• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Westway Studio | San Diego’s most adventurous & colorful pet portraits and commercial brand photography

Commercial brand pet photography and rustic-luxury family pet portraits with one-of-a-kind experiences

  • Howdy
  • Blog
  • Family Pet Photography
    • Portfolio
    • Session Details & Rates
    • High Regards
  • Commercial Pet Photography
    • Project Portfolio
    • Photo + Video Dream Team
    • Your Brand Story
    • Commercial Rates
    • Top Mistakes to Avoid
  • Education for Photographers
  • Contact

October 15, 2018 by Terran 5 Comments

Stella the rescue Pit Bull at Irvine Regional Park

I’ve known Stella for a few years now. Her mom first came to me for a Limited Edition Studio Session (and has since been back for so many more, I’ve lost count) so when she messaged me and said “it’s Stella’s 10th birthday and we want to do an outdoor session to celebrate,” I was all over it!

Stella is one of those dogs who can look straight into your soul. She’s sweet, gentle, and knows exactly how to get you to give her all the Soul’y Raw treats in the world. She loves to wear bandanas for every occasion and is always up for an adventure with friends.

From Stella’s Mom:

When I adopted Stella in 2014, I had no idea how much she would change my life. Stella sat at the shelter for a month, being overlooked by hundreds of people. She was deemed a “staff favorite,” but being labeled a senior dog undoubtedly caused many people to walk right past her.

   

When I saw her photo being networked, without hesitation, I knew she was meant to be my dog, but I had no idea she would become my best friend, my road trip partner, and truly the best thing to ever happen to me.

   

A couple years ago, Stella was diagnosed with two different types of cancer – my heart sank, I couldn’t breathe, and I would burst into tears without warning. I promised her from that day forward, we would check things off her bucket list, I would feed her the best food possible, and I would no longer rush her when she wanted to spend a little too much time sniffing instead of walking. 

We had our first session with Terran a few months after Stella was diagnosed. When I saw the photos, I realized how incredibly important these were in our journey. I have so many incredible memories with Stella, but I know that memories slowly fade, and those little details become harder to remember – the heart shaped spot on the back of her head, the little scar under her right eye, and those adorable chin whiskers that glisten in the sun. 

Each session with Terran is not just a means to an end – each session is a well-thought-out experience – from the moment you begin to session plan, to the day your products are delivered, she has thought of every little detail to make it incredibly special.

I am forever grateful to Terran for the priceless photos she has captured. I know my time with Stella will never be long enough, but I have comfort in knowing that we have enthusiastically adventured together, relished in the quiet moments, and that I have photos that will last a lifetime.


I am so lucky to know you both. Thank you for your kind words and allowing me to be a part of your lives! xo

Filed Under: all pet portraits, traditional sessions

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jasmine says

    October 31, 2018 at 11:54 pm

    This is such a sweet story, and I love the tenderness in her eyes. Such a soulful little bud that you captured beautifully. particularly love that confetti shot.

    Reply
  2. ASHLEY D says

    November 1, 2018 at 2:47 pm

    Ahhh, the story, the images. So beautiful! Love their love for each other.

    Reply
  3. Ligaya Wantland says

    February 21, 2019 at 10:29 am

    Beautiful pictures! Such LOVE!!! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  4. Maria Diehl says

    February 21, 2019 at 11:16 am

    I think it’s a mutual love affair between Stella, her mom and YOU! I think every time I see your stories/pictures that I’ve
    never read anything more beautiful . . . and then, Stella comes along. I want to give her a hug too and whisper in her
    ear – don’t give up Stella love will give you happiness you deserve!

    Reply
  5. Jen Elrod says

    March 5, 2019 at 11:57 am

    These are some of the most beautiful photos I’ve ever seen. You really captured the love between Stella and her mom. I know she will cherish these photos forever. I hope that confetti shot is blown up and hanging on the wall! :)

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Home » Stella the rescue Pit Bull at Irvine Regional Park

Follow our wild, wild Westway adventures as we travel the U.S. in our Airstream

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Footer

Contact

Based in San Diego, CA
Traveling the U.S. in 2022
(858) 848-9378
Email Me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
Hi there! In the age of social media, we all scrol Hi there! In the age of social media, we all scroll... a lot. Since we've had a bunch of new followers lately, I wanted to take a moment to say hi, introduce myself, and get to know you a little!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
I'm Terran, the Crazy Dog Mom behind Westway Studio. My hubby, senior pup, and I live in San Diego for six months of the year and travel the US in our Airstream for the other six. We love being on the road, meeting new people, seeing new places, eating new foods, and experiencing this beautiful country we call home.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
I'd love if you would share a little something about you and your pets with me — like where you're from, your animal companion's favorite vacation destination, a silly story, or anything else! :)
It's your last chance to apply for our upcoming We It's your last chance to apply for our upcoming West Paw photo shoot! The casting call closes this afternoon! Don't miss out - photo shoots are TONS of fun for people and pets! Link in bio or https://www.westpaw.com/pages/model-call
*Knocks on door* Hello! Can your dog come out to p *Knocks on door* Hello! Can your dog come out to play?​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
We're holding an open casting model call for our next playtime-filled shoot with West Paw! Apply at the link in my bio or https://www.westpaw.com/pages/model-call. Let's have some FUN!
Who LOVES treats? 🙋‍♀️ We're holding an o Who LOVES treats? 🙋‍♀️ We're holding an open casting model call for our next shoot with West Paw that'll be all about — you guessed it — TREATS! Apply through the link in my bio or at https://www.westpaw.com/pages/model-call
YahoOOoOooOoo!!! We are planning our next photo sh YahoOOoOooOoo!!! We are planning our next photo shoot with West Paw at the end of January! We're looking for dogs + their people to participate. Dogs should be well-trained and love treat toys! We are looking for pups of all breeds, mixes, and ages. Link in bio to apply or https://www.westpaw.com/pages/model-call​​​​​​​​​
#westwaypets #westwaystudio #opencasting #modelcall #dogmodel @westpawus
Sorry, boss, I'm gonna be late today... or I might Sorry, boss, I'm gonna be late today... or I might not make it in at all... it's National Cuddle Day, which means I can't move 'til my four-legged best friend does. 🤷‍♀️ Does your animal companion love to cuddle or is it more of an exercise in futility?
Hello. It's Wednesday. The holidays are over. Whic Hello. It's Wednesday. The holidays are over. Which way is up? Do you have any treats?
Mid-session puppy kisses always make for the silli Mid-session puppy kisses always make for the silliest and sweetest photos! Do your pups give you kisses, too?
Happy New Year, friends! What are you most looking Happy New Year, friends! What are you most looking forward to this year?​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Two things I'm really excited for are (1) getting back out on the open road in the Airstream and (2) teaching at the Shutterhound Conference in September alongside some of the world's greatest pet photographers. Seriously, the speaker lineup is i-n-c-r-e-d-I-b-l-e! Pinch me, I must be dreaming! (Sign up with crazy-special pricing through 11:59pm Eastern time tonight!!!)
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • 3 Images Every Pet Brand Photoshoot Should Include
  • The Positive Impact of Simplicity in Your Imagery
  • Pro Tips: 3 Ways to Cut Costs On Commercial Pet Business Photography (and 3 Areas to Never Skimp On)
  • Getting the hang of things: 3 months of full-time RV Living
  • Why every brand needs product AND lifestyle imagery

All images and written content on this site are Copyright © 2010-2023 Westway Studio.
Nothing on this site may be copied, screenshot, downloaded, or used without the written permission of Westway Studio.

  • Howdy
  • Blog
  • Family Pet Photography
  • Commercial Pet Photography
  • For Photographers
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
GIT ALONG LI'L DOGGIES
Follow my adventures with dogs, travel, and ranch life in the Wild, Wild Westway