🐾 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!
Top 4 Favorite Enrichment Toys
Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble
We have used the Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble since Ellie was a tiny pup. Not only is it mentally stimulating, but it gets your dog moving around as they “hunt” for their food. There are two different sizes and each holds an entire meal. There are rubber bumpers that protect floors and furniture. Best part, it is dishwasher safe! You can find the Kibble Nibble on the PetSafe website or third party sites like Chewy.
Puzzles by Nina Ottoson
If you aren’t familiar with Nina Ottoson, quickly head over to the website where you will be met with a variety of toys, games, and puzzles. The toys are separated into 4 levels. Typically, the puzzle games have your dog find hidden treats. A recent favorite is the Dog Snuffle N' Treat Ball. Similar to the other games, this toy provides physical and mental stimulation.
Snuffle Mat
The snuffle mat is a simple item that can serve several functions. Snuffle mats provide enrichment and mental stimulation while your dog snuffles for treats. It also helps develop a dog’s sense of smell. Additionally, it can be used to slow down a fast eater. Snuffle mats come in a variety of formats, shapes, and colors. The snuffle mat has strips of fabric that can be arranged into folds, pockets, and flaps. A recent favorite of mine is the Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Stuff N' Snuffle Interactive Plush Puzzle & Snuffle Ball Dog Toy. The snuffle is formed into a ball for even more fun!
Project Hive Pet Company Chew Toy
The Project Hive Pet Company Chew Toy is a fetch/chew toy and treat dispenser. There are several options on how to use this interactive chew toy. It is compatible with the Hive Chew Stick Treats that easily fit inside of the toy, making it easy and quick to prep. I love when no advance prep is required! Chewing promotes healthy teeth and gums. We also sometimes just press kibble into the center. When there are just a few pieces of kibble left, it is fun to bounce the toy and watch the erratic bounce that sends kibble flying. Dogs and people alike get excited. This is another dishwasher safe toy! It can be purchased from the creators website, but is also available on sites such as Chewy or Amazon.
Paws & Paths: 5 Outdoor Adventures to Enjoy with Your Dog in Williamsburg, Virginia
Paws & Paths: 5 Outdoor Adventures to Enjoy with Your Dog in Williamsburg, Virginia
York River State Park
York River State Park is one of our favorite parks in the Hampton Roads area. There are tons of paths and lots of wildlife. Since the park borders the York River, you are able to see gorgeous waters as well as forest paths. Our favorite trail goes right down to the beach!
Pros: Variety of trails, soft paths for our pawed friends, water views, equestrian trails, hike options with some elevation
Good to Know Before You Go: Since this is a Virginia State Park, there is a $5 parking fee. Dogs are not allowed on canoes.
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is a beautiful spot to stroll with your dog. You can grab coffee from Aroma’s, Eleva, Hohl, or the Bake Shop in the morning. In the evening, make your way over to Precarious Beer or Amber Ox for a beer or cocktail.
Colonial Williamsburg is one of our favorite places to photograph, so make sure you stop and grab a photo with your phone to capture your adventure. There are lots of sights for you and your dog to enjoy on Duke of Gloucester Street. Ellie loves to meet all of the actor-interpreters walking around (and sometimes carrying treats)!
Pros: Lots of spots to stop and grab food or drinks, outdoor dining tables where you can take a break, lots of people and dogs (if your dog is into that)
Good to Know Before You Go: Lots of people and dogs (if you dog is not into that), paved paths, streets are fairly sunny so be cautious mid day in the summer
Freedom Park
Freedom Park is another of my favorite places to photograph. It has really beautiful light that streams through the trees in the morning. There is also a small botanical garden that blooms in spring and definitely worth a walk through. Many of the paths at Freedom Park are paved. There are unpaved paths through the woods, but they are shared with mountain bikers. Although the pup can’t go, Go Ape is a fun outing and shares a parking lot with Freedom Park.
Pros: Shaded paths, flowers/gardens
Good to Know: Unpaved paths are shared with bikers which can be stressful (Ellie likes to stand in the middle of course), the rest of the paths are paved, mostly wooded so not much scenery
New Quarter Park
New Quarter Park can be accessed off of the Colonial Parkway which provides a beautiful backdrop for your drive. When you arrive, you will find a disc golf course (where ellie likes to watch the frisbees bring thrown), as well as endless paths. You could wander around the paths all day if you wanted.
Pros: Lots of trails, gravel trails, lots of tree coverage/shade for your hike, spots overlooking water, the park has enough space that you can distance yourself from others
Good to Know: Mostly tree lined paths (so if you are not into a forest hike this is not the place for you), limited/confusing parking
Waller Mill Park
Waller Mill Park provides a great variety of activities in one place. There are a few unpaved paths that twist and turn through the tress and provide for great hikes. There is a nice lake and a dock to catch a sunset. And to top it off, there is a dog park! If your dog needs to burn some energy or really needs a play date, there is a fenced dog park with lots of shade for you. If you are looking for more of a true hike, Waller Mill is a great spot. The paths wind through woods with changing elevations. Hiking shoes are never a bad idea here though.
Pros: Dog park, hiking paths (ups and downs/twists and turns), water views
Good to Know: Entry fee to visit (some days), not a lot of paved or flat trails, dogs are not allowed on rented canoes or paddle boats
So go ahead and make your and your pup’s day by checking out one of these great spots that make Williamsburg so special!
Make sure to let us know what you think!