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Chicago Dog Photographer

Chicago Dog Photographer

Chicago Dog Photographer

I love being a Chicago dog photographer.!

There are so many amazing backgrounds for dog photos in Chicago.

This series of photos were taken downtown near Navy Pier at Milton Lee Olive Park.

It’s a great space for photos with city views.

Chicago Dog PhotographerChicago Dog Photographer

Australian Blue Heeler PortraitChicago Dog Photographer

I love these sunken round areas after it rains. They fill up with water and are great for reflections.

Chicago Dog PhotographerChicago Dog PhotographerChicago Dog PhotographerFamily and Dog PortraitChicago Dog PhotographerMilton Lee Olive Park Dog PhotoChicago Dog Photographer

Capturing Canine Joy: Spontaneous Chicago Dog Photographer

Chicago Dog Photographer

I love taking photos of dogs on the beach as well.

On a beautiful evening recently I found myself on a Chicago beach wrapping up an engagement photo session.

As I walked back to my car, a playful scene caught my eye—a dog chasing a ball along the shoreline with its owner.

The awesome light of sunset added a magical backdrop to this spontaneous display of joy.

Chicago Dog Photographer Beach Photos

After parting ways with my clients, I couldn’t resist the urge to ask the owner of the dog if I could photograph her dog.

Approaching a stranger, especially as a photographer laden with cameras, is a little daunting, but to my delight, the dog’s owner was thrilled at the idea of professional shots of her pet, which I offered free of charge naturally.

Photographing dogs is a joy that complements my work in wedding and portrait photography. Despite the challenges posed by their boundless energy and occasional stubbornness, I find outdoor sessions particularly rewarding. Beachside shoots, where dogs can simply run, play, and be themselves, are my favorite. Whether in the studio or on a sandy expanse, capturing the essence of these spirited companions brings me immeasurable fulfillment.

As spring progresses towards another Chicago summer, I eagerly anticipate more opportunities to snapshot canine antics at the beach.

I find fairly early mornings, (after coffee) and early evenings are great times to capture dogs outside.

For parks and beaches mornings are often less busy and have far less distractions for active pups.

Reflecting on that delightful encounter last year, I lament not having my 70-200mm lens, which would have allowed for more versatile shots. Instead, I worked with my 85mm f/1.2 lens. While not ideal for action, this lens never fails to impress with its sharpness and quality, perfect for capturing intimate portraits. The images from that day, although taken with less versatile equipment, were cherished by the dog’s owner and served as a precious reminder of joyful moments.

I’m fortunate to have countless memories captured in photos of my own dog, Fiona, enjoying our beach walks and playful escapades. These moments are treasures.

I walk my own dog a few days a week around the Hyde Park area, I often carry a camera and love to take photos of her playing. Sometimes when we meet friendly dogs we get a few extra bonus photos.

If you’re in Chicago and seeking a photographer who truly revels in capturing the spirit of dogs in their element, look no further. I’d be honored to create lasting memories of your canine friend. Whether it’s a serene beach, a bustling city park, a studio session, or your own backyard, let’s make timeless moments together. Contact me today, and let’s plan a fun session.

If you have an older dog, don’t wait until it’s too late to capture some photos you will definitely treasure.

I recently captured a treasured old lab with his family and I know those photos will be so cherished by the whole family for years to come.

Chicago Dog Photographer

Chicago Dog Photographer

Chicago Dog Photographer

Chicago Dog PhotographerChicago Dog PhotographerChicago Dog PhotographerChicago Dog Photographer

I would love to be your Chicago Dog Photographer!

Chicago Dog Photographer

 

Local Chicago Dog Photographer Located in Hyde Park

If you are looking for a Chicago Dog Photographer you can find out more about my packages and pricing on my main page.

Cat Photographer in Chicago

Cat Photographer in Chicago

Cat Photographer in Chicago

I know Woofography is a weird name for a cat photographer in Chicago.

Although I focus on dogs, I do love cats too.

Cats are always welcome in my studio, and at times I find myself going to people homes to capture their cats in their own environment.

These three cats came into the studio together for some photos.

Three animals is about my normal limit for one studio session.

Three cats is a lot easier than three dogs haha. I had a family bring three potty pups in at once a few weeks ago.

The studio was mayhem, but we got some awesome photos haha.

Cat Photographer in ChicagoCat Photographer in Chicago

Cats will always be cats. They do not sit, roll over or really pose like dogs do haha.

But what makes cats so much fun to work with, are their playful natures.

The first few minutes of this session I sat on the floor with the parents of these three cats, and we just let them all roam around smelling the studio space and exploring the smells and interesting things.

After a few minutes we pulled out some cat toys and pulled them across the nutmeg background and just waited to see which cat got interested first.

Cat Photographer in ChicagoCat Photographer in Chicago

Eyes are always a focus for me. I love how this kitty looked right into the camera as she walked towards me.

Cat Photographer in Chicago

 

 

Cat Photographer in ChicagoCat Photographer in ChicagoCat Photographer in ChicagoCat Photographer in ChicagoCat Photographer in Chicago

 

Cat Photographer in ChicagoCat Photographer in Chicago

This photo above reminds me of a royal cat haha. Kind of saying ok I am here I am doing what you asked but hurry up I am ready to nap.

Cat Photographer in Chicago

If you are looking for a cat photographer in Chicago, reach out and lets chat about what type of session would work best for your cat.

 

If you have an older cat I am happy to come to you and do a session in your home where your cat may feel more comfortable.

I have no travel fees for anywhere within 50 miles of Chicago.

 

Legacy Pet Photo Session

Legacy Pet Photo Session

 

A Legacy Pet Photo Session is a lovely way to capture the memory of your dog. It’s such a tough time. I think it is so unfair that our most loyal fluffy family members live such short lives. It is always a tough time when lives draw close to an end for our pups.

This sweet dog came in with his humans for a session recently.

He was so good and such a sweet gentle soul.

Legacy Pet Photo Session
Legacy Pet Photo Session
Legacy Pet Photo Session
Legacy Pet Photo Session
Legacy Pet Photo Session
Legacy Pet Photo Session

Legacy pet photo sessions are mostly done in the studio or in your home. I am more than happy to come to pets who may not be in a state to travel with comfort. I am also very happy to schedule at last minute if I can for sessions for people who need a quick appointment. It would be devastating to miss the window of time to get these photos.

There are no travel fees for anywhere within 50 miles of Chicago if I come to you.

Legacy Pet Photo Session
Legacy Pet Photo Session
Legacy Pet Photo Session
Legacy Pet Photo Session

I try to keep turn around time for these sessions under 48 hours. Every photo is edited and in an online gallery with free downloads so people can keep the digital copies even if they order prints from the gallery.

These photos will mean more and more over time.

 

Montrose Beach Dog Park Photos

Montrose Beach Dog Park Photos

Montrose Beach Dog Park Photos

 

A crazy fun and really practical place to photograph active dogs

Montrose Beach Dog Park is the perfect spot for photos of active dogs. It is a wide open beach close to downtown Chicago. Not only is the beach itself awesome, but there is ample parking right there.

 

The beach is fenced off on three sides and open to the water. The water seems to stay very shallow pretty far out all year, which makes it easy even for small dogs to wade in and splash around without it getting too deep very fast. Montrose Beach Dog Park is fairly large with 3.83 acres of fenced-in space. It is an awesome space for bigger dogs that love to run and even smaller dogs enjoy the water as it seems to stay shallow pretty far out. 

Montrose Beach Dog Park Photos

 

Adapting to photograph fast moving dogs at Montrose Beach Dog Park

When I take photos of dogs at a beach or any outdoor venue I love to put a longer lens on my one camera and capture the raw energy and fun. If you are a frequent visitor to this beach and your pup is used to splashing around, a more candid action photo session is an awesome way to capture the fun memories. The years of sports photography I have done for newspapers and the wildlife photography in Africa has definitely helped me capture fun active dogs that love to zoom around.

There are free waste bags, lots of trash cans and even dog wash areas.

DFA tags are required to go to the beach with your pup. It is a Chicago Park District beach and their website offers information on how to get DFA tags.

Here are a few favorite photos from a session in early fall.

Montrose Beach Dog Park Photos

 

 

Montrose Beach Dog Park Photos
Montrose Beach Dog Park Photos
Montrose Beach Dog Park Photos

 

I have done several photo sessions at Montrose Beach Dog Park now and every one has been awesome.

These two pups had so much fun in the water. I love all the spray and water and the way the sun lights up the droplets.

Montrose Beach Dog Park Photos
Montrose Beach Dog Park Photos
Montrose Beach Dog Park Photos
Montrose Beach Dog Park Photos

Montrose Beach Dog Park Photos

Montrose Beach Dog Park Photos
Montrose Beach Dog Park Photos

Frisbees and balls are fun to add action to photos.

They are a little more challenging when the beach is full. Most dogs are not great at sharing haha.

Montrose Beach Dog Park Photos

 

 

I would love to photograph your dog at the Montrose Beach Dog Park.

My own pup Fiona is always fun on the beach.

You can see lots of her favorite photos here.

Get in touch and let’s capture some crazy fun images.

 

 

The best times to do a session at this dog park are either fairly early in the morning before the beach gets busy.

Alternatively the evening offers amazing light and often there is color in the sky behind the dogs in the evening.

The morning gives fun backlight that really makes the spray from water play fun.

There is a Dunkin Donuts near by, so I can be talked into early morning sessions as the park opens haha.

 

 

Chicago Pet Photographer

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