Morning Routine
The day started like any other day, with Koa's internal alarm clock going off precisely at 4:45 AM, followed by his signature kiss. Koa was eager to head out to Central Park, but today we skipped our daily run as we had an adventure planned.
Breakfast is serious business in this household. Koa got his usual morning feast: mashed potatoes, gruyere, pork, and an over-easy egg.
All Aboard
The forecast had promised rain, and by the time we headed to Grand Central at 8:45 AM, the sky was delivering on that promise. Rain pitter-pattered over the Upper West Side, but Koa doesn't like the rain. Despite his usual confidence, he seemed less enthusiastic about the wet streets during the walk to the station.
We caught the 9:38 AM Metro-North Red Line to Port Chester. Koa, ever the seasoned traveler, trotted confidently beside me toward the platform once we were inside the terminal's dry sanctuary.
The train ride gave us both time to settle into the day's rhythm. There's something about train travel that brings out Koa's more philosophical side, he spent most of the journey gazing out at the rain-soaked landscape, occasionally turning to give me that look that somehow manages to be both wise and slightly disapproving at the same time.
Studio Magic
After another 15-minute walk from Port Chester station through the drizzle, we arrived right on schedule. Anna greeted us at Venture Studio in Greenwich with the enthusiasm that only a true dog photographer possesses.
What followed was pure magic. Anna had this incredible ability to capture not just Koa's poses, but his personality. We started with some classic shots, but then she encouraged us to just be ourselves, to let Koa's natural charm take center stage.
The Professional Model
Koa is a true professional. Anna would call his name, make a sound, or gesture in a direction, and he would respond immediately. "Koa, look here," she'd say, and his head would turn with perfect timing. "Stay," and he'd hold his position through multiple rapid-fire shots, tail still, expression focused.
Between setups, he'd wait patiently as Anna adjusted lighting or changed lenses. When she asked him to move to a different spot, he'd walk over and settle exactly where she pointed. It was like watching a seasoned model who understood the rhythm of a professional shoot. His years of training and natural intelligence shone through in ways I'd never seen before.
Heart to Heart Moments
One of my favorite moments came when Anna suggested I lay on the floor with Koa, but Koa wasn't having it. That's when we had one of Koa's classic conversations.
As I settled beside him, he turned to face me directly, and we found ourselves in one of those wordless conversations we have so often. His amber eyes held mine with an intensity that seemed to say, "you know I don't lie on hard surfaces." There's something about the way Koa listens, really listens, that makes you feel like you're talking to someone who understands every word, even if he chooses not to always obey them.
The Silent Critic
Anna caught another classic Koa moment when she asked me to try a particular pose. As I attempted to follow her direction, Koa sat perfectly still, head slightly tilted, watching my every move with what I can only describe as amused judgment. It's the same look he gives me when I'm struggling with a particularly challenging yoga pose or when I'm talking to him in that embarrassing voice reserved only for dogs. His expression seemed to say, "Really?"
Ridgeback Pride
One of the photos I specifically wanted was to show off Koa's classic ridge, that Rhodesian Ridgebacks are famously known for. Anna positioned him perfectly, the studio lighting highlighting that distinctive line of backward-growing hair that makes his breed so unique. In that moment, he embodied everything regal about his heritage.
Unscripted Joy
Some of the best shots came when we stopped trying so hard and just let Koa be himself. Anna had this amazing ability to capture his playful side, that moment when his tongue lolled out in a happy grin, when his ears perked up at an interesting sound, when his whole body seemed to vibrate with barely contained excitement. These are the images that truly capture who Koa is when he's not trying to be dignified.
Game Time Champion
To keep Koa entertained, I played one of Koa's favorite indoor games. At home, peek-a-boo is serious business for Koa. Whether it's hiding behind a door, crouching behind the couch, ducking under a blanket, and sometimes it's just a matter of covering his eyes! He approaches the game with the intensity of a tactical operation.
The resulting photos are pure gold. His ears shot up first, followed by those alert, intelligent eyes scanning for movement. When I popped up, his entire body language shifted to playful excitement, front legs in a play bow, tail wagging furiously, that unmistakable "game on" expression spreading across his face. Anna caught every nuance of his favorite indoor sport.
Candid Captures
Between the planned shots, Anna caught those spontaneous moments that happen when cameras are rolling but subjects think they're off duty. Koa investigating her camera bag with the curiosity of a detective. His head tilting at a sound from outside. The moment he spotted a reflection in the studio mirror and gave it a questioning look. These unscripted captures often tell the best stories.
Heading Home
Our session ran a bit longer than expected, which meant we just missed the 11:48 AM train back to the city. Instead of rushing, we decided to embrace the extra time in Greenwich, grabbing a coffee and letting Koa decompress from his modeling debut before catching the 12:21 PM departure.
As we settled back onto the Metro-North for our return journey, both of us were pleasantly exhausted. The rain had started coming down harder, and Koa curled up beside me with the satisfied contentment of a job well done. Looking through Anna's initial shots on her camera, I could already see that we'd captured something special, not just beautiful photographs, but genuine moments that told the story of who Koa really is.
The rhythmic clacking of the train wheels provided the perfect soundtrack for reflecting on our adventure. This wasn't just a photoshoot, it was a celebration of the bond between us, captured through Anna's talented lens on a beautifully moody day in Greenwich.
The Reel Reveal
A week later, Anna sent us the highlight reel from our session. Watching Koa in motion, seeing his personality captured in video form, added another dimension to our Greenwich adventure. The way he responded to direction, his natural camera presence, and those candid moments between shots, it all came together in a beautiful story of our day.
My Favorite Frame
Among all the incredible shots Anna captured, one stands out as my absolute favorite: a close-up where half the frame shows Koa's face and the other half shows mine. It's intimate and honest, capturing not just how we look together but how we connect. In that single image, you can see the depth of our bond, the mutual understanding, and the love that defines our relationship.
What's your favorite type of photo session with your pup? Share your experiences in the comments below!
