A Nashville Extended Family Pets and Their People Session {Nashville Family Photographer}

Winter is upon us and maybe you feel like you can’t great pictures until Spring? Think again. These photos were taken at my home in College Grove, TN last February! Nellie and her daughter Melanie, along with Melanie’s sons, Jordan and Cameron help prove that you can have pretty photos even in the winter :).

Of course the photos wouldn’t be complete without their dogs! First, meet Pablo, a ten year old half bulldog and half Gator Pitbull. He was sort of a rescue....The family had been dog sitting Pablo, and when his owner found out he wasn't allowed to keep where he was living, Melanie and her family took him as their own. Since then, he has chewed through four couches, a recliner, cell phones, glasses and so many other things. He also survived eating a whole bag of grapes! (For those of you that don’t know - grapes are on the list of food you should never give a dog. So happy Pablo survived this!)

Pablo must have chewed his way into their hearts because even after all that, the family attests that “Pitbulls are the sweetest breed ever.” Pablo is a cuddle bug and hates drama. Melanie loves how pretty Pablo is and that he has a spot on his nose in the shape of a “P”. (Cute!)

Next, there is Ernie, who is probably about three years old. He was found in the apartment community where Melanie worked in October 2017. After two days, Ernie finally came to her and then wouldn’t leave her side. She took him to the vet and even though he was fixed and had a chip, the owners never claimed him. So, Ernie became the newest part of the family! Ernie had been named by his previous owner, so the family just kept it. Often, they will call him Ernesto, to go along with Pablo’s Hispanic name.

Whatever breed Ernie is (breed unknown, though possibly a min pin or a rat terrier), he loves to burrow under blankets, is stubborn and thinks he's the boss. He talks to you by growling, and while it might sound like he is being aggressive, he is just talking. He can even say "no" and he gives actual hugs!

Here are some of my faves from this winter session!

~Mandy

Contact a Family Photographer in Nashville

Mandy Whitley Photography is Nashville's premiere pet photographer. Mandy Whitley creates fun and playful photographs with pets and their people. She photographs portrait sessions, family sessions, couple portraits, and weddings - as well as just pets! To inquire about booking a photo session, contact Mandy!

The Thieret Family {Southeast Missouri Family Photographer}

On the blog this week are Nicki, Jeff, Jake and Zach Thieret - along with their sweet pups, Pepper and Axyl. Nicki and I have been friends since kindergarten, and I love photographing her family! Her kids are practically grown, so not only did I get the entire family for photos, but we did Zach’s senior portraits the same day. We did these at my favorite spot in Daisy, Missouri at the old family farm of my great aunt & uncle.

Nicki and Jeff’s first son, Jake, is 19 and a junior at Southeast. He is currently studying Computer Science and Cyber Security. He is their resident computer guru and Nicki says he’s the most humble and kind person she knows.

The younger son, Zach, is 17 and a senior at Saxony Lutheran High School. He will be headed to college in the spring. Though he is sure to be a quick study because after a two week quarantine due to COVID, he became a whiz at solving the Rubik’s Cube. He’s available for parties!

The family’s oldest dog, Pepper is a seven year old Westie. She loves to let the family know when anyone is walking in the neighborhood or if a squirrel in the backyard. Pepper also enjoys going on walks and saying hi to the other neighborhood dogs. She is quite the social one! While in the house, she is content to sit in a chair, right next to Nicki.

Axyl is a three year old lab/mastiff mix. He is mostly laid back, but has learned how to spot walkers and squirrels, thanks to his sister. The UPS and FedEx folks are getting to know him, but Nicki still goes out with him to be sure they know his name and that he is very friendly. He is a rescue, but not from an organization. He was born to a family who could not keep him and Nicki and Jeff asked to be considered for his forever home, which happily they got to adopt him. The Thierets adopted him after their first lab/mastiff mix, Cooper, passed from cancer. Ax is large, goofy and as sweet as he can be!

Enjoy some of my favorites from our session.

~Mandy

Have pets you adore? Bring them to your family photo session!

Mandy Whitley Photography is Nashville's premiere pet photographer. Mandy Whitley creates fun and playful photographs with pets and their people. She photographs portrait sessions, family sessions, couple portraits, and weddings - as well as just pets! To inquire about booking a photo session, contact Mandy!