You know how everyone in Pittsburgh thinks they know the “best” spots for photos? Let me stop you right there. If your idea of a portrait location is your backyard or the dog park you hit every Saturday, we’re not even in the same league.
When you book with me, you get something nobody else does: access to my private location guide. It’s a decade’s worth of trial, error, muddy shoes, and oh-my-goodness-the-light-is-perfect-right-here moments distilled into one ultra-curated collection. Each spot inside that guide was chosen for how it feels…the quality of the light, the space for your dog to move freely, the quiet that lets a moment unfold without distraction. It’s a collection built for the dogs who deserve more than “just a session,” and for the people who understand that where we tell their story matters just as much as how.
And no, you won’t find this list plastered on Google or hidden in some “Top 10 Pet Photo Spots in Pittsburgh” clickbait list. It’s exclusive to my clients, and here’s a taste of what’s inside (and yes, I’m still keeping the real list under lock and key).
The Types of Locations I Include
Each location in my private location guide has been hand-selected for how it looks, feels, and photographs, not just in one perfect month, but in every season Pittsburgh throws our way. Over the years, I’ve created a series of private galleries showcasing sessions from these exact spots across spring blooms, golden summers, fiery autumns, and soft winter light, so you can see how each location transforms throughout the year before we even set foot there. And it’s all linked within that location guide.
Inside, you’ll find scenic trails and natural backdrops. These are the kinds of places that stop you mid-walk. Think expansive meadows where the light rolls like honey, quiet woodland paths where texture and depth create that painterly feel, and creeks that shimmer during golden hour. They’re timeless, classic, and look like they were made for wall art.
Then there are the iconic Pittsburgh landmarks. Some stories demand a bit of drama—and I’ve scouted the skyline spots, historic parks, and elegant urban corners that make that happen. These backdrops add architecture, mood, and unmistakable Pittsburgh energy while still keeping your dog as the main focus. They’re for the client who wants something bold, cinematic, and unmistakably local.
And, of course, my personal favorites: those hidden gems you’d never think of. These are the tucked-away courtyards, secret trails, and quiet stretches of light that most people walk past without noticing. They’re places that give every session its own signature feel; no crowds, no distractions, and no chance of your artwork looking like anyone else’s. These are the real “if you know, you know” spots.
Every one of these locations has been tested under real-world conditions (and usually a fair amount of weather conditions). I know exactly when the light peaks, where dogs can safely explore, and how to use each scene to create museum-grade artwork.
Why I Keep This Location List Private
Because exclusivity matters. When you’re investing in fine art portraiture, the last thing you want is for your session to feel cookie-cutter. Your dog’s story deserves more than a location that’s been photographed to death or that shows up on every local influencer’s feed.
I want to protect what makes your experience truly one of a kind: privacy, originality, and access to places that haven’t been photographed to death. These are spaces that stay quiet, clean, and consistently gorgeous because I only share them with the clients who actually get to use them. By keeping my guide private, I ensure exclusivity in that you won’t have the same backdrop as everyone else; privacy so you and your dog can relax without a crowd watching; and quality. Every location is vetted for light, safety, and accessibility.
There’s a reason luxury brands don’t hand over their supplier list—and for me, this guide is that. It’s part of what you’re investing in: the behind-the-scenes knowledge that turns our chosen location into something extraordinary. Keeping it private ensures that, when we shoot there, the only story unfolding is yours.
How You Get Access
Simple: book a session. Once you’re officially on my calendar, you’ll receive the full private location guide, a curated collection of my top spots, complete with notes on vibe, seasonal highlights, and why each one works beautifully for different types of dogs and stories.
It’s just one of the ways I elevate your experience from “a photo shoot” to a commissioned portrait experience.
If you’re someone who wants the ordinary, you can stop here. But if you’re craving artwork that feels as rare as your bond with your dog, my location guide is just the beginning.
Your dog’s story isn’t generic—and neither should the location be.
Not sure if you’re more “skyline and sophistication” or “wildflowers and wanderlust”? My quick location quiz will help you uncover which type of setting fits your dog’s personality and your style best—and it’s the first step toward choosing your perfect spot from my private list. Once you’ve found your match, we’ll use that as the foundation for your session design. (And yes, your results might surprise you.)