Raleigh Pet Photography with a Therapist’s Touch: A Deeper, More Meaningful Experience.

More Than Photos: A Safe, Healing Space for You and Your Dog.

Pet photography and the mental health may not seem like a natural pair at first glance. But once you experience the two together, it becomes clear that not only is it a match made in heaven, but a crucial one. I’m Abby Moreno, licensed therapist, mindfulness educator, and owner of Paws Fur Joy Photography where I offer pet parents an experience like no other. 

This is because we believe your portrait session isn’t just about the portraits, it’s about honoring the extraordinary bond that you and your dog share. The bond that has carried you through life’s highs and lows, ordinary days, and significant milestones.  

This is the “heartbeat” of our session together, capturing connection with intention, presence and care. We combine mindfulness and therapeutic insight to create a portrait experience that feels more like a guided meditation than a rushed photoshoot. 

Even if your dog is zooming around, the session itself is calm, meaningful, and deeply personal. We create a safe space where time seems as if it slows down and you and your dog can simply be together.

How our Pet Photography Sessions are Different:

We go at your dog’s pace. Always.

No forced poses, no pressure. Whether your dog is shy, excitable, aging, or a total goofball; all dogs (and cats!) are met with patience and understanding. We are Fear Free Certified, which means we’ve completed specialized training in reading dog and cat body language. During the session I’m constantly observing and making sure your pet is happy and having the best time.

We use Animal Reiki to help pets relax.

In addition to body language, I’m attuned to your dog’s energy level. I use Animal Reiki as a gentle tool to help your dog feel calm and grounded during our session. Read more about Animal Reiki in an upcoming blog post. Stay tuned!

We guide you with mindfulness-based prompts

To help you connect in real time with your dog, I gently guide you with mindfulness-based prompts during the session. These prompts come from my training as a mental health therapist — and they’re designed to bring out genuine emotion and ease. They not only help you and your dog feel more connected, they allow me to beautifully showcase that bond in your final images.

We hold space for emotion.

This is especially important when your dog is a senior or navigating illness. With training in grief, animal Reiki, and pet loss, I’m here to support you through any tender or emotional moments. If you have a fear, concern, or question during the session, having someone trained in these areas makes all the difference. Our session together is not about perfection: it’s about presence, connection, and love. The real stuff. The messy, joyful, fleeting, soulful stuff that makes your dog your dog.

Sessions Tailored to be Just as Special as You and your Dog:

There is room for everyone here.

Whether your child wants to bring a household object to the session, you get easily overstimulated, or you feeling anxious in front of others, I get it. I’ve got you! As a licensed therapist, I’m trained to support people with anxiety, grief, neurodivergence, or just a lot of big feelings. Sessions are flexible, responsive, and grounded in emotional safety.

There’s no judgment, no rushing, and no expectations here. Just space for you and your dog to be yourselves.

We Provide a Patient and Supportive Space for Every Dog.

Our furry companions have their own needs and quirks. Whether your dog is reactive, anxious, or terminally ill, we’ll tailor the session accordingly. I choose low-traffic, senior-friendly locations, and use heartfelt prompts to ensure the session feels good for both of you. I’ve thought through the details so you don’t have to.

Our sessions leave an impact long after the camera is put away. You’ll leave with an even deeper appreciation for your dog (I know, right, who thought that was even possible?). As one client stated: “I’ve never connected with my dog like that before!” You will leave the session with a sense of peace, quieting the noise in your mind through our relaxing prompts, and a tangible reminder of the love between you and your dog.

A Peaceful “Paws” That Stays With You.

As part of your experience, you’ll receive a reflection journal filled with gentle prompts that help you process the session, preserve your memories, and integrate this mindful experience into your daily life. 

A couple weeks after the session we’ll have a meeting where you get to pick your favorite image and I’ll guide you along the way in creating artwork that will be a magical reminder of the connection between you and your dog for years to come.

At Paws Fur Joy, we treat your session as a moment of healing, celebration, and gratitude. It’s a peaceful  pause from your busy life; one that centers your dog, your love, and your story. Our sessions will feel as if you’ve connected with your dog in a whole new way. That’s the kind of magic we make at Paws Fur Joy Photography.

So whether your dog is a senior, your shadow, your emotional support, or your whole heart (or all of the above), I invite you to step into an experience that’s unlike anything else available. This isn’t just photography. This is presence. This is peace. This is profoundly beautiful.

You and your dog deserve nothing less.