I got an email from a potential client who wanted her Frenchie photographed. Time is of the essence, she wrote. It turns out her little puppy, Zola Budd, was growing up and she waned to capture a certain look. I called her and she told me what she wanted. Zola is a piebald French bulldog... black and white... just like a Holstein cow. Her vision was to have a gigantic Zola, who really was just a 7-pound puppy, in a meadow with tiny dairy cows. Could I do it? Why, yes I could!

Oh, I salivated over this commission! You know I love me my Storytelling Sessions and I love collaborating with pet owners to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art. Don't get me wrong, I love my regular sessions, too, but I love being able to composite an image that doesn't -- and can't -- exist.

We got right to work. With her parents' help, I photographed Zola against a plain gray backdrop. My client was fairly specific about what she wanted. I love this part of the process because at various points, I show the direction I'm going in and get feedback from the owners. Do you like this or this? And I love when my clients are bold.

This was one of her responses in the back and forth emails:

Omg.
Love the blue sky.
Love the white clouds.
Love the yellow dandelions.
Especially love the curious bovine peeking in the lower left corner. Hysterical.

Diana, you have paid homage to Magritte! Zola is the new "giant apple"!

Zola's owner's final choice on the image was deciding whether to go more natural or more Technicolor. And she went Technicolor, which I think added to surrealism of the final product.

In the end, giant Zola in a dandelion field with tiny cows, used 10 images, textures, shading, lighting to create a vibrant world that existed only in my client's mind. I love her vision and happy she chose me to bring it to life. And by the way, Zola is one sweetie pie. What a cute girl.

I will mention one thing. I have created a slightly different version for myself than the one I presented to my client. She selected the Zola image and I just wanted one where Zola looks like she's about to let loose with a moo. But I am VERY happy with the one we created together for her.

Can you envision your pet in another world? If you can, I can create it with my Storytelling Sessions. Give me a call at 818.481.5214 or drop me a line and let's make a pet photography composite just for you!