If you know me, you know my heart secretly beats for dogs. I can be grumpy and scowling but as soon as a pup walks past me my mood lightens. And if I get to pet the little guy or gal my heart might just explode!

So a shoot with a dog and its owners (because we all know the pup is the star of the show!) was high up on my list. And when I heard of Lea and Benji and their super-cute Shiba Daiki I knew they were the right couple to shoot with. I first came across Shibas online, when the “doge” meme became popular and researching more about these loyal souls I found them to be one of my favorite breed of dogs - next to the fluffy Samojedes and chubby Shar Peis. So Daiki was an absolute dream model for me.

Lea and Benji had gotten Daiki about three years ago when he was only 8 weeks old - “It feels like it was just yesterday”, says Lea. Ever since he’s been keeping them busy. They originally wanted a dog not only as a companion, but also as a motivation to go outside more often and help them get their minds off their stressful jobs. And it worked: “Having a dog means to have more responsibilities. But at the same time we have won a loyal companion who makes us smile even if we’re having a bad day”, they say.

Lea and I had actually gone to the same school so I very briefly knew her. Still, meeting up for the shoot all of us didn’t know what to expect exactly. Would they be as easy-going as I thought they’d be? Would Daiki play along and be a good doggo? Would it be awkward shooting in a place where mouthy teens might cross our paths at any moment? Our worries were proven to be unneccessary, though. As soon as we met up and started shooting, everything was smooth sailing. Despite never having done a couple’s shoot before, lest with a unpredictable pup, both Lea and Benji were naturals and managed to just relax. Daiki also did an amazing job and we got some shots that will hopefully make the family album.