🌅 A Day in My Life: Sunrise Sessions, Coffee, and Connection
There’s something magical about starting the day before the rest of the world wakes up. As a pet photographer, some of my most treasured sessions begin while the stars are still winking goodbye and the first blush of dawn paints the sky.
These sessions aren’t just about beautiful light (though, let’s be honest, that soft pastel glow is chef’s kiss). They’re about calm, connection, and creating artwork that celebrates the incredible bond between pets and their people. So grab your coffee — mine’s with cashew milk, of course — and come along for a behind-the-scenes peek at how I blend apps, analog tools, and a whole lot of heart to craft each experience.
🌞 Pre-Dawn Magic
My alarm rings early. Really early. But the promise of a new day (and that first sip of coffee) makes it easy to swing my legs out of bed. There’s something about that quiet pre-dawn hush that feels sacred, like the world is holding its breath in anticipation.
I pack up the essentials: camera gear, lens cloth, treat pouch (brimming with the good stuff), physical product samples so I can help my clients dream big, and of course, my braided lanyard stocked with my squeaker and secret noisemakers — ready at a moment’s notice.
Travel mug filled with coffee + homemade cashew milk? Check. Quick glance at a weather app — not because I’m worried about fog or clouds (I love those for the dreamy light they give me!) — but just to confirm that we won’t get surprised by a rogue rain shower. Rare in SoCal, but hey, I like to be prepared.
Then it’s out the door, off to meet my client and their furry sidekick, with soft music or the sweet silence of the morning keeping me company on the drive.
🐾 The Sunrise Session
I arrive as the horizon begins its slow burn into pinks, peaches, and golds. The world feels new, and for this hour or so, it feels like it belongs just to us — me, my client, and their beloved pet.
The apps and all the electronic clutter go away, and it’s all about presence. I lean into instinct, connection, and the subtle cues that help me bring out each pet’s personality.
My mental plan isn’t a rigid shot list — it’s a creative vision. I’m always thinking: What could make a statement piece on their wall? What series could tell a story in a beautiful album? What variety of shots would be perfect for a folio box, with prints they can rotate and enjoy one at a time?
Between the gentle rustle of the breeze and the soft click of my shutter, and all those wonderful in-between moments witnessing the deep connection between animals and their humans - it’s these possibilities that guide me.
☕ Post-Session Wind Down
Once the last photo is snapped and the goodbyes are said (with lots of tail wags and maybe a slobbery kiss or two from a pup saying thanks for bringing the good treats), it’s time for a little celebration. I treat myself to a fresh coffee from a dog-friendly coffee bar — because if you can’t toast a beautiful session with a good cup of coffee, what are we even doing? Care to join me next time?
Back at my desk, the first priority is backing up the files — because while I trust my gear, I’m not about to tempt fate. Then I head into Dubsado, my favorite back office app, where I jot detailed notes about the session: what made that dog’s tail wag the hardest, what shots I know will make my client’s heart skip a beat, any ideas they shared about future artwork. These notes are gold a year from now, when my client decides it’s time to add a new piece to their collection — no relying on my Swiss-cheese memory required.
And no, I don’t post a sneak peek the same day — I like to give the images the care they deserve. Usually within 5-7 days, I’ll share that first taste of the magic we created together.
🌙 The Evening Close
The rest of the day blends editing, replying to client messages, planning for upcoming sessions, and dreaming up new ways to tell pets’ stories through artwork. I may glance at social to engage with my community, but mostly I’m savoring the afterglow of the morning’s connection and creativity.
Every day looks a little different, but no matter what apps I use or what tools I reach for — at the heart of it all is the same goal: creating heARTwork that honors the love between pets and their people. And that, my friend, is worth waking up early for.
