A tri-color dog wearing a pink collar sits calmly on sandy beach with dune grass in the background.

Honest. Timeless. Authentic.

capturing the true spirit and natural beauty of your dogs and horses THROUGHOUT SOUTH JERSEY

Meet Your Photographer

A white and brown pit bull mix dog sits on a wooden deck in warm sunlight with trees and water in the background.

Hi there, South Jersey animal lovers! If you are completely obsessed with your fur-babies and pasture-pals, you have officially found your exact right place.  I'm Stefanie, the owner and photographer behind Backwoods Paws Photography.


I’m a proud dog mom to a female ACD (Red Heeler) and a male Border Collie/GSD/Lab mix, so I know firsthand that our animals aren't just pets—they are our whole world. You would think living with two high energy herding breeds, it would be non-stop chaos. Believe it or not, it's only my Red Heeler who causes the non-stop chaos LOL. My Heinz 57 pup (I call him my stud muffin), is a human on four legs. He just goes with the flow and takes the backseat since my Red Heeler is always running the show! With that being said, having that deep love for my own four-legged children is the exact reason I started this side business.


I wanted to create a space dedicated entirely to celebrating the wild, beautiful, and delightfully chaotic spirit of your dogs and horses through fun, stress-free photography. On a softer note, your four-legged babies are a piece of your heart, a keeper of your secrets, and your truest comfort. Our only wish is that they could stay with us forever. While we cannot slow down the ticking clock or stop the grey from dusting their sweet muzzles, we can catch the light of their spirit and hold onto it tightly. I am here to gently bottle up the warmth, the quiet glances, and the unspoken devotion you share, preserving them in artwork that you will cherish for a lifetime. While I love serving the southern part of New Jersey right now, my ultimate dream is to take this passion on the road and travel the USA, capturing incredible animals and their stories everywhere I go.


Beyond private backyard, park and ranch sessions, you can also find me right in the center of the action capturing peak performance. I love hitting the road on weekends to photograph horse shows, equine events, dog shows, and fast-paced dog agility trials. When I'm not behind the lens at an official event, I believe in using my camera for good. I proudly donate my time and skills to local pet rescues, providing high-quality professional images of adoptable animals to help show off their true personalities and greatly increase their chances of finding a forever home. Whether your pup is kicking up dirt on the agility course, your horse is shining in the show ring, or you just want to freeze a quiet pasture snuggle forever, I am there to turn those genuine moments into art. I pour 100% of my off-time energy into celebrating animals, and I cannot wait to capture yours!

Pet Rescue & Non-Profit Partnerships

South Jersey Corgi Rescue logo featuring a white outline illustration of a corgi dog on a white background.
donate today!
Fawn's Fortress Animal Sanctuary logo featuring a illustrated goat with a pine cone and plant branches.
donate today!
INSTAGRAM

beacon

animal

rescue

(Logo to follow)

donate today!
A close-up portrait of a tan and white dog with perky ears gazing to the side against a blurred outdoor background.
A golden-brown mixed breed dog runs energetically across a grassy field, wearing a blue collar.
Black and white Border Collie dog with tongue out, photographed by Backwoods Paws Photography.
A blue heeler dog resting on sandy beach with blurred coastal town in background at dusk.
A large black Newfoundland dog sits majestically on stone steps surrounded by autumn trees in a park setting.
A brown and white Border Collie dog lying on a stone patio wearing a pink collar, looking alert and happy.
A woman hugging a large fluffy white Great Pyrenees dog outdoors, sharing an affectionate moment.
Fluffy white Great Pyrenees dog sleeping peacefully on its back in a forest setting.
A golden Labrador Retriever stands on green grass in a sunny park with trees and a wooden fence.
Large brown Newfoundland dog running through snowy forest trail with tongue out in winter wonderland.
A tricolor Australian Shepherd dog with black, tan, and white fur poses outdoors with mouth open and tongue out.
Two Australian Shepherd dogs playing together in a golden field with a wooden fence in the background.
A wet yellow Labrador runs energetically through shallow water, splashing droplets, captured by Backwoods Paws Photography.
A wet white dog wearing a pink collar splashes through water, captured mid-run in an action shot by Backwoods Paws Photography.
Black Labrador retriever fetching a yellow ball in water, with droplets splashing around its face.
A golden doodle dog swimming in blue water while carrying a tennis ball in its mouth.
A white dog with a purple collar stands in calm blue water, looking alert in a professional pet photography shot.
A happy brown dog runs on sandy beach toward a yellow ball with water in the background.
Black Labrador retriever splashing through water with a yellow ball in its mouth, captured by Backwoods Paws Photography.
A majestic German Shepherd dog stands proudly on a path, showcasing its tan and black coat in golden hour light.
Woman tenderly hugging her large black dog outdoors among trees, captured by Backwoods Paws Photography.
A sad-eyed black and white dog rests its chin on a soft white blanket, gazing up with soulful brown eyes.
A Corgi dog stands on a wooden dock by a serene pond surrounded by lush green trees.
A happy Corgi dog running through green grass in a park wearing a teal harness.
Couple sitting in green grass with two Corgi dogs, surrounded by tall reeds and lush trees in a park setting.
Two Corgi dogs sit in a green field beside a classic red vintage tractor with large black tires and tall trees behind.
A happy tricolor dog sits on sandy dunes with green grass and a clear blue sky in the background.
Silhouette of person and dog sharing tender moment on beach at golden sunset by the ocean shore.
A white horse with a dark mane stands gracefully in a wooden fence paddock during golden hour lighting.
Woman riding a dark bay horse in a rodeo arena, wearing blue jeans and a blue shirt, with hair blowing in the wind.
A brown mare grazes beside her white foal in a sunlit green pasture at golden hour.
Silhouette of a horse standing by a white fence at golden sunset, captured by Backwoods Paws Photography.
Woman walking alongside a palomino horse in a white-fenced paddock at golden hour sunset.
White longhorn bull with large curved horns photographed up close outdoors at golden hour by Backwoods Paws Photography.
Close-up portrait of a fluffy brown donkey with large ears and white muzzle against a clear blue sky.
A brown horse with purple leg wraps trots gracefully across a sunlit pasture with a wooden fence backdrop.
Young girl in purple helmet rides a palomino horse at full gallop on a dirt arena during a barrel racing event.
Young rider in red shirt navigates a brown horse around a barrel in a dusty outdoor arena.
Silhouette of horse and rider against golden sunset sky with dust rising, dramatic equestrian photography.
Young rider on a paint horse racing around a barrel in a dusty arena during a barrel racing competition.
Young rider in red shirt and purple helmet gallops chestnut horse in sandy arena at outdoor equestrian facility.
A young woman in a black helmet rides a bay horse during a barrel racing event in a sandy arena.
A young rider in a blue helmet guides a chestnut horse around a pole during an equestrian barrel racing event.
A close-up portrait of a tan and white dog with perky ears gazing to the side against a blurred outdoor background.
A golden-brown mixed breed dog runs energetically across a grassy field, wearing a blue collar.
Black and white Border Collie dog with tongue out, photographed by Backwoods Paws Photography.
A blue heeler dog resting on sandy beach with blurred coastal town in background at dusk.
A large black Newfoundland dog sits majestically on stone steps surrounded by autumn trees in a park setting.
A brown and white Border Collie dog lying on a stone patio wearing a pink collar, looking alert and happy.
A woman hugging a large fluffy white Great Pyrenees dog outdoors, sharing an affectionate moment.
Fluffy white Great Pyrenees dog sleeping peacefully on its back in a forest setting.
A golden Labrador Retriever stands on green grass in a sunny park with trees and a wooden fence.
Large brown Newfoundland dog running through snowy forest trail with tongue out in winter wonderland.
A tricolor Australian Shepherd dog with black, tan, and white fur poses outdoors with mouth open and tongue out.
Two Australian Shepherd dogs playing together in a golden field with a wooden fence in the background.
A wet yellow Labrador runs energetically through shallow water, splashing droplets, captured by Backwoods Paws Photography.
A wet white dog wearing a pink collar splashes through water, captured mid-run in an action shot by Backwoods Paws Photography.
Black Labrador retriever fetching a yellow ball in water, with droplets splashing around its face.
A golden doodle dog swimming in blue water while carrying a tennis ball in its mouth.
A white dog with a purple collar stands in calm blue water, looking alert in a professional pet photography shot.
A happy brown dog runs on sandy beach toward a yellow ball with water in the background.
Black Labrador retriever splashing through water with a yellow ball in its mouth, captured by Backwoods Paws Photography.
A majestic German Shepherd dog stands proudly on a path, showcasing its tan and black coat in golden hour light.
Woman tenderly hugging her large black dog outdoors among trees, captured by Backwoods Paws Photography.
A sad-eyed black and white dog rests its chin on a soft white blanket, gazing up with soulful brown eyes.
A Corgi dog stands on a wooden dock by a serene pond surrounded by lush green trees.
A happy Corgi dog running through green grass in a park wearing a teal harness.
Couple sitting in green grass with two Corgi dogs, surrounded by tall reeds and lush trees in a park setting.
Two Corgi dogs sit in a green field beside a classic red vintage tractor with large black tires and tall trees behind.
A happy tricolor dog sits on sandy dunes with green grass and a clear blue sky in the background.
Silhouette of person and dog sharing tender moment on beach at golden sunset by the ocean shore.
A white horse with a dark mane stands gracefully in a wooden fence paddock during golden hour lighting.
Woman riding a dark bay horse in a rodeo arena, wearing blue jeans and a blue shirt, with hair blowing in the wind.
A brown mare grazes beside her white foal in a sunlit green pasture at golden hour.
Silhouette of a horse standing by a white fence at golden sunset, captured by Backwoods Paws Photography.
Woman walking alongside a palomino horse in a white-fenced paddock at golden hour sunset.
White longhorn bull with large curved horns photographed up close outdoors at golden hour by Backwoods Paws Photography.
Close-up portrait of a fluffy brown donkey with large ears and white muzzle against a clear blue sky.
A brown horse with purple leg wraps trots gracefully across a sunlit pasture with a wooden fence backdrop.
Young girl in purple helmet rides a palomino horse at full gallop on a dirt arena during a barrel racing event.
Young rider in red shirt navigates a brown horse around a barrel in a dusty outdoor arena.
Silhouette of horse and rider against golden sunset sky with dust rising, dramatic equestrian photography.
Young rider on a paint horse racing around a barrel in a dusty arena during a barrel racing competition.
Young rider in red shirt and purple helmet gallops chestnut horse in sandy arena at outdoor equestrian facility.
A young woman in a black helmet rides a bay horse during a barrel racing event in a sandy arena.
A young rider in a blue helmet guides a chestnut horse around a pole during an equestrian barrel racing event.

Sessions & Investment


Capturing the Wet Noses, Waggy Tails, and Majestic Gallops!


Let’s be honest: whether your best friend is a couch-potato pup ruling the living room or a magnificent horse ruling the pasture, they completely run the show and own a massive chunk of your heart. They grow up and change way too fast. While your phone's camera roll is probably 99% photos of them, they deserve to be celebrated with true professional artwork! Whether you want to design a jaw-dropping gallery wall that makes guests stop in their tracks or you just want a shiny new batch of high-resolution digital memories to share with the world, we’ve got you covered right here in the beautiful, sun-drenched outdoor spaces of Southern New Jersey.


Check out our three fun-filled session options below to find the perfect fit for your favorite animal VIP!


Adorable golden dachshund puppy wearing a blue bow tie sitting on green grass outdoors.
A chestnut and white paint horse standing in a fenced pasture with trees in the background.
Woman in denim jacket kissing her happy black and white Border Collie dog outdoors in autumn setting.
Woman riding a bay horse at a canter in a sandy arena with green tractor and trees in background.

option 1: The Creative pet Session Experience


Best for pet parents who want ultimate flexibility and custom heirloom artwork.


Do you dream of gorgeous canvas prints, custom-designed albums, or a striking statement piece over the fireplace? The Creative Session Fee locks in your date on our calendar and hands you the steering wheel. The best part? 100% of your session fee is applied directly as a credit toward your final image or print purchase, meaning your session fee goes straight into your pocket as a shopping voucher once your gallery opens! You get to completely customize your final collection of prints or digital files after you see your proofs!


The Investment:

  • Dogs: $150 (Paid in full upfront as a non-refundable retainer to secure your session date and time. Converts entirely into a $150 image credit—covers your first 6 images!)
  • Horses: $250 (Paid in full upfront as a non-refundable retainer to secure your session date and time. Converts entirely into a $250 image credit—covers your first 10 images!)


What’s Included:

  • A fun pre-shoot planning chat to map out your animal's big day (choosing the perfect outdoor backdrop, favorite treats, and personality quirks).
  • Up to 90 minutes of patient, stress-free, treat-filled shooting time tailored to your animal to ensure a safe, relaxed pace.
  • Professional editing magic and hand-retouching on your very best shots.
  • Got More Than One VIP? You can add a furry or hooved sibling to your shoot for just $30 per additional animal (maximum of 2 animals total per session to ensure everyone gets plenty of patient spotlight time!).
  • Private Online Viewing Only: An exclusive, password-protected online proofing gallery delivered straight to your inbox to choose your absolute favorites from the comfort of your couch.

The Fine Print: This experience is designed for dogs/horses only. This option covers your session time, travel, and editing upfront. It does not include any digital files or printed products automatically, but every dollar you pay for this session fee turns into a credit to buy your images or custom wall art directly from your private online gallery menu after viewing your proofs!

click here to inquire

option 2: The "Just My Best Friend" Digital Collection


Best for capturing your dog or horse's unique, goofy, or noble personality in a simple, all-inclusive bundle.



If you want a straightforward, stress-free experience with a beautiful set of high-resolution digital files ready to print and share, this solo showcase is for you. We focus 100% of our energy on your animal's best angles, silly faces, and proud moments using gorgeous natural scenery.



The Investment:

  • Dogs: $275 (A 50% non-refundable retainer is due upfront to secure your session date and time, with the remaining balance due before your shoot)
  • Horses: $375 (A 50% non-refundable retainer is due upfront to secure your session date and time, with the remaining balance due before your shoot)


What’s Included:

  • A tailored portrait session starring exclusively your dog or horse at an outdoor location.
  • Up to 90 minutes of fast-paced, high-energy shooting time tailored to your animal's natural attention span.
  • 15 fully retouched, high-resolution digital images of your choice, chosen from your private proofing gallery.
  • Got More Than One VIP? You can add a furry or hooved sibling to your shoot for just $30 per additional animal (maximum of 2 animals total per session).
  • An exclusive, private online gallery to view, select, and instantly download your final images. Full personal print release, meaning you can print your photos whenever and wherever you like.
  • Want More Magic? Fell completely head-over-hooves for your entire proofing gallery? Additional single digital images, full gallery digital upgrades, professional prints, physical products, and custom wall art are all available for purchase directly through your online gallery store!


click here to inquire

option 3: The "Paws, Hooves & Parents" Digital Collection


Best for celebrating the beautiful, chaotic, and deep bond between you and your animal companion.


You are always the one behind the camera snapping photos of your dog or horse—it’s time to change that! This premium, all-inclusive session splits the fame between stunning solo portraits of your animal and heartwarming, candid moments of the two of you interacting. Don't worry, we keep things completely relaxed, safe, and full of laughs out in nature.


The Investment:

  • Dog & Parent(s): $450 (A 50% non-refundable retainer is due upfront to secure your session date and time, with the remaining balance due before your shoot)
  • Horse & Rider: COMING SOON!! - Building up portfolio during this late Summer and Fall!


What’s Included:

  • A joint portrait session featuring you alongside your dog.
  • Up to 90 minutes of generous session time to accommodate treat breaks, ground sniffing, and keeping dog completely calm and happy.
  • 20 fully retouched, high-resolution digital images of your choice.
  • Got More Than One VIP? You can add an additional dog to this shared session for just $30 per additional animal (maximum of 2 animals total per session).
  • An exclusive, private online gallery to view, select, and download your favorite digital files.
  • Full personal print release for sharing online, texting to friends, and ordering your own custom prints.
  • Want More Magic? Don't want to leave any memories behind? Additional individual digital images, full gallery digital upgrades, high-quality professional prints, physical products, and custom wall art are always available for purchase right inside your private online gallery menu!
click here to inquire

On the Road: Travel & Location Policy


South Jersey is absolutely beautiful, and we love exploring every square inch of it—from the quiet horse pastures of Burlington County across to the scenic trails of Ocean County and right down to the sunny beaches of Cape May! To keep things completely clear and fair, all of our standard session prices fully include travel to any outdoor park, beach, or private farm located right here within Atlantic County. If your favorite local trail, boarding stable, or farm is located outside of Atlantic County, don't worry! We happily travel all over Southern New Jersey to capture your best friend. For all out-of-county sessions, a travel fee (calculated round-trip for the travel outside Atlantic County) will be added to your session to cover gas and windshield time. 


Please Note: For beach sessions down at the shore, clients are responsible for handling any specific parking fees, location permits, or beach tags required for us to get our toes (and paws!) in the sand on the day of the shoot.

Please note that all pricing, packages, and product menus are subject to change without notice. However, once your contract is signed and your retainer is paid, your package rates are 100% locked in and guaranteed for your session. Sessions are placed on our calendar on a first-come, first-served basis and are not officially secured until both a signed agreement and your non-refundable booking retainer are received.

Client Reviews

A black Staffordshire Bull Terrier sits proudly on sandy ground with a blurred natural background.

"Stefanie is so talented in what she does! The pictures came out amazing and she was so patient with our dogs. We will cherish these photos forever!"

-Allison Bise

Two fluffy Newfoundland dogs, one brown and one black, standing together in a snowy winter forest landscape.

"We had such an amazing experience with Stefanie! She absolutely did an amazing job photographing our Newfies. She has great communication and you can tell she loves what she does. Will definitely be using her in the future!"

-Amber Martino

Woman with blonde hair and green eyes hugging a fluffy Shiba Inu dog outdoors in golden autumn light.

"Stef was incredible to work with. She took the time with me and my senior dog to really make her feel comfortable and not rushing to take the pictures. The pics turned out abolsutely perfect! If you're looking for professional pics of you and your pup, or any other pets, I'd highly highly recommend reaching out to Backwoods Paws Photography!! Thank you again Stef!"

-Dev Faith

 

Black and white photo of a dog sniffing an engagement ring on a woman's hand, captured by Backwoods Paws Photography.

"I had such an amazing experience with my photographer! She took her time during the entire session and never made us feel rushed. She was incredibly patient with Teddy and made the experience so comfortable and enjoyable. She was also very responsive whenever I had questions and was always willing to listen to my thoughts and ideas. She truly made our engagement photos with our dog so special and captured the moments perfectly. Her kindness, professionalism and attention to detail made the whole experience the best and I couldn't be happier with how everything turned out."

-Ashley Marie

 

 

share your experience

Frequently Asked Questions

do horses need to be trained for photos?

Not at all. Horses do not need to stand perfectly still or perform for the camera. Sessions are relaxed and tailored to your horse's personality and comfort level to create natural, timeless images.

what should my horse look like for a session?

A clean, well-groomed horse photographs beautifully. Consider grooming, clean tack (if using), and any finishing touches you'd like for portraits. Don't worry - perfection is never expected.

what should i bring to my dog's session?

Please bring your dog's favorite treats, toys, leash, water, waste bags, and anything special you'd like included (bandanas, collars, seasonal accessories, etc.). High-quality treats work best for keeping attention!

my dog is blind or deaf.

how will that work in a session?

Dogs with special needs are just as photogenic as any other dog. I take extra care to ensure they feel comfortable and happy, adjusting my approach to suit their unique way of experiencing the world.

what if my dog doesn't listen or

won't sit still?

That's completely okay - most dogs don't! Sessions are designed to be relaxed, fun, and dog-led. I use patience, movement, treats, toys, and natural moments to capture beautiful images of your pup just as they are.

what if my dog is shy, reactive or anxious?

No problem! Sessions are tailored to your dog's comfort level. We move at their pace and create a calm, low-pressure experience designed to help them feel safe and comfortable.

what should i wear for my bond session?

Neutral, earthy, or solid colors photograph beautifully and keep the focus on you and your animal. Avoid busy patterns, large logos, or neon colors. I'm happy to help with outfit guidance before your session.

does my dog need to be off-leash?

No not at all! Safety always comes first. Most dogs remain safely leashed during sessions, and leashes can often be edited out in final images when possible.

where do sessions take place?

Sessions are normally held outdoors at beautiful Southern New Jersey locations such as parks, beaches, horse farms, barns, trails, open fields, lakes, or another meaningful location.  If you have a favorite spot that's meaningful to you and your dog, I'm happy to discuss location ideas. I'm happy to help recommend a location that best fits your vision.

what happens if the weather is bad?

If weather conditions are unsafe or not ideal, we'll happily reschedule your session at no additional charge.

how do i book a session?

Simply choose your preferred session package, submit your booking request, and I'll be in touch to finalize details and reserve your date and time. Please note a retainer is required when finalizing your session.

how will i receive my photos?

Within 2-3 days of your session, I'll upload your session photos to a private online gallery so you can choose your keepers. This will include one fully edited image to give you a sneak peek of the final polished look! Then you will pick your favorite images using the gallery's favorite tool. If you end up falling in love with more than what your session package includes, select those too and I'll send over a quick invoice for the extras! Once the invoice is finalized and paid, I'll finish up the final edits on your chosen images and send you the download link! Please allow up to 4 weeks after receiving your favorite images to be delivered.



All final images will be delivered in high-resolution, print-ready format. Prints, products and wall art are available for purchase. A top-quality printing provider is used in order to provide the best quality prints and products.

Get in Touch

I hope you will consider me as your dog or horse photographer!

Please fill out the form below for all inquiries.

I am looking forward to hearing from you!

*
*
*
*
*
*