Photography Thoughts & Stories from Tucson
My Dog Has Issues. Is a Photo Session Even Realistic?
A rescue dog "with issues" tells me almost nothing about how a session will go. I need to know what sets your dog off and where they feel comfortable. Here is what I ask before we shoot, and how we plan the session around the answers.
When the Pose Followed the Dog: HSSA Editorial Staff Headshots in Tucson
Three days after a test session with one dog, I rebuilt my mobile studio at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona for a full day of editorial staff portraits. The lighting and backgrounds stayed consistent. The poses did not. Every dog had a different currency, and the pose followed the dog.
Before Portrait Day: Planning Editorial Staff Headshots for HSSA in Tucson
People come to Tucson to learn animal welfare work. When HSSA asked me to photograph a new series of editorial staff portraits, we spent almost no time talking about cameras. We talked about where the photographs would end up. Then a dog named Sparky arrived and rearranged everything I thought I had settled.
Making Up for Lost Time:
X-rays at intake told part of Angel's story. A stray found in Marana, she arrived at HSSA carrying more history than anyone expected. What happened on a sunny Oro Valley porch a month after her adoption tells the rest.
Meet Judy: A Portrait of Resilience and Love
Meet Judy, a remarkable brindle pit bull terrier mix whose story is one of incredible resilience and unwavering spirit. After overcoming both a torn ACL and cancer, this cheese-loving survivor has spent two months at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, waiting for her forever family. Despite facing significant health challenges, Judy's friendly nature and determination shine through in every interaction. Her journey from a rural shelter to recovery is a testament to the healing power of love and care—and proof that some of the best companions are those who've faced adversity and emerged stronger. Judy is ready for the next chapter of her story, and it's waiting to be written with a family who will see past her history to the amazing friend she's ready to become.