The stories I strive to tell with every session

After puppy shoots, I often get a message from the client apologizing for the chaos. Guess what? That is the kind of chaos I absolutely love. It’s part of the puppy stage and it is absolutely not possible to have a perfectly well behaved puppy in front of the camera for about 40 minutes. Who really likes perfect anyway?

There is something really beautiful about watching a dog grow. From the moment they arrive in our lives as tiny, often clumsy, bundles of fur to the quiet dignity of their senior years, each stage is a unique chapter in a beautiful, heartfelt story. It's a journey filled with boundless energy, unwavering loyalty, and unconditional love. And for me, it's a story I'm dedicated to telling, one photograph at a time.

Think back to those early days. The sleepy puppy cuddles that felt like the purest form of bliss. The tiny yawns, the soft fur, the way they'd fall asleep in your arms. I’m also not ashamed to say that I love nothing more than puppy breath and the soft, often naked belly of a puppy. Then, almost overnight, that little furball transforms into a whirlwind of playful zooms. The boundless energy, the awkward leaps, the discovery of their own voice through happy, high-pitched barks and playful growls. This is the stage of curiosity, antics, and the joy of watching them explore the world with wide-eyed wonder.

As they mature, dogs settle into adulthood, their personalities start to fully bloom, and they are slowly becoming the steadfast companions we rely on. They understand our routines, anticipate our moods, and offer a comforting presence without a single word. While the puppy zooms might become less frequent, their capacity for joy and play remains. They're still up for an adventure, a long walk, or a fast game of fetch, but often with a newfound grace and understanding. This is where their true character shines, a unique blend of their puppy past and their experienced present.

And then, perhaps the most poignant stage: the tender beauty of their senior years. The gray hairs start to appear, dusting their muzzle. Their gait might slow, their naps become longer, and the signs of a life well-lived become beautifully evident. There's a particular warmth in their gaze, a deep contentment that comes from years of companionship. Every gentle nudge, every slow tail wag, every quiet moment of rest by your side becomes even more precious. It's a testament to the incredible bond you've built, a quiet acknowledgment of shared memories and enduring love.

My Purpose: Telling Their Story

Every one of these stages is a gift, a unique set of memories to cherish. My purpose is to capture these moments, to freeze time and preserve the essence of your dog's journey. From the playful energy of youth to the serene wisdom of old age, I aim to create images that reflect the love, joy, and unique spirit of your furry family member.

What's your favorite memory from one of your dog's life stages? I'd love to hear it in the comments below!

These moments deserve more than just a screen

Why You Should Print Your Dog’s Photos (and Not Just Post Them)

I get it, we live in a digital world. Most of us are used to scrolling through photos on our phones, sharing them on Instagram, and saving them to the cloud. And while those digital memories are great to have, there’s something really powerful about seeing your dog’s face, personality, and quirks printed and framed in your home.

Here’s why printing your photos matters, and why I always encourage it after your session.

These Moments Deserve More Than a Screen

Your dog isn’t just “part of the family.” In many ways, they are your family. They’ve been with you through moves, breakups, late-night tears, and early morning joy. The way they look at you, the way they lean into you, the little things that make them them, those moments are too important to be buried in a photo folder or stuck in a phone you’ll eventually upgrade.

Printing your photos gives those memories the space and presence they deserve.

Prints Make It Real

There’s something grounding about holding a physical photo in your hands or seeing it on your wall every day. It’s not just a reminder of your dog, it’s a reminder of your bond, your story, and that exact moment in time.

Whether it’s a framed portrait, an album you flip through, or a few prints scattered around your home, printed photos create a lasting connection that digital files just can’t replicate.

Technology Changes. Prints Don’t.

Think about how many times you’ve changed phones, computers, or even photo apps. Digital files can get lost, corrupted, or forgotten. But a printed photo? That stays. Decades from now, when you or someone you love is flipping through that album, they won’t need a password or an update. They’ll just see the face of the dog that meant the world to you.

It’s Part of the Experience

When you book a session, it’s not just about “getting photos.” It’s about celebrating the relationship you have with your dog. The session itself is meaningful but the images deserve to live somewhere beyond your phone.

That’s why I offer high-quality, thoughtfully chosen print options, so you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Let’s Make It Tangible

Your dog’s story is worth more than a digital file. It’s worth telling, displaying, and remembering in the most tangible way possible. So yes, share those photos online. But then print them. Frame them. Flip through them years from now and feel everything all over again.

Ready to create something that lasts? Let’s talk about prints after your session. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Goodbye isn’t the end: the importance of Rainbow Bridge Sessions

Over the last few years, I have met incredible dogs who have been with their guardians for years and years. Some of these sessions weren’t necessarily Rainbow Bridge Sessions, but solely sessions to celebrate and capture the bond dog and human had built over the years.

One day our dogs run beside us on trail and just a little while later we notice the graying muzzle, the slower steps, the longer naps in their favorite sunny spot. These changes can feel bittersweet, a constant reminder that time is moving forward. But they are also a testament to the life and love you’ve shared.

Rainbow Bridge Sessions are not about saying goodbye. They are about honoring a journey, celebrating a bond, capturing the essence of a dog who has walked through life with you through joy, heartbreak, and everything in between.

Why These Sessions Matter

Photographing a senior or terminally ill dog is one of the most emotional and meaningful experiences I get to be part of. These sessions are not rushed or overly posed. They are gentle, intentional, and centered on comfort.

They matter because they help freeze time, even if only for a moment.

For many dog parents, it is a way to process grief before it fully arrives. It is a chance to remember their dog not just as they are now, but as they have always been: loyal, loving, and irreplaceable.

What to Expect during a Rainbow Bridge Session

These sessions are designed with empathy and flexibility. Here is what they often include:

• A calm and quiet environment. We go at your dog’s pace, allowing them to rest, move, or cuddle as they need.

• Candid, heartfelt moments. Whether it is a paw in your lap, a gentle gaze, or a lick on your cheek, those little moments speak volumes.

• You in the frame. You have shared a lifetime together. I always encourage dog parents to be part of the session. This is your story, too.

• No pressure. No expectations. Some dogs nap the entire time. Some want to play. However they show up, that is exactly who we will capture.

A Legacy of Love

These photos are more than keepsakes. They are a way to continue the story, to remember the joy, the personality, the connection.

Clients often tell me they return to these portraits not just during grief, but during quiet moments of reflection. They become a source of comfort. A visual reminder that love like this never truly leaves.

If You Are Considering a Rainbow Bridge Session…

You do not have to wait until the very end. If your dog is slowing down or if you have received difficult news, we can schedule a session that fits your needs. I will work with you to make it as peaceful and meaningful as possible.

And most importantly, please know this is a space filled with compassion, patience, and understanding. There will be time for tears. There will be time for laughter. And there will always be time for love.

Because goodbye is not the end. It is the beginning of remembering.