Do You Remember Your First Dog? | Dog Photography Session in Cleveland, Tennessee
Because They’ll Never Be Your First Dog Again
Michaela & Dalmatian “Poppy“ | Dog Photography Session at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee
Poppy is Michaela’s first dog, an adorable Dalmatian puppy, and I think that makes this session just a little more special. I don’t know about you, but I still remember my first dog. I bet you do too. You never really forget them. They’re there through so many firsts, and before you know it, you can’t imagine life without them.
Honestly…Poppy made us work for it.
Like many Dalmatian puppies, Poppy had absolutely no interest in sitting still. There was way too much to sniff, too many places to explore, and she was convinced something more exciting was happening just a few feet away.
Here’s something I tell every client… We don’t make the dog fit the session. We make the session fit the dog.
Sometimes the best images happen in those little in-between moments. The head tilt. The curious look. The split second they stop and look at their person.
That’s Poppy. Curious, happy, and completely herself. And I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
My Favorite Photos Weren’t the Ones We Planned
Can I tell you a little secret? I don’t go into a session with one photo stuck in my head. Because dogs never read the plan. And honestly… That’s what makes it fun about these sessions. One of my favorite moments wasn’t even Poppy looking at the camera. It was her looking at Michaela.
That’s the photo. One day Michaela probably won’t remember whether Poppy sat perfectly for her Dog Photography Session. She’ll remember the way Poppy looked at her. Those are two very different things.
Client Testimonial
Highly recommend working with Nicole for pictures of/with your pet! She is so much fun to work with, and most importantly, she understands animals and shows them all the love and patience in the world.
Michaela & Poppy – Dog Photography in Cleveland, TN
Why We Picked Lee University
I get asked all the time where people should bring their dogs for a dog photography session in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Lee University was the perfect spot for an energetic Dalmatian. The open green spaces gave Poppy room to explore while still giving us beautiful backdrops for her portraits. Lee University is one of my favorites, because it gives us options. If your dog wants to run? We have open grass. If they’re happier in the shade? There are gorgeous old trees everywhere.
Love a cleaner, timeless look? The brick walkways and buildings photograph beautifully without taking the attention away from your dog.
And if your dog decides today’s mission is smelling every single flower on campus… Well… Lee has plenty of those too.
If You’re Waiting… Don’t.
I hear this all the time. “I’ll wait until they’re older.” “I’ll wait until they know more commands.” “I’ll wait until they calm down.” But puppies grow up. Gray hairs show up. Suddenly they’re ten. Then fifteen. If I’ve learned anything from photographing dogs over the years, it’s this… There really doesn’t have to be a reason.
Your dog doesn’t need a birthday. They don’t need to win a ribbon. They don’t need to be perfectly behaved. If they make your life better every single day… That’s reason enough.
5 Things People Don’t Think About Before a Dog Photography Session
Want the best experience possible? Here’s what I recommend:
1. A tired dog is usually a happier dog.
If your pup has endless energy, take them for a little walk or play a quick game of fetch before we meet. They don’t need to be exhausted—just ready to slow down enough to enjoy exploring.
2. Skip the brand-new collar.
If your dog isn’t used to wearing a fancy collar or bandana, today probably isn’t the day to surprise them. Their everyday collar (or your favorite leather one) usually photographs beautifully because it’s already part of who they are.
3. Bring water.
Especially for Tennessee sessions! A collapsible bowl and some water go a long way, especially if we’re walking around places like Lee University.
4. Think about where you’ll display your photos.
This might sound backwards, but I love asking this before we even start. Do you picture a big statement piece above the fireplace? Something for your office? An album you’ll pull out every year? Knowing that helps me photograph with the finished artwork in mind.
5. Don’t wait for the “perfect time.”
This is the biggest one.
I hear people say they’ll book when their puppy is older… when they’ve mastered “stay”… when life slows down. But your dog is changing right now.
This stage—even the goofy, wild, distracted one—is worth remembering.
Dog Photography Session at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee
