Mini Australian Shepherd Puppy’s First Birthday

I photographed Luna, a sweet, intelligent and very determined miniature Australian Shepherd puppy for her first birthday. Her mom, Mary, absolutely adores her and wanted to get her portrait taken when Luna turned one, so we met at Morven Park in Leesburg for Luna’s photographs. Mary told me that Luna was very smart, and it was clear from the beginning of the session that she was. I always use sounds to get a dog’s attention, and at first, Luna responded by looking and putting her ears up, something I always try to capture in a photo. But it didn’t take long before she figured out that I wanted her to look at me. Which she did. Very, very quickly before turning away to focus on something she found more interesting than being photographed. Luna definitely kept me at the top of my game, as I kept having to figure out new ways to get her to look in my direction.

We ended her session with a celebratory birthday cupcake from the Happy Hound in Lansdowne.

Ellen Zangla Photography—Specializing in pets and the people who love them.