pitbull

Columbus Ohio Rescue Dog Photography - Macy from FCDS by Holly Hildreth

Amazing sunset portrait of a rescue dog posing for a professional dog photo shoot in Columbus, Ohio in late summer

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.

Pitbull dog tilts her head and looks at the camera during a professional pet photography session in a creek bed in the Columbus, Ohio area in early fall.

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.

Adventure dog photography of a pitbull exploring a creek on a hiking trail in Columbus, Ohio, during a professional pet photo shoot.

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.

A pitbull mix breed dog with a soulful expression looks up during a dog photo shoot in Columbus, Ohio.

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.

Fall photo shoot for a dog in Columbus, Ohio, with colorful leaves surrounding them

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.

Amazing Professional pet photography session of a rescue dog in Ohio in the fall. The dog is sitting and looking at the camera, as the sun sets on the hills in the background.

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 by Holly Hildreth

A couple pets their pitbull mix dog in front of a christmas light display during a professional pet photography session in 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.

A middle aged couple and their dog smile and pose in front of a light display for Christmas card photos during a pet and family photo shoot in gahanna, ohio, by professional dog photographer Holly Hildreth

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.”

Posing idea for a photo shoot of a dog and owner together. Man smiles while petting his dog during a photo shoot in columbus ohio