Top 10 Photos of 2023
2023 was an interesting year for me. Between opening The Ranch for dog boarding & daycare and taking nearly 4 months off for a total hysterectomy, I didn't photograph as many clients this year as in years past.
But, 2 images from private clients made into the Top 10.
I also competed in Emerge which pushed me to create several of my favorite images of the year.
So enough preamble, here, in no particular order are my top images from this year...
Glitter Girl - The Sparkliest Horse
My very first session of the year required a nearly 3 hour drive each way to photograph two horses, Glitter Girl & Kappy. GG & Kappy's mom had a brilliant idea to photograph them accented with glitter embracing Glitter Girl's name.
We used cosmetic glitter and vaseline to carefully apply the glitter to the horse's coat and added a little extra in post processing to create some really stunning images.
Callie - In the Golden Sun
Backlit photos are one of my favorite types of images to create. Something about dogs washed in golden sunshine feels magical to me. When I think about dogs in my mind's eye I always see them backlit by the sun's rays.
In fact, this image of Callie is one of THREE of my top 10 photos of 2023 that feature backlighting!
Callie came to me in March for her second photoshoot as we planned to create a full year's worth of season's in her album. We met at historic downtown Madison Georgia's cultural center which has some of the prettiest azalea blooms I've ever seen. This particular image was taken just at the end of our session and Callie was finally tired enough to sit. I love the look on her face and the soft round bokeh lights that remind me of fairy lights.
Spaced Out - Maple the Pharoah Hound for Emerge
Maple is one of my favorite dogs to photograph. In fact, Maple makes TWO appearances on thie year's Top 10 list. It doesn't hurt that her mom is a fantastic dog trainer and Maple's manners are top notch.
For this image, I was competing in the Emerge dog photography challenges on a challenge using negative space. I loved the way Maple both blended in and stood out in this image. The antique brick in downtown Rutledge, GA perfectly compliments the reddish orange of Maple's fur. Negative space always feel peaceful to me, so using a monochrome image felt like a great fit.
Unfortunately, I missed a bit of Maple's EAR duplicated in the image submitted from judging making this image fall just short of a winning finish in the competition. I corrected my editing error and this image still takes a spot in my personal Top 10 of 2023.
Photographing Black Dogs - Lizzie in the Forest
Photographing black dogs can offer challenges - capturing the dark rich fur while not loosing those gorgeous brown chocolate eyes in a black blob of pixels is one of the reason's clients reach out to a professional dog photographer. This image was taken at number 2 of Lizzie's 3 photo sessions.
We met at Athens, Georgia's Rainbow Forest to capture some images for Emerge, but then I spotted these two trees just down the hill and knew I would love to have them frame Lizzie's beautiful face. Luckily, the sun had just sunk below the horizon giving us beautiful soft non directional light.
Dog Hotel - Athens, GA Graduate Hotel
The only photo featuring one of my own dogs to make the 2023 Top 10 list! This was another photo for the Emerge dog photography challenges. This time our challenge was all about "Under Cover" - or being inside for the photos. I wanted to find somewhere cool with interesting furniture. The Graduate Hotel - a dog friendly hotel! - fit the bill perfectly!
They were kind enough to let us crash the lobby, set up lights, and photograph a couple of dogs. I love Mikey's expression in this final photo and he's practicing his newest trick "head down" which is one of my favorites to photograph!
Betty the Therapy Horse at Oconee Therapeutic Riding
One of the highlights of my year was getting to meet & photograph the therapy horses at Oconee Therapeutic Riding. The work that these horses do alongside the incredible trainers for children and adults in the community is inspiring. While I loved photographing all the horses, I especially loved this image of Betty coming out of the darkness and into the light.
Delilah - In the Wild Flowers
Even though I was just about 6 weeks post surgery, I still had a goal to finish my images for the Emerge dog photography challenges, so I planned a short session with my friend Michelle and her dog Delilah.
As we headed to our planned location I spotted one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Nestled at the bottom of the hill at Indian Creek Park (one of my favorite places to photograph dogs) in what I call the "meadow" was an explosion of wild flowers.
I have lived here for 10 years now and have never seen the wildflowers like this. Typically the field is regularly mowed and while beautiful with grass and trees and filtered sunlight, it had never been this fantasy land overrun with flowers.
Once we hiked down, I realized why it hadn't been mowed - several weeks with LOTS of rain had left the entire meadow floor soft and muddy which kept the lawn mowing tractors off. We set Delilah up and I photographed this one image before hiking back up the hill absolutely exhausted, but so happy with this photo.
I spent a lot of my recovery driving over to the park to walk among the flowers until they were finally cut. It still feels a little like a magic trip to Narnia.
Golden Golden Retriever - Feather at the Farm
Here we are with another backlit image from 2023. This time it's Feather the gorgeous Golden Retreiver photographed for the Bokehlicious challenge in Emerge 2023. Bokehlicious was all about capturing those little round circles of light in the lens. My vision for this challenge needed a golden dog to play into the colors of golden sunset bokeh.
Luckily my friend Marilyn has the MOST gorgeous young Golden Retriever named Feather AND she was willing for me to come kidnap Feather for the afternoon to photograph her at my sister in law's farm in Rutledge, GA. This image is everything I imagined in my mind and I love the way it turned out!
Double Trouble - Double Pharoah Hounds for Emerge
For the Double Trouble challenge in Emerge I really wanted to find two dogs that looked as much alike as possible. It's harder to find a more beautifully matched pair of dogs that Maple & her daughter Party.
I tasked their mom Hannah with practicing having the girls standing facing each other based on my very technical concept drawings (saracasm, lol). Be sure to click over the Facebook the see the before & after.
This image not only made a Top 10 in the Emerge challenges it finished as the NUMBER ONE image for the Double Trouble challenge.
Shake! Shake! Shake it off! - With Twyla the Chocolate Lab
For my final favorite image from 2023, I thought we could have a little fun! This isn't my usual image style, but I love about competing in the Unleashed Dog Photography challenges is adapting my style to fit the brief. I'm using all my favorite colors for dog photography - browns and greens - and mixing in some great expression with the one little tooth sticking out - and finishing it with a really dynamic SHAKE from Twyla!
I have to know
Which one is your favorite?
Find me on Instagram and DM me which one you love most.
What to read next?
Beyond Goodbye: Transforming End of Life Pet Photography into Memorial Wall Art
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the most challenging experiences we experience as pet parents. The bond we share with our dogs, cats, & horses transcend words; it's a connection built on love, trust, and countless shared moments. When our pets reach the end of their journey, it leaves a void that's impossible to fill.
As a pet photographer, clients often reach out to schedule end of life pet photography sessions.
And we create beautiful photos together.
While many of my clients have found that having the session itself is comforting and healing in their anticipatory grief, after the session they find that turning those cherished memories into a lasting tribute by creating memorial wall art of their beloved pet continues to be a balm for their hearts.
In this blog, we'll explore why having a professional end-of-life pet photography session and turning those moments into wall art is a profoundly meaningful choice.
Honoring a Lifelong Companion
Your dog isn't just a dog; they're a cherished member of your family. They've been with you through thick and thin, offering unwavering love and support. They've celebrated your successes and comforted you in times of sorrow. Honoring their memory is an essential part of celebrating the profound love you share. And that love doesn’t end when their life ends.
End-of-life pet photography allows you to pay tribute to your lifelong companion. It captures the essence of your pet—the sparkle in their eyes, the warmth of their presence, and the love that flowed between you. Transforming these moments into wall art ensures that their memory lives on in your heart and home.
While our smartphones are filled with snapshots of our pets—playful moments, cozy cuddles, silly selfies, mischievous antics, and probably 300 photos of them sleeping. But as time passes, these digital memories can fade away, buried beneath the influx of new photos or lost when we get a new phone. Maybe they only show up once a year as a bittersweet Facebook memory. Your lifelong companion deserves more than pixels on a screen.
Working with a professional photographer for end-of-life pet photography, on the other hand, can help you these memories by creating timeless art. We can capture the depth of your pet's personality, their unique quirks, and the special connection you share. These images, transformed into wall art, become a testament to the beautiful memories you share, ensuring they are never forgotten. As art on your walls you get to revisit the best memories daily.
A Personalized Tribute
Your home is more than just a living space; it's a reflection of your life and everyone you love most. Transforming your end-of-life pet photography into wall art is a personal tribute—a way to keep your pet's memory alive in a space that's uniquely yours. A way to honor what matters most to you.
Whether you choose a timeless canvas, a classic framed photo, or a modern metal gallery wall, each piece of art is a reflection of your style, your love for your pet, and the extraordinary bond you shared. It's a tribute that speaks volumes about the impact your pet had on your life.
Every pet has a story, and their presence in your life is a significant part of your own narrative.
A Way to Share Their Story
End-of-life pet photography is a form of storytelling. It goes beyond capturing an image; it encapsulates the journey—the adventures, the laughter, and the comfort you found in each other.
Imagine sitting with a friend and pointing to your pet’s portrait on your wall. "This is Max," you might say, "He was my faithful companion for twelve wonderful years. This photo is my favorite - can you see how his lip is caught on his teeth? That was one of my favorite things he did." Pet photography as wall art turns your home into a comfort of storytelling, a place where you can reminisce and share the tales of your pet's life.
Studies have shown that having visual reminders of loved ones, including pets, can offer emotional support during times of grief. Each glance at the wall art can evoke warm memories, reminding you that the love you shared with your pet will always endure.
Celebrating Unconditional Love
Our pets, like us, are far from perfect, and that's part of what makes them so special. They may have quirks, habits, and endearing and frustrating imperfections. End-of-life pet photography captures these unique qualities and celebrates them.
The images reflect the authenticity of your pet—their playfulness, their loyalty, and their unwavering love.
It's a reminder that perfection is not the goal; it's the genuine connection and the unconditional love that matter most.
In the end, end-of-life pet photography as wall art is a powerful and meaningful way to pay tribute to your beloved companion. It honors their memory, preserves timeless moments, and provides comfort during times of grief. It's a personalized, storytelling piece of art that celebrates the imperfections and the unwavering love that defined your relationship. Transforming these images into wall art ensures that your pet's memory lives on in your heart and home, sharing the extraordinary bond.
Is it time to think about photographing your beloved companion?
This blog is a part of a blog circle with pet photographers from across the globe. We each explore the same topic - sharing what's possible with pet photography, celebrating successes, and shouldering losses together.
This time our topic is Memorial in honor of National Pet Memorial Day September 10th.
Next click over to Las Vegas dog photographer, Nicole Hrustyk of Pawtraits by Nicole who shares unique pet memorial ideas to honor your dog's memory.
Be sure to keep clicking the link at the bottom to complete the circle until you wind up back here.
What to read next?
Emerge Pet Photography Awards Part 2
Emerge Pet Photography Awards - Portfolio Review
I felt like I needed two posts to share about the Emerge Awards. While the individual pet photography challenges are judged individually the portfolios are then reviewed as a whole.
Each challenge is very different, and one of the biggest challenges I find is maintaining my own artistic style, even when photographing something very different.
I am really proud to have received a Highly Commended Portfolio award this round.
Here's what the judges had to say: "Courtney - your warm, rich style is evident across nearly all your challenge submissions. You've cleverly interpreted the brief and responded so willingly to feedback. That Bokelicious image is full of golden beauty the Shake image is a favourite too and Double Trouble - what we can say - you make it look easy (but we know it wasn't). Amazing work throughout Emerge!"
I love each of these images. And you know what I love the most? Most of the images were created with YOUR dogs.
Which one is your favorite?
The next round of challenges is called Empower and begins in early 2024.
The Emerge Dog Photography Awards Challenges by Unleashed Education presents an international group of professional pet photographers with 12 challenges - each with a different theme of image to create, enter, and compete. While the primary goal is competition with myself - pushing myself creatively and improving my craft of pet photography - we also competed with each other. Each challenge is judged by two of the world’s leading pet photographers with decades in business, a long list of awards from international photography competitions, and some big name commercial clients (let’s just say you’ve seen their work on numerous occasions).
In each challenge you can receive a Top 20 or a Top 10 placement - as well as feedback on your work and suggestions for improvement. In the end I finished with a “Highly Commended Portfolio” highlighting work of a professional standard for my final 12 submissions, 3 Top 10 images, and 5 Top 20 images as well as an Overall Winner in the Double Trouble Challenge.
What to read next?
The Emerge Dog Photography Awards Part 1
The Awards Show
Last night we settled in to watch the Emerge Dog Photography Awards LIVE via Zoom. It was really fun to revisit each challenge, see the top images, and see the overall winner for each challenge announced.
Over the last 6 months I feel like I have really gotten to know some incredible pet photographers across the globe as we competed together. One of the things I love most about my fellow pet photographers is that even when we are competing, we are colleagues and friends first. It was great to cheer each other along and celebrate each other's successes in the challenges.
Seeing the work others submitted, I am absolutely blown away to have received the overall challenge win for Double Trouble.
Big thanks to Hannah, Maple, & Party for making this image happen.
This was my first photo session post surgery and I was nervous how my body would do and if my brain would work creatively after taking so much time off to heal, but I had made a commitment to complete the challenges within the time frame.
And while, I was SORE the day after and my image right out of camera was seriously TILTED as I struggled to hold the heavy camera & lens with weak core and arm muscles - I am so proud of how the image turned out. And I am thrilled with it's first place spot in the Emerge Dog Photography Awards for Double Trouble.
Here's what the judge's had to say: "A beautiful image with a clever design. The tonality and softness of the light and mist give it an ethereal quality."
Getting the Final Image
Here's a look at all the images of how my "concept drawing" moved from paper, to raw file, to the edit, and finally the finished image.
I never claimed to be a sketch artist, but I was trying to convey to Hannah how I envisioned the Pharaoh hounds placed on the dock and where she would need to stand to hold their leashes.
Image directly out of camera - The RAW format often seems "flat" but so much detail is contained inside this file type.
Image after post processing in lightroom - Lightroom is the darkroom of digital photography - bringing back the detail our eyes saw.
Image after photoshop- Photoshop was used to remove the leash, Hannah the handler, clean up the dock, and remove distractions. I also centered the post under the dock to highlight the symmetry of the image.
The next round of challenges is called Empower and begins in early 2024.
Does your dog have what it takes to be an Empower model?
The Emerge Dog Photography Awards Challenges by Unleashed Education presents an international group of professional pet photographers with 12 challenges - each with a different theme of image to create, enter, and compete. While the primary goal is competition with myself - pushing myself creatively and improving my craft of pet photography - we also competed with each other. Each challenge is judged by two of the world’s leading pet photographers with decades in business, a long list of awards from international photography competitions, and some big name commercial clients (let’s just say you’ve seen their work on numerous occasions).
In each challenge you can receive a Top 20 or a Top 10 placement - as well as feedback on your work and suggestions for improvement. In the end I finished with a “Highly Commended Portfolio” highlighting work of a professional standard for my final 12 submissions, 3 Top 10 images, and 5 Top 20 images as well as an Overall Winner in the Double Trouble Challenge.
What to read next?
DIY-ing Your Dog’s Photos
“Oh, I can totally do it myself."
I know I’ve had that thought about DIY-ing my own dog's photos.
I mean, I’m a dog photographer for goodness sakes – surely if anyone can do it, it’s me.
… then I started thinking about how LONG it takes to wrangle my own dogs. Even with help like for these images shared here.
… And how FRUSTRATED I’d get when I have no one to help hold leashes. (Thank you Michelle)
… And how good my dogs are at IGNORING me despite all my best attempts because they’re all “whatever, mom” (Even when I bring the Chick-Fil-A nuggets)
Eventually, I realized that if I was going to try and DIY my own dog photos, it was going to take me 5 TIMES as long as if I hired someone else to do it
– AND I would still have all the culling, editing, choosing finishes, picking where to hang wall art, designing the wall art, and ordering the artwork. (Which is why none of these are printed yet)
– AND I wouldn’t get as many photos. (I got 10 total usable images from 2 hours of photos)
– AND I wouldn’t be in ANY photos with my dogs. (just an unflattering angle video of my rear end)
No, thanks.
I love my DIY snapshots.
And I love capturing quick fun images with the camera I have most often (my phone).
– In fact, I have an entire free class about taking better photos of your dog with your phone.
But when it’s time for art. When I want images that I am going to hang on my walls. Then it’s time to hire a pro.
Wondering if it’s time for you to do the same?
6 Signs It's Time to Update Your Professional Dog Portraits
Your family has changed. Have you added a new pet or human to the family?
Your dog is a puppy. They are only this little for a very little time.
Your dog isn’t a puppy anymore. There are 4 key times in your dog's life to photograph them: When they first join your family. Their 1st birthday (or gotcha day). When they reach adulthood. And when they are a senior.
You find that you don’t have many (or ANY) photos of you TOGETHER. Even if you think - “I don’t want to be in the pictures” there will come a time when you will wish you had photos of the bond you share.
You’ve moved into a new space and need to update the artwork on your walls.
You’ve never actually had professional pet photos taken.
Is it time to update professional photos of your dog?
Let's start planning your dog's photo session.
Dog Photography at Atlanta’s Georgia Tech Campus
The campus at Georgia Tech right in the heart of Atlanta, GA was a gorgeous backdrop for Willie Wonka’s session with his mom earlier this summer. Willie’s mom was completing her Masters program and wanted to celebrate with a photo shoot on the campus where she had spent so much time.
Of course, a college campus is often busy with students and faculty moving around, so we planned our session for sunrise when we could have the place to ourselves.
UGA might have "Uga", but Georgia Tech had Sideways
Sideways, The Dog
• A white terrier with black patches on her face
• She came to Tech in March 1945, when she was eight months old, from the home of Mrs. Schofield, a kindly boardinghouse owner on North Avenue. Mrs. Schofield took the dog in as a young puppy after she was severely injured from a fall from a car window at the Varsity.
• The dog was named Sideways because she had an on-the-bias walk as the result of an operation.
• She was a popular figure on the campus, attending classes, marching with the drill teams and often leading the football team onto the field.
Photographing with Georgia Tech’s Public Art Sculptures
The Atlanta campus of Georgia Tech is full of unique art sculptures and the moment I saw them, I knew there were several that would make epic backdrops for Willie Wonka.
We started with the Big Red Tumpkin, a sculpture by Verina Baxter. The bold red lines against soft green grass set off Willie’s fluffy white fur. You can even spot the red Coca Cola logo on the building in the backdrop and you can’t get more Atlanta than a Coke.
At nearly 40 feet tall, we also couldn’t miss the Koan sculpture by John Portman. I think these are some of my favorites of Willie - he looks like he should be on an album cover! The Koan sculpture also has some great views of the Atlanta skyline in the distance.
Finding Natural Areas in Urban Atlanta
Even in urban sessions, I love finding natural areas. In my head, I always see dogs doing dog things - playing in the grass, climbing rocks, frolicking in the flowers - and I always try to include dogs in nature in every dog photo session I do. Willie’s session in Atlanta was no different.
Willie hopped right up on this decorative boulder along the path and had a very “Lion King” moment being big & tall. Putting dogs up on something is a great trick to getting them to stay where you want them, but always be careful it’s not too high. This rock was perfect as Willie was comfortable jumping up and down on his own.
After the rock, we headed to the famous Tech Square to get some iconic Georgia Tech images to wrap up our session. The flower beds in the square were blooming beautifully and with the path running between the beds we were able to put Willie right in the middle of what looks like a huge flower field instead of just a small bed of flowers.
An Atlanta Dog Photography Location with Special Meaning
Willie’s session at the Georgia Tech Atlanta campus was so special to his alumna mom. The campus holds a lot of great memories for her and having these images of her & Willie is so special. Willie & mom moved to Indiana recently for her new job, and I know they will always have these photos to look back on commemorating their time in Atlanta.
Do you & your dog have a special place you love?
Would you want to be photographed there?
This blog is a part of a blog circle with pet photographers from across the globe! This week we're talking about LOCATIONS!
Be sure to keep clicking the link at the bottom to complete the circle until you wind up back here!
What to read next?
Photographing Doodles in Atlanta Piedmont Park
When Amy and I planned her session she mentioned wanting a park-like setting for her two miniature bernedoodles and let me know that as a traveling nurse currently stationed in Atlanta, she wasn’t exactly sure where to go.
Immediately my brain went to Atlanta’s iconic Piedmont Park. I love Piedmont Park for dog photography. I even had my own engagement photos done in the park with our herd of dogs way back in 2010. And since then, I’ve photographed quite a few of Atlanta’s most loved dogs and their parents in and around the park.
One of my favorite things about Piedmont Park is there is a ton of variety! Let’s take a look at Benson & Lily’s session: Photographing Doodles in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park.
Doodles on Rocks at Piedmont Park
There are two reasons I loved photographing Benson & Lily, the bernedoodles, against the stone at Piedmont Park. One, I love the way curly doodle hair contrasts with hard stone. And two, Lily’s merle coat was perfect with the grays and browns of the stone. I was super excited to get to use this area of the park because it was a cloudy morning, most sessions at Piedmont Park have very harsh light along this stone wall and little patio.
I started with group photos, after years of photographing multiple dogs during sessions I’ve learned to start with the group photo while all my noises are still fresh. We usually try a few group photos through-out the session, and you’ll see another photo of both doodles together if you keep scrolling, but I like to mark that most requested photo completed early on so everything else is just icing on the cake.
Once we completed our group photos of both doodles on the stone wall, we also did a few individual photos, and photos together with mom. From there we just stepped onto the little stone patio space that is partially enclosed by the low stone wall. I really love the way the leading lines of the wall add to the composition of these images. Plus, with similar tones images from both the wall and the patio flow together beautifully in the album we designed after the session.
Doodles on The Lawn at Piedmont Park
Now it was time to play and get dirty, so we headed down to the lawn. The day before our session had been super rainy - in fact we worried the weather might cause a reschedule - so the grass was still damp. Damp grass and wrestling doodles in the back meant wet curly doodle fur!
One of things Amy mentioned she really loved about Lily were her baby curls since she is only 6 months old and hadn’t gotten her first big girl haircut yet. I made sure to capture a few super close up images that highlighted all those curls.
We finished up with some “puppy dog eyes” photos which are always on my list of must have photos. There is just something about those big brown puppy eyes looking right up at you that makes everything seem better.
I save these photos for the end because standing above the dogs while holding something to my face can be a little too much at first for some dogs. By the end we’ve usually had time to get to know each other a little and both Benson & Lily were happy to earn a few treats for looking right into the camera.
We even managed a group photo with both doodles looking straight into the camera which is going to be perfect over the mantel!
From the Park to the Walls
When we leave the session all I have is a bunch of data on an SD card (with a backup copy on a dual slot CF card). Lots of pixels that live in a digital world. And no one is framing an SD card and sticking it on their wall. You can’t arrange those strings of 0’s & 1’s into a photo album you can put in your lap either.
So while we all want digital files to put on Instagram and Facebook and the lock screens of our phones, our images also deserve to live in the real world.
This is one of my favorite parts of a session (other than petting all the dogs). Once we all go home, I go through all the images and find the best of the best. Leashes are removed in post processing, color corrections are made, and I clean up any eye boogers that don’t belong in a final portrait. And then, we make art.
For Benson & Lily, it’s this gorgeous midnight leather album with a metal cameo cut out cover. The pages are gilded in black and we have their names debossed on the back inside cover. Amy even added extra customization by having her favorite poem “Here in this house” printed on the first page. She said she reads this poem to Benson & Lily every night at bedtime and it’s her promise to them.
We couldn’t stop with just the album though, remember we have that perfect image for over the mantel, and those group photos of Benson, Lily, & Amy together. We created a beautiful 3 piece gallery over the bed and a perfect framed image over the mantel.
Amy is leaving her post in Atlanta for her next traveling nursing gig and these images of her precious bernedoodles in Piedmont Park will be such a great memory to have of her time in the city.
Is Piedmont Park your favorite Atlanta park for your dog’s photo session?
Or maybe you know of a hidden photographic gem?
This blog is a part of a blog circle with pet photographers from across the globe!
Next up Suffolk based pet photographer shares her passion for photographing gundogs in East Anglia.
Be sure to keep clicking the link at the bottom to complete the circle until you wind up back here!
What to read next?
5 Things to Know Before Your Pet Portrait Event Session
Pet Portrait Event sessions are short themed sessions I host to help you have fun updated photos of your dog in a low stress environment while also helping raise funds for animal rescue groups.
Not only do you get great images for Instagram, you also have a positive experience with your dog and teach them that getting their picture made is awesome!
In this post, I’m sharing 5 things you need to know before attending your pet portrait event session.
1. Bring the Good Treats to Your Pet Portrait Event Session
We’re going to ask your dog for their attention in a new environment, so be prepared to pay & pay well in treats they really love. Some dogs are happy working for Cheerios, but most dogs need higher value treats at their pet portrait event session.
Some ideas for high value rewards include:
Cheese
Hot Dogs
Liverwurst
Chicken
Leftover Steak
A Super Special Toy
2. Be On Time to Your Pet Portrait Event Session
Nearly every pet portrait event day is fully booked, which means your session will immediately follow the session before. Being 5 minutes early, can help us keep on track.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of this event, we aren’t able to see late arrivals.
You’ll notice in your preparation & reminder email sent 24 hours before your pet portrait event session I recommend planning to arrive 15 minutes early to give you a little time for unexpected delays. If we’re ahead of schedule, we’ll even snag you & your dog early to save you the wait!
3. Wait in Your Car
We’re super lucky to have a private space at Canine Country Academy so I can open this event even to dogs that may be fearful or reactive to new people and/or dogs.
Feel free to take your dog to potty when you arrive early, but to make sure that it’s a positive experience for everyone, we DO NOT allow dogs to see or greet each other in the parking area.
Either myself or one of the Canine Country team will wave you in when we’re ready for you to come in for your session.
We want the trip to & from the car to be a positive experience too!
4. Let Me Know What Your Dog Needs
I’m a dog lover like you & I’d love to love your dog with pets and kisses and treats and squeak funny toys and make silly noises to get their attention, but some dogs hate that.
If your dog needs more space, doesn’t enjoy attention from new people, or just plain hates squeaky toys - let me know!
I work with several dogs at these events that I can only love quietly from afar, and that’s 100% OK!
The number one goal of your pet portrait event session is to make this a great experience for your dog.
5. Keep it Fun
You might be worried I won’t get any good images or that your dog is too hyper or unfocused or just not behaving as well at your pet portrait event session as he might at home.
That’s normal.
This is exciting stuff for most dogs - new place, new people, new smells (or exciting place & fun people if they’ve been before) - and they’re going to be a little busy. If they are acting silly or just not as obedient as usual - just act like it’s the cutest thing ever and we’ll get better photos!
As long as you’re relaxed and having a good time, your dog will be better able to enjoy it too!
Want to make sure you don't miss the next Pet Portrait Event?
Join the Dog Ear Newsletter!
What to read next?
Why I’m glad I hired a pet photographer for my own photos
Every little girl's dream
I was 4 years old when I got the fairytale gift every little girl dreams of - my grandfather gave me my very own horse.
It was cold and 8 month old Dixie Rose had her fuzzy winter coat and I was wearing my brand new Western duster in bright red. I was wearing my fanciest cowgirl boots and cowgirl hat and had the kind of excitement you only get as a 4 year old horse crazy little girl.
If you know me, you know my horse’s name was Ginger - and here’s a funny story about what happens when you give a 4 year old a horse named Dixie Rose:
Dixie Rose is a beautiful name. It’s a perfect name for a quarter horse cross chestnut mare with a golden mane and tail. It’s a very hard name for a little girl to remember and when your little girl is standing on the porch calling for “Rosie Dick” you realize maybe it’s a good idea to have her choose a new name for her new horse. So, Dixie Rose became Ginger, named after the mare that was Black Beauty’s best friend.
30 Years of Being A Horse Girl
From there began the longest relationship of my life. Over the next more than 30 years Ginger was my best friend. I spent hours and hours in the pasture of my grandparent’s North Carolina farm brushing Ginger, setting out hay, giving treats, and riding the same little path in the pasture 6 million times. I hugged her and laughed with her and cried into the fur on her neck more times than I count.
When I was home in Georgia I took lessons, first western and then hunter jumper and then dressage for fifteen years. Ginger was a trooper as I changed disciplines and tried to teach her to side pass, turn on the forehand, piaffe, etc. She’d try most anything for me - especially if there a peppermint at the end for her.
I dreamed of the day I’d get to have her at my home and not a state away that I could only visit on weekends and summer breaks. And when we bought the farm that would become the Rescue Ranch, I planned a pasture so she could come home to live with me. I was ridiculously excited when we finally bought a horse trailer and went to pick her up. It was that same feeling I remember as a 4 year old little girl.
It had been years since she’d loaded into a trailer and everyone was nervous she wouldn’t get on. She walked right in with me.
At this point, she was retired from being my riding partner, but I was so happy to be able to look out my bedroom window and see her in her new pasture. I loved walking out in the mornings with her breakfast and having her nicker at me to hurry it up. I loved watching her with her two mini donkey pasture buddies that she could boss around.
My grandmother asked me so many times to get her a picture of me with Ginger.
She really wanted a picture of us together to go in her frame. I sent her a picture of just Ginger and promised I’d get one of me too, but I put it off.
I struggle with pictures of me. I don’t love the way I look or my weight or my face or my hair. I reached out to an equine photographer friend, but didn’t actually book anything. I’d get pictures made when I lost 20 pounds.
And then in September of 2019 my grandmother passed away suddenly.
And I hadn’t gotten the pictures done.
My grandmother was my family’s photo keeper. As we went through her things after her death I have FIVE albums of photos of just me through my childhood. Those great big albums that had the clear sheet you put the 4x5’s behind.
And on the wall in her house was one of the frames that has multiple openings for photos and there was the picture I had sent her of just Ginger and then an empty place where the picture I had promised her was supposed to go.
And I still hadn’t had the pictures done.
Then it was 2020 and we were in a pandemic and I put things off again. Instead of losing 20 pounds I gained 10 pounds. We all stayed home. I started to build a studio. And then my grandfather got sick.
We couldn’t visit him in the hospital and so we conferenced with the doctors and then had to make the decision about hospice care. If we did in home hospice then we would all be able to visit and say goodbye. I was able to transform my guest room into a hospital room and he came here.
I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to have him here in my home as he made his final transition back to my grandmother. I know that he wanted to pass at his own home in the country in North Carolina with the pasture out his window, and while we couldn’t give him that I hope that having him at my home in the country in Georgia with a pasture out the window and Ginger in that pasture was a close second choice.
And I still hadn’t had the pictures done.
Again, we went through the paperwork of death. We gathered the photos as you always do and there were so many, thanks to my grandmother’s dedication to printed photos.
And I finally realized it didn’t matter that I wasn’t 30 pounds thinner or that I hadn’t had a haircut now in nearly a year because we were in a global pandemic.
I just needed to get the photos.
The pictures were important for the memories, for capturing the relationship, for having something to look back on - not for what I looked like.
So, I finally scheduled my session with Charlotte Detienne Photography for photos of me with Ginger. We had our session in September of 2020.
I was so nervous I panicked and cut my own hair the night before. I worried about what I would wear and if you’d see the little lines that have started appearing around my eyes (and on my neck…. Who knew the aging lines on my neck would be so obvious). I nearly called to postpone, but I am so glad I didn’t.
Ginger was her normal opinionated mare self throughout our session.
She refused to snuggle with me unless I had treats in my hand.
She didn’t want to stand still.
She rubbed sloberry horse cookies all over me.
And it was perfect.
When I met with Charlotte a few weeks after our session I loved the images. She managed to capture everything I wanted. The photos show our relationship developed over the last 30 years. I had a hard time narrowing down my favorites to have printed in a beautiful image box.
In November of 2020 Ginger was diagnosed with Cushing's disease after she developed an abscessed tooth that brought us into the equine vet. Because of her age and the Cushing’s diagnosis, removing the tooth with dental surgery wasn’t an option. Luckily, with antibiotics her tooth seemed to heal very well, but she was losing weight steadily. She began daily medication for her Cushing’s disease.
On December 4th 2020 when I went out to take her breakfast she didn’t come across the pasture nickering at me to hurry up. Instead she was standing on the side of the pasture with her head down. I knew the moment I walked up to her that the infection was back and it was worse.
I called the vet to let her know we were on the way, and I begged Ginger to load into the trailer. She refused to step inside. I knew that she was ready to say goodbye, and she wanted to do it at home. Our vet came out that evening and helped her say goodbye and I cried into the fur on her neck one more time.
It’s been four months and I’ve been putting off writing this post because it’s hard to believe that after 30 years she’s really gone. When I look at the pictures Charlotte created for us, I don’t see the flaws I usually see in the mirror.
I see the incredible relationship that I was lucky enough to be a part of for so long. I see the horse crazy little girl and the lesson taking child and the teenager who dreamed of having her own farm and the woman who now lives on that farm and the horse that was there through it all.
And I am so glad I finally had the pictures done.
What to read next:
What to Wear - A Guide for Photos with Your Dog
Getting dressed every morning can be hard enough when you aren’t planning to be in front of a camera, wrangle your dog, and look your best doing it all at the same time.
So I totally get why choosing what to wear for your dog’s photo session can trigger even the most fashion-forward among us to fling everything we own to the floor and declare that “we have absolutely nothing to wear!”
Now, before you start panic buying on Amazon — let’s talk broad strokes about what works best for photos.
Comfy & Confident
Choose Your Photo Shoot Clothes that are Comfy & Confident First
What does that mean? It means don’t worry about trying to become someone completely new just for photos.
If you’re a t-shirt and jeans kind of person - you can elevate your jeans and T’s, but maybe don’t switch to a lycra mini dress and stilettos for the photo.
Take a look at your favorite items in your closet - if they fit great, make you feel good, and aren’t too worn consider wearing those. Or, maybe buy something new that still has that same feel.
“My fashion philosophy is, if you’re not covered in dog hair, your life is empty”
Match Your Clothes to the Location & the Season
Think about the conditions at the location where we’ll be photographing you & your dog.
You’ll want to be warm enough (or cool enough - Georgia summers anyone?!), have pain-free feet, and look comfortable in the environment.
Be sure to check my location guide for details on how much walking, hiking, hill climbing, or paved paths are involved at your chosen spot!
Plan for kneeling, leaning down, & sitting to be closer to dog height throughout the session, so make sure your clothes don’t have any wardrobe malfunctions when you’re moving around.
Think Texture & Movement!
Textures give depth and visual interest to your clothing and contrasts beautifully with the textures of fur. Lace, corduroy, denim, flocking, knits, and woven material all add to the style of your clothes.
Pick fabrics that move and flow with you. Ones that blow in the wind, filter the late afternoon sun, and glow in the morning light. Natural fibres like linen, cotton, or wool are all great options.
Avoid stiff garments any anything that has a tendency to get tucked in weird spots and need lots of adjusting to look right.
Create A Color Story
I’m not saying we should live in a sad beige world, but neutrals are always a great idea - especially when we’re all trying to complement the star of this photo shoot — your dog!
Earthy tones and neutrals go with pretty much every dog’s fur and every location.
Choose a palette of 3-4 colors. Start with a couple neutrals: cream, white, black, gray, tan, khaki and then add 1-2 other colors found in the environment: navy, hunter green, mustard, blush, rose, sky blue. Jewel tones are beautiful for fall and winter while pastels are great for spring and summer.
By choosing one or two colors that blend nicely together, and having the rest in neturals, the whole family will photograph beautifully together.
Good Color Palettes
Good Color Palettes
A Few DON’Ts - you don’t want to be the SAME color as your dog or they’ll disappear and you don’t want to wear ALL black if you have a white dog or ALL white with a black dog as the contrast is too sharp.
Color Tone Counts
Pick separates that are equally dark or equally light. If you’re wearing a light colored top, choose light colored bottoms. If you choose a dark top, choose dark bottoms. This monochromatic value is universally flattering making everyone look a little taller and a littler leaner.
Prints & Patterns - A Cautionary Tale
Mixing & matching patterns & prints is a tricky task, and it’s super difficult to do well. It can also compete with the pattern of your dog’s fur.
Avoid large scale bold patterns and prints all together as they draw the eye in the photo.
Subtle smaller patterns work best. Classic patterns are usually best - swiss dots, polka dots, plaid, flannels, and florals are great options - and work really well when the colors aren’t high contrast.
BEWARE - Some fine details and small prints can even create a moiré pattern in the image which is a large-scale interference pattern on the image that can’t be edited out!
ABOUT LOGOs: Clothing with words or big, bold logos on it is distracting. Since Adidas isn’t paying for your photos, skip the big brand names on your clothes.
However, if the logo or phrase is in theme with the shoot, & fits your personality, I’m all for it.
Add Layers When Possible
Add layers to create textures create more visually interesting photographs. Jewelry, scarves, jackets, cardigans, vests, & sweaters are easy ways to quickly change up your look and elevate your style.
Shoes
You can’t have come this far, painstakingly planning your outfit, only to stop at your ankles. Especially since your shoes will show in A LOT of the images since they are close to your dog!
If you wear heels like a pro, I definitely won’t tell you not to do that! But remember, we’ll be walking around on some possibly uneven terrain, traversing hills, wandering through grass, and stomping through dirt — all of which I wouldn’t want to do in my louboutins. (Unless we’re planning a glam session, in which case bring those red bottom shoes!)
Select the right shoes based on the location. Being barefoot makes sense on the beach and at home, and boots are beautiful in the woods.
Leather is great for boots, and know that sandals are better than flip-flops.
Shoes are great place to add some personality too! Cool Converse sneakers, lace up boots that have been worn to perfection, bold color, a striking pattern can all be perfect to jazz up the classic knee down photo with your dog!
Make Up & Hair
The goal of photo ready make-up is to look like you on your best day. So do whatever you need to do to feel confident and beautiful. Some clients wear no make-up at all, others take a little more time with their usual routine, and some call in a pro for a perfectly polished look. Most dog photo sessions are casual affairs so a “no make-up makeup look” works best.
For hair… my preference is down and little lived in. Messy buns are where it’s at for real life — I totally get it! With your hair down, you get movement and texture and interest. Bring the scrunchie for the walk back to the car.
A quick note about your nails: Hands tell such a story about who you are and the relationship with your dog. Photos of hands running through fur make beautiful detail images for your album. But, sometimes photographs magnify bright nail polish, chipped manicures, and dirty fingernails. And once you see it, you can’t un-see it. Consider treating yourself to a subtle manicure or make sure your nails are neat and tidy before the shoot.
Lastly - Consider Your Home Decor
This is a real pro tip that can take your images from pictures to art in your home.
For example, If you wear bright red formal wear for the session, but your home is casual and beachy - the wall art will look out of place. But a navy and neutral color palette would be perfectly at home.
Choose clothing colors that will coordinate in your home and styles that compliment your decor tastes.
5 Things To Prepare Before Your Dog’s Photo Shoot
What do you need for your dog's photo shoot?
Have you ever had that dream where you show up to school naked?
Lets avoid that feeling of being completely unprepared by making sure you’ve got everything you need before you show up for your session… fully clothed please.
This blog is your guide to what you need for your dog prior to your dog photography session.
1. A Simple 6 Foot Leash
It may be dog photography’s worst kept secret, but in case you didn’t know, 99% of the dogs on my website were wearing a leash at their photoshoot!
You simply cannot be a professional dog photographer without becoming an expert at leash removal in Photoshop.
Not only does the leash keep your dog safe, the leash is also an invaluable tool in helping your dog understand where we’d like them to sit or stand since we can’t simply tell them to stand right in this sun spot and look to your left.
There are a few things to consider about your leash to make removal in post production as simple as possible.
Bring a solid color 6 foot leash - Black, Neutral Colored Biothane, or Leather Leashes work best. Show leads are also a GREAT option if your dog is used to wearing one.
Help watch out for leashes wrapped around legs & paws.
2. A Photogenic Collar
While leashes are removed from your final selections, your dog’s collar will most likely remain in their portrait, so it’s worth a few minutes to think about which collar will best suit your dog’s photos.
For a timeless look, a simple leather (or faux leather) collar in a neutral or fur matching color will keep your dog’s face as the star of the image.
Since it’s a special occasion, you could also consider a collar with a little extra glam factor. I love the designs from Paco Collars (handmade in California & available locally at Highland Pet Supply in Atlanta).
Or, if leather or bedazzled doesn’t suit your dog, try something solid color or with a fun pattern can be a great choice. The Foggy Dog makes gorgeous collars in beautiful patterns and even luxe velvet.
This might be a good time to purchase a new collar if you find that your dog’s current collar looks worn or tattered.
PS. If you really love a naked look - consider using a show lead (a very thin rolled leather leash) that is narrow enough to be fully removed in post processing.
3. Leave the Mr. T Tags Off
Since our dogs don’t have pockets, they need to wear their ID tag, and rabies tag, and microchip registration tag, and city license tag.
And suddenly that beautiful collar you choose is dominated by neon plastic dangling tags designed to draw attention. Those tags are great for if your dog were to get lost, but maybe aren’t so great for a portrait hanging on your wall.
Just for your session, I recommend removing all tags unless they are particularly beautiful or sentimental.
(If you’re looking for a beautiful & personality filled tag, check out Fetching Tags, a local Atlanta based company that hand makes the best tag I have ever purchased for any dog.)
4. Harnesses Are Great for Walking - Not Photographs
Wow! Who knew dogs had so many accessories to consider!
Before we wrap up talking about your dog’s wardrobe, I do want to mention harnesses.
I completely get the appeal of walking with a harness. My own dogs all wear harnesses on our walks. Your dog’s harness distributes the pressure from the leash, offers better control, and protects their throat.
They also block a big part of the chest, typically come in bright bold colors, and don’t exactly elevate your dog’s picture to the level of photographic art we’re going for here.
I 100% support wearing a harness for walking and even traveling between photo locations when necessary, but be prepared to switch to the collar & leash only for your actual portraits. Harnesses cannot be removed in post production.
5. Now to the Good Stuff - Treats & Rewards for your Dog’s Photo Session
When it comes to your dog’s photo shoot, it’s time to bring out the good stuff. We’re going to be asking for a lot of their time & attention and we want your dog to be excited to work for the camera.
You know your dog best, so bring the high value rewards. This is time for special occasion treats.
Some ideas include:
Boiled Chicken Breast
Leftover Steak
Cheese
Peanut Butter
Hot Dogs
Cream Cheese
Be sure to bring options so we can keep things exciting. You never know when our supermodel will need some variety.
There you have it, 5 thing your dog needs to be prepared for their photoshoot! And since your dog doesn’t have opposable thumbs, I’ve created a packing checklist for you.
Click here to download the FREE Packing List for Your Dog’s Photo Shoot!
How to Choose the Best Pet Photographer in Atlanta for You & Your Pets
When it comes to photographing your dog - you know you want to find an expert.
Choosing the right pet photographer for you can seem like an impossible task. After all you want someone that loves slobbery kisses and doesn't mind a little fur, and someone that will deliver beautiful images while keeping you & your dog comfortable throughout the session. You’ll want to take some time to get to know the artist behind the Google listing.
5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Pet Photographer
1. A Pet Photographer's Experience
For me, experience is the first priority. Pet photography is a specialty genre for a reason.
Of course you’d hire a wedding photographer to photograph your wedding. You’d search for someone who had photographed a lot of wedding before - someone who isn’t surprised about anything that might happen. It’s a once in a lifetime event and you want it to be perfect.
Choosing your dog photographer is very similar.
A pet photographer is working with animals - and not just any animal - this is the furry love of your life we're talking about, and having someone that understands working with animals, posing animals, & posing you with your dog is very important.
Here are some questions you might ask potential photographers:
How long as the pet photographer been working with dogs, cats, horses, etc?
Do they do any continuing education in dog or equine photography?
What about animal training or behavior classes as ongoing education?
Do they enter their work in peer reviewed competition?
Do they belong to any professional organizations?
I’m incredibly proud to talk about my 10+ years working with animals, and my life-long love of horses & dogs. Ongoing education in building my craft is incredibly important and I set aside a budget each year for classes and workshops to improve my camera skills. My dogs and I routinely take classes together at Canine Country Academy in a variety of dog sports and I attend lectures on animal behavior and training. Each year I commit to submitting my work to peer reviewed image competitions to push my creatively and test my skills. And I’ve been a member of the Professional Photographers of America (the USA’s premiere organization for professional photography of all genres), Hair of the Dog, & Unleashed (two pet specific professional organizations).
While experience isn’t everything when choose the right pet photographer for you, I think it should be among your top considerations.
2. Pet Photography Style
The dog photographer’s style will have a big impact on your final images.
Do you like studio images or on location or maybe lifestyle documentary images taken in your home or a combination of them all?
Does the pet photographer you’re considering showcase that style?
If you like studio style images, do you like classic portraits or bright colorful backgrounds? Lots of props? No props?
Do you prefer urban locations or park like settings for on location images?
Or is what you’re looking for really a session in your home capturing the ones you love in the place you love them most?
And once you’ve thought about all that, don’t forget things like editing styles. Some pet photographers photograph dark & moody, or light & airy, or true color.
Be sure to check out their portfolio, blog, and social media for examples of recent pet photography work.
My own work leans to outdoor on location images with a mix of portraits and candid images in a classic true to to color style. I describe my work as dogs on their best days featuring warm, rich colors in natural environments. While I do offer both urban and more natural park like settings, I only offer studio work when I am doing my Pet Portrait Events.
3. The Process of a Pet Photography Session
Your pet photographer should explain the process of working with them.
Some will send you questionnaires or have a consultation before the session to talk about what you want while other pet photographers will just meet you at the time & location selected and start taking photos.
Some pet photographer’s will design a reveal for you to show you your images and help you select the images and artwork for your finished artwork while others will load your images onto an online gallery for you to download.
Neither is right or wrong, but you should consider which will fit your needs best. If you love DIY and printing your own photos, someone offer an all inclusive “shoot & share” model might be a great fit. If you prefer a more custom done for your service, a full service photographer will be a better fit.
4. The Final Product
While we’re talking about process, the finished product is important criteria to consider. This is a completely personal choice.
For me, I love offering a complete done for you custom service where we talk about your dog before the session, create a plan to capture the images that are most important to you, and then I help you choose how to take those digital pixels to real artwork to hold in your hands and display on your walls in addition to digital files.
Presenting my clients with a tangible beautiful art piece is a big part of WHY I’m a pet photographer.
But, maybe you want your images delivered on a disc or gallery online without any physical art, and there are pet photographers that offer that too.
5. Your Pet Photography Budget
As long as the pet photographer is running a legal business and properly insured, there is a pet photographer for most every budget.
Don’t take risks with someone operating under the table without liability insurance or a legal business entity… your pet’s safety is too important.
Pricing for pet photography will vary based on many factors - experience, processes, final artwork, vendors, location, and more all play a part.
Just remember, the price a pet photographer charges usually lines up with the value & experience they deliver.