Why I Became a Pet Photographer

How Tyra Inspired My Pet Photography Business

In the journey of life, there are moments and encounters that leave an indelible mark on our hearts and inspire us to embark on new adventures. For me, that moment came when I crossed paths with a special hospice dog named Tyra. Her story ignited a passion within me that led to so much including the creation of my very own pet photography business back in 2015.

Tyra's Tale of Resilience

Tyra wasn't just any dog, she was a beautiful soul with a limited time left on this earth. She showed up in a post one day on my facebook feed from an acquaintance. She reminded me of my dog Bella’s mom, not that I ever met her I just thought that is what she might look like. And truth be told I am a sucker for the black dogs with frosted faces. This poor girl had the cards stacked high against her in a city shelter and was rescued by a local rescue. When I saw her picture I knew she was my dog and I wanted to foster her. Too bad her ailing health caused a host of new problems including behavior problems leading her to be aggressive with other dogs. I brought Bella to meet her and Tyra was not having it. I was crushed. Over the next 6 months I visited her every day at her rescue. I took her for car rides, went to In-N-Out, the park, anything that I thought she would like she got. After 6 months she declined significantly. By this time it was a Wednesday in the beginning of October. I was visiting her before and after work at this point, I didn’t think she would make it and neither did anyone else. When I first met her back in April she was diagnosed with bladder cancer and only given a couple weeks to live. The fact she had lived 6 months was huge! As she sat in my lap that night, through my never ending tears, I told her “If you wake up and feel better tomorrow, I will bring you home this weekend.” I woke up the next morning not expecting much but what happened was nothing short of a miracle. Tyra greeted me at her gate with bright eyes and a tail wagging nonstop. I was in shock! She had been so sick the last few weeks I found out later that the rescue had actually planned to put her down that day. She was eating, walking, and she seemed happy again. Do you think she actually understood what I said about bringing her home??

That weekend I kept my promise and brought her home with the help of a trainer and a plan. It was a crazy first month but by mid November Tyra had become friends with Bella. I never left them alone together but as long as I was there they were fine with each other.

The Spark of Inspiration

Once the girls started getting along I decided to take them to my favorite local spot, Franklin Canyon. It’s really pretty there, it has lots of walking and hiking paths, a reservoir and a pond with lots of birds. I brought my camera and took a few photos of them on a bench together. It was then that I took the picture that sparked my heart to become serious about photography. 

It dawned on me in that moment that this was more than a photograph. This was love, tears and hope. It was hard work paying off. This was a photo of something nearly every single person told me was never going to happen because of Tyra’s dislike of dogs. This was a moment I will remember forever.

I found myself captivated by the idea of capturing these fleeting moments of joy, love, and connection between pets and their humans through photography. Tyra had ignited a creative spark within me, and I knew I had to explore it further.

The Beginning of My Pet Photography Business

With Tyra as my muse and inspiration, I decided to take the leap into the world of pet photography. I invested in the necessary equipment, honed my photography skills, took some classes and embarked on a journey of self-discovery as an artist. Each click of the camera shutter brought me closer to my dream of preserving the unique bond between pets and their people.

Capturing Moments of Love

My business soon blossomed. I began capturing beloved furry companions in candid moments of love and happiness. Through my lens, I aim to immortalize the joy and connections that our pets bring to our lives. And It is so fun to work with animals! I mostly photograph dogs but I have also photographed cats, a chinchilla, a bearded dragon, and more. I have also photographed some really fun events like Pet Photos with Santa and a dog wedding that was a fundraiser for Glendale Humane Society. 

Tyra's Legacy Lives On

Tyra lived at home with us for 6 months. In those 6 months we had the most fun, I even threw her a birthday party! At the end of March in 2015 Tyra let me know that she was ready to go on to life after this life. I was completely heartbroken. I knew time would be short but it was longer than any of us expected. I hope she knows how much she meant to me and how much she still means to my still.

Tyra may no longer be with me physically, but her spirit lives on through my work. Every time I have a session I know the moments I am photographing will live on long after our precious friends are gone. Her influence continues to shape my journey, reminding me of the profound impact animals can have on our lives.

Starting my pet photography business was a journey of transformation, fueled by the inspiration I drew from Tyra's life. Her story taught me that even in the face of adversity, there is beauty to be found. It also taught me how important the bonds are that we share with our animal companions.

Tyra's legacy lives on in every photograph I take, reminding us all that the love we share with our pets is a timeless treasure worth preserving and cherishing. My pet photography business is not just a profession; it's a tribute to the enduring spirit of animals like Tyra who touch our lives in ways we could never have imagined.