Northern Virginia Pet Photographer | Photographing Pets and Their People

Pet Photography and Family Photos with Pets in Loudoun County, Northern Virginia & the DC Metro Area

Your pet’s personality, the bond you share, captured forever!

Pet photographer Ellen Zangla with one of her dogs, Lola, sitting outside at their home. You adore your pets and want photos that show not only who they are but how much they mean to you. They’re part of your family, and you want more than quick phone snapshots. Whether you’ve shared a lifetime together, just welcomed them home, or are somewhere in between, these moments matter—and professional pet photography helps you hold onto the love and connection you share.

I’m Ellen Zangla, a professional pet photographer in Loudoun County since 2009. I specialize in outdoor photo sessions that are relaxed, fun, and tailored to your pet—even if they’re not perfectly trained. (I will come to your home and do an indoor photo shoot if you have cats or other pets who don’t go outside.) Photo shoots can be stressful, but I’ll guide you every step of the way, from how to prep to what to wear. And I promise to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible.

And when we’re done? You’ll have stunning photos of your pets and the bond you share—ready to make you smile every time you look at them in your home.

High-speed action photo of a dog chasing a ball in the fall in Northern Virgii

Man sit and hugging his dog while leaning against a truck in Northern VA.

Golden Doodle and King Charles Cavalier in convertible wearing googles and bandanas in Northern VA.

Gray cat lying on a yellow couch during an indoor photo shoot in Leesburg, VA.

Black Doodle standing outside in a garden in Northern VA.

Family photo with two adults, two kids, and two dogs outside in the fall in Loudoun County.

Two Siberian Huskies playing in the snow in Loudoun County.

Redbone Coonhound puppy looking out the back of a truck window outside in Northern Virginia.

Two black dogs lying outside together in the fall in Northern VA.

Woman sitting in a chair with her miniature Schnauzer outside in Leesburg, VA.

Older dog joyfuly leaping over a log in Northern Virginia.

Beagle standing outside on an apple crate in front of a field in Loudoun County.

Two Boston Terriers with head tilts sitting outside together in Northern VA.

Photo of a woman hugging her older dog outside in Northern VA.

Two kittens sitting on a chair together in Leesburg Virginia.

Black dog jumping in a pool to catch a ball in Northern VA.

Adorable Basset Hound puppy sitting outside in Loudoun County in the leaves.

Like What You See and Ready to Plan Your Pet’s Photo Shoot?

The best way to start is with a free consultation. It’s casual, no obligation—and all about your pet.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Photographing the Pets You Love and the Bond You Share

Northern Virginia pet photographer specializing in dog photography and family photos with pets.

Your pets are family, and they deserve to be remembered with photos that show exactly who they are. I’m a pet photographer based in Loudoun County, specializing in dog photography, cat photography, and family photos with pets. I work throughout Northern Virginia and the DC Metro area.

Our pets are with us for too short a time—and when they’re gone, we always wish we had more than just snapshots. That’s why I create portraits that capture not only your pet’s personality, but also the special bond you share.

Most of my sessions are with dogs, but I never turn down the chance to photograph a cat, lizard, or any pet you love.

What Makes Me the Right Photographer for You and Your Pets

Your pets are your family members! You deserve photos you’ll love (almost) as much as them!

With over 15 years of experience, I’ve learned how to connect with pets in a way that puts them at ease, keeps the session running smoothly, and also makes the whole process fun—for both you and your pet.

In addition, I’ll guide you through every step of the process—from helping you prep you pet and choosing outfits, to selecting the photos you love most. I’ll even show you exactly how your favorite photos will look on your walls.

So what’s it like to work with me?

Here’s what you can expect:

A stress-free environment— Relaxed pets = happy pets = better photos. I keep things calm and distraction-free so everyone feels comfortable.
Expert lighting— I know how to light all pets (and yes, that includes black dogs and cats), so you can see every detail in their fur and eyes.
Expressions that show personality— I know how to elicit and capture the quirks and little looks that show who your pet really is.
Flattering posing— I pose pets (and people!) so that everyone looks their best.
Images that capture your relationship— My goal is to create portraits that reflect the deep love and connection you share with your pet.
No worries about leashes or training— Most dogs I photograph are on leash (which I edit out afterward). I also work with a dog handler who knows exactly what I want. That makes it easier for you and also helps with anxious or untrained pets.

Want to know what a pet photo shoot is really like?
This short video gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work with me — and how I photograph pets and their humans.

What My Clients Are Saying About My Pet Photography

“I don’t even know where to begin expressing my gratitude for Ellen and the incredible gift she gave me in photographing my beloved dog, Midna…. Every photo reflects who Midna truly is, and the bond we’ve built over the years…. If you’re looking for someone who doesn’t just take pictures, but also sees and honors your relationship with your pet, Ellen is the one.”

Crystal—Midna’s mom

“Ellen Zangla is superb at capturing just the right moment and expression. Snickers is my shadow, and I adore him. That’s why I’m so happy the photo of us together reflects that bond—I’ll treasure these images for a lifetime. It’s so heartwarming to see love hanging on my wall.”

Diane—Snickers’ mom

“Ellen was wonderful with my pets. Because of this, they were all immediately comfortable with her—even the shyer ones. The photographs are beautiful, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.”

Joanne—mom to many, many pets

“Ellen has done multiple photoshoots with my three dogs, and just when I think I’ve found my favorite image, she surprises me with something even better! I absolutely love working with her—and so do our dogs. Loudoun County pet owners are especially lucky to have such a talented pet photographer.”

Laura—Mom to Remington, Scout, & Patch

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Serving Loudoun County, Northern Virginia, and the DC Metro Area

Award-winning pet photography—including dog photography, cat photography, and family photography with pets. I serve Loudoun County, Northern Virginia, and the DC Metro area, including Ashburn, Leesburg, Reston, Fairfax, Great Falls, and McLean.