As dog photographers, we all crave that perfect shot: a playful pup mid-leap, a majestic portrait in a stunning landscape. But let’s face it, safety ALWAYS comes first, and that means leashes (and sometimes handlers) become part of the picture. But who wants those distractions spoiling the artwork that’s going to hang on their wall? You want your images to capture a leash-free adventure and here’s where our editing magic steps in. Skilled editing lets us remove leashes and handlers from photos, creating the illusion of a carefree dog enjoying the moment whether it’s a romp on the beach or an adventure in the woods.
Move the slider and watch the magic
Beyond the Leash: A World of Editing Magic
Editing goes far beyond just leash removal. It’s a powerful tool that allows us to:
Enhance Natural Beauty: A touch of editing can make fur shine brighter and eyes sparkle while removing eye boogers and the stray spit flying.
Craft a Perfect Setting: Stray objects and even stray people in the background can be whisked away, leaving a focused and captivating image.
Fine-tune the Mood: Creating your final image doesn’t end when we press the shutter. Subtle adjustments in light and color can create a specific atmosphere from playful and energetic to serene and majestic.
Now Picture this: Your pup’s playful spirit (or regal serenity) captured forever, leash-free, on a stunning piece of artwork for your home. Editing takes images from snapshots to works of art. I can unlock this magic. Let’s create something truly special today!
While every season has its charm, New England in Fall is truly magical. As the leaves begin to turn and the crisp autumn air fills our lungs, there’s no better time to celebrate the extraordinary bond between you and your furry friends. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the leaves mirror the warmth and love that exists between you and your beloved dog. We’ll capture your dog’s joy romping in the falling leaves and the two of you cuddling amidst the autumn beauty.
If these are the heartwarming memories you want to preserve, you’re in the right place. Our pets are our family and the source of endless joy in our lives. My fall pet photography sessions are designed to create stunning artwork that will adorn your home and celebrate the love you share with your dog.
Why You Should Book a Fall Pet Photography Session 🍁
Unwavering Dedication
Just like the love you have for your dogs, my dedication to capturing their essence is unwavering. Your story is unique, and so is your relationship with your dog. I take the time to understand your bond and create a session that reflects your personalities, ensuring your images are not just photos but pieces of art that speak to your hearts.
Timeless Beauty
The fall season provides a backdrop of breathtaking beauty that perfectly complements your style and decor. With the vibrant foliage and soft, golden light, we’ll capture moments that stand the test of time, allowing you to relive them for years to come.
Simple Process
Your life is super busy and I understand that. I work to make the entire process simple and seamless, from booking to the session to delivery of your final artwork. You can expect an easy and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Professional Artistry
With over 15 years working exclusively as a dog photographer, I not only capture beautiful images but also transform them into works of art. I believe your pet deserves a place of honor on your wall, just like any other cherished family member.
The Finest Products Available
I offer a wide variety of artwork and albums created by the finest, professional-only labs in the world. I will help you create the perfect display to showcase your pet’s beauty and the love you share in your home.
This fall, I invite you to invest in an extraordinary experience that celebrates your dogs and the life you’ve built together. It’s a chance to immortalize the companionship, loyalty, and love that fills your home. Limited spots are available, so don’t delay. Secure your session now and let’s capture the beauty of fall together.
As pet lovers, we are blessed to share our lives with furry companions who bring boundless joy, love, and loyalty. While every stage of our dog’s life is precious, there’s a unique magic that radiates from a senior dog—the gentle grays around their muzzle, the wisdom in their eyes and the deep bond that time has forged. Beautiful Daisy here was 18 years old during her session. Her mom was 21, which means she had literally shared almost her entire life with Daisy. What a gift 💖.
Moments Fleeting, Love Eternal
Our senior dogs are truly priceless. With age comes a special kind of beauty and charm. Their personalities are fully developed and their quirks and habits are endearing reminders of the years spent together. And everything from leisurely strolls to heartwarming cuddles on the couch is a precious treasure.
As much as we wish our beloved companions could stay by our side forever, the reality is that their time with us is so heartbreakingly limited. Having just lost my beloved Border Collie, Twister, I know all too well the heartache when our constant companions leave us. Twister’s “fancy” agility champion name was ADCH Bronze, LAA Bronze Talisman’s Force of Nature. But above any ribbons and titles he was my best friend, my constant companion, my shadow. He was literally never more than an arms-length away from me.
He has been gone for 3 months now and I miss him every day. I miss his sweet presence, beautiful smile and his joy in everything he did. The house is painfully empty without him. But thankfully I have the countless photographs I took to capture our days together. These images make me smile and remind me of the wonderful bond we shared. And the artwork I have in my home of my sweet Twister has become a source of comfort and a celebration of a life well-lived.
Remember to Capture the Everyday Moments
That’s why I want all of you to take LOTS of photographs of your dogs🐶. Cherish and capture all their wonderful quirks and the love that shines in their eyes when they look at you! And then don’t just leave them to languish on your phone or in the depths of your computer. Print them out, make a photo book, create something tangible that you can see and enjoy every day. Because in the end, these photographs become more than just images—they become timeless testaments to a love that transcends time itself 💕.
Now maybe you’re struggling to capture the types of images you want. Or you want images of you and your dog together to celebrate your bond. Even as a professional pet photographer, my dogs have always been my toughest subjects😊. That’s why I want to offer the services of professional pet photographers to help you preserve these moments.
Through the lens of a professional dog photographer, the unique personality of your senior dog is captured in every glance, every wag of the tail and every soulful expression. These images will tell the story of a life filled with love, companionship, and shared experiences. These photographs become more than just images—they become timeless testaments to a love that will never end.
I Would Be Honored to Create Portraits of Your Senior Dog
I always feel incredibly honored when someone contacts me to photograph their senior pet. It’s a privilege to photograph dogs at this stage of their life. That’s why these sessions are very special to me. Senior dogs are given priority scheduling and I make any accomodations needed to assure the dog’s comfort and respect any physical limitations they may have.
The best piece of advice I can offer, if you’re considering a professional portrait session, is to schedule NOW. None of us can know what tomorrow or next week or next month may bring. . My Twister was only 10.5 when he passed and while I knew it was coming, it was still much too soon. And it breaks my heart when I meet people and they tell me about the dogs they’ve loved in the past and how much they wish they had more or better photographs to remember them by.
As the years pass with our special senior dogs, their companionship becomes more and more meaningful. As they age, their presence becomes priceless. Capturing these moments is essential. The images of these days hold memories, experiences, and the love that defines their lives. In a photo, their story is saved, reminding us that their time is short but their influence is lasting – a tribute to the bond we’ll always share.
Would you like to read about keeping your Senior Dog happy and healthy, click here for a blog on that very subject.
I’d love to hear about your special senior dogs. Please share their stories and photographs on my Facebook or Instagram page 💖
We all know how much dogs love the beach, don’t we? I mean, the feel of sand beneath their paws, the sea breeze in their fur (the occasional smelly thing to roll in…). Add in the opportunity to frolic around on an endless stretch of sand and surf, it’s a canine paradise. So I wanted to share why the beach is also a perfect location for your dog’s portrait session.
Natural Beauty
The beach is one of the most beautiful locations for photography (and just in general, IMHO). The beach colors – the blue skies and white clouds, the light tan sand, and the shades of green and blue water, make for a stunning color palette. And the openness of sand and sea and sky is such a clean, uncluttered backdrop for your pet’s portraits, Perfect to decorate any home.
My favorite beach for sessions is Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester. There is so that makes this beach perfect for your session. It has it all – from dune grassses (we only pose on the walking paths through them, never disturbing the actual dunes or wildlife that make them home), to HUGE boulders for climbing and posing. Plus lots of tidal pools, surf for the dogs to play in and plenty of room to run!
What could be better!
Gorgeous Light🌞
I absolutely love the quality of the light at the beach early in the morning and early evening. That warm golden light makes every dog into a superstar. And the color in the sky as the light rises or sets is absolutely stunning.
FUN!🎉
In addition to posed images, I love to create action shots and fun candid images of your dog being a DOG. From flying down the beach chasing a ball to splashing in the waves or rolling happily in the sand, it’s like freeze-framing moments of pure happiness!
Most of my beach session clients add an album to their wall art choices as there are always too many awesome, fun images to narrow them down to just a few.
Best Bonding Moments 🐾❤️
Here’s the icing on the dog treat! The beach isn’t just a beautiful backdrop; it’s also the perfect place to capture memories of you and your dog together. Whether it’s your pooch giving you a sandy kiss or walking along the shore together – capturing these moments of connection results in truly priceless portraits. Are you a bit camera shy and don’t way to be the main focus in the images – fear not there are lots of ways to include you while still having your pet be the star of the show
So what are you waiting for? Just imagine images of your beloved dog striking a pose among the beach grasses or frolicing in the waves. Now imagine seeing those images every day when you enter your home. Remembering those moments playing on the beach. Let’s hit the beach and create images you’ll treasure. Let’s make some magic!
Grab my Session Guide to see just how to book your very own beach session!
Want more great beach ideas for your dogs from some of the top pet photographers in the country, follow along as Syracuse NY dog photographer Nancy Kieffer shares a recent beach photo session https://nancykiefferphotography.com/Sandy-paw-captures-at…
Are you a pet parent with a reactive dog? Or one who’s very shy or anxious? Would you love to have beautiful artwork of your beloved pet in your home but are worried about how your dog would behave during a portrait session? Whether the photographer could even work with your dog? Or even worse, would judge you for your dog’s behavior?
Today, I want to share with you why choosing a pet photographer who understands reactive, shy or anxious dogs can make a world of difference in creating a stress-free and truly remarkable experience. I’m a pet photographer and positive dog trainer. I have decades of personal experience living with and training reactive, shy and anxious dogs. I understand the challenges you face because I’ve lived them. Let me share with you why choosing a photographer who has a lot of experience working with scared and reactive dogs is the best decision for capturing unforgettable moments with your best friend.
This was my super sound-sensitive, reactive girl, Ziva. She taught me so much and made me not only a better dog trainer, but a better pet photographer. She was flight risk, so our sessions were always ON LEASH and in quiet locations.
So what do you and your dog need in a pet photographer?
1. Empathy and Understanding for your Reactive Dog’s Needs
Reactive dogs require extra patience, care, and sensitivity. Working with a pet photographer who owns and works with reactive dogs ensures they empathize with your situation. I understand the unique challenges and can create a safe, stress-free environment for your furry friend to relax and be themselves. This leads to authentic and remarkable images that truly reflect your pet’s personality.
2. Specialized Techniques to Keep Everyone Safe and Happy
Photographing reactive, shy or anxious dogs requires a specialized approach. My experience with positive reinforcement techniques, redirection strategies and body language cues will keep your dog calm and comfortable during the session. This expertise guarantees stunning photos even with super “challenging” dogs.
3. Safe and Controlled Environment that Protects your Reactive Dog
When you choose a pet photographer who understands reactive dogs, you’re selecting someone who prioritizes the safety and well-being of your pet above all else. I will take the necessary precautions to create a controlled environment, minimizing triggers and potential stressors. Your pet’s safety and comfort is paramount. I’ll design your session with your dog’s safety and comfort in mind – from selecting a suitable, quiet location, letting your dog set the pace and allowing your dog to be securely leashed for their entire session (with leashes magically edited out for your final artwork).
4. Collaboration and Customization to Design your Perfect Session
Working with a photographer who understands reactive dogs means collaborating with someone who values your input. I listen to your concerns, preferences, and goals, and tailor the experience to your dog’s needs. Your dog always comes first during our session. This ensures that the photos reflect your dog’s individuality and personality. We capture the dog you know they are inside, not the sometimes stressed, reactive dog that the world sometimes sees.
Remember, capturing these precious moments with your dog is not just about the final images but the joy and memories that come with them. So, don’t hesitate to seek out a pet photographer who not only has the technical skills but also firsthand experience with reactive dogs. They will go above and beyond to ensure your pet feels comfortable, loved and is beautifully captured in each and every photograph. And you will have beautiful artwork from your day that will bring you joy every time you look at it.
Would you like more information about designing the perfect session for your dog? You can check out my Session Guide for more information or Contact Me for more information.
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.
One of my most cherished possessions is a large framed print of this image 👉🏻
These are my first two dogs, Casey and Rio (aren’t they gorgeous!). They gave me so much love and laughter and this photograph is so “them”. So this portrait hangs over my desk where I see it every day when I sit down to work. It makes me smile EVERY time I see it. A digital file somewhere in my computer could never have that effect.
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?
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
yes, really, at a dog photographers workshop. It was that good!
I mean, look at that view (and an Aussie named Pickles – how does it get better than that?)
Pickles at spectacular Sunset Cove
Last month I was lucky enough to attend Houndvision, a workshop for dog photographers in breathtakingly beautiful Lake Tahoe, CA. I spent a week surrounded by some of the most talented dog photographers in North America doing what we love most – creating images of adored dogs for their incredible people. And to spend the week photographing alongside two of the BEST dog photographers in the world was a dream come true. I have to confess that getting to meet and work with my pet photography idols (insert a little overgrown, fan girl squeal here), Nicole Begley of Nicole Begley Photography and Kaylee Greer of Dog Breath Photography was SO MUCH FUN.
We photographed dogs in some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Edited and critiqued our images each day. Swapped stories and laughed and hot-tubbed and ate SO MUCH amazing food provided by our chef, Arica (I KNOW, not having to cook was worth the price of admission 😊). It was truly one of the most exhilarating and amazing weeks of my life.
⬇ And getting to photograph this rockstar, Princess Cookie, at sunset, IN Lake Tahoe, priceless ⬇
Now that I’m back, I can’t wait to share images from the week. And even more importantly to share my passion for creating images that will capture your pets in all their glory. To preserve the amazing moments you share and help you decorate your home with portraits of the wild hearts in your life.
I believe we all need to keep learning and growing and it’s especially true for artists. I attended this workshop to push myself out of my comfort zone a bit. To continue to improve and grow so that I can offer the best artwork and experiences to my clients. Our precious dogs deserve nothing less.
The handsome Tiikannia at Emerald Cove
Sessions for the Adventurers
So I’ve decided that in addition to my standard portrait sessions I’m offering another kind of experience. Inspired by the wide open vistas and gorgeous places I visited during this trip, I’m adding a “Wild Hearts” session. These sessions are for the people and dogs who live to be out in the wilds. If you and your dog are most at home hiking and climbing and fording streams, this session is for you. I will go along on your adventures and capture the moments you share in your favorite places. These sessions include a full day of adventuring and photographing your dog and either a large piece of wall art or an album to relive your adventures every day. Contact me for more information and stay tuned to see images from my first Wild Hearts session!
I’m always excited to order new products to see if they’re a good choice to offer to my clients. If I love the quality and how my images display on a certain product, then and only then, do I add it to my offerings. And by having these product samples to see and hold, my clients can make informed decisions on exactly the artwork that is perfect for their homes. This sample will be hanging at Canine University in Malden, MA (www.CanineUniveristy.com) if it passes my quality control. So, I thought it would be fun to get your input on which image I should choose for this product.
I have offered my clients small acrylic blocks for years to display on their desks and shelves and they’re very popular.
So now I want to test out a large acrylic wall piece and see if it’s something I want to offer my clients in the new year. I’ve seen samples and they’re gorgeous. Acrylic Artwork is described as “a sleek and modern treatment for your dazzling images. Fine Art Prints get extra depth and radiance when paired with our polished acrylic”. So what do you all think? Tell me which one you would choose?
