Michelle, Ditch and Chestnut {Nashville Dog Photographer}

Michelle won this photo session after bidding on my auction item at a fundraiser held by Metro Animal Care and Control earlier this year. Thank you! Michelle is a big champion for dog rescue. She picks up strays and fosters regularly. In fact, these two sweet pups were strays she came across in pretty memorable ways.

Ditch was found (you guessed it!) in a ditch on July 25, 2013. A day that Michelle fondly calls Ditchmas in July. He was with his two sisters, and sadly, they were all dying from Parvo. Ditch was the only one who made it. “When he became mine, he ditched his worst days behind him” Michelle stated. He is now seven years old. He loves humans, tolerates most female dogs, and would really like to be the only male dog on the planet. Michelle refers to him as her Shepshire Chowback because his DNA test showed him as part Chow, Swiss Shepherd, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Chestnut seemingly chose Michelle when she ran in front of her car on Chestnut street in Nashville. She nearly caused a collision with another car! Both drivers stopped and got out, and Chestnut went straight to Michelle and started licking her face. Despite multiple efforts to find Chestnut’s owners, no one claimed her, and Chestnut got to keep Michelle.

At first Ditch wasn’t so sure about Chestnut, but now they are two peas in a pod. These two couldn’t be more different, though. Ditch is serious, smart and very responsible (minus his love for dumping garbage cans), while Chestnut is super silly, not terribly bright, loves all dogs, and loves to counter surf. “I would never have picked either dog out of a lineup, but they are actually the perfect dogs for me!”

We did this session at Ellington Agriculture Center this summer. Check out some of my favorites!

~Mandy

Contact a Pet Photographer in Tennessee

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 Dizmon Family {Nashville Pet Photography}

On the blog this week are Katie, Charles and their two Aussie pups: Booker and Wren. We did our photo session at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park in Brentwood, TN.

Booker and Wren are Australian Shepherds. Charles got the name Booker from one of his favorite games - BioShock Infinite. Booker is one and a half, but still believes he is a small puppy the way he will forcibly flop in your lap when you are on the ground with him. He won’t do this for just anyone, though. He can still get nervous around new people even though Katie has been socializing him by taking him everywhere. (She has even taken him to work with her every week!) However, gain his trust and Katie says he will greet you with “the most excited wigglebutt.” His absolute favorite thing is tennis balls, car rides, and any and all food.

Booker’s sister, Wren, is a not quite one year old. Katie named her after Wren birds. She said she knew she wanted to be able to utilize the name of the bird in someway eventually because she remembers growing up with the Wren birds always making nests in her garage. “We would keep an eye on them constantly.” So when they got a female dog, it just seemed fit. Wren loves carting around a fuzz ball. It’s too big for her, but she doesn’t care…she absolutely loves it! She also loves under the collar scratches and will seemingly melt into your arms for them. Katie loves her soulful eyes that just begs for anyone to pay attention her. 

So why Aussies? Katie actually grew up with Aussies since she was just a little girl. She had always known she would have another one someday, as she loves how trainable and friendly they are to their owners. After getting married and getting a house with a fenced in yard with plenty of room, it was time to make that happen!

The Dizmon family were troopers because it rained TWICE during their hour session, BUT I love how much variety in lighting we had because of it - evidence that you don’t need a sunny day to get great pictures! Take a look at some of my favorites!

~Mandy

Include Your Pets in Your Family Photos!

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 May Family {Tennessee Family Photographer}

I recently met with the May family at Sarah Benson Park in Thompson's Station, TN for a fun family and pet photography session! Below you'll see Angel, Anthony, their daughter Bella, and their two adorable pups: Presley and Maya.

Presley is a 13-year-old Havanese who often showed a lot of dominance as a puppy. Since he acted like the King, they named him Presley! He's definitely a lap dog (it's his happy place) who loves his momma.

Their favorite thing about Presley is his calm, nurturing demeanor. He is like a therapy dog and has been a real comfort through tragedies in life. Angel was at a dog training class with her shelter dog when she met Presley’s breeder. She fell in love with the breed because of their sweet disposition and her mom bought Presley before she passed from ovarian cancer. She knew he’d be there to love Angel when she was gone.

Maya is an Australian Shepherd puppy who got her name based on her actions and looks by Bella. She was also Bella's 8-year-old birthday gift and now they are the best of friends! They both love to play outside together, and Maya is a smart, yet hilarious dog the family loves to pieces. Everyone who meets her falls immediately in love with Maya. 

Bella spent 4 months researching dog breeds online and from TV shows to find the perfect dog for her. The Aussie has the playfulness, intellect and look she wanted. Bella is now 9 and is going into 4th grade this year. She’s an outdoorsy girl who loves all animals (especially dogs!) and has played soccer for several years. She wants to be a K9 trainer in the air force when she grows up, which I just love!

Enjoy some of my favorites below!

~ 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!