Photographing senior dogs is something I find very rewarding. Seeing a dog that has been so loved and cherished get to be preserved in professional photos is very meaningful. It was clear that Watson and Genny’s owners did not want to miss the opportunity to have these pictures.
We think dogs are some of the most amazing creatures, they challenge us to be better humans and give us a sort of unconditional love. This is exactly what the Christmas spirit embodies. So this Christmas, we decided that if you can Deck the Halls, you can Deck the Dogs!
The Rebecca Trumbull Photography studio in Sylvania Township is the perfect place for documenting milestones. Kane came to see us to celebrate being eight months old.
“There was a summer I spent at the hospital volunteering 8 hours a day while my mom was working there as a nurse. I had spent a lot of time on the floors, making hourly rounds on the patients and asking if they felt comfortable or if there was anything I could get for them. I had a lot of free time, so I would spend it talking to the patients on the floor. I realized that I really enjoyed just talking to and getting to know them. When they had questions about their care, I wanted to be able to explain what was going on and how it impacted their health.”
“We've been through everything with him. He's very special to us. I've had him since he was 20 minutes old. We went through vets telling us at a week old to take him home and wait to see if he will survive. We went through the uncertainty of his injury and not knowing what his life would be like. To now, we have this happy, healthy boy who is an absolute joy. It's been a journey and I'm so glad to have these photos to document how special he is.”
What made you choose to have your dog, Marvin, in your photos with you? “I only thought it was appropriate to have my dog in my graduation pictures since I graduated with a degree in the veterinary field. And let’s be honest, he is so handsome he belongs in front of the camera!”
Anyone who knows me, knows how much I value being good at what I do. Trusting someone else to take on a big role in my business was a little scary at first. But I have a desire to grow this business and to serve a larger clientele base. Making the choice to bring in an associate who cares just as deeply about being good at what she does, working hard, and creating lasting memories for clients is the logical next step for this business.
I think professional photos do a great job of preserving the memory of who you and your family are at that point in time. Life seems to move forward so quickly. Fortunately a camera shutter opens and closes fast enough to capture little slices of it for us to reminisce about later. It's important to remember these slices of our lives because without memories of the past, the future is oftentimes less exciting.
Charles brought his best boy, Nelsan, to my lavender field pet photo sessions at Luckey Road Lavender Farm. Nelsan is a very handsome Blue Heeler. He is extremely smart and loves to learn tricks and do activities. Check out Charles interview to get to know Nelsan!
“It is meaningful to have professional images of Bailey because he is part of our small family! I feel joy seeing how happy and handsome Bailey looks in his photos.”
“I love what I do because I'm able to help people when they are in need. Someone who's too sick or injured to work has their entire life upended. Giving some type of security to that person is an incredible feeling.”
Why are professional photos important to you? “Although it’s easy to get decent photos with modern technology, even for amateurs, we wanted this moment to be captured by a professional. True editing experience, experience with framing shots, and locations, etc. Those are things that we can’t really do on our own.”
Jesse’s mom explained that they had visited NYC as a family and Jesse loved the city look. He wanted nighttime photos with city lights for his senior pictures. They looked at photographers in Cleveland and Toledo and finally found me. I knew I could create some wonderful portraits at dusk to give them the look they were seeking. This session was a wonderful challenge and I am excited to explore night photography more in the future.
I always enjoy having puppies in the studio. As a pet photographer in Toledo, I am often looking for ways to challenge myself and become better at what I do. I try to work with all sizes, breeds and ages. Volunteering with a local animal rescue, Planned Pethood, has given me opportunities to photograph dogs who might present some challenges. Some rescue dogs are nervous about meeting new people, some have current health issues and many do not have formal training. If I stay patient and make them feel comfortable, I can document each dog despite their circumstances.
Olivia was truly a dream to work with. She has a beautiful smile and great sense of style. She also adores her sweet senior dog, Maizy. Olivia is a 2021 graduate from Springfield High School in Holland, Ohio. She was planning to schedule her photos in the fall but it ended up working out perfectly to have a spring session.
“Rebecca gave me an opportunity to see myself in a way that I never had before. I had an image in my mind of what I expected to see in the photos, but instead I saw a happy, successful entrepreneur who was living a really great life. Rebecca you captured my space beautifully and I'm so excited for the next photoshoot!”
I had amateur photos taken of my senior dog a couple years before he passed away and those photos mean the world to me. I wanted to have some for Beau as well because unfortunately, Saints do not live long. Also, Beau is considered a “special needs” dog – he suffers from a mild case of cerebellar hypoplasia. He is an ambassador for rescue, the breed, and special needs dogs everywhere.
This time of life is full of so many changes for a person. They are becoming self aware enough to decide who they want to be and where they want their lives to go. Ben has so many wonderful experiences waiting for him over the next few years. We wish you all sorts of success and fulfillment!
“I’ve worked with other photographers and dogs, but Rebecca is special. She connects and cares for every creature and they sense it. She works to create an experience that’s joyful for you and your pet. Whether it’s a family photo or a solo shoot, Rebecca will capture stunning images.”
I’ve discovered over the years that I need to become more present in the current moment. Anxiety is rooted in the fear of the future and depression is rooted in the loss over what has passed. Since dogs are firmly entrenched in the present and are neither thinking of the past or future, I both envy and seek to imitate Kismet’s ability to live in this very moment. Time is precious, and she doesn’t spend her days wishing for what she had or worrying over what is to come.
