Reflecting on 2024, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible moments this year has brought. From capturing joyful, fleeting moments between pets and their people to exploring new creative opportunities, this year has been one of growth, connection, and adventure.
Every session, every hike, and every behind-the-scenes project has reminded me why I love what I do. Scruff Life Photography wouldn’t be what it is without the amazing clients, our floofy friends, and a supportive community who trust me to tell their stories.
This 2024 recap is my chance to reflect on the highlights, celebrate the milestones, and share the adventures that made this year unforgettable. Thank you for being part of this journey with me, and I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store!
Seasonal Favorites
2024 was such a memorable year for my pet photography business! Every session holds a special place in my heart, and I genuinely remember each one individually. I love thinking about my work through the lens of the seasons, so here’s a look at the sessions that I feel best exemplify each season:
Winter
Though last year’s winter wasn’t as snowy or cold as we’d hoped, I was lucky enough to capture some truly magical moments. One standout was Michelle and Lucy’s iconic blizzard session in the red pine stand. The swirling snow and serene backdrop created one of my all-time favorite winter sessions.
Spring
Spring came to life with the breathtaking cherry blossoms at Como Park in St. Paul. Cassandra and Kona’s session under the vibrant blooms was pure magic — I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect spring setting. You can read about this dreamy session: Kona's Cherry Blossom Photo Session.
Summer
Summer was filled with fresh energy and unforgettable moments, but one of my favorite sessions was with Dougie and Russell by the lake during golden hour. This session felt extra special because it took place in their private yard, giving me the freedom to capture their playful spirits without leashes. The sunset that evening was absolutely spectacular! See more of this magical session here: Dougie & Russell's Minnesota Summer Lakeside Photo Session.
Fall
Fall always brings such vibrant colors, and I eagerly anticipate capturing your pups against the stunning autumn backdrop each year. This fall, one of my favorite sessions was with Willow at a beautiful new-to-me location featuring an incredible boardwalk. Walking the boardwalk with Willow and her humans, pausing to take photos, and letting Willow explore her surroundings, made for an unforgettable autumn experience.
Community Impact
Rescue Partnerships
In 2024, I was honored to work with nine local animal rescue organizations to photograph adoptable pets in need of loving homes. One of the highlights of the year was the annual Tonkadale event in March, where I teamed up with my photographer friends, Kelly and Kirsten, to capture adorable portraits of dogs and rabbits. Throughout the year, I photographed over 20 adoptable animals, helping to enhance their adoption profiles and increase their chances of finding forever families.
Non-Profit Collaborations
This year also marked the beginning of my volunteer work with Helping Paws, Inc., a local non-profit dedicated to enhancing people’s independence and quality of life through assistance dogs. Since January, I’ve had the privilege of using my photography skills to document their daily operations and special moments. These images help tell the story of the incredible work they do, inspiring donors, volunteers, and the community to support their mission.
Client Gratitude
I’m endlessly grateful for the incredible clients I had the privilege of working with this year. From new faces to familiar ones, each session has been a joy, and I cherish the opportunity to connect with every pet and their amazing people. Thank you all for trusting me to capture these meaningful moments — from welcoming a new family member to honoring those precious final moments together. This work holds deep meaning for me, and I take immense pride in preserving these memories for you.
Here are a few kind words from my wonderful clients this year:
"Lauren is fantastic to work with and it's been so much fun to get great photos of us with our pups! I have a reactive dog that not many people know how to deal with and I never thought we'd be getting professional photos but Lauren does absolutely amazing with her and has gotten some beautiful photos. She has great ideas on locations and shots but is also flexible and makes sure each session is individualized to what we're looking for. Highly recommend her for any type of photoshoot including your pets!" - Julia
"I cannot express how respectful and pleasant SLP is. Not only is she able to capture our dogs so well, the process is so easy. Highly recommend working with her." - Jonathan, Helping Paws, Inc.
"Lauren captured my senior dogs, Libby & Maggie, perfectly! I did include my young dog, Brooke, in a few shots too. I can't wait to get the portraits back from the photo lab & display them." - Veronica
If we’ve had the chance to work together and you’d like to share your experience, I’d be so grateful for a review on Google! You can leave one here.
Achievements & Growth
Refreshed Branding & Website
2024 was a transformative year for Scruff Life Photography! The year kicked off with a fresh new look, thanks to a revamped website and updated branding. I was thrilled to work with my dream graphic designer, Cindy Roaming Designs, who brought my vision to life at the end of 2023. I took that beautiful branding and incorporated it into my new website design — a project I’m proud to have done myself!
New Blog
This year also marked the launch of my blog, which has been such a rewarding addition to the business. I’ve loved creating curated lists of activities and events for pet parents, and providing helpful resources while celebrating our furry companions. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading them as much as I’ve enjoyed writing them! I have plenty of exciting ideas for blog posts in 2025, and I can’t wait to share them with you. Stay tuned!
These are the most-viewed blog posts of 2024:
The Dog Days Are Back: The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Summer (2024)
Unleash the Fun: The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Spring (2024)
10 Fall Activities to Enjoy with Your Dog in the Twin Cities
Fall is for the Dogs: The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Fall (2024)
Warm Hearts, Cold Noses: The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Winter (2024-25)
White Bear Lake Magazine Feature
One of the highlights of 2024 was being featured in the May/June edition of White Bear Lake Magazine — a huge honor for Scruff Life Photography! I’ll admit, putting myself out there doesn’t come naturally, so when they first reached out, I was hesitant and unsure of what to say about this little pet photography business of mine. However, the entire process turned out to be such a positive experience, and I’m absolutely thrilled with how the feature came together.
If you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, you can read the article here: Scruff Life Photography Specializes in Pet Portraits
Behind-the-Scenes
When I wasn’t behind the camera capturing your incredible pets, I was off on my own adventures —exploring new trails with my dogs, enjoying cozy dog-friendly cabins in the woods, or planning one of the most exciting events of my life... my wedding! This September, we tied the knot in beautiful Lutsen, MN, near Cascade River State Park. And yes, the dogs joined us! Having them there was a dream come true, especially given Conway’s “stranger danger” and the general chaos of a wedding day.
This year, I also had the pleasure of partnering with three rental cabins to create dog-centric content for their websites, social media, and listings. Finding truly dog-friendly accommodations can be a challenge, so it’s been incredibly rewarding to help showcase these spots. I even shared some of my favorites in this blog post: Cozy, Dog-Friendly Cabins for Your Next Winter Getaway.
Out on the trails, I logged nearly 150 miles of hiking across Minnesota and western Wisconsin — sometimes with the dogs and sometimes solo. Along the way, I discovered some fantastic new trails, many of which I’ve added to the location guide for my photography clients to help them choose the perfect session spot. It’s been a year full of exploration, and I’m grateful to call the beautiful St. Croix River Valley my home.
Celebrating & Remembering All the Dogs
As I look back on 2024, I’m so grateful for all the incredible dogs I had the privilege to photograph this year. From traditional portrait sessions to a few unique milestones, this year brought such wonderful variety. I captured two graduation sessions, one newborn session, and a maternity session — all featuring beloved dogs, of course.
This year also brought a record number of sessions with multiple dogs, which was both a fun challenge and an opportunity to grow my skills. Coordinating multiple pups for the perfect shot isn’t always easy, but the results were so worth it.
I also want to take a moment to honor the beloved dogs who crossed the rainbow bridge in 2024. Capturing the bond between pets and their people is such a meaningful part of my work, and I am always deeply touched when I have the opportunity to create lasting memories for families during their final moments together.
To all the pet parents who said goodbye this year: thank you for trusting me with these tender and emotional sessions. Your pets will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I hope the photos we created together bring you comfort and joy as you remember the incredible love you shared.
Here’s to the dogs who left paw prints on all of our hearts this year — they are dearly missed and forever cherished. 🌈
Looking Ahead to 2025
Capturing More Winter Dog Sports
After a year off from photographing sled dog races due to last winter’s unusual weather, I’m eager to get back to it in 2025! I’m hopeful for a more traditional winter season and have already planned to photograph some of my favorite events, including the Gunflint Mail Run in Grand Marais, MN, the Klondike Dog Derby in Excelsior, MN, and the WolfTrack Classic in Ely, MN. I can’t wait to capture the energy, teamwork, and beauty of these incredible races once again!
Dog-Friendly Cabin Partnerships
In 2024, I partnered with three cabin owners to highlight their pet-friendly accommodations, a genre of photography I’ve truly fallen in love with since 2023. Exploring cozy cabins with my dogs, capturing their unique charm, and sharing those details with you has been so rewarding. These projects not only showcase great places to stay but also help pet parents find the perfect getaway ideas! In 2025, I hope to expand these partnerships, working with more cabin owners across Minnesota and the Midwest. If you’re a cabin owner interested in these services, I’d love to hear from you!
Exploring New Photo Locations
One of my favorite parts of this job is discovering beautiful new locations for sessions with you and your pets. This past year, I added several new spots to my location guide and even rediscovered some old favorites that are now at the top of my list. As weather patterns continue to shift, scouting each location before a session is becoming more important than ever. In 2025, I’m committed to pre-scouting every spot to ensure it’s ready to provide the perfect backdrop for your photos. I can’t wait to see what new gems we’ll find together this year!
About Scruff Life Photography:
Hi, I'm Lauren, the pet-loving photographer behind Scruff Life Photography! Based in Minnesota, I specialize in capturing the unique bond between people and their beloved pets. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new furry friend into your life or are cherishing the years spent with a lifelong companion, I’m here to help you preserve those special moments. Pets are family, and their stories deserve to be celebrated with timeless, professional photos you’ll treasure forever. Let’s create something meaningful together — reach out today to schedule your pet photo session!
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