We live in a time when almost every moment is photographed. Our phones are full of images, social media feeds overflow with snapshots – and yet, paradoxically, the printed photographs we actually live with are rare. The ones that we can hold in our hands or hang on our walls. The ones we walk past every day.

Growing up, our house was filled with photographs of generations of my family. I got to see them every day, hear the stories, and feel part of something lasting and larger than me.

We are the most photographed generation in history – and somehow the one with the least tangible evidence of our lives. We scroll endlessly, searching for a photo to show a friend, and most of our favorite images are buried somewhere in a camera roll we never revisit. And here’s what people say they regret most when they lose their homes or possessions: the photographs. Not the furniture. Not the things. The photographs.

Because photographs are more than decoration. They are memory made visible. Presence made permanent. The moments we treasure, given a place to live.

Which is exactly why printed photographs of our families matter so much – and dogs are a huge part of our families. They steal our hearts, our laps, sometimes even our socks. The moments we share with them deserve more than a swipe. Our first day together, a romp in the woods, the way your dog looks at you when no one else is around – these are the details that shape our lives and remind us what matters.

That’s exactly why I do what I do. I photograph dogs and the people who love them, and turn those sessions into portrait artwork and custom albums that become a genuine part of your home. Beautifully made, thoughtfully designed, and meaningful enough that you’ll wonder how your walls ever lived without them.

If you’d love to have that – for your dog, in your home – I’d love to make it happen.

Learn more about sessions and artwork / Book a free consultation call

Warmly,

Donna

DonnaKelliher.com ~ Pet Photography for the best loved dogs of Greater Boston, the North Shore and beyond.

Because YOUR dog isn’t “just a dog”

Hello, fellow dog lovers! If you’re like me, your dogs are far more than just pets—they are cherished members of your family. They bring endless joy, boundless love, and laughter into your life. And what better way to honor that extraordinary bond than with a custom photo album, thoughtfully curated to preserve the precious moments you’ve shared together?

Picture yourself turning the pages of a beautifully crafted album—each image a work of art that encapsulates your pet’s spirit. From the playful mid-bark grin to a serene portrait capturing their soulful gaze or an action shot of them leaping through a sunlit field—these are the moments that tell your pet’s unique story. It would be my honor to help you preserve these memories in a way that truly reflects their personality and the profound connection you share.

The Art of Custom Albums

After our portrait session together, you’ll have a treasure trove of images to choose from. Each one a glimpse of your pet’s life and spirit. I know it can be overwhelming to choose from such a treasure trove of moments, but that’s where I come in. Together, we’ll select 20-30 images that resonate with you the most, creating a collection that showcases your pet’s charm, joy, and personality.

When it comes to the album itself, I spare no detail. These aren’t just any photo albums—they are masterpieces, made with the finest materials and craftsmanship. Each album opens fully, allowing for seamless full-page spreads on thick, luxurious pages. The images are preserved with a UV coating that not only protects them from wear and tear but ensures their colors remain as vibrant and stunning as the day they were captured.

Your album is more than just a collection of photos; it’s a timeless keepsake that will evoke the love and joy you and your pet share for years to come.

Creating Your Album

As I design your album, I’ll take care of every detail to ensure a visually stunning result. Your design will flow effortlessly and tell your pet’s story with joy, love and laughter. I’ll incorporate breathtaking full-page spreads for those standout images that deserve to shine, while smaller layouts allow for playful sequences or candid moments. Should you wish to add captions or personal anecdotes, I’m here to help weave those stories into the fabric of the album, making it even more meaningful.

One of the most exciting parts of creating your custom album is selecting the cover that reflects your pet’s personality and fits with your home décor. Choose from an array of options, including sumptuous leather, sophisticated silk, or even a full photographic cover featuring one of your most beloved images. This personal touch elevates your album from a simple photo book to a true work of art, a reflection of the special bond you share with your pet.

A Timeless Keepsake

Once we’ve finalized every detail, I’ll take care of the rest—from ensuring everything is perfect to placing the order for your custom album. You can relax, knowing I’m managing the logistics, so you don’t have to lift a finger.

In the end, your custom album will be far more than just a collection of photographs. It will be a lasting tribute to the love and joy your dog brings to your life—a beautiful keepsake that celebrates their journey and the unforgettable moments you’ve shared together.

Let’s create something extraordinary! If you haven’t yet booked your session, I would love to help capture the essence of your dog in stunning images. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. I’m here to guide you every step of the way! 🐾✨

1. Get down on their level.  While you can take really cute photographs of your dog looking up at you adoringly :-), you’ll usually get much better results from a lower vantage point.  I’m usually kneeling or lying on the ground during my sessions. 2. Choose an uncluttered background.  Look for an area without distractions or clutter behind them to keep the focus on your beautiful dog. 3. Natural light is best.  Indoor lighting can give strange color casts to your images.  Play around with both bright sunshine – great for black dogs – and shady areas to see which you prefer.  4.Fill the Frame.  Don’t leave a lot of empty space around your subject unless it’s part of your composition. Get up close and personal.  Since I’m typically photographing dogs I don’t know well, I use a long lens during my sessions so I can zoom in closer without having to get into the dog’s space and maybe stress them out.  5. Get their attention.  I use treats, toys, noisemakers, kissy noises (sometimes making quite the spectacle of myself 🙂 to get the dogs to look at me with a happy expression.  6. Capture their uniqueness.  Does your dogs have a quirky smile, a floppy ear, a favorite toy –  make sure to capture and celebrate all the wonderful things about them.   7. Remember to get photos of you and your dog together.  They’re never with us long enough, remember to capture and celebrate the bond you share. 8. Let them play. Sometimes the best photos aren’t the posed shots but just dogs being dogs. Make sure to capture the candid moments that you share. 9. I saved the most important tip for (next to) last – PATIENCE. Dogs do things on their own schedule, we can’t ask them to “look at the camera and smile”. Patience is probably the biggest key to pet photography. Keep it fun, take your time with lots of breaks for sniffing and belly rubs. 10. And last but not least, if all of the above don’t work, hire a professional ;-).