Snickers’ Sunset Session at Atlantic Beach: A Velcro Dog’s Perfect Day

3 Oct

Capturing the Bond Between a Senior Dog and His Human

Some dogs are independent adventurers, while others stay glued to their humans like a second shadow. Snickers, a 9-year-old Lemon Dalmatian, proudly falls into the latter category—his mom describes him as the ultimate Velcro dog, always close by, always loyal. For his portrait session at Atlantic Beach, NC, it was no different. Despite the ocean breeze, beachgoers, and even an impromptu volleyball game nearby, Snickers had eyes only for his mom.

I had to share the side-eye. Plus I love the little teeth you see on the bottom.

A Special Session for a One-of-a-Kind Pup

Snickers' expressive personality was evident from the start. His mom lovingly calls him her grumpy old man, thanks to his dramatic groans and sighs, but beneath that exterior is a cuddly, affectionate pup who loves to burrow under blankets at night. Even though he’s a little older, Snickers still has a playful streak—at one point, he surprised us all by breaking into a sprint along the shoreline, proving he’s still got plenty of energy left in him.

One of the most unique aspects of Snickers is his ears. His mom warned me ahead of time that he prefers to keep them folded back close to his head, much like a Greyhound. In animal photography, ears play a crucial role in expressing a dog’s personality, so I worked extra hard to capture those perky, engaged moments. And let me tell you, when we finally got that perfect ear-up pose? It was so worth it.

The Magic of Atlantic Beach for Dog Photography

Atlantic Beach is one of the most dog-friendly spots along the Crystal Coast, making it a top choice for pet photography. With its soft sands, stunning ocean views, and golden-hour lighting, it provides the perfect backdrop for capturing the unique bond between a dog and their owner.

For Snickers, the beach was more than just a picturesque setting—it was a space where he could feel completely at ease, free to explore, sniff, and enjoy the moment with his person.

Why Senior Dog Sessions Are So Important

Every session I do is special, but there’s something extra meaningful about photographing senior dogs. Their years of love, loyalty, and companionship deserve to be celebrated. Snickers' session was a perfect reminder of why I do what I do—to capture the love stories of dogs and their humans before time moves too quickly.

If you’ve been thinking about a session for your senior pup, now is the time. Let’s create something beautiful that you can treasure forever.