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.

Travel and Destination Pet Photography - Angel in Cocoa Beach, Florida

Angel the Dachshund had a blast during our destination pet photography session in Cocoa Beach, Florida!

Blondes really do have more fun! This beautiful blonde dachshund is Angel. I met Angel's owner, Liz, about 13 years ago online through Flickr. We hit it off, connecting through our mutual interest in dog photography, and our friendship grew from there. Liz has been a great cheerleader for me and always very supportive of my pet photography passion! So when I recently had an opportunity to travel to Cocoa Beach, Florida, I knew I just HAD to meet up with Liz and do a little photoshoot with her pup while I was there. It was truly so special for both of us to be able to do this!

We wanted to make sure to have a location that just screams "Florida". With those classic pastel hues and beachside views, South Beach Inn in Cocoa Beach was the perfect spot for our session.

While many of my clients live in Central Ohio, I do offer travel and destination pet photography services. Contact me today to get a custom quote!

Columbus, Ohio, End of Life Pet Photography Session - Rocky

"I didn’t want to go at first,

I fought with all my might.

But something seems to draw me now

to a warm and loving light.

I want to go, I really do.

But I will try as best I can

to live just one more day with you.

To give you time to care for me

and share your love and fears.

I know you’re sad and afraid,

because I see your tears.

I’ll not be far,

I promise that, and hope you’ll always know

that my spirit will be close to you

wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.

You know I love you too,

that’s why it’s hard to say goodbye

to this life with you." - Susan A. Jackson

I recently had an End of Life session with sweet Rocky here. Rocky's family contacted me about a session when he got some devastating health news. Unfortunately I was in Florida at the time. We discussed checking in to other awesome pet photographers in the area who might be able to get Rocky in before I got back to Ohio, as time is of the essence when dealing with End of Life cases. But, Rocky is a determined guy! He held on until I got back to Columbus. I think he knew just how important these photos would be to his family. After having a rough night, Rocky did not have the strength to walk or sit/stand for more than a fleeting moment, but what he could do was stretch out and enjoy laying in the cool grass, watching his fur sibling, Minnie, explore the park, and soaking up all the snuggles and pats from the people who love him the most.

Bittersweet portrait of dog and owner together during an end of life pet photography session in Ohio

One concern I hear from owners considering End of Life pet photography is that they’re afraid their dog isn't suitable for a photo shoot due to being blind, deaf, or mobility or otherwise impaired. They worry that if their pet is not able to run and play, then the photos won't capture their pup's personality. I’m here to tell you that you have no reason to worry! Here is proof that we will absolutely capture wonderful memories of your faithful friend regardless of any impairments they may have.

If you’re looking for an end of life pet photographer in Columbus, let’s chat! You can request your dog’s photo shoot HERE

Ohio Puppy Photography - Cellana the Standard Poodle

Isn't Cellana, the 10 week old Standard Poodle puppy just gorgeous?! Besides being super fluffy, she also has a special power--with the help of some water, she can transform into a sheep! Cellana was a good sport for our quiet creek session, and was brave about getting in water for the very first time!

This secret little hidden gem of a location is one of my favs! Nestled in the Appalachian foothills just 20 minutes from Columbus, it provides a peaceful, quiet, and of course gorgeous spot for photos. Although the water level in the creek was quite low due to the drought we've be having, we still made the most of our time there.

Do you have a water-loving dog that you'd like to have photographed in this spot? I have a very limited number of sessions available for this particular location this Fall. My calendar books up SUPER fast, so if you're interested in scheduling something for your own pup, reach out today!

Why Your Pet Business NEEDS Custom Commercial Animal Photography

While most of my blog posts here are of private client sessions, I also offer commercial pet photography services. Whether you are a small business making dog bandanas at home, a grooming salon looking to grow your client base, or are well-established pet supply chain, custom commercial animal photography of YOUR business and products is an excellent way to elevate your brand.

Research shows that 60% of consumers are more likely to contact a business that has high-end professional photos on their website and social media. Additionally, 90% of online shoppers say high quality, professional images are the most important factor when considering a purchase. As a result, not having these kinds of photos could be a deal-breaker for your clients, which in turn costs you business.

Some folks turn to stock photography for their marketing and website needs. But, you may want to reconsider. Eye-tracking research shows that consumers tend to ignore stock photos and "filler content" images. Generic stock photos can make your brand feel impersonal, cold, and less trustworthy. Plus, stock photos aren't exclusive or unique to you, meaning your competition could be using the exact same photos on their website! This makes it so much harder to stand out to prospective customers, especially in a highly competitive market.

If you are ready to invest in a custom commercial animal photography session for your pet business, contact me today! We'll discuss what makes your offerings unique and how to shoot that in order to make your brand stand apart from the competition. If you’re ready to take the next steps and elevate your brand, contact me today.

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 Commercial Dog Photography - Envious Borzoi

I have always wanted to photograph a Borzoi, so when a commercial client requested a few Borzoi images, I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to finally photograph such gorgeous dogs! But you don't exactly see these Russian wolfhounds walking down the street every day, so that's why I put out a model call! Luckily I found Envious Borzoi who so kindly made the drive out from Dayton with 4 Borzoi in tow. Their dogs are simply gorgeous, super friendly, and wonderful ambassadors of the breed. During our session, we had lots of people walking by that stopped and asked to pet these beautiful pups and we even unintentionally started to draw a little crowd at one point. But that didn't stop these beautiful sighthounds from being great doggy models for me. We got so many fabulous shots during their session that it was hard to narrow it down for the sneak peek!

We had our session in one of the gardens at Whetstone Park of Roses in Clintonville. This park is always a sure bet when it comes to having loads of seasonal color. If you’re interested in setting up a session for your pups, please reach out via my contact page.

Columbus End of Life Pet Photographer - Tanner & Sadie

The loss of a pet can be one of the most difficult experiences in life. After all, our pets are our family. They provide us with unconditional love, companionship, and silent support. When they pass, we are left with a hole in our hearts.

End-of-life pet photography can help us to cope with the grief of losing our furry friends. It allows us to capture their likeness and personality in a way that will last a lifetime. These photos can remind us of the good times we had together, and they can help us to heal our hearts.

You may recognize Tanner and Sadie here from a previous photoshoot. We did a studio session of these two with their family a few months ago when Tanner's health was taking a turn. Luckily spunky 18-year-old Tanner is still with us, and continues to make his family smile.

We did Tanner and Sadie’s End of Life outdoor session at the always-wonderful Everal Barn and Homestead in Westerville, Ohio. This gorgeous park is not only filled with seasonal flowers, but it offers a quite, private setting for a Rainbow Bridge session.

If you or a loved one is faced with End of Life circumstances with your pet, please do not hesitate to reach out via my contact page, and I will be in touch ASAP. I keep time in my schedule reserved specifically for End of Life cases.

New Albany, Ohio, Pet Photography Sessions - Location Scouting: Wildflowers

One exciting challenge in pet photography is trying out new locations for your sessions. But when working with dogs, it’s extra important to know what you’ll be getting yourself in to if you were to do a photo shoot there! When I am considering a new location for an outdoor pet session, there are some key things I need to figure out before the shoot in order to set your dog up for success.

One of the most crucial questions I want to answer when I am location scouting is: what are this park’s distractions? In order to get a first-hand look, I like to visit the park before our session (with my own dogs), and try to find out: Are there a lot of other park-goers? Will there be other dogs near us? Would we potentially encounter wildlife like geese, rabbits, ducks, or deer? How loud is the park? Are there any sounds that may startle a dog? How close to the road or parking lot will we be? How accessible are the areas within the park where I want to shoot? Where will the sun be setting in relation to some key features of the park? The list goes on and on, but each and every thing is an important detail in making sure you and your pup have the most stress-free photography experience as possible.

Recently, I had been wanting to scout out a new location closer to where I live in New Albany. As luck would have it, I actually stumbled upon an amazing spot one evening when we were walking to a restaurant. Nestled along a walking path in New Albany’s Rose Run Park, I spotted the most gorgeous pink and purple wildflowers. We took a walk through the park, and snapped some cell phone photos at a few spots I thought would make for a perfect background. I mentally took note of how busy the park was, what kind dog/foot/bike traffic there was, and then calculated when the best time for the session would be based on how the sun filtered in through the tree canopy. After our little scouting expedition, I knew just the dog that would be a perfect fit for this location: Oksana the Siberian Husky.

Coincidentally the same day, I attended a corgi meet-up with my own pup, Brisket, at Rocky Fork Dog Park in New Albany. Driving in, we noticed that there was an incredible field of wild butterweed just across the road! So when Oksana’s owner agreed to help me do a test photoshoot at Rose Run Park, I convinced her to also pop over to Rocky Fork afterwords. I’m so glad we did, as the shots from both locations turned out amazing! They were so good in fact, that I actually went back the next morning with my own dog for another photo shoot! But that’s a story for another post.

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!

Westerville, Ohio, Pet Photography Session - Scout and Finnegan

This wonderful Westie pair is Scout and Finnegan (The Scout Report & Finn Files). This dynamic duo had so much expression and personality, which made my job easy! These furry friends enjoy competing in all kinds of dog sports and of course love spending time with their family.

We had our session at Everal Barn and Homestead in Heritage park in Westerville, Ohio. I wanted to be sure to include some seasonal flowers as well as capture a gorgeous sunset. Scout and Finn came to me through a recent model call on my Facebook Page. I do occasionally put our model calls for special projects, so if you’re interested in your pup being considered, make sure to follow my page to stay informed!

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!

Dublin, Ohio, End of Life Pet Photography Session - Spencer

Sometimes home is where the session is! This handsome gentleman is Spencer. Unfortunately Spencer's health was declining, and his family wanted to capture some memories together before they had to say "goodbye". Since Spencer was vision, hearing, and mobility-impaired, we thought he would be happiest and most comfortable doing his End of Life photoshoot at home.

Spencer was such a sweetheart during his session. He had the warmest smile, and an equally sunny disposition to match. It was very easy to see how much his family adored him.

Losing a furry family member is never easy--especially when you've shared so much of your lives together. But, I like to think that we are not saying "goodbye" but rather "see you later". As author Pam Brown once said, “If there is a heaven, it’s certain our animals are to be there. Their lives become so interwoven with our own, it would take more than an archangel to detangle them.”

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!

Westerville, Ohio, End of Life Pet Photography Session - Nymeria & Maks

How adorable is this brother/sister duo?! We had beautiful weather for littermates Maks and Nymeria's photoshoot. Their owner reached out to me through The Tilly Project to schedule an End of Life session when Nymeria unfortunately received a terminal cancer diagnosis. Unsure of how much time she had left with us, we made certain to get her in ASAP for a photoshoot. Both of these pups were super sweet during their session, and Nymeria was acting so happy that you almost couldn't tell that this 13-year-old girl was so sick. I hope that she continues to be her happy self and enjoy all her favorite things in the time she has with loved ones.

The Tilly project connects families with photographers who specialize in end-of-life pet photography. The aim of these End of Life sessions is to provide families with portraits to remember their beloved pet after they are gone, as well as provide a way to process the grief of losing their furry friend.

In addition to providing end-of-life pet photography services, The Tilly Project also offers a variety of resources for families who are grieving the loss of a pet. The project's website includes a grief toolbox, a blog, and a forum where families can connect with each other and share their stories.

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.

Alexandria, Ohio, Pet Photography Session - Spider the Mudi

When I saw the forecast was going to be a high of 24 degrees, I asked Spider’s owner if she wanted to reschedule for a warmer date. She decided to keep the original date and brave the cold, and I’m so glad she did! We got a little dusting of snow the night before, and the shallow creek we photographed at had turned to ice. It made for a beautiful location! I’ve been really wanting to do some more winter-looking shoots, and I got my wish! Spider was seriously such a treat to work with. He happily did all the poses I asked for, including climbing on logs, balancing on rocks, and more. We got so many great shots.

Many owners are hesitant to book a winter shoot, as they worry that the backgrounds will look boring and drab. Well, here's proof that you can still get amazing shots in winter! If you'd like to do your own winter shoot (and your dog is cold-tolerant), contact me today to schedule! www.hhildrethphoto.com/contact

Westerville, Ohio, Pet Photography Session - Gunner & Jasmine

Meet Jasmine, Gunner, and their adoring pet parents! Jasmine was such a sweetheart, coming right up to me and demanding pets as soon as I arrived. Gunner wasn’t so sure about getting his photo taken, but with some treats and patience he came around!

We chose Everal Barn and Homestead in Westerville for our soot location, as we wanted a park that still had some late fall color and was also quiet. This tranquil park is one of my favorite spots for my shy dogs! There’s not much noise or other park-goers, and it’s big enough that I don’t need to be super close to a shy dog—I can give them lots of space by photograph them from a distance with a telephoto lens. That way the shy pup does not get stressed about a stranger being too close.

As with all sessions, I work at the dog’s pace. I want to make sure every photoshoot is fun for the dog and owners, so we’ll only do things your dog is comfortable with. Through my pet photography career, as well as my experience in training my own dogs for obedience and agility, I’ve learned how to read all the subtle cues and body language dogs give off when they’re feeling overwhelmed. During your session I am always watching your pup’s interactions and continually reading what they’re “saying” during the shoot. When I see your pup needs a break, we will pause to give them a minute to relax, get a drink of water, play with a toy, or get some belly rubs from their owners. Having that small moment to reset and focus on something positive always helps pups to regroup, and keeps the whole experience positive and happy for them.

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.

Westerville, Ohio, Pet Photography session - Kaiser & Copper, Doberman

I had the privilege of photographing Copper and Kaiser, the Doberman Pinschers, at Hoover Reservoir in Westerville. We had perfect, unseasonably warm autumn weather for our session. One reason I love photographing at this park is that it offers many different “looks”. We took advantage of the colorful leaves and gorgeous backgrounds, and ended with the pups taking a little dip in the lake for some action shots. These two good boys were a total pleasure to work with, and were eager to try anything, whether that was posing on a rock or splashing through the water.