Penn State Dog Session: Gabby

Last summer I got a call from a couple visiting from Mississippi who were interested in getting photos. They wanted to include their dog Gabby who came along with them on their trip to Happy Valley. Being Penn State alumni and because Gabby joined their family during their years as students in State College, they thought it would be more appropriate to have photos taken here instead of back home in the midwest. I was really excited to do this as I just put together the idea of creating a Penn State Dog Session, for families like Gabby's. Like so many alumni, Gabby's people have stayed in touch with former professors and friends and come back periodically to visit. 

I asked them how they found out about me, wondering how a pet photographer in PA would come up on their radar if they were searching in MI. It turns out that Gabby, a german shepherd mix, is a PAWS alumni and they had seen some of my photos of adoptable cats posted on the PAWS Facebook page. Due to their short trip, we were limited on when we could meet for the session. As it happens, we were fortunate the day we picked, the weather was absolutely glorious. Now, anyone who has visited or who lives here in Happy Valley knows that when the weather's nice, there's no better place to be. Blue skies, white puffy clouds, low humidity with just a gentle breeze in the air. Ah! Doesn't that sound lovely? And since Gabby's mom and dad were Penn State alumni, there was no question where the session should take place.

I met Gabby and her family at the Hintz Alumni center and spent some time getting to know them, making sure Gabby was comfortable in her new surroundings. A shepherd mix, Gabby was very friendly and needed no time to warm up to me. This spunky and energetic girl didn't show her age, can you believe she is 13?!

We talked about getting a variety of photos - some of Gabby alone, some with her mom, some with her dad and of course, some of all them together. 

All year round the campus makes for a beautiful place to capture photos. I think it's especially glorious in the summer when the flowers are in full bloom. I've tried my hand at gardening with a little success. Whenever I need some inspiration or quiet time to sit amongst beauty, the alumni center is one of my go to places.

Since the photo session wasn't planned prior to leaving the mid-west, Gabby and her family had to work with the clothes they packed for their trip. Deciding on a blue color scheme, they capped off their outfits with a blue and white scarf for Gabby. With Penn State's colors being blue and white, how much more perfect could it be?

I had a delightful time with Gabby and her family. Gabby stayed pretty focused in spite of all the ducks running around the pond. That is until the end when a squirrel, in typical Penn State fashion, decided to come over and check things out! Gabby was beside herself with the newfound party crasher and we knew then it was time to end the session!

Gabby's family opted to purchase a photo album since there was such a variety of photos it was too hard to choose just one to frame and hang in their house. I love how it turned out and can't wait until they receive their order!

If you are a Penn State alumni and would like to have your family, including your furry 4 legged members, photographed while in town, give me a call and let's set up a session! Honestly, you can't ask for a more perfect backdrop than the beautiful campus to capture memories you will treasure forever!