Ten years ago, the year my daughter was born, I walked into Harmony Animal Hospital in Jupiter with my camera for the first time. I had no idea it would become one of my favorite traditions. Every year since then, I come back to photograph holiday portraits for their clients, their team and some very special four legged officers.
For me, this is a way of giving back to a community that has given me so much. Harmony has cared for pets in Jupiter since 1981, and I am honored that they trust me with their families every holiday season.
A holiday tradition for pets and their people
Every year, Harmony clients bring their dogs, their cats, sometimes dogs and cats together, and often their kids or themselves too. Some families dress up in their best festive outfits. Others come in matching pajamas with their pets, and I love that just as much. There is so much joy in the room on those days.
I bring six to eight different backgrounds so every family can choose what feels like them. There is an indoor Christmas set with the tree and warm lights, and an outdoor winter scene that is beautiful for Hanukkah or for families who want something more neutral for the season. Everyone leaves with a portrait that feels personal, not just a holiday snapshot.
Christmas Picture Day 2026: Thursday, November 19
This year's Christmas Picture Day at Harmony Animal Hospital is on Thursday, November 19, 2026. I will bring festive backgrounds and props, and there are several package options to choose from. Come dressed and ready for photos, whether that means a little bow tie, a holiday sweater or matching pajamas for the whole family.
Appointments are limited and they go fast, so call Harmony directly at (561) 746-5501 to reserve your spot.
Where: Harmony Animal Hospital, 1401 W Indiantown Rd, Jupiter, FL 33458
When: Thursday, November 19, 2026, by appointment only
Reserve: call Harmony at (561) 746-5501 or visit petvets.com
Portraits by: Vasi Studio, pet photographer in Palm Beach Gardens, vasistudio.com
Photographing the Harmony family, from bunnies to bearded dragons
Harmony has a lovely policy for their team. After a staff member has been with the hospital for a certain time, I photograph their pet, and the portrait goes up on a big wall in the hospital. Walking past that wall is like walking through a little zoo of love.
Because Harmony cares for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and pocket pets, that wall is full of surprises. Over the years I have photographed bunnies, birds, a bearded dragon, a porcupine, a snake, and of course many dogs and cats. I have even photographed fish in their tanks. Exotic animal photography takes patience and a gentle approach, and every animal teaches me something new.
The K9 units: the part I am most proud of
What I am most proud of is photographing the police K9 dogs. Over the past ten years, I have photographed K9 units from the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department, the Jupiter Police Department and the Tequesta Police Department, from German Shepherds to other working breeds.
These sessions are very different from a regular pet portrait. A police dog is always on the job, even in front of my camera. The handler is the only person who talks to the dog, so there is no one cheering or calling his name from behind me. I have to be very careful with how I move and every sound I make. It is quiet, focused work, and when I get that strong, proud portrait, it is a special feeling.
These are quick phone snapshots I took of the K9 wall at Harmony. Each officer gets a canvas portrait and a name plaque with their department, and every year I add the newest member of the team.
Many of the K9 dogs I photographed in the early years have now retired, and I keep photographing the new ones as they join the force. A few years ago, I also started photographing K9 dogs for the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department directly.
A full circle moment
Not long ago, my daughter's school had a field trip to the fire department and the police department. During the K9 demonstration, the dog working in front of all the children was one I had photographed. My daughter was born the year this tradition started, and there she was, watching that dog do his job. For me, that was a beautiful full circle moment.
Thank you, Harmony Animal Hospital
Thank you to the whole team at Harmony Animal Hospital for ten wonderful years, and to the officers and their K9 partners who keep Jupiter, Tequesta and Palm Beach Gardens safe. It is truly an honor to photograph your families.
Harmony Animal Hospital, 1401 W Indiantown Rd, Jupiter, FL 33458, (561) 746-5501, petvets.com
Book your holiday pet portrait
To book Christmas Picture Day at Harmony on November 19, please call Harmony at (561) 746-5501.
If you would love a holiday portrait in my studio with your dog, cat, bunny, bird or any other family member with fur, feathers or scales, I would love to hear from you. I photograph pets, families and business portraits in my studio in Palm Beach Gardens and around Jupiter, Palm Beach and Juno Beach.
Call me at (561) 307-9875. I always love a personal conversation before your session.
Christmas Picture Day and the K9 wall at Harmony
