Some love stories begin with a chance meeting, others with a little help from friends… and then there’s Jackson, the ultimate matchmaker who helped his dad, Sam, find the love of his life. Honestly, can there be a better wingman than a dog?
Jackson and McKinley are so much more than pets—they’re family, best friends, and constant sources of laughter and love. Jackson is a trained therapy dog showing that his heart is just as big as his fluffy paws. And McKinley is a sweet girl with a mischievous side whose penchant for ripping up cardboard is perfect for recycling day.
When we met for their session, it was clear from the start that these four are inseparable. Before the zoomies, the romping, and the beach splashing took over, we made sure to capture a (clean and dry) family portrait to celebrate their bond. The way Jackson and McKinley look to their humans with love and devotion, always in tune with each other, is something truly special.
After those quiet moments, it was time for the craziness to begin. We headed to the surf and sand for some action portraits—ball chasing, splashing, and all the joyful energy these two could muster. There were balls to be chased down, siblings to wrestle with and clear ocean waves to bound through, and these two were ready for it!
This is my ideas of a perfect session – capturing the heartwarming bond between dogs and their families, mixed with the pure excitement and joy they bring to our lives.
Jackson may have been the matchmaker who brought two people together, but now he and McKinley are the true heart of a family full of love, laughter, and joy. It was so much fun capturing their playful energy and special connection. I’m so thankful I got to be part of this moment in their lives.
Thinking about booking a professional portrait session for your dog but have some doubts? You’re not alone! Let’s bust the three biggest myths about dog photography so you can stop worrying and start getting excited!
Myth #1: My dog needs to be perfectly trained for a portrait session.
Fact: Nope! Your dog just needs to be themselves. Whether they know every trick in the book or think “sit” is optional, I work with dogs of all energy levels and personalities. I don’t expect dogs to be perfectly posed the whole time—that’s just not realistic. Action shots, candid moments, and playful zoomies all make for incredible images. Some of the most authentic, personality-filled images come from dogs just being their goofy, lovable selves.
And since 95% of the dogs I photograph are ON LEASH for the entire session (and then the leashes are edited out later), there is NO training requirement for an fun, amazing portrait session
Naughty Puppy Destruction (I forgot to latch his crate, oops)
Perfect Puppy Model
Myth #2: My senior dog is too old for a photoshoot.
Fact: Some of the most emotional and meaningful sessions I capture are with senior dogs. These sessions celebrate the deep bond you’ve built over the years and ensure you’ll have timeless images to cherish forever. Senior dogs get priority scheduling and we make sure the location we choose takes into consideration any mobility challenges your senior may have. Older dogs may move a little slower, but that just gives us more time to soak in the moment and create something truly special.
This 16 year old man rocked his beach session!
Myth #3: I already have tons of photos on my phone—I don’t need professional ones.
Fact: We all have hundreds (okay, thousands) of dog photos on our phones, but let’s be honest—how many of them are actually frame-worthy? When is the last time you’ve looked at them? A professional session goes beyond quick snapshots. It captures your dog’s personality, your bond, and the little moments you never want to forget in a way that phone photos just can’t. Plus, you’ll finally have stunning images in your home that you’ll see and enjoy every day! Much better than being buried in your camera roll.
Your dog’s portrait where you can see it everyday, priceless!
A session with your dog isn’t about perfection—it’s about preserving the moments that matter most. Ready to capture your story? Let’s chat!
Wild Heart Sessions: Capture Your Dog’s Spirit of Adventure
You and your dog don’t just take walks—you chase horizons. You seek out winding trails, paddle through glassy waters, and take in epic views side by side. Your best memories aren’t made indoors; they’re forged in the wild, with your best friend by your side.
Wild Heart Sessions are for those who believe adventure is better together. Whether your dog is splashing through a mountain stream, standing proudly atop a rocky peak, or working with unstoppable drive in the field, these sessions capture the soul of your journey—the exhilaration, the connection, the freedom.
Epic Landscapes, Unforgettable Moments
Imagine stepping into your home and seeing your greatest adventures on the walls—your dog in their element, a breathtaking backdrop behind them, frozen in time. Even on the days when life keeps you inside, your photos will remind you of the trails you’ve walked, the rivers you’ve crossed, and the bond that makes it all so special.
Your session is completely customized to reflect your adventure, whether that’s hiking, paddling, or capturing the dedication of a working dog in action.
The Experience
Your Wild Heart Session includes:
A fully personalized 4-hour adventure in your favorite breathtaking location
Travel within 100 miles of Boston (longer distances available)
A stunning piece of artwork—your choice of 30-inch framed wall art OR a premium photo album
Five high-resolution digital files
Introductory Offer – Limited Availability
To celebrate this launch, I’m offering a special introductory discount for the first two adventurers who book:
🔥 First Booking: $995 (Regularly $1,995) 🔥 Second Booking: $1,495 (Regularly $1,995)
These one-of-a-kind sessions are limited in availability due to their custom nature. If your heart races at the thought of immortalizing your adventures with your best friend, now is the time.
Let’s create something unforgettable. Contact me today to book your Wild Heart Session!
Take a quick scroll through your phone. Chances are, you have hundreds—if not thousands—of pictures of your dog. Them snoozing on the couch, playing fetch, or gazing lovingly at you from across the room. But here’s a question: how many photos do you have of you and your dog together?
For most people, the answer is “not many” or even “none.” It’s easy to get caught up in capturing the cuteness of your pup while staying behind the camera yourself. But years from now, you might find yourself longing for images that show not just their personality, but the love and connection you shared.
Capturing the Bond You Share
Your dog isn’t a pet—they’re family. They’re your hiking buddy, your snuggle partner, your reason to smile after a long day. Portraits of just your dog are lovely, but they don’t tell the full story. They don’t capture the way their eyes light up when you laugh, the wag of their tail as you call their name, or how they lean into you during quiet moments.
That’s why your session isn’t just about posed portraits. While classic portraits are timeless and elegant, some of the most meaningful images are those unscripted, candid moments. A game of tug-of-war, a playful romp in the park, or the way they snuggle into you on a lazy afternoon—these are the stories of your relationship, the everyday magic that makes your bond unique.
Feeling Self-Conscious? You’re Not Alone
One of the most common reasons people, especially we women, shy away from being in photos is because they don’t like the way they look. Maybe you’re self-conscious about your hair, your weight, or how you’ll come across in pictures. It’s a vulnerable feeling, and I understand—it’s something so many of us struggle with.
But here’s the thing: when your dog looks at you, they don’t see imperfections—they see their person, their whole world. That’s who we’re capturing in these photos—the way you love and care for your dog, and the way they adore you in return. Trust me when I say that years down the road, you won’t care if your hair was messy or if you weren’t at your goal weight. What you’ll see is the bond you shared, the love in both your eyes, and the story of a moment that can never be recreated.
Why These Photos Matter
As much as we hate to think about it, our dogs aren’t with us forever. Photos are a way to keep their spirit alive in your home, but imagine looking back and not seeing yourself in those memories. Being in the photos makes the memories even more real—it’s not just about them, but about you and them.
Years from now, you’ll be grateful for the pictures that show you both as you truly were: inseparable companions who shared a bond like no other.
Are You Ready to Capture Your Bond?
You and your dog deserve to be celebrated—to see your connection immortalized in stunning, timeless artwork. These photos will serve as a daily reminder of the love, joy, and companionship your dog has brought to your life. It’s not just a portrait session; it’s a celebration of a one-of-a-kind relationship.
Let’s create something beautiful together. A collection of portraits that captures the essence of your dog, the moments you share, and the bond that makes your relationship so extraordinary. You both deserve this, and I’m here to help make it a reality.
If you’re new here—welcome! I’m Donna, the photographer, dog lover, and artist behind Donna Kelliher Photography. Whether you’ve been following my work for a while or just recently discovered me, I thought #MarchMeetTheMaker was the perfect time to share the heart and soul behind my brand.
Where It All Began
Photography has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, but my journey to pet photography wasn’t just about picking up a camera—it was about love, connection, and storytelling. As a professional dog trainer, I’ve spent years working with dogs of all personalities, from happy-go-lucky social butterflies to more challenging, reactive, or fearful pups. I’ve had dogs of my own who struggled with reactivity, so I deeply understand the importance of creating a safe, comfortable space where every dog can truly be themselves.
That’s why I created Donna Kelliher Photography—to give pet parents a way to celebrate and preserve the love they share with their dogs through stunning, timeless artwork.
More Than Just Pictures
My brand is about more than just taking beautiful portraits—it’s about honoring the soul of each dog and creating art that pet parents will treasure forever. Whether it’s a high-energy Border Collie mid-sprint, a gentle senior dog enjoying the breeze, or a cautious pup who needs a little extra patience to shine, I work with each dog at their pace to capture their true personality.
Through my work, I help my clients fill their homes with artwork that tells a story—a daily reminder of the deep bond they share with their four-legged best friend. I know the power of this firsthand—my most cherished possession is a portrait of my first two dogs, Casey and Rio. Though they’ve since passed, their portrait hangs above my desk, and seeing their faces every day brings me so much joy. That’s the kind of lasting impact I want to create for my clients.
The Meaning Behind the Name
I didn’t have to think too hard about my business name—because this isn’t just a brand; it’s me. Donna Kelliher Photography is personal. It represents my unique vision, my deep passion for what I do, and the one-on-one experience I provide to every client.
What I Stand For
At the core of my brand are three key values:
❤️Love & Connection – Every dog is special, and the love we share with them deserves to be celebrated.
❤️ Timeless Storytelling – I create artwork, not just images—art that will bring joy for years to come.
❤️A Safe & Positive Experience for Every Dog – As a professional dog trainer who specializes in working with challenging dogs, I understand that not every pup is naturally confident in new situations. I’ve had dogs with fear and reactivity myself, so I know how to make sure every dog I photograph feels safe, comfortable, and stress-free. No matter their personality, I work with each dog at their own pace to create a session that brings out their true spirit.”
Beyond the Camera
When I’m not behind the lens, you can find me spending time with my two Border Collies, Believe and Asher. We love hiking, swimming, and competing in agility, which perfectly suits their boundless energy and sharp minds. Being outdoors and adventuring with them is one of my greatest joys, and it fuels my passion for photographing dogs in nature—whether it’s the woods, the beach, or an open field at sunset.
What’s Next?
I’m always dreaming up new ways to celebrate the dogs we love, from exciting new session ideas to my current charitable book project, “Paws with a Purpose,” which raises funds for Great Dog Rescue New England while telling the stories of incredible pets. Click here to learn more!
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate your dog, fill your home with meaningful artwork, and work with someone who understands just how much your pup means to you—I’d love to connect!
Have questions or want to book a session? Let’s chat!
🐾 Follow along for more behind-the-scenes and beautiful dog portraits: 📷 Instagram 📷 Facebook
Thanks for being here—your support means the world to me! ❤️
