A Sunrise Story from Snyder Park in Fort Lauderdale
Most people think professional photography is just for weddings, graduations, and business headshots.
Wrong.
Some of the most meaningful photos you’ll ever own will be of the ones who never speak—but somehow say everything. Your dog. Your shadow. Your emotional support with four legs and a tail that never quits.
And that’s exactly why this sunrise session at Snyder Park Dog Park in Fort Lauderdale still sticks with me.
Not just because it was beautiful.
Not just because the light was perfect.
But because it reminded me why professional pet photography actually matters.
The Challenge of Dog Park Photo Sessions (And Why I Love Them Anyway)
Let’s get one thing straight—dog parks are chaos.
Amazing chaos.
Joyful chaos.
Furry, muddy, wet, barking chaos.
From a photographer’s perspective, they’re one of the hardest places to shoot:
Dogs everywhere
Smells that pull attention in every direction
New friends every five seconds
Squirrels plotting chaos from the trees
Trying to compete for a dog’s attention in that environment is like trying to whisper in a rock concert.
But here’s the twist…
That chaos?
That’s where the real personality comes out.
And that’s exactly why Shanon and her poodle Priss wanted to do this session.
Meet Priss: The Star of Snyder Park
Shanon had traveled from Alabama and wanted something special—something different from the typical “sit and smile” pet portraits.
She wanted:
Real moments
Muddy paws
Wet fur
Big energy
And later… polished studio elegance
A location + studio experience that told the full story of her dog.
Not just what Priss looks like—but who Priss is.
And I was all in.
Sunrise at Snyder Park: Where the Magic Started
My assistant Tommy and I arrived at Snyder Park just as the sun was coming up.
That soft Florida sunrise light?
Photographer gold.
We prepped the gear, set up our strobes, and before Priss even knew what was happening—we were already creating magic.
Step One: Dramatic Sunrise Strobes
We started with bold, backlit shots—Priss against the rising sun, her fur glowing like she had her own spotlight. Those are the images that stop people mid-scroll.
Then we let her loose.
Step Two: Let the Dog Be a Dog
No stiff posing.
No forcing attention.
No “sit-stay-smile.”
Just Priss doing what she does best:
Running
Chasing
Splashing
Playing with other dogs
Living her best dog life
We followed her to the pond and captured her jumping into the water, shaking off, and sprinting back like she owned the place.
By the end?
She was happily worn out.
Mission accomplished.
From Muddy Paws to Studio Glam
A couple of days later, Shanon and Priss showed up at the studio.
Different dog. Same soul.
Fresh haircut.
Perfect groom.
Camera-ready.
This is where the story shifted—from action to elegance.
Shanon’s request was simple and honestly beautiful:
“I want it to be mostly about Priss. I’ll be in a few shots, but I want her to shine.”
And shine she did.
We spent about an hour capturing:
Clean, classic portraits
Soft light
Calm expressions
That quiet confidence dogs have when they trust you
Two completely different environments.
One complete story.
Why Professional Pet Photography Actually Matters
Here’s the part people don’t like to think about—but need to hear.
Your dog will not be here forever.
I know.
Not fun.
But real.
And when they’re gone, the photos become priceless.
Not phone pics.
Not blurry screenshots.
Not random Instagram memories.
Real portraits.
The kind that live on your wall.
On your desk.
In an album your family flips through years from now.
People never regret getting professional photos of their dog.
They regret not doing it sooner.
My Approach to Dog Photography: Real, Not Rigid
Every dog is different.
And I photograph them that way.
My sessions always include a mix of:
Posed Portraits
Clean, timeless images you’ll proudly display anywhere.
Spontaneous Moments
The goofy smiles.
The zoomies.
The head tilts.
The real personality.
Studio + Location (When Possible)
Because your dog isn’t just one thing.
They’re:
Playful
Calm
Wild
Gentle
Loyal
Dramatic
Silly
Regal
And they deserve photos that show all of it.
I don’t just photograph how your dog looks.
I photograph who they are.
Their spirit.
Their energy.
Their soul—yeah, I said it.
What You Walk Away With
When you book a professional dog photography session with me, you’re not just getting “some photos.”
You’re getting:
A statement piece for your wall
A favorite photo for your desk
A collection for an album
Images you’ll treasure long after the leash is empty
This isn’t about pictures.
It’s about preserving a relationship.
Why Sessions Like Priss’s Are My Favorite
Priss was patient.
Shanon was amazing.
The energy was perfect.
But more than that—this session had purpose.
It wasn’t rushed.
It wasn’t generic.
It wasn’t just “let’s get a couple shots.”
It was intentional storytelling.
And that’s exactly how I approach every pet session—whether we’re at:
A dog park
The beach
Your backyard
Or my studio
Thinking About Booking a Session for Your Dog?
Here’s your sign.
Do it now—not “someday.”
Because someday turns into “I wish I had.”
Whether your dog loves:
Running at the park
Splashing at the beach
Lounging in the studio spotlight
I’ll create a session that fits their personality and your vision.
Ready to Tell Your Dog’s Story?
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to book professional photos of your dog—this is it.
Let’s capture:
The chaos
The calm
The fun
The elegance
The love
Book your dog’s photo session today at Image Art Creation LLC and let’s create images you’ll be grateful you have for the rest of your life.
Because trust me…
You’ll never regret getting the photos.
You’ll only regret not doing it sooner.
