BLOG - Ina J Photography - Canberra Pet Photographer

Happy rescued Labradoodle running towards the camera with ears flying and a joyful expression, surrounded by soft golden light and autumn colours.

Pet Photography for Rescue Dogs: Celebrating the Story of How They Found Their Way Home

October 16, 2026

When you adopt a rescue dog, you're not just welcoming a new family member. You're becoming part of a story that started long before you met them.And sometimes, that story hasn't been easy.Maybe your dog was frightened of everything when they first arrived. Perhaps they wouldn't come near you, didn't know how to play, or needed time to realise they were finally safe.Then, little by little, things changed. The dog who once hid in the corner now owns the sofa. The one who was nervous around ...

Canberra photographer photographing two happy dogs among purple flowers in warm natural light

Looking for a Canberra Photographer? Here’s How to Choose the Right One for Your Pet

September 23, 2026

When you start looking for a Canberra photographer to photograph your dog, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed.There are beautiful websites, Instagram feeds full of gorgeous photographs, different packages, different prices and completely different approaches to photography.So how do you actually know who’s right for you and your dog?For me, this became much more personal after I lost my heart dog, Mac. Losing him made me realise just how precious photographs really are. ...

Pet photographer Ina J Photography with three small dogs during an in-home portrait session, capturing the special bond they share.

Dog Photography Ideas: Ways to Capture Your Dog's Unique Personality

August 11, 2026

When people think about great dog photos, they often picture the perfect sit, direct eye contact, and a dog looking straight at the camera. But here's the thing.The photographs my clients treasure the most are rarely the perfectly posed ones. They're the ones that capture who their dog really is.Whether it's a goofy grin, a favourite toy, a quirky habit, or the way they lean into the people they love most, these little details are what turn beautiful photographs into lifelong memories.Hi, I'm ...

Ina J Photography presenting a handcrafted framed pet wall art piece featuring a collection of beloved dogs.

Pet Wall Art: Why the Photos You See Every Day Matter More Than You Think

August 11, 2026

When most people think about a pet photography session, they picture the photos they'll receive. What they don't always think about is where those photos will end up.On a hard drive? In a folder on their phone? Or displayed proudly as pet wall art where they can enjoy them every single day? From my experience, that choice makes a much bigger difference than people realise.Hi, I’m Ina, I’m a pet photographer based in Canberra, and I specialise in creating ...

10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pet Photographer in Canberra

July 26, 2026

Choosing a pet photographer in Canberra is about more than finding someone whose images look beautiful.The photographer’s experience, process, editing and products can all shape what the session feels like and what you eventually take home.Some photographers offer a short session and digital files. Others provide a full-service experience that includes planning, professional retouching, guided image selection and finished artwork.Before booking, here are 10 questions worth asking. 1. ...

Can Reactive and Anxious Dogs Be Professionally Photographed? Yes, Here's How

June 30, 2026

When Ruben's owner contacted me, she was upfront about his history. He'd bitten people before. He was old, he was unwell, and she wanted photos of him before it was too late. But she wasn't sure if it was even possible, given what he was like with strangers.It was an end of life session, so we did it in his home. That was the right call for a few reasons. He was elderly and didn't need the stress of a new location, and his own space gave him the security to manage my presence on his terms.When ...

Two dogs sitting on a leaf-covered autumn path with orange foliage behind them at Yarralumla English Garden Canberra

Canberra Pet Photography Session: What to Expect at Your Dog's Photo Session

June 14, 2026

The most common message I get before a session is some version of “I’m not sure my dog will behave.”Sometimes it’s a reactive dog. Sometimes it’s a puppy with zero attention span.Sometimes it’s a 10-year-old who can’t walk far and has never really liked strangers.In over 1,000 sessions across Canberra, I have not met a dog I couldn’t photograph.This is what a session actually looks like, from start to finish. What Happens on the Day of a Dog ...

Shih Tzu sitting on a dirt path beside purple wildflowers.

5 Mistakes People Make When Preparing for Photos With Their Dog (And What to Do Instead)

April 21, 2026

If you’ve been thinking about booking a session with your dog, you’ve probably also caught yourself overthinking a few things.Most of the time, it’s not big issues, it’s small decisions that feel unclear, so you either delay it or try to control everything upfront.So here are the most common mistakes I see, and what actually helps instead. 1. Doing a big walk right before the session to “tire them out”This is probably the most common one.People think ...

Person holding dachshund puppy with bandana, bokeh lights in background photographed by dog photographer Ina J Photography

Why Now Is Enough of a Reason to Book a Dog Photography Session

March 19, 2026

I get asked fairly often about when the right time is to book a pet photography session. People wonder whether their dog is the right age, whether they should wait until they've settled into a new home, or whether there needs to be a particular reason to do it.My answer is almost always the same. The right time is usually just now. Not because of anything looming, but because your dog is worth celebrating right now, exactly as they are. The life you're already living is worth ...

7 Mistakes You’re Making with Your Pet Photography Pricing (and How to Fix Them)

March 11, 2026

7 mistakes you’re making with your pet photography pricing (and how to fix them) When I started Ina J Photography back in 2007, it started as a hobby. I'd just bought my first SLR and was shooting for fun, but at some point I thought, "I could actually charge for this," registered my ABN, and it became a side hustle. I looked at what a few people in my area were charging, picked a number that felt safe, and hoped for the best.I got some bookings here and there but never made any real ...