Cart 0

Vibrant Dog Photography For Brands, Pups, & Their People

Serving the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area + beyond

 
 
 

DOG BODY LANGUAGE TRAINED

With more than six years of working with dogs in various capacities, we know a thing or two about dogs! Pair that experience with our Force Free Dog Training Certification, we understand how to give your pup(s) the most joyful, stress-free experience possible.

MORE THAN JUST PHOTOGRAPHS

We help you turn your digital imagery into timeless artwork created exclusively with your pet in mind. Whether you want digital files or finished artwork (or both), we are here to guide you through the entire process ensuring you leave with exceptional, artwork you’ll love forever.

WE SPECIALIZE IN PETS

There is something to be said about being a specialist! Over the past three years, we’ve studied the ins-and-outs of Pet Photography investing in education, conferences, workshops, and continuing education in all things Pet Photography to become the very best of the best in our industry!

SESSIONS THAT GIVE BACK

With our Pup-To-Pup Program, we donate 10% from all of our product sales right back to a rescue of choice each quarter. So, when you book a session with us, you and your pup(s) can feel good knowing that your purchase is going right back to help more pups in need. View our full donation list here or learn more about our Mission here.

 

The Process

STEP ONE

Book via our online scheduler to choose your preferred date and time. If you’d like to chat more before you choose a session date, simply fill out an inquiry here and we will contact you with more information.

STEP TWO

This step is all about planning your custom session - from your complimentary planning call to your questionnaire to choosing the perfect location, this is where your session really starts to come together.

STEP THREE

It’s time for your pup’s session! Expect a ton of laughter, silliness, and gorgeous images being captured.

STEP FOUR

Choosing your images and artwork options! During our virtual time together, I will walk you through making your final image selections and help you design custom artwork that will surely bring a smile to your face every single day.

STEP FIVE

Your digital and physical artwork has arrived. It’s time to sit back and enjoy the beauty from your session (plus, you can show off your pup across social media with your web sized images, too!)

Don’t let another day go by without capturing unforgettable memories of your furry best friend that you can show off in your home and online. Book your session today!

 
raleigh-pet-photographer-joanne-wetzel-pet-and-people-sessions-end-of-life-photography-durham-cary-chapel-hill.png

 Xena & Honey

Joanne is absolutely wonderful! I booked a session with her for my two dogs and it exceeded every expectation. I was a little hesitant with having two dogs, but Joanne made it super simple. She was able to grab and keep their attention and focus very easily. My girls LOVED her and the treats and squeakers she brought to our session. She was very thorough leading up to our session with location details, time frames, and everything in between. I would highly recommend Joanne to anyone with fur babies! The photos I got back truly made my jaw drop. Dogs have such short lives and I am so grateful that I’ll have these photos to cherish forever. Thanks again Joanne for an irreplaceable experience.

—EMILY D
Raleigh, NC

raleigh-pet-photographer-pet-photography-in-raleigh-durham-cary-chapel-hill (1).png
 

Pawfect artwork made with love for those you love most.

Photographs and memories are meant to be shared. let’s create swoon-worthy art of your pup that will bring you joy every single day.

 

IMAGE STRAIGHT OUT OF THE CAMERA

IMAGE EDITED IN PHOTOSHOP

 

THE COMPLETED ART PIECE FOR YOUR HOME

 

Benson & Arlo

Joanne is not only an amazing photographer, but also a wonderful human! She was such a joy to work with, created amazing photos of both our older dog and our puppy, and was cognizant of both their personalities and abilities during our session. The preparation she put in by getting to know us and our dogs ahead of our session made it so easy to get comfortable when we arrived and she came prepared with everything we could have ever needed - tasty treats, water, a long leash, toys, and enough interesting noise-makers to get the attention of any distractible pup! I cannot recommend her enough to anyone looking to capture beautiful, lasting memories with their pups.

—RACHEL B
Durham, NC

raleigh-pet-photographer-pet-photography-in-raleigh-durham-cary-chapel-hill (3).png
 
 

The Session

 
 

Our sessions are entirely tailored to you and your dog(s)! They include:

  • A complimentary planning call to discuss session goals

  • Access to our Client Guides to help you prepare every step of the way

  • Your choice of a favorite location within the Raleigh area*

  • Unlimited shoot time

  • For everyone in your pack

  • Weekday or weekend session on select dates

  • Morning or evening availability

  • Me, your behavior-trained Dog Photographer, as a resource to help you have the most amazing session possible

  • Complimentary image reveal and ordering appointment where I help you choose the finished products and files that suit you and your family best

  • 10% of your session will be donated back to a rescue of choice each quarter via our Pup-To-Pup Program

Our typical client spends $1,600+ or more on their Pet Portrait Experience depending on the number of pieces, prints, or files they select from their session. Artwork options start at $799.

View our full product collection and pricing here.

For each session, we require a $250 reservation retainer* to reserve your preferred date and time.

*
Retainer can be applied as a product credit to any of our a la carte products; price does not include sales tax

 
 
 

Common FAQs

 

Can you photograph my dog even if they are [INSERT ADJECTIVE HERE]?

Yes and yes! The number one objection we hear from potential clients is: “Oh, I could never have photos of my dog, because they won’t behave/are too high energy/are too anxious/etc.” Listen, if we can photograph high-energy, mannerless, and sassy shelter pups, we can photograph your pups, too! We have worked with hundreds dogs of all sizes, energy levels, breeds, temperaments, disabilities, and levels of training.

We understand that each dog has their own history, preferences, and abilities. No matter what, we think your dog is perfect. So, don’t fret if your pooch might be leash reactive, is a bit excitable, or not listen on the day of the session—you’ll find no judgement from us. We have plenty of tips and tricks up our sleeves to create dynamic, stunning imagery no matter what!

My dog doesn’t have a great recall. Do they need to be off leash during their session?

No problem! In fact, I’ll share a secret with you… 99% of the dogs you see photographed were wearing a leash when we photographed them! Crazy, right? That’s the beauty and magic of a handy-dandy little software called Photoshop. So, for peace of mind and safety, we keep all dogs on leash and just remove it in post-production.

What if my dog isn’t a fan of other dogs. Where can we go?

Having a dog that is dog selective and leash reactive ourselves, we understand those struggles as a pet parent. During our planning call together, we will talk what the best locations and date options to ensure safety and comfort for everyone involved. For your dog, we may have to choose a less popular location or a morning session to accommodate, but there are certainly ways where we can make your session happen and create an amazing result in the process.

 
raleigh-pet-photographer-joanne-wetzel-pet-and-people-sessions-end-of-life-photography-durham-cary-chapel-hill (2).png
 

Your Dog Photographer

Hey. I’m Joanne.

Even before I could walk, our house was always filled with dogs. Labradors, Rottweilers, Huskies - you name it. So, naturally, I’ve always had a tremendous love for dogs, especially big breeds!

It was that appreciation for and curiosity of dogs from a young age alongside six years in dog rescue, that inspired me to become a dog photographer and capture your adored, four-legged canine family members and help you to create jaw-dropping custom artwork for online and in your home that you’ll adore every single day.

Alongside photographing your furry best friend, I also donate my time to helping shelter dogs be seen, valued, and loved through beautiful imagery. You can learn more all about our mission here.

Plus, I donate 10% of all product sales back to a rescue of choice each quarter through my Pup-To-Pup Program to keep the feel good, for good energy flowing. View our full donation list here.

Now, I spend my days covered in slobber, dog hair, and peanut butter, but it is my honor to meet, snuggle, and photograph your pups and create priceless, cherished memories you’ll look back on for years to come.

Why Five Freedoms Photography?

 WE ARE NAMED AS SUCH FOR WHAT THE FIVE FREEDOMS REPRESENT TO ALL ANIMALS EVERYWHERE (ALSO KNOWN AS THE GOLD STANDARD OF ANIMAL WELFARE IN OUR COUNTRY).

Through the rescue work that we do, it is our hope that we can work towards these freedoms for companion animals across the country and the world. The Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare are as follows:

  1. FREEDOM FROM HUNGER OR THIRST

    by ready access to fresh water and diet to maintain health and vigor.

  2. FREEDOM FROM DISCOMFORT

    by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.

  3. FREEDOM FROM PAIN, INJURY, OR DISEASE

    by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.

  4. FREEDOM TO EXPRESS NORMAL BEHAVIOR

    by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.

  5. FREEDOM FROM FEAR OR DISTRESS

    by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

raleigh-pet-photographer-joanne-wetzel-pet-and-people-sessions-end-of-life-photography-durham-cary-chapel-hill (1).png
 

Our Triple Guarantee

We want you to be 100% in love with your images, your experience, and your custom artwork.

If for some reason you are not, we will either reshoot your session, refund your session fee, or buy back your artwork. It’s that simple.

Our number one priority is an unforgettable experience and gorgeous, custom artwork from your session!

 
 
raleigh-pet-photographer-pet-photography-in-raleigh-durham-cary-chapel-hill-north-carolina118.jpg