Puppy Photo Sessions

Puppies change fast. These photos make sure you don’t miss it.

The oversized paws, the clumsy curiosity, the ears they haven’t quite grown into yet—none of it lasts. Professional photos help you hold onto those early memories before they’re gone.

I offer puppy photo sessions throughout Northern Virginia and the DC metro area. You can choose a single session to capture this stage of your puppy’s life or the Watch Me Grow plan to document the entire first year.

Most sessions take place on my private property in western Loudoun County, designed specifically for pet photography. It’s safe, quiet, and gives puppies room to explore without the distractions of a busy public park. If you’d rather meet at a favorite location, or have me come to your home, I’m happy to do that too

Want to see more puppy photos? Visit my Puppy Gallery.

Puppy photography sessions across your dog’s first year

During the first year, puppies seem to change every time you look at them. The Watch Me Grow plan captures every stage—from those early weeks when everything is still new, through the awkward teenage phase, all the way to young adulthood. You’ll have beautiful photos of your puppy’s entire first year to enjoy long after the puppy stage is over.

What’s included in a Watch Me Grow session

We’ll plan each session around your puppy’s age, personality, and what’s changing at that stage.

  • Three puppy sessions during your puppy’s first year, typically at 8–12 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Timing is flexible and based on how your puppy is growing.
  • A planning consultation before your first session, plus check-ins before sessions two and three
  • Location options, including my private property in Hamilton, Virginia
  • Preparation guidance before each session
  • A dog handler if your pup needs one
  • A framed three-image collage — one photo from each session
  • A $500 print credit toward wall art, albums, or prints
  • Guided ordering appointment where I’ll use design software to show you exactly how your photos will look on your walls

Every Watch Me Grow plan includes a framed three-image collage featuring one favorite photo from each milestone session.

Three-image collage of puppy photos showing growth over puppy's first year.

What to expect

STEP 1

Free consultation

We talk about your puppy, your goals, and the timing of your sessions. If you decide to move forward, we’ll choose a location and schedule your first shoot.

STEP 2

Three sessions

Each session is planned around your puppy’s age and personality, so every session is different.

STEP 3

Ordering appointment

About a week after each session, we meet to go through your images. You can order as you go or wait until all three sessions are done.

STEP 4

Artwork on your walls

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

If you’re wondering what it’s like to work with me, here’s a behind-the-scenes video.

Watch Me Grow pricing

Watch Me Grow plan: $1,495 (value $1,950)

Includes three photo sessions, a framed three-image collage, and a $500 print credit. Additional printed products are purchased separately at your ordering appointments.

Most Watch Me Grow clients spend between $1,000 and $5,000 on finished artwork over the course of the plan. Prints start at $125, and wall art starts at $495. I also offer portrait boxes and albums.

With any printed piece you purchase, you’ll also receive complimentary social media-sized digital files for sharing.

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

My puppy has no training. Is that okay?

Completely fine. Most puppies have little to no training and that’s not a problem. They’ll be on a leash for most of the session, which I edit out afterward. I also work with a handler who knows exactly how to help. The goal isn’t a perfectly posed puppy — it’s capturing who they are right now.

When should my puppy’s sessions take place?

Typically around 8–12 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. The timing stays flexible and is based on how your puppy is growing. Smaller breeds often mature more quickly, so their sessions may wrap up slightly earlier. Larger breeds may extend slightly beyond a year.

Can other pets or family members be included?

Yes — at any or all sessions, at no additional charge.

What if I just want one session?

A single puppy session follows the same format as my Signature Session — same location options, same process, same everything. Learn more about the Signature Session here.

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

“We purchased Ellen’s Watch Me Grow plan for our new puppy and even brought our second dog to the sessions. She captured beautiful portraits, hilarious puppy antics, and a few photos of us with them, too. Ellen moves effortlessly between portraits and action, which makes a huge difference with puppies. We now have stunning wall art and a beautiful album filled with our favorite moments.” — Kim, Leesburg, VA

“I’ve worked with Ellen for several years and she is simply the best. She knows exactly how to get pets to cooperate during sessions (her husband Mario is a great help, too) and captures the true personality of each animal. Her Watch Me Grow plan for puppies is wonderful—you truly get to watch them grow through her photos.” — Lisa, Ashburn, VA

“I had seen Ellen’s Watch Me Grow puppy sessions before and knew I wanted to do one if we ever brought home a new puppy. When Monroe joined our family, I contacted Ellen right away. She captured so many wonderful photos of his playful puppy personality. We’ll treasure these images for years to come.” — Terese, Purcellville, VA

Ready to document your puppy’s first year?

Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation, and we’ll talk about your puppy, the timing of your sessions, and whether the Watch Me Grow plan is the right fit for you.

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