Paws-Worthy Presents
By Erin Paullus
’Tis the season for bundling up in chilly 65 degree weather, sipping Peppermint Lattes and most of all, giving gifts. But what is the perfect gift for a pet lover? One great option is a portrait session at Pets and People Photography in Studio City. Nestled into a cozy bungalow on trendy Ventura Boulevard, photographer Joshua Grenrock has been capturing animals and their owners on film for over a decade. “A sweater will go out of fashion, but a good photo lasts forever,” explains Grenrock. “You walk by the picture and each time it will elicit an emotional response.”
The walls of his lobby are adorned with refined black and white portraits of dogs, ducks, and everything in between accompanied by their (occasionally famous) owners. Grenrock prefers the subtleties and sophistication of black and white to color photography, but leaves the choice up to the owners. He believes that for his clients, pets are members of the family and prefers to photograph people on the pet’s terms; meaning you’ll never see a person standing over their beloved companion as master, but instead pets and people are cuddled on the floor together.
Pets and People Photography has mastered the art of snapping soulful shots of animals and Grenrock claims that most sessions take only about 15 minutes. He suggests that owners avoid bringing treats or toys, as they often distract the animal and prevent the animal from connecting with the lens. For owners concerned about Fluffy’s flyaways, Grenrock believes that a good brushing can fix any appearance issues, so bring along a comb just in case.
A basic sitting with up to two pets is $115; a price that hasn’t changed in over 10 years. For the holiday season, owners can turn their favorite photos into holiday cards or send wallet sized prints out to family and friends. The studio is open Monday through Saturday 10am to 4pm and appointments should be made several days in advance, especially during the busy holiday season. The possibilities are endless at Pets and People Photography, and so are the memories that can be created with a single roll of film, a little patience, and an open heart.
For more information, visit www.petsandpeoplephoto.com or call (818) 763-1101.