5 HEARTS, 8 PAWS: a family story
This is a photo story of this wonderful family, captured on Lake Lugano. Their lives are intertwined with those of these beautiful dogs: Camila and Mara.
Camila joined this family at just 3 months old, a gift from someone they loved deeply, who is no longer with us. She’s Portuguese by birth, Swiss by passport, and a diva in every sense. Confident, charming, and endlessly sociable, Camila has always carried herself like the world was made to love her. Her name had to reflect that strength and elegance and it does.
Mara came years later, as a wedding gift. We saw her online and instantly knew she was meant for us. She was born in Sicily, a bastardina doc, a dog with no pedigree, but with a heart full of sweetness and quiet strength. Her early life was difficult; the daughter of a discarded dog, she learned to survive before she learned to trust. Her name, too, carries layers of affection: she is dal MARe, MARAvigliosa and MARrone. Each nickname a piece of her, tender, playful, loving. Mara is more reserved than Camila, more sensitive to new people and busy places. But her love is deep, patient, and always feels like a quiet thank you, as if she never forgets she’s finally home.
Their personalities couldn’t be more different, yet they are truly inseparable. We’ve walked miles together, across different countries, hills and mountains, always side by side. These days, the hikes are shorter. Camila, now 13, moves a little slower. Mara, only 5, walks at her pace with loyal patience. They were both born in March, as if fate had quietly planned it. And no matter what changes, one thing remains: they are family.
Note: After 6 months from this photoshoot Camila has crossed the Rainbow Bridge, these photos will forever serve as a cherished memory for this family. That’s why I do this work: to create memories, to capture happiness, even if only for a split second.
