Tucker, Norman, Poppi & Henry: A Los Angeles Dog Photography Story
Recently, I had the joy of photographing four very special pups—Tucker, Norman, Poppi, and Henry—and their wonderful parents, Christina and Michael. This Los Angeles dog photography session had everything I love about what I do: laughter, a little chaos, patience, and most of all—so much love.
Three of these dogs—Tucker, Norman, and Poppi—have an incredible story. They were rescued by LIFE Animal Rescue from the meat markets in Korea and brought here to start over. Today, they’re living their best lives in Los Angeles with a family who adores them. Watching them play, snuggle, and just be dogs is a reminder of how powerful second chances can be.
From the first time I met Christina and Michael, I could feel how deeply they loved their pups. For them, it wasn’t just about having nice portraits—it was about creating lasting memories and having these images displayed in their home as a daily reminder of the love they share. That intention shaped the entire session, and you could see it in every moment.
Meet the Pack
Henry – Henry is the tiniest and oldest of the group, a Pomeranian-Poodle mix with a big personality. He used to be Christina’s mom’s dog, but now he’s fully part of their family. Henry is cuddly, protective, and honestly a little spoiled—in the sweetest way.
Tucker – Tucker is five and has naturally stepped into the role of “leader of the pack.” He’s funny, playful, and loves soaking up attention. You can tell he has a special bond with Michael—it shows in every look and every interaction.
Norman – Norman is three, gentle, and incredibly attached to Christina. At first he was so timid that he didn’t want to leave her side. With patience and time, though, he opened up, and we were able to capture his sweet and cuddly nature.
Poppi – The baby of the group, Poppi is smart, playful, and a little mischievous. She knows exactly how to get her way—like sneaking onto the bed after Christina falls asleep. She kept us all laughing with her puppy energy and clever tricks.
Every dog has their own personality, and rescue pups sometimes need extra patience to feel safe in front of the camera. Norman, for example, wouldn’t make a step without Christina at first. But with gentle encouragement, we created some beautiful moments where his sweetness truly came through.
What stood out to me most during this session was the connection between Christina, Michael, and their dogs. Tucker showing off, Poppi’s puppy antics, Henry being the little guardian, and Norman soaking up love—it was all such a reflection of the bond they share.
This is why I love photographing dogs and their families here in Los Angeles. It’s not just about taking pretty portraits—it’s about telling their story. Tucker, Norman, Poppi, and Henry are proof of resilience, love, and the joy that animals bring into our lives.
When I look back at their photos, I don’t just see dogs—I see family. And I think that’s something worth celebrating every single time I pick up my camera.
And in case you’re wondering—yes, Norman has officially become a TikTok star! You can find him charming thousands of followers on Christina’s account @christinagemgem. He’s won hearts online just like he won mine during this session.
Thinking about creating meaningful portraits of your own dog? - I’d love to help you tell your story.
Book a Professional Pet Photography Session and we can create memories that reflect the love you share.
How to Prepare for Your ‘In Home’ Photo Shoot
We are happy to offer Private Portrait Sessions in your own home! We understand that some furry models become stressed and uncomfortable in unknown settings. Some don’t enjoy the LA traffic, others just can’t relax in a photo studio or even a park. By staging the photo session in your own
We are happy to offer Private Portrait Sessions in your own home! We understand that some furry models become stressed and uncomfortable in unknown settings. Some don’t enjoy the LA traffic, others just can’t relax in a photo studio or even a park. By staging the photo session in your own home, these added stresses and anxiety are alleviated. This is our mantra: “being relaxed and stress-free, creates the best moments.”
Here are 5 important steps to help you prepare for your In Home Portrait Session:
1. Try not to feed your pup before the session. Feeding, of course, has to be tailored to your pup’s age, breed, etc. If he hasn’t eaten recently, it will be much easier to entice him with treats to get his attention.
2. Be sure your pup is washed and groomed to your satisfaction. You definitely want your pup looking his best for the portrait session. Whether you choose a quick shower or a full grooming, we recommend that you do this a day or two in advance. Otherwise, he might be too tired or stressed for his big day. We want him to be relaxed and have fun.
3. Giving the pup some exercise is a great way to relax him. We want to release any pent-up energy. If the session is in the morning, you might give them a long walk the night before. Senior dogs, on the other hand, may need extra rest before the session.
4. Please have any essential accessories or toys available. It’s important we have everything ready to keep your pet calm and happy.
His favorite treats
Toys or bones, that keep him amused and calm
Any leashes or harnesses, if needed
A fresh bowl of water
5. Let’s create a cozy and organized space for our session. If you have little children, let’s make sure their toys are put away, so we have a distraction-free environment. And if you can find the time, tidying up the house would be wonderful to make the most of our In Home studio.
In conclusion, creating great pup portraits takes some time and patience. But after many years of experience, I have learned some tricks that will help capture your dog’s true personality. Don’t worry, we’re going to have lots of fun with your fur babies … in your own home!