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Category Archives: Pet Photography

A Final Gift of Love: A Celebration of Life Dog Photoshoot in Cranford, NJ

family photo of mom, dad and dog snuggling each other at their celebration of life photoshoot in Cranford NJ

There is a profound beauty in the quiet moments of a dog’s golden years. When Aileen reached out to me, she wanted to give her boyfriend the most meaningful Christmas gift imaginable: a celebration of life session for his elderly pup.

We didn’t know then that our session would take place just one day before he crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Being invited into their home in Cranford, New Jersey, to document these final hours was a deeply humbling experience.

Capturing Memories at Home

For senior dogs, an in-home pet photoshoot is often the best choice. It allows them to remain in their “safe space,” surrounded by the smells and comforts they love. In this session, we focused on the quiet bond between a dad and his best friend.

Whether it was a gentle hand on a graying muzzle or a resting head on an antique chair, these images aren’t just photos—they are a testament to a lifetime of loyalty.

The Heirloom Album: A Legacy to Hold

While digital files are wonderful for sharing, there is something irreplaceable about a physical memory. This couple chose a collection that included a custom heirloom album.

In the wake of loss, having a tangible book to flip through—feeling the texture of the pages while seeing the light in their dog’s eyes—provides a unique kind of comfort. These images will live on coffee tables and in laps, rather than just on a hard drive.

Why Book a Legacy Pet Session?

If you are local to Union County or the Cranford area and have a senior pet, please don’t wait. A celebration of life pet portrait session is about:

  • Celebrating the unique bond you share.
  • Documenting the small details (the silver chin, the soulful eyes).
  • Creating a space for joy amidst a difficult transition.

You can see more of my Pet Portrait work here

Until we meet again…

Wiley, I want to thank you for sharing your last day on Earth with me. I could see how deeply loved you were by your humans! Your dad told me about how you came to be part of his family. They found you on a construction site, famished and frayed. When he met you at the shelter, they waived the adoption fee knowing that you may have some medical needs he would have to take care of for you.

And while you didn’t like to be touched or held or pet by me or other strangers (HAHAHA), you found comfort and solace in your dad’s arms. Watching him snuggle you as you sweetly nuzzled your muzzle into the crevice of his neck will be an image that will remain etched in my mind for years to come. The love you shared and the moments we captured that day reminded me of the simple things, the loving connections, that we are meant to experience here in our time on this earth. I want to thank you for centering me, if only for a moment, in the reminder to love on the ones that mean so much to me. To never take our time together for granted.

And to Aileen and Ohan, thank you for welcoming me into your home and for trusting me to capture the loving bond the 3 of you shared. It was so special.

Studio Dog Portrait Session with Sue and Her Rescue Pup, Harry

I recently had the joy of photographing Sue, the talented owner of The White Violet, a New Jersey-based business known for its high-quality silk flower arrangements. Sue’s artistry and creative touch shine through in everything she does — and her photo session was no exception!

Sue won her pet photography session through a silent auction benefiting The Raptor Trust. They are a remarkable wild bird rehabilitation center in Millington, NJ, nestled within the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The Raptor Trust provides care for injured and orphaned wild birds, and it was so rewarding to see Sue supporting this incredible local organization. In fact, when my children were little, we would visit the Raptor Trust regularly and look at all of the birds which include, my favorite, OWLS!

Meet Harry — The Adorable Rescue Schnauzer

The star of the session was Harry, Sue’s rescue white Schnauzer. With his sweet face and spunky personality, Harry was a natural in front of the camera! We captured a beautiful mix of black-and-white portraits, candid expressions, and cozy family moments that perfectly show off his charm.

To make the session even more special, Sue’s daughter joined in, creating heartwarming portraits that celebrate the love between a mother, daughter, and their beloved pup. These are the kinds of photos that become family treasures.

From Pet Portraits to Professional Headshots

Sue loved her pet session so much that she later returned to the studio for a professional headshot session. Her new portraits reflect her confidence, creativity, and the refined style behind The White Violet’s brand. It was such a pleasure helping her create updated imagery for her website and marketing materials. Because strong, authentic photos help every business stand out.

Supporting Local Animal Causes

As someone who loves working with both pets and their people, I’m always thrilled to support organizations that care for animals. I’m currently participating in a pet photo contest for the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter in East Hanover, NJ. The winner of the contest will receive a complimentary pet photography session with me! And their photo will appear on the cover of the shelter’s 2026 calendar!

It’s a wonderful way to give back and celebrate the pets who bring so much joy into our lives.

ENTER HERE

Book Your Own Pet Photography Session

You don’t have to win a photoshoot to have a pet portrait session with me! If you’ve been thinking about professional photos of your furry best friend, now’s the perfect time! My pet photography sessions are available in Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield, Summit, Millington, East Hanover, and surrounding New Jersey towns.

Whether you prefer a studio portrait, an outdoor lifestyle session, or a family session that includes your pets, each experience is designed to capture your pet’s personality and the special connection you share.

Ready to book your pet session?
Let’s create beautiful, timeless portraits of your four-legged family member.
👉 Contact me today to schedule your pet photography session in Scotch Plains, NJ.

Find out more about my Pet Portraits and view my Galleries here.

Capturing Real Connections Through Portrait, Branding & Lifestyle Photography

I am a Scotch Plains NJ Photographer. From Newborn Portraits in Scotch Plains to Pet Photography, Joan Marie Photography specializes in a range of Fine Art Services with an emphasis on capturing life’s most precious moments. Our job doesn’t stop when your session ends. In fact, it’s just the beginning! From here we work with you to carefully select the best images from your photoshoot and decide how the images will best be displayed. From albums to beautiful statement pieces for your walls.

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Studio Pet Portrait Session with Toba the Westie & Dwen Dwen the British Shorthair

There’s something magical about celebrating the milestones of our beloved pets. Especially when they’re as charming as Toba and Dwen Dwen! This custom pet photoshoot was created to mark their 3rd birthday in unforgettable style. Joan Marie is a Dog Photographer in Scotch Plains, NJ.

Toba, a spirited West Highland Terrier, and Dwen Dwen, a regal orange British Shorthair, are not just pets. They’re family. And their mom wanted their portraits to reflect just how cherished they are. As a fine art pet and dog photographer in Scotch Plains, I had the joy of bringing this vision to life through a one-of-a-kind photoshoot that truly captured their personalities and bond.

🎂 A Tailored Birthday Experience with professional pet portraits

The inspiration came straight from their mom’s imagination. A whimsical hot air balloon set, a bubble-filled wonderland, and formal portraits that felt timeless yet playful. From beginning to end, we designed a shoot that was personal, elegant, and worthy of these furry superstars.

Hot Air Balloon Set – Featuring pastel tones and vintage charm, this setup made Toba and Dwen Dwen look like they were floating into their next adventure together.

Bubble Wonderland – Soft lighting and floating bubbles made for a dreamy, magical vibe that added a touch of fun to their session.

Rusty Brown Portraits – The formal portraits were set against a rich, rusty brown backdrop that perfectly complemented their fur and gave the images a warm, artistic quality.

🖼️ Heirloom Artwork for the Home

Toba and Dwen Dwen’s mom chose a stunning rose gold velvet album to preserve the memories from her shoot. Albums are an elegant and tactile way to relive the session again and again. Also, mom will receive the matching digital file as well as the album! win-win!

📸 Interested in a Luxury Pet Photoshoot?

If you’re a pet parent in Union County, dreaming of high-end, artistic portraits, I would love to help!

I am there every step of the way! From initial concept and styling to handcrafted final products like albums and wall art, my studio specializes in turning your pet’s personality into art. How will YOU display the art we create from your session?

🐾 Follow Toba and Dwen Dwen’s adventures on Instagram: @toba_n_dwendwen
✨ Book your luxury pet photoshoot in Scotch Plains NJ today and let’s create fine art portraits that you’ll treasure forever. See more of my pet portraits here!

Paws, Hearts, and Balloons: Our Sold-Out Valentine’s Dog Mini Sessions

toy pug posing at her valentine's day photoshoot with nj pet photographer joan marie in scotch plains

Move over, Cupid! There was a new kind of love in the studio this February.

I recently hosted a series of Valentine’s Day dog sessions at my Scotch Plains, NJ studio, and let me tell you—my heart is officially full. We had a steady stream of four-legged cuties join us for some festive fun, and the energy was absolutely infectious.

The Setup: Red, Pink, and All the Treats

To set the stage for these lovers, we used a bold red backdrop paired with a custom pink, red, and white balloon garland. It was the perfect pop of color to highlight every coat color, from golden retrievers to charcoal doodles.

As a dog photographer in Scotch Plains, I know that the secret to a great pet portrait is a mix of high-quality treats, a lot of patience, and a little bit of “dog whisperer” magic. We captured some truly beautiful portraits of these pups, ranging from soulful stares to hilarious “tongue-out” bloopers!

Custom Pet Portraits vs. Mini Sessions

If you missed out on the Valentine’s fun, don’t worry! I offer two ways to get professional portraits of your best friend:

  1. Custom Pet Portrait Sessions: You can book a full, custom session anytime. This is perfect if you want a specific theme, multiple outfit changes, or more time to let a shy dog get comfortable.
  2. Pet Mini Sessions: Occasionally, I host themed “Mini Days” (like this Valentine’s event!). These are fast-paced, high-energy sessions that are perfect for a quick, updated portrait. Note: Mini sessions are digital-only packages.

Why Professional Pet Photography Matters

Our dogs are members of the family, plain and simple. They are “souls having a canine experience,” and they deserve to have their essence captured just as much as we do. Whether it’s their first puppy year or their “senior” golden years, these images become treasures.

Thank you to all the amazing dog parents who brought their fur-babies by the studio! I had a blast meeting every single one of them.

Check out some of the Valentine’s Day “Heart-Throbs” below:

PERSONALITY PORTRAITS IN NJ

  • adorable black and white personality portrait in a large framed print hangs on a pink wall over a desk
  • photo of the interior of a room with large framed photo of a little girl in black and white
  • 2 large black and white photos of children hang above couch with colorful pillows
  • large canvas print of little girl in black and white personality portrait
  • a black and white picture of a teenage boy hangs on the wall above a desk in a room with a cactus and plant
  • adorable black and white personality portrait in a large framed print hangs on a green wall over a couch
  • photo of the interior of a room with large framed photo of a little girl in black and white

Personality portraits – for me, nothing beats a classic black and white photo. They’re timeless and free of distractions. It leaves the focus on your child, their personality, and those adorable little expressions that they make that truly show who they are. From 1 – 108, a black and white portrait will stand the test of time and will capture them through all of those phases that in the end we all know go way to fast. Yes, even those really DIFFICULT ones <3.

My personality portraits are offered as pop-up events at local businesses or as a custom personality portrait session in my Scotch Plains, NJ portrait studio. What’s the difference? Well, there are a few things to consider.

Pop-up Events

Timing – Pop-up Events are scheduled as 2 hour events with a max of 20 people. Does the time work with your child’s schedule? Oftentimes parents are looking for a time that works around their schedule when the most important consideration is the child’s schedule. These are also very QUICK paced shoots, usually 5 minutes per child, with limited time for kids to warm up to me, my camera and my big light.

Location – The other consideration is the location of the event. Oftentimes these pop-ups are in spaces with lots of things going, noise and other attractions and activities. It can be difficult to pull them away from another, more exciting, activity. It can also be overstimulating for some kids who are distracted or overwhelmed easily. How does your child do in these environments?

Products and Editing – Pop-up events are extremely discounted. They will usually include (1) digital file and each child needs their own booking. The editing is minimal and does not include extensive retouching. They are digital only and prints and wall art will not be offered for these sessions.

Who’s Included – These sessions are booked per child, individuals only. When siblings are in attendance, I will try to get a photo of them together should time allow and you can purchase additional files a la carte.

To read more about Minis to decide if these are right for your child or family, you can read more here.

Pop-ups can be a great introduction to professional photography without the investment. But they also may not give you a good read on what a Custom Session is like. If you are looking for a quick snap of your child, only want a few digitals, and are okay with REAL personalities to come out, then this could be for you!

Custom Session

Timing – You have flexibility on the timing of the shoot. You can schedule something that works around your child’s schedule. Custom sessions start at 1 hour which gives us plenty of time for your child to warm up to me and check out my Studio.

Location – These can be done in my Scotch Plains NJ Studio OR the comfort of your own home! My Studio is quiet and calm and it will only be YOUR family during our shoot.

Products and Editing – My Custom Sessions all include a credit towards the purchase of images. You can purchase individual files (includes both a digital copy and a printed copy), Collections, Albums and Archival Wall Art for your home. My prints come from my professional print lab and they are to DIE FOR! Editing is more extensive for these as well.

Who’s Included – Who do you want to include? Grandma? The family dog? Your family? The sky is the limit here! When you book a Custom Session we design it around YOUR needs.

large german shepherd mix poses for a black and white portrait at Joan Marie Phography

Want to Book?

If you would like to set-up a pop-up event with these adorable, timeless black and white photos, reach out to me! I love collaborating with other local businesses! You can fill out my balck and white personality portraits form here!

Want to book your family’s own custom session? Fill out my inquiry form here!

Want something IN-BETWEEN? I’ve got something for you! You can sign up for one of my Mini Events! I hold these quarterly. They include your private photoshoot in my Scotch Plains NJ Studio, 2 retouched digital files and special pricing on additional digitals. These sessions are also discounted and digital only, but it will give you more time than 5 minutes in a quiet and calm environment where your child can relax and ease their way into it! You can find out when my next Mini Event is here!

Wall Art is AWESOME!

HANG THOSE BABIES UP!….NO, REALLY! You got the black and white photos now HANG THEM UP!

Something as simple as hanging family portraits around your home can increase your child’s confidence! It gives children a sense of belonging, acceptance, and love that can help their confidence soar. I know from my own personal experience, that in the hum drum of everyday life, with stress and work and ALL of the things, simply looking at my big canvas of my kids hanging on the wall gives me a moment of calm. It centers me. It reminds me of how lucky I am and how grateful I should be. And It reminds your children that you love them. And that they are important to you and that this is their home.

dog photography

Holiday Dog Portraits at Bloomingdale’s in the Willowbrook Mall

Dog photography is one of my favorites to shoot! And what a fun time I had photographing Holiday Pet Portraits at Bloomingdale’s at the Willowbrook Mall for their Friends and Family event! I worked with some of their Store Managers who created this adorable Holiday set for the dog photography photo op! How cute is it??? Everyone who works there is so friendly, nice and attentive. Not only to their customers, but to me as their photographer for the day. It was really such a pleasure working with all of them. I really hope I get to do it again next year!

Who let the dogs out?

We had a great turnout for these pet portraits and all of these little fur babies were just SO CUTE! My assistant for the day, my 13 year old son, challenged me to see if I would be able to guess all of the breeds as they came up. And I don’t remember what the end tally was, but I was pretty spot on for nearly all of them! I don’t know where or how or why I learned all these different dog breeds, but you might just say I have a bit of a special talent when it comes to that. Now to figure out what this special power can do for me LOL!

I had planned on doing this solo, but I’m so happy my son came with me. I didn’t think about how much work and effort it would be to bring all of my equipment in, set it up, break it down, etc. It sure does help having a big strong teenager who suddenly towers over me there to help me with all of it. And we got to spend some nice quality time together which I have been missing. I also think it was good for him to see his mom hard at work, doing what she loves to do.

Mall rats

After the dog photography we took a stroll around the mall and I was transported through time and space to my childhood. The mall was the place to go when I was in my early teenage years! And admittedly I have not been to a mall in a long time. Quite possibly pre COVID?? Is that crazy? Is it possible? I don’t know, but it sure was nice to see the mall filled with people.

We went over to Champs, another store I haven’t been to in years to see what kind of clothes they were selling. I figured that my assistant earned some fresh new threads and we were able to get some nice deals on a couple of sweatshirts and plain solid t’s. He also found a really sweet Nike shirt that had a cool retro vibe. So I’d say all in all, it was a really great day <3

Thank you for your service <3

One of my dog models was a beautiful service do named Sage. Something about her just captivated me. I think it was those soulful eyes <3 I had to turn her image into a portrait. I do love doing these, but dog photography composites take a good deal more of time and effort to do. I thought it would be fun to show you a little before and after of that!

Now for the Holiday Photos!

Ready to learn more about my Pet Portraits? Click here!

A Studio Pet Portrait Session with Zena the Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Zena (with a “z”) Warrior Princess!

Zena’s mom and dad reached out to me wanting to get some printed portraits of their baby Zena. Although Zena isn’t a baby. I believe she is about 5 years old. But dang, she has some puppy energy!

I love that about photography. I can be photographing Newborns one day and then dogs the next! Have you seen my dog photos? No? Well, you can see more of them here.

Mountain Dogs

Zena is a Entlebucher Mountain Dog, a breed related to the Bernese Mountain dogs. If you know anything about Bernies, you know that they are BIG dogs! They’re awesome actually. And lately you may have seen some Bernese Mountain Dogs mixed with Poodles, yielding the Bernedoodle! These dogs are so beautiful and I especially love their coloring. You can see the relation between Zena and the Bernies by their coloring for sure! I took an adorable photo of my friend’s Bernedoodle, Dexter, a couple of years ago. Here he is after stopping by my neighbor’s place, Simply Groomed.

dog photos

Say Cheese for your dog photos!

We took a ton of photos of Zena and in the end her mom and dad chose these 2 final images for their selections. And I have to say, I think they picked some good ones!

I don’t think it occurs to many people to have their dog photos done, but I love it! And they ARE a part of our family so why wouldn’t we want some portraits of them to hang around the home?

Pet Portrait Special

In honor of National Dog Day, and the 1 year anniversary of my pup’s “gotcha day”, I will be offering a Pet Portraits Promotion for the month of September!

$99 Pet Portrait Sessions!

These will be 15 minute professional portrait sessions of your pup. Includes 1 8×10 and matching digital file. Gallery reveal and image selection will take place immediately after with the option to purchase additional products. That’s over $300 in savings! Check out some of my pet portraits HERE!

BOOK NOW!

PROFESSIONAL DOG PORTRAITS IN SCOTCH PLAINS NJ

As a Dog Photographer in Scotch Plains, NJ I know how much our fur babies mean to our families. They are often with us through many stages of life. And more often than not they are our first real experience with parenting! I recently had to say goodbye to my 18 year old kitty and it was HARD! Now I am busy parenting my 126 lb 3 year old pup (aside from my kids that is!).

I know for me, portraits of my pets are just as important as the portraits I take of my children. And I want to share that with you. I cover a wide range of portrait styles. My pet portraits are truly a collaboration with my families. I want to make sure we get the images that speak most to you and encapsulate your pet’s unique personality. From dog photos to cat photos and beyond! There is no limit to the fur (and scale) babies that I can capture!

VIEW THE GALLERY

ARTWORK THAT IS PERSONAL

Being an artist, I have an appreciation for all kinds of art.  And as a Union County NJ dog photographer who specializes in Fine Art Portraits, I love nothing more than providing my Clients with some of the most magnificent products to display the artwork we create together!  My degree is in Fine Art and therefore I have taken many Art History courses.  I won’t say how long ago that was, but that’s not important anyway!  Portraiture has my heart.  I love paintings from the Renaissance.  In the 16th Century images of dogs became more common in paintings.  And I love that! 

Our pets are part of our family and of everyday life.  And why wouldn’t, why shouldn’t, they be represented in the artwork?  So as a portrait photographer, my work is not limited to human portraits.  Everything I shoot is a portrait.  I especially love taking portraits of people’s pets.  I AM A UNION COUNTY NJ DOG PHOTOGRAPHER TOO! I love memorializing them.  When a Client says “I don’t ONLY want the digitals. I want a big beautiful canvas that I can hang on my wall!”.  Honestly, this is an investment. I would be doing you a disservice if I DIDN’T offer you beautiful ways to display your artwork. Because that is what we are creating after all; artwork of your most loyal companion. So whether it’s dog photos, cat photos, BIRD PHOTOS…I do it all. I can’t wait to create an amazing piece of artwork that is deeply personal to YOU!

The ART of Portraiture

What I offer to my Clients is a service.  We are a team with a goal and a vision.  Collaborating to create something beautiful together. Something that will last longer than that 1 social media post and the memory that pops up every year.  And we create ART!  Art to hang on your walls, to gaze upon day after day.  Through the good and the bad.  Someday that piece of wall art will serve as a reminder of how loved your pet was.  How much joy they brought you.  And will let them live on in your memory and your heart for all the days to come.

Pet End of Life Sessions

While most of my pet portraits take place in The Studio, I also offer Celebration of Life Sessions. These sessions are designed to document the final days celebrating the love and bond between a family and their special pets. They can take place at my Scotch Plains NJ Studio, an outdoor location or in the comfort of your home. So if you are looking for a NJ Dog Photographer, take the next step and fill out my contact form!

joan marie

1589 E 2nd Street

Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

908.312.1788 | info@joanmariephotography.com

379968614