Last updated: August 20, 2026
There’s something extra special about getting to photograph your friends’ pets, especially when those pets have as much personality as Sai, Stormy, and Gojo.
This little crew has a few things in common beyond sharing a home: they’re all special needs kitties, and each one has adapted to life in their own amazing way. Sai is a tripod, Stormy has kidney disease, and Gojo is completely blind. But if you met them without knowing their stories, you’d quickly realize that none of those things define who they are.
Sai was definitely ready for his close-up. He’s a total ham, loves people, and had absolutely no problem showing off for the camera. His missing leg doesn’t slow him down or take away from his larger-than-life personality. He was happy to be involved and made photographing him easy with all of his charm.
Stormy, on the other hand, needed a little more time to decide whether I was worthy of her attention. She’s more reserved at first and takes a bit to warm up to new people, which is something I always respect during a pet photography session. There’s no rush when it comes to earning an animal’s trust. Once Stormy decided I was okay, though, her sweet personality started to shine through.
And then there’s Gojo, the curious 9-month-old kitten who just happens to be completely blind. Watching him get around is honestly incredible. He navigates his world so well that you might forget he can’t see at all. He’s curious, confident, and apparently knows exactly how to get what he wants. Gojo loves belly rubs and will happily roll over to request one whenever he feels like it.
Photographing pets with special needs is a little different sometimes. You may need to give them more time, be mindful of their surroundings, or adjust how you approach and interact with them. But at the end of the day, the goal is the same as it is with every pet I photograph: capturing who they are.
Sai, Stormy, and Gojo may each have their own challenges, but they’re also funny, sweet, curious, affectionate, and full of personality. Their photos aren’t about their missing leg, kidney disease, or blindness. They’re about three beloved cats and the lives they’re living.
And honestly, they made for a pretty adorable little crew.
