Many of you remember and have asked how I’ve been coping since losing my pugs last summer. I’d be lying if I said I was fine. While Ady is a dream come true on so many levels, there isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think about Eddie and Bianca.

You know how I’m always talking about capturing these unforgettable memories with photography? I say that for more than your human family members. When clients ask if they should take photos with pets, my answer is always an enthusiastic, “YES!” I wake up every morning and walk out of my bedroom, where a photo of Eddie and Bianca greets me. It helps center me every day and helps me appreciate the moments I share with Ady. I want to share that feeling with all of my clients.

Take photos with pets, because they are family, too

When Kari and Arin got engaged, they brought their pups, Lila and Groot, who I adored. When I learned that their beloved Groot passed away recently, my heart sank. Groot was Kari’s giant baby, something I could tell during the shoot. I was thrilled I could capture their beloved dogs and that Groot was a part of their beautiful engagement photos.

If you’re wondering how we capture photos with pets, or if you think your pets won’t do well in front of the camera, I want to encourage you to bring them anyway. Part of my job is knowing how to work with your pets. I have plenty of techniques (in other words… treats and squeaky toys!) to keep them happy and engaged.

These memories last a lifetime

Some of my most photographed clients, Katie and Jason, also lost their sweetheart, Bart not long ago. You guys, Bart was one of my favorite boys in the whole world. His little smile and wiggling Corgi butt were just absolutely precious and I loved getting to see him as often as I did for out photo shoots. We joke that his momma Katie is a little extra, but I’m 99% sure Bart did not mind having his photos taken either.

My hope is sharing how beautiful their photos with pets turned out will convince you to bring your furry friends every single time. Despite the chaos you might feel, it will always be worth the effort.

Our pets become part of our family. For me, and many of you I know, they really are our babies and losing them is an unimaginable grief. My hope is that having these photos helps you reflect on how loved they were and how incredible their impact on us really was. It’s honoring a relationship that is like nothing else in the world and for me, that has been monumental in my grieving process.

Let’s work with your pets!

Now that I’m crying I just want to tell you one last time… YES, you can bring your pets to any and all of the sessions you do with me. I know it might make things a little more crazy, but it’s so worth it and you’ll never regret getting those photos taken, I promise.

I still have a couple of 20-minute mini sessions left, which is a great way to try taking photos with pets if you haven’t before!

Ready to book? Snag a spot here. I cannot wait to meet your pups.