Mochi & Artie's Senior Dog Portrait Session
Before some pet portrait sessions at our Los Angeles studio, we just have a gut feeling that it's going to be extra fun and heartfelt, and our day with Mochi and Artie was just that.
Their family had been following our work for a while, even making a point to visit our booth at the Beverly Hills Art Show to see the artwork in person. When they finally booked a session, it was for the most common reason we hear: the dogs are getting older, Artie (11) and Mochi (9) are their kids, and they wanted to have their photos taken while they still could. That framing set the tone for everything.
Mochi and Artie's dads each came into the relationship with one of the dogs, so when the two became family, so did the incredibly adorable Artie and Mochi.
During our phone consultation and the photo session, we got to learn all about what each dad loved most about the dogs' looks and personalities, how Artie and Mochi became good buddies, and where the guys thought they'd like some portraits for their home. Then it was our job to turn those stories and portrait dreams into the perfect artwork. Game on!
Mochi & Artie, Individually
The family wanted photos on two background colors, evergreen and coral, with evergreen being the primary choice and coral serving as a fun pop of pink for their girl Mochi. Including two colors increased the session time, but it also gave us a lot to work with in terms of artwork combinations, and the dogs certainly didn't mind the extended ball playing and treat devouring time!
Mochi, a cockapoo, was a natural during the session. She acted like being in front of a camera was something she'd done her whole life, and she was happy to keep going as long as we were willing to dote on her. Her dad had described her as a “princess” who is “always happy,” and she certainly showed that in her portraits. Just look at what a delightful little lady she is!
Artie, a peekapoo, was perfectly comfortable with us and the studio, but a little more skeptical of our equipment, which is pretty normal. He warmed up at his own pace, then proceeded to show off every aspect of his sweet, happy little self. And that was just fine with us, there's never a rush on our part. That's kind of the whole point of having one family in the studio per day; we only want to your pet's true self to shine through in the photos. And man, did Artie shine like the “little prince” his dads said he was!
He also has long, fluffy ears that we couldn't resist highlighting. With a little fanning and mid-action magic, we had ourselves flying-ear shots that make Artie’s photos really come to life.
The Orange Tennis Ball Moment
The action shots didn’t stop with Artie though. Both dogs love their toys, so their family brought along several options. To really pop against the evergreen background, we grabbed their new orange tennis ball, and Mochi and Artie attacked it with enthusiasm. Creating these photos was definitely a highlight of the session, so much joy and comedy in every photo!
Action shots of seniors are actually always some of our favorites; the combination of a dog's frosted face with their puppy-like spirit is an undeniably beautiful thing. It was really special to capture both Artie and Mochi in this way.
These photos later became a stacked diptych in their hallway. The dogs just look so good in these photos, happy, healthy, and full of energy. Exactly the kind of thing you want to put on the wall, show off to friends, and smile at for decades when you walk by every day.
The Family Photos
Like most families in our studio, Artie and Mochi's dads were a little hesitant about getting in front of the camera. We encouraged them to give it a shot (better than regretting not having tried at all), and it ended up being the right call.
Their family portrait is priceless! Just look how happy Mochi and Artie are to be in their dads' arms.
The Artwork
The artwork design session was one of our favorite parts of this day. The family was very intentional about where their artwork could go, thinking through multiple walls, artwork already in the home, possible redecorating, etc. We loved mocking up different layouts and artwork mediums until all four of their pieces landed just right: an acrylic diptych of the action shots, a walnut framed portrait of the dogs together, and a black gallery frame with mat board and museum glass for the family photo.
They also ordered a photo album, something this session almost demanded! When a family has multiple pets, not to mention ones as animated as Artie and Mochi, an album is the perfect way to forever remember their full personalities, as well as the family's bond, with each turn of a page.
This family's session was the perfect example of why we opened Shuttermutt Photo: To create artwork that's as unique and meaningful as the pets in the photos. Mochi and Artie mean the world to their family, and the photos in the album and on their wall celebrate that.
Interested in having a session with your own senior pet? Reach out! We’d love to help make your portrait dreams come true, too.