Listen, I know your dog is your favorite child. (Don't worry, I won't tell your kids.)

Of course, I think it's important to do a photoshoot with your dogs. But what I also think is important is getting several photoshoots of your dogs throughout the years so you can keep images of them throughout their life.

From the wild puppy stage to the mature adult stage to the graying senior stage. All times are worth commemorating in photos. They mean something different to us at each stage, and celebrating all of the times together is important. And just so fun to look back on!

At Snoots Pet Photography, I would love to help you get images that are not only full of personality, but artistic and worthy of wall art. I think they're worth that. And girl, you should see my walls....full of canvases of my dogs. lol

This little guy is Walter.

I took his first portrait around 2 years old. We missed the puppy stage because....I hadn't really started Snoots officially yet! lol

Walter is now ten years old. I've taken his portrait several times over the years and his mom and dad have some wonderful memories from their time at Snoots. They will be able to display their images and look back on his life for the rest of theirs. 

I absolutely love that I've been able to walk through Walter's life with them. My heart is full in this job, and it's pups like this that make it so.

Senior pets hold a special place in my heart. For years, I'd only adopt old dogs and I found that they are just immediately the perfect pet. Sweet, chill (for the most part), know how to be a dog, and despite what the old adage says - they're easier to teach new tricks to.

And those who have been with us their whole lives are even better. You KNOW them. They KNOW you. They are part of our lives. And we are their life. It's all they know and often all they care about. And that's special.

At Snoots Pet Photography, I understand that photographing older pets requires patience, care, and an eye for the quiet moments that matter most. Senior pets may move more slowly, need breaks, or feel more comfortable in familiar surroundings. A professional session is designed to respect those needs while still creating beautiful portraits that reflect who they are.

One of the greatest benefits of professional photos is the ability to preserve details that often become the most treasured over time, because, I hate to tell you....but you forget the little details. The weird lil expression, the soft gray around the eyes, the unique markings, and the connection between pet and person all deserve to be remembered. These images become more than photographs - they become part of your family story.

Professional portraits also provide a level of quality and detail that everyday snapshots can’t always achieve. With proper lighting, composition, and editing, your pet’s personality comes through. That matters especially when you want images you can print, frame, and share. Oftentimes, the thousands of photos we have on our phones just don't do it justice. (My phone included...I have LOTS of crappy pics of my dogs. lol)

Why these portraits matter most now

As pets age, their story becomes richer. We have more memories of them and more stories to tell. I love to preserve that story with dignity, warmth, and care. And, as always, with some humor and absolute silliness too! They are such weird little creatures and the older they get, the more I giggle.

The most important thing in photographing senior pets, in my opinion, is getting them in before they get sick. Before you start planning for the end. While I understand the need to and often work with a sense of urgency with them, the BEST scenario is to get them in their prime. Before they have a hard time walking. Before they have shaved spots from all the testing and IVs. Before the diagnoses. 

You want to remember your pet in the best light. So please consider booking a pet session before you feel like you HAVE to.  I want you to have laughs and snuggles and happy to be here photos. So if you've even ever thought about it, now is the perfect time to call me.

The session started out as a senior dog, nearing end-of-life session. We originally were going to just do photos of the older pup and, as always, I asked the whole family to join in.

Honestly, I love end-of-life sessions. Sometimes they're sad, but mostly I like to focus on the connection between the dog and its family. There's nothing - NOTHING - like the love between a human and their pet, and I love to show this in my images.

Of course, I always advocate for getting pet photos before they are getting too old, sick, or immobile. However, if you do have an aging dog that you haven't had great photos of, please do so. You will NEVER regret having photos taking of you with your pets.

This particular dog couldn't walk, so taking him out of his home was nearly impossible. And I do house calls! Some of my favorite images come from in-home sessions. It's comfortable, real, and relaxed. Kids, pets, and parents are more comfortable at home, so I get to focus on that in my photos.

Of courseeeee I did some photos of the old man by himself. He was a pro. :)

If you're in the Tulsa area and are ready to get portraits of your dogs (and family!!!) please check out the site and see if Snoots is a great fit for you. I'd love to meet and work with you all!

If you would have told kid me that one day I'd be paid to take photos at a dog's birthday party, I wouldn't have believed you.

If you would have asked me back then if I could pick any weird job in the universe, what would I make up?  I'd probably say something like "I dunno, taking pictures of dogs at their birthday parties?" because that's not a thing and I'd think I was making it up. Right?

I mean - you tell me. :)

Of course I do dog portraits all the time, but you'd be surprised at how many birthdays I get to do, too. It's the best thing ever!

This one was by far the most beautifully staged, though. The cake, the cookies, the decor, the little party hat. We had so much to work with and it was SO adorable.

This is Sunita. She just turned 1.

Mom had a dog friendly cake, but the humans ended up eating it instead. I'm pretty sure the cookies were only enjoyed by dogs though. ;)

Of course, we did a few dog portraits without the birthday stuff too. Even those turned out super adorable and everything matched.

Keep in mind when you're coming to your pet pics, that you may be in the photo as well - even if you just want photos of your pets, I may use you as a prop. That means I might have you holding them (like above), or a close up of them by your feet, or just your legs. You don't HAVE TO be in the photos in order to still be in the photos.

So dress to where you'll look good in front of the camera, and consider dressing to match your pet. Keep it simple because they're still the queens/kings of the show!

If you're in the Tulsa area, check out the website and see if Snoots is a good fit for you and your dog! (Or cat. Or horse. Or snakes. Whatever!)

We can do the photos in your home, in my studio, or outdoors somewhere.

This particular session was done in an apartment clubhouse, actually, so keep your options open too! There are some great random spaces for rent if you just ask!

Last weekend I set up a makeshift studio at BBD2 Diner and we had a fun little dog rescue fundraiser. 

BBD2 Diner has a pet-friendly patio, so there were plenty of pets coming in and out for brunch. I gave them pet photos in exchange for any donation amount to Skiatook Paws & Claws Animal Rescue. They could also drop off a bag of pet food as their session fee.

The restaurant also had a short stack special, where if you purchased any of their combos, they would donate a portion of that sale to the rescue as well.

It was such a fun day and we have plans in the works to do another one this summer!

Go follow me and the diner on facebook - there will be announcements when we get it on the calendar!

Here are some of the cute pics of the patrons!

SPACAR brought out a bunch of adoptable dogs too, so I let them have their time in the spotlight, of course!

If you're in search of a new dog or cat, please check out SPACAR (the link is at the top) - they do great things for so many animals!

Here are a few of the babies they brought.