In the heart of central Missouri, Junebug Photography has carved out a joyful niche — transforming beloved pets into timeless works of art. Specializing in studio and on-site pet portraiture, the studio is the creative venture of co-owners Trischa Splitter and Austin Johnson. Their mission is simple: to capture the personalities, quirks, and soul-deep connections that make animals an irreplaceable part of our lives.
The idea behind Junebug Photography began with a conversation. A friend encouraged Splitter, then a longtime photographer, to consider merging her love for animals with her passion for being behind the lens. What started as casual photo sessions in her home studio soon evolved into a full-fledged business. The concept gained momentum quickly after she met Johnson, a photojournalist and fellow animal lover, during the True/False Film Fest. The two discovered a shared vision and decided to team up, creating a photography studio focused entirely on pets.
The business draws its name and spirit from Junebug, a spirited rescue dog chosen by Splitter’s late father. Junebug, now the studio’s namesake and official mascot, represents the heart behind the venture: a deep reverence for animals and the joy they bring daily.
At Junebug Photography, sessions are tailored to accommodate pets of all kinds and temperaments. Offerings range from 30-minute mini-sessions — ideal for solo pets — to full sessions featuring multiple backdrops and group shots. The studio also provides in-home and mobile sessions for animals who may feel more at ease in familiar surroundings. Since last August, their lenses have captured everything from dogs and cats to rabbits, rats, and reptiles.
Haydan Farnen came to Junebug to capture memories of her dog Queenie, hoping to document her life through every stage. What she received was far greater.
“From the moment we arrived, Queenie was treated like royalty,” Farnen recalls. “But the real magic was when they captured her looking at me with complete trust and love. That photo made me cry. It was everything I hoped for and more.”
Though both co-owners bring photography expertise to the table, their backgrounds are notably different. Splitter entered the professional photography world 15 years ago, beginning as an assistant and working her way up through family and lifestyle photography. Johnson, by contrast, started shooting in 2019 while attending the University of Oregon’s journalism school. His transition to pet portraits required new skills and techniques, but the duo quickly found their rhythm.
Despite the highly controlled setting of studio photography, pets bring an inevitable element of unpredictability. Sessions often require equal parts technical skill and patience. One particularly memorable client was Dunkin, a three-legged dog with boundless energy. Far from a traditional portrait session, Dunkin’s visit became a lively, laughter-filled experience — and the resulting images captured his animated spirit perfectly.
Junebug’s attention to detail and emotional storytelling have resonated with clients. Many return for repeat sessions, whether to document different life stages, add new pets to the family portrait gallery, or participate in creative projects like themed pet calendars. These specialty projects are a favorite at the studio, offering clients an opportunity to express their pets’ personalities in imaginative, humorous, and often endearing ways.
Beyond client work, Junebug Photography maintains a strong commitment to animal welfare. The studio partners with Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue, providing high-quality portraits of adoptable dogs to boost their chances of finding forever homes. In the digital age, a compelling photograph can be the deciding factor in whether an animal gets noticed.
By offering vibrant, personality-driven images, Junebug plays a critical role in the rescue’s adoption process.
Melody Whitworth, director of Unchained Melodies, has worked closely with the Junebug team and praises the impact their photos have made.
“Their portraits — full of color and personality — truly help dogs get adopted,” she says “People connect with the images before they even meet the dog.”
The experience Junebug provides goes beyond a simple photo session. Clients are invited back to the studio for a gallery review, where they select images and explore options for prints and wall art. Each step of the process is designed to celebrate the unique relationship between pet and owner, while offering keepsakes that last a lifetime.
Whether it’s a playful puppy, a regal senior cat, or a quirky reptile, Junebug Photography approaches every subject with patience, creativity, and a deep respect for the bond between humans and their pets. For behind-the-scenes moments, pet portraits, and adoption success stories, follow Junebug on social media.
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