If you’re like me, you know that our furry companions are more than just pets—they’re family. And when it comes to capturing those precious moments with our senior dogs, finding the right photographer is key. So, you might be wondering, “What should I look for in a pet photographer for senior dogs?”
If you’re on the lookout for a pet photographer who understands the unique beauty and significance of senior and terminally ill pets, then I’m here to be your guide. Let me share with you why I believe I may be the perfect fit for capturing the essence of your beloved senior dog.
I love senior dogs. Puppies are fun, but senior dogs are bearers of stories, each gray hair representing an adventure or a relationship.
First and foremost, I am honored to photograph senior dogs. I understand that these may be the last professional photos you have taken with your senior, and that is not something I take lightly. Yes, we’ll have fun, and make memories, but as our pets get older, these moments are more precious than ever before, and I make sure that we are all as best prepared as possible for the photography session.
“Liz is absolutely perfect, she’s so easy to be around and work with. I was comfortable every step of the way and there was no awkwardness at all. The photos turned out better than I had expected. I seriously couldn’t of had a better experience working with her. My favorite part of the session was seeing Milo, who recently went blind get more outgoing and seeing his old personality coming through as the session went forward. I really think he had fun.” – Hannah J.
When you entrust me with photographing your senior dog, you can rest assured that I’ll prioritize their comfort and well-being above all else. A pre-session phone consultation is the best way for me to make sure I know as much as a I can about you, your pet(s) and your relationship and life together. Together we’ll select a location where your senior can be comfortable and be themselves. I will also ask about their energy and interests so that when we meet I can take the time to establish trust and rapport with your pet in a way that is easy for them.
The more you can tell me about your senior pet, the more I can ensure that every detail is thoughtfully considered to create a positive and enriching experience. If you have other dogs or other people who would like to be involved in the shoot, let me know during the consulation call so we can work them into the session.
I love photographing senior dogs because it reminds us to slow down and savor the present moment, embracing the joy found in everyday interactions.
My portfolio speaks volumes about my commitment to capturing the unique personality and spirit of each pet I photograph. With a keen eye for detail and a heart full of empathy, I strive to create timeless images that celebrate the bond between you and your furry companion. I look for the personality and the shared moments between you and your pet.
If there are special moments or activities that you and your dog have shared over the years – even if they might not do it as much now – let me know so we can incorporate something of those activities into the session.
If there are specific photos you would like to get, please let me know. I’ll have a list of planned photos, and I’ll do my best to get them – the actual photo sessions will go at your dog’s pace, and so we may or may not get every photo we talk about, but we will definitely make memories.
Though they may move a bit slower, senior dogs possess a grace and dignity that is unmatched.
We’ll schedule the photoshoot for a time of day when your dog is typically most alert and energetic. Unless your dog is most active and alert midday we’ll avoid peak sun hours to prevent discomfort for your furry friend. (If they are most active midday, we’ll go someplace with a lot of shade!)
Also, I know that older pets move a bit slower or might have special needs, so we’ll plan for that when choosing a location and time of time. For instance, if your dog was a big hiker when younger but can’t really make it to the trails these days, we might find a location that is easily accessible by car that still has that mountain feeling to it.
“I cannot even begin to say enough amazing things about Liz! She is an incredibly talented photographer with a huge heart for people and their pets. During our session, Liz came fully prepared with treats and toys which made the session super fun for our pups (and for us!). One of the amazing things about Liz is her ability to capture each of our pups’ unique personality. In fact, we had such a hard time picking only a few photos from our session that we ended up buying them all! We cannot wait until our next photo shoot with Liz! We hope that it will become an annual tradition.”
-Christine H.
In their golden years, senior dogs shine brighter than ever, illuminating our lives with their enduring love and wisdom
Your senior pet will dictate what we actually do during the photo session. If your dog is excited and a bit more energetic to be in a familiar place, we’ll capture that. If your dog takes a bit of ‘stretch’ after the car trip and needs a slow walk with a lot of sniffing, we’ll do that, too. Most dogs like a little bit of time to check out the location and get comfortable with me and the camera before we get any posed photos. Because, let’s face it – senior dogs have earned the right to go at their own pace!
But rest assured that we will get photographs that you will treasure.
Senior dogs are living treasures, each one a testament to the enduring bond between humans and animals.
I believe that photographing senior pets immortalizes their legacy, ensuring that their memories and spirit live on, even when they are no longer physically with us.
If you are interested in getting photos of your senior pet, please reach out to me. The $300 session fee includes planning session/phone call, photography session, and $300 print credit.
However, I understand that there can be significant costs associated with a senior pet (I’ve had several, and I know how that goes!). I genuinely believe that capturing the precious bond you share with your pet should not be hindered by money. Together, we will explore options to accommodate your situation, ensuring that you can immortalize these priceless moments without any financial burden.
If you are considering photographs of your senior pet, I encourage you to reach out sooner rather than later. However, if your pet begins to decline suddenly, I am generally available at fairly short notice. Call or text me for more urgent sessions.
It would be an honor to photograph your senior pet. Although we all understand that the camera doesn’t take away your essence, I do believe that when I photograph a dog, I acquire a tiny fragment of their soul – so minuscule that they won’t even notice it’s gone – which I carry within my heart forever. Each dog I capture through my lens contributes to my growth as a person, reminding me of the gifts in my life and the skills I possess.
Dogumentary Pet Photography
