All photographers are pretty much the same, right? Not really. Let me explain.

There are two main types of photographers working today. There are those who provide you with just digital files after your session and those, like me, that want you to have something more. I’m a “Full-Service Photographer” because I don’t want the images we create of your amazingly adorable dog to just sit on your computer or phone unseen and unloved.

I want you to have beautiful pieces of artwork for your walls and gorgeous albums to flip through. Not that I don’t sell regular prints and digital files as well, but I want you to have real artwork you see every day in your home. Artwork that reminds you of the love that your pet brings to your life (even if on that day they’ve peed on the floor and nibbled on your favorite shoes…). So in addition to photographing your dog, I help you create the perfect artwork for your home.

The Best of Both Worlds – Convenience and Unparalleled Quality

Now maybe you’re thinking – but I can get my digital files printed myself. Sure, you could. But with our busy lives how many of us ever get around to it. And what exactly do you want to order? What size will look best in your home? Where can you get the best quality? Pieces that won’t fade or warp over the next year or two.

Do you want your images as metal prints, acrylic blocks, canvas wraps, or even a custom-made album with thick pages and a beautiful cover? It’s hard to choose, isn’t it? You probably aren’t even sure what all those options are. But I have a selection of the best products on the market. And samples of each so you can see and touch them before you decide.

When you hire a full-service photographer, everything is taken care of. From planning your perfect session to the gorgeous artwork delivered right to your home. After your session, I help you choose your favorite images and decide how you want to display them. And then everything from designing your beautiful custom album to choosing the best professional labs for your prints and wall art is off your shoulders.

This level of convenience allows you to simply sit back and relax while your memories are being transformed into something truly gorgeous that you’re going to LOVE. And since I use only the highest quality, professional labs you can be sure that your artwork is completely archival and will look as great years from now as it does today. In fact, I guarantee it. If your artwork isn’t perfect when I receive it from the lab, it’s reprinted. And if your prints were to ever fade, I’ll replace them free of charge

See What I Can Create for You!

Can you imagine the feeling of walking into your home everyday and seeing your family displayed in images like these?

Or paging through an album like this featuring dozens of your favorite images?

Just like our dogs, it’s truly priceless.

Would you like to know more?

Contact me below if you have any questions?

You can check out my Session Guide below which has all the information about my sessions and the artwork I offer.

---

Did you enjoy this post? I’ve teamed up with some amazing photographers around the country in a blog circle to bring you lots of great photography ideas. This week Gretchen with Gretchen Decker Photography shares how using project management skills as a professional photographer helps to make your wedding day less stressful. https://www.gretchendeckerphotography.c om/…/Leave-it-to-me

• The number ONE concern dog owners have when thinking of a portrait session is: My dog can’t be off-leash. That’s honestly not a problem at all. 99.9% of the dogs I photograph are ON LEASH the entire session. And then through the magic of Photoshop I remove the leash (and sometimes the entire owner) from the final image. Check out the image below to see my magic in action!

• The on-leash concern is followed closely by the “My dog is very distractible and would never sit still for a session!”. Good news, I don’t expect them to. It’s perfectly normal for your dog to be distracted in a new location. With all the great smells and things to investigate, I expect it. It’s NOT a problem. I have an infinite supply of patience and it only takes a fraction of a second for me to capture THE SHOT. Since your dog is on leash and we have super yummy treats, we just bring them back and try again. And your dog’s session isn’t all sitting still, looking serious. I love to capture candid moments and action shots. Even the MOST distractible dog can have their moment in the spotlight!

• Choose a photographer who specializes in pet photography. Just as I wouldn’t photograph a wedding (heaven forbid), there is a very special skill set involved in being a pet photographer. We are animal lovers first and always have your pet’s well-being in mind. We know how to read canine body language and know how to best communicate with them. For me, in addition to exclusively photographing pets, I have 20+ years as a positive dog trainer. I will always put your pet’s needs first.

• My dog isn’t friendly with other dogs, is reactive, is very shy and fearful. That’s okay! I’ve owned dogs with all of those personalities myself and I totally understand their needs. My first rule for all sessions is that the dog is HAPPY. So we’re going to make them feel comfortable and safe before we ever start our session. Since I design every session for the particular dog we’re photographing, we will choose quieter, less busy locations. We’ll stay away from places that off-leash dogs frequent and pick a quiet time at whatever location we choose to keep the distractions to a minimum.

• I usually recommend that clients go to the session location a bit before your session time and just walk around a bit. This gives your dog a chance to check out the location. To see what’s going on, to have a bit of sniff and pee on some stuff. All this can help them settle in and be more comfortable when the session begins.

• Bring some small, yummy treats with you. Something they don’t get all the time can really keep their interest – cheese, deli meat, liver, chicken, you name it. I will have a selection of very special treats from Polkadog and The Natural Dog with me, but if your dog has favorites or a sensitive tummy make sure to bring their special treats along.

• A simple, buckle collar (preferably without a LOT of dangly tags) photographs best. If you need a special collar or harness to walk your dog to the session, no worries, just bring a regular flat collar for the session. That and a plain 6 ft leash and you’re all set.

• Lastly, the MOST important thing you can do to prepare for your dog’s portrait session is to RELAX and enjoy the experience! This is going to be fun (trust me, I photograph a lot of dogs and they’re always FUN!). Dogs sense our stress and that doesn’t make for a great experience for either of you. As long as your dog is relaxed and having fun, we’ll get great images. So relax and enjoy the experience.

Have more questions? Interested in a session for your dog? Check out my Session Guide for all the information on my sessions. Or my FAQ page for answers to more commonly asked questions.

---

Did you enjoy this post? I’ve teamed up with some amazing photographers around the country in a blog circle to bring you lots of great photography ideas. Any Pittsburgh friends here? Jessica Wasik with Bark & Gold Photography shares 5 tips to ensure a seamless pet photography session with your puppy. https://barkandgoldphotography.com/?p=14736

Ahh, Spring in New England. Is there anything better? After months of dreary days, cold weather and approximately 4 hours of daylight a day (okay that’s probably a bit of an exaggeration) I think we’re all ready for winter to be over!

We’re longing for the warmer temperatures and longer days that spring brings with her. The extra sunshine, the leaves returning to the trees and flowers blooming everywhere is just the antidote we need after a long winter. Finally we have more time to spend romping outside with our furry family members. What are you and your dog looking forward to as spring approaches?

Some fun spring ideas!

Twister and Believe are looking forward to lots of fun things this spring (maybe your dogs would like to try them out too).

• Getting outside more and exploring some new hiking trails.
• Visiting the beach before it closes to dogs for the summer.
• We’re planning a ROAD TRIP! Grab your pup and hit the open road to check out a new dog friendly location for a few day getaway. Here is a great guide to a ton of ideas for New England road trips. I can’t wait to try out most of them!
• Hosting a doggy playdate – we love to invite few fur friends over for some fun in the yard! It’s a great way for pups to socialize in a safe environment.
• Visiting a dog-friendly restaurant. There are a lot of restaurants with patio seating that allow your pup to come with you while you dine (I love Marketstreet Lynnfield for lots of dog friendly options). I always pack some water and snacks for my dog as they hang out at my feet. Important tip for this, make sure your dog would be comfortable in the close quarters on most patios and able to chill for an hour or more without barking or mooching off the other diners 😊.
• If your dog isn’t ready for the restaurant scene: Have a picnic with your pup. Pack up some yummy treats for you both and enjoy the sunshine.
• And since my dogs favorite thing is to play in the water, have a pool party! Yes their pool is just a kiddie pool with a few inches of water in it but that doesn’t dampen the fun. And since they’re Border Collies who love to chase anything that moves, they LOVE the sprinkler too.

So what fun are you and your dogs looking forward to this spring? Anything that I can add to my dogs’ list?

And what about some spring portraits to remember these special days?

On top of all that doggie fun to be had, as a pet photographer one of my favorite things about the return of spring are SPRING PORTRAIT SESSIONS. Finally we can get back outside and photograph your dog in all the beauty that a New England spring provides.

I have several locations that really capture spring’s beauty. From flowering trees and native wildflowers in bloom to lush green fields and bubbling streams. These locations definitely capture the beauty of New England in SPRING. And while this time of year is amazing for all dogs, for those pups who don’t like the heat, now is the PERFECT time to schedule their session. Check out my Session Guide and Contact me if you have any questions or to plan your dog’s spring session. Let’s kiss winter goodbye and cherish these bright, beautiful days while we welcome in the beauty of spring!

A portrait session in and around Boston may be perfect for you!

Are you and your dog devoted city dwellers? Or maybe you and your pup love to hop on the T and visit one of Boston’s dog friendly breweries? Would your dog rather run around Boston Common or hang out in the Seaport than hike in the mountains? Are they elegant and sophisticated or do they favor the more gritty, urban vibe?

While most of my work features dogs in fields and woods and at the beach, I also LOVE shooting in the city. I love the energy and excitement and all the different “looks” that a session in the city provides. From historic, stately architecture, brick walkways and cobblestone streets to huge beautiful parks, fountains and colorful street art – we have so many options for your perfect “Boston” portrait session.

Jasper’s Fall Session

This fall I was lucky enough to photograph Jasper and his family in the Boston Public Garden and Beacon Hill. His parents live in the city and wanted to capture Jasper in places they love to spend time. These two locations were spectacular choices. We had fall foliage, the beauty of the willows and the footbridge over the lagoon in the Public Garden. And then a short walk away the historic brownstones and cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill.

Jasper was a rockstar! We had so much fun and I was able to create a great variety of images for his parents to choose the perfect artwork for their home.

---

Did you enjoy this post? I’ve teamed up with some amazing photographers around the country in a blog circle to bring you lots of great photography ideas. Any Pittsburgh friends here? For more ideas on incorporating special places in your portrait session check out: Amy Fisher of Pawsburgh Photography shares why she’s your number one choice for photographing your sacred space! https://pawsburgh.zenfolio.com/…/i-want-to-photograph…

which honestly, is every day around here…

It’s so easy to take for granted the gifts that our furry four-legged companions bring into our lives — from their unconditional love to those unforgettable moments of pure joy and fun they share with us. While we all have our endless “to do” lists and responsibilities pulling us in a million different directions, National Love Your Pet Day (which just happens to be today, Feb. 20) is the perfect occasion to go all out to show our pets just how much we treasure them.

This year one of my dogs is approaching the end of his days. My boy, Twister, has seen me through so much through the years, brought me boundless joy and has the absolute biggest heart. And while love can’t stop the inevitable I will make every moment count with my bestest boy. So for this Love Your Pet Day I am giving him a day filled with all the special things I can squish into 24 hours.

So what would your pet like most for Love Your Pet Day? Special treats, an extra long walk, more belly rubs? Let’s get creative and make this an extra-special occasion. I’ve come up with a few ideas for my dogs, so let’s pamper them in style:

• Bake them some special treats (or buy them if you’re not all that great in the kitchen…).
• Check out a new hiking spot.
• Keep them company all day long (a perfect excuse for a day off work in my opinion).
• Take a road trip for a pup cup or a doggie ice cream (don’t forget something for yourself too)
• Hit the beach for a romp with some doggie friends.
• Donate to a shelter or animal charity to help dogs who haven’t found their person yet.
• Take them out to a dog-friendly brewery or restaurant for your celebration.
• Let them choose the show to watch on TV.
• Take them to the pet store to pick out a new toy.
• Extra cuddles!

However you choose to spend today, I hope you and your favorite four-legged family member have an amazing day!

Does your pet have to share you with another human? Check out this blog post by Gretchen Decker with Gretchen Decker Photography, sharing ways to involve your dog in your wedding celebration. https://www.gretchendeckerphotography.com/…/Involvingdo…

1. Make sure to monitor your dog around Christmas trees, Menorahs and other decorations. Puppies, especially, are curious creatures and they love to investigate new things. Many years my Christmas tree was surrounded by an x-pen to keep it upright and the ornaments safe. Thankfully, my dogs have outgrown tree destruction, but be especially careful with your young dog.

2. Keep toxic plants out of reach. Many common holiday plants including holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies can make your pets sick, some seriously. If you’re decorating with these plants, be sure to keep them out of reach of your pet or choose safer alternatives.

3. Don’t leave your dog alone with visiting children, especially if your dog is not used to them. Excited children can unintentionally hurt or scare dogs. If you have young children visiting during the holidays, make sure they know how to approach and interact with dogs safely and supervise closely. And make sure to give your dog breaks in a safe place, like their crate, where no one can bother them.

4. Be careful with holiday food and treats. Dogs are often tempted by tasty holiday foods but many of these can be dangerous for them. Pan drippings, uncooked bread dough, chocolate, raisins, grapes and onions can land your dog in the emergency vet. Who wants that on the holidays? Stick to their regular food and treats instead.

5. Keep an eye on alcohol consumption (no, not on Aunt Minnie’s, well, maybe hers too 🍷🍺🍹). Dogs can be sensitive to alcohol and it can make them very sick (again who wants a sick dog on the holiday 🤮. So be sure to keep alcoholic drinks well out of reach.

6. Make sure to make special time just for you and your dogs. A nice long walk, a run in the park or even just a snuggle on the couch are a perfect holiday tradition 💗

Happy Holidays to all!

1. Go exploring. As your dog gets older, they may not be able to handle long walks or runs like they used to. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some quality time together outdoors. Take things slow and let them stop to smell the roses (ok, the pee mail, but same concept 🐶). Check out some new trails or neighborhoods. This is a great way to get some exercise while also stimulating their senses with new sights and smells.

2. Play brain games. Just like people, dogs can benefit from a good mental workout. Try hiding treats around the house and giving them a little scavenger hunt. Or get a puzzle toy that encourages them to think critically in order to get the reward. I love this shaping game to keep my dogs mentally sharp and tire them out in the bad weather when outdoor activity might be limited.

3. Take them with you when you run errands around town (weather permitting of course). I like to take my dogs to Marketstreet Lynnfield, an outdoor mall with dozens of stores that welcome dogs and a Polkadog bakery to pick up some awesome treats. Or grab them a “puppuccino” at your local coffee shop while you grab your morning coffee. Not only are these fun activities to do together, but it’s also a great way to socialize your senior dog — something that’s important for dogs of all ages.

4. Have some “senior playdates.” While most senior dogs have no interest in hitting the dog park (it’s kinda like the club scene for dogs and most of our seniors have outgrown that craziness). But getting together with their doggie friends is still important. My dogs love romping on the beach or in the woods with their dog and human friends This will give your dog a chance to keep fit and have some fun.

5. Teach them some new tricks (or brush up on old ones). Dogs of all ages love learning — and it’s never too late to start! Whether you teach them how to roll over or simply brush up on their basic training, teaching your old dog some new tricks is a great way to keep their minds sharp as they age. Not only that, but it gives you both something fun and rewarding to focus on together—and who knows, maybe you’ll even end up impressing your friends and family in the process!

What do you and your old dog like to do together? Drop your favorite idea in the comments, Twister is always looking for more fun stuff to do 😊. So let’s get out there and have some fun with our long-time friends. They’ll love us even more for it!

The holidays are a wonderful time to spend with family and friends, and many of us like to include our furry family members in the festivities. As we approach the busiest travel week of the year, I thought I would share my top 3 tips to make traveling with your dog this holiday season as stress-free and happy as possible.

1. Get Your Dog Used to the Car
If your dog isn’t used to riding in the car, start by taking them on short trips around town before embarking on a longer journey. This will help them get used to the car and make sure they’re comfortable. If your dog seems nervous or anxious, try playing calming music or trying one of the many natural calming products to make their journey more enjoyable. A crate or doggie seatbelt is a good way to keep your dog contained, secure and safe while driving.

2. Pack Their Favorite Things
When packing for your trip, don’t forget to include your dog’s favorite toys, blanket, and treats. Bringing along their crate will give them a safe place to rest and recover for all the festivities. This will help them feel more at home in an unfamiliar environment and make the trip more enjoyable for both of you. Also, be sure to pack plenty of food and water—nothing will put a damper on your holiday fun faster than an upset tummy from different food and water 🤢🤮

3. Plan Your Stops Ahead of Time
When traveling with your dog, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure there are plenty of rest stops along the way so they can stretch their legs, have a drink of water, and potty. A little planning goes a long way towards making a road trip with your furry friend stress-free and enjoyable for everyone involved.

We hope these tips are helpful as you prepare to hit the road with your furry friend this holiday season! Remember, if you take the time to plan ahead, you’re sure to have a stress-free trip that everyone—two-legged and four alike—will enjoy. Happy holidays!

A few ideas to keep our pets safe in this HEAT!

I don’t know about you but this heat has me feeling a bit like my buddy here. I think I’m melting…. And I know Twister feels the same (Believe, well she’s crazy and will gladly lay out in the sun on a day like today unless I make her come in – and I do, no worries). And with temps predicted in the 90’s all week, I thought I would share some of the things I’m doing to help my dogs stay cool (and sane) on these HOT days. Some of the simplest ways of keeping our pets safe in the summer heat, hopefully, don’t even need mentioning (but I’m going to anyway 🙂 – not leaving your dog in the car (even for just a minute), walking early in the morning or late evening when the temperature is a bit cooler and making sure they have access to water at all times.

But what to do with high-energy or just plain bored dogs when this heat stretches on and on and on… Here are a few things that I like to do to keep everyone sane on these hot days.

• We make sure to get a good play/training session in early in the morning before the sun is up and the heat is on or my guys will be crazy all day.
• I have lots of frozen marrow bones and stuffed Kong toys to chew on when they’re stuck inside. Licki mats and snuffle mats are another great option to keep their minds and bodies occupied.
• We play foraging games inside and out. What’s a foraging game you ask, instead of putting their food in a bowl, simply scatter it in the grass outside or on the floor inside and let them hunt it up. Or take some yummy treats and hide them around the house and let your dog use his nose to find them.
• I make doggie frozen treats, by freezing bone broth (from the pet store) with some treats in a small plastic bowl. Pop it out of the bowl to serve and let them stay cool while enjoying a healthy treat.
• Since we’re cooped up in the A.C, now is a great time to work on teaching a new trick or two and working on their fitness exercises. Wait, what there are canine fitness exercises??? Yup! My dogs play agility, so we have some equipment that we work on but here are 4 simple exercises that you can do right at home with your dog from the comfort of your air-conditioned living room.
• SWIMMING! My dogs LOVE to swim. Especially Believe, she will stay go out and just swim around forever, especially if I’m out with her. You do need to be mindful of water quality issues, especially the risk of blue green algae blooms in this super hot weather. But this is the ultimate way to beat the heat. Your dog not the swimming type? A wading pool or just a run through the sprinkler can be great ways to cool down.

So those are my top ideas to keep you dogs cool and occupied during this heat wave. What are some of your ways to help your dogs beat the heat?

Want more info on this topic, here is some great information from the ASPCA

a pet photographer’s baby dog turns 10, WHAT!!!

---

I still remember when he came home. He was so squishable and sweet and definitely an old soul. He was also extremely handsome (you may think I’m a bit biased, but I don’t think so). And being a pet photographer means that I photographed him ALOT. You can see how thrilled with modeling he was in the third photo – he had perfected his bored supermodel look. I’m so glad that I have so many images to remind me of those early days. Those days when he was tiny and new and when neither of us really knew anything about the other. Images to chronicle time passing and the love growing.