Terri J Photography

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Why I Love Being a Pet Photographer


I am truly grateful that I get to do what I really love - being a pet photographer in and around the Toronto area (and occasionally in South Florida too)


Photographing pets brings me so much joy.  Here are 4 reasons why…

  1. Simply being around dogs makes me happy!


Whether I am watching them bounding towards me for their action shot with those wonderful goofy grins and big ears flopping, or staring lovingly up at their human for the intimate pet and people photos, or pricking their ears up at me for their pet portrait shots, each and every one makes me smile!

Photographing dogs bounding towards me during their photo session makes me so happy!


2. It is gratifying to be able to give back to and help rescue organizations

Simply knowing that as a pet photographer in the Toronto area I can do my small bit to help a dog or cat find a loving home is greatly satisfying.

I regularly photograph the dogs and cats in the shelter at the Etobicoke Humane Society as well as at the homes of their foster parents.

When I meet the dogs at the shelter and get a chance to know them even for a short while, I always leave hoping that their time in the shelter or at their foster home will be short and sweet and that they find a wonderful permanent home soon!

The cats can be a little more aloof! That’s how cats are, isn’t it?   But the younger kittens - they bring back memories of my childhood when I was a real cat lover!

I photographed this gorgeous Labrador for the Etobicoke Humane Society


3. Being able to provide timeless memories for people is a real honour!

Creating meaningful photos of people and their pets that capture the pure, unique love they share is a special honour!

Whether it’s a year later or a decade later I know that with those photos they will remember the soulful gaze and heartfelt bond.

I especially feel this when I do a Golden Session and the dog may be aging or even at the end of his/her life.  When the dog passes the kind words of appreciation from the owners is really gratifying.

Knowing that I was able to provide sweet memories of a wonderful time together and true bond shared, brings so much pleasure even through the tears that I inevitably shed!


I love to spend time with other dog and cat lovers!

I love chatting to people about what is so special about their pet.  I love to see the bond that people share with their pets. I love to see their happy faces when they unwrap that gorgeous album of the photos from their pet photography session.

I love the challenge of photographing cats and their people too!

I do consider myself lucky and I am truly grateful to be photographing the pets of Toronto


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Let's check in on  some of the other pet photographers in our circle to see what they're grateful for this year,  starting with Endless Mountains Photographer Elaine Tweedy of I Got the Shot Photography who explores cat gratitude--is there such a thing?

Then continue clicking on the link at the bottom of each page until you get back here.

Terri J Photography serves the Greater Toronto area including Richmond Hill, Markham, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Scarborough, Brampton, Thornhill and beyond. Terri specializes in on-location pet photography including  family and couples sessions with your beloved pets.