Columbus Dog and Owner Photo Shoot - Diesel

Senior black lab Diesel surrounded by gorgeous fall colors during his pet photo shoot | © Holly Hildreth Photography

Celebrating Grey Muzzles and Golden Memories

"Every white hair is one day of experience in being the very best friend you’ve ever had." – Jaymi Heimbuch. This beautiful sentiment perfectly encapsulates the joy and wisdom that comes with having a senior dog in your life. I absolutely adore capturing the charm of senior pets, and Diesel here had the best salt-and-pepper look of them all!

We met for Diesel’s pet and family photo shoot on a crisp autumn morning at a park in Columbus, Ohio. The chill in the air added a seasonal magic to our session—you can even see Diesel’s breath in some of the photos! While the morning was brisk, the warmth between Diesel and his family shone through every shot, showcasing the deep bond they’ve built over their 13 years together.

Timing is everything in outdoor photography, and I’m so glad we scheduled this session when we did. Not long after we wrapped up, the wind picked up and blew most of the remaining leaves off the trees. Fortunately, we were able to capture the vibrant, golden colors of autumn in all their glory before they disappeared!

Some of the most heartwarming photos come from candid moments—the unscripted, natural interactions that show the true bond between you and your pet. Candid photos capture the essence of your relationship, showcasing the love, joy and signature quirks that makes your dog unique.

A great benefit of taking candid photos is it takes the pressure off of you to smile and pose a certain way. This makes it easier to relax and focus on just having fun with your dog. Whether it taking a stroll with your pup or giving them a belly rub, these real and authentic moments make for beautiful photos (and often you end up having a great, genuine smile on your face as well!) These candid shots also give us an opportunity to incorporate some of your dog’s favorite things like playing with their favorite toy, eating a special treat, or snuggling up to you for belly rubs.

One of the goals of this session for Diesel’s family was to get some high-quality photos together with their dog for their Christmas cards. Since they had never had professional photos done, they weren’t quite sure what to expect, but were pleasantly surprised by how much fun the sessions was! We took a variety of images both candid as well as traditional posed portraits where everyone is looking at the camera and smiling.

If you’ve been thinking about booking a pet and owner photo shoot in Columbus, Ohio, fall is one of the most picturesque seasons to do so. The changing leaves, cozy sweaters, and the beautiful natural scenes create the perfect setting for photos that look like works of art (and make great canvas prints for your walls at home!). Whether your furry companion is a playful puppy or a seasoned senior like Diesel, every stage of their life deserves to be celebrated.

Book Your Pet and Family Photo Shoot Today

Time moves fast, and seasons change in the blink of an eye. While Fall is coming to an end, we can still do pet photos in any season! I offer outdoor dog photography sessions year-round (yes, even in winter!) We can still get incredible images long after the vibrant fall colors have faded.

Contact me today to book your pet and family photo shoot in Columbus, Ohio, and let’s create some amazing images of you and your best friend.

Use the link below to get started with requested a dog and owner photoshoot for you and your pets.

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!