“Backdrop, camera, continuous lights… just in case this little doggo is afraid of the flash…” , I whisper out my packing list as I prep for a shoot with a new client.
I loaded everything into my car and was on my way. When I arrive, my client shares what space is available and I get to setting up. Grey backdrop goes up. I tape down the paper nicely so no one trips.
Then the star of the show arrives, Hugo, a little senior chihuahua rescue.
In my head, I’m thinking of all the ways I will work with Hugo to get him to pose for a photo. Maybe the squeak of a toy will get his attention? Maybe some treats? I hope he’s not scared of the flash.
My client puts him down on the paper and right away, he scurries right off.
Turns out… Hugo is mostly blind.
All my mental preparations and tricks flew right out the window in that moment and I had to go back to the drawing board…fast.
Just because a session doesn’t go quite as planned, doesn’t mean it’s not going to be a success. Because Hugo was very confused about what was happening and he kept moving, I got one of my favourite photos. This one.
After several tries getting him to sit still on the paper, I got my second favourite photo. This one.
I learned something at that session that day. Our dogs are connected to us. They find comfort in being close to us. So a lap made for a perfect spot for Hugo to eventually settle down on his owner Al’s lap. :)
It turned out while Hugo was also mostly deaf, there was a certain pitch he could hear which would make for a cute little head tilt.
Dear little Hugo, thank you for being part of this session. You did a wonderful job!