Behind The Scenes: What Makes Your Pet Photos Truly Picture Perfect
/You may have seen images from Terri J Photography on Facebook or Instagram, or here on the website. These are the finished photographs—the ones clients eagerly await from the moment they decide to book a session. They’re the images ready to be shared, lovingly placed into an album, or displayed beautifully on the walls of your home.
But what actually makes a photograph feel truly picture perfect? What happens behind the scenes once your photo session has wrapped up?
It would be lovely to say that every image is flawless straight out of the camera. The truth is, modern photography is as much an art of refinement as it is of timing and connection. While capturing the moment is essential, what happens after the session during the editing process is where each image is carefully enhanced.
Professional Editing of Your Pet Photos
Professional editing is not about changing your dog or your family—it’s about enhancing what’s already there. Subtle adjustments to light, colour, and tone help each photograph reflect the feeling of the moment as you remember it. A brightened expression, softened distractions, richer tones, and gentle polishing all come together to create a finished image that feels effortless and timeless.
One of the most meaningful parts of my work as a pet photographer is this dedication to detail. Every image you see is individually and professionally enhanced with care. I retouch each photograph by hand, ensuring it meets the same standard I would want for my own home—images worthy of being framed, turned into custom artwork, or preserved in a beautifully designed album.
Some photographs need very little attention, while others benefit from more detailed refinement. No two images are treated the same. The goal is always the same: to honour your pet’s personality, your connection, and the atmosphere of the moment.
I thought you might enjoy a peek behind the scenes with a few before-and-after examples. They offer a glimpse into the thoughtful editing process that transforms a lovely photograph into one that feels complete, polished, and truly special.
Before & After: Where Careful Editing Brings Images to Life
The photo below of the two Samoyeds definitely needed some work!
I wanted to show the first photo to my client because I really loved the way she was smiling down at her two dogs!
However, I preferred the photo with the adult dog, looking forward to the camera in the second photo.
So in this example I went all out - here’s what I did:
Head swap using face of adult dog from photo number 2 on main photo number 1.
I covered her knee with her dress.
Removed the person in the background and the lamppost
Next I warmed the tones and brightened the photo.
Finally a magical sky enhancement.
I absolutely loved this photo session with these two gorgeous rescue Greyhounds—though capturing a beautiful portrait of them together wasn’t quite as effortless as it looks. If one was looking toward the camera, the other was glancing away. If one had perfect ears, the other… not so much.
In the end, I photographed them separately and carefully brought them together into a single, seamless image. With thoughtful colour work, gentle brightening, and the removal of leashes, their owner, and a curious extra dog, the final photograph feels calm, connected, and natural—just as you’d imagine it was in the moment. I enhanced the photo for one gorgeous photo worthy of wall art.
FROM ONE DOG TO TWO DOGS FOR BEAUTIFUL WALL ART
During this Toronto city pet photography session with Jacob, I was drawn to the idea of photographing him peeking out from behind an interesting wall or entranceway. The texture and warm tones of the brickwork in this old building felt like the perfect backdrop.
With some careful finishing work, I removed his leash, an unsightly pipe behind him, and a distracting door handle above his head. A touch of colour correction and gentle brightening brought everything together, and the result became one of my favourite images from the session—simple, timeless, and full of character.
Sometimes it’s editing the little things that make a difference.
The photo of Bethany and Carly shows true connection, but with a few tweaks it’s a lot better.
Notice how on the first image the bright white building in the background is so distracting? I took that out, removed the red leash showing and again, with a little warming and brightening its a much nicer photo.
Prince is a handsome miniature poodle! But he needed a little tear stain removal. It’s a common issue so I usually remove this staining.
If you’d love a thoughtfully crafted portrait of your own dog—one that feels natural, polished, and uniquely them—I’d be delighted to plan a session with you. Simply arrange your best time for a consultation by clicking below.
This post is part of a blog circle in which pet photographers from around the world participate. Next up is Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography fetching pet and family portraits in Coppell, Carrollton and the greater Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex. Click the link at the bottom of each post and when you’ve completed the circle you’ll end up right back here. Let’s see what every one else does with their topic this week!
Terri J Photography is a professional pet photographer based in the Toronto area and also serving Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Markham, Etobicoke, Scarborough, Thornhill and beyond
