A Day with Mani, London & Monty: Capturing Personality in Pet Photography

Written By Cory Lehman

My first official shoot was a fantastic opportunity to put into practice everything I'd learned about capturing the essence of pets. I had the pleasure of working with my friend’s two little dogs and a cat, all bursting with personality. The dogs, Mani (a spirited brown pupper) and London (a lively mini pincher girl), along with Monty (a charming boy cat), made the session an unforgettable experience.

Small brown dog walking directly at the camera staring into the lens on grass with trees and a house in the background

Mani's Confident Gaze

Mani, the spirited brown dog, offers a soulful expression that perfectly captures his energetic and bold personality during the shoot.

The Session:
I approached this shoot with a focus on letting the pets be themselves. Rather than forcing poses, I observed how Mani’s alert expression and London’s inquisitive stare naturally told their stories. Monty, ever the quiet observer, added a calm contrast to the playful energy of the dogs.

A black and white cat staring into the camera, looking like it is stalking the person on the other side of the camera, background is in black and white and blurred, cat is in color.

Monty’s Reflective Stare

This portrait of Monty reveals a thoughtful, steady gaze that conveys his quiet depth and gentle nature, adding emotional resonance to the session.

The session took place in a relaxed setting where each pet’s natural behavior shone through. I experimented with different angles, natural light, and candid moments that captured their true essence. It was inspiring to see how each pet reacted differently—Mani's confident stance, London's curious look, and Monty’s gentle, introspective gaze made for some truly standout shots.

A miniature Pinscher dog standing on gravel next to a pole with trees behind it and it is staring directly into the camera.

London's Engaging Stare

London, the lively mini pincher, shows a captivating, inquisitive look that captures her unique personality in a single frame.

What I Learned:
This shoot reinforced the best practices I've been honing:

  • Patience is key: Allowing each pet to settle and showcase their personality leads to authentic, engaging images.

  • Natural light makes a difference: It beautifully highlights textures and colors, adding depth to the photos.

  • Candid moments win: Some of my top five shots came from unscripted, spontaneous moments that captured genuine emotion.

A small brown dog standing in grass with trees behind it staring intensely off into the distance

Mani in Action

A dynamic shot capturing Mani’s poised stance and playful energy, showcasing his readiness for adventure and fun.

Final Thoughts:
Working with Mani, London, and Monty not only gave me a chance to practice my craft but also reminded me why I love pet photography. Each session is a unique story, and these photos are a testament to the special bond between pets and their owners.

A black and white cat with its mouth open looking up and almost asking to go outside with its paw on the door

Monty’s Want to Roam Outside

Monty was yelling at his mom to please let him go outside, he’ll be good this time, he promised!

I’m excited to continue sharing more pet photography adventures and the stories behind every session. If you’d like to see more or book a session, visit PetsAreReallyCool.com.

London's Curious Expression

A close-up that highlights London’s expressive eyes and confident demeanor, reflecting her spirited nature and charm.

Cory Lehman
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