serving London Ontario and Area

Legacy Photoshoots: Capturing the Soul of Your Beloved Dog


When we open our hearts and homes to a dog, we begin a journey filled with unconditional love, loyalty, and countless cherished memories. As a dog photographer and a lifelong dog lover, I’ve always believed that legacy photoshoots hold a unique, irreplaceable place in capturing this bond – the soulful connection between a dog and their person.


I understand the profound pain of losing a beloved companion. I’ve felt it myself with my dear Monty and dogs I’ve walked five days a week for over a decade – dogs I’ve loved like my own. That pain runs deep. But I also know how important celebrating the joy, love, and light dogs bring into our lives is. This is why legacy photoshoots are so important to me as a pet photographer; they create lasting memories that reflect your dog’s soul and your extraordinary relationship.


You might think these sessions are sombre and heavy with the knowledge that time is fleeting, but strangely, they’re not. Legacy photoshoots are a time of joy and celebration – a moment to live fully in the present, just as dogs do so effortlessly. During these sessions, my clients share their dog’s life story: the funny, silly, and amazing things their furry friends have done over the years. Dogs have this magical ability to live in the moment and invite us to do the same. So we laugh, celebrate, and capture the essence of a cherished life. The bond between a dog and their person is unlike anything else, and my goal is to honour that bond with images that tell their story.


After the session, as I process the images, there are moments when I can’t help but cry – tears of love, of connection, of understanding how special these relationships are. My clients and I often cry together when I deliver the final images. But amidst the tears, there is always laughter as we remember the session’s sweet, funny and touching moments. There is such joy in knowing that their dog’s spirit has been captured forever in these images.


I invite you to consider a legacy photoshoot for your pet; it truly is a celebration of a life well-loved.

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    Raisin the Flying French Bulldog

    I first met Raisin, an absolutely adorable and sweet French Bulldog, during a Christmas Photoshoot for dogs back in 2019. Can you believe how time flies? Raisin returned for another festive session in 2023, and then this year, she and her family signed up for one of my favorite offerings our “My Human and Me” Photoshoot.

    For this special session, we headed to the stunning @littlebrownfarm, located just outside London Ontario, amidst a backdrop of beautiful flowers. (I’m so proud to be listed as Little Brown Farm’s recommended Dog Photographer.) As I worked with Raisin’s wonderful mom and dad, I asked if they thought she might be up for a little running. They hesitated, admitting that running wasn’t exactly Raisin’s go-to activity. But, to everyone’s delight, Raisin surprised us all! Not only did she run, but she also showed off her flying skills, and I was able to capture the moment when her paws left the ground!

    Photographing dogs and their people is an incredible privilege. The connection between Raisin and her family was heartwarming, and I feel so lucky to have captured these memories for them. Not only do I fall in love with the dogs and other animals I photograph I also feel such an incredible bond with their owners too. You simply can’t have a dog photography session and not laugh your head off and then a few mintues later in the same session you might all be in tears – it defiantly creates a special bond. I love dogs and I love people – having the opportunity to share a part of their life together and photograph a pet and the people who love them is pretty amazing.

    If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the bond you share with your dog, whether it’s through a “My Human and Me” session, or an entire photography session, let me help you tell your love story. My photography businss is located in London, Ontario but I’m willing to travel as well for a session!

    Check out Raisin’s photos and imagine the memories we could create with a pet photography session for you and your furry best friend!

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      Winter Wonderland Photo Session With Your Dog!

      Imagine your dog running joyfully through a snow-covered park in the heart of London, Ontario. The trees are dusted with snow, and your dog’s fur stands out in the white landscape. It’s so beautiful when the sun just begins to set with the golden light of the late afternoon hitting their coat.  

      Another fun option for a photo session with your dog is at the frozen shore of one of the lakes near London, Ontario. The frozen lakes look out of this world at this time of the year with the sun setting behind mountains of snow and ice! While we never climb on the ice mountains (incredibly dangerous) they make for a beautiful backdrop when photographing your dog.

      In the winter, just as in other seasons we’ll capture a range of beautiful moments from action shots of your dog running and jumping to close-up portraits with the snowflakes gently falling around them (if we are lucky – snow flakes are one of the things I can’t control haha)!


      Embrace Winter’s Magic

      Winter is a wonderful time for a professional photo session to capture your dog’s personality in a fun and enchanting way. Many dogs just love the snow and which allows me to capture joyful action shots along with beautiful portraits. Winter dog photography sessions are one of my favorite ways to preserve those special memories of you and your furry friend. 


      Tips for Winter Photo Sessions

      Dogs love to run, play, and explore, especially in a fresh snow-covered environment. Bring their favorite toy or treats to encourage them to jump, chase, or simply play around while I capture those candid images of your dog having fun.


      Tip: Snowball tossing, chasing sticks, or even just running through the snow can helps your dog to engage with the photoshoot, leading to joyful, energetic photos. Treats never hurt either and lots of cheering when we capture the shot we were hoping for.  

      Snow and ice can be hard on your dog’s paws. Salt and chemicals used on roads and sidewalks can irritate their pads, so make sure to wipe your dog’s paws after the shoot if you’re near any treated areas. If the snow is deep or icy, consider using booties to protect their paws from cold or cuts, we can remove them for their photos if you wish.  Winter photoshoots can be cold, but don’t let that discourage you, layer up to stay warm as you won’t be moving around as much as your dog will. 

      Tip: Don’t hesitate to request a break to let your dog warm up and/or rest during the session, especially if we’re walking through deep snow or if it’s particularly cold. While I’m very good at reading dog body language, you know your dog best so I rely on you to say when we need to take a break. Some dogs are more sensitive to the cold than others, so make sure your pup is comfortable throughout the shoot. Bring blankets or a pet-friendly coat if needed for those extra chilly days.

      After the photo session, your dog may be a little tired, especially if they’ve been running around in the snow. Warm them up with a cozy blanket and some water to help them relax and recover.

      Tip: Bring some towels/blankets with you so you can dry them off thoroughly, especially if they’re wet from the snow, to prevent them from getting cold or catching a chill.

      Please contact me!

      If you’re interested in booking a snowy winter session for your dog, I’d love to help you create beautiful memories! Contact me today to schedule your winter dog photography session in London, Ontario.

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      • NicoleJanuary 10, 2025 - 5:32 am

        I’m so jealous of your snow, these are beautiful! 

      • Tracy MunsonJanuary 10, 2025 - 1:19 pm

        Beautiful photos, snow sessions can be so much fun!

      • DarleneJanuary 15, 2025 - 6:51 pm

        Snow season is my favorite season! I’m obsessed with that malamute and that icy cool location. Beautiful images!  And how cute is that pup in that cozy blanket? My husky and I are always up for a snow session haha!  

      • SharonJanuary 18, 2025 - 1:31 pm

        Beautiful images! I love your tips for winter sessions.

      Your Dog’s Pawsome Resolutions for 2025


      Finally catch my tail – it’ll make for an epic dog action shot!

      Master my “head tilt” – I know Jo loves that her in photos.

      Stop freaking out over the doorbell (I know this has nothing to do with Dog Photography) but I want to do it for my mom and dad!

      Nail the “puppy eyes” look. I know Your Dog’s Photographer loves that because she always cheers when I do that!

      Convince my human to book a photo shoot- because I’m ready for my close-up photo – hopefully my parents will order a BIG piece of wall art so I can see my beautiful face every day as I really never get much of a chance to see what I look like!

      Make my zoomies more graceful – who doesn’t love a candid action shot – I know my pawrents always get excited when they see the back of Jo’s camera when I do this!

      Finally, hold still for five seconds – just long enough for the perfect portrait – actually, I know Jo said she doesn’t even need five seconds to get a great shot of me – her camera goes super fast!

      Become Insta-famous, whatever that means, I just know that my cuteness will break the internet – how could it not? I must be the best-looking dog in the world because I know Jo likes to take a LOT of photos of me and is always telling me I’m just the cutest.

      Resolutions for My Pawrents!

      Train my human to schedule a photo session – They need reminders about my growing cuteness!

      Clear up wall space at home – my face belongs on canvas float mounts, metal prints and float mounts and I look amazing in desk size acrylic blocks – I really do.

      Sneak into more of Jo’s photography projects – I mean, who wouldn’t want me as their model? I heard that she likes to enter big international pet photography contests, and winning one would prove that I am indeed the most adorable dog in the world! Just think of the fame I would bring my family – a dog from London, Ontario, receives a gold in the International Pet Photography Contest -how sweet would that be!

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      • Tracy MunsonJanuary 3, 2025 - 2:59 am

        What a wonderful idea! You missed my tyrannical chihuahua’s resolution to claim more victims in 2025

      • NicoleJanuary 3, 2025 - 5:13 am

        hahahaha this might be my favorite blog post ever! Happy new year!

      • DarleneJanuary 3, 2025 - 5:13 pm

        I love this, Jo!  So cute!  I even mentioned “make my zoomies more graceful” to my husky, Halo – she said there’s no chance haha! Happy New Year! 

      • SharonJanuary 4, 2025 - 11:30 pm

        This is the cutest pet photography blog I have read in a long time. 

      • SharonJanuary 4, 2025 - 11:31 pm

        This is the cutes pet photography blog I have read in a long time.

      My Model – A Toy Dog?

      As a pet photographer in London, Ontario, I sometimes bring along my trusty “assistant” – a stuffed toy dog—when scouting for new photo locations. He’s the perfect stand-in for testing lenses, lighting, and angles before working with real canine clients. It also lets me focus on the technical side without trying to manage a real dog on my own.

      That said, my poor assistant has seen better days! He’s floppy now and struggles to sit up straight, but he’s still hanging in there.

      I’ll admit, walking around with a toy dog in hand feels a little silly, and it definitely earns me a few curious looks. I’ve caught myself explaining the situation more than once! But it’s also a fantastic icebreaker and often leads to fun conversations.

      Just yesterday, my floppy assistant helped me meet a lovely woman and her schipperke, who graciously stepped in as my real-life model. What a treat to photograph such a spirited and photogenic little dog! Nothing beats the joy of being a dog photographer.

      So, if you ever see a photographer in London, Ontario, walking around with a toy dog and a camera, don’t be shy—come say hi! You’re welcome to volunteer your dog for a quick photo or two. I always send a complimentary image as a thank-you, and it’s a fun way to get a professional photo of your dog. Or better yet, book an entire photography session and let’s capture memories you’ll treasure forever!

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      • LynnJanuary 3, 2025 - 1:22 pm

        I love your dog model!  I have a few of my own and use them in the studio all the time.  

      Lisa and Frankie

      Meet Lisa, one of the incredible team members I work with at Your Dog’s Coach—a dog walking company based in London, Ontario—and her adorable new puppy, Frankie! Lisa is one of the most special, loving, and kind people I know. The dogs she walks adore her, and honestly, so do I. It was such a thrill to photograph the two of them together!

      From the moment I met Frankie, I could sense her fantastic presence and calm spirit—she truly has the soul of a therapy dog. I told Lisa I think Frankie has the potential to bring comfort and joy to so many people someday.

      During her photo session, Frankie was a total superstar! Both she and Lisa were so patient as I bossed them around, making them run towards me about 100 times (thank you, Lisa!). As a dog photographer, I always strive to capture those special moments that will be treasured for years to come. We especially wanted to document these moments while Frankie is still a baby because we all know how fast puppies grow!

      As a professional dog photographer, I always recommend to new puppy owners that we need to get their pup photographed while they’re still a puppy as you’ll look back and wish you had those baby photos!

      I can’t wait to photograph Frankie again when she’s all grown up—what a difference it will be. Stay tuned to see her journey!

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        Howl-O-Ween Fund Raiser Photoshoot

        Howl O Ween Photoshoot, Yorkie, dog

        Our Happy’s Place Fund Raising Photoshoot for Howl-O-Ween was such fun. I experimented with a new set, including a new platform, which I’m happy to say worked exceptionally well, and I will use it again. The set was spooktacular, and the dogs were amazing and so much fun to work with! 

        100% of the profit raised from the photoshoot has been donated to “Happy’s Place Senior Dogs”.

        https://happysplace.ca

        Facebook Suspended My Accounts – I was Hacked!



        As a pet photographer, I genuinely believe in the importance of having artwork of your beloved pets displayed in your home. These tangible pieces become priceless memories, whether it’s a framed photo, an album, or an acrylic block. I’m very grateful for the images that I have printed of my own family because, as of right now, they are gone from social media!

        In our digital age, we often rely on social media to store our photos and run our businesses. This week, I was harshly reminded of what a big mistake this can be.

        My Facebook accounts, personal, Your Dog’s Photographer and Your Dog’s Coach, holding 13 years of memories, were suspended due to “inappropriate content” which makes no sense to me. I’m still determining if I’ll get them back. My accounts were removed despite my appeals, possibly due to a hack. They said it was based on information from an Instagram account I’d never heard of before and is certainly not mine. I don’t know if they’ll reinstate them or not.

        It’s heartbreaking and underscores the importance of physical copies of your cherished photos.

        All my photos and videos of my dog-walking clients for 13 years are gone—there are no backups of those. I’m shattered. They weren’t just my clients; they were furry friends I loved dearly. My heart is broken. All the personal photos that I’ve posted of my family and my sweet Monty are gone. The images from “Your Dog’s Photographer” will all be recoverable as I have them on hard drives, which are externally backed up.

        So, when you book a photo session, consider ordering a piece of tangible artwork of your pets. These pieces beautify your home and preserve the memories of your beloved pets for years to come. If social media fails you, you’ll still have that one piece of special artwork that captures the soul of your beloved furry friend.

        The Girl With The Dog’s Fundraiser Was a Fantastic Event!



        Kudos to Vanessa and her team for pulling this together with such amazing fundraising results for Happy’s Place. Putting on an event like this takes months and months of planning and superb organizational skills—it looked seamless from my end, and I was so proud to be a part of the day’s festivities!

        This event raised over $40,000 for Happy’s Place. Those funds will help so many senior dogs in need, which is what this day was all about!
        Thank you so much for stopping by our tent! I truly hope you enjoy your photos. I loved being there and being able to do what I do best in terms of fundraising for Happy’s Place, by taking photos of amazing dogs!

        Two wonderful volunteers helped me set up, tear down, and be there throughout the day. Thank you so much for all your help!

        I hope you enjoy the photos! Don’t forget to use your coupons too if you have a desire for a private session! To find and download your photos follow this link to the gallery, you’ll be asked to enter your email address which will also add you to my mailing list so you’ll be advised of any special promotions coming up!

        Wienerfest 2024



        Welcome to my pet photography blog! If you’re here, we likely met at Wienerfest, and I’m thrilled you stopped by with your furry friend or friends! This year was a blast; meeting you and your amazing dogs was wonderful. Being a Pet Photographer is the best job in the world!

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          What is a Legacy Session?



          These pet photography sessions are specifically designed to capture the special bond between pets and their owners during the final stages of your pets lives. These sessions can focus on candid moments with you and your pet, showcasing the love and connection that define your relationship.

          They allow us to capture those special moments to create beautiful keepsakes such as custom photo albums, framed prints, or canvas wraps. These tangible items can serve as lasting reminders of your beloved pet and bring comfort in your time of grief.

          Pet Photography helps you tell the story of your pets’ lives through a series of images that capture their personality, quirks, and the joy they bring into your household. This narrative approach can be deeply therapeutic and celebrate your pet’s life.

          I understand this is a difficult time for pet owners, and I provide a supportive and compassionate environment. Through my decades of working closely with pets, both at a veterinary clinic, my dog-walking business, and, of course, my own pets, I know what it feels like to lose your best friend. During this session, we shed tears but also laughter and joy in celebrating the life of your beloved pet.

          We can customize the pet photography session to fit the needs and preferences of you and your pet. Whether in their favourite park, at home, or in another meaningful location, making the session personal will ensure the photos reflect the true essence of your pet’s life.

          These special pet photography sessions offer a source of solace and remembrance. The images we create together of your faithful companion help keep their spirit alive long after they’ve passed.

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            Pet Photography Artwork in Your Workplace!

            Pet portraits can bring a smile to everyone’s face and create a more enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere in the workplace. Employees love to see their beloved pets honored in the workplace as it can be hard for your staff to be away from their furry family. Seeing those sweet faces as beautiful pet photography portaits in the hallways of the office will help foster a better atmosphere in the office.

            Sharing pet portraits contributes to an employee’s sense of connection and feeling of belonging in the workplace. It provides a common topic for conversations, helping to build stronger interpersonal relationships and team cohesion.

            It’s been proven that looking at pet photography contributes to feelings of happiness. By featuring these portraits, you can help foster a more positive and well-being-focused work environment.

            Employees come from diverse backgrounds, and their pets can be very diverse as well.  Using pet photography showcasing a variety of pets can celebrate and embrace the unique and varied lives of our team members.

            Your Dog’s Photographer is happy to photograph any pets you have, from dog, cats, birds, reptiles to spiders! 

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              Shelter Dogs Have a Professional Photo Session

              I was invited, along with Andrea from K9 Ground Search – Elgin/Middlesex to visit Animal Care Centre – Lobo, to photograph some of their long-time resident dogs.

              As a professional pet photographer, it’s essential to approach dogs with sensitivity and respect for their boundaries while being able to read their body language. 

              We let all the dogs sniff around the room, tossed treats onto the paper, and cheered when they ate them. We let them smell my camera by holding treats on it. Once we were confident they were comfortable, we flashed the lights and then treated, flash, treat, flash, treat, just like clicker training—oh, they figured it out pretty quickly and enjoyed the experience.

              When we first started tossing treats at them, their faces were priceless. It took a few treats hitting them in the face before they realized, “Hey, these are yummy treats, and I can catch them!”

              It was evident that doing a treat toss would be a little too much and cause stress for a couple of the dogs. So, we slowed the process down, took more time, and focused on getting them used to the lights and backdrop paper to help them acclimate and feel more comfortable. Rather than do the treat toss or whipping cream, we opted for some simple portraits of them, which they were fine with.  

              The dogs truly shone. It’s unlikely they had ever experienced a professional dog photography session before, but once they realized there were treats and cheers awaiting them after each flash, they eagerly embraced the process. This enthusiastic response is a testament to their trusting, kind, fun-loving, and joyful nature, and I hope these photos capture that essence!

              I was so impressed by Lobo Animal Care Centre. The love and relationships between these dogs and Amanda and her team were so evident. These dogs live in a care centre while looking for their home, and while there, they learn what it means to be loved and love in return. 

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                The Love between Humans and Their Dogs

                As a dog photographer, I’m so fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue my passion for working with dogs. It also guarantees I work with people who feel the same way about their dogs.

                When working with dogs and their owners, I love to experience their relationship, watch their verbal and non-verbal communication, and see the joy in their shared companionship.

                Why do we love our dogs so much? For many of us, they provide that unconditional, non-judgemental love – they are so generous in how much love they give. As humans, we can be judgemental about other people. Dogs are not like that – it doesn’t matter what we look like, what kind of car we drive, or how much money is in our bank account; they accept us for who we are without prejudice.

                Dogs can be in tune with our feelings and sense when we are happy or sad. While they can’t tell us in words, they are good at using their body language to convey they feel we can do the same for them. I’ve read that petting, playing, and cuddling a dog releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and affection, in both the human and the dog. I believe this as I know how it makes me feel!

                When photographing dogs with their humans, I want to capture images reflecting this profound connection and the joy people share with their canine companions.

                Preserving those cherished memories for them with beautiful artwork they will treasure forever is a privilege.

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                • KarenFebruary 5, 2024 - 3:32 pm

                  I absolutely adore how you capture the connection between dogs and their owners! The unconditional love of a dog is the best thing in the world. 

                • Jessica WasikFebruary 5, 2024 - 3:57 pm

                  Wow, what a beautiful way to physically represent how so many of us feel about our dogs! It can be so hard to put into words how much dogs can impact our lives, but you did so beautifully.

                • RobynFebruary 9, 2024 - 3:14 am

                  Showing that connection and love between a human and their pet is truly amazing. And these two examples showcase that idea beautifully!

                • MichelleFebruary 9, 2024 - 8:23 pm

                  Our dog’s unconditional love is unmatched, isn’t it? So happy to have you in London to capture our furry friends in beautiful images, Joanne!

                • KatieMarch 12, 2024 - 12:44 am

                  These are stunning, Joanne! You are so talented!!

                Making A Less Than Perfect Location Work!

                As a dog photographer, I’m always looking for perfect settings, considering factors like light and scenery. However, a unique circumstance arose when photographing an elderly dog with limited mobility. Despite initially planning to shoot in their yard, it didn’t meet my vision. I drove to the back parking lot of a medical building across the street. Drawn by glimpses of ornamental grasses and some beautiful light I hoped we could make that location work. The owners agreed to drive the dog across the street.

                I had to quickly come up with a plan and ended up doing a speedy session in the parking lot’s island area with small evergreen trees and mulched ground. I was concerned about the outcome as I wanted to provide the owners with images they’d love. And it worked out; the charm of the senior dog and some Photoshop creativity turned the parking lot into a convincing forest setting, resulting in some beautiful artwork for the owners.



                I had another photo session at our local university – I love shooting there. I had images I was pleased with, but I was still missing one, commonly called the “Soul Searcher”. This is a photo where you have the dog look straight into the camera and focus on their eyes. It’s nice to do a shot like this surrounded by flowers or greenery. I was initially going to photograph this sweetie in a bed of tulips, but she was so small, and the flowers were too tall.

                We were heading out of the parking lot when I noticed some pretty purple flowers planted around the parking attendant’s booth. We put her in there, and by working my angles, I created an adorable photo that her mom loved. You’d never guess she was sitting in a tiny patch of flowers in the middle of a parking lot.

                In both sessions, the situations were different from what I had in mind, and the location could have been better, but it’s amazing what you can achieve in a less-than-perfect setting when you open your mind to the possibilities.

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                • MichelleJanuary 30, 2024 - 2:02 pm

                  Wow Joanne, What beautiful images you were able to get in an imperfect location! SW Ontario is really lucky to have a pet photographer that can think on her feet! 🙂

                • Jessica WasikJanuary 30, 2024 - 5:14 pm

                  I love how you can take a seemingly average and “imperfect” location and transform it into beautiful artwork of dogs! Now, that’s the sign of an exceptional dog photographer!

                • Karen BartosFebruary 1, 2024 - 7:26 pm

                  I love how you shared some behind the scenes moments to creat the perfect artwork. I’m sure these pet owners will be thrilled to have worked with you as their dog photographer!

                • DonnaFebruary 1, 2024 - 10:49 pm

                  BEAUTIFUL.  AS A DOG PHOTOGRAPHER too, I LOVE LOOKING AROUND WHEN I’M OUT AND ABOUT AND THINKING, WHERE WOULD I PHOTOGRAPH A DOG HERE IF I NEEDED TO! Great job!