Rutherford County PAWS {Nashville Pet Photographer}

One part of my job I love doing on a regular basis is taking photographs of current dogs and cats available for adoption!

Rutherford County PAWS is a wonderful local pet adoption center based in Murfreesboro, TN. From one week to the next, there is rarely an animal there for too long, which means that I'm always getting the chance to meet new furry faces (and also means that the ones I already met have found forever homes!). The staff there really care about the sweet pups and cats that stay there until they are adopted. PAWS also works closely with other rescue organizations in the area, so very often animals will go out to rescues and foster homes. 

Here are some of the sweet pets I've had a chance to photograph lately, and although they may not be available any longer for adopting, you can visit the adoption page on the PAWS website to see which ones are still available or which newcomers have arrived! 

Thank you Rutherford County PAWS for all you do for these sweet animals!

~ Mandy

This is Hazel, who's my current favorite and has been at the shelter for a little while now. She's an absolute sweetheart, and I loved her photo session. Hazel is an 8 year old labrador/retriever mix, and she may be getting passed over because of her age, but she's a happy dog that won't chew up your house!

This is Lucy! She's a 6-year-old Maine Coon Mix and is very regal.

Meet Meika, a 1-year-old spayed American Bulldog Mix. Her previous owner surrendered her as they didn't have enough time for her but didn't want to neglect her, so we hope she finds a better home soon! 

And lastly, here's a success story! These last two images are Great Pyreneese mixes that were SO scared the day I was there, the gal who works with them had to carry them outside to do photos (and they are not small). They were surrendered by their owners and had been outside dogs, and the shelter just wasn't comfortable for them. I was concerned about them and later asked her what happened and found out they were adopted together by a sweet family with older kids and a German Shepard puppy. Apparently, when they saw the kids and the puppy they just came alive, and it was a perfect match!

Adopting a Pet? Capture the Moment on Camera!

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!

Mewsic Kitty Cafe Open House {Nashville Cat Photographer}

If you loved the Mewsic Kitty Cafe Pop Up from last year, then you'll be excited to hear that they are officially open for business! I had an amazing time taking photos of their pop up cat cafe last summer, and I am SO excited they are now here year-round! 

Mewsic Kitty Cafe is Tennessee's very first cat cafe! They provide "a vibrant, comfy, cage-free place for adoptable headliners (that's the cats!) to meet their furever families." So, not only do you have the chance to hang out with some of the cutest cats in Nashville, but you can adopt them from Nashville Cat Rescue while you're there! They've already had a dozen successful adoptions, the last of which was Keith Furban. :) 

Take a look at some of my favorites from the Mewsic Kitty Cafe's open house below!

~ Mandy

Adopting a pet cat? Capture the moment on camera!

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!

Why You Should Include Your Pet in Your Family Portraits

Getting your family’s photo taken  is a momentous occasion. It’s a chance to get together and create more memories to look back on as the years go by.

While you’re making sweet memories, doesn’t it make sense to include every member of the family? Before getting snapped by the camera, don’t forget about the pets!

Pets make your family complete and are sure to make the photo complete too. Here’s why you should include your pet in your family portraits.

Your Pet is a Member of the Family

First and foremost, your pet is just as much a part of the family as you are! You brought them into your lives, and they’re involved in every other aspect of your day to day lives, so why not include them in your family photo?

No matter how many kids, fur babies or members there are in your family, everyone deserves to make an appearance in the family portrait. Imagine taking the photo and looking back, wondering why Fido wasn’t in the picture — it just wouldn’t be the same!

Lightens Up the Mood

Pets exude joy and have a playfulness about them that’s hard to ignore. No matter what type of pet you have,  animals bring a lighthearted energy to the photoshoot which is ideal if you’re feeling nervous.

With everything that’s involved with family photos — the coordinating, people managing, and making sure everyone looks nice — getting photos taken can sometimes be stressful. Bringing your pet along for the fun can change the whole mood and turn nervous energy into relief and relaxation.

Puts a Smile on Everyone’s Faces

Think about all of the family photos you’ve received over the years. While we love to see the people in our lives posing happily with their families, it’s safe to say we all smile when we see a pet make an appearance in the photo too.

We’re all fond of our furry friends which is why we love to see others showing off their pet in fun ways.

Something to Remember Them By

Just like with any photo, you want to be able to capture a moment and freeze it in time. You want to be able to look back fondly at the time period when this family photo was taken and think about the sweet memories that were made. Including your pet is just another way to remember them by.

You are a part of their entire life, so it only makes sense that they’re part of yours with a photo you can cherish forever.

Reach Out to Mandy for Your Family Portraits!

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!