Yorkie Dog Portraits by Van & Bella's, Pet Photography Studio

Pet portraits of Mazlo, Yorkie, by Van & Bella’s, Pet Photography Studio

Mazlo received lots of treats during his portrait session at the studio.

Foster Cat with One Tail at a Time Rescue

Foster Cat, Matty, with One Tail at a Time Rescue

I donated my time to photograph foster cats for One Tail at a Time, a Chicago based rescue. My studio is located in Chicago. Featuring Matty a tabby cat with lots of personality.

I used my nine years of experience photographing pets to help One Tail at a Time capture Matty’s personality at my studio.

Dog Wall Portrait of a Rescue Dog in Chicago

It was fate. The story of Walter.

Jay and Bre began dating in college. Upon graduation, the two lived in different states and continued a long-distance relationship. Several years ago, an employment opportunity brought Jay to Chicago and the two moved in together. As a child, Jay was really lucky, as his mom had been the President of the Humane Society in North Carolina. Therefore, Jay's childhood was filled with lots and lots of foster dogs so he knew what joy and love a dog could bring to one's life. Bre had never had a dog and the two thought it was the perfect time to bring a furry face into their lives. While searching on the internet, they found a dog that caught their eye. After applying for the dog, they learned that she had just been adopted. But they were told about a new dog in the rescue. His name was Walter. Bre and Jay went to meet Walter and, immediately, Walter made his decision. He ran up to Bre and jumped up and gave her a hug. Walter decided these were his people.

Besides being incredibly handsome, Walter is a friendly guy who enjoys meeting people and other dogs. He is playful and cuddly. This lucky boy gets to go to "camp" once a week where he gets to goof off with his fellow canine buddies! Yet, he is independent and able to handle some alone time. He is a quiet boy with the utmost manners when it comes to barking. His face tells you everything. Being very expressive with his eyebrows and forehead wrinkles, his mom and dad are able to read his mood. And his face always gives it away when he is tuckered out and needs a snooze.

Having a dog together has been a wonderful experience for Bre and Jay. The joint sense of responsibility encourages them to go on long walks together with Walter (even in winter weather), giving them more time together as a family. Having Walter and his calm, easy-going, positive personality helps them refocus and brings joy to them throughout the day. Whatever their mood, Walter always makes them feel that everything is okay.

Bre and Jay had been walking in the city and passed the Van and Bella's studio. Seeing the photos in the window inspired them to invest in professional photos of Walter. Even though he is still a young gent at about 4 years old, Bre and Jay knew having professional photos of their boy would be very meaningful and something they would forever cherish. Walter was quite the experienced model, during his photo shoot! Capturing his personality in photos was a piece of cake, with his expressive face. His photos are now the centerpiece of their living room, getting lots of compliments from those who see them.

Sometimes fate strikes and changes our plans, in the most amazing ways. Walter was meant to join Bre and Jay. As Jay said, "We feel so lucky to have found him".

Behind-the-Scenes Video of a Portrait Session with IKEA & PAWS Chicago

Project with IKEA & PAWS Chicago

Donated a pet portrait session to PAWS Chicago. Pet portraits were on display at IKEA stores to help raise donations for homeless pets of Chicago.

Project with IKEA and PAWS Chicago

Pet Portraits at IKEA Stores to Help PAWS Chicago

This holiday season I donated my pet photography skills to help raise money for a local Chicago rescue, PAWS Chicago. The portraits I took were used to make cutouts so they may be displayed around the store. Video and photos credit: PAWS Chicago.