Portage Michigan Senior Pictures and Teen Photographer: Let Him Eat Cake!

As a dog mom and photographer, there's nothing quite like being able to celebrate my fur baby's birthday in style. And, since my big red standard poodle, Carlton - Carl for short - turned one last weekend, I just had to capture his birthday cake smash in my home studio!

I went searching at Paver Pet Supply on Portage Road for some cute birthday ideas, and they literally hooked me up!! I found bone shaped cake forms, pumpkin flavored doggy cake mix, a sweet bow tie, and even some peanut butter flavored Hoggin Dogs ice cream!!

On the day of the shoot, I started by whipping up Carl’s double layer cake, with pumpkin yogurt flavored frosting, and added a few dog treats and a diy pom pom ‘candle’ on top for an extra special touch. I also made him a matching birthday hat with another pom pom on top.

Next, I set up my home studio with his new cow print dog bed - also from Paver, my coffee table and a sweet new chair that I had gotten for my studio. I made sure to have a variety of snacks on hand, but Carl's favorite was definitely the ice cream!

As the shoot began, Carl was full of energy and excitement. He was thrilled to be the center of attention and loved chowing down on his special birthday cake. I snapped photos of him from every angle, capturing all of his adorable expressions and playful antics. My favorites were some of the close-up shots of his big, round eyes and ice cream covered nose!

I am constantly amazed by how much love and joy this furry, long-legged little guy brings into our lives. Watching him grow and learn over the past year has been such a special experience, and I can't wait to see all of the exciting things he will discover in the coming year. Here's to many more happy birthdays and adventures with our dear sweet Carl! Happy First Birthday to you Carlton Lassiter Finstrom!