Grateful Thankful Blessed

I've taken a few weeks away from blog writing in order to keep up with my client work and family obligations.  Both have been rewarding.

But, there are a few things I'd like to mention in the grateful-thankful-blessed scheme of things, so I've set aside this week's blog to focus on them.

Grateful For Families

I am grateful for all the families I met this year, who include their dogs in every facet of their lives, including this wonderful family, whose dog was a welcome part of their business holiday card portrait.

I can tell you that this boy loved loved loved his family and was so well trained it was a joy to work with him.  Now if only the kids liked duck calls.

Thank you to all the beautiful families who trusted me to produce memories by the truckload this year!

Thankful For Good Outcomes

Since early June we have been dealing with senior dog and some horse health issues, and vet visits were plentiful over the course of the summer and into September for two of our dogs in particular.  Both are 13 years old this year.

Thankfully, our group of great vets set protocols and testing that gave us insight into these issues, and helped us to decide on courses of action that ultimately led to success for all concerned.

At this writing, our Billie girl, has bounced back completely...(knock on something wooden).  I chose her to be the model for my business holiday card this year, to celebrate the victory we've had over liver disease and IMHA.

By the way, this beautiful digital backdrop was designed by a fellow photography friend, Reinford Photography.  Isn't it stunning!  I have already used several different digital backdrop designs in cards for clients for the upcoming holiday season.

​Blessed

I have been blessed this season to win several awards for my photography work.  Most recently at Capture 2023, a Professional Photographers Association of Pennsylvania (PPAofPA) print competition held every Fall.

Our dog Talley is featured in the photo which won the Best Animal Portrait trophy.  Talley will really do anything for food, and as she has been a part of my studio since she was three months old, she knows her way around lights and a set.  Talley actually created this portrait herself...completely her idea. 

Unscholarly Activity - Best Animal Portrait, Capture 2023

At this same competition, I also won a Judge's Choice Award for one of my illustrative nature portraits.  Titled "Suspended," this is one of my favorite images taken this past summer.  Chosen from 160 entries, this award means a lot to me.

I always feel very blessed for having this creative outlet to turn to in my life.  It's given me an eye that doesn't miss much, and when it comes to life, we really don't want to miss anything.

Suspended - Judge's Choice Award, Capture 2023

My hope is that everyone reading this has a great Thanksgiving, and that you can find the things in your life that you are grateful for, thankful for, and blessed with as the year approaches its end.

​Enjoy!