There are some requests that I simply cannot pass up.
I’m known for doing portraits of people. It’s been my thing for a long time now. I get requests for other types like children’s birthday parties, weddings, et cetera. When those arise I recommend other photographers that I know specialize in them and will do an amazing job.
But every once in a while I get a request for something else that I simply can’t pass up. Something that hits close to my heart and fills my soul with joy in doing. An honor in fulfilling. Taylor approached me with such a request.
In her words:
“In July my 13 year old Shih Tzu, Jazmine, was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in her spinal cord. She was given only 3-6 months to live and I was devastated. Jazmine is my everything and I can’t imagine a life without her! She has been there for me through all of my hard times and I knew right away that I was going to make whatever time she had left amazing. I knew Mark would be able to show her quirky personality and beauty for me to keep forever even after my baby is gone.”
Anyone who knows me knows I have a huge soft spot when it comes to animals of all shapes and sizes. To have a request of this magnitude hits me right in the feels. There wasn’t a bit of hesitation.
Time was of the essence. The location for the session was never in doubt.
“She loves the beach so we went nearly weekly while the weather was warm so she could go play in the sand and water. It was a no brainer to me that I should get her pictures taken somewhere she loved”
The images speak to the spirit of a pet and her owner. I am honored and humbled to do such things.
“I’m so happy to say that 5 months after her diagnosis she is still doing well! But I am so thankful that I now have pictures of her and I in her favorite place where she is happy and beautiful for me to always cherish.”
Mark Knopp is a Hampton, Virginia-based photographer covering the Hampton Roads and Richmond communities.
Photography by Mark K 