A professional photo session for a dog’s birthday!

My wife and I are definitely animal people, and many of those closest to us in our life are animal people too. I actually even spent some time as an assistant dog trainer after our first dog together went through training, before the pandemic changed a whole lot in everyones lives.

Why a portrait session for a dog?

My friend and colleague - like true millennial dog parents - wanted to document a milestone birthday for her pup Chewie (yes like the Star Wars character - because they are obsessed!) Knowing how obsessed I am with dogs and that I was scheduling some portrait, sessions she asked if I could document this session for her and her husband. Of course, my answer was when and where? Let’s do this.

This is definitely one of the trends I can get behind, and I actually started out with many dog portraits before expanding to weddings and events. Our dogs end up being like our children and of course an important part of our families. We want to capture memories with them too!

The location - Sayen House and Gardens in Hamilton, NJ

If you have never been to Sayen House and Gardens, it is a beautiful parcel of land dedicated to flowers, bird, wildlife, and wooded lands. There is a house that sits on the land, from around 1912, which is still used today for weddings and events. It is free entry every day, dogs are allowed on leash, and there are trails that lead through wooded areas to a small pond area, different flowered areas, fields, and streams.

On nice weekends this park can get busy because it is such a beautiful piece of preserved land in Hamilton, NJ that is so easily accessible. But if you and your family (including your well behaved pup) are looking for something a little different - I would definitely put this on your list. I have photographed here many times and always welcome another trip back!

Chewie and his parents definitely enjoyed the fresh air and exploring the park together. We got some time to catch up with each other, be a little bit silly, plus dogs just make everything better.

Are you thinking your family needs a portrait session with your dog(s) included now too? I would love to work with you!

You can also find more about bringing your dog to a photo session in an earlier blog I wrote here.