Dog Portrait Photographer · Rockland, MA
About Chris McCarthy
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I'm a dog photographer based in Rockland, Massachusetts. I've been working with dogs for over 11 years — photographing hundreds of dogs across the South Shore and Greater Boston, from confident Labs who love every stranger to reactive rescues who need the whole session to decide I'm acceptable.
I founded South Shore Pet Photography because I believe the connection between a person and their dog deserves to be documented as seriously as any other relationship worth keeping.
Comparing dog photographers? How to choose a dog photographer on the South Shore covers what to look for in a portfolio, the difference between specialty and accommodation, and the questions worth asking before you book anyone.
Sully
My dog Sully was a rescue. When he arrived, he was nervous, reactive, and suspicious of almost everyone. He had clearly had a hard time before he came to me, and he carried that history in his body — the flinching at sudden movements, the alarm at strangers, the need to always know where the exits were.
Working with Sully every day for years taught me things that no photography course covers: how to slow down enough that an anxious animal stops tracking you as a threat, how to use your body and your silence as tools, how to be genuinely patient rather than just performing patience while you wait for an animal to cooperate.
He also taught me how to photograph a dog who won't look at the camera, won't take treats, and won't perform for anyone — and still come away with portraits that show exactly who that dog really is.
Sully passed away, and I know what that loss is like. I know the feeling of scrolling back through your phone looking for pictures and wishing you had more, better ones — ones that actually showed him the way you saw him. That experience is directly why I do memory sessions, why I work with reactive dogs, and why I take this work as seriously as I do.
How I Work
Dog-First Sessions
Sessions move at your dog's pace, not mine. I never force interaction, rush into position, or try to push a dog past their comfort level. The best portraits happen when a dog stops noticing me — and that takes time I'm always willing to give.
Reactive Dogs Welcome
Reactive, anxious, and leash-reactive dogs are not a problem — they're just dogs with a different set of needs. I use a long lens to photograph from distance when needed, keep leashes on throughout, and remove them in post-processing. Your dog's portrait will not give away their reactivity.
Location Matching
I choose locations based on your dog's temperament first, aesthetics second. An anxious dog at a crowded beach is not going to look relaxed. A bold, high-energy dog in a quiet backyard might be bored. I've shot at over a dozen South Shore locations and know which ones fit which personalities.
Background
I have been working with dogs professionally for over 11 years. In that time I have photographed hundreds of dogs of every breed, size, age, and temperament — from calm senior labs on their last good summer to puppies who couldn't hold still for two seconds. I've photographed dogs with serious illness, dogs in hospice, and dogs on their first adventure in a new home.
I am based in Rockland, MA and serve the entire South Shore and Greater Boston area — including Hingham, Scituate, Norwell, Duxbury, Marshfield, Hanover, Weymouth, Plymouth, Cohasset, and Quincy. For memory sessions, I will travel farther when a family needs it.
Beyond dogs, I also work as a pet photographer covering the South Shore — including in-home cat photography sessions for the families who want a portrait of every member of the household, not just the dog.
Sessions start at $195. Wall art, canvas prints, and framed products are available after your session — you choose only what you love.
What I Offer
Best Dog Ever Sessions
Portrait sessions celebrating your everyday bond. All temperaments welcome.
Senior Dog Photography
Gentle sessions for dogs in their golden years. At their pace, on their terms.
Memory Sessions
End-of-life portrait sessions. Fast scheduling. Compassionate approach.
Cat & Other Pet Photography
In-home sessions for cats, bunnies, birds, and all the pets you love.
Pet Magazine Covers
A fully designed magazine cover featuring your dog. Session + cover: $295.
Holiday Dog Photos
Seasonal and holiday sessions for cards, wall art, and gifts.
Trust
Hear From Past Clients
Five-star reviews from South Shore dog owners — Hingham, Scituate, Norwell, Rockland and beyond.
Read client reviews →Visit the Studio
South Shore Pet Photography83 E Water St Unit E328
Rockland, MA 02370
Studio sessions by appointment. Mon–Fri 7am–7pm, Sat–Sun 10am–5pm. Easy parking, minutes from Route 3 and Route 18. Outdoor sessions available throughout the South Shore and Greater Boston.