Yes, you read that title correctly: A Raleigh Cat Photography Session. MY DREAM. Photography is fun but photography involving petting cats is even better. And photographing cats named entirely with puns is EVEN BETTER THAN THAT. For those who aren’t aware, I’m doing a fundraiser during the months of January and February for Safe Haven for Cats, a Raleigh non-profit no-kill shelter for feline friends. They rely on donations and volunteers to keep their shelter running, and I believe in what they do (it’s also where we adopted our own fuzzbucket cats so I’m a little biased). Because they rely on donations and I wanted to give back, I’m giving 50% of my photography fee to Safe Haven for all cat sessions at the moment, and I’m so glad that Liz and Mitchell participated!

Liz is related to the fab couple that is Dottie and Jon (she’s Jon’s sister) and I’ve worked with her before at a few family related weddings! Liz is just incredible – hilarious and generous and loves her cats. Turns out that her boyfriend Mitchell is the same way. Liz said that Mitchell would prefer an entire farm full of cats if he could, and I 100% agree and will ask them to live there if they ever make this cat farm a reality. All of their cats are rescues and are absolutely gorgeous. Catsby is the gray+white longhaired cat who has a constant look of, “WHAT?!” but is very friendly and outgoing. Aristocat is the ragdoll cat who is so gorgeous but also insaaaanely friendly and outgoing. Part of this might have to do with the fact that I gave her treats upon my arrival but she’s truly a gentle, loving cat. The middle child is Catalie, all black, who was not entirely sure about the whole thing but came out for a fewwww pictures before returning to hiding underneath the couch (2/3 cat wins ain’t bad). I absolutely love working with people who adore their animals at this level, and it was a delight working with Liz and Mitchell. Thank you guys so much for having me in your home and participating in the Safe Haven fundraiser!

When flipping through these pictures you might ask yourself, “Is this dog real?” or “How much did it cost to get such a life-like mechanical dog who doesn’t seem able to bend any of his limbs but makes such cute facial expressions?” We are here to assure you that Frank the Frenchie is, indeed real, and is living a cushy life in Raleigh, North Carolina where his lives with Jo, Brad, Laurel, and Sam (whom you might knot from “The Lake” part one, and “The Lake” part two). But this, my friends, is not about them. Well, it kind of is, but is mostly about Frank. He is their recently adopted Frenchie.

Johanna’s initial skepticism about owning a dog has turned into her sitting in the living room with Frank on her lap whispering in his ear, “Nobody loves you like I do,” so it’s safe to say he’s made quite an impression. He is small yet made entirely of muscle, which he will use to excitedly jump all over the place when you first arrive, and then collapse into an overheated heap in the exercise room while the family shouts, “He is overheating! Quick! Get him to some tile!” He is then placed on said cool tile and we wait while his batteries recharge, and then he comes barreling out of the room with his tongue stuck out again. Frank makes a constant audible noise while he breathes, and stares constantly into space. It’s like he can see into the Upside Down all the time or has been spending a lot of time on the road with the Grateful Dead. He is 100% malleable and uses 0% of his energy to do anything except overheat himself when you initially arrive, and occasionally chase balls. He owns his own Casper bed and enjoys eating ice chips from the fridge.

HOW CAN I SEE MORE OF THIS DOG, you might ask. Well, Frank has his own Instagram account where he’s actively trying to gain more followers so that he and Gary Fisher can become fast friends. I love Frank. And these people here love Frank. And so should you.

Jack is a German Shepherd/Lab mix who enjoys chasing sticks, eating pine cones, spending quality time outdoors, and his squeaky ball toy. Lola his a Rottweiler/Shepherd mix who likes me (apparently), following Jack around, cuddling, and treats. This is a regular day in the life of Jack and Lola, two adorable and feisty dogs living the good life in North Carolina. I spent most of the session time chasing them around the yard or trying to pry Lola away from my side so I could get some pictures of her too. Taking pet portraits is basically a good workout. :)
I pretty much fell in love with Lola who reminds me of the dog version of Buckles, the CSP Spokescat…kind of clumsy, runs right in front of you while you’re walking and stands there, and has that head-tilted-to-the-side face that screams, “HELLO! I LOVE YOUUUU!!!!!” Jack, who is slightly more reserved, occupies most of this blog post as he does most of their pictures, because he wasn’t as interested in me as Lola was, so my lens could actually focus on him. ;) They are super adorable pups and I had a great great time photographing them having a wonderful life with their fabulous owners!
pet photographer
german shepherd lab mix
dog photographer
rottweiler/shepherd mix
dog photographer
dog photographer
raleigh pet photographer
raleigh dog photographer
raleigh pet portraits
pet photographer raleigh nc
raleigh pet photographer
ralegh dog photographer
raleigh pet photographer
pet photographs raleigh