dog photography

Woody, Dennis, and a baby on the way

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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

The quiet treasure of a dog

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black and white image of dog parent with dog going for a walk in a park.

There are few treasures in life as quietly profound as the love of a dog.

They don’t ask for much. Just your presence, your patience, and a moment of your time. In return, they offer everything: loyalty without conditions, joy without explanation, and comfort without words. A dog doesn’t need to speak for you to understand them. They’re fluent in looks, tail wags, head tilts, and warm sighs at your feet.

When you’re with a dog, life slows down. Because that’s how they move through the world. They stop to sniff, to explore, to notice the wind in the grass and the sunlight dancing on a puddle. They remind us that it's okay, even necessary, to pause. To be curious. To be. They don’t rush. They don’t multitask. They live in the moment and invite us to do the same.

There’s a kind of magic in the way a dog greets you when you come home. Their tail is wagging, their eyes are bright, and they bring you a toy like a peace offering or a celebration. It’s impossible not to smile. And that small moment, just a tail wag or a nuzzle, can shift the entire weight of your day. A simple belly rub becomes a two-way act of healing. Their joy becomes yours.

But every dog lover knows a heartbreak is waiting to happen. One day, the wagging tail is no longer waiting by the door. The leash hangs still. The absence is enormous. The silence is deafening. And while we never exchanged words, their voice in our life is suddenly gone.

Yet even in that grief, dogs leave behind something remarkable. A deeper capacity for love. And a heart that knows, despite the pain, it’s worth doing again.

Because somewhere, in a shelter across town or across the country, there is a dog waiting. A dog who is already perfect in their own imperfect way. A dog who wants to walk slowly through life with you, one step at a time. Who will bring you their toy like it’s the greatest gift they have. Who will wait for you, every day, just to come home.

They are not just animals. They are companions. Teachers. Healers. Mirrors. And if we are lucky, they are with us just long enough to show us what it really means to be present and to love fully without needing words.

Dogs are not just our pets. They are our greatest treasure.

And somewhere, your next treasure may be waiting for you.

The stories I strive to tell with every session

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After puppy shoots, I often get a message from the client apologizing for the chaos. Guess what? That is the kind of chaos I absolutely love. It’s part of the puppy stage and it is absolutely not possible to have a perfectly well behaved puppy in front of the camera for about 40 minutes. Who really likes perfect anyway?

There is something really beautiful about watching a dog grow. From the moment they arrive in our lives as tiny, often clumsy, bundles of fur to the quiet dignity of their senior years, each stage is a unique chapter in a beautiful, heartfelt story. It's a journey filled with boundless energy, unwavering loyalty, and unconditional love. And for me, it's a story I'm dedicated to telling, one photograph at a time.

Think back to those early days. The sleepy puppy cuddles that felt like the purest form of bliss. The tiny yawns, the soft fur, the way they'd fall asleep in your arms. I’m also not ashamed to say that I love nothing more than puppy breath and the soft, often naked belly of a puppy. Then, almost overnight, that little furball transforms into a whirlwind of playful zooms. The boundless energy, the awkward leaps, the discovery of their own voice through happy, high-pitched barks and playful growls. This is the stage of curiosity, antics, and the joy of watching them explore the world with wide-eyed wonder.

As they mature, dogs settle into adulthood, their personalities start to fully bloom, and they are slowly becoming the steadfast companions we rely on. They understand our routines, anticipate our moods, and offer a comforting presence without a single word. While the puppy zooms might become less frequent, their capacity for joy and play remains. They're still up for an adventure, a long walk, or a fast game of fetch, but often with a newfound grace and understanding. This is where their true character shines, a unique blend of their puppy past and their experienced present.

And then, perhaps the most poignant stage: the tender beauty of their senior years. The gray hairs start to appear, dusting their muzzle. Their gait might slow, their naps become longer, and the signs of a life well-lived become beautifully evident. There's a particular warmth in their gaze, a deep contentment that comes from years of companionship. Every gentle nudge, every slow tail wag, every quiet moment of rest by your side becomes even more precious. It's a testament to the incredible bond you've built, a quiet acknowledgment of shared memories and enduring love.

My Purpose: Telling Their Story

Every one of these stages is a gift, a unique set of memories to cherish. My purpose is to capture these moments, to freeze time and preserve the essence of your dog's journey. From the playful energy of youth to the serene wisdom of old age, I aim to create images that reflect the love, joy, and unique spirit of your furry family member.

What's your favorite memory from one of your dog's life stages? I'd love to hear it in the comments below!

Partnering with Good Dog Veterinary Care

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I recently had the pleasure of partnering with Good Dog Veterinary Services for another special photo session. We captured their amazing vets in action, checking teeth, paws, eyes, and everything in between.

It was amazing to see how gentle and caring the team is with every dog. From routine checkups to those sweet in-between moments, you can truly see the trust between the vets and their patients.

And yes, there were thankfully plenty of dogs involved (because we all know, if there weren’t, I wouldn’t be doing it :D). I was lucky to photograph some adorable pups during their visits and highlight the incredible care they received.

You will see loads of the hundreds of pictures we took on the Good Dog Instagram feed and if your dog needs a vet who treats them like family, Good Dog Veterinary Services is the place to go. I highly recommend them!!

These moments deserve more than just a screen

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Why You Should Print Your Dog’s Photos (and Not Just Post Them)

I get it, we live in a digital world. Most of us are used to scrolling through photos on our phones, sharing them on Instagram, and saving them to the cloud. And while those digital memories are great to have, there’s something really powerful about seeing your dog’s face, personality, and quirks printed and framed in your home.

Here’s why printing your photos matters, and why I always encourage it after your session.

These Moments Deserve More Than a Screen

Your dog isn’t just “part of the family.” In many ways, they are your family. They’ve been with you through moves, breakups, late-night tears, and early morning joy. The way they look at you, the way they lean into you, the little things that make them them, those moments are too important to be buried in a photo folder or stuck in a phone you’ll eventually upgrade.

Printing your photos gives those memories the space and presence they deserve.

Prints Make It Real

There’s something grounding about holding a physical photo in your hands or seeing it on your wall every day. It’s not just a reminder of your dog, it’s a reminder of your bond, your story, and that exact moment in time.

Whether it’s a framed portrait, an album you flip through, or a few prints scattered around your home, printed photos create a lasting connection that digital files just can’t replicate.

Technology Changes. Prints Don’t.

Think about how many times you’ve changed phones, computers, or even photo apps. Digital files can get lost, corrupted, or forgotten. But a printed photo? That stays. Decades from now, when you or someone you love is flipping through that album, they won’t need a password or an update. They’ll just see the face of the dog that meant the world to you.

It’s Part of the Experience

When you book a session, it’s not just about “getting photos.” It’s about celebrating the relationship you have with your dog. The session itself is meaningful but the images deserve to live somewhere beyond your phone.

That’s why I offer high-quality, thoughtfully chosen print options, so you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Let’s Make It Tangible

Your dog’s story is worth more than a digital file. It’s worth telling, displaying, and remembering in the most tangible way possible. So yes, share those photos online. But then print them. Frame them. Flip through them years from now and feel everything all over again.

Ready to create something that lasts? Let’s talk about prints after your session. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Bruna, a modern day hero (of mine)

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I don’t know when exactly I started following Bruna on Instagram but her account is one I follow religiously and it has also shown that sharing her stories and reels is helping the precious souls she highlights. Bruna is a volunteer at Cobb County Animal Shelter and introduces each dog she cares for. She talks about their background, what they are like and who would be a great owner for them. I wanted to know more about her and what made her decide to become a volunteer at the shelter.
Please read and share with all your dog lovers who might be interested in giving back by volunteering at their local shelter. Also, please follow Bruna on Instagram and share her posts so the pups can get another chance to find their person.

Follow Bruna here

How long have you been volunteering? 

I started volunteering on July of 2023, so it has been almost 2 years now.

What led you to volunteer at the shelter? 

I grew up in Brazil. There are A LOT of strays there. When I was a kid, I was always trying to play with them, feed, and sometimes even try to sneak them into my home (oops lol). My parents would always give me that look, and try to explain to me that I can’t just bring all the dogs home sometimes they would let me keep one or two, and for the ones I couldn’t keep I would try to find them new homes!! So I have always had dogs growing up. For the longest time, I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian, because that was the only job I could think of that involved animals. But when I got older, I realized I didn’t want to do surgeries, vaccines, medical things…I wanted to help in a different way.                                                                 

My first contact with adoption was on the Cobb shelter. It was a really tough day. There were SO many dogs in need. One dog caught my eye, he was sitting in a corner, with his head down, and just looking really sad. That’s Gustavo (he is a pointer mix). We had to take him home with us. The moment he walked through the door, he was a complete different dog, he was so happy, energetic, and excited. He was only 1 year old, and it looked like he immediately knew he was safe with us, he made sure to make himself right at home lol. Then, about two years ago, I finally decided to start volunteering there at that same shelter. At first, I signed up but kept hesitating. I was scared it would be too sad, because I knew some animals might not make it. I knew it could break my heart. But then I thought, “This is going to happen whether I want it or not. I can either show up, be there with them, give them love and make a difference in their lives, or I can just stay home and pretend I don’t know about it” So I went — and honestly, it was the best decision I ever made!

What is the best part and what is the hardest part? 

The best part is believing that I am giving them quality time while they wait for their forever home. It’s also great getting to know each dog’s personality, make them feel loved, seeing a really scared dog open up to you and of course, seeing them walk through those doors with their new families. 

The hardest part is definitely losing dogs. Knowing that an incredible, healthy, young, and happy dog was euthanized because of space. 

How can people best support you and the shelter dogs?

The best way to support is definitely by raising awareness about the situation. Going to the shelter, seeing with your own eyes what is happening. Share posts, educate people. And if you can, volunteer! The animals rely on us to go on their daily walks, we are the only interaction they have with people, we are the best part of their day. But if you can’t volunteer, you can share the videos I post of them, so they can be seen and reach as many people as we can and hopefully save their lives! I believe there is a person out there for every single dog! Some people will see a dog on a video, and for any reason immediately identify with him. Sometimes even out of state, they drive for hours to adopt a dog that they have never even seen in person, just on a video.

Is there anything else you want to get off your chest and are comfortable sharing?

I believe that as long as human beings can’t love one another, they won’t be able to fully love animals or nature …

Learning to speak up (and why that changed everything)

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Oh boy... where do I even start?

Running a dog photography business means lots of beautiful moments, happy but also sometimes anxious pups, and a little fun chaos. But it also means showing up prepared, mentally as well as creatively.

When I first started, I had all the usual fears. What if the lighting's terrible? What if I forget gear? What if I get there and the location is nothing like I imagined? The list goes on. And honestly, it would’ve been so easy to let that spiral of “what ifs” keep me from ever starting in the first place.

In those early sessions, I was uncomfortable speaking up when something didn’t feel right. I didn’t want to be that photographer that constantly repositions people or asks them to move after they just got their dog to finally sit. So I stayed quiet. I shot through it. And guess what? Most of those images ended up in the trash.

It took time (and a lot of trial and error) to realize that people hire me not just to take pretty photos, but to guide them through the process. They want me to help create the best version of these memories and sometimes that means asking someone to shift just a couple of inches into better light, or stepping away from a distracting background. It’s always worth it.

One of the weirdest sessions I ever had, and one that really shaped my business, was back when I still offered equine photography. A mom hired me to shoot her daughter and her horse and when I showed up, suddenly there were three girls, three horses, both parents, and a dog. I was overwhelmed. I hadn’t asked how many people would be involved, and I hadn’t clearly communicated what I offered. In the end, the shoot worked out, but it taught me a valuable lesson: know who you’re serving and be clear about what you do best.

That moment helped push me to focus on what I love. And that is solely dogs and their people, and the connection that only exists between them. Today, every session is built around that connection. No big production, no uncomfortable posing, just you and your dog, being yourselves, while I quietly capture the moments that matter most.

Because those are the images that last forever.

When I knew this was something special

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A few years ago, I nervously posted a model call in a local Facebook group, asking if anyone had a dog I could photograph. I’d just started dipping my toes into dog photography and wanted to build a small portfolio. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much. Maybe a few kind souls with cute dogs would respond, and I’d get a handful of practice sessions in.

What I didn’t expect? The flood of responses.

Within hours, the post had so many comments that I had to close the thread. I couldn’t keep up responding to people. It was overwhelming in the best way. People were so excited to share their dogs with me. They told me stories about their rescues, their senior pups, the dogs who had been with them through thick and thin. It wasn’t just, “Yes, you can take a photo of my dog.” It was, “Let me tell you about this soul who changed my life.”

That was the moment I knew I had something worth pursuing.

A beautiful retriever sitting behind a blurry green bush.
A sweet dog jumping through grass.
black and white image of a dog sitting in a field, sniffing the air.
A beautiful black and white Pit Bull sitting behind greenery.

From one heart dog to many

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My journey into dog photography started in the most personal way; with my own dog. I adopted her in 2017, a sweet and playful bully breed who quickly became my whole world. Before her, I hadn’t realized just how deep the stigma ran around bully breeds. I wanted people to see her the way I did. She was loving, expressive, wild at times but just oh so perfect. So I started photographing her and sharing the images online. It didn’t take long before friends began asking if I could photograph their dogs, too.

That’s when something clicked.

Over time, I realized that what I love most isn’t just taking beautiful portraits of dogs. It’s capturing the connection between a dog and their person. My favorite clients are women who, like me, have that one dog who’s been with them through everything. The breakups, the job changes, the moves across the city or across the country, their dog has been the constant. Their heart dog.

There’s something really special about documenting that kind of bond. Yes, we will do a little posing here and there but all of it will still look natural. I always make sure people still feel comfortable. The favorite parts though are when I just let them be together. I walk around them, quietly capturing the small moments that tell a big story: the way their dog looks at them, the subtle lean into their side, the spontaneous smile when a tongue catches them off guard.

Those are the moments I live for. The moments that only last a second, but mean everything.

Over the years, I’ve heard so many beautiful stories from clients about how they met their dog, what they’ve been through together, and how their bond has grown. It’s a privilege to listen to those stories, and an even bigger privilege to help preserve them through photographs. Because we never get enough time with them. But a photo, that memory, can last forever.

That’s why I do this. For the dogs. For their people. And for the love that deserves to be remembered. 

Let’s plan to capture your special moments with your heart dog.
Dog licking owner's face.

Brody + Amber

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There’s something truly special about those who pour their hearts into caring for their senior pups, making sure they live their golden years full of love and comfort. Amber is one of those incredible humans. Through life’s twists and turns, Brody has been her constant, her loyal companion, and it’s clear just how much they mean to each other. This sweet boy is one of the luckiest I’ve ever met, and capturing their beautiful bond was an absolute joy. Wishing them countless more cherished moments together.

Pudge + Puka

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With the news of Pudge having a very aggressive form of cancer, Tori got in touch and we scheduled a Rainbow Bridge Session four days out. Meeting Pudge, he certainly was not ready to cross that bridge and the good news was that a leg amputation was an option to keep him around for a few more years. He was still spunky and so ready to be the center of attention :D as well as his brother Puka, who is a handsome, funny block head <3.

Small gallery of family pics below.

Brenda + Joe + Lana

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It is such a privilege to be invited into peoples’ homes to capture the incredible bond they share with their furry companion. Brenda and Joe were so sweet and chatty and told me all about their beautiful older lady Lana. Lana was an amazing sport and loved the camera.

Kali + Mochi

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Two beauties on a Thursday morning! Mochi is a rescue pup who could not have found a better mom than Kali.

More pictures from this shoot can be found here.

Source: https://www.elenamaas.com/new-blog/kali-mo...

Mirror Image K9 Anniversary

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When I heard about the news of a doggy daycare near me, I got excited but was hesitant at first. I have never been a fan of daycares where it’s just a free for all for the dogs. My dog can be timid and shy and I do not want to ever put her in a situation where I cannot be her protector. MIK9 is so much more than just a doggy daycare. They have some amazing people who interact with the dogs, teach them important skills, and hone in on the already existing ones. Not only do they encourage some play but also down time. Well, this place has now been around for over a year and I’m so, so happy to see how successful they have been. Cheers to many more anniversaries!

More pictures from the event and others can be seen here.

Group of Mirror Image K9 dog trainers on green field