Viewing entries in
pet portraits
Now you get to be involved in choosing the winner! All participants were required to post their pet with a brief bio on our Facebook page. How do they win? You get to read all the introductions to these Toledo area pets and cast your vote through the form below! Entrant with the most votes wins! Choose who you think is most adorable. most deserving, or who you’d most like to see with professional photos. You can vote once per day through February 21st.
Leroy is one of those dogs who survived hell and yet maintained an adoration of all people, a love of companionship form other dogs, and the ability to positively represent his breed and rescue dogs everywhere.
I got to interact with a rescue horse who had survived abuse and had long term behavior challenges because of it. Just like dogs, a horse has an innate personality but they can also be molded by their treatment and experiences. My contact with dogs and horses has taught me that every animal has different needs when working with them. It is our primary job as photographers to make sure each animal feels safe and respected while we document them.
This personal project kept me inspired and driven. It gave me amazing experience and challenged my abilities. I got to work with new breeds and personalities. I got to play with new lighting and colors. It absolutely made me better at my job.
Photographing senior dogs is something I find very rewarding. Seeing a dog that has been so loved and cherished get to be preserved in professional photos is very meaningful. It was clear that Watson and Genny’s owners did not want to miss the opportunity to have these pictures.
“We've been through everything with him. He's very special to us. I've had him since he was 20 minutes old. We went through vets telling us at a week old to take him home and wait to see if he will survive. We went through the uncertainty of his injury and not knowing what his life would be like. To now, we have this happy, healthy boy who is an absolute joy. It's been a journey and I'm so glad to have these photos to document how special he is.”
What made you choose to have your dog, Marvin, in your photos with you? “I only thought it was appropriate to have my dog in my graduation pictures since I graduated with a degree in the veterinary field. And let’s be honest, he is so handsome he belongs in front of the camera!”
Charles brought his best boy, Nelsan, to my lavender field pet photo sessions at Luckey Road Lavender Farm. Nelsan is a very handsome Blue Heeler. He is extremely smart and loves to learn tricks and do activities. Check out Charles interview to get to know Nelsan!
“It is meaningful to have professional images of Bailey because he is part of our small family! I feel joy seeing how happy and handsome Bailey looks in his photos.”
Why are professional photos important to you? “Although it’s easy to get decent photos with modern technology, even for amateurs, we wanted this moment to be captured by a professional. True editing experience, experience with framing shots, and locations, etc. Those are things that we can’t really do on our own.”
I always enjoy having puppies in the studio. As a pet photographer in Toledo, I am often looking for ways to challenge myself and become better at what I do. I try to work with all sizes, breeds and ages. Volunteering with a local animal rescue, Planned Pethood, has given me opportunities to photograph dogs who might present some challenges. Some rescue dogs are nervous about meeting new people, some have current health issues and many do not have formal training. If I stay patient and make them feel comfortable, I can document each dog despite their circumstances.
Olivia was truly a dream to work with. She has a beautiful smile and great sense of style. She also adores her sweet senior dog, Maizy. Olivia is a 2021 graduate from Springfield High School in Holland, Ohio. She was planning to schedule her photos in the fall but it ended up working out perfectly to have a spring session.
I had amateur photos taken of my senior dog a couple years before he passed away and those photos mean the world to me. I wanted to have some for Beau as well because unfortunately, Saints do not live long. Also, Beau is considered a “special needs” dog – he suffers from a mild case of cerebellar hypoplasia. He is an ambassador for rescue, the breed, and special needs dogs everywhere.
“I’ve worked with other photographers and dogs, but Rebecca is special. She connects and cares for every creature and they sense it. She works to create an experience that’s joyful for you and your pet. Whether it’s a family photo or a solo shoot, Rebecca will capture stunning images.”
I’ve discovered over the years that I need to become more present in the current moment. Anxiety is rooted in the fear of the future and depression is rooted in the loss over what has passed. Since dogs are firmly entrenched in the present and are neither thinking of the past or future, I both envy and seek to imitate Kismet’s ability to live in this very moment. Time is precious, and she doesn’t spend her days wishing for what she had or worrying over what is to come.
Rehoming a dog is never something any owner plans for their furbaby, but it, unfortunately, happens all too often. Taking the proper steps to find a suitable rehome or a shelter that can foster and care for your companion takes a lot of courage, but it may be what’s best for your pet.
Rebecca Trumbull Photography specializes in documenting furry loved ones. This Toledo photographer believes that all life is important and should be celebrated. While lamenting the long, cold, drab winters we get in northwest Ohio, I decided to come up with a February theme that would help to break the monotony of the season. I felt that a month all about animals was the way to go. Fluff-uary is not just about furry friends like dogs and cats, I happily celebrate all creatures that enrich our lives and give us companionship.
We joke about Patty, saying she has a magnetic personality that every dog cannot resist. They fall utterly in love with her and she is always a favorite. I can tell you that dogs really do judge character well. Patty pours her whole heart into rescue work. She fosters dogs consecutively without breaks. She transports foster pups on her day off to vet appointments, adoption events and photo shoots. Patty doesn’t just talk about rescue, she lives it. And the dogs can tell.
One of the first things I teach all of my clients are the boundaries for respect. They, their children and their guests should all follow these guidelines.
Rio was adopted as a puppy from Planned Pethood Inc. here in Toledo. Now almost 10, she has become an irreplaceable part of her mom’s life. Quinn adores her “princess” Rio and spoils her in every way. Still appreciative of Planned Pethood’s work even today, Quinn entered their raffle fundraiser for a pet photography session I had donated. Rio got her opportunity to model for me downtown at the Toledo Metropark, Middlegrounds.
