My last scheduled pet shoot for the year was of Liza, an adorable Yorkie puppy. I was shooting her for a magazine submission. The planned shots included mostly veterinary, nutrition, and training related editorial images. Of course, I always like to shoot some straight portraits and have some fun after I know I've got the needed shots "in the can".

I always have a list of shots planned out ahead of time. I review the list with my assistant so she knows exactly what we need to do to get what we need. Of course, we can never plan for the way our furry models will behave or react to the process once we get under way. With puppies, we always need a bit of luck. We got plenty of that with Liza. She was a ball of energy but still cooperated with the mock vet exam, and the traditional portraits. She wasn't so keen on the grooming shots so we skipped that. My shooting philosophy is to NEVER try to force a shot or make a pet do anything that upsets them.

Instead, I try to keep an open mind and eye to what will bring out the personality of the pet and result in the best images. On this occasion, I was given a wonderful treat. After a brief introduction, Liza and Wally (a cat in our adoption center) entertained us endlessly with their antics. Both were oblivious to anything but each other as they played, pounced, and wrestled on the backdrop. I hated to end the shoot. I think these two would have played all night if we let them.

With pets, you can never plan things too tightly. The key is to be ready with the camera when the true colors of a puppy and kitten, who don't yet know they aren't supposed to get along, offer up photo opportunities beyond anything I could have planned.

By the way......Wally will be moving into his new home after the first of the year! He's been with us since he was just a little guy. If you scroll down, you'll see more photos of him.