For as long as I can remember, my life has revolved around caring for companion animals and nurturing the bonds they share with their human families - first as a vet tech, now as a pet photographer. This blog is where I will feature my fave pet photo sessions, share pet tips - including how to take better photos of your own pet, home decor and pet photo display ideas, news, updates, special events, and probably a lot of rambling about dogs and how awesome they are.
Pet Photo Blog
Mia the Labrador Retriever on the Dobson Trail
The Dobson Trail in Riverview is a 58-km trail that will take you all the way to Fundy National Park! Or, if you're like me, you can just hike the short loop off of Pine Glen Road, which still has plenty of scenic pay-off in river views and picturesque wooden bridges.
The trail is never more beautiful than in the fall, and that’s when I got to photograph Mia, the lovely black Labrador Retriever for my Tails of the Chocolate River book.
Thanksgiving, Dogs, and Gratitude
As a child, I hated autumn. It meant the end of time at my family’s cottage, which was my happy place, and it also meant back to school, where I was profoundly miserable.
As an adult, I gradually came around. There’s no denying that the changing leaves are beautiful here in Southern New Brunswick, there are fewer mosquitos in the backyard and fewer tourists at the beach!
As a pet photographer, I have learned to LOVE fall. The browns and golds compliment most dogs so beautifully and fit easily into neutral home decor. I think most dogs are more comfortable during their cooler weather sessions, too (I know I am)!
Cooper the Boxer's Fall Photos in Hillsborough
Lucky boxer Cooper is loved by the owners of the Pet Valu in Riverview! If you’ve ever been there, you may have seen the top right portrait hanging proudly behind the checkout counter.
Late autumn was the perfect time for this session because the reeds and marsh grasses had turned gold and brown, making a beautiful, muted background for his brindle colouring.
2024 Eastern Canada Image Competition - Best In Class!
This past weekend was the awards ceremony for the Professional Photographers of Canada Eastern Image Competition. It was super fun to gather with some other local photographers in the Greater Moncton area to watch the awards and celebrate together at 5 Bridges in Riverview. Our Atlantic members represented very well in competition against members from Quebec and Ontario.
I received a Best in Class and a Judge’s Choice award for my Conceptual Illustration titled “Harlequin Romance”. (None of the judges seemed to get that it’s a Harlequin Great Dane, which was disappointing, but luckily they loved it, anyway!)
Rosco the Newfoundland Dog at Angel Mist Antiques in Albert County
I photographed Rosco, the chocolate Newfoundland dog in the autumn leaves for my Tails of the Chocolate River book. This beautiful boy has quite a story, so buckle up!
Here’s Rosco’s “tail”, in the words of his person, Stacey:
"Rosco is a Newfoundland dog. He joined our family at the young age of 3 weeks old when I fostered him and his nine siblings. It was love at first sight.
"Unfortunately Rosco was diagnosed with a severe genetic hip disorder in both hips at 7 months old. He underwent two major surgeries to completely remove both hip joints. His recovery was not going well and we were facing the possibility of losing him unless we could locate some hydrotherapy services, which were not available in our area.
Auston in Autumn - A Golden Retriever in Centennial Park, Moncton
Autumn is one of my favourite times for outdoor dog photoshoots. The stunning fall foliage here in New Brunswick makes a beautiful backdrop, and cooler temperatures make it more comfortable for most dogs. It’s easier to get those mouth-closed, tongue-in shots when they aren’t hot and panting. Added bonus, fewer mosquitoes!
Hunting Dogs On The Shepody Marsh
All of my custom pet photo sessions start with a phone call to plan the perfect session for each pet family. No two are ever completely alike, even at the same location!
During our planning call, this client told me that she had grown up next to the Shepody Marsh in Albert County, NB. She said that she would love to do her photo session there because it would be such a fitting location for her two hunting dogs, Brittany Spaniels Gauge and Georgia.
2024 Pet Photo Calendar Contest Outtakes
This year’s PAW-SBA Pet Photo Calendar Contest was another success, raising over $6000 for the Moncton animal shelter! We also had a record number of cats in the top 12 this year, which did lead to some challenges during the photo shoots. Well, you’ll see - here are some of the session outtakes!
A Perfect Pair Of Pitbulls at Fundy National Park
I got to meet and photograph Axle and Arya in 2021, for my Tails of the Chocolate River book project. Since the book is sold out*, I thought it was a good time to start sharing some of these wonderful dog stories and stunning locations.
(*There may be a couple of copies tucked away somewhere, get in touch if you really want one.)
An Adorable Puppy Photoshoot In Moncton
When I saw my vet (the wonderful Dr Adele Doucet at Vet Champlain in Dieppe) post photos of an adorable Corgi puppy with a raccoon mask on her Instagram story, of course I wanted to photograph him! I was over the moon when I discovered that he was actually the new little brother of Rosie the German Shepherd, and they already had plans to book a session! I had already had the pleasure of photographing Rosie a couple of times, she was even the cover dog for the PAW/SBA (formerly Greater Moncton SPCA)’s 2022 calendar, along with cat sister Luna.