Featuring Erica, Eric, and Pixie
There’s something about a hallway that makes it feel like a transition zone—one we walk through without much thought. But what if that space could tell a story? What if it could remind you of the joy, love, and energy that makes your house a home?
That’s exactly what inspired Erica and Eric to book a portrait session with their toy poodle, Pixie.
“I grew up in a toy poodle family,” Erica shared. “And in 2015, Eric and I rescued our first toy poodle together, Lilly. She brought so much happiness into our lives and lived a long, joyful eight years. When she crossed the rainbow bridge in December 2023, we knew we’d eventually open our hearts again.”
Pixie came into their lives just one month later—and brought with her a whole lot of sparkle.
“We named her Pixie because she really does feel like a bit of magic. She has this huge personality in a tiny little body.”
And while she’s petite, Pixie has no shortage of energy—especially when it comes to her favorite game: fetch. She’ll play for hours if you let her—chasing that little red ball like it’s her full-time job. Her playful spirit, combined with the deep love she shares with Erica and Eric, made her the perfect star for a portrait session designed to do more than just document—they wanted to decorate with meaning.
A Portrait Session with Purpose
Erica and Eric had a clear goal in mind: to create wall art for the upstairs hallway, a large space that had remained empty since they moved in. They didn’t want generic art or mass-produced prints. They wanted something personal. Something real. Something that would make them smile every time they walked by.
I designed a relaxed studio session that gave Pixie the spotlight and gave Erica and Eric exactly what they were hoping for.
Before each session, I ask clients what’s most important to them in their Pet Portrait Experience. Erica’s answer is one I hear often:
“Pixie is a gorgeous, show-quality dog, but she’s hard for us to photograph because of her black fur, eyes, and nose. We want to capture her beauty.”
Photographing black dogs is notoriously tricky. Their features can disappear in photos without the right lighting and angles. But with a thoughtful setup, gentle guidance, and a little patience, it’s absolutely possible to capture their unique beauty and personality. And Pixie? She shined.
We created a set of portraits that captured not only her stunning looks, but also her playful personality complete with her red ball and her tiny baseball jersey (because yes, she has game-day spirit too). Of course, we also made time for family portraits that radiate warmth, connection, and the deep bond these three share.
From Empty Wall to Daily Joy
The final installation included three framed pieces: two family portraits and a solo image of Pixie. Now, instead of walking through a blank space, Erica and Eric walk through memories. Through laughter. Through love. The hallway is no longer a pass-through. It’s a pause point. A moment to reflect on how far they’ve come and how much joy Pixie brings them every day.
Wall art has the power to do that. To breathe life into a space. To remind us of what matters most.
In this case, it all started with one tiny dog… and a whole lot of heart.