Karen Hoglund Photography

06/08/2024

Merlin is a Hovawart. Have you ever heard of that breed? I hadn't until I met Merlin, and I’ve been photographing dogs for 12 years. Hovawarts were bred to be guardians of livestock. They have very good noses, and Merlin competes in Nosework, a scent detection dog sport. We even captured a little Nosework action at the end of his photo shoot.

06/08/2024

I love Merlin’s framed canvas! It’s fine art canvas finished with a solid walnut frame.

The hardwood frames I offer not only look good, but you can feel good about them. The lumber mill that makes the Hardwood Frame moldings is a family-owned business located in New England. They stock hardwood sustainably harvested in the United States. The moldings are then cut, joined, and assembled at my framer.

All stain finishes on hardwood frames are water-based and contain no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which is good for the environment, the lumber mill employees, and your home!

01/08/2024

Many of my photoshoots happen at my clients' homes – including their second homes.

Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Cady, the Shiba Inu, at her family's mountain retreat in Conifer. Since the property has been in their family for generations, the photos held even more sentimental value.

31/07/2024

I've been keeping a secret... Mr. Butter joined our family three months ago!

This spring, one of my favorite clients was fostering Mr. Butter through the Dumb Friends League . She told me that he was affectionate and got along well with her other dogs and cats. Dan and I went to meet him and were easily talked into adopting him!

I'm sure you'll see more of Mr. Butter soon. These photos were the first time I introduced him to my softbox and lights, and he did great. He's brought so much entertainment and joy into our lives already!

20/07/2024

Another perk of a home photoshoot is that you can include your cat! Kiara hung out in the backyard, curious about what I was up to. I had the pleasure of photographing the family's three dogs—plus Kiara, the cat—on a beautiful summer evening.

19/07/2024

Did you know that over half of my photoshoots take place at my clients' homes? Many pets – like Dash, the lab mix – feel most at ease in their own surroundings. I love how the trumpet vine in his yard looks like an orange tree and perfectly matches his eyes.

16/07/2024

Happy Guinea Pig Appreciation Day! 🐹

Marge will forever be the favorite Guinea Pig I've photographed. Her owner was up for all my crazy prop ideas, so she gets bonus points for being just as nuts as me!

11/07/2024

Of course, you can join in for a few photos with your dogs during their photoshoot! Just be sure to hold their leashes so they don't take an unexpected dip in the creek. 😀

06/07/2024

I managed to coax a bit of playfulness out of Lola, the sweet but shy 15-year-old kitty.

03/07/2024

If you're headed west on I-70 this holiday weekend, there are two short but scenic walks that I recommend to stretch your legs: Loveland Pass Lake (east of Eishenhower tunnel) and Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail. Directions to both on my blog:

Looking for a Dog-Friendly Day Hike near Denver, Colorado? Here are a few of my favorite trails from wildflower hikes to open space trails!

27/06/2024

When your dog is named Breck, capturing him against a mountain backdrop is only fitting. Thankfully, we didn't have to drive to Breckenridge to find these views. As a bonus, the summer landscape has beautiful blue and yellow wildflowers amidst the grass.

The photo on the rock is a recreation of one I took two years ago in the same spot. Breck's family saw that picture on my website, and we decided to recreate it. This time, the breeze added a majestic touch to Breck’s fur!

26/06/2024

Remember back in January when it felt like summer would never arrive? Well, summer is here! Yes, it’s blazing hot, but won’t it be nice to look at this photo next winter? Millie and Miles, the adorable labradoodles, have captured the essence of a summer day!

18/06/2024

I was warned that Bubz was "feisty and hisses at everyone." True to form, he hissed at his person when she let him out of the bathroom where he had been waiting before I arrived. That was a wise place to have him since we released him into the attached guest bedroom when we were ready to photograph him.

I used my usual approach of sitting quietly until he was comfortable. My prop blanket was already on the bed, and he didn't take long to investigate. Then, I "hypnotized" him with a peacock feather, which worked like a charm! I always bring a big bag of cat toys because you never know which ones they'll like. Bubz is definitely a hunter!

Many cat owners underestimate their kitty's ability to model for photos. You'd be amazed at what's possible with patience—and a peacock feather! I love working with energetic young animals because they have so much energy and personality.

16/06/2024

This Dog Dad got an A+ for his patience in wrangling his Great Dane, Watson, at Washington Park on a holiday weekend. We picked that park to make it easier for his older Great Dane, who wasn’t feeling well. Overall, that was a good choice, but there were more than a few distractions for Watson!

15/06/2024

When Saber the husky needed a break during the family's photoshoot, it was also the perfect reset button for Dad. I love the candid moment of them walking along the Highline Canal!

14/06/2024

I've found that a gentle hug is one of the best ways to hold your dog during a photoshoot. It not only makes your pup feel safe but also helps capture those heartwarming, candid moments. You can hide the leash by placing it along the dog's back. Then, you can sit on the leash, so your dog can't easily escape if he sees a squirrel.

13/06/2024

Next in this week’s “Men with their Dogs” series: Robert and Ivy hanging out on their front porch.

12/06/2024

Yes, Pippa is wearing purple diapers. And, when I saw her person lovingly changing them, I knew they were bonded to the core.

11/06/2024

Dutch's owner suggested that his pup would probably do best with a home photoshoot, but he was concerned about the yard not looking "good enough." Then, I discovered there was a vintage truck in the family—a 1976 Chevrolet C10 Scottsdale that his grandfather used to haul cantaloupes from Rocky Ford. Knowing this, I was sure the driveway would be more than perfect! Plus, since the truck will eventually be passed down to the grandson, capturing photos of his dog in it made everything even more special.

11/06/2024

Maeve, the Irish Wolfhound, was a BIG puppy when I photographed her last September when she was six months old. I just saw her a few weeks ago, and she’s even bigger now. What a majestic breed!

09/06/2024

Father’s Day is next Sunday, so all week, I’m going to share photos I've taken of men with their pets. First up: Noah & Gabriel!

05/06/2024

Today will be Denver's first 90-degree day of the year. Check out my blog if you think the heat calls for ice cream! https://karenhoglundphotography.com/blog/dog-friendly-ice-cream-shops/

29/05/2024

15-year-old Angus had a laid-back photoshoot at home. I can photograph your senior dog at home, too. It’s a fun bucket list activity! Familiar surroundings ensure it's relaxing for your pup.

21/05/2024

Tre's photoshoot was a special gift for a college student studying to be a vet. Her cat is getting older, so her parents thought a metal print of Tre would make her dorm feel like home. He was one of her first pets—and her clear favorite.

16/05/2024

TBT: Gatsby at Cheesman Park. Capturing the adorable, fleeting moments of an 8-week-old puppy is always pure magic!

13/05/2024

Looking for a surefire way to make your teenager smile for a photo? Have them pose with their puppy!

10/05/2024

Throwback to two years ago when I captured Luna in late May. I just revisited the same trail, and it's still stunning! Now's the time to plan your May-June photoshoots. Don't miss out on perfect early summer temperatures—not too hot and not too cold!

04/05/2024

I always try to work the angles if a cat will let me. I moved the flowers closer to Mabel to frame a shot of her tail. Looking at the images later, we realized Mabel was saying, “Excuse me. The flowers are touching my tail.” Sorry, Mabel. But your tail is so floofy that I couldn’t resist!

02/05/2024

When I learned that Mabel’s person arranges flowers, I knew I had to include it in her portrait. I love when there’s a second layer of meaning in a photo.

Do you have a hobby that would add special meaning to your pet’s photos? For example, I’ve photographed several cats on top of pianos. Other musical instruments would be fun, too! Do you have any heirlooms – like a quilt your Grandma made or antique books? I’ll help you spot interesting items in your home, but it never hurts to start brainstorming prop ideas now.

30/04/2024

Enjoying the beautiful spring weather with Noah the yellow lab!
We couldn't have asked for a better day for his photoshoot.