When I first met Mocha, she was terrified of the camera.

Her Mom, Akanxa, was worried that they wouldn’t be able to have a photo session because of Mocha’s camera anxiety.

I suggested that we meet at a Sniffspot for an hour, so that Mocha and I could get to know one another. (While in person meet and greets aren’t necessary for client sessions, I do offer them to clients who feel their pup might need one to become more comfortable with me in advance of the session)

At first, Mocha was wary of the camera. Trotting off to other spaces, distracting sniffing, and generally avoiding me inside the fenced space we were in.

Slowly, though, with lots of premium treats, we became friends.

Within forty five minutes, I had Mocha eating treats from me and not caring at all about the camera.

It just goes to show you that sometimes all a pup needs is a little time.

This post is a celebration of Mocha and her gleeful personality. Akanxa really wanted photos of Mocha being herself—not necessarily posed or forced—and that we did capture.

To me, these photos are bittersweet. Mocha and her Mom have become such a big part of the local dog community in Wake County that once they move—I truly will miss seeing their happy faces!

So, I hope through this post you get to know Mocha—in all of her seriousness, silliness, and everything in between.

Learn more about a Pet Portrait experience for you and your pups here.