips

Are you nervous about being in front of the camera during a pet and owner photo shoot with your dog? Or maybe you’re a professional pet photographer who’s looking to add more variety to their sessions. While every dog and every session is different, here are some tried and true poses, ideas, and prompts that have been client favorites for capturing natural, genuine expressions resulting in stunning portraits with your dog.

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1.) Puppy Kisses

A hound dog licks his owners face during a pet and person photo shoot in Columbus, Ohio

This pose is an instant favorite for most dog owners. Not only can I capture the love and unique bond you share with your dog, but it always ends up with real smiles and laughter.

Pet photographer’s pro-tip: Want to do this shot but your dog is not a “kisser”? Try putting a tiny little dab of spray cheese on your cheek. Works like a charm to get your dog to lick your face.

2.) Returning the Favor

A family loves on their dog during an end of life Pet Photography session in the winter in Gahanna, Ohio

If you get a photo of your dog giving you a kiss, then it’s only right to return the favor! This posing prompt gives us a great opportunity to capture meaningful, candid-feeling shots.

Pet Photographer’s Pro-Tip: I find kissing the top of the dog’s head or their cheek lets me get a clear view of both faces. Kissing the top of the dog’s head (where the hair is shortest) is critical for fluffy dogs whose long hair would otherwise hide the owner’s face.

3.) Follow Me

A Jack Russell Terrier looks up at his owner while they walk together on a gravel path during a dog and owner photo shoot in Westerville, Ohio | © Holly Hildreth Photography

Capture the loyalty your pup has to you and your family with this pose. You can include faces or shoot tight like this photo so you only see legs, so it is great for those who many be a little camera shy. With shots like this you don’t have to worry about smiling or posing a certain way, you just walk with your dog and talk do them as you go so they look up at you. Easy!

Pet Photographer’s Pro-Tip: This simple pose is a great opener to start your session, as it helps get the dog acclimated to the camera from a distance while they’re focused on their owner. It also is a fun way to burn off a puppy’s over-excitement (excellent for high energy dogs). This is also a good option for shy dogs who need a second to warm up, as you can shoot from a distance while the dog is focused on the owner.

4.) Spot’s Favorite Spot

A woman laughs as her dog licks the air while she pets him during a dog and owner photo shoot.

Most dogs have a favorite spot for petting. Whether it’s belly rubs, back scratches, or head pats, this “pose” shows your dog’s quirks and personality, and also invariably brings a genuine smile to your face as you watch your pup lean into you for more pats.

Pet Photography Pro-Tip: This is a great ice breaker, as it often gets the owner smiling and laughing and helps both the dog and the owner to relax. This can also be a great “break” activity for when the dog needs to take a second away from posing for a mental break. This helps get them reset between other poses and keeps them relaxed.

5.) Cuddle Time

A candid moment of a woman hugging her dog during a pet and owner photo shoot in the fall in Ohio.

If your dog is happy to have a quick snuggle, then this pose is a must-do. For small dogs you can hold them in your arms. For larger dogs crouch down down to their level so you’re both the same height and put your arm around them.

Pet Photography Pro-Tip: Not all dogs tolerate being hugged or snuggled and would prefer to have some space, so if you’re dog is not into it, do NOT to force it.

6.) Over the Shoulder

Pose idea for a dog and owner photo shoot with a man holding his French Bulldog that’s looking over his shoulder

The “Over the Shoulder” is another great pose for people who may be a little camera shy. It is flattering for both men and women, and works against pretty much any background. If the dog is small enough, you can hold them in your arms and then turn your back to the camera.

Pet Photographer Pro-Tip: If the dog is too big to be picked up, you can have the owners sit next to their pup with their backs to the camera to get a full body shot like in the photo below.

Dog and owner photoshoot pose idea showing a couple sitting beside a pond in the winter with their dog between them.

7.) It’s the Little Things

Woman holding her elderly dog’s paw during and End of Life Pet Photography Session in Ohio

Doggy detail shots are a must have, particularly for End of Life Pet photography sessions. Everyone has something they love about their dog, whether it’s the special pattern of their fur, or their cute little paws, or the way their tail curls over their back—capturing these small details really helps celebrate and preserve their unique traits.

Pet Photographer’s Pro-Tip: These shots don’t have to just be close-ups of physical feature. There are more creative ways to emphasize these things in your images. For example: let’s say the owner loves their dog’s fluffy tail. While you could just take a photo of the tail, you can also capture it creatively by getting a shot of the dog and owner walking away from the camera so you can get a two-for-one—you’ve got a nice candid moment of them walking together, PLUS it shows off the dog’s tail.

Fall scene of a woman and her dog walking together in a forest

8.) Get on my Level

Dog and owner photoshoot posing idea showing a woman laying in the grass and laughing as her dog licks her face.

During sessions, you’re likely to find me laying on the ground while I shoot…so why don’t you come join me? It’s super important for me to get down to the dog’s eye level when shooting as this helps highlight your pet in the most flattering way. Laying in the grass with your pet allows you to both be on the same level, as equals. Being close together is relaxing for you both, and allows us to capture sweet candid moments.

Pet Photographer’s Pro-Tip: Have the dog’s owner talk to them and love on them while they’re on the ground together. That way you can get great eye contact between your two subjects, like in the shot below.

Dog and Owner Photo shoot Posing idea showing a woman laying on the grass and talking to her dog at dusk during an end of life pet photo session in Columbus, Ohio

9.) Lap Dog

Saint Bernard dog sitting in his owner’s lap during a dog and owner photo shoot in Columbus

Most people think this pose is only for small dogs, but guess again! This is a fun one to do, as you also get an opportunity to get beautiful candid shots of you and your dog. This is an easy-to-do pose for both men and women. Be sure to give your pup lots of pets to keep them comfortable while they’re in your lap

Pet Photographer’s Pro-Tip: If the dog is uninterested in being in the owner’s lap, have the owner kneel down directly behind the dog instead for this shot.

10.) The Look Back

This one is especially perfect for dogs with a cheeky personality! Crouch down on the ground and talk to your pet, and I’ll capture your dog looking back at me.

Pet Photographer’s Pro-tip: To pull this one off, grab a unique-sounding noise maker that you have not used at all yet during the session. Save it specifically for this shot. While the dog has his back to the camera and is looking at his people use the novel noise maker and the dog will whip his head around quickly to figure out what that sound is. Since this moment only lasts a split second you better have a fast trigger finger in order to capture this one! You may only get one shot at this pose, because once the dog hears the weird noise maker a couple times he will no longer care enough to turn and look, so it’s best to get it on the first try.

11.) Well, Would ya’ Look at That

This one is super simple Just look at your dog! This super versitile pose can be done anywhere and you can be standing, walking, kneeling, or sitting—doesn’t matter. We can photograph this as a full-body or close up shot. This is also a very easy-to-do, flattering pose for both men and women of all ages.

Pet Photographer’s Pro-Tip: This “pose” is the gift that keeps on giving, as it that allows you to get several different-looking shots from the same prompt. Try playing around with this one by shooting a variety of angles and lenses. I prefer to do these kind of shots with a telephoto or prime lens (though I do love a good wide angle that allows me to incorporate more of the surrounding environment like the shot below).

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Dog Dads: Happy Paw-ther's Day from Columbus, Ohio pet photographer Holly Hildreth

Happy Father’s Day, Dog Dads!

Father’s Day is a time to honor not just human dads, but also those who have taken on the role of dog dads. To all the pet owners out there whose hearts are filled with love for their canine companions, today is for you!

But being a dog dad isn’t just about walks in the park or playtime in the backyard. It’s about the countless moments of joy, laughter, and even the occasional mischief that comes with having a furry friend by your side. It’s about the early morning wake-up calls, the wagging tails that greet you at the door, and the unconditional love that knows no bounds.

Whether you’ve raised your dog from a puppy or welcomed a rescue into your home, you understand the unique bond that develops between a dog and their human, a bond built on trust, companionship, and shared experiences. For those who want to capture these sweet moments forever, consider getting the dog dad in your life a pet and owner photo session.

I often work with couples who are wanting to do a pet and family session, but they warn me that the man in their life hates having his photo taken or will feel awkward/annoyed about being in front of the camera. But I assure you, it’s not going to feel like you’re having a photoshoot. Often the only professional photo shoot experiences guys have had are restricted to school pictures or wedding photos—both situations that are very formal shoots where you have to pose a certain way and smile at the camera. Instead during a pet and owner photo shoot, it’ll feel like you’re just hanging out with your dog in a nice park. You don’t have to “pose” or “act”, nor do you have to stare right at the camera and smile. Instead I will focus on documenting the natural moments and interactions between you and your dog. We can capture those genuine candid moments while you’re playing fetch, giving your dog a belly rub, walking through the park, or just hanging out in nature (or a dog-friendly bar if that’s more your speed!).

So, here’s to all the dog dads out there – may your day be filled with tail wags, puppy kisses, and moments that remind you why being a dog dad is truly something special. Happy Father’s Day to you and your beloved fur babies!

Engagement Photo Shoot Featuring Georgie the Rescue Dog in Columbus Ohio

Georgie here has a big announcement: His Humans are Getting Married!

I photographed Pam, Devon, and Georgie a few years ago for a pet and family session, so I was excited for the opportunity to work with them again for their engagement photos. For their photo shoot, they wanted to be sure to include Georgie, their rescue dog. We also wanted the images to have a warm and relaxed vibe, as well as incorporate their favorite drinks as a special touch.

Since it was the middle of winter and ridiculously cold outside, we had to get creative. We beat the chilly weather by photographing at The Junto Hotel! This dog-friendly hotel in downtown Columbus is incredibly beautiful and made for the perfect backdrop for our session. It also gave us an excellent view of the skyline.

While I’m a pet photographer first and foremost, it’s always a special treat to be able to capture pets with their people—especially when celebrating some of life’s big milestones! Your dog isn't just a pet, they're family. So, when it comes to capturing the joy of your engagement, include them in the celebration! Here's why your furry friend deserves a spot in your engagement shoot:

• Furever Part of the Story: Your engagement photos tell the story of your love, and your dog has likely been there for some of the most special moments in your relationship. Including them reflects the true essence of your growing family.

• Laughter & Lightheartedness: Dogs are natural stress relievers and bring a sense of fun to any situation. Their playful energy can inject humor into your photos and help you relax in front of the camera.

• Unique & Unforgettable: Engagement photos including your dog are guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind, truly special photos that capture not just the bond between you and your partner, but the incredible love you all share.

Ready to book your session? Visit my Contact Page today to request your photo shoot!

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

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.

Woman and her dog relaxing in a park during a dog and owner photo shoot in Columbus, ohio

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.

Sweet moment with a loving embrace during a dog and owner photoshoot in the late fall

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!

Ohio Dog and Owner Photoshoot - Berklee at Hoover Reservoir

An Autumn Pet and Owner Portrait Session in Westerville, Ohio | © Holly Hildreth Photography

Berklee the hound mix came to me for a Pet and Owner photo session at Hoover Reservoir in Westerville. Berklee's mom wanted to be sure we incorporated some color into our shoot—something that can be tough in early winter. Luckily for us, there are still beautiful pockets of color if you know where to look.

Berklee the hound striking a pose during a pet photography session in Ohio with Holly Hildreth Photography

One of the trademarks of my photography is my off-camera flash lighting style. Even when a scene might regularly look pretty brown or drab (as is common in the late fall and winter here in Ohio), by utilizing a combination of high shutter speeds and a flash, I am able to make the colors pop. This technique is how I do all my dramatic sky sunset sessions. By shooting this way, it makes the colors of the sky and the golden sunlight much more intense and brings back some virbrant color into a scene.

Candid moment during a Dog and Owner Photoshoot in Columbus, Ohio | © Holly Hildreth Photography

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!

Ohio End of Life Pet Photography - Cosmo

Cosmo and his family recently came to me for an End of Life Pet Photography Session when he received the unfortunate news that his cancer had returned. It's always an honor to be trusted with capturing some final memories of pets and families together—documenting the love and deep bond that is shared. While none of us know how long our pups have with us, it is never easy to say goodbye. I'll be thinking of Cosmo and his family as they spend his golden days together. I'll leave you with my little poem about the most handsome one-eared wonder, Cosmo:

"For now let's cherish every day,

Savor every moment's play.

Though I may not have much pep

Please know I’ve loved every step.

So scratch my ear that special way,

Say the things you want to say.

Talk to me and let me know

It's "ok" when I must go."

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, 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!

Reynoldsburg End of Life Pet Photography Session - Tanner

“Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog”. – Sidney Jeanne Seward

I am always honored to be trusted to photograph an end of life pet photo shoot, as I know how important these images are to the pup’s family. It’s an even bigger compliment when you’re capturing memories for a fellow photographer!

This is Tanner and his fluffy sibling, Sadie. Their owner (the wonderfully talented Jacqueline Marie ) contacted me for a session when Tanner's health started to fail. When you're an 18-year-old dog, you have to treat every day as a gift, so we got them in for my earliest available appointment. Once I met Tanner, it was easy to see just how much his family loves him, and the joy he brings to their lives. They all have a special connection that is just palpable in every photo.

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.

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 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.