Some photo sessions go beyond capturing cute faces and perfect lighting—they become love letters in real time. This was one of those sessions.

I recently photographed a trio of small but mighty pups: Near, a wise and gentle 4-year-old Malshi; Rem, his lively Chipoo sister at 3 years old; and Gyuvin, the tiniest and newest addition to the family—a curious and fluffy 8-month-old Pom mix with the kind of puppy energy that lights up a room. Their mom reached out for a special reason: Near, who was diagnosed with a high-grade mast cell tumor in March, is doing as well as he can post-surgery, but his prognosis is limited. The goal? To freeze this moment in time while he’s still thriving—surrounded by his pack, his person, and so much love.

This session was filled with everything I love about dogs: wagging tails, floppy ears, a bit of yapping (thanks, Gyuvin!), and plenty of treat-fueled enthusiasm. Despite the differences in age and personality, the bond between these three was undeniable. Near, ever the seasoned pro, wore his outfits with ease like he was born for the spotlight. Halloween matching costumes? This guy has experience. Rem brought the sass and sparkle, while Gyuvin gave us a bit of that chaotic puppy energy and infectious joy that only an 8-month-old can.

There was laughter, some posing chaos (as expected), and a lot of snuggling. And behind every photo was a deep, unspoken truth: the importance of holding onto now.

Sessions like these are a gentle reminder that photography isn’t just about preserving a look—it’s about honoring a life. Near may be facing a hard road ahead, but his story is far from over. These images will forever celebrate who he is: the heart of the family, the calm in the middle of the playful storm, the one who started it all.

To Near, Rem, Gyuvin, and Lea, thank you for letting me be a part of your story.

You can follow their adventures at @near_and_rem on Instagram.