Photographing puppies are always a bit of a tenuous event for me. They’re usually incredibly high energy, running every which way makes for an incredibly hard time getting them in frame, let alone focusing a shot.

We usually get around this by running and playing  with them, taking the edge off that energy and reducing their run speed to only with-slightly-less-fervour. Sort of like wolves running down a gazelle – but with a adorable, heart-warming result.

Sam was definitely the exception to the rule. For the entire time he was in front of my camera, he was content to simply laze around on the grass. Even his favourite octopus toy could only rouse his attention for a brief moment until he submitted to simply laying beside it. According to his owners, his laziness was not a product of a long walk or intense play session: he’s like that pretty much all of the time. Luckily, his cheek-squishing-cute factor was unaffected.

Definitely can’t wait for his next shoot when he’s a bit older.