Puppy love caught on camera at Utica store – Macomb Daily

Photographer Judy Orilla helps Ellie, a 12-year-old Weimaraner, take Valentine's Day photos at Magoo's Pet Outlet in Utica on Saturday. (Photo by Susan Smiley)

Photographer Judy Orilla says photographing dogs presents similar challenges to photographing young children.

“Sometimes it can be difficult to keep their attention focused on what you're trying to get them to do,” Orilla says.

She was at Magoo's Pet Outlet in Utica on Saturday afternoon to create Valentine's Day portraits of people and their pets. Using a variety of Valentine's day backdrops and props, including a kissing booth and a small white bench decorated with hearts, Olila posed dogs of all sizes and breeds to create photos their owners would cherish.

“Pet portraits are popular because pets are special to all of us. We treat them like our own children,” Olila said. “Many of my customers come back year after year because I think people like documenting the history of their pets.”

Olila has been a professional photographer for over 20 years. She has been photographing her family, babies, special events, and for the past few years pets.

“A few years ago, a friend of mine who runs a kennel asked me if I wanted to come here and do a photo event, so I went right away,” Ollila said. “I've been traveling around the state and will be returning to Utica in March to take Easter-themed photos.”