Blog Posts

Thankful Kitties

11/18/2022

It's the season of counting our blessings.

When this week's blog topic came up (Gratitude), I had just finished reading an article about the mystery we call cats. I wondered...

Are cats thankful? I mean, they are so good at hiding their emotions--except maybe when you open a can of their favorite kitty food.

So I did some research, and here is what I found.

The Cat Gratefulness List

There are a few things cats put at the top of their list in terms of being grateful. While they may not be exuberant (like dogs), achieving at least some of these items will keep a cat grateful and happy.

1. A comfy warm spot or two (someplace comfy and cozy to sleep, sleep, sleep)
2. A cat bed (this is wise if you also have dogs and dog beds, as the cat WILL take them over)
3. Toys (cats really do like to play, especially if they are "inside only" kitties)
4. Clean litter boxes
5. Cardboard boxes or paper bags (these are adventure items and make great hide-a-ways for cats)
6. Favorite food (of good nutritional quality) and treats

I have found cats love feather toys and small furry mice toys, and, while I am not sure what they put in Temptations treats, if you open a container of them in our house, you will have cats at your feet in a nanosecond.

We have four cats and each one has their own favorite spots and warm places to snooze. We often know exactly where to find them. Our kitties will also choose a lap to nap on, if we are sitting for a period of time either watching television or working on the computer.

How do you know if your cat is grateful?

I am getting to that.

Signs Your Cat is Grateful

Of course this will vary depending on the kitty and level of aloofness they want to project in their day-to-day lives in the fiefdom, but generally, here are some ways cats let you know how much they appreciate things.

Purring (consider yourself hugged)
Kneading bread or "making biscuits" - you know, that paw movement that mimics CPR or a good massage
Bringing you gifts (yes, I just knew you would love this dead mouse I got in the basement)
Blinking slowly at you (I love you- I love you- I love you)
Head bumps or rolling over whenever they see you

I read another really interesting fact about cats while researching this topic. A 2017 study on cats concluded that, among 4 categories of stimuli (human social interaction, food, toys, and scents), cats most preferred interacting with humans.

Even more recently, a 2019 study on cat behavior from Oregon State University reported that cats gravitated more toward people who showed them positive attention than people who ignored them.

Another important fact: Cats recognize and LOVE their people.

I am happy to know that while we are grateful for our cats, they just might be as--if not more--grateful for us!

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, up next is Syracuse pet photographer Nancy of Nancy Kieffer Photography, who is thankful for the gifts her dogs have given her.

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until you find yourself back here. Enjoy and have a very Happy Thanksgiving next week!

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Holiday Photographic Gift Guide 2022

11/11/2022

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How fast did this season drop itself into our laps?

Yep. It's time to figure out what Santa is going to leave for all the people on your list, some of whom you have no idea what to buy for them, because they "don't want anything," or "have everything they need." (How many times have I heard that!)

I have a few ideas that may be helpful in your quest to find the perfect gift.

AND, if you are a past client, you can take advantage of a 20% off past image gallery photo sale, held from now through December 5th, to make it happen. That same discount is applied to gift orders of NEW clients who are visiting for holiday card photos!

Here are three tried and true gifts that never disappoint!

A Beautiful Float Framed Print

You can make an image a one-of-a-kind piece of wall art by adding a handcrafted Float Frame. This can be done with a variety of print surfaces, including Photographic & Fine Art Prints, Metal Prints, and Gallery Wraps.

What is a Float Frame?

A Float Frame offers you some great choices:

Three unique molding styles, each with various color options (the one below is charcoal)
⅛" space between the frame and the print creates a floating illusion
Delivered ready to display with a wire hanger
Sizes: From 5x7 to 30x40
7-10 days to process

I don't know anyone who wouldn't be happy finding this under the tree, especially when featuring favorite pets, people, or a past year memory.

Everyone Loves a Calendar

Since making my own studio calendars for the past several years, I have now begun offering a year's worth of photo joy to clients. Why not revel in your own memories as each month passes?

There are two options:

Option One: A 5x7 Photo Print Calendar

You choose the images you would like included, and the months you would like to see them featured in, and I do the rest. Uniquely designed with your style in mind, there are many page options to select.

Showcase all the fun times of the past year in your upcoming year!

Design work takes 2 days, processing in 7 - 10 days.

Option Two: A 5x10 Magnetic Calendar

There was always a magnetic calendar on the fridge when I was growing up. Whether for your fridge, file cabinet, desk, or work bench, the days of each month are always in front of you.

You can dedicate this calendar to one very special remembrance, or select your favorite photo (or three) from the past year. This makes a great gift for a loved one--grandparents especially love this calendar with a photo of their grandkids, whether skin or fur, or a photo of your whole family.

You can also order more than one at a quantity discount. They take 7-10 days to process.

The Gift of Photos

If you'd rather let the choices up to the person you are buying for, why not choose a gift certificate, which they can use toward product credit, or to cover the cost of a photographic session.

I Got the Shot Gift Certificates are good for 6 months from the date of purchase, offer a unique gift idea, and often are just the surprise welcomed by families and friends who may have been thinking about having photos done, but haven't yet done the research and leg work to make it happen. This might be just the impetus they need!

Don't panic. There's still time.

You will also find more gift ideas as you stroll through the blog circle today, and there are definitely more products to select from available in 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, up next is Seattle Dog Photographer, Holly Cook, as she shares her Holiday Gift Guide for 2022. Number 1 on her list? A very special offer for the "hard to buy" dog lover in your life.

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until you find yourself back here. Enjoy! Have a great weekend!

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Bark or Treat

10/28/2022

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Halloween for Dogs

At least there are no fireworks.

If you live in Cincinnati, Ohio, there is an actual Bark or Treat event being held with Mad Tree Brewing in Oakley. Costume contests, cold brews and pumpkin spice dog lattes. Sounds good to me.

Back here in Northeastern PA, there are many seasonal events that are dog friendly, but if you prefer to dress up as a cat and visit with some cats in celebration of National Cat Day and Halloween, you can attend a celebration at Purrfect Mugs Cat Cafe in Plains on Saturday, the 29th.

The SPCA of Luzerne County is sponsoring this event:

To Costume or Not To Costume - That Is the Question

As far back as I can remember, we have not exactly costumed our pets.

Oh sure, we have had the occasional fun with a grouchy cat and a feather boa, but no real store-bought-on-purpose Halloween-wear.

This is probably because, for many years we had to take three boys trick-or-treating, and were happy that the dogs weren't pestering us to buy or make them into cowboys, spacemen, Star Wars characters, pirates or mummies.

That doesn't mean I haven't thought about it lately.

I have watched a few YouTube videos of Pomeranians running at the camera in some of the funniest gear. There is a particularly cute pup named Mocha, who puts out a lot of videos. This is Mocha's Halloween 2022 video.

I do know that on the few occasions where we MAY have put a hat on one of our dogs, or some type of seasonal head band, we either got a mournful expression or the dog just laid right down on the floor and knocked it off. So, we haven't exactly fallen into the "PERSISTENT" category of Halloween dog-dressing.

Pass the Treats Please

Talley is really, at this point, the BEST dog model we own. Around here it's TRICK for a TREAT, and she has caught on with great gusto. I don't know if it's because she is deaf, but she hones in on exactly what she needs to do to get that treat. In fact, I was worried about her taking the Canine Good Citizen test (which she recently passed) because you can't use treats during the test, and I thought our whole system would collapse.

Lilah is our second best dog model, but she gives you "you have got to be kidding me" expressions most of the time. This Lilah photo was taken in 2015, and you can see her face tells you EXACTLY what she is thinking about the whole deal.

Billie comes in third place, and our other dogs refuse--really--to have anything to do with cameras.

So Talley was my choice for Halloween greetings. Her 2022 Halloween photo is below.

How Was It Done?

Our woods are pretty spooky in early evening, and evening comes quicker at this time of year. It took THREE TREATS for this look. I used a 105mm f2.8 lens and OCF (off camera flash) a bit off center and over my head. The pumpkins are stock that has been composited into the photo, the crow is brushed on. The collar is from Beamer's Bark in Style.

However you celebrate Halloween, give your pups an extra TREAT, but be sure to ask them for a TRICK!

Click Into the Circle

After a two week hiatus, I am happy to be back blogging with this fantastic circle of pet photographers. It's a really small circle this week, however. To read more on this week's topic "Boo," start here with whitewater dog photographer, Jan Bezzo, as she shares ways to keep your dog safe on Halloween.

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

Have a great, and spooky, weekend!

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Bronze Medalist - International Photographic Competition

10/14/2022

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Every year, I participate in various photographic print competitions as part of my ongoing efforts to increase my knowledge base and better my work. Participation has definitely moved me to a higher level of photography and editing skills, and I credit it with improving the work I put forward for clients. In fact, I often compete with client images--with their approval, of course.

I thought I would share my images from this past September's International Photographic Competition (IPC) which is run by Professional Photographers of America, and share the process each one of these images goes through as part of my move toward submission.

What you need to know:

a competition print can take anywhere from 8 - 30 hours of work (for me--I have friends who may put more hours into various images), depending on the subject and how much I might want to change the image after feedback and critiques are given
once an idea is put into motion, it may take days or even weeks to photograph and assemble all the parts
there were several venues within the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) framework where the print could be entered and feedback/critique could be received (the process is now changing as I write this, so I am unsure what my NEW steps will be in terms of competition images)
the venues I used to receive image feedback were as follows: NPPPA (Northeastern Pennsylvania Professional Photographers Association), PPAofPA (the PA state affiliate for PPA), PPA District Competition- Northeast District (in that order)
the image is finally submitted to the IPC where it will receive one of two grades--Merit or Non-Merit
Merit images automatically move into the IPC's General Collection and are published and shown at the Annual Conferencing event in January, which will be in Nashville TN in 2023.

I submitted a Case (4 images) to the Photographic Open competition for review. Over 5000 images were submitted this year. All four images merited, hence the Bronze Medal distinction.

Below you will find the four images. I have put a small explanation under each one to give you an idea of the process. But, I have only given you an example of actual image changes with the first image.

You can click on each image to make it larger.

A Mossy Perch

I photographed this Barred Owl at a nature preserve. The birds are handled on a regular basis and perch nicely. This owl chose a particularly great, mossy branch in the enclosure to sit on. I photographed this image with a 105mm lens on a monopod, and a hand-held off camera flash, however, there was also ambient light coming in above the owl's head. I replaced the background on the image and added some greenery that I had from another photo I took of trees while on a hike. I also flipped and cropped the image for more impact.

Note: This image won the Joe Campanellie Award for Best Wildlife Image at the Professional Photographers Association of Pennsylvania's "Inspire" Competition. At the time, it looked like the framed image below (2nd photo down). I took the feedback received on this image at this competition and changed the image one more time before my next submission, to IPC.

The top photo is edited out of camera. This image sat for a very long time unused before I decided to make it competition worthy. You can see I have darkened the background to remove some of the specular highlights and brighter areas, which take away from the owl. Note the difference between this final, framed image and the one above, which was the Merit at IPC.

Just Call Me Cleopatra

This is Missy, sprawled out nicely in a studio portrait. Missy belongs to a client, who came for both studio and outdoor images. The photo was taken with a 70-200mm, f2.8 lens. My studio settings are always f11, ISO 100, 1/125. This was a two light set up (main and fill), with a back kicker light on the backdrop. The backdrop is a painted muslin by Denny.

I did a very simple edit on this image using Topaz and PS Elements.

Naming an image is a key ingredient in the competition mix. I wasn't sure the judges would get this one, but in all cases they did, and Missy does remind me of Cleopatra sprawled out on her barge on the Nile.

Teacher's Pet

One of the things I like to try and do in competition, is use at least one photo that has very little done to it editing-wise. This is my homage to that practice.

I am going to be honest and tell you, in all cases, I have been pleasantly surprised that this image made it through competition. But as one of my critique-givers noted: "it's the ultimate well-lit studio portrait that sends a great message, has humor and good impact."

I used a themed backdrop, an antique wooden school desk, apple and some books. I did PhotoShop in the "I heart Dogs" for effect. This is my own dog, Talley, who is two and has become the ultimate model, as she knows sitting quietly in a studio set up will get her a jackpot treat.

Balancing Act

I put the most hours into this particular image. I am never very lucky to see or capture Eagles. I just happened to have my camera in the car when I found this juvenile eating road kill on a back road last year. When I parked my car, it became suspicious and flew off, but into a very dead tree that is one of my favorite dead trees in the area. It was far enough out on the branch that I could get a clear shot against the sky, so I ran off about 20 shots.

There were two problems with this image. My lens went up to 300mm only, and I think if I had had a 500mm lens, the resolution of this image would have been quite a bit better. The angle I had to take the photo at, caused the background sky light to take over and the original image of the bird itself, was darkened.

This is an image that also sat for a long time before I pulled it out to think more about it. With some painting classes under my belt, and some feather brushes, I set about to paint back in the detail and resolution to the feathers. Since the sky was really BLAH that day, I took a primary color from the juvenile Eagle and painted the background. I took away most of the tree except for the main branch, and even took away most of that, to make the bird look perched on the very edge of the branch.

In the end, this image not only merited, but received "Showcase" image status, which means it will be printed in a special book. For a brief moment, one of the judges at IPC challenged it to receive Image Excellence status, and two judges voted for it, but three did not. So it remained a Merit. I am honored they even thought about it. Hard work pays off.

What's Next

Competition at the IPC level has taken me a while to come around to. This is my third year. I am competing to mainly achieve my Master of Photography Degree through PPA. I am two images away from receipt of that degree.

Last year I had three images Merit and two achieved Image Excellence status. The year before I had two images Merit and one received Showcase status. All of these things add up to a pointed system which leads to various degrees.

With the PPA system now changing, I may be able to receive that degree sooner than waiting a whole year to compete again, and that is a good thing. It may even spur me on to work on a Master Artist degree. We will see.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my journey into image competition. As I noted, my client imagery has become all the better for it!

Have a great weekend!

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For the Love of Dog

9/30/2022

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Some of you might be surprised to know that I started out my pet life with cats. Only cats.

There is a very good reason for this. My mom didn't believe we had the time to give a dog. Even though it was always a dog that I wanted, my mom said cats were easier to take care of and didn't need as much fussing over.

I was happy to have a pet...any pet, so cats were okay by me. My first cat was an all white kitten with blue eyes we named Cotton.

My dad worked for the government and we moved around a lot. When we moved to Germany, we gave Cotton to a very good friend and she lived a long life. I missed her, but I never lost my want of a dog.

And now I have six.

Here's why dogs are so important to my life.

Beagles on the hunt.

10 Reasons Dogs Win

1. They love adventure!
Like the photo above, dogs are game for just about anything. A day scouting out things in the field, or swimming in the lake. Dogs are ready.

2. Dogs are great companions.
They ride with you in the car, go for walks, and nurse you back to health when you aren't feeling well--keeping you company on the couch or the bed.

3. Dogs wear their hearts on their tails.
Once you get to know a dog, you get to know how they are feeling about things. Their tails are dead giveaways. Happy, sad, scared, tired...it's all there to be read in the tail. They get to know you just as well, and feel everything you are feeling. So it's a two-way street.

Two dogs enjoying an afternoon with their Dad playing ball off the dock.

4. Dogs love to play.
Whether a ball or stuffy toy, frisbee or your favorite shoes, dogs love to play. They bring out the kid in all of us when they respond to retrieving things we throw for their enjoyment (and ours). A game of "catch-me-if-you-can" is a favorite at our house.

5. A dog's facial expression can melt your heart or make you laugh.
Dog's have the very best facial expressions! Our dogs make us laugh constantly with the multitude of facial expressions in our household. Some dogs seem to look right through you. And yes, dogs DO smile!

6. Dogs live to please.
Dogs will try to do anything we ask of them, as long as we are patient and kind...and have treats. I have never known a dog who didn't try their best to please their human.

Two Russian Toy Terriers pose happily on a rock.

7. Dogs live for the moment.
We can learn a lot from dogs. They live in the moment, are quick to forgive and have a positive outlook on life.

8. Dogs are loyal.
Let's face it, dogs love their families. They are true friends, very loyal and protective of their people.

9. Unconditional Love is a trait of all dogs.
They don't care how you look or what you are wearing. Dogs just love you, no matter what.

10. Dogs are great therapy for the soul.
Having a bad day? Go play with your dog. Dogs refresh us. It's been proven that people with pets live longer than those who don't have pets. Dogs not only get us out there exercising (remember those walks?), but they offer us a reprieve from the daunting routines of life.

All in all, dogs are just the very best things to grace our lives. It's why I love to photograph them!

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 takes a trip down memory lane and reminisces about all the dogs she's loved.

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until you find yourself back here. Enjoy! Have a great weekend!

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Why Dogs Form Lines

9/23/2022

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Two things you need to know about today's blog.

(1) I don't have all the answers to this phenomenon.
(2) My "scientific" photo documentation occurs over a number of years.

Well, there is a third thing: All of these photos were taken with a cell phone.
Oh, okay....maybe a fourth: This blog is purely for fun!

Line Formation 101

We know a number of reasons dogs might form lines that are common sense. Passing out treats is a major cause for line formation. It occurs in our house every time a treat bag comes out.

Treat line up circa 2010. Oh look, my hair was long and brown.

I love the nostalgia of this photography. We have since lost five of the dogs pictured here. Only the two in the back, Piper the Border Collie, and Danny the English Setter remain in our pack of six.

Dogs also form lines when they are waiting for a lap. Especially if those silly cats have gotten there first. My husband's lap is a household favorite.

The line starts here for lap time!

Of course, there are times when laps are unavailable because the humans are doing other things besides sitting down.

Dogs then form line ups on the couch (at least in our house they do).

The line for naps forms here.

The Extraordinarily Unexplainable Line Phenomenon

If you are a facebook friend, you will have seen me post photos of what I consider to be the crux of my research into an unexplainable and fascinating display, put on by our dogs at irregular intervals. (In other words, we have no idea when this will happen, it just does.)

I began remarking on it to my husband when I first noticed it. You know us photographers, we are into lines and stuff, and also into spotting things when looking for potential photos.

From then on both my husband and I would try to capture a photo of the phenomenon as it happened. Here are a few of our captures, again using our cells, over the course of several years.

A perfect line of evenly spaced dogs. They created it themselves.

Four dogs agreed on the line, one did not.

In the photo above, once again, the four dogs that agreed to line up, did it on their own and spaced themselves at even intervals. Our dog Danny, couldn't be bothered that day to be a part of the June Taylor Dancers system.

I should note that this line up occurs when new dogs are added to the pack. I think they are taken aside by our existing pack dogs and informed that certain things are going to be required of them, including the ability to follow instructions about line formation.

Here's one more, when our newest dog Talley, was added to the mix.

Once again, four dogs buy in, and one thinks about it.

Talley takes up the lead (closest to me) here, and the others show her how it's done. Since this photo, Talley has participated in more line ups, but I'm not sure she's aware of it.

Study Conclusions

These formations happen at various times of the year, during various seasons. They can occur at any time of day. Sometimes they encompass full dog participation (all six) and sometimes only a few (three or four). But the most interesting things about this phenomenon, is the even spacing between dogs and the straightness of the line.

So, if we have to conclude anything, we conclude that there are no conclusions.

Anyone with a pack of dogs.....do your dogs do this? Write me. Send me a photo.

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 of About A Dog Photography as she talks about Line.

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

Have a great weekend! Watch for those dog lines!

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My Dog is Unruly

9/16/2022

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Shelter dog who was a bit fearful of camera equipment and strangers.

My grandmother used to call the phenomenon "being rambunctious."

"Don't be so rambunctious," was her terminology for a little too much energy for the situation at hand.

I have heard from a few potential clients, "oh, my dog is not so well-behaved to sit for any type of portrait photo." Let me share something with you: even very well-trained dogs may have a problem with it.

Here's why.

1. Fear of or obsessive interest in new places/new things.
2. So many scents, so little time.
3. Those crazy lights.
4. General beyond happiness personality every day of the week.

I fully understand, and I have come prepared.

Shelter dog, curious but reserved, and attentive to his name. Leash removed in post processing.

Training Grounds

My official boot camp came from my experiences working with shelters. It was invaluable. Shelter dogs, out of their kennels, are sooooooooooooo happy to be out of them, and sooooooooooo happy for the attention, it becomes a challenge to get the two seconds needed for an expressive photo.

But it's never impossible.

Here's what I learned in boot camp.

scout out your background beforehand (maybe a nice grassy area, or a fence nearby)
if setting up a staged area, be sure the dog is walked by a volunteer prior to their photo
bring high value treats or toys
let the dog become familiar with your equipment and you
work slowly; have patience
it's safety first: always use leashes!

I follow all of these steps today, at my studio, with dogs and their owners who feel they might have too unruly a spirit to settle in for a portrait.

It's also why I do this next thing.

Set Up a Preliminary Consultation

This is by far a good usage of one hour. In a preliminary consult, the client brings his/her dog to the studio for a sit down chat, at which time the dog is only there to explore what the studio is about, and I get to observe the dog and its owner together.

This is definitely my path to success with dogs who have their own rules about sit and stay.

We also walk the grounds near the studio and give the dog a chance to sniff and explore the outside areas, where photographs are also possible. Some dogs just don't like confinement between four walls.

Or, we meet at the place a client tells me is their dog's favorite spot, and I do my preliminary consult there, getting to know the client, the dog, and their favorite place to be. I use this type of meeting to scout out good locations for photographs and note sun positioning at the time of day we meet.

Photo taken at an outside, dog-oriented event. with mobile set up.

In fact, all of the photos you see in the blog today, were taken of dogs who were a bit fearful, uncertain, very exuberant, and/or yes--UNRULY. Some were taken at events, others at a local shelter, and one at a pup's favorite location.

My Bag of Tricks

Dog photographers often have mounds of experience with many types of animals, and they apply that experience to each individual situation.

I have a bag of tricks that are my go too items to grab a dog's attention, and while I never like to overuse them, there is enough variety to have at least one work with any given dog. They include:

noise makers
duck calls
treats
lure stick
remote control shutter release

I am a Mom to six dogs. Each has their own personality and opinion about my work. Some will readily pose (like Talley, Billie, and Lilah, who have been trained since day one) and some can't be bothered to even look at the camera (like our Danny, Luke and Piper). But it never stops me from getting their perfect portrait.

Unsure? Give me a call. Let's talk, and get that lovely photo of your prized possession(s) on your wall.

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 St. Cloud, Twin Cities & Central MN dog photographer, Cahlean Klenke's blog post: My dog's not well behaved - how to make the best of your session with About A Dog Photography!

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer. Enjoy and have a great weekend!

This whirling dervish was photographed at her favorite location, her back yard.

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The Hardest Bridge to Cross

8/26/2022

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I have actually been to the Rainbow Bridge.

I know some of you are feeling sad for me right now, thinking I have lost my mind...BUT, it's true. I've been there. Rainbow Bridge is a REAL bridge in Utah. It is accessible from Lake Powell, and I once visited and stayed in the region at Wahweap. I walked the foot paths and climbed the rocks nearby.

This particular monument is very important to the Navajo Nation, Hopi, San Juan Southern Paiute, Kaibab Paiute, and White Mesa Ute Native Americans. It is a religious and sacred place, to be visited in a respectful manner. You can read more about it HERE.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Utah

This week's blog topic is Rainbow Bridge.

I can bet you a gazillion nickels, that if you have a pet, and if you've lost a pet, you have heard of it.

And this is where I sigh, stare at the screen and stop typing...waiting for some divine intervention to help me put into words exactly how I feel about this concept.

Cleo, Muffin, Emma, TD, Oggie, Church, Gus (cats). Chelsea, Phillie, Sandy, Ollie, Ike, Daisy, Winston, Burton, Bethy, Moe (dogs). Gifford, Emmett, Petey, Pharaoh, Parker (horses). Screech, Penn, Eugene (roosters). Basmati, Carolina, Jasmine, Freckles, Henny, Penny, Goldie, Penelope, Ivy (hens).

These are the ones who left our world well-loved and respected. Some much too quickly, and others had lengthy life spans.

We have experienced a lot of pet loss in our lives. Mostly because we choose to rescue, and over the years we have had more than one, okay more than two....well alright, more than five pets at any given time.

The three amigos taking an afternoon nap. They have all crossed over to spirit.

Gus, enjoying the outside patio, ever on the alert, is our most recent loss.

Rainbow Bridge = Hope

I believe that the Rainbow Bridge is a HOPE. I also believe it is the LAST BRIDGE in a series of bridges we have already left in the dust, and that the one before it (the next to the last bridge) is the HARDEST BRIDGE TO CROSS.

That next to last bridge we sometimes have control over, and sometimes we don't. Sometimes, the road workers put up their one lane signs, and the flag men come out and tell you: "this right here is the way you have to go." Other times no one guides you, and you have to hope beyond hope you are following the right path.

A dog who is fine one day, and can't move the next day because a tumor has burst somewhere important, is an example of lane signs and flag men. A dog whose overall health prognosis is not good, due to a disease that will take some time to remove that dog from your life, and who comes home for palliative care--that's an example of choosing the path.

Bridges. One by one. In the dust.

Until we come to the timing of crossing the next to last bridge--THE DECISION we (as responsible pet owners) need to make--we are in a sort of expectant limbo. The final bridge, being the act itself--euthanasia--is where the Rainbow Bridge comes into play.

Did we wait too long to cross the next to last bridge? Or despite how hard it is to cross, did we cross it timely and respectfully?

A Different Approach

I once encountered a person who I credit with giving me a path that has now become the main path I choose when it comes to our pets. The CELEBRATE LIFE path.

Ike had a hard start to life, and a cancer diagnosis, but we celebrated life every day.

Dogs live in the moment. Most animals do.

Making those moments count for a pet should be how we approach whatever comes our way. Continuing on with life, despite a diagnosis that leads to bridges that need to be crossed, is really what our animals want us to do. Car rides, park visits, walks in the woods--if the ability is there, then so be it.

I do believe that animals are sentient beings and transition to spirit. Where they go, I am unsure, but I like to think they stay close by.

Catharsis

When we lose one of our dearly loved animals, my catharsis comes from the documentation of their lives in photographs. I can never have enough. There are many we have never shared beyond our house.

But, I also write a tribute to each animal, in celebration of the life they shared with us, and in remembrance of who they were personality-wise. This can come in the form of a blog post, a journal entry, or a poem.

Below is my tribute to our dog, Ollie.

This thinking and writing about the personality and spirit of Ollie, helped me through the sadness of losing him. I never saw a golden retriever who could catch a frisbee the way Ollie could catch one. He never missed (unless your throw was ultra bad).

There is no doubt that I miss every single animal that has left our care, but I will never stop being thankful that they were a part of our lives.

Looks like divine intervention may have worked.

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 MA and NH dog photographer Darlene Woodward of Pant the Town Photography as she shares her story of saying goodbye, out of love to her best "fur" friend of eleven years, Kota.

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

While this week may not be an easy read as you go through the blogs, sharing our experiences and thoughts on pet loss is something we all need to do. I hope you remember and celebrate the life of a pet you have lost, and give those still with you a big hug!

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Finding What is Deep Inside

8/19/2022

2 Comments

Our Jack Russell/Whippet cross, Luke, is an anomaly.

When I did this photo of him--several years ago, with a bright orange chuck it ball--it was to showcase how he uses his paws to talk to us on a daily basis. Tap, tap: "can I jump up on your lap?" Tap, tap: "can you fill this bowl with water?" Tap, tap: "may I go up to bed now?" Tap, tap: "Timmy fell in the well."

As unique as Luke is, that one-of-a-kindness extends to all of our dogs, as I am sure it extends to yours.

My dogs have taught me the three things I need to put in practice in order to get a better glimpse at who they are. They have trained me to do the same types of things with client dogs, but I also believe it takes a number of years of experience with a variety of pets and animals to be able to claim this as a strength.

Three Reliable Ways to Find What is Deep Inside

1) Ask the Right Questions

Who knows their pet better than their owner? As photographers, we expect to be asked a myriad of questions by the client, but we also need to ask questions about our potential subject, to start getting a feel for their personality.

I try to ask questions that are geared toward:

behaviors
likes and dislikes
playing habits
breed

I ALWAYS HOLD A PRE-SESSION CONSULTATION, which lets me get acquainted with the pet, ask questions, and allows the pet to get acquainted with my studio (if, in fact, a studio portrait is requested). If an owner prefers an "on location" session, I will use the consultation to visit the site with the client and watch how their dog acts at that location.

2. Be Patient and Ignore Time Limits (Self-Imposed or Otherwise)

I am one of those people, who in my regular life, plans and schedules everything that lies ahead of me. Whether it be for the day, week, or month, I have a general (month) right down to a specific (day) set of things I am going to do and follow, which act as a guide (but not a crutch).

When it comes to pet photography, I throw that all out the window. Beyond the actual scheduling of a pre-session consultation and final session date, when it comes time for the actual capturing of photos, I have no time limits. Sure my website might say "1 hour session," but if you asked any of my clients, they would tell you that they have sometimes been with me for two hours or more, and that I never look at my watch.

PATIENCE MATTERS!

Pets need breaks. Pets need treats. Pets need a play moment or two.

Modeling is tiring work. I want a pet to be as relaxed as possible, because relaxation lets personality shine through.

My reward for all this? The music to my ears sound of a client saying "Wow! That is my dog to a tee!" or "Wow! I see this expression all the time at home!" or "Wow! You really captured the spirit of my dog!"

3. Use the Right Equipment

Shy dogs don't like you to be too close.

Some dogs don't like the pop of strobe lights.

In order to find out what lenses, lighting and props may work for a particular pet, the pre-session consult is gold. Don't second guess it. Use only the equipment you KNOW will work for a certain dog or cat, and/or bring it with you to an outside-of-studio location.

As a professional pet photography, I have invested in the equipment that will work best to capture your pet, whether through portrait work, or outside action photographs. I will gear my choice of equipment to suit the needs of your furry friend, and that will also meet the expectations and wishes you have for your photos.

My goal is always to look deep inside and focus on the things that shine through!

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, Jessica Ramirez of Jessica Ramirez Photography, as she captures a deep focus of Rocky at The Hearth.

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer. Enjoy and have a great weekend!

2 Comments

My Favorite Dog Collars

8/12/2022

4 Comments

It's no secret that I am a fashionista when it comes to dog collars. Housing many dogs over the years, I have purchased quite a number of different collars to try.

The main things I look for: SAFETY, WEARABILITY, COMFORT, FASHIONABLE--- with safety being the top priority.

Our dog lifestyle has evolved to using Martingale style collars for walks. While I tend to use a harness for travel purposes (because I have a seat belt connector that works with harnesses), once out of the car, I reconnect my lead to the martingale collar.

WHY MARTINGALE COLLARS?

The martingale is a type of collar that keeps dogs safely on-leash without choking them. They provide more control than a regular flat collar, while not allowing the dog to back or slip out of the collar itself. A martingale collar has a small loop of fabric, or chain, with a ring attached, as a part of the system.

The difference between a martingale collar and a choke collar is, a martingale collar is fitted to the dog's neck size and can only tighten to the width of the dog's neck, while a choke collar has no limit on how far it can tighten, and can harm a dog, especially smaller dogs.

Martingale collars were originally designed for Greyhounds, whose heads are smaller than their necks. These collars allowed Greyhound owners to keep their dogs safe and secure. They have become popular with owners of all breeds, and are recommended for owners whose dogs often back out of regular collars or harnesses.

Rescues often use martingales to transport dogs, alongside a flat collar, and dogs are double leashed.

So here, without further ado, are my THREE FAVORITE dog collars and companies.

1. RUFFWEAR

Talley is modeling the Ruffwear martingale collar in Seafoam. But we also have this collar in Sunset.

Ruffwear sells a martingale collar with or without a chain. The one with a chain is called their Chain Reaction collection, and the one Talley is wearing is their Web Reaction version. I can't say enough about these collars. They never look dirty, no matter what your dog gets into; they wash well, and the martingale releases quickly and easily when the dog releases pressure.

The collar is very affordable at $19.95 and also comes in Blue Dusk and Granite Gray. Check them out here.

Martingale Collars Are Very Safe and Do Not Allow Escape Artists to Wrangle or Back Out of Their Collars.

Ruffwear stands behind every product. If you are unhappy, or something happens to the collar, the company is quick to offer customer service options to replace the product. I have never had an issue with a Ruffwear product. I use their harnesses and leashes as well. One of my leashes is 7 years old and looks like new. I use it all the time.

2. HOT DOG COLLARS

I discovered this company in early 2022, tried their stylish martingale collars, and I love them.

A family-owned and operated small business located in North Carolina, Hot Dog Collars has 173 martingale collars to choose from, including a number of collections. They also personalize their products, should you choose to add a name or message to your collar.

The material is softer than the Ruffwear option, and the martingale portion gives up readily when pressure is released. One of the primary differences between the Hot Dog martingale and the Ruffwear, is that the Ruffwear collar comes with a buckle, so you do not have to loosen the collar to fit over a larger head, then resize it once on. But, this is a small issue, as the Hot Dog collars are easy to adjust once on the dog (no tugging, pulling, fighting to get the collar resized, due to the type of material used).

We own two Hot Dog martingale collars from their Flower Power collection. They wash up well, always look clean no matter what happens, and run about $12.99 on average. Your first order gets you 15% off, and the company often has sales across stock on their website.

Hot Dog Collars, Flower Power Collection

Talley wearing the Cherry Blossom collar from Hot Dog Collars.

3. BEAMER'S BARK IN STYLE (Formerly A Heart of Thread)

While we use martingale collars for walks, outings, events and training classes, our dogs typically switch to a regular flat collar at home, so I thought i would throw in my favorite place to buy flat collars, Beamer's Bark in Style.

The company is a small, woman-owned business, that only sells via their Facebook page. A pinned post from 2021 gives you instructions on how to order. Collars run anywhere from $12.00 - $20.00 depending on collar style and size ordered. Because they are custom made, there is a bit of a wait, but I have received most of my collar orders in two weeks time.

Alexa Vath, the owner, does many fundraising collar sales for dog rescue as well, and so I support her small business because she really has a heart of gold. Plus, the company is located in Pennsylvania.

The collars are festive (I love the summer series), comfortable, well-sewn, and the material seems to be indestructible. They look like new even after many washings, retaining their color right down to the buckle.

Alexa changed her business name when her original page was hacked on Facebook, and she could not retrieve it, but you will see that her ordering process is a safe one, and does protect your information.

Below are a few samples of summer collars I have ordered through Beamer's Bark in Style.

Colorful flat collars from Beamer's Bark in Style.

While the above three collar companies are my favorites, I want to mention that you can find martingale collars at any pet supply store, and Chewy has them as well.

In fact, below is the first martingale collar I ever purchased. It came through Chewy. It's a fine collar, too, and my favorite combination of colors. I will say that the material in this collar makes it a little harder to adjust on the dog.

BEST WAY TO WASH DOG COLLARS

Over the years, I have tried a number of methods to washing our dog collars. Depending on the level of dirt achieved by the wearer, I used this method:

soak in sink with dishwashing liquid in hot water for one hour
rinse in warm water
place in a laundry delicates bag
throw in washing machine with regular wash

Works every time! All of the collars you see here have been washed, and have held up to this method, coming out looking just like new!

Talley says: "Can we go for our walk now, Mom?" Sure can. Have a great weekend everyone!

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 (Favorite Things), start here with Courtney Bryson with CM Bryson Photography, as she shares a few of her favorite furry faces while giving you look at how she created her entry for Embark Dog Photography Challenge Number Two: Get Down - Photographing Dogs from Down Low.

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

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Thankful Kitties

Holiday Photographic Gift Guide 2022

Bark or Treat

Bronze Medalist - International Photographic Competition

For the Love of Dog

Why Dogs Form Lines

My Dog is Unruly

The Hardest Bridge to Cross

Finding What is Deep Inside

My Favorite Dog Collars

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i got the shot

(c) Copyright I Got the Shot Photography All Rights Reserved

(c) Copyright I Got the Shot Photography
All Rights Reserved