GREENFIELD — With her tongue hanging to the side and a little slobber rolling out of her mouth, Apple walked from person to person. The dog was introducing herself.
Apple, 13, a pit bull/cattle dog mix, was getting ready for a photography session.
Her owner, Donis Inman, brought the dog to Bullshotz Pet Photography, 745 N. State St., Greenfield, to capture a keepsake photo. Inman planned to give the picture to her husband on Father’s Day.
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Click here to purchase photos from this galleryApple and her human dad, Kim Inman, are particularly close and love to spend time outside on long walks.
“I swear he would pick Apple over me in a minute,” Inman said with a laugh. “We’ve had her for about 10 years now and just love her so much.”
Bullshotz Pet Photography is a new business designed to help pet lovers capture special moments with their furry friends.
Donnie Gilpin, 61, of New Palestine, opened the business this past spring.
He and his wife, Debbie, have been married for more than 40 years and have owned and rescued dozens of dogs. Through the years, Gilpin has captured hundreds of photos and acknowledged how much the couple cherishes the keepsakes.
The goal with the business is to capture great moments for other pet lovers, he said.
“I’ve always wanted to have this kind of business,” Gilpin said.
Before opening the photography shop, Gilpin used to take pictures of his own animals and occasionally visit other people’s homes for photos, but it wasn’t a full-fledged business.
In the Bullshotz Pet Photography studio, the animals are placed in front of specialized backdrop screens and photographed with professional lighting.
Gilpin likes to get to know the animals before taking their photo by first talking with the owner several days in advance. He then designs a specialized backdrop showcasing the animal’s personality.
Gilpin’s wife is part of the process, too. She helps the animal get comfortable and relaxed while Gilpin waits for the right moment to capture the right picture.
“She sets them up and I wait for just the right second,” Gilpin said. “Sometimes it takes a while.”
Opening the business and taking professional pet photos is the icing on top of the cake when it comes to fulfilling Gilpin’s life long passions, his wife said.
“He loves photography and he loves animals, so this is a nice marriage of the two,” she said.
The couple loves working together to capture the perfect moment for pet owners because they know how much their animals have meant to them.
The couple has dozens of pictures, taken by Gilpin, hanging on the walls of the photography studio.
One of Gilpin’s favorites is one he snapped back in 2006 at home of their three bulldog pups who had their heads buried deep into the refrigerator.
Gilpin calls the photo, “midnight snack.”
The picture helped him confirm how much he loves taking animal photos and helped plant the seed for him to someday open up an animal photography business.
Inman knows with Apple’s age — 13 years old — the family may not have too much more time with the dog and wanted to have a special photo.
“She means so much to us,” Inman said.
For more on pricing and appointments on Bullshotz Pet Photography email Gilpin at [email protected] or visit Bullshotz Pet Photography on Facebook.
