Dog Wall Portrait of a Rescue Dog in Chicago

It was fate. The story of Walter.

Jay and Bre began dating in college. Upon graduation, the two lived in different states and continued a long-distance relationship. Several years ago, an employment opportunity brought Jay to Chicago and the two moved in together. As a child, Jay was really lucky, as his mom had been the President of the Humane Society in North Carolina. Therefore, Jay's childhood was filled with lots and lots of foster dogs so he knew what joy and love a dog could bring to one's life. Bre had never had a dog and the two thought it was the perfect time to bring a furry face into their lives. While searching on the internet, they found a dog that caught their eye. After applying for the dog, they learned that she had just been adopted. But they were told about a new dog in the rescue. His name was Walter. Bre and Jay went to meet Walter and, immediately, Walter made his decision. He ran up to Bre and jumped up and gave her a hug. Walter decided these were his people.

Besides being incredibly handsome, Walter is a friendly guy who enjoys meeting people and other dogs. He is playful and cuddly. This lucky boy gets to go to "camp" once a week where he gets to goof off with his fellow canine buddies! Yet, he is independent and able to handle some alone time. He is a quiet boy with the utmost manners when it comes to barking. His face tells you everything. Being very expressive with his eyebrows and forehead wrinkles, his mom and dad are able to read his mood. And his face always gives it away when he is tuckered out and needs a snooze.

Having a dog together has been a wonderful experience for Bre and Jay. The joint sense of responsibility encourages them to go on long walks together with Walter (even in winter weather), giving them more time together as a family. Having Walter and his calm, easy-going, positive personality helps them refocus and brings joy to them throughout the day. Whatever their mood, Walter always makes them feel that everything is okay.

Bre and Jay had been walking in the city and passed the Van and Bella's studio. Seeing the photos in the window inspired them to invest in professional photos of Walter. Even though he is still a young gent at about 4 years old, Bre and Jay knew having professional photos of their boy would be very meaningful and something they would forever cherish. Walter was quite the experienced model, during his photo shoot! Capturing his personality in photos was a piece of cake, with his expressive face. His photos are now the centerpiece of their living room, getting lots of compliments from those who see them.

Sometimes fate strikes and changes our plans, in the most amazing ways. Walter was meant to join Bre and Jay. As Jay said, "We feel so lucky to have found him".

Behind-the-Scenes Video of a Portrait Session with IKEA & PAWS Chicago

Project with IKEA & PAWS Chicago

Donated a pet portrait session to PAWS Chicago. Pet portraits were on display at IKEA stores to help raise donations for homeless pets of Chicago.

Project with IKEA and PAWS Chicago

Pet Portraits at IKEA Stores to Help PAWS Chicago

This holiday season I donated my pet photography skills to help raise money for a local Chicago rescue, PAWS Chicago. The portraits I took were used to make cutouts so they may be displayed around the store. Video and photos credit: PAWS Chicago.

Dog Portraits of a Labrador and Weimaraner in Chicago

Buddies. The story of Todd and Gunner

Terra and Blake were in college and had been dating for about a year, when they happened upon an adorable litter of puppies needing homes. The couple had previously talked about getting a puppy. But they decided to wait and sleep on it to process the idea. The following day, they woke up and brought home Todd, an adorable Pointer/Lab mix. Todd, was a rockstar! He was a happy-go-lucky, fun-loving puppy without a care in the world. He was the kind of dog who loved meeting everyone, everywhere he went. Such a loving guy that it's was entirely possible he would quickly jump ship and join another family, if they had better treats. And any available laps were fair game for Todd to jump upon. Todd shared his love and enthusiasm with all.

Unfortunately, a black spot was discovered on Todd's tongue, and he was diagnosed with oral melanoma. The cancer was removed and he started getting special vaccinations. Sadly, another tumor was found on the side of his body, which required scans twice a year to keep watch for any new tumors. At this time, Terra and Blake began wondering if they should get a buddy for Todd. A canine companion who could keep Todd active and spry and engaged in life. So, the couple began a search for a friend for Todd. They came across a post on Next Door by a woman who was fostering a Weimaraner. Terra and Blake met him, fell in love, and Gunner joined their family.

Blending their canine family went smoothly. Gunner wanted to be the dominant dog, which suited Todd's easy-going personality just fine. Yet, Gunner really depended on Todd. Gunner was deaf so he relied on Todd to be his ears. To be his alert system and keep him aware of what's going on around them. These boys were like 2 puzzle pieces that really fit together.

Knowing Todd was getting older and battling cancer, Terra and Blake decided they wanted to memorialize their boys so they would never forget them. They decided to have photos taken, before it was too late. The couple chose portraits of each boy, which are displayed in their living room. The portraits are nicely complimented by the large photo book, proudly displayed on their coffee table, containing lots of photos from their private session.

After several years together Todd crossed the bridge, leaving his buddy behind. Gunner is a fiercely loyal dog. He is very smart and can read situations and people's emotions. He is very athletic and will seize any opportunity to race someone up the stairs. (And he typically wins). Unlike most of us, Gunner has really enjoyed Covid, as it has allowed him to be his dad's shadow. Being a creature of habit, Gunner likes the comfort and stability of his dad working at home. But now, Terra and Blake find themselves asking the same question. Should they get a buddy for Gunner? To fill the role that Gunner did for Todd. While having two dogs is a lot more work than one, there is something truly magical about having a companion by your side. We will let you know if Gunner gets his own buddy.

Especially during times like these, we could all use a Gunner by our side.

Dia de los Pets 2020

Time-lapse Video of the Pet Altar Being Constructed

We had to skip this year's "Dia de los Pets" event, but decided to create an altar in honor of some favorite pet clients that have passed.

You can see it in person at my studio's storefront in West Town/Wicker Park (1112 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622).

Pet altar: Jaqui Almaguer