I’ve always loved the way dogs look up at their owners. I adore the happy, loving look in a dog’s eyes as they keep an eye on their mom or dad, checking to make sure that everything is okay, and letting them know that they’re ready to play at a moment’s notice. That joyful glow somehow reveals their boundless trust and devotion. Sometimes all I have to do is look down at my Bailey, and she starts wagging her tail…

This sneak peek of Nina & Toby’s photo session includes two photos featuring “the look”. Nina & Toby are great dogs – happy, confident pooches with exuberant energy – and I got to see all sides of their personalities during their time in the studio. They didn’t “sit” or “stay” every time we asked them to (although they had much more obedience under their belts than the average dog, that’s for sure!), but I noticed that they were constantly looking to their parents for guidance & love. And honestly, if they didn’t listen to a command, it was only to come wiggling over to their parents for pets & attention! So I think two of my favorite images from their session are moments in which they had that look in their eyes; the look of wanting to please and wanting to love, the look of dogged devotion. And I just can’t get enough of it!

This is Toby, the younger & more free-spirited of the two. He’s a lab mix, with an intriguing coat that seems to be halfway between brown & black… and of course that big lab grin!

And this is Nina, a gorgeous German shepherd girl – and let me tell you, my camera loves her! Aren’t shepherds beautiful?!

We spent a bit of time on the white and the gray backdrops… and honestly, I’m not sure which “look” I like better! Every studio dog photography session client has their choice of white, gray & black backdrops, and we’ll often switch halfway through the session for an interesting variety of final images. Nina & Toby look good everywhere, apparently! :)

Elyse & Obed, I had a wonderful time with all four of you! Can’t wait to see you again soon! :)

Tags: pet photography, pets, photography, San Diego, San Diego Dog Photographer, San Diego pet photography, studio