Dog Friendly Maternity Session by April Ziegler Photography

Serena Faber Nelson Founder & Pet Lifestyle Writer

Pet lifestyle expert Serena Faber-Nelson is the founder of Pretty Fluffy. A contributor to Everyday with Rachael Ray, Modern Dog Magazine, Cesars Way and more; her modern, stylized take on DIY dog treats has seen her recipes viewed millions of times over.

Serena is the author of the go-to dog mom bible, Dog Mama, and the popular dog treat recipe book, Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.

For a lot of people, myself included, my first ‘baby’ was my dog. She made my heart full, and our house a home. She wasn’t just part of the family, she was the heart of our family.

So when I see gorgeous photography shoots, like this dog friendly maternity session by April Ziegler Photography, it warms my soul to see others enjoying the wonderful blessing of their furry friends as their family grows…

From April:
I became interested in really learning about photography after our wedding in 2007. I wanted to learn how to capture our lives the way our photographers had captured our day.

My dog Chloe quickly became my favorite, and most easily bribed, model. I loved getting to photograph all of my favorite little things about her: her squished up nose, the spots of white throughout her black fur, her nubbin tail, the way her back leg curls up like a chicken wing when she sits.

I started my business in 2009 and within 2 years it had grown to a full-time business. And though my photography has since expanded to include newborns, families, and weddings… pets are still my favorite thing to photograph.

Luckily, I seem to attract other dog-crazy people so often times my clients will want to include their dogs in their session, even if the session isn’t specifically a pet session. Most of my wedding and newborn clients want to include their dogs in their engagement and baby sessions. And I’ve recently been shooting a lot of maternity sessions with dogs included. I think it’s really sweet when people want to remember this time with their first baby, their furbaby, before their new baby arrives.

We did this session last fall, October 2014, at the client’s home in Pipersville, PA. They wanted their maternity session to be very Diesel-focused. They LOVE that dog. In December, they welcomed their baby girl, but Diesel will always be their first baby.

From Diesel’s Owner:
Diesel will be 8 years old on May 14. We rescued him from the Lahaska, PA SPCA when he was about 1 1/2. He was found as a stray on the streets of Trenton, NJ.

I literally am tearing up as I’m thinking about what to write about him. Buddy and I just love him so much. He was our first baby and will always hold a special place in our hearts. He has made it easy to love him mainly because he is such a sweetheart. He loves to love and be loved. I can only imagine the horrors he went through as a puppy and to know how he would never hurt a soul and is such a happy guy speaks volumes.

Life is so short and to be loved and to love a dog is one of the greatest treasures life has to offer! He has been nothing but gentle and loving with Katelyn as we knew he would be. We feel truly blessed!

ABOUT APRIL ZIEGLER PHOTOGRAPHY

April is a Philadelphia area portrait and pet photographer. She photographs newborns, children, families, engagements, and pets. She is honored to have been voted Philadelphia’s best pet photographer.

Find April Ziegler Photography WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM