It all started a couple weeks ago when we received a call from Dee in the UK, asking if we photograph ‘family portraits with pets’. We answered with a resounding YES but little did we know, the ‘pets’ were actually 6 spider monkeys. I came in and met with the director and producer on a Sunday for them to check out the studio (which, by the way, they loved our new shabby chic look!). Then the following Thursday, Mary Lynn came in for her portrait session with the monkeys, and our UK friends came in filming for the show.

There was laughter, upset tummies, headaches, window watching and even a few tears… then Heather and I decided to just suck it up and be brave for our film debut!

It seems in the UK, people love monkeys and want to own them, however, it is very difficult to do so. This is a documentary highlighting American families who have monkeys and have made them a part of their families. Mary Lynn, owner of Sunshine Monkey Shine, has been in Knoxville for many years and does monkey shows at birthday parties, churches, school shows and special events. In fact, she did a show at my house nine years ago for my daughter, Jenessa’s 12th birthday. The kids loved it!

I have to say that I have photographed cats, dogs, horses, bunnies, snakes, and even an iguana in my past, but this was the first time I have ever photographed monkeys. Pretty tricky but, lol, good thing I’m a professional!