This is a fun shoot to share because of the background behind how they found me.  I had just ran in Starbucks by my house for a fix…  I mean coffee… when I come out to see Shawn and Richard hovering by my car.  Although I am not a believer of leaving animals in the car it was a 5 minute errand that I couldn’t bring Lola into so she was waiting for me.  She was only about 6 months at the time, still so tiny.  They were smiling and enjoying her usual antics in the parking lot.  Once I approached the car they began to ask her breed, petting her, etc.  Turns out they had two fur-babies of their own at home and love dogs as I do.  In the course of conversation I gave them my business card since they saw my logo on the back of the car and thought that one day it would be fun to capture something creative with their pups.

A whole year later Shawn contacted me to go for it and set up a shoot date.  I was so honored she remembered me all that time!!  I couldn’t wait to do this for them!  And quite honestly I was excited for her/them to see how Lola has grown up.  And now there’s little brother Leroy added to her world too.  I’m the perfect photographer for dogs (or animals) in a session because I am such a huge fan.  I believe dogs can sense when you truly appreciate them so when you select a photographer who agrees to do it but doesn’t have your same passion for dogs it doesn’t yield the same results.  I know some photogs who even charge more to have you include your animal!  To me, it’s really not that different than having a baby or toddler in a photo, it’s still me making crazy noises, using tag words and keeping them engaged to get the shots.

Hunter and Sadie did great, but the real clencher was how well Shawn and Richard fit.  I asked them how long they’ve been married because they seemed like old pros in front of the camera.  Turns out they tied the knot at Hotel Laguna 15 years ago.  Too bad I wasn’t yet in the wedding business, I’d had loved to be a part of their day.  We really have a lot in common… dog lovers, live about a mile away from each other, love Laguna… the connection is such a huge bonus when you work with people!

They’re entire session is due online within a matter of minutes, can’t wait to hear what they think.  Here are a few of my favorites: