A photographer who offered free portraits for any neighbors who came by was given a sweet surprise when her retired neighbor showed up and asked for his beloved rescue dog to be photographed.
Jasmin Smith, 28, from Austin, Texas, is a supporter of building her local community, so she planned the session in a nearby green space, not knowing the sweet surprise that was going to play out next.
Retiree Victor showed up with his and his wife Holly’s dog, Molly, and asked Jasmin to photograph her.
During the shoot, which took place on April 26, Jasmin also learned the wholesome story behind Molly’s adoption – which was one that had a photograph at its core.
Following a freeze in Texas in February 2021, Molly and her brother were taken into care after being left outside and nearly dying.
Victor and Holly applied to adopt Molly through the rescue center’s website, and over the weeks that followed, checked the site and the photo of Molly “hundreds of times” in the hope of being successful.
Having received the good news, Holly was also told by rescue center staff they could see the website stats and were amazed at how many times she had checked out the photo of the pooch, falling in love with Molly and hoping she would one day be hers.
Fast forward four years, and as Jasmin had set up for one of her community photo shoots, Victor walked over with Molly and asked Jasmin if she could instead take a series of shots of his dog.
The owner then proudly watched as Molly sat on a chair for the shoot, which Jasmin also captured on video and later shared on social media where the wholesome post quickly went viral.
Jasmin said: “I’m big about building community and have been trying to focus on growing my photography business lately.
“I had a few community members show up, including Molly and Victor who were walking by.
“Victor asked for a portrait for Molly and was so proud of her getting a picture.
“That was almost our entire interaction.
“We were just chatting and trying to get Molly to sit still for a moment – she was not a fan of the chair but kept looking to her dad for approval.
“Victor let me know after that both of his parents were photographers, and he was excited to see how Molly’s portrait came out.
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“Truthfully, I was excited to meet more of the community and happy that someone had taken me up on the offer.
“Since I’m a younger Latina in an older community, I understand that sometimes it can be confusing as to why a new person is playing music and taking photos in the open community lot.
“So, I was excited to meet folks and begin building those relationships.
“With Molly and Victor, you can tell that they are besties.
“Victor loves that pup so much, and other neighbors were quick to help me find him after I finished the photos because everyone sees him on his daily walks with Molly.”
