7 Reasons to Hire a Professional Pet Photographer
So, your phone is filled to the brim with dog selfies, blurry action shots, and 27 versions of “Look, they’re sleeping!”
Cute? Yes. Professional-quality? Not even close.
Let’s get real: your furry sidekick deserves better than living their best life in low-res blur. Enter the professional pet photographer, Stage left. Here’s why hiring one is worth it—and why your cell phone can take a backseat.
Technology Moves Faster Than Your Dog Chasing a Squirrel
Sure, your phone is practically glued to your hand, and you’ve got about a million pet photos.
But let’s talk about what happens to those snaps. They stay on your phone until you delete them for more storage. Maybe they make it onto a thumb drive or the cloud—where they’ll sit and gather virtual dust.
Remember VHS tapes? Floppy disks? Yeah, those were once “cutting-edge,” too.
Hard drives fail, thumb drives vanish into desk drawers, and the cloud might just float away one day. Technology moves on, and one day, your precious memories might be locked in a format no one can open. A professional pet photographer captures your pet’s personality in timeless images that won’t go out of style—or disappear when your tech does.
Time Flies (and Pets Age Faster)
We all know the heart-wrenching truth: pets have shorter lifespans than we’d like.
One minute, they’re causing chaos as puppies or kittens, and the next, they’re wise old souls napping through your Netflix binges. Capturing their milestones—whether it’s puppyhood, their senior years, or everything in between—ensures you’ll have tangible memories when time inevitably marches on.
Case in point: A client of mine booked sessions for all her pets after losing one unexpectedly. Her only regret? Not having professional portraits of her beloved dog. Don’t wait. You’ll thank yourself later.
Puppyhood Is a Blur—Literally
Puppies. Are. Adorable.
But they also grow faster than you can say “Stop chewing my shoes.” One minute, you’re tripping over tiny paws. The next, you’re wrestling a full-grown 93-pound fur tank who still thinks they’re a lap puppy.
That tiny bundle of fluff has now turned into a full-sized couch hog with a tail that knocks everything over and an urge to counter-surf every counter in sight.
Puppyhood is fleeting. Those early days? Gone in a flash (pun intended). A professional pet photographer knows how to freeze those moments fleeting puppy moments when they could fit on your lap – and not just think they could.
Pets Are Family—Period
Let’s be honest: your pet isn’t just a pet. They’re your cuddle buddy, your therapist, your best friend. So why aren’t they on the wall next to your wedding photo or the kids’ school portraits?
A professional pet photographer ensures your furry family member gets the spotlight they deserve. Because let’s face it: your dog is way cuter than the generic artwork you grabbed from Target.
Custom Photographic Art Doesn’t Come From a Big-Box Store
Look around your house. How much of your décor actually means something?
Is it something you picked up on clearance at a big-box store, or does it showcase something that means the world to you?
Professional pet photography isn’t just about cute pictures—it’s about creating custom, one-of-a-kind art that reflects your life, your love, and, if we are being honest, your ridiculously photogenic pet.
So, why settle for mass-produced prints of random animals or a generic flower vase when you could have stunning portraits of your very own fluffball? Your walls—and your heart—deserve better.
Photography Is a Skill (and Not Everyone Has It)
Snapping a quick pic is one thing, but creating photographic art? That takes skill. A professional pet photographer doesn’t just point and click. They understand lighting, composition, and how to bring out your pet’s unique personality.
Oh, and they know how to work with animals safely. Because let’s be real, your dog isn’t exactly “pose on command” material. It’s more like “Squirrel!” A pro can roll with it—and still deliver jaw-dropping results.
Memories Are Worth the Investment
Yes, hiring a professional pet photographer is an investment. But here’s the thing: once those images are hanging on your walls, you’ll never question their value.
These images will outlast the latest phone trend or home décor fad — they’re proof of the joy, love, and laughter your pet brought into your life—long after the muddy paw prints have faded from your floors.
Now What?
If this has you nodding along (or furiously wiping away a tear), let’s make it happen.
- Learn More: Check out our post The Ultimate Guide to Pet Photography in Chattanooga, TN to learn more.
- Ask the Right Questions: Don’t miss our free download: Questions to Ask a Horse Photographer Before Booking – these questions apply to pets too!
- Schedule Your Session: Ready to capture your pet’s personality in a professional photoshoot? Visit our Chattanooga Pet Portraits page or send a message to get started.
Ready to capture your pet’s personality in a Professional Portrait Session?
Betsy Bird, Cr. Photog., CPP, of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. Outside of acting like a total goofball, she invests in growing her business, mentoring photographers, dealing with her teenagers' angst, and hanging with Nitro, the best dog ever.
Betsy has earned her Photographic Craftsman degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) which honors photographers who contribute to the photographic industry through speaking, mentoring, and publishing. Betsy is also a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with PPA. The CPP designation is held by fewer than 2,500 photographers nationwide and is a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry, and professionalism.
She serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). She is also a professional member of the Equine Photographers Network (EPN).
Betsy's award-winning work has been featured in a variety of publications and is found throughout homes and stables in the United States. She is also the co-author of the book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell: The Ultimate Guide to Posing Horses & Humans. She has also been featured on Scenic Trend, the Profitable Photographer Podcast, Chrome Magazine, The Business Animal Podcast, Chatter Magazine, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the Chattanoogan, and the Focal Points Podcast to name a few.
Ride the Sky specializes in on-location photography for equines and pets. Based in Chattanooga, TN, Ride the Sky Equine Photography works in Tennessee, North Georgia, and beyond.