i got the shot photography

Keeping Pets Safe on the Fourth of July

6/24/2022

It's right around the corner.

The great celebration of our nation's independence, filled by wonderful firework displays scheduled for many sanctioned locations. Good food, good times, good friends, family visits and gatherings.

But, for some of us pet owners, who have little furry bodies that fear loud noises (or even new people), planning for the 4th of July does not only include buying local corn and making fried chicken.

I am a pet owner that has both a dog and a cat that fear loud noises in close proximity (or that sound like they are in close proximity). Cats are not normally in this category, so our Matty breaks that mold wide open. He prefers to be alone in a quiet place during thunderstorms. He will either be under the bed or have slipped through the cat door into the basement where he hides for quite a bit of time (sometimes a whole day) until things settle down. The more severe the storm, the longer he hides.

Our dog Lilah, and English Setter, has been afraid of loud noises since she was a tiny puppy. Although our property borders a sportsmans club, the gun shots we hear from the range are far enough away that they do not bother Lilah on a daily basis. They also don't shake the ground, like rolling thunder does in particularly bad storms.

Noise Anxiety is a very real thing. For a GREAT ARTICLE on noise anxiety, CLICK HERE.

Safety Tips for Dogs with Noise Anxiety

Following are some tips for dealing with anxieties that center around fireworks and the 4th of July, as well as fears surrounding loud noises in general.

1. Don't take a pet with you to firework displays.

By all means, go out and enjoy the displays at local area celebration sites, but don't take your pet. Even dogs who are totally sensitized and good with loud noises, can suddenly become fearful of a number of things that TOGETHER cause enough anxiety to cause bolting or other fear reactions. I have never understood people who insist on bringing their dogs to fireworks displays.

2. Create a safe haven spot for your fearful pet.

Whether it's a blanket-draped crate or access to areas in the house your pet considers safe, by giving them control over where they want to go, is a step to helping them to feel safer. During thunderstorms, or when closer neighbors insist on shooting off fireworks, Lilah needs to be on either my, or my husband's lap, or in very close proximity to us (like hiding under a desk while we work, so we can touch her occasionally for reassurance).

3. Watch for signs of anxiety overload.

Obvious shaking, pacing, panting and whining activity, are key indicators your dog is stressed. Remove your dog from stress-point activities. Take your dog for a walk early in the day on the fourth, to avoid possible interaction with loud nightly activities. Never tie your dog outside (I am not a fan of this at any time, by the way) if you know fireworks will be set off in your neighborhood. Never even leave your pet alone in a fenced-in yard during such times.

4. Make Sure Identification is Up to Date

Always make sure that your dog's ID tags, licensing and any medical alerts are up to date and placed safely on your dog. We use both a collar and harness system here. Our identification information (license, rabies tag, name/phone number contact tag) is on the neck collar, which is secured so it cannot slip over the dog's head. Our leash is always attached to the harness. For our deaf dogs (we have two), their name tag has a large print I AM DEAF on the reverse side. When our cat Gus was alive, his name tag read DIABETIC on the reverse. Our dog Danny has FEARFUL DOG on the reverse of his name tag. Any major health-related issues should be placed somewhere as identifiers on your dog.

5. Time Alone from Gatherings

If you are having a gathering or party and even if your dog enjoys company, be sure to still offer them time alone or away from the crowd. They will let you know if they want to come back into the fold.

6. Speak to Your Veterinarian

When things escalate enough that you find it hard to keep your dog calm during noise anxiety moments, be sure to speak to your veterinarian about treatment possibilities. We do have a course of calming medications for Lilah, but as long as we are here, with a lap or quiet space to offer and guard, she does make it through without the use of medication.

Personally, we are always sure to be at home on the 4th (we can attend other fireworks displays on other dates surrounding the 4th, but the 4th is the most active day in our area) and we watch our weather predictions carefully for storms and make sure we are home, for Lilah, on those days as well.

Dogs are individuals. Some can be desensitized to loud noise, while nothing seems to work for others. Let's keep their individual needs in mind as we move forward to celebrate another July 4th!

Click Into the Circle

I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic, start here with Houston Pet Photographer, Kelly Russo, as she shares some tips for keeping your pup happy and safe during the Fourth of July festivities.

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer.

Have a great weekend. Celebrate your 4th safely!

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Meet a Working Border Collie

6/17/2022

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Fathers Day is coming up this weekend, and it always reminds me of the days we used to head over to Sheepy Hollow's Stock Dog Trials, which featured champion Border Collies from all over the U.S. and Canada.

The fields at Sheepy Hollow Farm, in Hop Bottom, PA (yes, that was the name of the farm) became a colony of glampers, with RVs that often reminded me of small apartments in San Francisco, as they were outfitted with so many amenities. The folks who populated these trials set major portions of their lives aside to travel to dog trials all over the country, and not just Sheepy Hollow It was RVs and dogs as far as the eye can see.

A Little Bit of History

"North of Tunkhannock, tucked between the rolling hills of Susquehanna County is the small town of Hop Bottom, PA. It’s the kind of one-stop-sign town that normally doesn’t draw a second look from people passing through. But once a year the community comes alive for a really unique event, the Pennsylvania Stock Dog Trials. Held since 1892 in the same place – Sheepy Hollow farm – this stock dog time trial is one of the oldest such competitions in the county and its the epitome of the bond between canine and man." ~Bill desRosiers

During a typical stock dog trial competition, handlers must control a flock of sheep vicariously through a stock dog, usually a Border Collie. Different vocal calls are used to manipulate the dog and ultimately maneuver the flock of sheep across a long field and around obstacles. The competition is an amazing display of trust and intelligence – displayed by both handler and canine. Scoring is out of one hundred but judges are critical of every move, deducting points for losing control of the dog, the sheep or missing obstacles throughout the course.

In 2013, when I took the photos above, there were almost 300 handlers, and nearly 1000 people visited the site to watch the trials over the course of three days. I remember the food was always great, and there were plenty of fresh baked goods.

Below is a quick clip of what it is like to watch trials, coming from Soldier Hollow in Midway, Utah. The Sheepy Hollow Trials, no longer exist. I miss them. It was such a great thing to have, literally, in my back yard.

Border Collie Ownership

We became dog parents of a Border Collie in May of 2009. Our deaf Border Collie, Piper, joined us as a rescue from Glen Highland Farm, then located in New York, now in Virginia. I wrote about Piper, and the other dogs that live with us, in a previous blog post. If you want to meet Piper again, CLICK HERE.

Border Collies (BCs) have a focus like no other dog we have ever owned. They require a job, lots of exercise, and can be a little OCD at times.

But I credit Piper with my ability to understand the breed and photograph it better, especially when an owner wants natural, working-dog scenarios, and not typically posed or studio photos.

Meet Tinker

Tinker is a farm dog. He is quite a bit older now (close to 13), but still as focused and ready for action as any young BC. You can see his keen eye and typical BC stare in the photo below. The crouch is instinctual in the breed, as they will move low to the ground for more stealth while working.

When Tinker and Piper were younger, they used to play together occasionally. Border Collies have a different way of playing, and really do appreciate a member of their same breed when it comes to play dates.

Tinker loves to play with sticks and balls, but our Piper does not like to play with toys at all. He prefers to watch our cats and follow them around. As I mentioned, they need a job.

Tinker is a smooth-coated BC. His coat is thick and lovely. In the photo above, I had his owner use a large stick to grab Tinker's attention, and as he waited for the stick to be thrown, he took the crouch position in anticipation of the game. It was an opportune time to snap the photo.

Border Collie eyes are usually small and dark in color. This has to be taken into account when photographing a BC subject.

The light was really perfect for the photograph above, and even though we are shooting in the opulent greenery of Spring, I used some poetic license with the trees in the background and added some paintbox colors to better separate Tinker's dark coat from the background. This is the photo Tinker's Dad now has on his wall.

Border Collies originated in Scotland. The word "collie" means sheepdog. They have strength, stamina, intelligence, and a great work ethic. They also have an impervious coat, which protects them in all sorts of weather.

Border Collies have a lifespan of 10 to 17 years. They can weigh up to 45 pounds and their height is usually somewhere around 22 inches at the shoulder.

They are one of the smartest breeds I have encountered in my years of owning, and now photographing, dogs.

Click Into the Circle

I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic, start here with Dallas dog photographer Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography, as she shares a beautiful location for pet portraits, the Rose Garden of Farmers Branch where she recently met an adorable senior Labrador Retriever named Scooby. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer.

Happy Father's Day to all the dog and skin-kid Dads out there! Enjoy your weekend!

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Decoy Retrieval - Just Add Water

5/27/2022

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There's nothing quite like a bright, sunny day and a happy dog doing his job and enjoying life.

A while back, I had the opportunity to watch a few champion retrievers at work, and to learn about the training that goes into waterfowl retrieval.

LEAVE THE DECOY - BRING BACK THE DOWNED BIRD

I realize that the subject of "downed birds" might be a problem. This discussion will show no photos of downed birds, but will simply discuss a few aspects of training a dog to be a hunting partner.

I grew up in a hunting family. My grandfather, uncles, and father, were all hunters. They were not trophy hunters. Any hunting in my family always resulted in a viable meat source. Turkey and/or pheasant were often served at Thanksgiving.

Having owned a Chocolate Lab at one point in our lives, I know the instinct is strong to "bring things home." Our Ike would often appear in our yard with tidbits he found in the woods near our house, some of which I would run screaming from.

So, when invited to a weekend event which included watching retrievers do their thing, I was excited to learn the process.

Decoys and "calls" are a part of hunting. It is important the dog is trained to leave the decoys alone and bring back the bird.

This Cabela's video, of a dog's first-time experience with decoys will explain.

Obviously, this good boy, caught on quickly, most likely because he had been taught to retrieve on dry land first, then using the same bumpers, moved to water retrieval.

TEACH STRAIGHT LINES

Retrievers are also taught to retrieve in a straight line--leave shore, get the downed bird, return to shore--all in a sort of shortest-distance-between-two-points approach. The straightest paths are the best paths. Here's a quick article from Ducks Unlimited that talks about why this is so important.

The very best thing to do, if you are unfamiliar with bird retrieval training, is to work with a reputable trainer, so that your dog is started correctly, and doesn't have a chance to build up habits that would hinder, rather than help, the process.

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN SEARCHING FOR A REPUTABLE TRAINER

1. What education and training does the trainer have?
2. Are they certified, accredited, or a member of a certified/accredited organization?
3. What training methods do they use?
4. Do they have any client testimonials or reviews that you can look over?

While there are more, I'm sure, these at least can get the conversation rolling to the point where you can gauge your feel for the person.

Thanks to Bridget Bodine and Charles Jindracek, I was able to see positively-reinforced retriever training in action with their black labs, Crosby and Frazier. They are now located in Tennessee, and Bridget has started her own business Versatile Dog Training. Click on the name to view her Facebook page.

Click Into the Circle

I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic, start here with Seattle dog photographer, Holly Cook, as she explains what it takes for your dog to be a Salty Dog. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer.

Have a great weekend. Enjoy!

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The Calming Quiet Times

5/20/2022

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Everyone needs a break now and then.

In my break from photo sessions, print competition preparation, and other work-related daily activity, I often like to spend time with my own pets doing things we love to do. There are grooming sessions, play-in-the-back-yard activities, walks, and other adventures we like to do together, or we simply relax on the back patio.

Playtime with Lilah and her hedgehog in the back yard.

Billie spending time in a favorite spot in our yard.

Mental Health Breaks - Pets Are Key

Pets are good for our mental health. It has been proven, through many scholarly studies, that pets afford us many positive things. Here is a list of them:

physical activity
companionship
reduce anxiety
boost confidence (especially in children)
help you to meet new people
add good structure to your everyday life

It has also been proven, that pets were instrumental in helping individuals through the anxiety and intensity of lock downs during COVID-19 year 2020. Click HERE for a great article that covers why pets are good for us. It's what I used to research the subject.

I have always valued my pets for supporting me through both tough and happy times. And I even forgive them when no one agrees to look at the camera!

LtoR: Moe, Bethy, Billie, Danny, Burton refusing to look at the camera.

Time to Experiment

I often use down time to try new things and experiment with new photography equipment acquisitions.

I recently purchased a Lens Baby, and have only had a minimal amount of time to play around with it and learn the secrets of what it can do. I took a Lens Baby class from a foremost user, but just need to set aside the time to put what I learned into practice.

I can guarantee I will be asking my pets for their assistance in helping me through the learning process. Here's a quick photo of Talley I did with the Lens Baby Sweet 35.

Talley, herself, keeps me active, motivated, and serene. She is always willing to help out and has become a great model for many things I try.

With six dogs, I always try to make time for each one, as they give so much of their time to me.

Click Into the Circle

I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic "Serenity", start here with Nicole Hrustyk of Pawtraits by Nicole in Las Vegas, Nevada, as she shares what brings her zen. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer.

We have a very warm weekend coming up, and I plan to spend some of it having fun with our pets! Have a great weekend everyone!

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Develop an Eye for Framing

5/6/2022

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This week's blog circle topic is "frames," and I have decided to talk a little bit about how to find good framing opportunities in nature, helping you to grab better pet photos.

I'm not just talking about camera photos, but also cell use.

I decided to scope out my own backyard with our hardest-to-photograph dog, Billie. Right now our landscape is fraught with downed ash trees and branches that need to be cleared out. High wind and ice storms did a number on a large quantity this past winter.

Nevertheless, if you think about three things when searching for an optimum framing element, you should be able to improve your photos of your pet.

3 Things to Think About When Looking to Frame Your Pet

1. Find Something Interesting or Colorful

A springtime landscape will often afford you the ability to find flowering bushes, trees or gardens of early spring blooms (like daffodils or tulips). Framing your pet amid the blooms is a great way to make a ho-hum photo more exciting!

I placed Billie on a large garden bench so she would sit up into the higher branches of our Magnolia bush. I also opened up my lens to add a dreamy/creamy look to the magnolias.

I think the pink suits her. What do you think?

2. Anchor the Subject Between Two Similar Objects

Talley was a little verklempt that I was asking Billie to pose, and not her. Talley knows that treats are involved (see that tiny bit of drool in the corner of her mouth camera left?) so she is typically a very willing subject.

These two tree groupings grow on an island in our yard. The key is to find the right angle in the frame up, and to use a lens setting that will blur out a distracting background. When you are working toward finding the right angle, be sure to pick the one that has the least amount of distracting objects.

Because the two tree groupings are "similar items," they do a nice job of framing Talley in between, keeping the look consistent.

I chose a different set of trees outside of our main yard for Billie. She is a smaller dog and needed some trees that were closer together, as she might get lost in too big a space between objects. Billie is at her scruffiest right now. She is due at the groomer's next week, but I kind of like photographing her when she is very scruffy.

Some other common similar objects you can find in nature are: large rocks, foot paths, clumps of high grasses, round hay bales, pond reeds...there are just a multitude of things you can find and use when you are out and about.

Look for openings that complement, rather than detract from, the size of your pet.

3. When You Can't Avoid Background Distractions, Use a Common Theme

Our grandkids climbing equipment served as a way to immerse Billie in common colors and objects, plus place her between two like objects (the green handles). While there are things going on behind her in the background, because of the common theme, your eye will go to Billie.

She loved it up on the play equipment, because it was a great vantage point to spot squirrels.

Armed with these three suggestions, I challenge you to go out and "frame" your pet. The more you practice, the faster your eye will find great spots in the future.

Click Into the Circle

I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic, start here with Dallas - Fort Worth pet photographer Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography, as she tells the story of your dog or cat with one-of-a-kind story prints that allow you to display multiple pictures from your pet's photo shoot. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer.

Happy Mother's Day to all the skin and fur-kid moms out there! Have a fantastic weekend!

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Is It Spring Yet?

4/22/2022

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I have to imagine that Northeastern PA black bears are laying in their dens asking this same question. Those of us who live in the Endless Mountains were treated to anywhere from 4.5 inches to 14 inches of snow this past week (many people still do not have power in my region), thanks to some cruel, late April fool's joke cast on us by Mother Nature.

And, just like those bears, I have been lazy and slacking in keeping everyone up to date on happenings in and around the studio. Hopefully, I can fix all that in this one blog post, play catch up, and move back into my regularly scheduled programming.

Technology Break

Everyone needs a break from technology now and then, so I took a week to chill out WITHOUT looking at an editing screen. This of course, was in preparation for a month-long, daily routine of working on print competition images, and attending various continuing education conferencing. There was even a speaking engagement thrown in that mix.

During that time, I have not been blogging, as I just could not put another thing on the schedule. Plus, there is the client thing.....ya know.

So, here without further ado, are the sure signs of Spring for me, even if Mother Nature isn't cooperating.

5 Signs of Spring in the Endless Mountains

1. Conferencing and Print Competition

Yep, that's me speaking at the NPPPA Winter Conference in March.

I was happy to talk about all things PET PHOTOGRAPHY at NPPPA's Winter Conference held in March. I am never at a loss for words about this happy life revolving around pets and their people. I have received great feedback on the presentation, and will be doing it again for the Finger Lakes Professional Photographers monthly meeting in May.

Also at the NPPPA conference:

I attended the Professional Photographers of PA's Inspire Conference in earlier in March, where I had two blue ribbon images (merited) and received an award for Best Wildlife Image. The wildlife image is now being moved onward to Professional Photographers of America's District Competition, after being reworked a bit per judges' suggestions.

In April, I participated in the Animal Image Makers print competition (virtually) and came away with three images which merited.

I am now submitting to PPA's District competition in two categories: Photographic Open and (for the first time ever) Artist (because I like to work outside my comfort zone). Judging is in mid-May, and none of the images can be shared until September, after International competition. If I am lucky, maybe some of my images will make it that far.

2. Geese

A big sign of Spring in my area is the return of all the geese at various nesting ponds. I always keep a watch for the same couple which arrive every year at a pond not too far from where I live. This year, I think they had no idea what they bargained for, and may postpone next year's arrival a bit due to snow conditions.

Goose preening on bank of local pond.

3. Harry the Cat

Our cat Harry is a sure sign of Spring. As the days get warmer and the sun sets later, he can be found sitting on our rock walls staring intently at some location where I am sure he has seen a field mouse or chipmunk (I am often rescuing these two animals). All the other bad weather days, Harry is asleep on a dog bed, with or without a dog. He honestly is not angry in this photo. The sun was in his eyes a bit when I took the picture, and he was bothered that I interrupted his steely gaze at a certain location.

Harry the orange cat sits on a rock wall watching for critters.

4. The Finch Family Returns

Not only does the Finch Family return, but they invite and bring all their friends to crash the feeder parties, which are held long into the early evening hours.

We get to see many different varieties of finches (I especially love the purple and house finches), but the golden finches are in abundance. Every once in a while, one of them cooperates and let's me get close enough for a photo opportunity. Most of them are used to me, just not my camera.

American Goldfinch sitting on a branch.

5. Red and Orange Sunsets Begin Again

I don't know what it is about our weather in the Spring, but it often looks like our woods are on fire. The sunsets are pretty spectacular, and even the best cameras can't seem to actually capture what you see when you look at them in person.

I wait for the first ones in Spring, because they make the grass look much greener than it is, and it's always nice to find some flora and fauna that match them for a pet session.

I guess I really have to admit that it is Spring, since the 5 signs of spring in my area are in place. But, boy, mother nature needs to get her bathing suit out and send some rays our way.

Otherwise, I am now in the season of "change-the-client-session-due-to-rain" which is never welcome here.

Click Into the Circle

I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic, start here with Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography, who is celebrating spring in the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex with bluebonnet pictures. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Great Dog-Friendly Spots for Travel Breaks

3/25/2022

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Now that we have finally hit SPRING, and the weather is clearing, I know I will be running into more people traveling with their dogs. Whether traveling through the area for a quick coffee break, or staying overnight for one or more days, time is much more enjoyable for dogs if they can have a great walk or grab fresh air that is more than a tree lawn at a motel.

South Abington Park, Chinchilla PA

If you are stopping for a Starbucks coffee, McDonald's snack or Tully's chow down, headed in off Interstate 81 or the PA Turnpike, South Abington Park is a great place to take your furry friend(s) for some outdoor activity.

I will often see people with dogs and out-of-state licenses, sitting on the outside patio area of Starbucks, and I am not hesitant to approach them and tell them about a few good places to "walk the dog."

Vine decorated arbors and plenty of benches, afford shade and a great vantage point to watch activities.

The paved path at the park. It is well lit towards evening.

The park is less than 1/2 mile from all stopping points in the Clark Summit area, and boasts water, a paved and wooded trail, playground areas (if children are also a part of your trip), and both soccer and baseball fields. There are also basketball courts, which are well lit in the evening.

It is equipped with doggy clean up bags. The park closes at dusk, but the basketball courts are available until 9:00 p.m.

South Abington Park is located on Northern Boulevard, Chinchilla, and the entrance is actually BEHIND the Elementary School. Hotel and motel overnighters can breathe fresh air and even enjoy a meal under the pavilion. It's one of my favorite places to walk our dogs.

Moe used to love the playground equipment.

Hillside Park, Clarks Summit PA

Hillside Park is another, "just a stone's throw away" location for travelers to visit. It's not off the beaten path, easy to find from Clarks Summit eateries and stopovers, and has its own lake, boardwalk, hiking trails and is adjacent to a dog park.

A fast-food dinner becomes a luxurious night out if you sit on one of the docks and watch the herons and ducks fishing. Dogs love this park, and while there are doggy clean up bags, it's best to have your own, because they are few and far between on the trail walks.

For GPS purposes the address of the park is 1188 Winola Road, Clarks Summit, PA. To read more about what the park has to offer, CLICK HERE.

This is another hot spot for our dogs, especially Billie, who loves to duck watch lakeside.

Looking for pet-friendly accommodations? Both the Best Western Plus and Econo Lodge in Clarks Summit welcome pets. Both are in close proximity to the parks I mentioned above.

We are blessed with an area FULL of recreational park locations, and I am happy to share them with you. I hope they might make a trip through, or brief stay, more enjoyable for both you and your pets!

Click Into the Circle

I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic, start here with Cahlean Klenke, from About A Dog Photography, as she tells you what you need to know about St. Cloud, MN. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.

Have a great weekend!

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My Clients Have Paws

3/18/2022

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On Sunday of this coming weekend, I will be giving a presentation to the Northeast PA Professional Photographer's Association (NPPPA).

Getting ready for the session, has helped me to take stock of not only where I am at present, but also where I have been in terms of my business, as I gathered things together for the three hour program. It's helped me to realize that I am where I want to be at the moment.

Building a Business Around Fur

I have entitled the session "Building a Business Around Fur." I have learned many things looking over the past year. One thing that floated to the top, was the fact that in 2021, seventy percent (70%) of my clients had four paws.

I wasn't surprised by that figure. Going through invoicing helped me to chart the exact percentages in terms of services offered. Pet photography is, after all, my specialty choice.

The 70% did not happen overnight.

Why Pets?

I really like animals. They are cute, funny, lovable, and have some of the greatest expressions.

I have had animals in my life, all of my life.

When first extending my hobby into more professional photography, while taking classes I practiced each and every day taking photos of our own pets. Forty photos a day, sometimes more.

Volunteering for shelter photography, I learned how to work in varied conditions: lighting issues, background issues, space issues (and I didn't mind any of it). It trained me well to think quickly on repairing what might otherwise be a lost situation.

Animals aren't overly sensitive about their looks, either.

Pets Make People Happy

This little niche I chose to focus on, encompasses a very LARGE population. Pet ownership in my state, skyrocketed during the 2020 pandemic year. In fact, in Pennsylvania, 60.6% of all households have at least one pet.

Raise your hand if you have a pandemic pet in your midst.

My hand has to go up, too. Our English Setter, Talley, joined our family in April of 2020.

Not only do our pets make us happy, but next to grandchildren, we, as consumers, spend a great deal of money on them, and not just in vet bills. Toys, treats, clothing, collars/leashes......you name it, we buy it.

Study after study has shown that pets also improve our health and contribute to our longevity.

The largest disadvantage, of course, is the fact that pets do not have as long a life span as humans. Capturing their spirit and likeness, then, is the best way to capture our memories of them. And that's exactly what I like to do.

Pet parents that I have met, are always happy, loving people. They are easy to work with and make it easy for me to say I LOVE MY JOB!

Click Into the Circle

I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic, start here with Toronto based photographer, Terri Jankelow, of Terri J Photography, as she shares 7 points that any professional dog photographer should fulfill. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.

Enjoy your weekend!

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Luck and Love in Pet Adoption

3/11/2022

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As we approach St. Patrick's Day, I am always reminded of this photo of our dog, Moe, that I embellished for the holiday.

Moe was always very easy going when it came to wearing just about anything. We lost him at the age of 16, in December of 2021, and our lives haven't been the same without him.

Was It Luck?

Moe's story with us began on a March day in 2006. He needed a foster home. He was in Massachusetts at that time, a puppy of about 4-6 months old, and very shy. I heard about him through the rescue I was working with and had adopted from in the past.

We just happened to be going to pick up a horse for a young lady in Massachusetts, and decided to foster Moe, as we would be very near where he was currently located. We were approved to foster, and after picking up our equine transport, we picked up Moe. His name was Sherlock at the time.

It was MARCH, after all, and St. Patrick's Day was just around the corner, so maybe a "wee bit o luck" was involved with this story. It's partially why the "I'm a Wee Bit Irish" seemed to work for Moe.

Love Plays Its Hand

Moe basically slept with his head on my husband's lap all the way home on that trip. We delivered the horse to his new barn, and headed to our house to introduce this new, very quiet puppy, to our gang of delinquents. At the time we had 4 dogs: Daisy, Ike, Ollie, and Bethy.

Moe had absolutely no problems fitting in from the moment he met them, and within 24 hours we decided to adopt him. He was a smoochable, unassuming lovebug, who was a pudgy, quiet puppy.

Archive photo of Moe as a puppy.

Moe loved our Golden Retriever, Ollie, more than anything, and luckily, they had a number of years together before Ollie passed. Ollie loved Moe's toys.

Our Golden Retriever Ollie was the best babysitter for Moe.

Adoption is More Than Luck and Love

As our lifetime story with Moe unfolded, it wasn't always a glamorous plot.

Moe contracted kennel cough, and dealt with whip worms early in life. Once past that, he developed skin allergies that would take us literally YEARS to figure out (with the help of various vets and a skin specialist) and finally conquer for good, at about age 6.

He was always extra-specially good at every vet's office, no matter what the procedure, and all of his vets and staff loved him. BE LIKE MOE, was often the mantra we used in our house with our other dogs, who were not always the picture of cooperation at the vet's.

For photos, Moe was ideal.

He would wear just about anything, and sit where you placed him, never moving until you actually moved him. We had some fun with many things, and, of course, I would always make him wear antlers at Christmas or shamrocks on St. Patrick's Day.

Moe was also the emissary the other dogs sent if we were beyond their treat time clock. He had the best whine, so our hearing dogs picked him to act on their behalf.

In terms of LUCK and LOVE then, it's we humans who feel lucky to have shared part of our life with Moe, and I know he loved us as much as we loved him.

Moe shares a spot with our dog Danny as the masthead of this blog page. They had a special relationship. Moe was Danny's Ollie. I am not sure how much more time Danny has with us, but I AM SURE that when he leaves, Moe will find him.

Adoption Statistics

Some statistics on Pet Adoption are below. If you'd like to learn more about adoption in the U.S., click here.

Americans adopted 1.9 million pets in 2020. Though pet adoption statistics indicate that the number of pets adopted is in decline, fostering has become more popular.

1.1 million cats were adopted; 50.4% of them were kittens.
871,296 dogs were adopted; 25.3% of them were puppies.
Nationwide adoptions declined 31% year-over-year (YoY) in January 2021.
Adoption rates among shelter animals, however, increased 8.9%, due in part to significantly lower shelter intake.
The foster pet population increased nearly 19% in 2020.

Click Into the Circle

I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic, start here with Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography, Dallas - Fort Worth's award-winning pet photographer, who is lucky to spend so much time with puppies as part of her job. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.

We are in for a snowy weekend. I hope you have sunshine. Enjoy!

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3 Tips To Maximize Space in a Compact Studio

2/25/2022

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This week is Photographer's Choice in the blog circle.

I thought I would give you a tour of the studio and share some of the things I do to maximize space and storage in my quest to have things on hand, but not taking up too much space.

If you have followed this blog in the past, you probably have seen one or two photos of the outside of the studio.

The above photo was taken in the early Spring timeframe, when things are starting to bloom around the grounds of the studio.

Let me take you inside and share some tips on how I use my compact space to maximize storage and access to materials I need every day.

TIP #1: Keep Storage Neat and Off the Ground

Backdrop storage can be a real problem in small studios. I do have a storage space in the main house for some items, but I always try to keep things at my finger tips in the studio, so that I don't have to run back and forth when setting up for a client session.

Pinterest was very helpful in providing a model for a great DIY (do it yourself) wall backdrop storage unit. My husband built it in less than 3 hours. Cost: Approximately $50.00. It houses my smaller backdrops (5-7 feet wide).

Since most of my clients revolve around pet photography, keeping things off the ground is important for pet safety and movement while in the studio.

Compact and creative storage in small photography studio space.

Another small, stackable storage unit holds some display items, larger folded backdrops, minor equipment needs, batteries and chargers, and festive dress up paraphernalia (think Santa hats, bunny ears, etc.). I also keep a tool kit in one of the basket drawers.

This unit was easy to put together. The bottom was purchased through Wayfair, the top cube storage came from Target. It fit perfectly in the space between window and door.

TIP #2: Keep Dual Purpose Items in the Studio

Red antique cabinet doubles as storage space in smaller studio.

Everything has a dual purpose in the studio.

A red, antique finished cabinet, not only stores angel wings, sample albums, and crowns, but can also act as a background element or set piece in a photograph.

The comfy striped chair has been pulled out onto the studio deck for summer photos, but is also a good spot for clients to relax while having a cup of coffee and letting their dog or cat acclimate to the studio setting.

Basically, if it's in the studio, there's a reason for it--and probably TWO reasons for it--to be there.

TIP #3: Refine Your Lighting Needs

It's really important to decide, based on your style, what lighting (and modifiers) will work for your space.

As you can see in the photo above, I use lights and modifiers that can easily be broken down and moved out of the way when not in use. White umbrellas are easy to work with and provide the kind of light I need in the smaller shooting space of the studio.

I also use a 36" Wescott Rapid Box with a speedlight insert. Another 60" octabox is stored in my house storage space until needed, as it takes up too much room in the studio.

My lighting is simple and consists of two Alien Bees (800 and 400), a Godox RS600p, and two Yongnuo 568EX III speedlights. When and how I use them depends on the subject I am photographing at the time.

They take up very little room, especially the speedlights, which I store under a display table when not in use.

Although you can't see it, there is a platform being stored behind the backdrop.

Final Thoughts About Compact Studio Space

The studio is 15x24, which is perfect for the type of photography work I do regularly.

We have upgraded our gardens, and in the Spring we have beautiful flowering bushes and plants for outside photographs just beyond the studio doors.

With a bit of creativity and planning, smaller spaces CAN accommodate everything you need to make clients happy and have an enjoyable photographic experience!

Client pet posing in Spring gardens outside the studio.

Click Into the Circle

I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic, start here with Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography, DFW's award winning pet photographer, as she shares images from a recent dog breeder program session of adorable golden doodle puppies that are pretty in pink. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.

Have a great weekend. Enjoy!

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