As a pet photographer, people often assume that I must have endless professional photos of my own family, our dogs included, because, after all, I have the camera, the gear, and the skills. But the truth is, for years I avoided scheduling our own session. Not because I didn’t want the photos… but because I couldn’t bring myself to hand over that control.

Photography is my art, my passion, my livelihood—and being on the other side of the lens can feel vulnerable. It means trusting someone else to see what I see: the tiny moments, the connection, the love that makes our story ours.

**Because These Moments Matter**

When you’ve faced the reality that your time with a beloved pet might be shorter than you imagined, you start to see life through a different lens.
Suddenly, the photos you’ve always “meant to take” or “planned to do someday” become the most important thing in the world. When my dog was diagnosed with cancer, everything changed.
So I decided to do what I’ve always told my clients to do: book the session, document the love, and create artwork that will last a lifetime.
Even though my dog is now in remission (and I’m so grateful to say that), I knew I couldn’t wait any longer. I wanted to capture him now—healthy, strong, full of life and light. The way I always want to remember him. The way I want others to see him when they look at the portraits on our walls years from now.
Not just sitting and posing, but living. Running, playing, cuddling. I wanted images that showed our life together as it really is—me laughing with my husband, the dogs’ tails wagging wildly, muddy paws, goofy grins, and quiet moments of love.
Those are the memories I’ll want to look back on years from now.

Because I Can’t (and Shouldn’t) Do Everything Myself

As a photographer, I’m used to being in charge of every detail: the light, the angles, the editing, the vision. But this time, I wanted to simply be present.

I wanted to laugh with my husband. I wanted to snuggle my dogs. I wanted to experience the same thing I give my clients—the joy of being photographed with the ones I love most, not behind the camera trying to make it all happen.

Hiring another professional meant I could let go, trust their creative eye, and just focus on the moments that mattered. And honestly? It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Because I Knew What I Wanted—And Who Could Deliver It

As much as I love photography, I knew I couldn’t capture this myself. I wanted to be in the photos, not directing them from behind the camera.

And I knew that the only way to get the images I truly envisioned was to hire another professional pet photographer—someone who knows how to work with dogs, read their body language, and go with the flow when things don’t go perfectly. And I knew exactly who I had in mind.

Dogs aren’t models. They wiggle, get distracted, and sometimes roll in the grass halfway through the session—and that’s exactly what makes their personalities shine. I wanted someone who understood that rhythm, who could capture those fleeting, authentic moments the way I do for my clients.

It was worth every penny.

Because Art Belongs on My Walls, Too

I spend so much of my time helping clients create beautiful, tangible artwork for their homes—framed portraits, albums, and heirloom pieces that celebrate their pets’ lives. But for a long time, I didn’t have any of our story on display.

Now, when I walk past our walls and see those portraits of my husband and I and our dogs, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. They remind me of how far we’ve come, of the joy we’ve shared, and of the deep bond that makes our family complete.

These images aren’t just photos. They’re our story, told in a way that words never could.

Ordered as a 20 x 40 inch framed canvas for our living room above our sofa.

Because I Believe in What I Offer

I always tell clients that professional photography is more than just a picture, it’s an investment in memory, emotion, and legacy. And now, I can say that from both sides of the experience.

Being the client reminded me what this is all about. The laughter during the session. The tears when you see your gallery for the first time. The joy of holding that finished piece of artwork in your hands and knowing it will outlast the years.

That’s the feeling I strive to give every single person who trusts me to photograph their pets.

Because “Someday” Isn’t Promised

So yes, I spent over $5,000 on professional photos of us and our dogs—and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Because our dogs are a part of our story. Because life moves too quickly. Because someday, these portraits will be the most valuable things I own.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll book a session one day,” let this be your reminder:
Don’t wait for someday.
Document the love, the laughter, and the little moments that make your life uniquely yours—now.

Contact me to book your session now!