i got the shot photography

Building Up a Backdrop Arsenal

12/3/2021

The holiday season is the best time of year to have a great assortment of backdrops.

It's cold outside, and in my neck of the woods, mostly very wet until the snow flies. In fact, it's cold and wet WAY BEFORE the snow finally decides it is time to freeze our landscape.

So the studio has afforded both myself, and my clients, a nice, dry place to be on blustery pre-winter, winter and post-winter days (our early spring is not grand).

Do I still do outdoor sessions? Sure.

But, when mother nature whacks us with weather woes, I have an alternative.

Seasonal Backdrops vs Paper

My Christmas backdrops have become an obsession, since I started offering personalized greeting card design as a service. I may need an intervention soon.

As any photographer who uses backdrops will tell you, the price range for good products can be steep, depending on the size you need.

That's why I wait until Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or Cyber Monday to grab a great deal. All but my hand painted drops, were purchased at discount prices. If there were a Filene's Basement for backdrops, I'd be there.

As it is, I have amassed a wealth of knowledge about when and where to buy, the best Etsy and small business oriented vendors to frequent for quality purchases, as well as the types of material to utilize for quick/easy turnaround once a backdrop arrives.

Savage Universal seamless paper is my go to for other than seasonal activities (I have 8 colors that come in rolls). My husband built a great paper backdrop unit, patterned after one we found on Pinterest, which effectively houses my smaller (5 ft wide) rolls.

The Newest Addition to My Seasonal Backdrop Collection

I always look for backdrops that can be used not only with pets, but with people, and people AND their pets together.

At Christmas time, step one in developing the right holiday cards for clients, is using a backdrop they can relate to and enjoy. I photograph all of my backdrop set ups/stages, and show them to a client in our initial pre-session discussion, so they can pick the drop they like the best.

I was very excited last year to find a great Black Friday sale, a week before Black Friday, at Denny, It's where I purchased the background featured below, and put it aside to use this year. Denny usually has some Cyber Monday deals as well.

Backdrop set up with and without kids.

This year, I found a great Etsy sale on backdrops, and ordered two that would work well with both pets and kids.

One is a conventional microfiber background, and the other is a set of digital backgrounds. Microfiber backgrounds are my new go-to, because they hang perfectly out of their shipping container, with no need to steam or wait out the fold wrinkles. They can also be washed on delicate/cold water washes and come out looking exactly like they did when you opened them for the first time. I always order the backgrounds with the pockets sewn in for placement on my backdrop stand.

Digital backgrounds, on the other hand, don't require any hanging. They just require you to have some Photoshop skills.

My newest backdrop addition.

Works great for pets.

Works great for kids.

Digital Backgrounds

A few years ago, I might never have been tempted to use digital backgrounds. But seven Photoshop and editing classes later, sixteen hours of digital background tutorials, and great vendor/creators, have shown me that digital backgrounds can be worth the investment.

Again, Cyber Monday deals from small businesses, like myself, is how I like to purchase. Typically, I will purchase a bundle that comes with about 10-20 backgrounds, brushes, and additional elements that can be used with the backgrounds.

I found a great deal at Tara Lesher where I am also a member of her "village."

I must admit, I am having WAY too much fun with one particular background in the bundle.

See what I mean?

My husband always asks me, "what do you want for Christmas?" Well, I really don't need anything. But wait...maybe there is another backdrop..........

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 on what they treated themselves to over deal days, start the blog circle with Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography, Dallas - Fort Worth's award-winning pet photographer, as she shares what she invested in this Black Friday. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.

I hope you found a great deal last week. Enjoy your weekend!

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Guide to Gifts That Last Beyond December

11/19/2021

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Personally, I am ahead this year.

I have already gotten most of my holiday shopping done, despite COVID-related issues in our region, offshore ships that can't unload, postal delivery living up to really being snail mail, etc.

To be honest, I started in early October, shopped local and small business quite a bit, and, being a photographer, selected some gifts of memories for a few family members.

I have found that the feedback on the memory gifts is always upper level. They are gifts that last beyond the holidays, and are appreciated all year round. Let me share some of them with you. I only carry what I, myself, will buy.

It's no secret that I cherish photographs. I am actually the keeper of photographic history for my family, many of whom have passed on to spirit. I am always looking for unique ways to showcase photos, so I get pretty giddy when someone gifts me a unique frame or display item.

There are a number of very affordable gift options that I find many people do not think about when shopping for the holidays.

I am not sure why there isn't a thought process that goes to "photographs as gifts." I don't know a single person that I have given a photographic gift to personally, whose face did not light up, who did not express how grateful they were, and who will have that gift prominently displayed beyond the holiday season.

Wood and Memory Boxes

Wood Boxes are possibly my most favorite holiday gift item.

You can choose to have either a print on the top, or engraved with a name, a family name, a greeting, or a message. The box holds mounted or matted prints. Wood boxes are popular to encase a year's worth of family memories, or photos of a beloved pet.

Made of maple wood, these boxes are available in 4x6, 5x7, or even wallet size, and are highly customizable.

Art Blocks

My second favorite gift item, the Art Block, is a fun and easy way to keep a great memory visible, while enhancing your home decor.

Colorful and vibrant, art blocks are similar to canvas, except they are mounted over a solid block, and come ready to hang. The image can be either stretched over the sides of the block, or you can choose to have a solid colored edge to highlight the photo. Art blocks look like a photo from far away, but as you get closer, they appear painted on canvas.

An art block is a gift that is highly prized and one of the most popular things chosen by clients.

Acrylic Blocks

Acrylic Blocks are great gifts for those who prefer to display their images on desks, shelves, mantles and tabletops. A print is mounted to one inch, crystal clear acrylic, which enhances the color and gives the print a 3 dimensional look.

Sizes range from 4x6 to 8x10. Prints are printed on Fine Art Glossy paper before mounting.

I have a number of my own family photos displayed as acrylic blocks, and friends often comment on how lovely they are. A truly unique gift.

Barnwood Minis

Barnwood Minis are another very popular item in my studio, and they make a fantastic gift.

Made from genuine Iowa barn wood, they come in two sizes: 4x6 and 5x7. The minis feature a ChromaLuxe metal print mounted to the wood, and come with a traditional hook hanger or a twine hanger (as shown above).

Due to the nature of barn wood, coloring varies from a lighter tan to a reddish brown.

Stocking Stuffers

Need some stocking stuffers?

How about small, traditionally framed prints?

Celebrate your friend's new pet addition, a new baby in the family, a girl's night out, or any special moment captured during the year. Prints are printed on Lustre Paper and come dry mounted (a traditional art board style mount, that makes your print easier to frame).

With so many unique framing options, you can make this a very unique, special and customized stocking find.

Another stocking stuffer is found below.

Metal Ornaments

Let me be the first to admit it.

I can't go a year without ordering at least two ornaments for myself, and about five as family gifts.

We traditionally capture one moment each year with our grandkids, pop that on an ornament and hang it on the tree. Our Christmas tree is full of yearly memories, and the kids love to find them among the branches and relive each one.

Ornaments come in various shapes, with or without a message on the flip side, and arrive in a black gift bag with a red ribbon tie for each ornament.

So there you have it! My picks for great gift-giving that will last way beyond the holidays!

And, if you really can't decide, there is always a gift certificate. Available for purchase in the studio, in any amount, gift certificates act as credit toward prints and product.

I hope you find this guide helpful and useful! Happy shopping.

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 "gift ideas," start the blog circle with Darlene Woodward of Pant the Town Photography as she creates her first Holiday Gift Guide for Pet Lovers. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.

Enjoy your weekend!

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Body Language and Deaf Dogs

11/12/2021

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Three deaf dogs have graced our lives.

Two are still with us, but we lost one (Burton, pictured near the end of this blog) a bit over a year ago at age 11. Burton is credited with being our first bilaterally deaf adoption, and he taught us so much of what we needed to know. It has not only helped us to move forward with our two additional deafies (our Border Collie, Piper, and our recent addition, Talley, an English Setter), but has given us a lot of insight into the importance of routine, schedules, and body language. I am covering the latter today.

Sign Language is Universal

Signs for quiet, sit, stay, down, wait, outside, eat, finished/no more, no, leave it/drop it, walkies...all of these and more are a part of our daily lives.

But signs aren't so far fetched. Hand signals are often used in dog training, even for hearing dogs. We parlay some of these very same signs into our deaf-dog vocabulary, as well as American Sign Language and things we just made up to suit our own dogs.

The video below is a good representation of most of the signs we use, and I like that a child is involved in the process, because I firmly believe kids need to be taught early how to help care for a pet. Pets and children also have to be taught how to respect each other.

Body Language and Routine

Beyond the signs taught to non-hearing dogs, body language is the next, most important piece of the deaf-dog puzzle.

If you came to visit me, and I did not tell you, I am positive you would be hard-pressed to figure out which of our dogs are deaf. That's because they are so tuned into our pack and our movements, as well as our daily routine. They constantly monitor our body language. They even recognize facial expressions.

Our hearing dogs wait to be told things, but our deaf dogs are already one step ahead and doing it.

And, as with all dogs, body language needs to be CLEAR and CONFIDENT.

Kids Learn and Help Too!

Our grandkids stayed with us just the other day, and I enlisted their help in demonstrating, with the assistance of Talley, how body language and signs help them communicate with each other.

Talley used to run all over these two as a wild child puppy, but with patience, confidence, and TREATS, she has learned to respect both of them, and they, in turn, have learned how to manage her with positive reinforcement.

On the left, Lacy has asked Talley to walk with her. You can see how she walks with confidence, and Talley follows and gives her full attention. On the right, Stanton has asked Talley to SIT. Talley is looking right at him, waiting for her next command.

In our house, thumbs up means "good" or "okay" to our deaf dogs. Lacy shows Talley that sign, above, when she has met the command requested. Talley also gets a small treat.

Stanton is asking Talley to STAY, and has already started to back up. He is showing her the reward she will receive when she completes the task.

Photographing Deaf Dogs

I rarely have a problem photographing our deaf dogs. Using their signs, and body language, they have no problem complying with STAY STILL requests for portraits.

I have found that clients who have deaf dogs, often have a series of hand signals they use, much like ours, to make requests. I will ask a client to show me the nuances of their own signals, when working with their dog to capture a great photograph. I do involve owners in the handling of their pets, both in studio and on location, but for reinforcement purposes, I like to understand how they "speak" to their dog.

Advantages of Having a Deaf Dog

Deaf dogs bring certain advantages to the table:
(1) Thunderstorms are not a problem.
(2) They sleep soundly - most noises will not wake them, but the VIBRATIONS from others might.
(3) They watch body language more acutely than hearing dogs.
(4) They don't hear other dogs barking in the neighborhood, so they don't chime in. (Or on walks.)
(5) They don't hear the doorbell (or the UPS truck).
(6) They are just like hearing dogs, only with the above advantages!

Our three body language experts.

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 "body language," start the blog circle with Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography as she shares her knowledge, as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, to help you recognize subtle signs that your dog may be under stress. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.

Have a great weekend!

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What I See vs What You See

11/5/2021

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I think it's safe to say we all see it. A cat on a chair. Overlit. Too bright. A somewhat wrinkled backdrop, and a horizon that isn't straight.

At any given time, photos like this appear in my camera. Often they are test shots to see how certain lighting set ups work with certain animals. I am sure pet owners sometimes have no idea what I must be thinking. But wait. Let me explain.

40 Photos A Day

I really AM thinking.

There was a time in my early photography life, when I took at least 40 photos a day.

Every night I'd upload them, examine them, see what I liked, what I didn't like, and throw all but maybe two into the Recycle Bin. My trash ate up photos like a starving artist. But my eye for detail got better.

Education

While training myself to pay attention to details, I embarked on a photographic educational journey. The journey helped me gain confidence in my decisions and choices when it comes to my photography work.

Originally, I spent countless hours teaching myself Photoshop. Later I added coursework that helped me to utilize all the intricacies of the program.

Lighting.
Posing.
Working with animals.
Editing.
Choosing proper lenses.

These are just some of the things that are now a part of my everyday process, and were a part of that educational journey.

It's why YOU CAN SEE the difference when you choose a professional photographer.

Me? What do I see?

THIS.

Edited with PSE, Topaz Adjust, and Heather the Painter Textured Overlay.

Speaking of education, I am headed to Professional Photographers Association of PA's Capture conference. I will be competing in Print Competition there. Digital imagery is judged by a panel of five judges. Each image receives a score based on impact, technical excellence, creativity, style, composition, presentation, color balance, center of interest, lighting, subject matter, technique and story telling. (Whew! Try saying that 3x fast!)

I am looking forward to the very wise critique of my images, and seeing everyone after a long hiatus, due to COVID safety concerns.

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 "what I see vs what you see," start the blog circle with Angela Schneider of Big White Dog Photography in Spokane, WA, turning random, generic rocks into great dog photos.

Have a great weekend!

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Howloween is Not Just for Cats

10/29/2021

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You've seen it.

The notorious black cat with arched back next to the pumpkin.

No one knows how black cats became associated with Halloween. Some say it's because they were associated with witches, and that witches could turn themselves into cats...specifically black cats. Black cats got a bad reputation, based on this non-fact.

But this blog isn't about black cats. It's about why dogs need to be included in the Howl-o-ween thought process.

I Can't Seem to Costume My Dog

I am not a huge fan of costumes, so let me get that right out of the way. I don't know many dogs who are really fond of wearing them, and my personal dogs, well most of them, hate to wear anything but their collars.

However, there are some dogs who LOOOOVVVVEEE to wear things. (I just don't own any.)

If you own a Howl-o-ween party pooper, there are a few things you can try.

5 Tips for Including Your Dog in Howl-o-ween Fun!

(1) Halloween oriented collars (we own quite a few of these babies). If your pup accompanies you on the candy run, why not dress him or her in a collar that SCREAMS Howl-o-ween?

(2) A Halloween themed ruff or bandana. (Do you think it's called a ruff because...well...dogs?)

(3) Use one piece, on your dog, that isn't really an entire costume, but fits with your program. (Like the little explorer in the photo below, who used an explorer hat on his somewhat okay-with-it beagle.)

(4) Get your dog S-L-O-W-L-Y used to wearing small pieces of something, until you can win at getting more pieces of something on him or her.

(5) Always buy loose fitting items, or drapey things, which don't bind the dog, and make them feel more comfortable.

Eventually, with a few good treat associations with the "somethings" you choose to dress them in, you might just win the Howl-o-ween dress up contest (the human versus dog-says-no contest, that is).

And here's an extra tip for photographers. If you are like me and you don't necessarily like traditional costuming (we used to ALWAYS make homemade costumes when I was a kid), any Party City or similar store will provide a red cape or two, while Oriental Trading is a fantastic source for mask craft kits (kids can put them together and you can use them in your session!).

Dogs are generally good sports about most things, including being with their humans and making them happy. Things don't have to be perfect to be perfectly good.

Include your pup in Howl-o-ween festivities, but remember to keep that candy out of reach!

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 (photographer's choice), start here with Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography in Carrollton, Texas as she shows you how colorful and fun studio portraits of your dog or cat can be.

Happy Halloween!

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Rescue Really is My Favorite Breed

10/22/2021

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If you read the last blog I wrote concerning the loss of our dog, Bethy, it gave you some insight into just one of our dogs' stories.

It would be impossible to share with you all the nuances and intricate ways that our pets have come to us in a blog. I might have to actually write a week of blogs. You'd get tired and quit reading.

Suffice it to say, my husband and I have been into horse, dog and cat rescue for more than 22 years. I discovered a fact while prepping to write this blog...well, maybe a few facts. One might surprise you. Keep reading.

Our English Setter Danny and I walking at Abington Park.

Breeds That Share/Shared Our Lives

It all started with a black, Flat Coat Retriever mix, named Chelsea (1985-1996). My husband picked her out at the SPCA because she was the only dog that wasn't barking as he walked through. Turns out she did have other idiosyncrasies, but overcame them to be a fantastic family dog.

Soon after, we saw an add in our local paper advertising a full-bred Australian Shepherd for sale for $35.00. We knew there was a hitch (she hated cats), but we called anyway, met her, purchased her, and proceeded to teach her not to kill our two cats at the time. She passed her cat tests with flying colors, bonded with Chelsea and the "EEEEE" sisters were born (my nickname for the two girls). Her name was Phillie (1986-1991), and her registered name was Winterhawk's Mountain Mist. Unfortunately, we lost Phillie to a heart condition at the age of five, and Chelsea was very lonely, so we decided to try to find another companion for her.

Soon a full-bred Golden Retriever joined her. It was my turn to choose, and never one to be faint of heart, I brought home a dog that was returned to the shelter not one, not two, but THREE times. Her name was Sandy and she was four when we adopted her (1992-2002). Besides being very large (104 lbs of golden red doggy), we were able to merge her into our family without a hitch.

A quick reference guide to the rest of our dogs follows:

Ollie - Golden Retriever - Purchased for $100 at age one from an over-the-road trucker.
Ike - Chocolate Lab - Adopted from Caroline County Humane Society, needed hip operation.
Daisy - English Setter/Border Collie Mix - Adopted from ACES Rescue.
Bethy - English Setter/Brittany Mix - Adopted from ACES Rescue.
Moe - English Setter/Hound Mix - Adopted from ACES Rescue.
Burton - Field English Setter - Adopted from ACES Rescue (First DEAF adoption).
Piper - Border Collie - Adopted from Glen Highland Sweet BC Rescue (Second DEAF adoption).
Billie - Wirehaired Terrier - Adopted from Griffin Pond Animal Shelter.
Winston - English Setter - Adopted from Ohio English Setter Rescue.
Danny - English Setter - Adopted from Ohio English Setter Rescue.
Lilah - English Setter - Breeder turnover, adopted from ACES Rescue.
Luke - Jack Russell Terrier/Whippet Mix - Adopted from Jacks Galore Russell Rescue
Talley - English Setter - Breeder turnover. (Third DEAF dog).

Ollie had a sense of humor.

A Pattern Exists

There is no rocket science involved in analyzing the list above to find out that a pattern exists.

It's no shock to me that 99.9% of our pets have come from shelter/rescue situations.

What might be surprising though, is that NINE of our rescued pets were/are full-bred dogs.

I discovered breed specific rescues in 2003, but until then, had only adopted from local shelters and newspaper ads of previous owners.

Yet, nine dogs is certainly enough proof that you CAN find full-bred dogs at shelter facilities, if that is what you are looking for.
How did we choose our dogs?

We didn't. They chose us. We believe that once we make a decision to add a rescued pet, a pet in need will appear. Even with our shelter visits, and subsequent adoptions, this has always been the case. We have the background stories to prove it.

Our latest addition, Talley, enjoying the Fall leaves last year.

Finding Your Breed in Rescue

There are some tips I can pass along if you are interested in rescuing a certain breed of dog (or cat).

(1) Research breed specific rescues in your region. You will usually be looking in terms of territory, such as Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southwest, etc., so start your search with those words. Make sure you read through the locations a rescue will adopt to, as well as their requirements in terms of the application process.

(2) Apply before you make a selection from available pets. Once you are approved, it is much easier to interact with the organization, the foster families, and to be notified of pets that meet your own family's requirements in terms of compatibility.

(3) Network, volunteer, and/or transport for rescues. Spend some hours learning and understanding what goes into the rescue process. It will help you realize why full-bred dogs find themselves in rescue situations.

(4) Be prepared to pay a fee as part of your adoption process. Rescues often need to rehabilitate, spay/neuter, update shots, and treat serious issues (such as lyme disease or heartworm) for the pets they bring into their care. Your fee helps to cover some of those costs, and gives the rescue funds with which they can rescue another pet.

I have always been thankful to have been exposed to the wonderful breeds we have met as a part of our rescue life. Many are no longer with us, but they were well-loved members of our family, that we are forever grateful to have shared our days with.

Our dog Ike on his favorite pillow. We lost him in 2011 at the age of 12.

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, and certified professional dog trainer, as she talks about an exemplary standard poodle breeder in Dallas - Fort Worth. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.

Have a great weekend!

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Pet Love and Loss

10/8/2021

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I was speaking with someone the other day, who mentioned she could never get another dog, because losing her last dog was so hard, she just could not go through that again.

This didn't just come out of the blue. We were talking about pets, and I told her we had seven dogs at the moment, but that over the course of our lives, we've had many more (not to forget about the cats and horses we have shared our life with as well).

"How could we do it?" she asked.

My answer: "How could we not."

MEET OUR DOG BETH

Meet Beth.

Bethy as a 3 month old puppy.

This, what may be a cell phone, photo was sent to us while we were making our decision to adopt her at the age of three months from Another Chance for English Setter rescue. She was not our first dog, and, by far, would not be our last, but Beth lived the longest of any of our dogs.

Beth came into our lives in 2005. She was the cutest puppy of all time. (We pet parents always say that.) A little pocket-settery girl (she had something else thrown in the gene mix), she would never weigh more than 38 pounds.

Beth was a happy-go-lucky pup that got along with everything. She loved sleeping on pillows and soft, comfy dog beds. When she came, her dog friends were Ike (a chocolate lab), Ollie (a golden retriever), and Daisy (a border collie/setter mix). Daisy raised Beth, and Ike adored her. Beth was Ike's favorite playmate, but Ollie was Ike's best friend.

Beth loved her pillow on the couch.

Beth often came to work with me as a puppy. My office was tucked away on a University campus, and she would sleep under my desk. I would take her out for puppy piddle walks.

I didn't have the camera systems I have now, and cell phones weren't great picture-takers (they have since improved tenfold). But, that didn't stop me from documenting Bethy's life. Bethy lived through FIVE different cameras (two point and shoots, one Fuji and the two Nikons I now own).

A girl could get tired of that.

"I'm not looking!"

I am pretty sure Bethy knew over 200 words in the English language. She ALWAYS seemed to know what we were talking about and how to react to it.

SOMETIMES TECHNOLOGY LETS US DOWN

Yes, I documented her life both digitally, and in film. When cell phones got better at taking photos, I used my cell when my camera wasn't at hand. Recently, when my cell phone DIED UNEXPECTEDLY, I panicked a little to think of all the photos I may have lost. They were not spectacular photos by any means, but they were memories. Thankfully, when my new phone arrived, the cloud backup restored almost every single photo. I think things might have been much worse, if in my semi-panic mode I did not remember that there were a few hundred photos of Bethy in my auxiliary backup/storage units that I keep as part of my photography world now.

A little voice in my head said, "Don't worry...you still have photos, and there are the photos on the wall."

LOVING MEMORY SESSIONS - NOT A PART OF THE ORIGINAL PLAN

When I decided to specialize in pets in my photography life, I did not plan on offering Loving Memory Sessions as part of my work. I know how emotional the time can be, when a pet has been given a "there isn't anything more we can do" prognosis. We have lived through 6 of them, and 3 hospice/palliative care situations. I know and understand every single feeling that comes with that.

One day I received a call from a friend of a friend whose dog was diagnosed with cancer. This elderly couple owned a lovely beagle that maybe had a few more months on this earth, and wanted a portrait of him for their wall. I met with them, and set up an appointment quickly. I didn't have a studio at the time, and the gentleman could not climb stairs, so they entrusted their pup to me to take to the spot in my home, that I had set up as a studio, to take their doggy portrait. I learned all about their pup that day, and how much they shared in his life and celebrated it. While emotional, there was more joy than sadness in the work.

That's the day I vowed to add Loving Memory Sessions to my services.

Some sessions are harder than others. Some are more emotional. But always, in the end, the portraits I can give back bring a great deal of happiness to each pet owner who chooses to have them done. I am thankful for the ability to offer this service.

Beth in the fall leaves.

I also wanted to tell a bit of Beth's story, to give credence to the fact that I can tell that story with photos.

LIFE-ISMS ARE TRUE-ISMS

Life IS short. This isn't just a phrase we hear people say. It's TRUE. Our pets' lives are even shorter, unfortunately. I have met a number of pet moms and dads who place a value on a lasting memory of their special furry friend in the form of a professional portrait. I am humbled to be entrusted with that task.

When we love our pets as much as we do; when they are not just pets, but family; when we celebrate their lives and the joy they bring to us every day, we need a beautiful piece of artwork to honor them.

Bethy lived to be almost 17 years old. She lived through most of the ups, downs, good, bad, happy and sad times of our life. She died of old age. We made the final decision for her when, one day, she walked out into our yard full of sun after three days of not eating, and just decided that a final lay in the grass was where she wanted to be. Her doggy friends sat around her as if they knew it was her time.

And in her loving memory, a final healthy girl portrait, depicting exactly who Bethy was, will join others on our wall.

If you are interested in a Loving Memory Session, appointments are made to accommodate the needs of pet parents as quickly as possible.

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 this week on the topic of "in memory," start here with Nancy, of Nancy Kieffer Photography in Central New York, as she shares the importance of capturing your bond with your pet through photographs, to create beautiful memories to keep after they leave your side. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.

Have a great weekend with your pets!

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My Favorite Dog Walking Park

10/1/2021

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I know a while back I wrote a blog covering the 5 Best Places to Walk the Dog in the Endless Mountains, as well as a blog on Three Fantastic Local Dog Hikes.

Today, I am focusing in on my absolute FAVORITE place to walk the dog...at least my dogs.

If you've followed me at all, you probably can guess that the next words out of my fingers are going to be LAZYBROOK PARK.

Billie near one of my favorite park trees.

FOUR REASONS LAZYBROOK IS NUMBER ONE WITH BOTH ME AND MY DOGS

There are four reasons both my dogs and I love this park:
(1) It's close to home (no long car rides) and inundated with squirrel eye candy
(2) It is well maintained and groomed
(3) There are biking/walking trails that are gravel or paved (no sloshing around in wet weather)
(4) There are pavilions and a gazebo to hide in when notorious PA showers roll through.

Then of course, it is simply LOVELY in all seasons. Situated next to Tunkhannock Creek, you have the best of all worlds. The Creek is actually what makes Lazybrook so historic.

The Lazy Brook development was constructed in the late 1960s and early 1970s on farm land along the Tunkhannock Creek. The 89 homes in the development had experienced flooding seven times since 1976. In 1996, 69 of the 89 homes had water levels in their lowest floors ranging from 1 to 8 feet. These homes also experienced failure of the septic systems; contamination from fuel oil; and 8 homes were isolated by a drainage channel after losing their access bridge. Three months after the disaster, only 10 families were able to live in their homes. (Source: FEMA)

In January of 1996 at a town meeting, the residents decided the best course of action was to allow their homes to be acquired. The National Park Service became integral as part of the process to turn what was once a residential community into a community recreational area.

View of the main roadway into the park.

There is ample parking at various locations along the main park road. The Fall is just a sight to behold at Lazybrook. With many different types of native and ornamental trees, the park has become not only my most favorite spot to photograph dogs, but it serves as a fantastic location for senior portraits and family photo sessions.

Lazybrook is now also the home of an old lenticular truss bridge, that was built in 1881. The bridge was totally restored by Bach Steel of Holt, Michigan. You have seen this beautiful red bridge in some of my photos.

The bridge is only one of four lenticular bridges left in the state of PA. I've found it to be a great "I will walk over anything" practice bridge for our dogs. It's also a great spot to brush up on sit, down, and stay commands.

If you are lucky, there might be a game of some type going on in one of the large fields. Or you can watch the disc golf players as they work the course, which has also been added to the park.

There are many memorial trees and benches. We like to stroll along the paths and see the different trees during various times of the year. They have given me some ideas on what to plant on our own property.

We also like to just sit on a bench overlooking the creek to watch for jumping fish, ducks, cranes, and kayakers.

At the front of the park there are multi-opportunities for kids to play in three different playground areas that have their own little footprint.

Dogs must be leashed, and there are bag stations for cleaning up after your pet.

I am headed there this weekend. If you see me, wave!

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 this week on the topic of "a walk in the park," start here with Linda Perdue of VPShoots Photography, as she blogs about a walk in dog-friendly Eureka Springs Park with her dogs. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.

Have a good one!

P.S. Below is a photo supplied by Tunkhannock Township of the park layout, as supplied by Google Earth.

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Always in My Bag

9/17/2021

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Anyone a James Bond fan?

Remember how 007 always had something up his sleeve? Like a watch with a tiny camera, or a pen that exploded?

Well, I am no James Bond. But I always have something in my bag that I never go on any caper without. It's my Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 lens.

Don't get me wrong. I actually have THREE very favorite lenses, to be used at different times and in very different situations to achieve varying looks at optimal focal lengths.

Yet, the Sigma 70-200mm is so versatile, it can be the only lens in my bag if I am packing light or know I will be out and about a great deal trying to capture a variety of images.

Case in point, I can use this lens around my back yard to grab a photo of just about anything.

Our cat Barney sitting on the walk.

Up close and personal with a Monarch butterfly.

Our dog Talley pointing a bug.

The lens offers the ability to get close to, as well as remain far from, a subject because of its telephoto capabilities. So I can remain far from Barney and Talley, so as not to disturb their thought process or attention, and capture candids; or I can get relatively close to a butterfly.

It's not a macro lens, but it doesn't mean you can't get good close up images of your subject. Depending on the aperture setting, I can keep the surroundings nice and crisp to capture everything in the background and foreground, or I can open up the aperture to blur or achieve bokeh in the photograph.

This same lens can travel with me to my granddaughter's soccer game and capture soccer action as it happens on the field.

The Sigma 70-200mm also functions as a great studio lens, and I use it 75% of the time, alternating with my 105mm in the studio. Below is a capture with the lens in studio.

I advocate for this particular lens quite a bit, and I would say if you are on a tight budget and can only buy one great lens, this is it. You will be able to handle most situations, from action to still portraits. The only drawback is this lens is heavy, and takes up space in a camera bag.

But, IT'S ALWAYS IN MY BAG!

Now for something shaken, not stirred. After all, it's Friday! Enjoy your weekend!

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 this week on the topic of "the one piece of gear I can't live without" start here with Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography as she reveals the one portrait lens that she cannot live without whether she's photographing dogs, horses or high school seniors. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.

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The Joys of Summer

9/10/2021

3 Comments

There is no secret that summer is my favorite time of year.

I like dry summers, as opposed to wet summers. This summer has been very rainy, with August winning first place for the wettest August on record in our region. Oh joy.

I was noticing in my Facebook memories, that I comment an AWFUL LOT on the weather, and that history repeats itself weatherwise, with storms cropping up generally around the same weeks of the year, when they do happen.

But, despite having to wade through puddles and never having a good hair day (humidity + rain = nevermind), here's how I spent my summer of 2021.

KIDS AND CAMP

Thankfully, 2021 saw summer camp come back in session. Our local grandkids each get one week of their own, going to day camp, and staying at Gram and Pop's house. It's an opportunity for me to catch some candid and LUCKY photos of them enjoying their piece of the summer with us.

Never a dull moment when these two are together!

BEACH TIME? NOT THIS TIME.

It's been about 2 summers since I last visited my favorite beach. I am promising myself that I will get there next year for sure. In 2020, COVID concerns and shutdowns saw our plans cancelled. This year, growing a new puppy and starting a whole new flock of chicks, kept me from abandoning ship and heading to my favorite ocean haunts.

When I go, I take my camera, and often meet people and dogs on Poodle Beach, an active dog beach in Rehoboth, Delaware.

Late day session on Poodle Beach, Rehoboth, DE.

SENIOR SESSIONS

Summer is one of the best times for scheduling senior photo sessions, especially with those that want to include their pets in the mix. Early Fall is the next best time, but most schools in our area require photos finalized by October 31, so it can be a bit of a rush in decision making when it comes to pouring over proofs.

I love very early morning or late day/early evening time frames for scheduling purposes. I am not a morning person, but neither are seniors, so we lament that fact together if an 8:00 a.m. session is the only way to get the photos we want.

In summer, the warmer weather allows for a wider variety of clothing choices as well.

I like to grab some candids between posed shots. They often become favorites of both the subject and their families. I absolutely love when pets are included!

OTHER STUFF

In that very broad category of "other stuff" you find: gardening, walking, attending outdoor events, cleaning out from pack rat winter, and practicing trying to get photos of very-hard-to-get-photos-of things.

This year my challenge was Hummingbird Moths.

I attended a number of virtual, as well as in person conferences, as part of my continuing education plan.

I also cut the grass. A LOT. Because of Pennsylvania's movement into the rainforest, grass grew at the speed of light.

Summer is really a JOY for me, no matter what it brings. More daylight hours, no need for coats, boots and mittens, and a good cup of coffee on the patio at night are just some of the reasons why summer is NUMBER ONE for 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 this week on the topic of "summer vacation," start here with Jemma Martin, award winning pet photographer of JM Photography in Suffolk, UK as she shares some of her favorite shots from a summer of dog training. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend! There's still some summer left you know.

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