Hi, we’re Adam & Laura Claus!
MUSIC LOVERS | PICNIC ENTHUSIASTS | “MIDWEST NICE”
We're a husband-wife pet photography duo with roots in the entertainment world, education, and a lifelong love of art and animals.
Our sessions are creative, relaxed, and heartfelt—shaped by Laura’s farm-girl upbringing in Iowa and Adam helping his veterinarian dad in Nebraska.
When we’re not in the studio, we’re going to concerts, having picnics on the beach, or perfecting our taco game.
17+
YEARS AS A COUPLE
300+
PHOTOS TAKEN DURING A SESSION
40,000+
DOLLARS RAISED FOR RESCUE DOGS
HOW IT BEGAN
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 paused teaching to focus on her health. We’ve always loved working on projects together, so as Laura recovered, she began assisting Adam during pet photo 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.
GET TO KNOW US
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, get crafty, practice qigong, and bake. 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.
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
Shuttermutt Photo isn’t just a portrait studio.
Yes, it’s 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 pets 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.
