Kathleen Riley with Runoft (Photo by Sara Temte, second shooter for Riley Photo)

I'm a professional dog and horse photographer, and I have a lot of professional photos (and a plethora of cellphone photos) of my dogs and horses. Still, I have very few pictures of me with my dogs and horses. Making that simple word change from "of" to "with" makes a huge difference! 

In August 2021, I lost my heart dog, Minnow. I have photos of him, of the two of us competing, and official win photos, but I lack portrait photos of the two of us. Like many clients, I thought there would be more time. 

When asked what's the biggest mistake, we make in life, the Buddha replied- "The biggest mistake is you think you have time." Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't save it, but you can spend it.

Writing this post, I realized many of us are great at blocking, objecting, creating obstacles, and even being fearful about having photos with our dogs and horses. Many of us are likely not getting photos of ourselves due to fears and insecurities. Please don't let self-doubt and preconceived notions keep you from taking pictures. We need to be in those photos for three reasons: 

• Memories
• Relationships
• Other people

What matters in your photo session with your animals is having your images with both of you. You want images that capture your unique relationship with each other. Your photo session is the time to focus on what is, not what should be. These photos will be priceless, and you'll be glad you took the time to be in the moment with your dogs and horses. 

Our time with these fantastic creatures is limited, and each one that leaves our lives shows again how fleeting the treasured moments are. 

When I look through images of my departed companions, I enjoy walking down memory lane and visiting with them again. I want you to be able to revisit your companions, too, through photos of you with your dogs and horses.

Showcase Your Relationship

You're not alone in not wanting to be in front of the camera! It's a thing! I've had so many people tell me they want to lose weight, don't like their hair, don't like how they look in photos, and don't like being the center of attention. 

Being in photos is important and has nothing to do with you. When we lose someone that we love, the first thing that we look for is photos. Take photos with your loved ones. You will want to relive those fond memories. 

Last night I had a call from my cousin because I had discovered an image of his grandfather that he had never seen. (His grandfather died about 12 years before my cousin was born. ) How cool is that? (Yes, I do genealogical research for other people too.) 

Let's all commit to moving from photos of your pets to getting pictures with your pets. Even a few images of you and your animals will make a world of difference down the road.