Columbus Rescue Dog Photography - Anita

The Power of a Photo: How Rescue Dog Photography Helps Pets Find Homes

🎉 Huge congratulations to sweet Anita on finding her forever home through Stop the Suffering Animal Rescue of Ohio! Anita’s new family saw the heartwarming photos I took of her and instantly fell in love with her irresistible smile—and the rest is history. 💕 It’s moments like these that remind me why I’m so passionate about giving back to the Columbus rescue dog community.

Anita’s Original Photo

The Transformative Power of a Great Photo

When Anita first arrived at the rescue, she was just another pup in need of a second chance. Her original intake photo, didn’t capture her personality or her beauty. Photos are so critical in helping dogs get adopted, so a photo like this isn’t likely to catch potential adopters’ eyes because you can’t get a sense of who the dog is.

New Photo

As soon as Anita had her professional dog photography session with me, everything changed. A high-quality, well-lit, and engaging photo allowed potential adopters to see her as more than just another rescue dog—it showed her as a sweet and happy companion full of potential. The adopters said they instantly fell in love with her smile in the photos and knew that she was meant to be theirs. After months with no interest, her new family adopted her just days after her new photos were updated. That’s the amazing power that photography can have in changing a rescue dog’s story

📸 Did you know? According to research from the University of Richmond, 90% of adopters reported looking at photos online when considering adoption, and 64% said good photos were a critical factor in their decision to adopt. That means a great photo doesn’t just make a dog look good—it can literally be life-changing.

Why Professional Dog Photography Matters

Rescue organizations work tirelessly to find homes for dogs in need, but first impressions matter. Some shelter dogs come from difficult backgrounds, and their intake photos often reflect the stress of a new environment. A professional pet photographer knows how to bring out their best features, highlight their personalities, and create images that spark an emotional connection with potential adopters.

Some of the key benefits of professional foster dog photography include:

• Increased Adoption Rates – Eye-catching, high-quality photos generate more interest and engagement from potential adopters. In fact a study found that dogs that had poor-quality photos took 3 times longer to get adopted than those that have a great photo. Even an average quality photo (while still helping the dog get adopted) still took 2.5x longer to get adopted than those that had a great-quality image.

• Emotional Connection – People are more likely to adopt when they can envision a pet as part of their family. Seeing dogs in cages or looking stressed doesn’t strike an emotional connection with adopters. Seeing a heart-melting smile, gorgeous fur, and sparkling eyes is a sure-fire way to elicit emotion and tell the viewer more about not only the dog’s physical characteristics, but also their personality.

• Better Representation – Professional pet portraits showcase a dog’s true character, rather than just their circumstances. No matter how nice a shelter facility may be, it is still a very stressful environment for every dog. By removing them from the shelter and doing their photo shoot in the studio, I’m able to give dogs the quiet, calm, happy space that dogs need to come out of their shell and let their personality shine.

Giving Back to the Columbus, Ohio Dog Community

If you’re a non-profit dog rescue organization in Columbus, Ohio, looking to boost adoptions with professional pet photography, I’d love to collaborate. Together, we can showcase these deserving animals in the best possible light and help them find the loving families they deserve.

🐾 Interested in booking a professional pet photography session for your foster dog or personal pet? Contact me today to learn more about how I can help capture the perfect portraits of your furry friend!

Ohio Adventure Dog Photography - Teddy's Creek Session

Teddy the dog was ready for his close-up during his adventurous outdoor pet photography session.

I just love a dog who's not afraid to get their feet wet—it makes a photo shoot so much more fun! There’s something special about capturing a pup’s pure joy as they play in the water, and it creates the most vibrant and dynamic photos. One of my recent shoots with Teddy, an adventurous pup, was a perfect example of this.

Meet Teddy: The Creek-Splashing Superstar

Teddy came ready to play. We headed out to a picturesque hiking spot with a gently flowing creek surrounded by the rich, golden hues of autumn. As soon as Teddy saw the water, his eyes lit up, and I knew we were in for a great time. It’s always a treat when a dog is willing to explore new environments, and Teddy was all about it—no hesitation, just excitement.

Why Water Makes for Great Photos

There’s a certain magic that happens when dogs play in water. The way it splashes around them, how it reflects the light and colors from the scene, and the added movement—it all comes together to create visually stunning images. In Teddy’s case, the cool creek and the surrounding fall foliage gave us a beautiful natural backdrop. The vibrant colors reflected off the water, adding a warm glow to every shot. It was the perfect setting for photographing the spirit of an adventurous dog.

Capturing the Moment

Teddy wasted no time diving right in. He immediately got in the water the moment he saw it, splashing and chasing after leaves floating by. His joyful energy was infectious, making the session not only fun for him and his owner, but for me as the pet photographer as well. Some of my favorite shots from the day were of Teddy mid-splash, with water droplets frozen in time around him. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do—being able to capture the soul of a dog in their most authentic state.

Tips for a Water Photo Shoot with Your Dog

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast considering a professional photo shoot for your water-loving dog, here are a few pro-tips:

• Bring Towels: It’s always a good idea to have a towel or two on hand for a quick dry-off afterward.

• Pick a Safe, Dog-Friendly Spot: Opt for creeks, shallow streams, or lake where your dog can safely play without or strong currents. I have a list of great dog-friendly spots in the Columbus, Ohio area that have been the perfect locations for for these types of sessions. Don’t want to have to hike to get to a spot? I’ve got you covered! I even have some water options that are just mere steps from a parking lot.

• Let Your Dog Lead the Way: Some dogs may be hesitant at first, so let them explore at their own pace. We will NEVER push or pressure your dog into the water. If they decide to jump right in like Teddy, then great! If they prefer to stay on the edge, that’s perfectly fine too.

• Dress Appropriately: Chances are, you might get a little wet too. I recommend owner’s wear water-proof footwear such as rain boots, hiking boots, or even sandals. Wearing clothing that is safe to get wet is also important (so probably best to leave the cashmere sweaters and dry clean-only pants at home for this one).

Why Adventure Dog Photo Shoots Are Perfect for Outdoor Lovers

For dog owners who love to hike and explore nature, an adventure dog photo shoot is a fantastic way to capture your pet’s playful personality in their favorite environment. Imagine having professional photos of your dog splashing in a creek, running through forest trails, or posing against a scenic Appalachian foothills backdrop. These types of sessions are perfect for capturing the unique bond between you and your dog while incorporating something special that you both love.

If you’ve got a dog who loves swimming hiking, or simply exploring new places, let’s talk!

To request your dog’s photo shoot, click the link below to get started by filling out my new client questionnaire. Your answers help me to make sure your session runs as smoothly as possible, ensuring everyone has a positive experience. Once I receive your request, I will be in touch with you within 2 business days to chat about the available days and times I have open, as well as suggest a few photo shoot locations for you to choose from that I feel would be a good fit for your pet based on their personality, abilities, and the type of images you’re looking for. Book your shoot today—adventure awaits!

Columbus Ohio Rescue Dog Photography - Macy from FCDS

I like to think that as one final act of love after a pet crosses the Rainbow Bridge, they guide your next dog to you from the other side. I think that's how Macy here found her way into Mike and Nora's home. After losing their beloved pup Rajah last year, they decided it was finally time to open their hearts to another dog. Since they had adopted Rajah from the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center shelter (FCDS), they wanted to find their next pet there as well.

Macy’s journey to FCDS was a difficult one. After her previous owner was arrested and facing a lengthy jail sentence, the police brought Macy to FCDS. But everything changed the day Nora and Mike met her; there was an instant connection, and they knew she was meant to be part of their family.

Despite her rough start, Macy is unbelievably sweet and trusting. You might notice her slightly quirky expression—veterinarians believe she may have been hit in the face quite hard, an injury that broke off all the teeth on one side of her face and caused nerve damage, leading to some facial paralysis.

I’m constantly amazed by the resilience of dogs. Despite all the trauma she’s been through, Macy waddled right up to me with a wagging tail, eager to say "hello." She stayed by my side, happily munching on treats while I captured her beautiful spirit through my lens.

Every rescue dog has a story worth telling, and professional pet photography is a wonderful way to preserve that story for years to come. Macy’s photos not only showcase her beauty and spirit but also highlight the importance of adopting dogs from a shelter like FCDS. These photos aren’t just about capturing cute moments; they’re about celebrating resilience, second chances, and the powerful bond that comes with rescuing a dog.

Why Choose Professional Photos for Your Rescue Dog?

Professional photos of rescue dogs help capture their unique journey and give you lasting memories of the joy they bring to your life. If you’ve adopted a rescue dog or are considering it, a rescue dog photoshoot in Columbus, Ohio can be the perfect way to celebrate them. Whether they’ve had a tough past or are just beginning a new chapter, every adopted dog deserves to be celebrated for who they are today.

If you’re interested in professional photography for your adopted dog, I would be honored to help you capture those precious memories. From shelter dogs to rescue pups, every dog has a story to tell, and every moment is worth remembering. Follow the link below to book your dog’s photo shoot now!

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

Crowley and Family

A Christmas-themed session in Gahanna, Ohio

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

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

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

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