Signature Pet Photography Session

My most popular session — tailored to you and your pet.

Schedule Your Free, No-Obligation Consultation

Whether you have an energetic puppy, a mellow senior, a cat who rules the house, or want your whole family in the frame, I’ll tailor the session around you.

Most sessions take place on my private property in western Loudoun County, designed specifically for pet photography. For indoor-only pets, I come to you. Either way, you’ll walk away with photos you’ll genuinely love.

Woman hugging her older dog outside in Northern Virginia
Woman hugging her older dog outside in Northern Virginia
Redbone Coonhound puppy looking out the back of a truck window outside in Northern Virginia.
Redbone Coonhound puppy looking out the back of a truck window outside in Northern Virginia.
Puppy play-biting an older dog outdoors in Loudoun County
Puppy play-biting an older dog outdoors in Loudoun County
Gray cat lying on a yellow couch during an indoor photo shoot in Leesburg, VA.
Gray cat lying on a yellow couch during an indoor photo shoot in Leesburg, VA.
High-speed action shot of a dog chasing a ball in the fall
High-speed action shot of a dog chasing a ball in the fall
Two Golden Retrievers, one who is a puppy, sitting outside in Loudoun County.
Two Golden Retrievers, one who is a puppy, sitting outside in Loudoun County.

What’s included in a Signature Session

We’ll plan your session together so it reflects your pet and your priorities.

  • Pre-session consultation to plan your shoot and answer your questions
  • Location recommendations, including my private property in western Loudoun County
  • Clothing suggestions so you look great in your photos
  • Tips to help your pet arrive ready for their close-up
  • A 90-minute photo shoot — outdoors or in your home for indoor-only pets
  • One household, one or multiple pets
  • Guidance throughout so nothing feels awkward or forced
  • A dog handler on-site if your pup needs one
  • Guided ordering appointment where I’ll use design software to show you exactly how your photos will look on your walls

What to expect

STEP 1

Free consultation

We talk about your pet, your goals, and the kinds of photos you’re hoping for. Casual, no pressure, no obligation.

STEP 2

The session

I guide everything from start to finish. You show up, enjoy it, and let me handle the rest.

STEP 3

Ordering appointment

About a week later, we meet in person or over Zoom to go through your images and choose your favorites.

STEP 4

Artwork on your walls

Finished pieces arrive 4 to 6 weeks after ordering. I’ll even help you hang them.

Wondering what a session is actually like? Here’s a quick look behind the scenes.

Session fees and print pricing

Session fee: $225 Monday–Thursday · $275 Friday–Sunday

The session fee covers your consultation, 90-minute photo shoot, and ordering appointment. Printed products are purchased separately at your ordering appointment.

Most clients spend  between $1,000 and $5,000 on their finished artwork. Prints start at $125, and wall art starts at $495. If you’d like a more complete collection, albums and portrait boxes are available.

When you purchase any printed product, you’ll receive complimentary social media-sized digital files to share with family and friends.

Payment plans are available.

See examples of the products I offer, learn more about pricing, and discover how different products can look in your home on my Products & Pricing page.

Frequently asked questions

What if my dog can’t be off leash, isn’t trained, or won’t sit still?

Most dogs you see on my website were photographed on leash the entire time. I remove leashes during editing, so safety always comes first. I’ve been doing this since 2009 — I know how to read your dog, keep things calm, and find the moments worth capturing.

What if my dog is black?

I photograph black pets often and know exactly how to light and pose them so their eyes and the detail in their fur come through clearly. It’s harder than it looks — and I’ve had a lot of practice.

What if my pet is nervous or shy?

That’s completely okay. I’ll adjust the pace and give your pet whatever they need — extra time, more space, or staying close to you. We work at your pet’s pace, always.

Can other pets or family members be included?

Yes — one household, as many pets and people as you’d like, at no additional charge.

Have more questions? Reach out anytime or view the full FAQ.

“As many other pet parents feel, we were a little worried that the pups wouldn’t cooperate, but Ellen was a true pro and able to work her magic to capture the quirky personalities of our pups.”  — Christina, Sterling, VA

“Even though our two younger dogs were not very cooperative, Ellen was calm, patient, and reassuring throughout the entire session. She clearly has so much experience and knows exactly how to get the perfect shots while also capturing what you’re hoping for.” — Kira, Ashburn, VA

“We have two rambunctious pups, and even though they can be a little hard to photograph, Ellen made the whole process such a fun experience. Now every time I see these beautiful photos I will also remember all the fun we had trying to get these images.” — Deepika, Ashburn, VA

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Ready to get started?

Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and we’ll talk about your pet, your goals, and what a session would look like for you.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Based in Hamilton, VA. Serving Loudoun County, Northern Virginia, and the DC Metro area.

While most of my sessions are dogs and cats, I occasionally (and happily) photograph other pets too — rabbits, lizards, and beyond. If you have an exotic pet, reach out and let’s talk.