Imagine explaining Pug Prom to someone who's never been: about 50 off-leash pugs zooming around in full outfits, their humans dressed for the occasion, snacks, prizes, a dance competition, and a truly impressive amount of fun and chaos.


Honestly, it was even better than it sounds.


In May I had the joy of being behind the camera for this year's Pug Prom, Bay Area Pug Project's annual fundraiser, held this year at Danville Grange in the East Bay. As a dog photographer serving the East Bay and San Francisco, event days like this are some of my favorites, chaotic in the best possible way, and always full of surprises.


The Fashion Did Not Disappoint


Princess Fiona took home the crown (and raised the most money for the cause), but there were some very strong contenders on the fashion front too.


Apparently, I Was the Snack Station


Here's the part nobody warned me about: somehow, my corner of the venue became the unofficial off-leash pug gathering spot. Snacks? My general vibe? Nobody knows. But every single time I knelt down to get a shot, I'd end up with at least one pug climbing directly into frame, sometimes onto me. If you ever wondered what it's like photographing 50 pugs at once, the honest answer is: several of them will simply decide you're part of the furniture.


More Than the Outfits


But honestly, the best part wasn't the outfits, excellent as they were. What stood out most was the connection between people and their dogs, the same thing I chase in every dog photography session I do, pug prom or not.


All that pug-fueled chaos raised a remarkable amount of money for Bay Area Pug Project and the dogs they help. Huge thank you to them for putting together something this special, already looking forward to next year.


You can see more from the day here 🤍 and if you're local and thinking about adding a pug to your family, or just want to support the cause, check out Bay Area Pug Project. And if you're curious what a session with a photographer who's used to chaos, zoomies, and dogs who refuse to listen looks like, here's how sessions work.

Smiling woman in pink tutu and tiara hugging her pug dressed in pink ruffles against sparkly backdrop.
Two women in formal gowns place a crown on a dressed-up pug dog at the first annual pug prom.
Couple in formal attire smiling with a pug dog wearing a tuxedo in front of a shiny backdrop. At the first annual pug prom.