Thanks for visiting my blog! My name is Allison, and I work in San Diego, CA, capturing the personalities of dogs and cats of all sizes & temperaments. I do photo sessions on location and in-studio, and my photography style is natural, playful & soulful.
Here on my blog, I tell the stories of recent sessions and events. You might even find an insight or two into the behind-the-scenes side of my business! You can see my portfolio & session info on my main website, via the link above.
Call: 619-357-6624 // Email: Allison@AllisonShamrell.com // Visit: 11828 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 204, San Diego, CA 92128
Officially Voted the Best Pet Photographer in San Diego, 2014-2026.
Did you know there’s a dog-shrinking machine out there somewhere?
It’s true, and 11-year-old Skidd was perhaps one of its first subjects.
Or at least, that’s what I think. Because although her parents told me that Skidd is a lab mix, she just looks like a miniature labrador (40 lbs). I think the only difference (or evidence of some other mystery breed) is found in her ears – they’re more expressive than any lab’s that I’ve ever met! They seem to float around her face, like somewhere there are little jet streams of air continually pushing them up. It’s pretty darn cute. You’ll see what I mean in this Sneak Peek…
I can’t resist captioning this one: “HEY MOM! HEY!”
She has the prettiest white eyelashes!
I’m loving the light on her golden coat… thank goodness the rain held off!!
Thanks for a great session, Skidd! I’ll see you & your parents again soon!
~ Dog Photography by Allison Shamrell in Milton, Florida ~
I had a great time photographing brother-and-sister duo Farley and Dougal on Saturday! But I was kind of surprised that I was able to meet them at all: you see, there were several forces at work in the universe trying to stop this session from happening.
Farley (the beautiful shepherd mix) and Dougal (the cream-colored terrier mix) live in Atlanta, Georgia. Very far away from Pensacola.
Their mom and dad, Carey & Scott, only had about 24 hours’ notice that they were able to visit the Pensacola area – and they were staying in Gulf Shores, AL, not even Pensacola!
I had an event scheduled for all-day Saturday. (It was cancelled at the last minute!)
The Great Insect Infestation of 2011. Seriously – Bay Bluffs Park has never been so buggy. And the flies and ants followed us to Seville Park, too!
A bunch of washed-up jellyfish freakishly appeared on the beach. I would blame that on Hurricane Irene if I could, but honestly I have no idea why they were all there. It was a little scary! I think they were trying to stop us too… although why the jellyfish population is angry at me, I have no idea.
But despite all the obstacles, we had a wonderful afternoon! Carey + Scott, I have a feeling your gallery is going to be supersized. Enjoy your Sneak Peek!
I’m pretty sure Farley is thinking, “come on lady, I want that treat!”
I had to leave you with one image of Farley’s incredible tongue! She is a goofball :)
~ Dog Photography by Allison Shamrell in Pensacola, Florida ~
Owen is a recent graduate of Best Paw Forward dog training, which is actually how I met him! He passed the beginner and advanced-level courses with flying colors (or so I’m told), and so getting him to sit and stay during our session was really not difficult. Or at least, it was easy compared to previous – um – over-enthusiastic pups I’ve photographed in the past! (No, I’m not naming names.)
I just love beautiful, rich brindle coloring on a handsome dog! Enjoy a few photos of this good-looking boy.
Owen has gorgeous eyes!
This is the mischievous look Owen flashed us right before taking off down the beach toward another dog…
But how can you be mad at this happy, happy face?
Thanks, Kathy! I hope you enjoy your Sneak Peek!
~ Dog Photography by Allison Shamrell in Pensacola, Florida ~
I couldn’t be more pleased to introduce you to Willow, the happiest and most laid-back yellow lab I’ve ever met! (I was going to write “chillest” but then realized that’s probably not a word. Willow can also be described as very chill.)
She and her mom, Tonya, came out for a Mini-Session at the end of June, but they had so much fun that they couldn’t stop there! So they made the trek out to Pensacola and we visited gorgeous Bay Bluffs Park and historical downtown Pensacola. Here are just a few of their many images!
When we stopped at the railroad tracks, I was thinking “serious, tough-looking, wrong-side-of-the-tracks pose”, but Willow had other plans. And honestly, nothing suits her better than her sweet smile!
Then we played in the water…
And after getting soaked, we headed downtown to relax…
Oh, and it was no big deal, we just found a fire truck. A vintage fire truck. Sitting there, ready for Willow’s best Dalmatian impersonation.
Brace yourself, Tonya – your gallery is going to be huge! I can’t wait to show you more of your pretty, happy girl.
~ Dog Photography by Allison Shamrell in Pensacola, Florida ~
If you’re a regular follower of this blog, you might be a little surprised to see today’s post. Because it has pictures of – are you ready for this? – humans!
That’s right, I photographed 2-legged creatures recently, and let me tell you, it was a total change of pace! From a photographer’s standpoint, it was a completely different experience because I’m used to my 4-legged clients doing the opposite of what I ask them to, running to catch up with them and then collapsing onto the ground to be on their level, and plenty of outtakes as the norm. Instead, with this session, I learned that people do what you ask, don’t run away, and actually look at the camera more often than not. Verrrrry interesting.
But let me back up – Nate & Sara are my friends from college, and Nate’s family owns a condo on beautiful Perdido Beach. They came down for a week-long vacation, supposedly to celebrate Sara’s completion of Level One exams in medical school (a very big deal, from what I hear!). And so it was a total surprise when Nate proposed – on the beach at night, where they both had a front row seat to a lightning storm out at sea! :: joke about starting their life together with a BANG! goes here :: (hee hee)
So we just had to get together a few days later, and we spent our time on Perdido Key as well as a few spots in downtown Pensacola. I hope you enjoy this video, and the accompanying images below. For one of my first forays into people photography (haha!) I had a great time, and I think we got them a few good options for their save-the-dates.
I think this one (with the doors) is my favorite!
Look how well they both did with “sit” and “stay”!
…. sorry, couldn’t resist!
Congratulations again, you two. There’s no way I could be happier for you! Enjoy the photos!
~ Engagement Photography by Allison Shamrell in Pensacola, Florida ~
