Client Spotlight: Leyanna & Penny — A Whippet Puppy’s First Love Letter

There’s something especially magical about photographing a puppy who’s still figuring out how the world works — the curiosity, the wonder, the “is this stick my new best friend?” energy.

Meet Penny, a Whippet puppy with impossibly long legs, an expressive face, and a gentle confidence that surprised everyone (including her human, Leyanna). Penny’s session was part of my Love at First Sight(hound) project, but our story together actually started a bit earlier — back when Penny was just one of many tiny paws in the Beachcation litter.

I first photographed Penny as part of the Beachcation litter, when she and her nine littermates were getting ready to head to their new homes. Those sessions are always special — they’re about beginnings, potential, and preserving a fleeting moment before everything changes.

So when Leyanna later reached out to apply for Love at First Sight(hound), I already had a sense of Penny’s sweet temperament — but puppies have a funny habit of rewriting the script as they grow. Which brings us to…

“What if she freaks out?” (A Very Valid Concern)

Leyanna’s biggest worry heading into the session was one I hear often — especially with young pups:

“Penny freaking out (being only 5 months old). She was surprisingly so good!”

New environment. New smells. New human with a big camera. Totally reasonable nerves.

That’s why the planning stage matters so much. Once Leyanna’s Love at First Sight(hound) application was accepted, we talked through Penny’s personality, energy level, and what kind of experience would feel fun, not overwhelming. Together, we landed on Claremont — a location with just the right mix of beauty, breathing room, and calm.

No pressure. No expectations. Just space for Penny to be… Penny.

Trust, Patience, and a Little Whippet Magic

On session day, Penny showed up curious, alert, and ready to explore. We followed her lead — letting her investigate, pause, and reset as needed.

“You were patient and knew exactly how to grab her attention!”

That’s always the goal. These sessions aren’t about forcing moments — they’re about creating the conditions where moments naturally unfold. When a dog feels safe and understood, the magic takes care of itself.

For Leyanna, the experience itself was just as meaningful as the finished artwork:

“Getting to see a new place I’ve never been, watching Penny interact with you, and of course, getting to see the gorgeous photos!”

That combination — shared experience + tangible memories — is at the heart of what I do. The images become heirlooms, but the feeling of the day stays with you, too.

When asked what she’d say to someone considering a session, Leyanna didn’t hesitate:

“Don’t think twice… just do it!! It’s 100% worth it to have these photos as memories.”

And honestly? Penny agrees. (She told me. With her eyes. And possibly her ears.)

Penny’s session is a beautiful example of what Love at First Sight(hound) is all about — honoring the individuality of each hound, celebrating their presence right now, and creating artwork that reflects both elegance and heart.

If you share your life with a sighthound — puppy, senior, rescue, or runway model — and you’ve been thinking “maybe someday”… consider this your gentle nudge.

And these moments? They’re worth keeping.

From Shelter Shadows to Studio Spotlight: Bruce’s Foster Tale

Behind the Work: What Comes After Love at First Sight