Pets inspire us in so many ways. Ellie, the adorable (and probable Beagle) mix inspired Nicole Moyer to buy a DSLR and eventually start a pet photography business, Sweet Ellie Photography. Although her business may be new, Nicole’s photos are gorgeous! (Of course, it helps to have the perfect model like Ellie.) Although I love the historic museum of Williamsburg, these photos will make you want to visit River State Park too!
From Nicole: “This is my best buddy, Ellie. Ellie is a rescue who we adopted through Dog It Dig It Rescue in 2012. I had just completed my graduate program, and my husband was entering his second year of veterinary school when we brought her into our family. I saw her online, and we drove nearly 3 hours to get her because I had already fallen in love with her big ears and sweet eyes. Ellie was an owner-surrender to a high-kill shelter who was saved by Dog It Dig It Rescue. She was infested with fleas when she was found and soon developed kennel cough. She weighed around six pounds. We had no idea of her age or breed (but we now theorize that she is a beagle-mix). Through Ellie’s first year, she was constantly sick. I never thought she would be off antibiotic treatments, but she persevered. 
Ellie has brought so much amazing love and energy to our family.
One of the most wonderful things Ellie has done is to help me discover my love for photographing animals. I had an ongoing interest in photography, but weeks after we adopted her, I finally bought myself a DSLR and started practicing. Lucky for me, I had access to a whole group of veterinarians-in-training who were willing to let me practice with their lovely pups!
It turns out that Ellie was around eight weeks when we adopted her, and we recently celebrated her eighth Gotcha Day. I am finally taking the plunge into starting my pet photography business. My favorite thing about photographing animals is that they are always unapologetically themselves, which is so refreshing. Being able to capture a pet’s personality and create artwork for their family to cherish is so meaningful. Because of Ellie and the gratitude we feel toward Dog It Dig It Rescue, I donate a portion of each portrait session to a local rescue. I only hope that this helps the next family find their perfect match!
Follow Sweet Ellie Photography on Instagram.
Find a pet-friendly photographer near you.
About Sweet Ellie Photography: Based in Williamsburg, Virginia, Nicole specializes in pet photography.
These are the cutest photos. I love Williamsburg too–we got to explore there a few years ago. Lovely area!
Thanks so much! We love Williamsburg!
Those are some great action shots of Ellie. He seems like a great companion and a pet that can adapt to any situation.
Thank you so much! She really is so adaptable and loves to travel!
You always capture pets in their elements so well!
Thanks so much!
What a beautiful dog! Our dog is named Ellie too! I love that name.
Awww we love our Ellie!
So many great shots of Ellie. Such a cute dog!!! My favourite image is the first one.
Thanks so much! The first one is my favorite too! ❤️
These photos are so adorable. It was wonderful to learn more about this family.
Thank you so much! We really appreciate it!
Oh, Ellie is so cute! You can see in her face that she’d just be a life long friend.
That is so kind! She really is the best buddy!
Aww..Ellie is such a pretty dog! I really love the way the photos were taken. I can simply feel her emotions.
Wow! Thank you so much for the kind words! It is alway my goal to capture the real personality of the animal I’m working with!
So glad she has survived her sickness. And she’s so beautiful now.
Thank you so much!
That pup is just too cute! I love these photos!
Thank you very much! She’s a special girl!
These are amazing photos. I love the way you captured the dog’s personality and charm.
I really appreciate that!!
Great shots! And what a cutie! Love the name too. The hubs used to have a beagle. His name was Tramp.
These are some really great photos. I love the ones with pets. They’re so adorable! You did an amazing job with these.
Ellie is so stunning and the photos are well taken! I am so excited to see more of this.
Ellie is really cute, I agree with you she is perfect model. That why pictures comes adorable. love it.
Haven’t been to this place but the pictures really gave justice and was able to showcase the beautiful place and of course the subject. Love all the shots!
Ellie is SO cute! I can totally see how she would be the inspiration behind a photography business.
I love Beagles. We never wanted one because a) we love Rottweilers and b) because they have such a strong hunting instinct. So now we have a Rottweiler who is a Beagle at heart. LOL
Ellie has absolutely beautiful coloring! So glad she was rescued and lives with a family that loves her!
Ellie is such a beauty! I love her adorable ears too, I’m not surprised they fell in love with her on sight. These photos are terrific.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Ellie makes the perfect muse fir animal photography