Pets and Their Humans

Family Photos with Pets in Northern Virginia

Because your pets aren‘t just part of the picture—they’re part of the family.

Family photos with pets highlight the connection between you and your pet — whether it’s playful, loving, silly, or all of the above. Our pets are part of our family. It’s so important to have photographs that capture the relationship we share with them. Some clients want just a few photos with their pets, while others want most of their photo shoot to focus on the relationship.

These are often the images people treasure most. Why? Because they show the love, bond, and joy that defines life with your pet.

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

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

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

Family photo with pets in Northern Virginia outside in the fall.

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

Dog kissing owner on the face outdoors in Loudoun County, VA.

Man holding gorgeous gray cat in his arms outdoors in Loudoun County, VA.

Woman sitting outside on a picnic blanket with her German Shepherd Dog in Loudoun County, VA.

Couple sitting outside with their two dogs in Northern VA.

Woman outside holding small dog close to her face in Loudoun County, VA.

Family of four sitting outside on the steps with their mini Bernedoodle in Loudoun County, VA.

Couple sitting outside with their dog all wearing Jets jerseys.

Boy sitting outside with black dog and looking at the dog laughing at Morven Park, Leesburg, VA.

Family of four with their dog sitting outside on the steps in front of the mansion at Morven Park in Leesburg, VA.

Man seated outside with his Belgian Malinois in Northern Virginia.

Woman sitting outside on stone steps with her dog in Loudoun County, VA.

Australian Shepherd chasing a ball that her owner just threw in Northern VA.

woman-playing-outside-with-dog-northern-virginia

Family having fun during their outdoor portrait session with their dog in Northern Virginia.

Young girl sitting outside with her face next to her Chocolate Lab in Northern Virginia.

Man and woman with two dogs outdoors in Northern VA for family photo.

Black dog and owner playing in the snow in Northern Virginia.

Dog resting his paw on his owner's hand and looking up at her lovingly outside in Northern Virginia.

Woman hugging dog while sitting on steps outside in Loudoun County.

Greyhound kissing her happy owner outside in Loudoun County, VA.

Family pet photography should be easy—and I’ll make it that way!

Hesitant about being in the photos with your pet?

You’re not alone. Many of my clients tell me they hate being in photos or don’t like how they look on camera. But you’ll never regret having beautiful images that capture the love you share with your pet. I’ll guide you every step of the way so you can relax and enjoy the experience—and walk away with photos you’ll treasure.

Not sure what to wear for your photo shoot?

Don’t worry—I’ll help you every step of the way. You’ll get my best suggestions for what to wear (and what to avoid) for your family photo shoot, and we’ll also go over outfit choices during your consultation. With over 15 years of experience photographing pets and their people, I know how to make the experience simple, comfortable, and stress-free.

Looking for family photos with pets in Northern Virginia with the people your pet loves most?

I’d love to create meaningful photos that show the love and connection you share. Photos of you with your pets aren’t just portraits — they’re reminders of the love and joy your pets bring into your life every day.

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One of my clients said it best:

Woman sitting with her dog on her lap outdoors in Northern Virginia. “Ellen photographed Snickers and me and I absolutely love looking at that picture. He is my shadow and I adore him. The picture of the two of us depicts that feeling. I will treasure these photographs for my lifetime. It is so heart warming to be able to see love hanging on my wall. Thank you, Ellen!” Diane — Snickers’ mom

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Looking to grow your family with a four-legged family member or two?
I absolutely love Lonely Hearts Animal Rescue in Frederick, MD—that’s where we adopted Lola and Aeneas, my two. And if you adopt a dog from them and mention their name when you book your photo shoot, I’ll donate $100 from your session fee to support their incredible work.

I also have a soft spot for Loudoun County Animal Services. My husband and I adopted our first dog from them years ago, so they’ll always hold a special place in my heart. They do a fantastic job helping animals in need across our county, and they offer frequent low-cost vaccination and microchip clinics.