Half Moon Bay Pet Photography: Candid Moments Captured

Celebrating the personality of your beloved animals—Mark Rogers brings expert pet photography to the stunning landscapes of Half Moon Bay
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san francisco pet photographer mark rogers holding his dog while it kisses his cheek

Your Go-To Pet Photographer for Half Moon Bay

Hi, I’m Mark Rogers, and I’ve spent years capturing the personalities of dogs, cats, and all kinds of beloved pets. Since 2006, I’ve had the privilege of photographing animals throughout the Bay Area, and Half Moon Bay is one of the most stunning locations for a session.

With its dramatic coastal cliffs, open beaches, and quiet wooded trails, HMB offers the perfect setting to showcase your pet’s unique spirit. Whether it’s a playful romp in the sand at Poplar Beach, a peaceful walk along the coastal bluffs at Pillar Point, or a cozy session at home, I work with you to create an experience that brings out the best in your furry friend.

Your pet photography session can take place anywhere that feels right—on the beach, in a scenic park, or in a special spot that holds meaning for you and your pet. And if you’re looking for a more controlled environment, my San Francisco studio is always an option. My goal is to capture natural, expressive images that reflect the love and connection you share.

For nearly two decades, I’ve helped pet parents turn everyday moments into cherished memories. Let’s create something fun, meaningful, and full of life—just like your pet. Get in touch today to start planning your Half Moon Bay pet photography shoot!

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Clients Review Their Half Moon Bay Photoshoots

See what customers have to say about their pet photography experience with Mark Rogers
Dog sticking his head out the passenger window of a car

Sheryl – Montara, CA

It turns out my Petunia is somewhat camera shy, but Mark did an awesome job with her! He got some truly amazing shots that really captured who my dog is.

soulful dachshund looking out a window

Cathy – Half Moon Bay, CA

I cannot express enough how impressed we were to work with Mark. Any pet owner who has any interest at all of getting pictures of their pets should do so – with Mark.

young man holding his dog on Poplar Beach in Half Moon Bay

Linda Lu – Hillsborough, CA

Mark did a phenomenal job photographer our beloved golden retriever Burton in Half Moon Bay! …we are so pleased to have the photos of Burton in our house and know that we will treasure those images forever!

Great Half Moon Bay Locations for Dog and Pet Photography

There are an almost-absurd number of post-card worthy outdoor locations in HMB and the surrounding area. Beaches, parks and trails abound and I know a lot of them. There’s also many I don’t so I’m all ears if you have one in mind or have heard of one. Here are several of the spots I tend to use

Dog standing on a coastal bluff at Pillar Point near Half Moon Bay

Pillar Point & Mavericks

Home of the renowned Mavericks Big Wave surf competition this spot also has amazing coastline views if you’re open to a short uphill hike.

Man throwing a frisbee to his dog in the surf at a beach in Half Moon Bay

Beaches

The entire HMB area has beach front so the options are almost limitless: Poplar, Miramar Beach and Manhattan Beaches are ones I frequent the most.

Viszla sitting in profile at Canada Verde beach in Half Moon Bay
Canada Verde

This hidden gem of an area boast a fabulous view of the rocky cove and clifftop home of the world-famous Ritz Carlton resort

Dog in field at sunset in Miramar near Half Moon Bay

St. Vincent Trail

Located between Miramar and Princeton this is one of many parkland areas in and around HMB. On a clear day you get a sweeping view of the coastline with forested hills and amazing sunsets.

Frequently Asked Questions

HMB has some incredible spots for pet photography. The beaches, like Poplar Beach and Mavericks, offer gorgeous backdrops. If you want more greenery, the coastal trails or even local parks can work beautifully. If you’re looking for something more urban, the downtown is charming and has many great buildings and even murals for interesting backgrounds. Your own backyard or home can also be a great option, especially for pets who are more comfortable in familiar surroundings.

No, I consider myself ambidextrous! While dogs are the most common, I also work with cats, rabbits, birds, and other small pets. If it’s considered a pet, I can work with them. I also do family sessions that include pets, so if you’d like to be in the photos too, we can absolutely make that happen. 

A pet photography session outside San Francisco is $340, which includes a $50 travel fee to cover gas, tolls, and extra travel time. If you prefer to come to San Francisco for the session, the fee is $290. This covers the session itself, along with all the planning and prep work. Prints and digital images are purchased separately.

Yes! In fact, having an extra set of hands can be really helpful, especially for keeping pets calm between shots. That said, it’s best to keep the group small—extra people standing around can be a distraction for your pet, which makes getting great shots more challenging. I generally recommend not bringing young kids unless they’re part of the session.

This is super common! Many pets are a little unsure at first, but I have plenty of tricks to help them relax. I work at their level, let them check me out, and use high-value treats or favorite toys to get their attention. The key is patience—animals can pick up on frustration, so I make sure the experience is fun and pressure-free. Some of my best shots come from moments when a pet is just being their natural, energetic self!

We can reschedule if your pet isn’t feeling well or the weather takes a turn for the worse. We want this to be an enjoyable experience, so no worries if we need to find a better day.

Most sessions include up to two pets and two people. If you have additional pets (or people) you’d like to include, it’s $50 per extra subject. I’ve done shoots with large groups of animals before—it just takes a little extra planning…and treats!

II always have plenty of treats on hand—so many, in fact, that dogs passing my car often stop and investigate! If your pet has food allergies, let me know ahead of time and you can either bring your own treats or I’ll make sure to have something safe for them. Toys can also be a great way to grab their attention, so if your pet has a favorite, bring it along! 

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Pricing

Session Fee

$290 for San Francisco Studio or Locations (additional travel fee outside the city) Fee covers photography, meticulous editing and touch-up work. Prints, wall pieces and digital files are sold separately.

Sessions Include:

  • 2-hour shoot for up to two pets (additional animals – $50)
  • 25-35 carefully selected and retouched images for review in online gallery (files not included)
  • In-home or ZOOM review of images and different display options

Post-Session:

When we meet post-session we’ll review your images together in person or over zoom and determine the best ways to display your favorites based on your style and space. I offer wall art displays of metal prints, canvas wraps or traditional framed prints as well as loose fine-art prints and table-top pieces.

Every item purchased also includes a social-media friendly digital file of that image. Most clients spend between $900-$2500 (some less, some more) after the shoot for prints and wall art. For the digitally-centric I also offer digital bundles to meet your needs.

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Let’s Get Started

Contact me and provide some initial information. I’ll get back to you within one business day.