Adventure Awaits! Help Us Scout Epic, New Locations (and one of you will win a complimentary session…)

As a pet photographer based on the North Shore of Massachusetts, capturing the essence of your furry best friend goes beyond just snapping a picture. It’s about creating timeless artwork that reflects your pet’s personality and celebrates the special bond you share. A big part of this is choosing the perfect locations to set the stage for your pet’s starring role. This is where the magic begins!

Location, Location, Location!

I meticulously select session locations based on several factors.

  • Safety: Is always the first consideration. Even though most dogs I photograph are on leash during their sessions, I want a location that is not crowded with loose dogs, heavy traffic nearby or natural features that could be dangerous.
  • Pet-Friendly: Obviously 🙂
  • Variety: Within a location, I look for opportunities to create diverse compositions – wide vistas, intimate vignettes, and playful action shots. Maybe a field with some wooded areas, a rock wall to pose on, you get the idea.
  • Lighting: The golden glow of sunrise or sunset can create warm, dreamy images while the light filtering through trees in the woods creates a classic, natural look.
  • Ambiance: A peaceful meander through the woods allows for relaxed portraits, while crashing waves at the beach injects a dose of playful energy.

I work hard to match the location to the pet’s personality and your tastes. Paying special attention to dogs that might need quieter locations over the party-animals that are up for anything, anywhere.

I have a long list of favorite locations, but every year I want to add some new locations to offer to my clients.


Calling All New England Pet Lovers!

That’s where you come in friends! I’m on the hunt for some hidden gems or under-appreciated favorites within an hour or so drive of Boston. Breathtaking vistas further out (up to 2 hours) are also welcome! To incentivize your exploration expertise, I’ll be offering a complimentary custom pet photography session to the person who suggests a location I absolutely love and use in a future shoot.

On our photographic quest, we’re seeking these pawsome locations:

Locations- Sunset at Lake Sunapee, NH at Wag It Camp.

Within an hour (or so) of Boston:

  • Sunset Silhouettes: Can you recommend a scenic spot with a clear horizon for capturing those breathtaking sunset silhouettes? Think hilltops or open fields with unobstructed views of the western horizon.
  • Water Wonderland: Beaches are great (I love Wingaersheek for great portraits), but for a touch of variety, what about a gorgeous lake, river or stream with unique features? Think rustic bridges, rocky outcroppings or vibrant foliage framing the water’s edge. Bonus points if there is a shallow area for those epic splash photos.
  • Wildflowers: I have a couple of locations with summer flower fields, but would love to find another spring wildflower location.

Epic Vistas (up to 2 hours away):

  • River Rhapsody: A flowing river with a rocky bank offers both natural beauty and interesting textures. Smaller streams can be ideal for creating a sense of adventure for your furry explorers.
  • Epic Escapes: Breathtaking waterfalls cascading down moss-covered rocks, or mountain ranges painted with vibrant hues during sunrise/sunset. These locations add a touch of grandeur to your pet’s portraits.
Locations: Australian Shepherd photographed at Lake Tahoe, CA
Unfortunately this epic location is at Lake Tahoe, CA, so a bit farther than 2 hrs away…

Do you have special place you think would be perfect that’s not on the list, let me know!


The Winning Shot!

For the reader who suggests a location that absolutely steals my heart (and becomes the setting for a stunning pet photography session), I’ll be offering a complimentary pet photography session and 8×10 metal print!

So unleash your inner explorer! Leave a comment below (or email me) with details about your suggested location in Eastern/Central MA, Northern CT/RI and Southern NH/VT. Include its pet-friendliness and any special features that make it unique.

I can’t wait to explore these hidden treasures and capture some truly unforgettable pet portraits!

P.S. Don’t forget to share this post with your fellow pet lovers! The more suggestions we get, the wider our range of stunning locations will be.



Beyond the Backyard: Unleash Stunning Pet Portraits in Amazing Locations

Admit it, our dogs are our family. Sometimes our favorite members of the family😜.They bring us endless joy, unconditional love, and of course, endless tail wags. As a professional dog photographer, I specialize in capturing the unique personalities and playful spirits of your furry best friends. But what if I told you your pup’s next portrait could be so much more than just a cute image on your phone? Let’s choose one of the amazing locations in this beautiful area we live to make your pup’s portraits extra special.

Imagine this: Your beloved pup, basking in the golden glow of a beach sunset, with the salty breeze tousling their fur. Or perhaps your majestic dog perched regally amidst a field of vibrant sunflowers, their eyes sparkling with joy. These aren’t just ordinary pet portraits; they’re breathtaking works of art that showcase your pet’s personality amidst the the stunning beauty of nature.

Here at Donna Kelliher Photography, I offer a wide variety of unique pet portrait experiences designed to bring out your pet’s inner superstar and create the perfect artwork to grace your home.

Dog photograph hanging on the wall in a home from Donna Kelliher Photography.

Which session location is perfect for you and your dog? Let me know in the comments.


Beach Bliss: Capture the carefree spirit of your dog with a session on the picturesque shores of our local beaches. Here we have room to run and pose among tide pools and the grassy dunes. The sound of crashing waves, the soft sand beneath their paws, and the playful glint in their eyes will create an unforgettable portrait.

Rescue, mixed breed dog photographed at Wingaersheek beach in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Locations option

Woodland Wonderland: Embrace the beauty of nature with a session in the one of the many gorgeous woodlands that New England is graced with. The lush greenery, mossy boulders, lakes and ponds provide so many gorgeous options for your dog’s portraits.

locations: Pug photographed in Massachusetts in a garden in Carlisle, Massachusetts

Blooming Fields: Capture the essence of summer with a session in a field bursting with wildflowers. Your pup can frolic amidst a kaleidoscope of colors, creating a joyful portrait that you will love during those cold winter months.

a husky in a field of wildflowers for a dog photography session with Donna Kelliher

Urban Adventure: Maybe your dog prefers brunch at the Seaport over romping in the muddy woods. For the city pup let’s capture their spirit with a session in the vibrant streets of Boston. Boston has it all – beautiful brick buildings, historic landmarks, gardens, parks and fountains – all perfect for the city dog’s session. With the energy of the city we will create gorgeous artwork of your dog’s lifestyle for your home.

Locations: Dog photographed in Boston's Public Garden by Boston dog photographer, Donna Kelliher Photography

Looking for something even more extraordinary? These Limited Time session locations are even more special because of the short time we can capture their beauty 🌷🌻🌷

Tulip Time Extravaganza: For a limited time only, capture your pet’s playful spirit amidst a vibrant field of blooming tulips. The kaleidoscope of colors creates truly unique and joyful portraits.


Lavender Fields Forever: Immerse yourselves in the aromatic embrace of a lavender field for a truly unforgettable session. The beautiful rows of purple blooms will create a stunning backdrop for your pet’s portrait, while the calming scent will put them at ease.


Sunflowers in Bloom: Capture the sunny spirit of your dog with a session in a field of sunflowers. These cheerful giants will create a vibrant and joyful backdrop for your pet’s portrait, guaranteed to make you smile.

Cane Corso and small white mixed breed photographed at School Street Sunflowers during their session with Donna Kelliher Photography in Newburyport, Massachusetts


These are just a few of the many creative options I offer to make your pet’s portrait session an unforgettable experience. Contact me today to discuss your vision and let’s create a masterpiece that celebrates the unique bond between you and your furry friend!

So where is the perfect place for YOUR dog’s session?

Woofs 🐾

Donna

Because YOUR dog isn’t “just a dog”


P.S. Don’t forget to follow me on social media for sneak peeks of recent sessions and exciting announcements about upcoming special portrait sessions!

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An Awesome Adventure: My Professional Portrait Session At The Water

Woof woof! Hey there, fellow doggos! It’s me, your favorite canine companion, here to share the tail-wagging adventure I had recently. You see, my pawrents surprised me with a wet and wild professional portrait session playing in the water 💦💧

As soon as we arrived at the picturesque pond, I could feel the excitement bubbling up inside me. The air was filled with the scent of fresh grass and the sound of gentle ripples in the water. My tail wagged furiously as I bounded around, taking in the sights and smells of this new and exciting place.

My photographer, Donna, greeted me with a warm smile and lots of ear scritches. She explained that today, we were going to HAVE FUN and capture some truly special moments together in this beautiful spot. I couldn’t wait to get started!

As we headed towards the lake I got to scramble over boulders and tree limbs and show off my posing skills. Then we reached the water where I eagerly dipped my paws into the cool, refreshing water. Donna captured some paw-sitively adorable shots of me splashing around and chasing after my ball. There was something exhilarating about the sensation of the water against my fur, and I couldn’t resist the urge to dive in and paddle around like a champ. My humans laughed and cheered me on as I frolicked in the water, feeling happy and free.

Next, we explored the lush greenery surrounding the pond, pausing to pose for photos amidst the tall grass and wildflowers. With the sun shining down on us, I couldn’t help but feel like a supermodel, striking my best poses for the camera.

But the highlight of the session came when we ventured out onto a rustic wooden dock that stretched out over the water. With the wind in my fur and the sun on my face, I felt like I was on top of the world. The photographer captured some truly breathtaking shots of me gazing out over the shimmering expanse of water and then I GOT TO JUMP IN!!!!! I now have images of my superhero persona flying through the air!

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, we knew it was time to wrap up our adventure. But as we made our way back to the car, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the memories we had created together.

So, to all my fellow furry friends out there, I encourage you to beg your mom and dad for a super fun portrait session of your very own. They’ll be glad they did when they see those magical images from your day hanging on the walls of your home.

Framed Artwork from a dog photography session by Donna Kelliher Photography.

Until next time, keep wagging those tails and chasing those dreams!

Woofs and wags

Expect the Unexpected: The World of Dog Photography Bloopers


In the enchanting world of pet photography, where every click of the shutter holds the promise of capturing a cherished memory, there exists a delightful truth: things don’t always go according to plan. Yes, you heard it right—despite our best efforts and meticulous preparations, the unexpected often makes its grand entrance, turning our perfectly orchestrated sessions into a symphony of surprises, bloopers and laughter.

Bloopers of a mixed breed dog with dog photographer Donna Kelliher
Um, you’re supposed to be over there… in front of the camera.
bloopers of a mixed breed dog sticking her tongue out during a pet photography session in Massachusetts with Donna Kelliher
Camera, what camera?
bloopers of a Papillon barking during a session with Donna Kelliher Photography in Boston, MA
I AM SMILING!

Let’s face it—dogs, with their boundless energy, curious antics, and charming quirks, have a way of keeping us on our toes. From impromptu games of keep-away to sudden bursts of zoomies, there’s never a dull moment when our furry family are involved. And while we strive for that elusive “perfect shot,” it’s the bloopers, the outtakes and the candid moments in between that truly steal our hearts.

Doodle standing in front of her doodle sister during their portrait session on Cape Cod with Donna Kelliher Photography. Bloopers
I’m much cuter than my sister. And this is my good side, don’t worry about her 🤣
Silver lab puppy bloopers munching on the flowers during his portrait session with Massachusetts dog photographer Donna Kelliher Photography.
Flowers, what flowers?

Perhaps it’s the playful pup who insists on munching on the flowers instead of striking a pose, or the doggie siblings who outdo each other to be the star of the show. Maybe it’s the mischievous glint in their eyes as they chew on your camera strap or the infectious joy that fills the air as they bound across the grass, tongues lolling and tails wagging.


But here’s the thing: in the midst of the chaos and the laughter, there lies a profound beauty—a beauty that transcends perfection and embraces the raw, unfiltered essence of our furry companions. It’s in those unscripted moments, those spontaneous bursts of joy and silliness, that we find true magic.

Bloopers. Newfie puppies during their dog portrait session with Donna Kelliher Photography
I’m the good puppy!

So, let us raise our cameras high and celebrate the delightful moments that make each session unique. Let’s embrace the laughter, the surprises, and the occasional mishaps, knowing it’s these moments that mean so much.

And to our beloved clients, we invite you to join us in celebrating all the fun facets of your dog’s personality. Whether your furry friend decides to chase butterflies instead of posing for the camera or insists on giving the lens a playful lick, rest assured that every moment captured is a treasure—a testament to the unconditional love and boundless joy that our pets bring into our lives.

So here’s to the bloopers, the blunders, and the beautiful messiness of pet photography. May we continue to laugh, to cherish, and to capture the extraordinary magic of life with our beloved companions.

Woofs and wags 🐾

Donna

Check out my Session Guide to see how much fun your pup’s session can be.