I've known Stephanie and Dollar Dog for years. I first photographed them back in 2015 and they regularly come out for pictures at the many fund-raising events that I do to support local shelter and rescue groups here in the Dallas area such as Coppell Humane Society, Lone Star Lab Rescue and the City of Carrollton Animal Services and Adoption Center.

Dollar is now over 12 years old and has been fighting to stay in good health. It was time to get them into the studio for an intimate, "dog mom and me" portrait session. I had planned on offering these as mini-sessions in celebration of Mother's Day, but the Coronavirus had other ideas, so that will have to wait until 2021.

As soon as Dallas County relaxed the shelter-in-place orders, we got Stephanie and Dollar on the calendar soon afterward. I explained my notion for the portraits; black and white, intimate, focusing on the relationship between she and Dollar. Stephanie trusted my vision and agreed to the concept. The session was photographed with the intent to be printed in black and white so the backdrop, flooring and even Stephanie's clothing were all taken into account to produce the final printed black and white artwork to be hung on the wall of her home. 

It was a great stroke of coincidence that this week's theme in the 52 Week Pet Photography Project is black and white as I am editing Stephanie and Dollar's session as I write this. I am thrilled with how my idea came to life with these two sweethearts.