Photographing the Grand Opening of Small Door Vet’s McLean, VA Location
One of my favorite parts of photographing brand events as a Washington DC event photographer is getting to capture not just what’s happening in the moment, but what it means—for the business, for the people behind it, and for the community it serves. That was exactly the case when I had the pleasure of photographing the grand opening of Small Door Veterinary’s newest location in McLean, Virginia—a modern, wellness-focused veterinary clinic that’s quickly making a name for itself across the East Coast.
As a Washington DC photographer who works with mission-driven brands and businesses, I was excited to partner with Small Door Vet on this shoot. They’re not just opening vet clinics—they’re reimagining what pet care looks and feels like. Their spaces are designed to be calming and beautiful, their approach is rooted in preventive care and transparency, and their brand identity is strong, consistent, and thoughtfully curated. All of that adds up to an experience that’s as photogenic as it is meaningful.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what it was like to document the McLean grand opening—from the first paw steps through the door to the ribbon-cutting moment—and how I approached the shoot to reflect the energy, aesthetic, and values of the Small Door Vet brand.
A Bright, Welcoming Space for Pets and People Alike
From the moment I stepped into the McLean location, it was clear this wasn’t your average vet clinic. The interiors were clean and modern, with soft lighting, warm wood accents, and subtle branding woven into every corner. The waiting area felt more like a boutique hotel lobby than a medical office, with plush seating, calming color palettes, and design-forward details that made it feel both elevated and accessible. One of my goals as a Washington DC event photographer is to photograph branded spaces in a way that tells a visual story.
The Energy of a Grand Opening
Once the event began, the space filled quickly with pet parents, their furry companions, Small Door team members, and curious locals excited to learn more. The energy was joyful and high-spirited. The Small Door team was warm and welcoming, guiding guests through the facility, answering questions, and making sure everyone—two-legged and four-legged—felt at ease. Capturing moments like these requires being both quick on your feet and gently unobtrusive. As a Washington DC photographer who specializes in candid and editorial-style coverage, I wanted to document the flow of the event authentically. My goal was to deliver images that could function across multiple platforms—press coverage, social content, internal recaps, and ongoing marketing.
A Strong Brand Story, Brought to Life Visually
One thing I love about working with companies like Small Door Vet is that they’ve invested in a clear, cohesive brand identity. From the tone of their signage to the curated look of their uniforms, the McLean event was a visual extension of the values they represent: compassion, innovation, transparency, and trust.
I took extra care to ensure that the photos reflected this consistency. I paid close attention to background details in each frame, making sure the brand’s clean lines and soft color palette remained visually present without feeling over-orchestrated.
These types of images do more than document an event—they reinforce trust, showcase culture, and communicate what it feels like to interact with the brand. For companies like Small Door Vet, where customer loyalty is deeply emotional, those visuals carry real weight. It’s one of the reasons I love doing this kind of work as a Washington DC event photographer.
Ribbon Cutting and Community Connection
A highlight of the day was the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by local leaders, press, and key members of the Small Door executive team. This was a pivotal moment—not just for photo ops, but for what it symbolized: the company’s growth, its investment in Northern Virginia, and its ongoing mission to expand access to high-quality, membership-based veterinary care.
I photographed the group lining up outside, captured the ceremonial snip, and followed up with celebratory moments—handshakes and applause. These are the kinds of authentic, connection-driven images I always aim to capture as a Washington DC event photographer.
A Few Photography Notes: Lighting, Editing, and Turnaround
The lighting at the McLean clinic was beautiful—plenty of natural light from large windows, complemented by thoughtfully designed indoor lighting that made for clean, flattering tones throughout. I brought minimal supplemental lighting with me.
In post-production, I focused on bright, true-to-life edits that preserved the natural warmth of the space. I delivered a highlight set the next morning for social media use, followed by the full gallery within three business days.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Vet Clinic
Photographing the McLean grand opening gave me a firsthand look at how Small Door Vet is changing the way pet care is delivered—and perceived. It was clear from the start that this wasn’t just another location launch; it was a celebration of values, community, and the human-animal bond.
As a Washington DC photographer, it’s always a joy to work with brands that care deeply about experience—how people feel the moment they walk through the door. Small Door Vet has created something special, and I’m grateful to have been a small part of documenting that story in McLean.
If you’re opening a new location, launching a product, or hosting a brand activation in the DC area and want photos that feel natural, polished, and deeply aligned with your mission—I’d love to work with you.
I specialize in capturing events throughout Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and beyond in a way that balances storytelling with strategic visuals. I’ll help you create a gallery that works across platforms and keeps your launch momentum going long after the doors open.
Learn more about my event photography services here or reach out to check availability.