Elopement WITH DOG

Right before I officially committed to my own business, I joined a women’s networking group. This group consists of some incredible women who support each other in so many different ways.

Brandi with Barefeet Imagery, an Atlanta family photographer, told me about how she had been wanting to do more elopements and how she was wanting to set up a model call for this. For fun I mentioned I’d consider elopement sessions IF dogs were involved. She very quickly came back with ‘we can make that a requirement for the model call’… we talked about what kind of dog I’d love to be part of this and whenever you ask me that question, my answer will always be ‘a rescue pittie’.

We put it all out there into the universe but already had the perfect person right in front of us. That is Nicole, an amazing web designer, owner of Souls Core Studio and one of the founders of our networking group. She and her husband were both up for it and they brought their sweet rescue pittie Leo with them.

Why every dog owner should have professional photos of their dog

Dogs are part of our families in every way that matters. They greet us at the door, sit beside us through life’s ups and downs, and somehow manage to turn ordinary days into unforgettable ones. Yet most of the photos we take of them live on our phones. They are quickly snapped between busy moments and often forgotten about. Professional dog photography offers something different. It preserves the story of your dog in a way that lasts.

Your dog’s personality deserves to be captured

Every dog has their own quirks and expressions. Some have the best sideways head tilt while others enjoy a joyful run across a field. And then there is the way they lean against you when they want affection. These are the moments that define your relationship with your dog, and they deserve to be captured with intention.

Photos that celebrate your bond

The most meaningful dog portraits aren’t just pictures of a dog sitting perfectly but images of the connection between you and your most loyal companion. During a session, there are always quiet moments together, a laugh during play and then just the simple, and my absolute favorite, way your dog looks at you. Those are the memories that become priceless over time.

Because dogs don’t stay the same forever

If there’s one truth every dog owner knows, it’s that time with them moves far too quickly.

Puppies grow into adults, gray fur appears around their muzzle, and suddenly the years have passed faster than expected. Professional photos freeze those fleeting moments so you can hold onto them forever. Your dog may only be part of your life for a chapter, but to them, you are their entire story.

That story deserves to be remembered.

Atlanta shelter dog photography: Using photography to help rescue dogs get adopted

You can click on each image in this blog and find out more about the dogs.

Because every dog deserves to be seen and every story deserves to be told.

Before I ever even thought about exploring this niche as a dog photographer, I was simply someone who believed deeply in the connection between dogs and their humans. Once the decision was made to quit my steady full-time job as a graphic designer, this belief naturally led me to volunteer my photography with local shelters and rescue organizations throughout the Atlanta area.

Shelter dogs often arrive with unknown histories, uncertain futures, and very little time to make an impression. The first place many adopters encounter them isn’t in person but online.

And that’s where photography can make a life-changing difference.

See all animals waiting at Paulding County Animal Control.

June is patiently waiting at Paulding County Animal Control in Dallas, GA.

Tater Tot has also been patiently waiting at Paulding County Animal Control in Dallas, GA for his forever person.

Samo with his beautiful big ears is also waiting at Paulding County Animal Control in Dallas, GA.

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Why professional photos matter for shelter dogs

For many rescue dogs, a photo is their very first introduction to the world.

Unfortunately, most shelter photos are taken quickly in stressful environments: behind kennel bars, under harsh lighting, or during moments when a dog is overwhelmed. These images rarely reflect the dog’s true personality. A thoughtful photograph can change that.

When a dog is photographed in natural light, with space to relax and express themselves, their real personality begins to shine. A playful grin, a curious head tilt, or gentle, soulful eyes can instantly create an emotional connection with potential adopters. And often, that connection is what inspires someone to click, read their story, and schedule a visit.

Simply put: better photos help dogs get noticed and noticed dogs get adopted.

Telling the story behind each dog

When I volunteer as a shelter photographer in and around Atlanta, my goal goes beyond just taking portraits. I want to capture who each dog really is. Each and every one has a unique presence. Some burst into the session with wagging tails and playful energy while others take a little time, cautiously watching before deciding they are safe before leaning gently against you, quietly asking for affection.

These small moments reveal the heart of who they are and those are the moments I aim to photograph. With patience and a much needed calm approach even the shyest dogs begin to relax. Their personalities emerge, and suddenly the camera captures not a shelter dog, but someone’s future best friend.

See all dogs waiting for you at Lifeline in Atlanta, GA.

Dubbie celebrated his 10th birthday this past weekend at Lifeline in Atlanta, GA.

He was all smiles after eating his personal birthday cake made with love by Nate Dog and Olive

Jessica, an amazing volunteer made this all possible.

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Helping Atlanta rescue dogs get noticed

Quality photography can dramatically improve a shelter dog’s visibility on adoption websites, social media, and rescue listings. Clean backgrounds, natural expressions, and storytelling images help potential adopters imagine life with that dog in their home. Instead of seeing a stressed animal in a kennel, they see a loyal companion waiting for a family.

For shelters and rescues that are often stretched thin on time and resources, strong imagery can be a powerful adoption tool. It’s a simple way I can use my skills to support the incredible work these organizations do every day.

See all dogs waiting for you at Cobb County Animal Services in Marietta, GA.

Maria is patiently waiting at Cobb County Animal Services in Marietta, GA. (in collaboration with Clover REP)

Link is also waiting at Cobb County Animal Services in Marietta, GA. (in collaboration with Clover REP)

Elijah would love to go home with you. He is also still waiting at Cobb County Animal Services in Marietta, GA. (in collaboration with Clover REP)

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The dogs I never forget

Some shelter sessions stay with me long after I pack up my camera. The shy dog who slowly leaned into my leg once they realized they were safe and the goofy one who couldn’t stop wiggling long enough for a photo. But then there is also the senior dog whose eyes held a lifetime of stories.

Seeing those same dogs later in adoption announcements often curled up on a couch, hiking with their new family, or smiling in a “just adopted” photo is one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering. It’s a reminder that sometimes a single photograph can help change the course of a life.

My heart behind this work

My photography business centers on celebrating the bond between dogs and their people. But before that bond can exist, a dog needs the chance to be seen, understood, and chosen. Volunteering as a shelter photographer allows me to give back to the community, support rescue organizations, and help incredible dogs find the homes they deserve.

Because every dog is waiting for the moment someone looks at their photo and says: “That’s my dog.”

Are You an Atlanta Shelter or Rescue That Needs Photography?

If you are a shelter, foster-based rescue, or animal welfare organization in the Atlanta area, I would love to help highlight the dogs in your care. Professional, story-driven images can make a real difference in adoption outcomes, and I’m passionate about supporting the organizations working tirelessly for these animals.

If your rescue group is interested in volunteer photography sessions or collaboration, please reach out through my contact page. Together we can help more dogs be seen and more dogs find home.

Teddy’s 13th birthday celebration at the Zoom Room

When Sharon reached out about planning a birthday session for her sweet 13 year old Teddy at the Zoom Room, I had never photographed a birthday celebration for a dog before. I immediately said yes.

It turned out to be a beautiful gathering of friends and their dogs. The adults enjoyed wine while the dogs had pup cups, a barkuterie board, and a cake made entirely of beef that was flown in from San Francisco for the occasion.

Thirteen years is a meaningful milestone. Being able to document Teddy surrounded by people who love him was truly special. These celebrations are about more than just a party. They are about honoring the years, the memories, and the bond that becomes part of your family’s story.

If you are planning a birthday celebration for your dog and would love professional images to remember it by, I would be honored to help you create and capture something beautiful.

Let’s plan a celebration that preserves these moments for years to come.

Perfect images vs. real connection

If all you’re looking for is the perfect picture, the flawless pose, the technically stunning image that could live anywhere and belong to anyone, then honestly, AI can probably give you that. And that’s okay.

But if what you want is something deeper, something real, something rooted in connection, then that’s where I come in.

Before a session ever begins, I want to know you. I want to hear about where your dog came from. I want to hear the story, the first meeting, the challenges, the growth, and the trust you have been building together over time. I want to understand the relationship, not just photograph the subject.

Yes, I know I’m competing with AI and we all know people are increasingly obsessed with perfection. I will never be able to give you what AI can do nor do I strive to do so.

AI can create an image that looks perfect. What it cannot do is feel the pause when your dog leans into you, recognize the way your hand instinctively rests on their shoulder, or notice the quiet moment when they check in with you without being asked. It cannot see the history behind the bond.

I do not strive for perfection, I strive for presence.

I want to capture the small, intimate moments, the ones that do not shout for attention but mean everything. The moments you might not even realize are happening until you see them frozen in time. This can be a quick glance, or just the familiar closeness that exists because of years of shared experiences. What I love most about this work is the connection. Being trusted enough to witness even a tiny glimpse of the relationship you share with your best friend is something I do not take lightly. Every dog, every human, and every bond is different, and that is exactly why it matters.

My sessions are not about forcing poses or manufacturing something that is not already there. They are about allowing space for authenticity, about slowing down, and about letting your dog be who they are with the person they love most.

If you want an image that looks perfect, polished, and untouchable, AI can do that faster and cheaper. But if you want images that feel like you, that hold emotion, history, and connection, I would love to hear from you. Because what we create together will not just be a photograph.

It will be a moment that already mattered, remembered forever.

Bear + Dewey

When I first met Jamie, she was fostering Bear, who at the time was with the Ozzie Albies Foundation looking for his forever home. I could tell that she already loved the dog and I offered her to take a picture of her just for the fun of it. Sure enough, she made the decision shortly after to adopt Bear. Fast forward to the fall of 2025 when a beautiful, but quite shy pup found himself at the Cobb County Animal Shelter. Through this village that is needed in the dog rescue world, he was pulled from the shelter and put into a short-term foster home to quarantine and decompress. Jamie, again, stepped up to foster once his quarantine was over and she, again, fell in love. Guess what.. I took a picture of the two of them and shortly after she made the decision to adopt him. This session was such a treat to finally get all four of them in front of the camera in a beautiful setting, finding out that Dewey has fully settled in, has been entertaining them with his shenanigans and has even grown fond of their cat. My wish for 2026 is that every shelter dog will find a home and family like Dewey has.

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Why I no longer share Rainbow Bridge Sessions on social media

As a dog photographer, I spend a lot of time in photography communities and social media groups. One question I see often is, “How do I get more people to like my posts?”

When I really sit with that question, I feel grateful that my work has never been about numbers or visibility. While I appreciate engagement and true connection with the people who book me, it has never been the reason I photograph dogs, especially during life’s most tender moments.

My work exists for the people who have been lucky enough to love a dog who changed the way they see the world. A dog who helped them slow down, a dog who taught them to find joy in the small, everyday moments, a dog who brought comfort, laughter, and unconditional love through every season of life.

Dog photography, especially senior dog photography and end-of-life pet photography, is about preserving feeling. The love, the adventures, the quiet routines, and the silly habits that still bring a smile long after goodbye. These photographs become reminders of a bond that never truly disappears.

Because of this, I have made an important decision: Rainbow Bridge Sessions will no longer be shared on social media.

A Gentle Shift in How I Share Rainbow Bridge Sessions

Rainbow Bridge Sessions take place during deeply emotional and vulnerable times. These sessions are created with patience, compassion, and respect, and they are meant to belong to the families who are navigating the loss of a beloved dog.

While permission may have been given in the past, I want to sincerely apologize if your Rainbow Bridge pet photography session was ever shared publicly. It was never my intention to reopen wounds or cause pain. With time and reflection, I’ve realized that even well-intended sharing can feel different once grief has settled in.

I also never want to grow my social media following through images that are so deeply personal and meaningful to someone experiencing pet loss. These photographs are not content, they hold memories along with so much love and at the same time they are goodbyes.

What This Means Moving Forward

Going forward, all Rainbow Bridge and end-of-life dog photography sessions will remain private. They will continue to be offered with the same care, gentleness, and intention but the images will live where they belong: with the people who loved their dog wholeheartedly.

Thank you to every family who has trusted me with something so personal. It is an honor to document these moments, and one I will always hold with deep respect.

2025 Recap and thoughts for the new year

This year I allowed myself to try different things regarding photo sessions. The fall mini sessions were quite successful but personally, it felt very rushed to have 10-minute sessions back to back.

Very often, when people book the Pittie session which is about 40 minutes long, it takes EVERYONE, the dogs included, about 10 minutes to just settle in and loosen up in front of the camera. I don’t think 10 minutes is fair to the dogs who have no idea what is expected of them. They don’t know what it means to have a camera in their face and some are even scared of the camera and its sounds.

Thinking more about this and wanting to offer shorter sessions, my plan in 2026 is to offer 20-minute sessions once every other month (maybe more frequently depending on demand), clustered on one day. These days will go out in the newsletter each month and people can sign up for them if they want a shorter session, if their dog just can’t make it through a 40-minute session, or if a longer session just doesn’t fit into the budget.

Also, in the new year, I would love to work with more businesses who are all about dogs. May it be the pet boutique or the veterinary office that is looking to refresh their website images or step up their social media game. If you are or know of a great business that is all about dogs that would benefit from this, let me know.

With all of this being said, the one thing that will not change is my involvement in volunteering my time to shelters and offering my photography to them as well as foster dogs around me.

Thank You!

This year has been a complete WOW.

For so long I kept imagining what it would be like to go out on my own as a dog photographer. I kept stopping myself because the worries were loud. What if I can’t find clients? What if I have to constantly run discounted sessions just to stay afloat? Some people around me doubted the idea too and suggested I should offer family photography instead of focusing only on dogs. Those thoughts stuck with me longer than I care to admit.

I’m grateful I finally trusted my gut and went all in.

I never expected the response I received. So many of you, most of you complete strangers from the internet who I meet in the woods with your dogs, have shown me unbelievable support. You’ve booked sessions, sometimes year after year. You’ve recommended me. You’ve brought your dogs back to play in front of my lens again even when you didn’t need more photos. That level of trust still floors me.

This step into a new chapter didn’t just give me time to dedicate to my own business. It opened doors to new friendships and connections through networking groups and shelter volunteer work. It expanded my world and fulfilled me in a way I didn’t see coming.

Thank you for every booking, every review, every comment, every share. You helped me build something I once doubted I could pull off. You made this dream come true.

I appreciate you more than you know.

Why I’m choosing not to offer holiday setups

Every year around the holidays, I see all the cozy setups popping up with the twinkle lights, plaid blankets, Christmas trees, and families sitting on couches with their dogs. And while those setups are beautiful and festive, they don’t feel like me. When I meet you and your dog, we are moving. We are walking down grassy trails either into the woods or into open fields. My favorite sessions include the sentence ‘go frolic with your dog’ and I want you to just walk or run into the field, enjoying time with your heart dog.

I’ve realized that I’m not drawn to photographing people and their dogs in front of the same styled backdrop. Because the truth is your connection with your dog is one of a kind. It deserves more than a scene that’s been recreated hundreds of times before.

When I photograph you and your heart dog, I want to tell your story, not the story of a holiday card. I want to capture the real, honest moments that happen between you two. The quiet ones, the tiny ones, the ones that often go unnoticed but mean everything. Maybe it’s the way your dog’s paw rests on your hand, or the soft, knowing look in their eyes when they find you across the field. Maybe it’s that moment of laughter as they bound through tall grass, or the peace that settles in when they just sit close to you.

Those are the kinds of moments that are not staged or posed, they’re real and they tell the story of a bond that’s been built over years of love, trust, and time spent together.

So this year, instead of creating holiday setups, I’ll be focusing on capturing what truly matters and that is the authentic connection you share with your dog. Whether that’s out in nature, wandering your favorite trail, or at home where your hearts feel most at ease, I want your photos to reflect your story, just as it is.

Because one day, when you look back at these images, I don’t want you to remember props between Christmas trees while stiffly posed, I want you to remember the bond with your special heart dog.

Why testimonials & reviews mean the world to a small business (and a little Thank You at the end ;))

Running a small business is about more than just offering a service. It is about building trust, connection, and community. As a dog photographer, I pour my heart into capturing your pup’s personality, joy, and quirks so you will have keepsakes you will treasure forever. Beyond the photos themselves, there is something that helps my business thrive more than you might realize: your testimonials and Google reviews.

Why Reviews Matter So Much

When people are searching for a photographer, especially for something as personal as their most loyal companions, they rely heavily on the experiences of others. Google reviews help new clients see what it is really like to work with me, from booking and communication to the session itself and the final photos.

Here is why your words make such a big difference:

• Trust builder: Honest feedback helps potential clients feel confident in choosing me.

• Community support: Reviews show that you are not just investing in a service, you are supporting a small, local business.

• Better visibility: The more reviews a business has, the more likely it is to appear in search results. This means more pet parents can find me!

A Heartfelt Thank You

To everyone who has already taken the time to leave a review, thank you. Every kind word means so much and helps me continue doing what I love. Your support allows me to keep creating beautiful and timeless moments for families like yours.

A Little Extra Incentive

If we have worked together before and you leave a Google review by October 22, you will be entered into a raffle for a Chewy gift card. This is just a small way for me to give back to you and your pup.

I will be announcing the winner in my newsletter on October 23.

If you have not already, I would love for you to share your experience. It only takes a few minutes, but the impact lasts a lifetime.

Thank you for helping me grow!!!

A little magic with a girl and her puppy

There’s something timeless about the bond between a child and her puppy. And the best photos don’t come from posing. Simply letting these two be, watching them run, play and cuddle, sharing glances that say more than words ever could, turned into a quite magical 20-minute sessions.

“We had such a great experience with Elena! My 5 year old loved her, and felt very comfortable around her. Not to mention our 15 week puppy loved her. She got some amazing photos with two subjects who were always on the move. Our family will cherish these photos forever. Highly recommend Maas Creative!”

Mini Sessions are happening this Saturday

There are less than a handful of spots left for Saturday’s mini sessions (October only has one spot left). Yes, we will be able to create a little magic in 10 minutes with you and your pup.

Why fostering a dog matters more than you think

When a dog first arrives in foster care, they often come with a mix of uncertainty and hope. They may be shy, scared, or unsure of their new surroundings. But with patience, love, and a safe place to land, something incredible happens: they begin to blossom.

For the past 8 weeks, we have been fostering the sweetest little puppy. Itty bitty, funny Pam is part of ‘The Office’ litter (along with Dwight, Jim, Kelly, Meredith and Angela) and she is the last one who is still looking for a home. Her mom was dumped while being pregnant and it has taken a village to get all 7 dogs into their safe homes. Three puppies were adopted quickly and 2 of the puppies were foster fails. My sweet Pam has a meet and greet in a few weeks with a family who is interested in adopting her. I will certainly be exhausted from staying strong for this long and not breaking down and foster fail this little girl.

After every foster puppy leaves, I grieve for a few weeks. Having had tiny Pam for this long, having taught her a good amount, having had her become part of our family and our every day routine, her just leaving will be hard. But I know that this little girl is set up for success and I’m so hoping she will stay close to where I will still be able to get updates while she grows up. I often get the question why I do this since it’s quite heartbreaking when they finally leave to go to their new families. So let me leave this here with you and I so hope that this might make you consider fostering a dog at some point.

Why Fostering Matters

Every dog has a story. Some are surrendered by families who couldn’t keep them, others are pulled from overcrowded shelters, and some have never known a gentle hand at all.

Without fosters, many of these dogs wouldn’t get their second chance. A foster home provides:

• Safety and stability in a world that’s felt unpredictable.

• Socialization and routine so they can learn how to trust again.

• Love and healing that prepares them for their forever family.

Fostering doesn’t just save lives, it changes them.

No puppy was harmed in the taking of this picture.

The Joy (and the Bittersweet Goodbye)

People often say, “I could never foster; I’d get too attached.” And it’s true, you absolutely do get attached. That’s part of of it all and each foster dog will take a little piece of your heart with them. But YOU set them up for success so they can live an amazing life in a family that will love them forever (hopefully).

But here’s the thing: every wagging tail, every playful bounce, every quiet moment when a once-fearful dog finally curls up beside you: those are the reminders that you’re making a difference.

And when adoption day comes, yes, there are tears. But they’re the kind of tears that hold both sadness and joy. You’re sad to say goodbye, but you’re overjoyed that they’ve found the family they were waiting for. Pam has not even left yet but knowing we have a scheduled meet and greet already makes me tear up…

Stories That Stay With You

I’ve seen dogs who arrived trembling, hiding in corners, eventually strut around the house with tails held high. I’ve witnessed dogs who had never known toys suddenly discover the joy of squeaky balls. I’ve watched them learn to trust, to love, to be loved.

Those moments stay with you. They remind you that even small acts of kindness can change the entire trajectory of a life.

What Fostering Teaches Us

Fostering isn’t just about helping dogs. It teaches us, too:

• To be patient with progress.

• To celebrate the little victories.

• To let go, trusting that the love you gave will carry them forward.

Most of all, fostering shows us the incredible resilience of dogs, their ability to forgive, to adapt, and to love again.

A Simple Way to Make a Big Difference

Not everyone can adopt. Not everyone can volunteer at a shelter every day. But fostering is a way to make an enormous impact, one dog at a time.

Opening your home to a foster dog is opening your heart to transformation for them, and for you.

Also, fostering does not cost you anything. Organizations, such as the Ozzie Albies Foundation usually take on the financial responsibilities such as vet visits, food, toys, supplies, etc.

If you’ve ever thought about fostering, consider this your sign. The dogs waiting in shelters don’t care if your home is big or small, or if your schedule isn’t perfect. They just need love, patience, and a safe place to land.

Bring your dog to work day: A photo session offer!

Tired of the same old Friday pizza party? Why not celebrate your amazing team and their furry best friends with something truly special?

I’m offering exclusive on-site photo sessions for your employees and their beloved dogs! Imagine professional, heartwarming portraits that capture the unique bond between your team members and their four-legged companions. It's a fantastic way to boost morale, create lasting memories, and celebrate the joy that office dogs bring to your workplace. This would also be a great gift to your team for the holidays ;)

What's included:

• Professional Photo Sessions: Individual mini-sessions for each employee and their dog(s).

• High-Quality Digital Images: Each employee will receive a selection of beautifully edited digital photos.

• Convenient On-Site Setup: I will bring my studio to you, making it easy and stress-free for your team.

Replace the pizza boxes with priceless memories for the team that works hard for you each day.

Knowing when it’s time to let go of your dog and finding peace after

Saying goodbye to a beloved dog is one of the hardest things we face as pet owners. They give us unconditional love for years, and when the time comes to make decisions about their comfort and dignity, it can feel overwhelming.

How to know it's time

Dogs are experts at hiding pain. But as they age, there are signs to watch for:

• They stop enjoying the things they once loved

• Pain or illness becomes hard to manage

• They struggle with basic tasks like eating or walking

• Good days become fewer and farther between

If you’re constantly wondering whether they’re still happy, that may be the sign you’re looking for. Euthanasia isn’t giving up; it’s giving peace when life becomes more struggle than joy.

Why you might feel relieved

After saying goodbye, some people feel a quiet relief. No more medication routines. No more watching them suffer. That relief can feel wrong, but it’s not. You were carrying a heavy emotional load. Feeling lighter is part of the healing. It doesn’t mean you didn’t love them. It means you cared deeply.

Grieve without shame

You gave your dog a good life and a loving goodbye. Let yourself grieve in whatever way feels right. Talk about them, remember them, and be kind to yourself. The love you shared is still there. It always will be.

Book one last photoshoot: I call this one the rainbow bridge session

Before you say goodbye, consider giving yourself one last gift: a photoshoot with your dog. It’s a way to honor their life, capture the bond you share, and create a beautiful memory to hold onto. Even if your dog is older or sick, those final images often become the most meaningful.

Because I know how difficult it is to make this decision, I offer gentle, in-home or outdoor sessions just for this stage of life.

Happy National Dog Day!

Every year on August 26, dog lovers across the nation pause to celebrate man’s best friend. National Dog Day isn’t just an excuse to shower your pup with extra treats, it’s a day to recognize the joy, comfort, and companionship dogs bring to our lives but to also to raise awareness about the many dogs in need of a loving home.

When the car ride hits just right.

This is how we celebrate National Dog Day.

A Little History

National Dog Day was founded in 2004 by animal advocate Colleen Paige. The date holds special meaning: it’s the day Paige’s family adopted her first dog when she was just 10 years old. Since then, the celebration has grown into a national event, supported by shelters, rescue organizations, and pet lovers everywhere.

Why Dogs Deserve Their Day

Dogs are more than just pets. They are:

• Loyal companions who never judge you.

• Unwavering protectors, alerting you to everything from intruders to the suspicious squirrel in the backyard.

• Mood boosters, offering love and laughter in even the hardest times.

• Everyday heroes, from service dogs to search-and-rescue teams.

How to Celebrate National Dog Day

Whether you have a dog or just love them from afar, there are countless ways to join the celebration:

1. Adopt, Don’t Shop: Visit your local shelter and consider adopting a furry friend in need.

2. Volunteer Your Time: Shelters always need extra hands for walking, cleaning, and socializing with the animals.

3. Spoil Your Pup: Bake homemade dog treats, take a long nature walk, or buy them a new toy.

4. Support Dog Charities: Donate money, food, or supplies to rescue organizations.

5. Spread the Word: Share photos and adoption stories on social media using the hashtag #NationalDogDay.

The Deeper Meaning

While National Dog Day is full of joy, it also shines a light on the sobering reality that millions of dogs enter shelters each year. This holiday is a gentle reminder to advocate for animal welfare, promote spaying and neutering, don’t support brands that still test on animals, and don’t buy your puppy from a backyard breeder.

Let’s celebrate the simple things

Dogs remind us daily of the simple pleasures: chasing a ball, napping in the sun, greeting someone at the door like they’ve been gone for years. On National Dog Day, let’s return the favor: give them love, kindness, and the care they deserve.

Book a session for you and your dog today to capture the deep bond you have built with your heart dog.

Big Announcement and want your pup to be included?

Can you keep a secret?? ABSOLUTELY.

You have an announcement you want photographed AND YOU WANT YOUR DOG INCLUDED? I can help with that.

Over the years I have had the honor to be one of the very first people to find out about families growing!!! There is nothing quite like standing behind the camera knowing I am capturing a moment that has not been shared with the world yet.

Why your dog should be included

Your pup is already part of the family so it makes sense they would be part of this next chapter. Whether it is a "Big Brother" bandana, a framed ultrasound at their paws, or just their natural goofy grin, dogs bring a layer of warmth, joy, and authenticity you cannot stage.

How I help you keep it top secret

When you trust me with your pregnancy announcement you are trusting me with a big piece of your story. That is not something I take lightly.

Here is how we keep things hush-hush until the big reveal:

• Private Planning – No spoilers in emails, texts, or calendars. Your session title stays neutral.

• Discreet Shooting – Props are hidden until it is time for the magic moment.

• Safe Editing – Your gallery is private
  

The joy of being in on the secret

It is such a special privilege to see your excitement before anyone else, to watch the way your dog reacts to the setup, and to know I am capturing the exact image you will use to share your joy with friends and family. Every time the announcement finally goes public I am grinning from ear to ear, cheering for you from behind the scenes.

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So, got a secret, a pup, and a life changing announcement to share?

Let’s make it happen. Your story deserves to be told exactly how you imagine it and I will keep it safe until the moment is right.

And if you are interested in seeing more of the photos from the galleries featured in this blog post, you can find the first one right here and the one with the most hilarious doodles right here

Why you and your dog should sign up for a mini session

Let’s talk about mini sessions. These sessions are short, sweet, and full of real-life moments that matter most.

These aren’t the kind of sessions where everyone needs to be perfectly groomed, dressed up, or filtered into a version of themselves that doesn’t exist on a Tuesday afternoon. These are for you and your dog exactly as you are.

• Bad haircut? Not a problem.

• Just came from the vet with a bald spot? Honestly, that’s part of the story.

• Dog rolled in wet grass on the way to the shoot? Good. That’s just how it is.

What I love most is capturing your bond, not your “look.” Your dog doesn’t care if your hair is messy or if their tail is a little wild today. What matters is you’re together, and that’s the heart of every photo.

These mini sessions are about freezing that feeling in time:

• The way they lean into you.

• The goofy grin after a zoom.

• The everyday gear that years from now will bring you back to this exact season of life.

Photos don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. They just need to be true.

So if you’ve been thinking:

“We’re not ready…” or “Let’s wait until they’re groomed…”

Don’t wait. Life’s already happening. Your dog is already showing up just as they are. And I promise, that’s more than enough.

Let’s make some real, honest, joy-filled memories.

Sign up for your mini session today.

The Office litter is looking for their forever homes

If you have ever thought about adding a puppy to your family, now is the time. If you have not, I would appreciate it if you shared these precious pups who are currently all placed with foster homes. The Ozzie Albies Foundation is doing a phenomenal job finding the perfect families for rescue and shelter dogs.

They had this to say about these sweet puppies and the amazing support network of people chipping in:

This weekend was a huge one for The Office Litter.

Mouse and her 6 puppies, at just 8 weeks old and already almost bigger than her, made their way from Cobbtown, GA to the Mirror Image K9 Center where they officially joined our Best Chance Program.

It certainly takes a village and the most compassionate, dedicated one at that.

Donna who rescued Mouse and her babies and selflessly fostered all SEVEN of them for over 8 weeks, your heart and strength are unmatched.

Kate who coordinated every piece of this transport with so much love and care, you always make the impossible possible. She also makes sure every adopter is set up with absolutely everything they might need for their little foster puppy, from food, to toys, to leashes, crates and beds.

The amazing transport angels Cindy & Ben, Nancy & Mike, thank you for giving your time and hearts to get this crew to the center.

And Mirror Image K9 whose owners and trainers truly pour their soul into building and supporting this program and making sure every dog truly gets their best chance, thank you for dreaming bigger for them.

The litter was welcomed by a whole team of helpers at the Mirror Image K9 Center who helped with everything from coordinating photos, microchipping to cleaning puppies and crates. It seriously takes a whole bunch of capable helpers to make rescue intake days a success.

And thank you of course, to our amazing, incredible, and selfless fosters, thank you for stepping up and making this entire rescue mission possible. You are the heartbeat of every second chance.

This is what rescue looks like.

This is what love in action feels like.

And we are so, so grateful.

And if you want to adopt, this is the form to fill out.

Woody, Dennis, and a baby on the way

The first time I photographed Woody and Dennis, Dennis had just been adopted from the Ozzie Albies Foundation. He was a little timid but curious and surprisingly comfortable in front of the camera. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to photograph these two doodle boys and their amazing humans every single year. And with each year, Dennis and Woody just become more and more funny.

This session was something truly special.

I was invited to help announce the sweetest news: a new baby is on the way. And of course, Woody and Dennis were included. These boys have been part of so many moments already, and it only made sense for them to help share such a joyful one.

Capturing these memories with familiar furry faces and a growing family made it all feel full circle. I’m so honored they continue to trust me with their most meaningful milestones.

You can also follow these two funny guys and their mom on Instagram: @ohemgeeitswoodyandd