Outdoor Dog Portraits in Northern Virginia

Outdoor Dog Photography in Northern Virginia that Captures Your Dog’s Personality

Your dog is unique — and your photos should be, too!

I specialize in outdoor dog photography that captures your dog’s true personality—from soulful to sweet to silly. Most sessions take place on my private property in Loudoun County, Northern Virginia, where dogs can relax, explore, and have fun. I also photograph at locations that are meaningful to you and your dog, like your home or a favorite park.

And don’t worry if your dog isn’t perfectly trained or can’t be off-leash—I edit out leashes so you’d never know they were there.

I always encourage my clients to be in some of the photos with their pets, because I think it’s really important to capture that relationship. You can see examples of some of those moments in my Pets and Their Humans gallery.

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

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

English Bulldog sitting in front of a purple wall in Loudoun County, VA.

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

Beagle looking out the window of an antique truck In Loudoun County, VA.

Belgian Malinois standing on a boulder in front of a field in Loudoun County, Va.

Yellow Lab standing outside in the water in Leesburg, VA.

Dog peeking through leaves outside in Northern VA.

Older German Shepherd standing in fall leaves outside in Northern VA.

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

Adorable Yorkie running outside in the grass in Loudoun County.

Wet Chocolate Lab lying on pool deck outside in Northern Va.

Corgi standing outside in the bluebells in Loudoun County.

Black heeler mix standing in garden in Northern Virginia.

Yellow Lab lying outside on his patio in Loudoun County, VA.

Service dog lying outside in Leesburg, VA.

Border Collie sitting in the bluebells in Leesburg, VA.

Four Boston Terriers standing outside on a boulder in Loudoun County, VA.

Fluffy brown dog lying outside in the fall in Loudoun County.

Close-up of a Redbone Coonhound sitting outside in the fall in Loudoun County, Va.

Chocolate Lab lying in the back of an antique truck bed in Loudoun County, VA.

Mixed breed dog standing on a boulder in front of a field of tall grasses in Loudoun County, VA.

Two Yorkies looking out the back of an antique truck in Loudoun County, VA

Black and white mixed breed dog sitting on a crate outside in the fall in Loudoun County, VA.

Your dog doesn‘t need to be perfectly trained (or light colored) to get amazing photos you’ll love!

Think your dog will be tough to photograph? You’re not alone.
A lot of people worry their dog won’t cooperate—especially if they’re not well trained, can’t be off leash. Others are concerned about how dogs with dark coats will photograph. But as a professional pet photographer in Northern Virginia, I’ve worked with hundreds of dogs of all temperaments (and fur colors).

Black dogs? I know how to light them so you can see their eyes and all the details in their fur.

Leash required? Most of the dogs you see on my website were wearing one—I edit it out afterward.

Not well trained? Your dog doesn’t have to be perfectly trained to get great photos. My sessions are relaxed and low-pressure, with plenty of time for your dog to sniff, settle in, and just be themselves. I also work with a dog handler, which makes things easier for you—and more fun for your pup.

Bottom line: Your dog doesn’t have to be perfect for you to get amazing photos you’ll love.
If you’re looking for outdoor dog photography in Northern Virginia, I’d love to talk with you. Schedule your free consultation today.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Does your dog love to run, chase a ball, or show off their Zoomies?

If your pups are always on the move, you’ll love the gallery filled with high-energy moments that capture dogs doing what they love the most — enjoying life!

See Dogs in Action

“Ellen’s work is nothing short of AMAZING! The photos she took of my stubborn little Beagle princess captured her personality better than I could have ever imagined.” – Tammy, Trudy’s mom