Shuttermutt Photo owner Laura Claus as teenager with pet kittens on farm
Pet photographer Adam Claus as a child with his pet dog

“I’d fight my sisters for keeps

IF WE’D HAD PORTRAITS LIKE THIS OF MY CHILDHOOD DOG”

Okay, Adam’s not really a fighter. But he has made this claim while creating portraits for Shuttermutt Photo families.

We’re both animal lovers. Laura grew up surrounded by them on her family farm, and Adam regularly helping his veterinarian dad in their clinic.

Now we’re here to love your pets like they’re our own while giving you right-hook worthy photos.

17+

YEARS AS A COUPLE

300+

ANIMALS PHOTOGRAPHED

$40,000+

RAISED FOR RESCUE DOGS

Shuttermutt Photo owners and pet photographers Laura and Adam Claus dressed in blue dog and cat costumes on Halloween
Adam & Laura Claus dressed in 1980s costumes Los Angeles
Adam Claus in his empty LA pet portrait studio Shuttermutt Photo

FROM “BLUE CAT & DOG”

TO FINE ART PET PORTRAITS

Seventeen years ago, we met at an 80’s themed party while attending college in Omaha, NE. We had our first date at the zoo, fell in love, and bought these homemade, blue cat and dog costumes at a church yard sale. Why blue? No idea. But we proudly wore them every Halloween as we moved between Omaha, Chicago, and LA.

Did we know that a zoo date and dog-cat costumes meant we were destined to open Shuttermutt Photo? Absolutely not.

But after Adam’s voice over career became unfulfilling, he asked Laura what he should do next.

“You love dogs more than anything, so find a way to work with them,” was her reply.

Long story short, Adam turned his long-standing passion for photography into a career while Laura took a break from teaching. We’ve always loved working on projects together, so Laura quickly began assisting Adam during pet portrait sessions. We eventually opened our own studio, and the rest is history.

We pour our hearts into every Shuttermutt Photo session, and we can’t wait to meet your family in our studio.

Blue cat and dog costumes optional.

Fine art pet photographer Adam Claus petting basset hound dog in his LA studio
Pet photographer Adam Claus golfing in Los Angeles
Laura Claus of Shuttermutt Photo in Luxembourg receiving citizenship

COMEDY & COOKIES

Adam

Adam is always learning and experimenting with new hobbies. He's dabbled in things like standup comedy, golf, and playing guitar. His happy place is watching college football while making tacos. Go Huskers!

Laura

In her free time, Laura likes to spend time in nature, bake cookies, get crafty, practice qigong. Fun fact: she also gained Luxembourgish citizenship via her ancestry in 2022!

A Confession

Okay, don’t freak out…but we don’t have any pets. We know, we know! Life circumstances have prevented us from having one for now, but we love being your pet’s fun aunt and uncle in the studio.

Action shot of small, brown senior dog standing on hind legs against blue background in LA
Fluffy brown, senior dog looking up against a dark blue background in Los Angeles

I can’t even explain how great they are!

[Adam and Laura] made our pups feel so comfortable and at-home during the photoshoot, which totally shows in the incredible photos…The pictures literally brought tears to our eyes - If you’re looking for someone to photograph your dogs or your family with your dogs, please, please book Shuttermutt. You won't regret it. Their talent is truly one of a kind and the whole experience was perfect.

- Aaron, dad to three rescue dogs
Photographers Adam and Laura Claus taking photos of senior rescue dog in Los Angeles pet portrait studio Shuttermutt Photo

More than a pet portrait studio

Yes, Shuttermutt Photo is a way for us to fulfill our passions of creating art and caring for other. More importantly though, it’s a space where families get to express their deep love for their pet in a safe, celebratory manner.

Each session is collaborative, fun, and sentimental. We want you to feel as though you’re a guest in our home, eventually leaving with legacy artwork that completely captures your pet’s personality. Whether you’re a single dog mom, a family with 4 kids and 2 cats, or empty nesters with a new “baby,” you’re welcome here.

We’re so grateful you’ve found us. Let’s have some fun together while making your home, and this world, a bit more beautiful.

Close-up photo of a basset hound's eyes peeking up against light blue background in LA studio Shuttermutt Photo

Let’s make some magic with your pet.