Last updated: July 6, 2026
Some dogs just have that happy-go-lucky attitude that makes every minute of a photo session fun, and 9-year-old Doc is definitely one of them.
We met up at one of my favorite nearby parks during golden hour, and from the moment he hopped out of the car, his tail was wagging and he was ready to make friends with everyone. Doc is the kind of dog who loves both people and other dogs, so there were plenty of opportunities for him to say hello between photos. Despite having lots of Brittany energy, Doc was an absolute rockstar in front of the camera. He knew his “sit” and “down” commands perfectly, which meant we were able to move through his session quickly while still capturing a great variety of portraits. It’s always rewarding when a dog can settle into a pose for a few moments before bouncing right back into adventure mode.
Earlier this year, Doc had his right rear leg amputated due to health issues. If you didn’t already know that about him, though, you might never guess it. His enthusiasm for life was impossible to miss. One of my favorite things about photographing senior dogs is seeing how every one of them ages differently. At 9 years old, Doc still has plenty of puppy-like enthusiasm mixed with the confidence that comes from years of being a beloved companion. His bright expressions and joyful personality shine through in every image.
Sessions like Doc’s are a great reminder that our dogs don’t have to be perfectly calm or perfectly still to create beautiful portraits. With a little patience, a few treats, and an understanding of each dog’s personality, we can create images that feel authentic to who they are. Thank you to Doc’s family for trusting me to capture this chapter of his life. It was such a pleasure spending the evening with him, and I hope these photos will bring smiles for many years to come.
Doc, keep chasing adventures—you’ve proven that nothing can slow you down.
