I Still Can’t Believe I Get to Do This
Sometimes I scroll through my own Instagram like I’m just a fan of whoever this "Pets Are Really Cool" person is.
I mean, come on. Look at Oscar’s eyeballs taking up the whole frame like he’s trying to absorb my soul through the lens. That’s art. That’s also chaos. But mostly art.
Oscar: The Eyeball Invasion
No, you're not being watched by a furry alien (probably). This is just Oscar, who decided the inside of my lens was the best place to be. I don’t know what expression I was going for when I clicked the shutter, but he said, “Zoom? Gotcha covered.” A perfectly chaotic close-up that somehow still shows how curious, sweet, and slightly unhinged (in the best way) this pup is.
And then there's that white floof with the tennis ball lodged in his mouth like he's auditioning for a new dog sport: competitive chomping. Or Littlefoot, staring directly into the camera—and my soul—like he’s about to demand snacks or file taxes. I love them all. I really do.
Every photo I take is like a tiny time machine. I look at them and immediately remember what it felt like to meet that dog, roll around in the grass (very professional), or dodge an unexpected slobber attack. It’s not just about capturing how they look—it’s about capturing who they are. And when I manage to do that? Oh man, it fills my whole heart.
Professional Ball Hoarder
This photo is brought to you by one very enthusiastic pup, one slobbery tennis ball, and one heroic human arm trying to maintain some kind of order. The joy on this dog's face is real—and so is the ball. Capturing a moment like this, mid-chomp and full of personality, is exactly why I love doing what I do. (Also: that side-eye? Perfection.)
Pet Palooza reminded me of this in a big way. People have been reaching out to see if I got any photos of their pups, and even when I send over something like Oscar’s “I’m inside your camera now” close-up, their excitement is just so contagious. It makes everything—from hauling my gear across a field to editing into the wee hours—totally worth it.
And I wouldn’t be doing any of this without Adrian. He’s the real MVP. He’s my hype man, my people-whisperer, and the reason I haven’t just dissolved into a puddle of social awkwardness during every dog park visit. While I’m on the ground making squeaky noises and praying the dog doesn’t lick my lens, he’s out there actually talking to humans, finding out their dog’s name, and handing out my info like a boss. This wouldn’t be happening without him.
The Beginning, with PJ and My Favorite Human
This is where it all really began—Adrian holding PJ, the puppy who sparked it all. I had just started exploring pet photography, and Adrian (as always) showed up with love, support, and the best smile in the game. PJ gave me my first real muse moment. Adrian gave me the confidence to chase this dream. This photo is a forever favorite.
So this is a big ol’ thank-you post. To the pets who have stolen my heart, the people who trust me to capture them, the followers who like and comment and cheer me on, and Adrian—my favorite human support system with a business brain and a heart even bigger than mine.
I am beyond grateful I get to do this. And I hope I get to keep doing it more and more.
💚 If you’re thinking about booking a session—or even just wondering if I caught a pic of your pup at Pet Palooza—don’t be shy. I’d love to connect. Let’s make more magic happen (and yes, probably more photos where a nose is dangerously close to smudging the lens).