No matter how much you plan or prepare, shooting pets always brings surprises. To begin a pet portrait sitting with spedific poses in mind is usually an exercise in futility. Jet here was the exception. His owner Jeanne specifically requested an image of him in this pose. I warned her it might not happen. Jet, eager to please his new owner surprised me by striking a perfect pose.

What was supposed to be a simple portrait shoot of a Pit Bull Puppy was anything but.

I was hoping for a nice straight forward portrait with the puppy looking into the lens with happy curiosity. While he wouldn't look into the lens, he sure liked touching it with his cold wet nose. I think I spent more time cleaning my lens than shooting photos. After some time, I gave up on the portrait and decided to just let him play. A kitten in the adoption center was eager to get out and join him. They both played together chasing toys until the puppy made the mistake of once again putting his nose where it didn't belong.

The kitten wasted no time in letting the puppy know that was not a nice thing to do. After a hiss and a swat, the play resumed.

I was left with no formal portraits but lots of fun out takes. That's just the way it goes. The pets dictate most of what happens. All I can do is try to respond to their lead.