“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”

– Anatole France

Senior & Rainbow Bridge Pet Photography in Tampa

Your pet is your loved one. And no matter how long our loved ones have on this earth, it is never long enough. Senior Pet Celebrations are specifically designed for pets nearing the end of their adventure this side of the rainbow bridge.

Together we will celebrate your relationship with your beloved pet during a session tailored to your pets’ comfort and needs. You can rest assured knowing that we will spend exactly the right amount of time needed to capture what makes your loved one so special, all while respecting their limits and providing plenty of positive reinforcement through treats, love, toys, and snuggles. How this session flows is on your terms—the time can be devoted entirely to capturing images of just your pet, or you may join in. Many pet owners find that the images they are in with their pets are the ones they cherish most of all.

Logo for Affiliate Photographer The Tilly Project, featuring a paw print and text about pet photography and resources.

Katie was kind and patient—her love for animals truly shows in the care she takes to get the very best shots possible. I was blown away by how well-portrayed our girl was. Every shot was so endearingly beautiful.

— Laura, Maisy’s Mom

A person holding a small white dog with a happy expression, close-up black-and-white photo.

 Celebrating Life

A woman with pink and blonde hair smiling and lying on the grass with a happy pit bull dog, surrounded by tall grass, during sunset or sunrise.
A close-up black and white photo of a joyful dog, likely a Boxer, with a wide smile, showing teeth and tongue, and expressive eyes.
A woman hugging an adorable, curly-haired, light-colored cocker spaniel puppy outdoors.
A dog with closed eyes sitting peacefully in a field of tall grass during sunset.
A black and white photo of a cat with white markings on its face and chest, seen through the spindles of a wooden staircase railing, with a focused expression.
A woman hugging and kissing her dog in a field of tall grass, black and white photograph.
Close-up of a tabby cat with green eyes and distinctive striped fur.
A woman smiling and holding a large dog close, black and white photograph.

What to Expect

  • Black and white photo of a dog with a collar looking to the right outdoors.

    Talk to me about your best friend

    We’ll connect over a phone call where you can tell me everything you love about your pet and what you would like to capture during our time together. We will go over where you’d like to have your session, whether that’s at home, at a park, or in a studio setting. I will always recommend whatever is most comfortable for your pet. We will also talk about any medical, mobility, or personality traits you think it is important for me to know. I am here to listen.

  • A person's hand with a ring on the finger and a dog's paw intertwined, touching the ground with grass and dirt.

    Make memories with your best friend

    By the time your session day comes, my hope is that I have relieved any stress or anxiety you may have about doing your senior pet celebration. But this is an emotional day, and I understand this. However you feel, I am here for support. And I am here to capture real moments between you and your loved one. We are celebrating your pet’s life and your relationship with them. And we’re doing it authentically.

  • A woman and a dog lying on grass in a natural setting, smiling and cuddling together.

    Cherish your memories with your best friend

    After your session we will reconnect to review your photos. The memories you have created with your best friend can live on in beautiful heirloom portraits you can touch and hold. You will have the option of enjoying your portraits as matted prints in a folio box, an album, or wall art. We will work together to get you exactly what you’re looking for.

Ways to Enjoy

A framed black and white photograph of a happy dog on a table, with stacked boxes behind it.

Matted Prints

Open photo album displaying a picture of a man sitting on a park bench holding a dog, with a bouquet of flowers nearby and a blue gift bag on a table.

Heirloom Albums

Living room with a gray sofa, decorative pillows, a white coffee table, and a gallery wall of framed dog photos above the sofa.

Wall Art

 FAQs

  • If someone was to draw a caricature of me, it would probably include a giant heart with a menagerie of animals in the center of it. If you really want to dig into the meat of my story and why I do these sessions, I recommend you read this blog that goes back to when I met my first pet, Tobey. But the short version is: I know how important your pet is to you, I know the giant paw-shaped hole it leaves in your heart when they’re gone, and I know that my combination of education in companion animal care paired with my calm, gentle demeanor is what is necessary to make these sessions the very best experience. I have been through this process myself. If you need someone to hold it together and be the rock, I can be that. If you need someone to feel all the emotions with you, I can be that. Some people are animal-people. Some people are people-people. With me, you get both, and that’s why I offer these sessions.

  • Yes, you certainly can. These sessions are designed for any pet nearing the end of their adventure this side of the rainbow bridge, whether it’s due to a terminal illness or old age. Either way, we celebrate their life and what makes them special.

  • I’m a big believer in trusting your gut—you do what feels right for you. If what you read on this page resonated with you, it may be time. If you aren’t sure, you are welcome to give me a call and we can talk about what you’re feeling, with no pressure to schedule. I highly recommend doing these types of sessions even earlier than you may anticipate. While I encourage you to capture the memories of your pet while they are happy and feeling/looking good, that may not be an option, and that’s okay. If having a senior pet celebration is too difficult and won’t provide you with the warm fuzzy feels you deserve to have about your pet, then it’s okay to simply cherish the photographs you already have.

  • Because of the nature of these sessions, I waive my normal session fee of $690. That means you only pay for the artwork that you truly love, and it is up to you how much you spend. Some clients are happy spending $550 on their artwork while others are happy spending into the thousands. In addition to fine art pieces you receive in the end, you will also have a photographer ready and eager to answer any of your questions, help you prep for your session, and lend an ear to listen or shoulder to cry on. The portraits and products you fall in love with are purchased at your ordering appointment, and every print purchase includes accompanying high-resolution digital. Most clients find that an heirloom folio box or fine art album suits their needs, while others choose to invest in wall art to decorate their home with love.

  • Absolutely. We will discuss any special needs, considerations, and concerns you have when we have our initial conversation. Together we will create a game-plan that suits the needs of your pet. Sometimes as our pets get older they may have some lumps, bumps, or scars. I believe those “imperfections” are real and beautiful and are part of your loved one’s story. However, if you want to ensure your pet looks the way you want to remember them, I am happy to correct cosmetic issues, such as missing fur, removal of masses, tear stains, etc.

As a pet owner myself, I understand how special your relationship is. It is my honor to bring it to light.

Please email pets@kmurrayphotography.com or call 813-445-3149 to connect about your senior pet celebration.

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