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Elaine Tweedy, M. Photog
               (570) 575-1705

Remembering Danny

6/2/2023

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Danny: a fearful English Setter that came into our lives in January 2011.
This week's blog topic is BFFs.  You know...best friends forever.

I have been absent from blogging through the entire month of May, not because I didn't have anything to write about, but because the planets that were all lined up so nicely, were swooped up by a giant clown and juggled and thrown back into position haphazardly.  This caused the universe to decide that every one of our dogs was due to have a problem.

So between spending my time at the vet's office and nursing sick pups, I was spending what I knew would be my last days with our dog, Danny.

There was no mystery here.  Danny was in the final stages of degenerative myelopathy (DM), an incurable disease that strikes the spinal cord and results in weakness and paralysis of the hind legs.  He was quite brave throughout the illness, and was managing very well, until these last few weeks when he wasn't, and it became obvious he was very tired and didn't want to manage anymore.

But that's not what this blog is about really.  It's more about how a pack of dogs helped Danny to overcome his extreme fears to live the last six years of his life in an 80% "normal dog" state.

Dogs Helping Dogs

Below is Danny's shelter photo.  He was not from my area, nor did he first come  to my husband and I.  He went to a couple in New Jersey after being pulled by a rescue that specialized in English Setters.  It was a rescue I had done home visits for and some volunteering in the past.  When things didn't work out with the couple, and because we lived close, the rescue contacted me and asked if we could take him, maybe evaluate what he needed and they would find him another place to land.
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Danny's shelter photo.
When Danny arrived, it became very clear his fear quotient was stratospheric--and while not fear that spiraled into any type of aggressive behavior, Danny simple retreated from the world at large.  He spent his first four days under my desk.  I had to leash him to go outside and to come out to eat.  Beyond that, we mostly let Danny be.  We wanted every decision to be his, not ours.

That's when the pack of dogs took over.​
Dogs Healing Dogs

There is no doubt in my mind that doggy best friends healed Danny to a point where he could live a nearly normal life.  Our other more confident dogs taught him to sleep on the couch, play with toys, come when called (this was a REAL milestone), roll in the grass, beg at the table, bark incessantly at the UPS driver, and other key elements of dog existence.

We officially adopted Danny in September of 2011.  We knew he would be happiest with his crew of cohorts, and we were unsure what another move might do to him.

Danny still had fears, and sometimes remembered them and regressed.  But he always came back to his new life with gusto.

The one fear we could never get him past was his fear of cars and car rides.  So we let that one alone.  Our horse vet, who came to our property on a yearly basis to do horse check ups, would often examine Danny and give him his vaccinations when appropriate,  Danny would shake the entire time.  He was fearful of strangers, but eventually family members helped to get him over  that as well.

Danny has had a Facebook page for many years.  My Foster Dog Danny tells his story from day one.  It also documents how all his doggy friends helped him through some of his most difficult moments.  We felt it was important to share with others what living with a fearful dog was like, as well as try to show that fearful dogs could be rehabilitated.


Milestones

Every single one of Danny's milestones were celebrated throughout his life.  From first bath to first time sleeping next to another dog, each sign of normalcy brought more confidence in Danny.
I don't know what happened to Danny before he came to us.  He was between 1.5 and 2 years old when he arrived.  I often told him I wished he had been ours since he was a puppy, only because I would have loved to have erased all the bad things from his memory.

I do know that Danny was a wonderful companion to the other dogs, was gentle with our family members, became confident enough to patrol our fence lines and give warning barks to whomever he thought was an intruder, and was very loved by all of us.

Danny was euthanized at home laying in his favorite spot under our cherry tree.  He did not even know the vet was there.  He was fast asleep and slept right into the next world.  Peaceful and fitting for a once fearful dog.  He was 14 years old.

Between the years 2011 and 2017, Danny worked hard at becoming a real dog.  Six years.  Progress, regress, progress, regress, then finally a learned behavior. 

He loved our dogs Daisy, Moe and Winston the best.
He loved treat time.
He loved pizza night.
He loved his safe spots in the yard and house.
​He loved to lay in the shade of the cherry tree in the green grass.
He loved to tear apart hats.

​Danny was and will remain one of our best friends forever.
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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 (BFFs), start here with Angela Schneider and Bella of Big White Dog Photography in Spokane, WA, with 7 reasons why women and dogs are the best adventure buddies.

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until you find yourself back here. 

Summer is finally here weatherwise. Have a great weekend!  Enjoy!
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Three Keys to Photographing Doodles

4/28/2023

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I wanted to title this blog Doodles and Don'ts, but I can never figure out how to create a link using a contraction like apostrophe "s."  LOL.  Yes, I am technically challenged sometime.

This week's theme is Doodles.

You know those cuddly, fuzzy, curly pups that have some of the greatest expressions caught on camera?  That's the ones I'm talking about.

I have photographed  a number of doodles, and developed a few tips that might help you if you are a doodle owner, whether you are taking your dog for professional photos, or just doing your own thing at home.  I'm going to share them with you.

​In the meantime, if you want to follow a really great doodle on Instagram, one of my favorite accounts is reagandoodle.  Reagandoodle also works toward a very good cause:  foster care.


​Three Key Tips for Great Doodle Photos

Doodle Eyes

Doodles have great eyes and use them well in their expressions.  The only problem is, sometimes their eyes are covered by the other hair and fur around their face.  Since their eyes are somewhat recessed, they can be dark.  You want to make sure you can see the full/real color of the eyes.

Eyes are SO INTEGRAL to the overall expression, that it's very important to be sure your doodle gal or guy have a bit of a trim before getting a professional photo done.  Even with your own photos, you are going to want to make sure you can SEE THE EYES!
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Doodle Beards

The adorable hair under the nose and mouth of a doodle is a very individual thing.  Each doodle wears that beard differently.  

The common denominator, though, is that beards can stain, collect drool, or get pretty messy in your photos.  That's why, again, it's important to have their beards groomed regularly.  You can also use an anti-stain product to combat the build up of bacteria, saliva and mucus that invades a doodle beard (some owners use the same products that mitigate tear staining on doggy beards). 

Many dogs other than doodles have beards, like our wire-haired terrier Billie, so you can bet I am sure to clean her up regularly in case I need to pop her in the studio for a photograph or two.

The three easiest ways to manage a doodle beard are:
  • keep the beard trimmed properly
  • use dog grooming wipes or a damp washcloth to wipe the area daily after meals are done
  • shampoo just the beard once a week
When I am working to photograph bearded dogs, I always keep a nice clean, soft towel handy for quick beard clean ups if necessary.

Adequate Lighting

​Whether you are outside in natural light, or having a portrait done in a studio, doodles need to be lit adequately.
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The lighter the dog, the easier this will be to accomplish, but with darker doodles, or those with multi-coats of light and dark, light placement is everything.

Make sure there is ENOUGH LIGHT ON THE FACE to see the eyes and eye-rim hair.  These areas tend to go dark if they are not lit well.  If the sun is behind a doodle, you'd better have something to light the front of the dog, or you will get a muted and dark photograph every time.

​If you are a doodle mom or dad, you may want to invest in a Lume Cube.  The one referenced here is portable, runs on Bluetooth technology, is waterproof, and costs around $90.00.  You can use it inside and outdoors and it will broadcast enough light for you to be able to light the facial areas of your pup.

I sometimes use a Lume Cube when pets who come to the studio are afraid of my strobes or off camera flash lighting.  

Have Fun

I don't think it needs to be said that if there were a fourth tip in this blog, it would be to have fun taking your photos.  I think it's one of the reasons I love Reagandoodle so much, because it looks like every single day is full of fun! 

​If you have a doodle, and need a doodlicious photo session, give me a call!
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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 (doodles), start here with Dog Photographer Kim Hollis of BARKography, as she talks about finding the best dog models for her commercial pet photography work.

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until you find yourself back here. 

Have a great weekend!  Enjoy!
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Lifestyle: The More Natural Approach

4/21/2023

1 Comment

 
I was grabbing some candid shots of my dogs in the yard this past week, when nice weather set in for a day or two. I mean REALLY nice weather.  Like almost 78 degrees.  In April, in Pennsylvania, you never know what you are going to get weatherwise.

I realized while shooting that:
(1) I hadn't concentrated on my own pups in this way in a long time, and
​(2) it's a much more satisfying thing for me with my own dogs--to capture them in their daily routines.
That's Talley, Luke and Lilah above (left to right), just hanging out doing their hanging out things. I think Lilah may have been trying to nap, sitting by her "safe spot" near the fence.

Lifestyle = What You Love To Do

Maybe you like to run with your dog.  Or is it biking?  Swimming? Sit around in a park?  Go on picnics?  Walk or hike trails?

Whatever you normally like to do in your life with your pet...well, that's lifestyle photography.

It's a much more natural, relaxed way of capturing the REAL moments with your pet...you know the ones you live on a daily basis.  It's less posing and more doing.​
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Lifestyle = Comfort and Interaction

I find that clients are more comfortable DOING and interacting, than they are just posing, so I often explain that Lifestyle is one of the options they can choose when deciding on how they would like to remember the moment.

​What to wear is simple:  dress for the activity you want to encompass in your lifestyle session.
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Where Do Lifestyle Sessions Happen?

Lifestyle sessions can take place where you and your pet are most comfortable.  That might be in your home, your own backyard, a nearby park you always visit, or on a road you often walk, on a fishing dock, in a kayak--choose whatever it is you do with your pet regularly in your life.

It might even be bath day in your bathtub!
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Wherever it takes place, there's one thing I know for sure...you will have fun, stay relaxed and have a much more natural end result geared to your own daily activities.

I also find that if you are looking for some phenomenal art work for your wall (see below), there is nothing like a relaxed photo of you and your pets, in an environment that you love!
​

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 (natural), start here with NW Indiana and Chicago Area pet photographer Denise of Denise Duriga Photography, as she shares why natural dog food is better than highly processed kibble.

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until you find yourself back here. 

Have a great weekend!  Enjoy!
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Framed Lifestyle 20x30 Print
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Do Dogs Experience Joy?

4/14/2023

2 Comments

 
There's a simple answer.

It's YES.

​But there is a longer explanation.  For anyone interested in "longer," read on.
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Australian Shepherd enjoying a shallow creek and a stick.
Dog Emotions

Much research has been done on dogs.  The conclusions?  Dogs can experience basic emotions, including joy, fear, love, sadness, and anger.  But they experience it like a toddler.

Dogs can also MIRROR your emotions.  How?  Two ways.
  1. Smell - your emotions trigger chemical changes in your body--your dog can smell that.
  2. Behavioral Changes - you know how well you know your dog?  They know you just as well.  Facial expressions, mannerisms, tone of voice, gestures, etc. will clue your dog into your emotions at any given time.
Modern Dog has a great article on dog emotions.  To read it, CLICK HERE.

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Bernese Mountain Dog having some snow fun.
Signs of Happiness

When you know your dog, you can tell when they are happy.

New toys at my house mean plenty of upside down time, just chewing away on the new thing.  Our Jack Russell cross and English Setter Lilah are especially good at giving us this sign of happiness.  But Lilah also looks like she is smiling while romping around with a new toy.​
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Lilah with her new red ball.
That wagging tail may also be a sign of happiness at any given time.  But tail wagging can be many things, just like in Hawaii where Aloha means both Hello and Goodbye.  Tail wagging, depending on other body signals from our dogs, can also mean nervousness, fear, and other emotions.

Suffice it to say, our dogs DO IN FACT, experience emotions.  Joy is one of them!  I don't know about you, but I'm HAPPY about that!


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 (joy), start here with Nicole Hrustyk of Pawtraits by Nicole as she honors her dog's memory with a tribute blog post.

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until you find yourself back here. 

Have a great weekend!  Enjoy!


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Best PA Trails for Fresh Air on Horseback

4/7/2023

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If you are not from this area, you may not know that in another life I rode horses extensively.  The horse community here pretty much know each other, and the more years you have as a rider, the easier your name is recognized locally.

​Mainly a hunter rider to begin, I also rode dressage, showed quite a bit, and after the years of experience turned to knowledge, I trained both horses and riders for about 8 years.

My horse Pharaoh and I took the Baby Green Hunter yearly championship the very first year we showed on the local circuit.  In the second year, we won Pre-Green Hunter Reserve Champion.  Pharaoh was also the horse I rode with the Abington Hunt, a chapter of fox hunters, where I became a whipper-in. (A whipper-in is responsible for maintaining the fox hounds, both on and off the hunt field, and is part of the hunting staff. Your horse must essentially be used to "running with the hounds.")

But, my most favorite thing to do was trail ride.  Pharaoh (and later our other horses) and I would go out for two to three hour trail rides often.  
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Pharaoh and I at an Abington Hills Hunt meet. (Photo courtesy of Debbie McBride.)
Choosing the Best Trails

In our region, while much of the old land we used to ride on has been developed or is now owned by those who do not allow riding on the properties, there have been encouraging moves toward adding land back to the horseback riding landscape.

In reviewing research and my own experience/knowledge for this blog, I made a decision to include what I consider the top three places to trail ride that are open to the public.  This does not mean there aren't other spots that have beautiful trails, but they may be privately held boarding facilities or trail ride establishments.  I limited this blog to those places you can go with your own horse and enjoy the fresh air.  To be listed here, there must be maintained trails, and the sites must have safe places to park horse trailers.  Three localities immediately fit those limitations.
Map Lackawanna State Park Trails
Map of Lackawanna State Park Trails
Lackawanna State Park

While I know the map above will be difficult to read in this medium, it's easy to look at an online version for better viewing.  All the little marching horses indicate the trails open to riding.

Trailer parking is preferred off of Wallsville Road (a right hand turn off Route 407 coming from Clarks Summit, and just past the park entrance).  That being said, I have parked a trailer in the first parking lot on the left as you enter the park, all the way toward the end of the lot, and no one has said "boo."  All trails are accessible from Wallsville Road, however.  Here's a close up of the area.  Look for the little trailer to the right near the end of Wallsville Road on this blow up.
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The park trails are normally maintained, however, wind storms will knock trees down, and reporting non-accessible areas to the park office is recommended.

The Abington Trail is the recommended riding trail.  It is very scenic, with hills and water access.  In fact, many moons ago, I helped to clear this trail, and rode it many times from the barn where I boarded.  Some of the access and egress is now blocked by home development, so best to trailer in and ride from designated parking areas.
Horse and rider on a trail
D&H Rails to Trails

In our region there are many reclaimed rail corridors, named for the primary railways that used them.  The D&H is one such corridor and covers 38 miles of converted trail tracing the former corridor of the Delaware & Hudson Railway, a line that primarily carried anthracite coal out of the Lackawanna Valley in the second half of the 19th century. 

The trail follows the Lackawanna River and crosses it four times. The scars of coal mining are evident in the early access points near the Lackawanna Heritage Trail, but lessen after passing Forest City, about 5 miles along the route, where the trail passes into the scenic Endless Mountains Region, and farmlands, stone walls, and forests take over the views.

For horseback riding, your best bet is to trailer to the Forest City parking access.  It's where you will find the largest trailhead and ample parking.  If you ride from Forest City to Union Dale (five miles), you’ll reach a trailhead with parking and a portable restroom. Also at this location you'll find the office for the Rail-Trail Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, which manages the trail. Stop in for trail information, or grab a sandwich at the deli next door (open 6 a.m.–6 p.m.; closed Wednesdays).  This is a good loop on a nice day, and we have plenty of nice days coming up.
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Map: Forest City to Union Dale Trailheads - D&H Rails to Trails
Man on horseback trail riding summer
Bucks County Horse Park

About a 2.5 hour trip from my back door near Tunkhannock, is Bucks County Horse Park.  If you want to make a day out of your trail ride, there is no better place than this lovely horse park, located at 8934 Easton Road in Revere, PA.

If you go on a Tuesday, you can watch some Tuesday Evening Dressage before heading home (summer only).  While on Thursdays you can find plenty of competitors at the Thursday Morning Horse Shows (again, only summer months).

A day pass to the park is $35.00 for non-members, and you must sign a liability release in order to use the facilities (it's kept on file).  The 123 acre park is open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset.  The Park depends on membership dues and revenue from over 50 events held each year to support the costs of maintaining the trails and facilities.

The trails are easy to use with color coded trail markers. Most trails start below the schooling rings or in the tiered parking lot below the secretary's building. Trails are continually refurbished and maintained to provide safe footing and a pleasant ride.

The Purple trail is the recommended choice for first time trail riders or when the weather has made footing muddy and deep on other trails.

I give this facility an 11 out of 10, as it meets all the requirements and then some.  You just have to make the trip.  For more information contact the Park by email or phone:  
  • Email: Office@buckscountyhorsepark.org
  • Telephone: 610 847 8597 Fax: 610 847 5507
The left photo showcases Tuesday evening dressage.  The right Thursday Morning Horse Shows.
Life With Horses

At present we have two horses living with us on our farm.  Roo is a Percheron/Thoroughbred cross.  He stands almost 17.5 hands and is a dapple gray, with white mane and tail (when he is clean).

American Eagle, our Pinto is 15.3 hands, an Overo in coloring and markings.  Below is a past cell photo (taken by a friend) of Eagle and I taking a standing break at a local clinic.

Neither of the boys know it, but they are both getting back under saddle this summer.  There is nothing like riding a horse!
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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 (fresh air), start here with Pet photographer Erin Schwartzkopf, of Erin Kathleen Photography, as she shares some of her favorite escapes to cure cabin fever in eastern Wyoming.

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until you find yourself back here. 

Show season is quickly approaching.  If you'd like to schedule individualized photos of your rider at a local show, give me a call!

This is Easter weekend for us!  Happy Easter to all who celebrate!  
3 Comments

Stuck in the Middle

3/24/2023

3 Comments

 
The past few months and weeks have been a part of competition season for me.  So when the topic came up for this week's blog--center--I immediately heard a juror's voice saying "this image has everything going for it, but it's centered."  That was a negative comment, not a positive one.

The Concept of Using Space

Space is not only THE FINAL FRONTIER, but also something photographer's use as part of their story telling.  There is a RULE OF SPACE as it relates to the subject in the photograph and it says:
  • the direction the subject of the photograph is moving in, or even just looking in, dictates where the subject in the photograph should be placed.
The Rule of Thirds is somewhat tied to this, because if you allow more space in the direction the subject is moving or looking, and less space behind the subject, you are most likely going to be placing that subject about a third of the way in the photograph.

Let's examine.

The photo below is a completely centered image of our dog Billie.  She is sitting on a picnic table at the park on an overcast day in the Fall.  There is nothing really interesting behind her, in fact, there are many distractions in the environment.

This is an instance where I believe CENTERING the image is helpful to focus on the subject (Billie) and not on what is happening around her.

Centered portrait of a wire-haired terrier
A very different image of our dog, Talley, is below.  Talley is looking to her left (our right), so you can see I've left space in the direction she is looking (as if she might move there), and only a little bit of space to her right (our left) where she has planted herself.

This is why you will often see photographs with the subject off-center. We are attempting to create "an illusion of movement."  If Talley were to pick up and go, we've left her space to do it.

English Setter standing in the snow
There are opportunities where a center-placed image can work and make the image balanced, strong and steady.  But many in the industry today feel that center placement is boring, unmoving and static.  They gravitate toward the Rule of Thirds. 

Below is one more example of a portrait where more space is given to where Lilah's gaze is moving than to the area behind her.

Offset studio portrait of orange belton English Setter
I just took a class with a top notch landscape photographer, Joe Brady.  He has developed his own "rule of thirds" in his photography work, and captures stunning images as he travels both nationally and internationally for teaching and training.

It was interesting that he advocates for CROPPING OUT anything that doesn't have to do with the main subject, and to use a visualization process while photographing that will help you design that final crop in camera, while taking the photo.

I am looking to incorporate more landscape work into my animal and pet photography, and his class was amazingly helpful as a start to working my way toward that goal.


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 (center), start here with MA and NH dog photographer Darlene Woodward as she shares her new swoon-worthy artisan framed portraits, perfect for making your dog the center of attention.

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until ou find yourself back here. 

Enjoy!  Have a great weekend!  Spring has finally sprung!

3 Comments

Self Care Includes Your Dog

3/10/2023

1 Comment

 
If you are a dog owner, I know that you know the very next piece of information I'm going to give you.

YOU MAY LIVE LONGER.

You read that right.  YOU MAY LIVE LONGER.

A study published three years ago by Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association, suggests "owning a dog is linked with living longer." The data reviewed studies published between 1950 and May 2019 that evaluated dog ownership and its association to mortality. The research included 10 studies that yielded data from more than 3 million participants.  (~Source:  USA Today)

CONCLUSION:  Dog owners were likely to live longer than those who didn’t have dogs.

BOOM!

Dog owners had a 24% risk reduction for death from ANY CAUSE, according to the study. For people with heart problems, living with a dog had an even greater benefit.

Dog and girl taking a break on a woodland path
Fresh air and a walk or hike can be great for heart health.
Walking Your Way to a Longer Life

It's no secret that dog owners are more active, no matter their age or the age of their dogs.  Walking a dog 20-30 minutes a day, follow the guidelines put out by the American Heart Association--moderate physical activity for 150 hours per week.

Dog ownership has also been linked to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and a better sense of well-being.

The companionship offered by owning a dog, or any pet for that matter, promotes positive physical and psychological health in humans.

Man sitting on bench petting dog outdoors
My husband and our dog Danny enjoying a crisp pre-winter day.
The simple act of petting an animal leads to reduced stress and relaxation.  Both owner and pet release oxytocin, promoting a sense of calmness.

Working Dog Parents

If you are a working dog parent or parents, you don't have to do it all on your own.  Sometimes people feel they can't devote enough time to a dog because of the daily grind, but a typical work day is 8 hours and there are still 16 hours left.

There are a growing number of services available for dog parents. Dog walkers, pet sitters, doggie daycares, groomers and mobile vets are all at your disposal – do your homework to ensure you get people who will care for your dog like their own.

And there are plenty of non-puppy types looking for a home at your local shelter or through a reputable rescue.  An older, more sedate dog is totally willing to put up with your 8 hour shift, as long as they get to be a part of your life.

Woman and dog sitting on street bench
An owner and her dog enjoying lap time at the park.
Dogs and Yoga

I discovered a group that dedicates its mission to helping rescues through Yoga.  Doggy Noses & Yoga Poses is known as a socially-conscious fundraising organization that raises money and awareness for animal rescue groups by coordinating unique and incredibly fun yoga events with local businesses and studios.  You can learn more about them by clicking on their name above. (~Source: DNYP website)

I am hoping to get one of our Yoga studios, locally, to organize an event with DNYP.  Just think how much fun THAT would be!

Self-care takes on many aspects, and can be different things to different people.  To me, a day in the woods with a dog, or a nice park walk on a beautiful afternoon, recharges my spirit and adds value to my life.  Apparently, it also lengthens it.


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 (self-care), start here with Syracuse photographer Nancy of Nancy Kieffer Photography, as she shares 5 tips to recharge your spirit, while spending time with your dog.

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until ou find yourself back here. 

Enjoy!  Have a great weekend!

1 Comment

Family Photo Sessions With Pets

2/24/2023

5 Comments

 
I am always excited when families tell me they are going to bring their pet along to a family photo session!  My first thought is: "Oh, they think just like I do"...that pets are definitely a part of the whole family experience.

Sometimes that's a big decision for families.  They might feel their pet would not behave or act right in their photos, or that it might be an added burden to manage a pet while also managing the family for a photo session.

I am always happy to have a discussion with a client about the fear of including a pet in their photo experience.  There are so MANY reasons to include vs not include them.

Family Photo with pet dog
Easing the "My Dog Won't" Fears

I find we tend to worry more than necessary about things that probably won't ever happen.  We build these little scenarios in our heads and then laugh at ourselves after the fact, because we knew--and actually heard ourselves telling ourselves--that things probably would not be as bad as we predicted.

Here are some of things I hear on a regular basis:
  • my dog won't sit
  • my dog won't stay
  • my dog jumps
  • my dog drools
  • my dog might pee on something
  • my kids get my dog too excited
  • my dog isn't good off leash
  • (fill in the blank)
Please remember that not only do I have six dogs of my own, who exhibit most of these behaviors from time to time, but I have quite a large number of years of experience working with pets of all types and all energy levels.

So:
  • I need three solid seconds for a clear shot of your dog
  • I have methods and tricks to keep your dog's attention
  • Your dog can jump on me...I won't be wearing my Sunday best...I get down on the ground a lot
  • Yeah....drool...it's a fact of life...I have towels
  • Clean up tools are available for any accidents
  • Your dog is never going to be off leash.  (Check out the photos above and below.  Can you find the leash?)
What You Need To Know

If your kids grow up with their pet, you will want to include that pet in your memories for sure!

Did you know:  Kids are more relaxed when their pet is present for a photo session?  Kids smile more and smile more authentically when they share posing time with their pet?  Yep.  I've seen it time and time again.

To prepare your pet to be included in your family portrait here's all you need do:
  • groom two days before your session, then bring along a brush to your appointment
  • bring treats your pet likes (or favorite toy)
  • use a plain leash (preferably clean and newer) and a nice flat collar (preferably a martingale-type collar)--I wrote a blog about collars.  CLICK HERE to read it.  You will also find more on collars later in this blog circle.
  • do not use a harness on your pet, as I will not be able to edit a harness out of your photos
  • practice sit and stay with a few treats for about three days prior to your session (10 minutes 3x a day should do it) holding each for at least 5 seconds (remember, I need 3 seconds)
  • exercise your dog on leash prior to arrival to our designated meeting location, and give them a potty break just before we start our session
  • bring clean up bags to clean up after your dog if needed
It's as simple as that!

My Dog is Afraid of Everything

I totally understand.  I have one of these dogs, too.  Bringing an already somewhat fearful dog to a location they do not know is probably not going to get you the best photos, but having me come to you at your home or back yard location, where your dog is already at least comfortable with that portion of the exercise, usually results in great photos.

And I always find a spot that will work for your family...even if sometimes it's the back of your couch.
Family portrait with pet in home back of couch
So have I convinced you NOT to leave your pet out of your portrait and lifestyle sessions?  I hope so.

You can schedule either a portrait or lifestyle session by heading to the contact tab, under "more..." above, where you will find a form to fill out and send, or by contacting the number posted on this website (also above).

Lifestyle sessions are not as posed as portrait sessions and will usually have us focus on elements of your typical day, like the couple walking their dogs below.

Pets play such a big part in our lives, and we need to have their images intermingled with our own, because as we all know, the only flaw pets have is their lifespan.

Lifestyle Family Portrait with Three English Setter dogs outdoors walking
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 Angela Schneider of Big White Dog Photography in Spokane, Washington, with five reasons to take adventures with your dog.

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until ou find yourself back here. 

Enjoy!  Have a great weekend!

5 Comments

Keeping It Simple With Everyday Photos

2/10/2023

3 Comments

 
It's not everyday that I pull out my studio camera, choose a lens, and set up lighting to capture something in my daily life.  In fact, there are many times that I do not go to my main camera at all in my own day-to-day life.

I can grab my point-and-shoot Fuji digital or use my cell phone for quick snapshots of things that "make my day."

If you remember that old K.I.S.S. rule, keeping it simple will often make it easier for you to have fun taking and making great photos, especially when it comes to the pets in your life!


What To Consider
  1. Not every photo has to be perfect, but photos should have impact.
  2. Your pet's habits, schedule and routine moments, can help you be prepared for the times when photos will showcase daily activities.
  3. Your pet's likes and dislikes should dictate what you use to grab attention, or, in the case of a pet that doesn't like photos, the unassuming tactics you will have to use to catch them in your lens.
Group of dogs and a cat on couch in winter
The above photo was an opportune moment on a snowy night.  It is clearly not perfect.  But it does capture a routine moment in our dogs' (and one cat's) lives.  The habits and routine we know about, are the facts that our dogs gravitate to laying with each other on our large couch in the evening.  We never know who will get the first-come-first-served spots, but we know it's going to happen.

In this case, two of the dogs on the couch do not like to be photographed, and had I made a big deal out of it or set something up, they would have left.  Not one of them knew I was taking this photo with my cell phone.


Good and Simple Technical Practices
  1. Whether you use a quickie camera or your cell, investigate the settings and be sure to switch to center point focus.  Then focus on the eyes.
  2. Crop out anything that gets in the way of the impact of your main subject.  The photo below shows the same couch, in the same spot near  the large window above.  You can see I've cropped out all of the excess, but left in a bit of the table and the flowers on the table.
  3. Use black and white to your advantage.  Too many colors take away from the subject.  Keep it simple by changing your photo to black and white.
English Setter on Couch
Other Simple Things To Do
  1. Look for ways to frame your subject.
  2. Try different angles for different impacts.
  3. Don't compose every image with your subject in the center.
Simple Things to Capture

In my house the routines and habits give me insight into the types of things I can capture on a daily basis.  Things like:
  • Sleep positions
  • New toy or new chew celebrations
  • Cute facial expressions
  • Dog interactions
  • Cat/Dog interactions
  • Cats on the prowl
  • Window watching activities
  • Treat time
  • Couch time
  • Cuddle time
What are some of the routine things your pets do on a daily basis?

Playtime and Use of Words

I love to capture our dogs at play, or our cats doing odd things, then create small, sometimes humerous blurbs about it.  If you visit my Instagram page @igottheshot and check out my Highlight titled "Capture the Day" you can see some of the things I have created there.  If you are not already following this page, I encourage you to do so.  I announce specials and change of season quick sessions there.
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Picture
If you are using your cell, two great apps for adding text are Snapseed or Pixlr.  Both are free.  I have both on my phone and use them for "blurb" purposes, as well as some of the editing tools they provide.

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 (KISS), start here with Nancy of Nancy Kieffer photography shares some tips for taking your own photos of your pet.  It's a good week to tune into the circle, as there will be plenty of tips.

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until ou find yourself back here. 

Enjoy!  Have a great weekend!  Only 37 more days until Spring!
3 Comments

It Looks Like a Golden Day

2/3/2023

4 Comments

 
February 3rd is National Golden Retriever Day!

Who doesn't love a Golden Retriever?

Early in our dog life as a couple, my husband and I brought home a 3 year old Golden from our local SPCA.  Her name was Sandy, and she had already been brought back to the shelter twice.  Sandy was of the BIG and RED golden variety.  In her prime she was close to 104 lbs.  We liked to call her "big-boned."  She really did not look overweight at all, but you definitely knew she was solid if she tried to sit on your lap.

Sandy lived a happy life with us and left us when she was 14.5 years old.  That started us loving the breed.

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Sandy exploring a snow-covered trail.
We have very few photos of Sandy left, thanks to moving twice and losing two computers to hard drive crashes.  She was always up for a hike somewhere, and never really left our home base, except for one time when my Aunt Helen found her coming back home from a stroll by the lake we lived near, sauntering up the road like she owned the world.  Sandy quickly accepted a ride back to the house when Aunt Helen opened her car door.

Then Came Ollie

When Sandy crossed over the Bridge, we waited a bit before getting another dog.  One day, I read an ad in the paper looking to rehome two Golden Retrievers.  We decided to contact the advertiser, finding out that he was an over-the-road independent trucker and had two pure bred retrievers who were brothers--Ollie and Oggie.  We decided to go see both of them.  Since his job was keeping him away for long periods of time, he felt the brothers deserved a home where people were around more.  

Someone had already come to look at Oggie, so we decided to take Ollie, who was exactly one-year old when we gave him his second home.  He had been living in an elaborate kennel/garage system and not really in a house situation, but it didn't take him long to "get it" and like it.  Ollie became the family greeter and caretaker of family canine member additions, and was loved by all.  He is another dog that never strayed from our property. He could catch a frisbee like no dog I have ever known.  For as big as he was, he was dead on with the catch, and loved the game.

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Ollie acting the big brother part for newly-adopted Moe.
Ollie passed over the Bridge much too early, at the age of eight, from hemangiosarcoma of the heart.  Cancer in Golden Retrievers is a very real concern.

Love of the Breed

​The American Kennel Club (AKC) defines the breed as "outgoing, trustworthy, and eager-to-please."  I would have to say ALL of those things were true about the two goldens we owned.

Goldens are great family dogs and our kids grew up around the goldens.

My past history with our Golden Retrievers has been a great foundation for my photography work with the breed, and I am always excited when I receive a call from a Golden owner looking for pictures of their dog.

The Day of the Goldens

Imagine the level that excitement reached when I got the call that an owner was looking to bring not one, not two, but THREE Golden Retrievers for studio portraits!!! 

​One of her dogs had a recent illness diagnosis at age 13, and she wanted to be sure to have "Loving Memory" photos taken.  She decided to bring all three boys at that time.


Meet Tripper, Brew and Tioga (in that order below).
The brothers were a joy to work with.  (Click on any photo to make it larger for better viewing.) 

Tioga's photo, framed in the lower right hand corner, was part of my first ever entry into International Print Competition, and it not only merited, but received Image Excellence.

These three separate head shot now grace the client's wall as metal prints.

One Final Golden

I would be remiss if I didn't include Golden Retriever puppy Wyatt in this blog.  Although puppies do tend to move around a lot, he was a very good boy for his session.

As noted, there is nothing quite like a Golden Retriever, one of the most popular breeds in households today.

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Click Into the Circle

Want to see more Goldens, or thoughts about the breed?  I am a member of a group of professional pet photographers from all over the planet.  To see what others have written on this week's topic, start here with NH Photographer Sandra McCarthy of Sandra McCarthy Photography, as she shares a Cake Smash session for a Golden Retriever named Maple.

Then click the link at the end of each blog post until you find yourself right back here.

Have a great weekend!  Enjoy!

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    "Elaine made working with my somewhat hyper dog look easy.  I can't believe the beautiful photos that came from his session!"
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