NBC's 1st Look Episode with Cooper and Ashley Roberts

Cooper on NBC's 1st Look with Jesse Freidin Dog Photographer

A few months ago NBC asked me to shoot an episode of 1st Look with Ashley Roberts (this season's host) and her awesome dog Cooper. I was already in Los Angeles for dog photography clients at the time, so I booked a day at my good friend's Downtown studio (at the Factory Arts Building, where my old Los Angeles dog photography studio used to be) and prepared myself for a fun and challenging day on set. 

The 1st Look crew was great, and Cooper and Ashley were a lot of fun to work with. Cooper had just spent the past day socializing with various famous dogs of Instagram, and getting groomed  by my friends at Pussy and Pooch (the best dog store in LA). So, he was a bit exhausted from all the attention — which made for a hilarious dog photography session. Most of the time, he just wanted to shut his eyes and take a nap. I don't blame him, being on TV is not easy. 

Jesse Freidin Dog Photographer

It's always good to know people in the film industry in Los Angeles, because they have access to the best props. So I had a set decorator friend of mine pull the perfect tiny armchair for Cooper's portrait. NBC said they wanted to show his funky, stylish side. And this miniature leopard print armchair could not have been more perfect. They also brought in some fake grass and a fire hydrant - which were fun to play around with as well. 

I asked Ashley to sit in with Cooper for a bit and just spend some time with him, which is what I ask my regular dog photography clients to do during every session. Ashley adores Cooper, and these images were easy to make because there was so much connection and love present. Be sure to catch the 1st Look episode TONIGHT on NBC, right after SNL!

Dog Photographer in Los Angeles Jesse Freidin