Upcoming Dog Friendly Events near Williamsburg VA
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Leash or no leash…
Quick Q&A…
Does my dog have to be off leash trained for their session?
Nope…
What if I want action shots?
Same answer….
Won’t that look weird in a close up?
Nah…
What if I have multiple dogs?
Okay…
Now that we have eliminated that worry….Send me a note to set up your session!
NEW LOGO….
New Logo
>>>>>
New Logo >>>>>
And a few questions I have been thinking about…let me know your thoughts
✨ The Mother’s Day Portrait Experience is here ✨
Something special is coming for Mother’s Day…
A luxury session designed to capture her connection with her dog — beautifully and intentionally. A gift she’ll never forget.
For the ones who are always behind the camera
and the ones who love them most 🤍
Because these aren’t just photos… they’re part of her story.
If you're anything like most dog moms…
You have a camera roll full of your pup—
but almost none with YOU in them.
A limited number of Mother’s Day Portrait Experience gift certificates are available now.
$155 includes a custom portrait session for you and your bestie + a complimentary 8×10in print
We will plan your session to capture the unique bond you have with your dog(s). We can work together to choose a day and location that works for you. You will be the only session for that morning so you can feel relaxed knowing we have plenty of time to get our shot. After your session we will design artwork or an album or whatever fits your needs. You will select your favorite images (including for your 8×10).
To reserve your certificate, email info@sweetelliephotography.com.
The portrait experience can be scheduled for any time before the end of 2026.
For those who’ve been waiting for something a little more limited…we have something for you as well.
🌸 Mother’s Day Petite Portrait Experience 🌸
A short, beautifully styled session created for dog moms who want something meaningful — without the full session commitment.
• Limited to just a handful of spots
• Soft, timeless spring styling
• Designed to be simple, elevated, and unforgettable.
$125 includes a 20 minute session with your and your dog(s) + 2 full-resolution digital files.
Petite sessions will be held in Colonial Williamsburg on May 9th and May 17th.
These will go quickly!
If you’ve been on the fence, this is your sign!
Email info@sweetelliephotography.com
or submit your interest at https://www.sweetelliephotography.com/contact
Farmer’s Markets
Farmer’s Markets for Spring
Where can you head with your pup as the temps warm? Check it out
Toano Open Air Market
7891 Richmond Road Toano VA, Toano, VA, United States, Virginia
Open From the first Saturday in March until Christmas
9am-12pm (unless it is storming!) On The Village Green
Stop by Hohl after shopping! Pets not allowed inside unfortunately, but you can get it to go!
I love the idea of bringing dogs to the farmer’s market for so many reasons!
It is great socialization
Busy place to practice training…perfect for when you are trying to practice a skill your dog has already learned.
Great bonding time between you (or you and fam) and the dog(s)
Exercise and fresh air
My favorite…tiring them out! Between the walking, listening, meeting people, sniffing…get ready for a tired pup!
Williamsburg Farmer’s Market
345 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Saturdays
Regular Season 2026
February - December
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Rain or Shine
Check out their website for lots of details of which vendors will be at the market.
Let’s Go!
Yorktown Market Days
2026 Regular Season
Saturdays, April 11 to September 26
8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Except May 2, June 13, and July 4; Some markets extended until 3 p.m.)
Check their website for weekly updates: https://www.visityorktown.org
Yorktown has a good amount of space to walk the dogs around (check rules for the beach). We like to walk up the hill and get coffee at Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters!
Yorktown has great themed markets! Here are the next 3:
April 18 - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Sister Cities French Market
April 25 & 26 - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Pirate Invasion Market
May 9 - 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Vintage Market/Car Show on Main Street
Let me know if you check any out and what you find!
If you want an alternative way to tire the pup(s) out, set up a Sweet Ellie Photography portrait session!
MOMENTS IN FOCUS
There’s something extra special about getting to photograph a dog’s first year—especially when that dog is more like family. Anya just turned one, and capturing this milestone felt like celebrating a year full of joy, growth, and a whole lot of play.
From the very beginning, Anya has been part of our world. She and Mabel have been best friends since they were just 12 weeks old, and watching their bond has been nothing short of amazing. Their playdates have always been full of energy, chaos, and pure happiness.
Anya’s personality shines in every frame throughout the year. She’s energetic, fun, and endlessly playful! But beyond her playful side, she’s also incredibly well-trained. At just one year old, Anya has already passed her Canine Good Citizen test—a huge accomplishment and a reflection of the dedication and love her family has poured into her.
During our sessions, we focused on capturing one moment of time. All of those joyful expressions and interactions that show just how much life she brings to everyone around her.
Anya’s first year has been full of milestones, friendship, and love, and I feel so lucky to have been there to document it. Watching her grow from a tiny puppy into the vibrant, confident dog she is today has been such a rewarding experience!
Have you had a portrait session to celebrate your pup/best friend and all the joy they bring your life?!
A Little Secret About Dog Photo Sessions…
One thing I hear all the time is…my dog won’t sit still. Sometimes, I hear…my dog is too crazy.
My big secret is…your dog doesn’t have to sit still!
We photograph all of our dogs on leash. So when you see a dog sitting perfectly, they are actually on leash. Using the leash provides safety first and foremost, but it also allows us to guide the dog into the area that we are photographing.
We don’t only photograph dogs who are off leash with perfect recall. Nope! We have had the chance to photograph all different breeds, sizes, energy levels, training levels, shyness levels; and we have loved each one! My favorite thing to hear after a photo reveal is…you really got their personality. My goal in our session is to create portraits that capture the true charm of YOUR pup.
We just let your dog be a dog. It is what they are best at!
I like to follow the lead of the dog, so if they want to run…we run.
If they want to play…we play!
If they want to swim…we swim!
So next time you think my dog won’t do that, remember that it’s okay! They don’t have to be anything but themselves!
Send me a message with all of your questions!
What’s Been Going on Lately…
February 2026
Most recently we had an amazing event over at Zoom Room to celebrate Valentine’s Day! This year was our 3rd event and it just keeps getting better each year! Thank you to everyone that came out! It was so much fun to see everyone, including those pups we’ve gotten to see grow since the first year!
Check out some of these cuties!
Watch out next February for the 4th annual event!
What’s coming up in March…
March Pet Holidays & Observances
Monthlong: Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month.
Mar 1: National Pig Day, National Welsh Corgi Day.
Mar 2: International Rescue Cat Day.
Mar 3: World Wildlife Day
Mar 13: K9 Veterans Day.
Mar 23: National Puppy Day.
Mar 28: Respect Your Cat Day.
I am so excited for a quickly approaching Spring…get ready for some sunny, sparkly, flowery sessions!
We have already started to get our spring sessions on the calendar. If you haven’t already scheduled your session, get in touch now! You definitely don’t want to miss out!
It’s been a while…let me know what has going on with you! Email me at info@sweetelliephotography.com
Unleashing Potential: Zoom Room Williamsburg Talks All Things Dog Training
It is no surprise that I love Zoom Room Williamsburg! From basic puppy training to advanced scent work, they continue to surpass expectation. Since I am a “ask all the questions” type person (sorry to anyone in class with me), I asked the trainers to answer a few questions about some of the basics of dog training. Enjoy!
What are the first commands you recommend teaching dogs?
Our very first command that we always start with is how to gain your dogs focus by using name game - before commands we recommend getting them into any early socialization class as soon as you can.
Do I need to consider my dog’s breed while training?
Yes - genetics go into play when training your dog. Genetics play a role in motivation and drive levels - considering your dog's genetics is important not only important while training but also before bringing the new fur friend into your home.
How much time should I dedicate to training per day?
Training should be short and frequent - we recommend a few short sessions throughout the day.
How do I stop my dog from jumping on people?
Reinforcement is what continues any behavior - not reinforcing the behavior (ex. talking to, looking at, or moving) when your dog jumps is always our step 1! Impulse control is also an important step to distinguishing the behavior.
What should I do if my dog pulls on the leash each time we walk?
First. reevaluate what you are walking your dog on; this plays a large role in the reinforcement that pulling gives your dog naturally. This is through a reaction they experience called opposition reflex. Dogs don't know how to walk on leash by genetics, this is something we must train by working on skills such as heel with distractions.
Thank you to Zoom Room Williamsburg for sharing their knowledge with us!
MOMENTS IN FOCUS
River & Pride
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River & Pride -
One type of session that I do not do nearly enough is equine.
Similar to all my sessions, I always look for opportunities for a variety of images with horses, typically some headshot type portraits as well as some natural light images.
The most common type of portrait requested is that black background image (i.e., low key)..
It allows you to truly focus on the elegance of the animal.
The dark background really highlights the details and coloring of the horse as well.
One of my main focuses during an equine session is the angles created by the horse. Horses are gorgeous, but large animals. It is easy to find an unflattering perspective. Patience is key here!
Photographing horses takes a lot of teamwork. Typically we have a few roles in the equine session. Besides me holding the camera, there obviously has to be someone holding the horse. This person has to be knowledgeable about the movement of the horse and preferably have a trusting relationship with the animal.
This a great setup, but at least one more person is typically needed and that is the “attention-getter” (that is an industry term of course). The attention-getter has a serious but challenging role. They work hard to get the horses attention and to help find the perfect look. Especially in horses, the alert ears are vital…which is easier said than done. It is quite a scene with the noises, hat/branch waving, and jumping up and down, but it definitely could not be done without this person!
Send me a message with any thoughts or comments you have. I would love to hear it!
🐾 Before & After: The Power of Editing in Pet Photography
Pet photography is all about capturing the spirit, personality, and quirks of our furry friends. But, capturing the moment is only half the job. The other half happens after the session—during editing, where raw images are refined into stunning portraits.
In this post, I’ll take you behind the scenes to show how editing enhances your pet’s personality, corrects distractions, and transforms good images into gallery-worthy art.
🐾 Why Editing Matters in Pet Photography
Pets don’t pose like people. They move quickly, get distracted easily, and often have unique fur textures, colors, or eye reflections that can challenge even the best camera settings.
Editing isn’t about making pets look “perfect”—it’s about making the image feel real, intentional, and emotionally resonant. Here's what post-processing allows us to do:
Correct lighting or exposure issues
Remove distractions in the background
Bring out detail in fur and eyes
Adjust color tones for warmth and clarity
Enhance mood or style (e.g., soft, dreamy, vibrant, dramatic)
🐕 Wrapping Up: Editing is Art, Not Deception
Some people worry that editing "fakes" a photo, but in pet photography, it's all about enhancing reality, not replacing it. A well-edited photo still reflects the real pet—just with the distractions removed and their personality front and center.
Whether it’s removing a leash, adjusting fur color to match real life, or bringing light into a shadowy eye, editing is an essential part of telling your pet’s story in the most beautiful way possible.
🐾 Ready to book a session?
Or curious about how your pet's photos can be brought to life through editing?
Let’s chat!
Capturing Natural Pet Portraits: My Approach to Stress-Free Photography Sessions
During each of my photography sessions, I aim to create a relaxed and creative atmosphere where everyone—especially your pet—feels comfortable and has fun. One of the reasons I love photographing animals outdoors is because it’s such a natural setting. That environment helps your pet feel at ease, which in turn leads to portraits that genuinely reflect their personality.
Depending on where your pet is comfortable, we can have our session in a variety of settings.
I like to let your pet guide the session. If they love to run, we’ll capture them in motion. If they enjoy swimming, we’ll head to the water. By following their lead, I can ensure the final images showcase who they truly are. Of course, I also work to capture a variety of images, including more traditional posed portraits, but flexibility is key. If your dog isn’t feeling a certain pose or setting, we’ll adjust—either finding a new approach or shifting to something that suits them better.
Mako had a fun session at Jamestown Beach a few years ago. Mako is very active and when we first started the session, he was not all that into the idea of standing still (I can’t blame him…there is water right there!) So we pivoted and encouraged Mako to enjoy the beach. What resulted were these amazing, fun, and personality-filled images!
Levi is a sweet mama’s boy who did not want to stray too far from his person. So, we went with it and ended up with some of the sweetest images!
Lovable Lola was a little nervous at the start of our session, so we gave her some extra time to warm up. I also photographed her with a longer lens so she felt like her space was respected and she could still be herself.
Before the session, I always consult with you to understand your vision and how you plan to use the photos. This helps me tailor the experience to match your expectations and create images you’ll truly love!
Tooth Truth:
A Vet Answers Your Pet Dental Questions
Recently Dr. Moyer of Five Forks Animal Clinic answered a few frequently asked questions about your pet’s dental health…read on for a few tips!
Why is dental care so important for dogs and cats?
—There’s a direct link between dental disease and heart disease, not to mention PAIN when the teeth are diseased. Plus stinky “dog breath” or “cat breath” is actually dental disease/tartar buildup!
What is the most common dental issue in dogs and cats?
Dogs
Periodontal disease…this is where the ligament that holds the tooth in the jaw detaches and makes the tooth loose. As you can imagine, this causes pain and also requires extraction…
A close second (that I see) is broken (fractured) teeth from chewing on things that are too hard. Use my “rule of thumb” …if the bone/chew is too hard to indent with your thumbnail, then it’s too hard for them to chew! Pet’s jaws are WAY stronger than their teeth and they WILL try to bite through a hard chew, breaking their tooth in the process. This creates pain and usually an abscessed tooth root. I always recommend only using VOHC approved dental chews: Accepted Products | Veterinary Oral Health Council
**DO NOT USE ANTLERS. I can’t tell you how many teeth I’ve had to extract because they were broken on an antler.
Cats
Resorptive Lesions…these are like REALLY painful cavities. The bone literally absorbs the root, but in the process creates painful cavities in the crown of the tooth. Sometimes, I can remove the crown, but many times I have to remove the whole tooth with roots included.
Why does my dog’s breath smell so bad?
Tartar/dental disease! It’s typically actually the bacteria that smells so bad.
How often should I brush by dogs teeth?
Every day! That seems impossible at first, but you can desensitize them to it with a little time. Start with them just licking the toothpaste off of the toothbrush. We really like the Jasper Finger Brush and CET Enzymatic toothpaste (the vanilla mint smells wonderful). Then, start to let them nibble on the toothbrush, and eventually you can brush the whole mouth!
What else can I do at home for my pets oral health?
“Dental Care powder” from Vertiscience (formerly Perio Support)…it has a probiotic that helps get rid of the “bad” tartar-causing bacteria and enzymes that can dissolve some of the tartar (aka plaque).
VeggieDent chews: daily vegetable based chews to help “brush” the teeth
Anything else approved by the VOHC (link above)
How often do dogs and cats need dentals by a veterinarian?
…some never need a cleaning if their teeth are brushed and cared for regularly! Some need cleanings every few years, some yearly, some every 6 months! It definitely depends on the dog/breed. If they are on soft food only, that typically leads to more tartar buildup (hard food helps “brush” the teeth when they chew it).
Thanks to Dr. Moyer for answering a few questions for all of us curious pet parents!
Questions or thoughts…I want to hear from you! If you have any ideas for future blog posts that you would like to see, let me know!
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for specific guidance and recommendations tailored to your pet’s individual needs.
Moments in Focus
Meet Hummus!
(Yes…best name ever!)
Hummus is a sweet black lab puppy. He is currently being trained for a very important job!
Hummus is a part of Canine Companions in Williamsburg, VA.
[Canine Companions] “provides service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings.”
Hummus is being trained by the amazing @raising.puppies (IG). This is the third dog in training that I have photographed with @raising.puppies. Hummus will stay in his current home for about 18 months and then will move on to the next stage of training. I am lucky enough to be able to photograph Hummus again at 18 months and see how he has grown.
Fun Fact…Hummus is the son of the last dog I photographed for @raising.puppies…Gage. We also photographed Gage as a pup and at 18 months.
Check out Gage’s puppy images at the end of this post.
The type of job Hummus will hold will be determined when he is older. Now he is just focusing on learning great puppy manners!
Visit https://canine.org/about/who-we-are/ for more info on Canine Companions!
*Top Row: Gage
*Bottom Row: Hummus
Follow us on social media @sweetelliephotos or send me a note here
Follow Hummus @raising.puppies
Follow Canine Companions @canineorg
Fall for Fido: Can't-Miss Dog Events in Williamsburg
Fall in Williamsburg is a gorgeous time with so many things to do around town! And what better way to enjoy Williamsburg than with your pup? Dogs make everything more fun, right?!
Check out Fall inspired crafts at 2nd Sundays Williamsburg Art and Music Festival
On October 12, bring Fido out for music, magicians, food, and handmade crafts. 2nd Sundays features over 180 artists, food vendors, and musicians on the second Sunday of each month from March to December. Take a walk through 6 blocks downtown from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Peep Some Leaves
Free and simple…my favorite type of outing. You can catch beautiful leaves turning vibrant colors all over town. A classic spot to start is Duke of Gloucester Street. If you really want to push your walk over the edge of color, head over close to sunset. As you enjoy the leaves, you can add in beautiful colors throughout the sky. One more bonus, hang out until the lighting of the cressets.
Celebrate at the 3rd Annual Williamsburg Fall Festival
Hosted by Midtown Row and CultureFix, the 3rd Annual Williamsburg Fall Festival will be popping up at 200 College Row. This free event occurs November 1, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Drop by with Pup for live music, craft beer, snacks and fun for the family. Costumes are even encouraged.
Until next time…
Your Guide to a Perfect Photo Experience with Sweet Ellie Photography
You’ve booked your photo session…now what? Here are just a few ideas to get you started!
Schedule any grooming a couple of weeks prior to your session. You want your dog to be fresh and clean, but you do not want to end up with a cut you don't like. Just like you wouldn't get a cut the day before a big event, follow the same rules for your pets.
2. Make sure your dog has a suitable collar and non-retractable leash. Safety always comes first. We want a well fitting collar that keeps your pup secure. Your dog is welcome to wear a harness during the session. However, harnesses are not removed in post-processing, so a collar allows for a cleaner view of the chest.
3. What reinforces your pup? Whatever it is, you want to bring it along! It can be treats or toys…bring along whatever may help your pup to happily participate in the session.
4. Choose your outfit! You and your family are more than welcome to be a part of the session. Usually I recommend neutral colors with solid patterns.
5. Complete your questionnaire and contract. Part of the booking process is a brief contract and questionnaire. I will send those to you once you book your session date and you will complete them online.
6 Spend some time thinking about how you will use your images and about any specific photos you would like to capture. This knowledge will allow us to tailor your session toward what you are envisioning. Additionally, thinking about how you would like to use your photos helps me plan the flow of our time together. You can review our session guide and artwork offerings, which will be attached to nearly all emails. It helps to know whether you are looking for one statement piece featuring a classic portrait or an album that includes a variety of images capturing your dog’s personality.
7. If you can, avoid any intense running of playing immediately before the session. While it could possibly help wear your pup out, we might end up with all panting faces and big tongues hanging out for all the images. We want to give your dog the best chance to really show their best selves during their time in the spotlight.
8. Lastly, reach out to me with any questions and get ready to have fun!