This portfolio is basically a love letter to the dogs in my life and the chaotic joy they bring. Inspired by Ron Schmidt’s Loose Leashes series, I created playful, character-driven composites that turn everyday pets into humorous little story moments. My goal was to keep the work light, fun, and personality-forward while building a cohesive set of images that feel like they belong to the same quirky world. Overall, this project let me imagine what life would look like if the dogs really were in charge, and honestly, they kind of are.
Seasonal Staff
Original Dog Image Nava, photographed by Megan Cluck (Charlotte, NC, 2025)
Name Tag: Photo by cottonbro studio, Pexels - https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-wearing-a-blazer-with-a-name-tag-7339621/
Christmas Background: Photo by Any Lane, Pexels - https://www.pexels.com/photo/smiling-black-woman-choosing-christmas-decorations-in-store-5728308/
Retail Counter: Photo by cottonbro studio, Pexels - https://www.pexels.com/photo/elegant-man-in-store-at-christmas-time-6127627/
Christmas Trees: Created using Adobe Photoshop Generative Fill (2025)
Boo Buddies
Original Dog Image Beau, photographed by Megan Cluck (Charlotte, NC, 2025)
Human Ghost Reference: Photo by Harrison Haines, Pexels - https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-in-ghost-costume-walking-on-foggy-road-9802272/
Spooky Forest Background: Photo by Luca Dross, Pexels - https://www.pexels.com/photo/dry-leafless-trees-in-foggy-woodland-5976404/
Background expanded using Photoshop GenAI
Keep Out Sign: Photo by Aedrian Salazar, Pexels - https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-keep-out-sign-in-a-forest-11184986/
Sheet Edge Repairs
Adobe Photoshop Generative Fill (2025)
Bloom & Zoom
Original Dog Image Remi: photographed by Megan Cluck (Charlotte, NC, 2025)
Sunflower Background: Photo by Mariana, Pexels - https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-person-holding-sunflower-3115800/
Howdy Pawsner
Original Dog Image Nava, photographed by Megan Cluck (Charlotte, NC, 2025)
Boots: Photographed by Megan Cluck (Charlotte, NC, 2025)
Cigarette: Photo by Rattanakun thongbun, Vecteezy - https://www.vecteezy.com/photo/11345398-close-up-of-smoking-cigarettes-in-hand-smoke-spread-with-a-soft-focus
Background Plate of Bones + Cup: Created using Adobe Photoshop Generative Fill (2025)
Paw-llege Graduate
Dog Body — Photo by Megan Cluck (Charlotte, NC, 2025)
Dog Head — Photo by Megan Cluck (Charlotte, NC, 2025)
Grad Cap — Photo by Megan Cluck (Charlotte, NC, 2025)
Commencement Background: Photo by UNCC Commencement Photographer - Spring 2025 Friday PM Commencement - https://www.photos.charlotte.edu/Commencement-2025-Spring/2025-Fri-pm/i-Pzv7wWZ/A
Life of the Paw-ty
Original Dog Image Nava, photographed by Megan Cluck (Charlotte, NC, 2025)
Background Balloons: Photo by Skylight Views, Pexels - https://www.pexels.com/photo/adorable-baby-birthday-celebration-with-balloons-33359532/
Cake: Photo by Bigmass Media and Printing, Pexels - https://www.pexels.com/photo/colorful-first-birthday-celebration-with-cake-35072964/
Fairy Tails
Original Dog Image Fae, photographed by Megan Cluck (Charlotte, NC, 2025)
Mushrooms: Photo by juv, Pexels - https://www.pexels.com/photo/dry-leafless-trees-in-foggy-woodland-5976404/
Background expanded with GenAI
Butterfly: Photo by Lê Đức Khánh, Pexels - https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-blue-tiger-butterfly-on-leaf-34196463/
Fairy Wings & Mushroom House Enhancements: Created using Adobe Photoshop Generative Fill (2025)
The Regal Beagle
Original Dog Image: Remi, photographed by Megan Cluck (Charlotte, NC, 2025)
Crown: Photo by Sami Aksu, Pexels - https://www.pexels.com/photo/funny-picture-of-a-cat-in-a-crown-sitting-next-to-a-candle-14356302/
Throne Chair Base Image: Photo by Michael Fried, Pexels - https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-a-woman-posing-on-a-blue-armchair-13448879/
Sheet Edges Repaired: Photoshop Generative Fill (2025)
