I may be biased and a little crazy, but I really feel my dog Blue knows how to smile.  In fact, I think he’s quite photogenic and totally handsome.  So when I met Susan Schmitz, photographer and owner of A Dog’s Life Photography, I was determined to get Blue in front of her camera.

Susan works out of an adorable Old Town Scottsdale studio.  Her specialty is taking pics of pooches, something I never thought I’d professionally partake in.  However, getting Blue has changed me–I used to make fun of those dog-obsessed people, and now I’m proud to join their dog-loving club.

Susan’s experience in the technical field has helped her master the art of photo editing.  She’s now a successful self-taught photographer, capturing those precious, candid moments we all want to cherish.

I first brought Blue into Oh My Dog! Boutique & Spa. There, Blue was brushed and given some swag to wear during his photo shoot.  I then walked my male diva down the street to Susan’s studio, where Blue was kindly greeted by Susan, and her gal-pal Stacy Larsen.  (Stacy owns and operates Puppy Prep School, a boutique training outlet for dogs.)

With the help of Stacy and Oh My Dog! owner Jackie Bacha, Blue’s posse helped him pose and work the camera.  What can I say, he’s a natural:

Susan started her artistic career in Sedona.  It was there when she honored her passion for photography; pre and post-production was naturally stimulating.  She made the move to Phoenix after falling head-over-heels for her husband.  Her happily ever after in Arizona is much warmer than it was growing up in Detroit.

Susan has two dogs…a doberman named Misty and a chihuahua/terrier mix named Blingo.  Her dogs are her babies.

Because of her love for animals, Susan sought to focus on photographing pets.  She gets to roll around the floor taking pictures of dogs–really, I witnessed it!  The combination of animals, art, and technology is a perfect trio of elements to make up her dream career.

About five years ago, Susan started volunteering her services to local dog rescue groups and found that dogs are much easier to work with than people.  Granted, she loves humans, but most people don’t like their own image, no matter how much you Photoshop.  (And truth be told, I was probably Susan’s pickiest client–and she handled it with grace!)  Anyway, the truth is that everyone loves photos of pets, even the ugly ones.  And so sparked her focus on dogs.

Because dogs can be challenging to shoot, Susan suggests her clients bring their pets to the session hungry so they are more willing to work for treats.  In addition, Susan happens to have a sixth sense of communication–dogs simply seem to naturally work well with her.  She also remains adamant pet owners practice patience–when owners stress and get angry at their dog for not behaving, the dog picks up on the negative energy. The key to a great photo shoot is keeping everyone calm and happy.  And BTW, she keeps wine at the studio for dog-parents.

Her company tagline is We make your pets look well-behaved.  Truth be told, Susan is a master at creating flawless images, courtesy of post-production methods.

Getting yourself or your loved one a gift of this photographic memory is something that will one day be priceless.  All dogs go to heaven, eventually–so why not capture their life right now?

Susan offers a unique pet styling service through Oh My Dog! Boutique and Spa, pampering your pooch pre photo shoot.  You can pick out a perfect outfit, accessories, and even furniture to use throughout your session.  Consider this option a fabulous holiday gift.

Because Susan takes such pride in producing commercial quality images, many of her photos have been published around the world in calendars, greeting cards, product labels, magazines, and catalogs.

Photo session prices include a canvas print credit.  To receive $20 off a pet photo shoot, mention Nadine On The Scene.

Photo Fusion Studio is located at 7127 E. 6^th Avenue, Suite C, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Click here for more information.