Pet Smart

The pet industry is a $103 billion dollar industry and what’s a better time to buy your pet a treat or toy, but during the holidays?

PetSmart wanted to photograph in LA because of the higher quality pet trainers and the wider selection of pets. We had multiple dogs on set with fans keeping them cool and a a restriction on how many people could say hi as the pet trainers said too much socializing can wear out the dogs, cats, and guinea pigs.

We covered off pets enjoying Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas with "their" owners. I had hoped to find pet owners with their own pets to get that comfort and familiarity but that was harder than it sounds.

Adamo, my art director, brought me on board after a Stride Rite project. I loved working with him because he has a great sense of humor and is open to letting me try ideas that came about while shooting.

Some of the best shots were the dogs doing tricks. The cats were in a world unto their own and a bit harder to art direct.

It was only a one day shoot but I wish it was 3. Pets are almost as much fun as photographing kids.

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