Bev Hollis Photography bio picture
  • Bev Hollis Photography- The Art of Pet Photography

    Bev Hollis Photography is passionate about pets!  We work to create timeless, classic, stylistic pet portraits worthy of being displayed next to your other art.

    We serve northern Virginia, Maryland and the Washington, DC areas.  We can come to you for a creative session at your home or nearby park or landmark. We also hold sessions at our Purcellville, VA farm location in the middle of western Loudoun county's beautiful wine and hunt country.

    Please click on the portfolio link above for more information on sessions at our website.

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  • Meet the Artist

    I am a veterinarian by training and an artist at heart.  I am lucky enough to blend my two loves and work as a pet photographer!

    It is my vast experience with animals, in my opinion, that allows me to capture something unique about each pet.  I have studied animal behavior for many years. I understand animals. Even more importantly, they seem to understand me. 

    I work with extremely talented assistants who are also well versed in animal handling. Together, as a team, we strive to create a truly stylistic image that you will be proud to display.

    I would love to be your pet photographer!

Rusty at the Barn Studio!

We met Rusty this past weekend when his human brought him for a morning session at Tranquility Farm.  Rusty, almost 8, is a very, very typical hound!

Nose to the ground, I think he thought he was in heaven with all the scents my barn studio must offer up to the exquisite canine olfactory apparatus. Especially when that apparatus is at the tip of a scent hound’s nose!

Rusty came to live with his human at 15 months of age after he, all of his litter mates, and his mom, were relinquished to a rescue group by a rabbit hunter who had tired of this particular group of dogs. This practice, of ridding a kennel of unwanted hunters, is not uncommon.  In fact it is particularly common in Spain where hunters use “Galgos,” or Spanish greyhounds to hunt each season. Their fate is often a gruesome one should they be deemed unworthy of being kept around until the next season.

Much to Rusty’s delight – he found the mother lode!  Much loved and equally adored and pampered, he has been in his forever home for some time now. We love the fact that not only did he find an awesome life and human, he went from being an “accessory dog,” to being such a member of the family that he had his portrait taken!

We usually start our barn sessions with light that is a bit more forgiving as the dog settles into the process.  Rusty was a quick study and we were soon shifting to more dramatic light. We started on the barn wood…

Then, after letting Rusty fling himself about the studio for a while…

…we asked him to work again after showing us his “moves” and we moved onto the old braided rug in the studio..

And finally, after a lighting check with our trusty owl, we asked him to really work for a bit of dramatic light.. He did not disappoint.  Thanks Rusty for a lovely morning. We loved your beagle spirit!

March 9, 2010 - 7:00 pm

Allison Schubert - WOW WOW!!!!
These are truly AMAZING! I love how you capture these dogs personalaties…that takes some talent. Absolutly breathtaking!
Allison

March 8, 2010 - 11:31 pm

Teresa - GORGEOUS and fun!

March 8, 2010 - 8:57 pm

jonda spurbeck - i love your work bev…. beautiful as always, miss you!

March 8, 2010 - 7:40 pm

wanda behrens - Wonderful each and every one! Light in the eyes, light in the eyes…. love them

March 8, 2010 - 6:38 pm

Charlotte Reeves - Wow – love that last shot – the lighting is just amazing! Great composition too.

March 8, 2010 - 6:30 pm

Shawn Haney - Bev, I’ve thought about the shoot non-stop since Saturday. I had a great time and so did Rusty! You definitely captured his “looks” and his spirit. The B&W shots crack me up — yep, that’s my dog! And the dramatic ones are exactly what I hoped for…all the work with the couch was definitely worth that final shot. Thank you!!!

March 8, 2010 - 6:15 pm

Melissa Surprise - Love the jumping shot. I wish my Beagle behaved that well :)

March 8, 2010 - 5:52 pm

Maria - I am without the correct words to describe these images, frankly.
The one of him “dancing” had me laugh out loud.
These are just amazing Bev and he clearly enjoyed working the camera for you.
Amazing

March 8, 2010 - 5:27 pm

Linda and Reba - OMD! My first dog was a Beagle named Rusty. This Rusty was an excellent subject for you at the Barn. I see that he is a ’sitter’ like Reba was a ‘recliner’ in her shoot. Very pensive little guy and so handsome. The B&W rear shot is interesting. lol!

March 8, 2010 - 3:01 pm

Barbara B - The setting in the barn is the perfect backdrop for this handsome guy. Beautiful work Bev! *sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff*

March 8, 2010 - 2:17 pm

johnwaire | photo - …i really love the B&W jumping shot !

March 8, 2010 - 1:58 pm

Beth - LOVE these!! Great job!

March 8, 2010 - 1:44 pm

Pammy - The action shot is the best! Rusty is adorable.

March 8, 2010 - 1:41 pm

angie W - So gorgeous! I finally get to meet the owl!

March 8, 2010 - 1:36 pm

Judy - These photos are Outstanding! He looks “at home” in the barn:)

March 8, 2010 - 1:31 pm

Beth Andrews - These are great, Bev. Love the action shots:)

March 8, 2010 - 1:22 pm

Sue Thomas - Oh how wonderful, Bev!!! I love his little jump shot and his dramatic look is perfection!!!

March 8, 2010 - 12:50 pm

sarah - ohmygosh bev, the black/whites crack me up!! great way to start my monday :)

Winter Projects – Consults, Workshops, Classes!

Lest you think, due to lack of blog activity, I’ve not been keeping myself busy – au contraire. While the farm is in its winter’s sleep, I’ve been working lately on many different projects – namely those that involve teaching.

My partners, Teresa Berg and Barbara Breitsameter are working to prepare for our next Unleashed Workshop. This time in Dallas in April. I’m thrilled to report this workshop is SOLD OUT!

I’m also getting ready to join 7 other photographers at the beautiful Inn at Perry Cabin in historic St. Michael’s, Maryland for The Workshop On The Waterfront later this month. I’m happy to report that this workshop is also SOLD OUT and has a waiting list. I can’t wait to meet all 60 attendees as well as my fellow presenters!

This Sunday I’ll be working with 7 photographers at the barn studio for an introductory photography class called “Get Your Camera OFF Auto!” It is an afternoon workshop that promises to be fun, interesting and hopefully a great learning experience for our attendees!

Lastly, I’ve been working this year with individual private clients on their pet photography businesses.  I’ve had the profound pleasure to work with some lovely and talented photographers. All gifted, all dedicated to building their business, their brand,  and the level of their pet photography.  It has truly been my pleasure!

My latest consult was just this past weekend. My client drove from New York with her trusty model, Walter.  We worked long and hard. And by the end of the day Walter had had quite enough modeling. Reports have it that he slept all the way home!

Walter

So, though winter usually gives us time to regroup, energize and plan for our upcoming year, this winter has also blessed us with a lot of behind the scenes activities -for which we are grateful!  If you are interested in any of the above classes, consults or workshops you can email us via the email button at the top of this page! And bring on spring!

March 9, 2010 - 6:52 pm

Allison Schubert - OH how I have stalked this blog and now to see you have been offering classes aaaaand they are sold out. I’d give my left arm for a class. I am by no means a professional but who cares. What do you think about doing a questionand answer day on your blog? That could be neat.

Allison

March 3, 2010 - 8:46 pm

wanda behrens - Walter and I had so much fun! Great shot of Walter. Thanks

More Snow….

Well, it seems “the lady doth protest too much, methinks,” aptly fits my current state given my prior post.  I complained, you see, about having to run on the treadmill due to our constant pummeling of snow this winter.

So, the God of Nature showed me – she dumped 30 inches of the white stuff upon me and now, alas, even the gym is closed.  I believe I’ll stop complaining.

I ventured out this morning but conditions were so nasty and the snow so deep, I didn’t stay out long.  Here are a few from inside my snow globe.

2 Hour Parking Limit!

2 Hour Parking Limit!

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After shoveling all day, my husband made a tiny dent in our driveway. Niles and Lily were grateful.

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March 8, 2010 - 3:46 pm

Cathy Hammer - These are beautiful!

February 17, 2010 - 11:56 pm

Allison - Wow – and I thought 12 inches was a lot! In Texas it is, love all of your snow photos! Stay warm :)

February 15, 2010 - 7:48 pm

claire - you’ll probably think i’m crazy for saying this, but i’m kind of jealous of all your snow! i could use a good snow day or two :)

February 15, 2010 - 1:17 pm

Alexa - Looks about the same here right now too! Snow, snow, and more snow! I don’t mind it though- at least, not until I have to go out to the barn! ;) Hope it melts for you soon! Love the photos!

February 14, 2010 - 11:22 pm

Judy - Don’t shoot me but, I wish we got some snow here just for the photo ops! Your photos are beautiful.

February 13, 2010 - 7:33 pm

Ashley - LOL…I love snow. And I think snow pet pics are awesome! These images are beautiful. Try to enjoy your winter wonderland while you have it! ;)

February 7, 2010 - 4:14 pm

Two Barking Dogs - Oh yes! We have snow, don’t we? Stay inside where its warm and safe …

February 7, 2010 - 4:06 am

Jeanne - Glad the snow let up long enough to clear a path for your snow dogs! Niles and Lily are SO cute!

February 6, 2010 - 7:09 pm

Stephanie - LOL. I guess you wont be complaining about snow ever again huh? The pictures look gorgeous. And don’t worry Bev, it will melt. Eventually. Hang in there

February 6, 2010 - 6:53 pm

Maria - These photos are gorgeous…Love Niles and Lily!
Stay in and let it melt a bit :)

February 6, 2010 - 6:33 pm

sarah - whoa, 30 inches?? you guys are getting slammed out there!

Snow

It’s been an unusual winter for us here in northern Virginia.  This is my fourth winter here.  And though it’s only the start of February, we have had more snowfall since December than in my past three winters combined.

I’m not much of a winter person. I like warmth. The older I get the more my joints really appreciate those balmy temperatures! Plus, I’m a runner. I’m a runner who prefers running outdoors to a treadmill – a  million times over.  This snow cramps my style.

That said, there is sometimes such beauty in this white stuff.  It is so breathtaking at times that even I, hater of cold, am lured out into its wonder.  With my camera of course…

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So, though it’s only the start of February and the luscious warmth of spring seems so very far away, I’ll stop for a moment and enjoy the beauty of winter.

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February 23, 2010 - 10:07 am

Jill Beninato - Wow….just amazing Bev.

February 16, 2010 - 5:12 pm

Christin - Winter has never looked so beautiful – just stunning!

February 7, 2010 - 11:18 pm

Dawn - Bev ~ These are amazing images! They truly capture the magical element of this enormous snowfall we have received! Gorgeous!!

February 7, 2010 - 8:12 pm

Bev - Claire
I started with the 85. Decided I needed the 45 instead and at the moment have both.. They’re hard to give up!

February 6, 2010 - 5:45 pm

claire - you got your tilt shift! which one did you end up going for?

these are all gorgeous–can’t wait to see everything else you do with it!

February 5, 2010 - 6:32 am

Heather - Winter is beautiful and you’ve certainly captured it Bev. The night shots are great!

February 5, 2010 - 4:15 am

Jeanne - Stunning photos, Bev. Even though it’s snowy and cold, the first and fourth shots convey warmth. Beautiful, creative work.

February 4, 2010 - 11:13 pm

kristi - oh wow, Bev….beautiful shots….and it sounds as if you have a ton more coming tonight and tomorrow! Yikes! We’ve been hit as well. crazy. Vancouver needs it but we are getting all of it!

February 4, 2010 - 6:32 pm

Gracec - JAW DROPPINGLY GORGEOUS.

February 4, 2010 - 4:46 pm

Angie W - You should change you slogan to the art of photography, because what you did in this photos is amazing!
You are the artist foremost..Love you!

February 4, 2010 - 12:39 pm

Glen - Gorgeous shots Bev.

February 4, 2010 - 12:04 pm

Meredith Perdue - Oh, Bev! These are absolutely beautiful. Running in Maine during the winter has been a tough adjustment for me too. (I used to think I was so hardcore to run during the winter in North Carolina!) Thank you so much for sharing these with us!

February 4, 2010 - 11:34 am

sarah - gorgeous, bev. :)

In Memory – “Boo”

We had the sad news yesterday that our dear friend Marjorie said goodbye to her sweet boy Boo. We photographed Boo last May at Marjorie’s daughters house as a surprise birthday gift.

At that time Boo was just weeks away from his 15th birthday. A spry, alert fellow, we fell instantly in love with this little character. That he had charmed most everyone he met, most of all Marjorie, was clearly obvious.

Boo, it seems, had always been quite a personality. Marjorie told us that one of Boo’s favorite past times was to watch TV. Whenever an animal was on-screen Boo became the performer – jumping, pirouetting, and barking. It seems, for reasons which shall remain unknown to everyone except Boo, Diana Ross’ hair evoked the same response….

He loved children but was totally devoted to his dear human, Marjorie. She tells us towards the end of his life Boo really only knew where he was when he was in Marjorie’s lap. And he would sit there for as long as he could keep Marjorie in one place.

Finally, after 15 1/2 years, Marjorie said goodbye to Champion Hollybriar Sweet Baboo. He was a champion on so many levels. Our deepest sympathy to Marjorie on her loss of this sweet, sweet boy.  We know he is deeply missed.
boo

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March 8, 2010 - 3:47 pm

Cathy Hammer - These are gorgeous pictures of Boo! So sorry for their loss!

February 9, 2010 - 9:35 am

Beth - Oh, I just saw these! These are beautiful photos and I’m so sorry for the loss of Boo!! :( He was very very handsome!

February 5, 2010 - 12:01 am

Barbara B - My heart goes out to Boo’s family. Thank goodness they have these heirloom prints to forever cherish.

February 4, 2010 - 4:45 pm

Angie W - So sad to hear that, but I am also happy for the owners that they have your photographs forever!

February 4, 2010 - 4:15 pm

Don - Im so sad to hear this Marjorie. Boo you will be missed tremendously. Rest in Peace.

February 4, 2010 - 6:19 am

Heather - Beautiful photos Bev. I am so sorry about Marjorie’s loss of her dear Baboo but so glad she’ll have these beautiful photos to remember him with. The last one of Baboo on the chair in the light is so moving. Just beautiful.