Pet Portrait Session - Los Angeles
At 12 years old, Manute has already lived quite the life. His mom rescued him as a puppy while living on the East Coast, and this little Chihuahua-Terrier mix has been by her side through everything since.
From meeting her partner to navigating life's ups and downs, Manute has been a constant source of companionship and love. However, after some difficult life experiences and a health scare with Manute, his parents decided it was time to stop putting off the things that mattered most. Celebrating their sweet boy with a Shuttermutt Photo portrait session was on that list.
Planning Portraits That Feel Like Home
Before the session, we asked Manute's parents what kinds of portraits they imagined having on their walls.
They weren't entirely sure, but they knew two things: for the artwork to feature Manute alone, and to feel more “high art” than "corny." After recently rebuilding their LA home due to a landslide, they'd mostly finished decorating and wanted Manute's portraits to feel like a natural extension of their new home's aesthetic.
This is exactly why we love talking about our clients' homes before and during their sessions. The photos are only part of what we're creating. We also want to make sure the finished artwork looks fantastic wherever it's going to live!
When it came to choosing a background for Manute’s photos, his parents were torn between three colors that would best complement their home: Egg Nog, Evergreen, and Olive Green. We mocked up how Manute would look against each color (above), and we all came to a unanimous decision on Olive Green.
And boy, did it suit him! Manute looked like quite the distinguished little gentleman against that rich, green background.
“They really curated the perfect experience from the first contact through getting the final photos. Everything was easy, thoughtful, and felt tailored to us.”
A Very Enthusiastic Welcome
We met Manute and his family outside our Los Angeles studio on the day of their session, and he immediately leaned into us, thrilled to make new friends, and then started picking up little landscaping rocks to present to us as gifts, like a tiny crow! It’s safe to say we were smitten and had a pretty good feeling about how the rest of the day was going to go.
We weren't wrong! Despite being 12 years old, Manute has the playful energy of a much younger pup. He happily showed off his tricks, followed commands like a champ, and got wonderfully growly and animated when we brought out toys.
We captured everything from handsome, stoic headshots to playful action shots of his ever-youthful personality.
“They took the best pictures of my senior Chihuahua and knew exactly how to work with a dog who was definitely not used to being in front of a camera or flash bulbs. He was comfortable every second of the shoot, and so was I.”
Getting the Whole Family Involved
When we asked Manute's parents if they’d like family photos with him, they were pretty hesitant. Listen, we get it! Dogs don't spend much time worrying about how they look in photos, but we humans certainly do.
We completely respect when someone doesn't want to be photographed, but we encourage families to give it a try. You can always decide not to get the photos, but you can't go back and take them later.
Thankfully, Manute's parents were up for it, and we're so glad! Dad got a little goofy, while Mom held Manute close and danced like they do in their kitchen.
Those are the kinds of little moments we especially love capturing. Nothing elaborate or overly posed, just a family enjoying the things they already love doing together.
Designing the Perfect Artwork for Manute
After the session, we all enjoyed a slideshow of Manute’s best photos, then narrowed down the favorites and started designing artwork for their newly redecorated home. His family ended up selecting a fantastic variety of portraits that showed off the different sides of their boy.
One of his mom’s favorites featured Manute sitting stoically beside his favorite toy, and a gorgeous ebony walnut frame felt perfect for it’s permanent home in her office where she could enjoy it every day.
For their hallway, they chose a playful action shot in a classic gallery frame with museum glass. It's a beautiful statement piece that captures Manute’s forever-youthful personality.
For the family photos and a few other favorites, they designed a keepsake print box in black leather. It holds a collection of matted portraits that can be swapped out and displayed whenever the family feels like changing things up. Bonus: it has a hidden compartment beneath the prints where they can store keepsakes!
“I am completely obsessed with the finished product. They captured him perfectly, and I will treasure these pictures forever. I can’t recommend Shuttermutt Photo enough.”
Celebrating Manute, Exactly as He Is
Manute's session was such a wonderful reminder that senior dogs still have so much personality, playfulness, and life to show off.
His family came to us wanting to celebrate the little dog who'd been by their side through so many chapters of life. They left with portraits of their handsome, silly, rock-gifting boy, plus some family photos they hadn't expected.
And best of all, the finished artwork looks right at home among the thoughtfully chosen pieces in their newly remodeled house.
If you've been thinking about having portraits taken of your own pet, especially one who's been with you through life's many adventures, we'd love to help!
Hi! We’re Adam and Laura Claus, the husband-wife team behind Shuttermutt Photo. We create custom animal portraits for those who love their pets like family. Reach out to schedule a free phone consultation, and we’ll create artwork that celebrates everything you love about your pet, in a style that feels right at home in yours.