Hi there, my name is Mandy Whitley, Nashville Pet Photographer and I love animals! I am passionate about both photography and animals of all kinds, so there’s no surprise that my photography business is all about capturing “pets and their people.” One of my favorite parts about my work is that I get to see the way animals bring out the best in people.
My husband David and I are huge supporters of animal adoption, and often work with several foster and rescue organizations in the Nashville area. We’ve even rescued five animals and foster pets to help them find forever homes! We’ve even rescued and adopted five of our own: Rosie, Don Draper, Rollo, Buzzsaw and Skywalker.
I also love to have fun with the process of capturing people with their pets. Animals can really sense your energy, and if I go into a session with a lot of positive energy, they’ll often be much more comfortable around me when I’m taking their pictures.
I also have some secret weapons, like squeaky toys, that can usually get their attention pretty quickly. It can also be helpful to make sure we choose the right setting for the session, since some animals might do well in a busy public park while others are much more themselves when in their own backyards!
If you’re looking for a few tips to being your furry family member with you to a portrait session, I recommend exercising them a couple of hours before we begin taking photos so that they are not entirely worn out, but that they may be more relaxed. And if you’re bringing your dog to a public area for photos, be sure to let them sniff around and become more comfortable with the area.
One of my favorite photo sessions I’ve done this past year was with the Norrod family -- and for more reasons than one. Not only do Alison and Daniel have a beautiful home in Westmoreland, TN, they have several animals living in and around their spacious property! The photos you see here are of their two dogs (Phoebe Yang and Buddy Love) and their cat, Hogan. I was also lucky enough to meet their chickens and see tons of deer nearby!
I believe photography is a great way to remember your pets for years to come. If you’re ever in Nashville or somewhere nearby with your pets, I’d love to capture some memories of you and your furry family!
~ Mandy