Pet Portrait Session - Los Angeles
Michelle had been thinking about having portraits taken of Teddy and Princess for a long time. But like a lot of things that feel like they can wait, it kept getting pushed down the road.
Then Princess had a health scare. Thankfully she is doing just fine now, but the experience was enough for Michelle to decide it was time to book her Shuttermutt Photo session. Teddy and Princess are getting older (13 and 14 years old), and she was feeling increasingly sentimental about getting portraits of her family while she still could.
Two Very Different Dogs
Before their session, Michelle told us she was especially excited about capturing happy, expressive portraits of Teddy and Princess. In addition to being adorable fluff-balls, Pomeranians have no shortage of personality, and she really loves their big smiles. (Who doesn’t?!)
Her particular Poms, however, couldn't be more different from one another. Teddy is incredibly friendly, a little wild, and obsessed with treats of all kinds. Princess is very loving, but also anxious, cautious, attached at the hip to Michelle, and picky about food.
Good information to have before two Pomeranians prance into your photo studio!
Sweet, but anxious, Princess
Prior to the session, we also helped Michelle choose a background for the photos. She knew she wanted to hang the dogs’ portraits in her white and blue bedroom, so we mocked up her contending background colors to help her decide. She landed on a rich blue that complemented her style, as well as Princess’ and Teddy’s fur.
Teddy & Princess Take the Studio
On the day of the dogs’ photo session, Teddy trotted into our North Hollywood studio ready to party! He doesn't hear well anymore, so verbal commands and our usual noise makers weren't going to get us very far. Luckily, Teddy understands two languages perfectly well: treats and affection. We had a blast getting one smiley photo after another of Michelle’s sweet boy.
Princess, however, needed a different approach. As expected, she was anxious and didn’t want to be more than a few feet away from Michelle. But with Mom close by and regular encouragement (plus undeniable roast chicken), Princess was willing to show off her darling personality and appearance.
*Teddy and Princess showing their two very different personalities
Within any family, we never expect their pets to require the same support or guidance during their portrait session. In this case, Teddy could happily do Teddy while Princess received all the reassurance she needed. The key for us is always to read animals’ energies, take our time, and let their very different personalities dictate the session.
“One of my dogs is extremely anxious, but [Adam & Laura] were super patient and helped her get comfortable in the studio.”
Toward the end of the photo session, we captured Michelle’s whole family together, resulting in the sweetest family portraits, just bursting with pride and joy! We also switched to a different lighting design which allowed us to include another shade of blue, Michelle’s close second. The dogs patiently allowed us to snap a few more photos, looking especially glamorous in the dramatic lighting.
When the Right Artwork Just Clicks
After the photo session, we sat down with Michelle to view Teddy and Princess's portraits and start designing her artwork.
Our clients often worry that this part will be overwhelming. When you’re inevitably going to love every photo of these animals you adore, how on Earth are you supposed to decide which ones deserve the wall?! But without fail, the same thing always happens as we start mocking up the portraits and framing in the actual room where they'll live. Eventually, something just clicks, and clients know exactly which portraits they’re meant to love forever.
In Michelle’s case, she was initially torn between having the unique, half-face portraits for her wall versus traditional portraits, ones we affectionately call “school photo day” shots. We designed options for both, she decided on traditional, and then we happily moved on to choosing images for a photo album.
*A few portraits from Princess & Teddy’s eventual album
But those weren't the portraits Michelle kept thinking about.
As we finalized the album, she spoke up. She just couldn't get the half-face portraits out of her head. So we went back to her wall art design.
We talked about the artwork already in her home which leans more abstract and modern. We also pointed out that her album would give her plenty of space for the full-body and more classic portraits she loved. Her wall art could be something different.
The question really became: Which photographs would she regret not seeing on her wall every day?
Once Michelle looked at it that way, the decision was easy. The half faces won!
“It was very helpful that they had software that gave a rendering of what the photos would look like on my actual wall with varying sizes/layouts.”
Portraits Worth Finally Doing
Teddy and Princess's finished portraits now hang as statement pieces in Michelle's bedroom. They're bold and unexpected, yet full of connection and love. And the photo album holds everything else Michelle wanted to preserve about her sweet family.
We're so happy Michelle made the leap, getting the photos she’s always wanted with the dogs that mean everything to her!
“Everything was super high quality, and I’m so thrilled to have beautiful artwork of my babies to keep forever. Thank you Adam and Laura for this wonderful gift!!”
If your pets are getting older and you've been telling yourself you'll have portraits taken "someday," we'd love to help you make it happen now. Let’s create something special that feels completely like them (and you).
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 learn how to make your own memories with your dogs at our Los Angeles studio.