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!

Honoring Ashton: End-of-Life Pet Photography Session in Columbus, Ohio

Meet Ashton, a black Labrador Retriever with the sweetest soul. After receiving a devastating brain tumor diagnosis, his family reached out to me to schedule an End-of-Life pet photography session—a heartfelt way to celebrate Ashton’s life and preserve his memory forever.

The Legacy of Love

Ashton’s journey with his family began in the most meaningful way. After losing their previous Labrador at 12 years old, his family decided to honor their late dog’s memory by adopting Ashton—another 12-year-old Lab—from a local shelter. Ashton’s story proves that it’s never too late for a fresh start. He brought so much joy to their lives, even if their time together was destined to be brief. Now, just shy of a year later, his family is preparing for a tough goodbye. While it’s bittersweet, Ashton’s final days are filled with everything he loves: snuggles, treats, and the comforting presence of the family who gave him a second chance.

Knowing their time with Ashton was limited, his family decided to make the session extra special. They surprised him with an early birthday and Gotcha Day celebration, complete with plenty of treats and love. Ashton, being the quintessential Lab, happily devoured all the cookies he could get his paws on. Seeing his tail wagging and his eyes lighting up with joy reminded us all why these moments are so precious.

Why End-of-Life Pet Photography Matters

End-of-Life pet photography sessions are about more than just pictures—they’re about celebrating the unique bond you share with your beloved pet. End-of-life photography provides a meaningful way to honor your pet’s journey and preserve their legacy forever. Many owners also find these sessions give them a sense of peace knowing we have captured a few last beautiful moments together before their pet crosses the Rainbow Bridge.

Planning an End-of-Life Pet Photography Session in Columbus, Ohio

If you’re in the Columbus, Ohio area and facing the heart-wrenching reality of saying goodbye to your furry friend please do not wait to schedule your pet’s End of Life Pet Photography Session. These sessions are designed to be as stress-free as possible, prioritizing your pet’s comfort and happiness. We can incorporate your pet’s favorite activities, treats, or places to create a meaningful experience that reflects their unique personality.

Due to the nature of End of Life sessions, I’ll work at your dog’s pace. Often by this time in their journey they may not have the energy or ability to do the things they once did. Whether your dog has a physical impairment like limited or no mobility, or other special medical restrictions such as a strict diet, we can accommodate your pet and tailor your session to your dog’s individual needs. For Ashton, this meant minimal walking during his session, as his was losing strength in his legs.

Every session is unique—there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to end of life pet photography. This time together with your dog is sacred, and we can use your session in whatever way you would like, whether that’s more formal posed portraits of dog and owner or capturing touching candid moments together.

One unique thing Ashton’s family wanted to do at the end of this session had me in tears behind the camera. Ashton’s mom had written him a letter and read it to him while he rested in her lap. We were able to capture the raw emotion of their goodbye letter. It was such a bittersweet and heartfelt moment, and is something I think I will do as well whenever the time comes to say goodbye to my own pets.

Ashton’s story is a beautiful reminder that every moment with our pets is a gift. Whether it’s celebrating an adoption anniversary, a birthday, or simply sharing a quiet afternoon together, these memories deserve to be cherished. Ashton’s photos now serve as a timeless tribute to the love and joy he brought into the world.

Why Choose Holly Hildreth Photography?

As the most experienced pet photographer in Columbus, Ohio, I have had the pleasure of working with thousands of dogs of all different abilities, ages, breeds, sizes, and personalities. I specialize in capturing the love, joy, and connection between pets and their owners. My compassionate approach ensures a relaxed and meaningful session tailored to your pet’s needs, helping you create timeless memories to treasure forever.

Book Your Session

If you’d like to learn more about End-of-Life pet photography sessions in Columbus, Ohio, I’m here to help. Let’s create something beautiful together to honor your pet’s legacy. Click here to schedule your session and ensure your pet’s legacy is captured forever.

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!

Ohio Rescue Dog Photography - Studio Portraits of Josie

In my free time I volunteer my pet photography talents to a few Columbus, Ohio-area dog rescues in hopes of helping adoptable dogs find their forever homes. Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph Josie, a very special one-eyed English bulldog, who is available for adoption through Stop the Suffering Animal Rescue of Ohio!

Meet Josie: A Sweet Bulldog Searching for Her Forever Home

Josie is a one-eyed, 2-year-old English bulldog with a heart of gold. Despite her delicate condition, Josie is full of love and eager to find someone who can provide her with the care she needs. She has a heart arrhythmia that is improving but requires regular medication—something her future adopter should be prepared to manage long-term. In addition to her special medical needs, Josie also requires typical bulldog maintenance care, such as having her facial folds wiped regularly and avoiding overheating.

Josie is incredibly friendly, fully house-trained, crate-trained, and gets along well with other dogs and people of all ages. She has a sweet personality. She was happy to pose for photos for me—as long as she could take some breaks to come over and get some belly rubs and eat some treats in between shots.

Josie is the whole package. She even has a full wardrobe of doggy clothes that she loves to get dressed up in! She truly deserves a loving home where she can thrive and receive all the care and attention she needs. If you are interested in giving Josie her forever home, please visit Stop the Suffering Animal Rescue of Ohio to apply.

Why I Volunteer to Photograph Adoptable Dogs

Volunteering to take photos of adoptable dogs is incredibly meaningful to me. As a professional pet photographer, I understand the importance of a great photograph! The difference between a cell phone snap and a professional portrait can make a world of difference for a dog waiting to be adopted. Many dogs spend too much time in shelters or foster homes simply because potential adopters don't see their true personality from a standard photo. Often photos of adoptable dogs are taken at the animal shelter. The Pound can be a very scary place for most dogs! By busting these dogs out of doggy jail, we’re able to get them to a much more calm and positive environment, which in turn puts them at ease and allows me to capture each dog's unique spirit. I hope to increase their chances of being noticed by a family that will give them a loving home.

My goal is to use my pet photography skills to give back to the community here in Columbus, Ohio and help homeless dogs find their forever families. Every animal deserves a chance to be loved, and if my photographs can help make that connection, then all the effort is worthwhile.

Book a Professional Pet Photography Session in Columbus, Ohio

If you’re looking for a professional pet photographer in Columbus, Ohio, I’d love to help capture beautiful memories of your beloved pet. Whether it’s in the studio or outdoors on location, we will get a ton of incredible pet portraits. I photograph dogs and puppies of all ages, sizes, breeds, and abilities. Click the link below to book your dog’s photo shoot today.

Ohio Commercial Pet Photography Shoot - Beer Can Label for Columbus Brewery

For the past few years, I have been fortunate to be a part of super a unique and popular fundraiser contest in support of RESCUEDohio, a Columbus, Ohio-based dog rescue organization I volunteer with. For this contest, people submitted pictures of their dogs and got friends and family to “vote” for them for the chance to be the new face of 3 Seventh Son Brewing beer cans! Each “vote” was a $1 donation to RescuedOhio. Through this contest we raised over $37.5k for RescuedOhio!!! These funds will go to helping provide medical treatment, housing and supplies, and adoption services to homeless, abandoned, abused and neglected dogs and puppies here in Central Ohio.

After the contest ended, I photographed the top 3 winning dogs for their beer label. I just love how these turned out. Take a look at how good Georgie, Winry, and Buddy look on the cans! We went with bold, primary colors, as they look super eye-catching when in a 6-pack.

To celebrate the release, Seventh Son Brewing threw a release party. To build excitement and get the word out, I did a photo shoot with the 4th place winner at the brewery. We used these photos across social media to help bring awareness to our campaign.

Ready to Party

Pastrami, the 4th place dog at Seventh Son Brewing

Columbus Professional Dog Photography Session - Archie & Angel

Two signature elements of my photographic style are bold colors and dramatic lighting. When I get to combine those two things with a gorgeous dog? It's the best feeling ever--so satisfying!

Angel and Archie recently came to me for a fall pet session. We began their shoot by taking advantage of the last bits of autumn color, and then migrated down to the lake shore of Hoover Reservoir for some sunset shots. This little sandbar is underwater all year and only emerges in late fall/early winter. This was the first time this year where it's been accessible, and it was the perfect spot for capturing some gorgeous sunset portraits during a dog and owner photo shoot.

Columbus End of Life Pet Photography - Oscar

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we have loved deeply, becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller

Oscar and his two Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sisters, (Willow and Bea), came to me recently for a session when Oscar's owner received the devastating news that he had a tumor on his heart. We didn't know how much time he had left, but thought it best to do our End of Life session as soon as possible to be safe. Oscar was nothing but positive vibes during the session. He was such a sweet, goofy boy that just radiated happiness. Plus having a tail that never stopped wagging was like the cherry on top. I couldn't help but smile behind the camera the whole time I was shooting. I'm so glad we braved the heat and got Oscar in ASAP for photos, as he suddenly passed away a few days later. While it's terribly painful to say goodbye to such a loved pup, I know Oscar had a few furry friends who were waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge.

Losing a pet is one of the most difficult experiences in life. It's a time of immense grief and sorrow. However, End-of-life pet photography can be a beautiful way to capture some final memories before your beloved furry family member passes. It can help you cope with your grief, as many people find these physical reminders of their pet help them navigate the loss and remember their pet in a happy light. Owners also report it gives them a sense of closure. 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're considering doing end-of-life pet photography, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it's important to choose a photographer who is experienced in this type of photography. This is a highly sensitive and emotional time for you, so you’ll want to be sure you choose a photographer that will make you and your pet comfortable and at ease. An End of Life pet photographer will also be able to help you create photos that are both beautiful and meaningful. Plus, they are experienced with working with animals that may not have the same energy, mobility, or stamina of a healthy/younger dog. Your session can focus solely on your dog, or the bond you and your dog share. When selecting a professional pet photographer, be sure to look through the photographer’s portfolio to make sure their photographic style matches up with what you’re envisioning for your session.

Secondly, DO NOT WAIT. Some folks wait until their pet is in their final hours before booking a session, or wait so long that their pet passes before they even reach out to me. I highly recommend getting photos done sooner rather than later. We want your pet to be comfortable and at peace during this time. Plus many owners wish to have images of their pet while they’re still feeling like themselves, looking happy and healthy, and able to get around on their own. Of course we can’t control the timing or effects of our pet’s health issues, so this is not always possible. I will work with you to make sure we’re able to get incredible images of your pet, regardless of their ailments. If your dog is in need of immediate services, please contact me right away so we can get your scheduled.

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!

Bexley, Ohio, Puppy Photo Session - Solitaire the Cocker Puppy

Isn't Solitaire just gorgeous?! This sweet, cuddly Cocker Spaniel puppy came to Stop the Suffering Animal Rescue of Ohio as a cast-off from a puppy mill. This poor baby had a bad heart, so her breeder planned to euthanize her instead of providing her with the PDA surgery she really needs to fix it. Luckily STS was able to rescue her and get her the medical attention she needs in order to have a normal, happy life. Solitaire was adopted and now lives with an amazing family who adores her. She has 4 children and 3 doggy siblings to play with, as well as a dream back yard to run around in. We took advantage of the incredible gardens at Solitaire’s new home for her session. There was such amazing spring color, gorgeous landscaping, and of course perfect golden hour light for our shoot. Solitaire was so much fun to photograph, and I’m wishing her all the best in this next chapter!

New Albany, Ohio, Pet Photography Studio Session - Luna

"Wow" is all I can say about Luna! This impressive girl was excited to show off some of the 100(!!!) tricks she knew during her session.

3 years ago, Luna was adopted from Stop the Suffering Animal Rescue of Ohio. With the help of her awesome owner, this smart little lady is now turning heads and earning titles! If you're interested in learning how to teach your pup some adorable tricks just like Luna here, check out her page

http://instagram.com/lunathetrickdog

Luna's owner, Kay, is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor and also a middle school teacher, so her trick training tutorials are easy for anybody follow along and to use to train tricks with your own dog at home! Interested in learning more about earning a Trick Dog title? Check out the AKC’s resource page on how to get started.

Westerville, Ohio, End of Life Pet Photography Session - Nellie

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

This is sweet senior face is Nellie. Her mom reached out to me for an End of Life photoshoot when Nellie's health began to sharply decline. Luckily I have the most amazing, understanding clients which allowed me to move some session around in order to get Nellie in the very next day for her shoot!

Nellie’s owner describes her more like a sister than a pet. They have made so many memories in their 16.5 years together. It was easy to see just how special their connection was. While Nellie’s health issues limited her mobility, that didn’t stop her from laying in the soft grass, sniffing the cool spring breeze, and enjoying watching the sunset with the ones she loves the most: her mom, and fur-sibling Patriot. I'm so glad we were able to get Nellie in for her session when we did, as 2 days later, she made her journey to the Rainbow Bridge. Run free, Miss Nellie! Until we meet again.

While we all want our furry family members to be by our sides forever, unfortunately at some point we all must say goodbye. End of Life pet photography sessions are an amazing gift that you can give yourself. We capture beautiful memories in our time together, that many owners find helps them with the grieving process when their beloved pet passes. I keep time reserved in my schedule every week specifically for End of Life sessions 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, 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!

Columbus, Ohio, Rescue Dog Photographer - Buddy

Meet Buddy. Buddy is one of the 80 dogs recently seized in a Pike County hoarding case. For those who wish to learn more about Buddy and his friends, continue reading below *Trigger warning: animal cruelty*

On January 30th, a Pike County man was arrested when humane agents were tipped off about animal cruelty happening on the premises. When they arrived, humane agents were greeted by a deceased dog that was tied to a tractor and appeared to have been beaten to death. They found 80 living but emaciated dogs and 40 deceased dogs on the property. Buddy is one of those lucky 80 pups that were removed from the premise and turned over to the Pike County animal shelter. From there, Stop the Suffering Animal Rescue of Ohio stepped in to help with a number of dogs. These pups are now in foster homes learning what it’s like to be loved, with full bellies and comfortable beds. After receiving medical care and some TLC, Buddy and his friends are ready to find their forever homes through Stop The Suffering. To apply to adopt, visit https://www.stopthesuffering.org/adopt

Columbus, Ohio, Rescued Dog Photography - Ace

I got to meet and photograph handsome Mr. Ace recently! Ace is currently searching for his forever home through Stop the Suffering Animal Rescue of Ohio. He's an approximately 5-years-old, 45 pound Golden Retriever mix.

Ace is the sweetest guy. For a special treat, he does the most adorable spin when he's excited. When you meet him, he warms up quickly and is your best buddy - especially if you're willing to offer belly rubs and bones - two of his favorite things. He is house trained and crate trained and is just ready to be your bestest boy. Ace LOVES to go for walks and spend time outdoors. He is so happy when he is roaming around a fenced yard, so a fenced in backyard is a must, as Ace loves to bask in the sun and run when given the opportunity. He does well with other dogs, though he requires slow introductions to other dogs and boundaries, particularly around food. Younger kids are likely not the best option for Ace's home as he does guard his food. Ace does have some longterm medical needs that his adopter will need to keep up with. He will need to take daily medication for his heart and arthritis. Apply today to meet Ace! For detailed information about STS's adoption process, including fees, please visit their website at http://www.stopthesuffering.org.

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, Pet Photography Session - Buggy the Shar Pei mix

I admit, I absolutely LOVE fall! And whenever I see some gorgeous golden sunlight shining through colorful autumn leaves during a session, it's just perfection. Meet Buggy, the Shar Pei mix. Buggy takes doggy modeling very seriously and demanded to be paid in McDonald’s chicken nuggets. Obviously she got all the nuggets she wanted! I mean, how could anybody say "no" to that face?

Buggy has short black fur, which really stood out against the colorful fall leaves. One concern I hear a lot from clients is that they can’t seem to get a good picture of their black dog on their own at home. Often there’s no detail in the fur or the fur looks blue. I tell these owners that they’ve come to the right person, as I have extensive experience photographing black dogs of all shapes and sizes, and have been able to hone my lighting to really show off that gorgeous black fur that truly looks black.

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 Session - Babe and Sparkles at Heritage Park

Babe the Shih Tzu mix was all smiles for her photoshoot. Babe's bubbly personality makes it so you can’t help but smile when you see her. Although our shoot was focused mostly on Babe, her furry sibling, Sparkles, shared in the limelight for a few shots. Sparkles is a sweet, blind, Cavalier mix who wasn't impressed with the super model life and opted for being pushed around in her stroller like the queen she is instead.

We shot at Everal Barn and Homestead in Westerville, taking advantage of all the great landscaping and seasonal colors. What I love most about this park, however, is that there’s a perfect little hill that allows us to get slightly above the treeline so that we have wide open view of the sky for sunset shoots. While the sun went behind clouds during most of our shoot, we still got a gorgeous, colorful sunset to take advantage of at the end of our session.

If you need more Babe in your life, her owners have an Instagram account for her! https://www.instagram.com/lilmissbaberescuedog/