Pet portraits
by Matthew Ashby Photography
Pet portraits
by Matthew Ashby Photography
Welcome! Matthew Ashby Photography focuses on pet portraits for dogs, cats, and critters of all kinds. Showcasing your pet's character and adorable little face.
Big fun
Yes, taking photos should be fun, especially if your pet is involved! My pet photography sessions can include the whole family, so everyone gets in on the action.
Why would I get pet portraits?
We love our pets! Our furry friends are an integral part of our lives, so let me capture them in all their glory. The goal of my dog portrait or cat portrait sessions is to document your pet's personality in fun and colorful images that you'll love for years to come. I offer a mobile "studio" where I bring the studio to your for an in-home dog photography session. Remaining in their familiar environment allows your pet to feel more comfortable getting in front of the camera. Outdoor photos are a great choice as well! As a part of our session, your pet and I will spend plenty of time getting to know each other--giving scritches to good boys and girls is the best part of being a pet photographer! While I'm a dog person at heart, I happily work with cats and any other type of pet you might have. Since pets are family, I encourage owners to hop in the frame for a photo or three!
My Approach
No tricks required. Your dog or cat doesn't need to know a single command to have an amazing photo session. Perfect recalls, sit-stays, and camera-ready poses are completely optional.
Being themselves is the goal. Most pets spend their session exploring, chasing interesting smells, taking breaks, or happily doing their own thing—and that's exactly what I expect.
Every personality is welcome. Whether your pet is energetic, shy, senior, goofy, anxious, or more interested in treats than listening, I tailor the session to who they are.
I focus on your connection. My job isn't to make your pet perform; it's to create a relaxed experience where they can be themselves while I capture the moments and relationship that make them uniquely yours.
We follow your pet's pace. Some dogs are eager to jump right in, while others need a little extra time to settle in. That's perfectly okay. There's never any rush, and I'll never ask your pet to do something they're uncomfortable with.
Patience makes the magic happen. Some of the best photos happen between the "perfect" moments. I always encourage clients to let go of expectations, enjoy the experience, and have fun with their pet because that's when genuine moments naturally unfold.
I'll guide you every step of the way. Wondering where to stand, what to do with your hands, or whether your dog is cooperating? Don't worry about any of that. I'll provide gentle direction, suggest fun interactions, and make sure you always know what's next.
There's always time for breaks. Whether your pet needs a drink, a chance to sniff around, or a few quiet minutes to decompress, we'll take pause when needed. Every session is designed with flexibility so your pet can stay happy, comfortable, and stress-free.
"Matt made the entire experience easy and enjoyable.
He was patient, relaxed, and genuinely fun to work with, which made a huge difference, particularly with our four-legged son who is often skeptical of strangers and cameras. Matt’s calm and thoughtful approach put all of us at ease, and it truly shows in the photos.
We were blown away by his ability to capture so many great moments while we wandered the park, and we deeply appreciate the extra care he took during editing. That level of care did not go unnoticed."
-D.W.
Hi! I'm Matt.
The guy behind the camera.
Welcome to the monkey house. I'm a Woodbridge-based photographer, serving the greater Northern Virginia area. I take photos of people and their pets--families, couples, individuals, dogs, cats, or whatever furry, scaly or feathered companion you might have.
My aim is to provide a relaxed environment for you and your pets. My pet photography focuses on studio and outdoor shots with vibrant colors so that you will love your photos for years to come. Knowing how precious time can be, I provide straightforward services with simple, upfront pricing. Let's make some memories!
"We cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience working with Matt!
From the very first message, he was incredibly kind, responsive, and professional, making the entire process seamless and stress-free.
Working with animals requires a special kind of patience and talent, and Matt has both in spades. He made our dog feel completely comfortable during the session, and it truly showed in the final results. He beautifully captured her true personality and brought treats!
If you are looking for a photographer who is both a joy to work with and immensely talented, look no further than Matt. His photos captured our girl beautifully and we will cherish them forever!
-E.S.
The Process
01
Inquire
Fill out the inquiry form and tell me you're looking for a pet photography session. I'll reply within 24 hours, and we'll work on dates and details. I can answer all your questions via email, phone, or video call.
02
BOOK
If we’re a good fit, you’ll sign a contract and put down a 50% retainer to secure your appointment. I'm always happy to jump on a phone or video call to meet and talk about what matters most in your session.
03
Have fun
Once we're booked, I’ll send follow-up information to ensure a smooth session together. On the day of our session, we'll meet at our agreed upon location and have a great time together.
04
Enjoy your Photos
Approximately two weeks after your session, I'll send an online gallery with your final photos. You'll be able to download the full resolution images to your computer or phone. Your gallery will also have a print store if you'd like to order any physical prints.
Book a session today
Ready for the best photos of your pet you've ever seen?
FAQ
Can you photograph my kind of pet?
I’ve worked with dogs and pets of all kinds: senior dogs, anxious dogs, puppies, big dogs, little dogs, cats who hide under the backdrop, and even a literal chicken.If you’re worried that your dog, cat, or other pet is too energetic, shy, young, or old, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
My dog needs to stay on leash. Can we still do outdoor photography?
Yes, almost all pets stay on their leashes during outdoor dog photo sessions. I remove leashes during post-production as a part of my editing workflow.
My dog/cat is easily distracted. How will you keep its attention?
If your pet has the attention-span of a hamster (or is, in fact, a hamster), we’ll use treats, toys, and various other methods (weird noises are a favorite of mine) to focus your pet towards the lens.
What if my dog won't sit still?
Your dog doesn't have to be perfectly trained. I expect movement, excitement, and short attention spans. Patience is part of the job.
What should we bring for an outdoor session?
I recommend bringing along favorite treats, a favorite toy, leash, water, brush (if you use one), and poop bags.
What locations do you recommend?
For an indoor pet photo session, we’ll use your home for our setup, and I’ll bring the “studio” to you. For outdoors, I recommend spots like parks, wooded trails, open fields, urban settings, or even your own backyard. I’m happy to provide suggestion in and around the Northern Virginia and DC area.
Can owners be in the photos?
Yes! Please do! Many people don't initially realize they'll treasure photos with their pet just as much or even more than photos of their pet alone.
How should I prepare my pet?
A nice grooming is always a good idea. If your dog or pet benefits from exercise prior to exciting or new activities, then a walk can be helpful.