Blog Posts

Horses That Heal

3/29/2024

On a blustery, end-of-February day, I fulfilled a client request to take photos of seven horses. Despite the cold wind, the sun was bright in the paddocks. I am sharing a few of the images in this blog post.

These weren't just any horses. The horses at Equines for Freedom offer hope, life and healing to those that have experienced trauma.

I had arrived at Equines For Freedom (EFF) not knowing much about the organization. After my session in the fields, and meeting the gentle horses that wander the sloping landscape, I did some homework to learn more about EFF's work.

Veterans and First Responders

Organized as a non-profit, EFF uses equine therapy to help those affected by Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). No matter the cause of the trauma, the therapy program relies on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help treat PTSD.

Typical clients are active or former military individuals and/or first responders. Here is a quick promotional video for the organization.

The therapy offered at EFF is a partnership between a licensed mental health professional, a certified equine specialist, and a therapy horse. This partnership works to help mediate emotional issues that may have been caused by stressful and frightening experiences.

The horses of EFF are an important link in the equation. Because horses are prey animals, they are sensitive to their surroundings and those that interact with them. A horse reacting to a client's emotional state, helps the client to identify in themselves, the level of their emotions at the time of the interactions, helping the client stay grounded.

What's In A Name

As with any of my sessions, I look to find out the name of the animal I am photographing. While the horses of Equines for Freedom do have barn names, I quickly learned those names are there for staff interactions and communications. What I found to be a fantastic fact: clients are asked to name the horse they are assigned to for the length of their treatment program. Can I say how much I love this? I. LOVE. THIS.

"Gray" and "Spirit" are the working barn names of these two EFF friends.

Who Rescued Whom?

Truly one of those conundrums--each horse has its own story, some coming from rescue situations and others from questionable circumstances. The horses are not ridden, so their age does not matter, and any infirmities that might make them unrideable are quickly forgiven.

"Sundance" was passed to a rescue after losing her owner to cancer.

Personal Experiences

My own years of taking part in equine rescue, have given me a deep respect for those who welcome horses into their world from rescue situations. It's not always easy to heal their mind, soul and heart, depending on what they've had to deal with in their own existence up to the point of rescue.

The fact that EFF is not only healing them, but that the horses, in turn, are helping to heal others, is a thing of beauty.

From 2000 onward, we have housed three rescues on our own farm (over the years we owned six horses in total). They, much like the horses at Equines for Freedom, came with their own stories, a little bit of baggage, and a will to just stay in one place, be loved and treated with patience.

There is nothing quite like the relationship and bonding that a human can experience with a horse, and there is nothing like a horse to heal a human's heart.

I am thankful to have met the magnificent seven of EFF. After finalizing their photos for the group, I took one of Spirit's images and created an artistic rendering.

I am happy to know we have an organization in our local area dedicated to helping our veterans and first responders through Equine-Assisted EMDR. I am thankful I was able to meet and photograph these lovely horses.

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Spring Fever

3/17/2024

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A lot has happened since I sat down to write my last blog.

Life sometimes runs in fits and spurts, and sometimes it just goes full throttle for a while. I have been in full throttle mode these last few months. In the midst of the gas pedal being stuck on "fast," changes have been dropping in to say hello. Some of them are welcome changes and some of them are not.

But again, that's life. Let me catch you up.

New Blogging Focus

For many years (I really cannot remember how far back this started), I have been a part of a blogging circle of pet photographers. For those of you that followed this blog, you may remember when there were links to chain all of us together. That evolved into writing separate posts, but sharing the links to the blog post in a central location, so that all the other pet photographers blogging that week could read and comment.

As of this month, the circle is now defunct. While I will certainly miss blogging with my fellow pet photographers, it's nice that we built up a good friendship over the years and supported each other's work. Yet, in a way, I am excited to take my blogging beyond just pet photography.

I do consider myself a pet photography specialist, but I also photograph families, high school seniors, children, and do some headshot work. My hobby includes photographing wildlife--mainly birds and deer, as well as flowers. I plan on beginning to share more of that work here in the days to come.

Winter's Over...Right?

This Northeastern PA winter was certainly void of large snow storms. We did get a few, and my grandkids finally got to use the snow tubes they received at Christmas. After I took these photos, I realized how much they had grown since the last time we had a snow event that allowed us to slide down hills.

I'll be sharing more of my personal photos in upcoming blogs, with tips to help you take better photos in various conditions. Stay tuned for those.

Education and Competition

In early March I attended the Professional Photographers Association of Pennsylvania's (PPAofPA) Inspire Conference, and submitted two images into competition. Both merited, with one receiving the first ever President's Choice Award.

There I also received my state degree (I received my national degree in April of 2023) and was lucky enough to snag a photo with the new/current President of Professional Photographers of America, Mark Campbell.

I've been taking some online classes focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it can heighten my creativity and help in certain aspects of my artwork. Next week, I'll share how AI helped me to create some unique things for a local horse organization, and give you some insight into what I learned about this very mission-oriented group.

I do have spring fever, and with the first official day of spring arriving in the upcoming week, daffodils have begun to push their way to blooming, buds are appearing on the trees, and the first song birds are returning to sing me their morning and evening tunes.

As you read through the upcoming blog posts, I'd encourage you to comment or like the post within the blog itself. This will help me to catch your comments when they happen, and also helps my website. Consider it your support of a small business.

Enjoy your week ahead!

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Seeing Red

2/7/2024

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After a two-week hiatus from blog posting, due to a tremendously busy schedule, I am back in the swing of things.

This week's blog theme is RED.

I know the obvious thing for me to do would have been to set up some valentinesque photo sessions and celebrate the fact that we are in February, right? Well, I thought about that, for--oh--maybe five minutes. Then decided that wasn't going to work for me.

I waited until 2:00 a.m., which seems to be the time when all things in brain begin to create, and YEP--like a flash of lightening, I was jolted into the answer. Artificial Intelligence.

Some See Red Just Talking About It

It's pretty controversial. I am not about to get into the debate at any great length. I am just going to say, as a creator, I am very interested in seeing what, exactly, AI can do and where it goes from here.

To that end, I have begun to experiment with Adobe Firefly and text prompts. And, a word of warning, all images in the blog have been generated by AI and my prompts.

Prompts Are Everything

Prompts are pretty important to artificial intelligence usage. You have to be able to describe what you want and don't want in order to generate an image that works for you.

For instance, with the theme being RED, I asked Adobe Firefly to generate for me "a beagle dog with a collar with a red heart pattern on it sitting on a bench in the park." Here's what I got.

Adobe Firefly AI Generated Image

Not too bad. But look closely. I requested a collar with a "red heart pattern on it." Sure, there's a red heart on the collar, but I meant a collar design with hearts in the material.

I tried 7 different ways to say this: imprinted, emblazoned, stitched in, stamped with, embroidered with, material patterned with, and hearts in the material of the collar. Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope.

I still got a single (sometimes two) red heart(s) looking very similar to the above on the collar.

By the way, did anyone notice the odd placement of the dog's toe nail on the paw camera right? Hmmmmmm. I am also a little concerned about the red thing lurking behind a tree in the background.

I tried the same prompt with a different breed of dog--a cocker spaniel.

Adobe Firefly AI Generated Image

I have to say, this one is pretty darn good. I used the word "embroidered" to achieve this lovely ENAMELED heart on the collar.

It really is all about the prompts and the degree of "training" the AI system has encompassed in its path to world domination....(just kidding).

I think this system needs more training in what constitutes a blue Belton English setter, because here is the result for a blue Belton English setter sitting on a path wearing a red collar decorated with hearts.

Adobe Firefly AI Generated Image

Uhm....................no.

I don't even need the DNA kit to know this looks more like a Springer Spaniel, and I don't think that coat color is regulation, except maybe in Oz. Pretty dog though. Still no collar with a pattern of hearts.

What, Me Worry?

Honestly, I hear the entire choir singing the "AI steals images" song. I really do. And I don't condone it. But I also realize that if you are a creator, and you put your work out there, you have no guarantees it is sacred, unless, of course, you emblazon a giant, obnoxious watermark all over the image.

I used to get up in arms about this very subject, but over the years have mellowed to know that I am mostly working for my clients, whose images only appear in their homes (I rarely post all of my client images on social media), and their word-of-mouth drives others to my world. It's a happy world where I really don't worry about AI.

What Now?

I have taken a course or two in AI. I am looking at using it primarily to create my own digital backgrounds, using my own images in the creation process. I also like experimenting and seeing what comes of it.

If you want to know more about Adobe Firefly, CLICK HERE. If you are interested in buying a book that reviews how to text prompt for image generation, CLICK HERE.

And may the force be with you.

This Week's Featured Available Dog

Rio is approximately 2 years old and is available through Above and Beyond English Setter Rescue. Learn more about this beautiful Gordon Setter HERE.

Photo Courtesy of Above and Beyond English Setter Rescue

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Cozy

1/16/2024

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I have made it no secret that winter is not my favorite time of year.

I have tried to like it. Honestly, I have. I even bought snow shoes last year so that I could get out in the white stuff instead of just clean it off the walks and dog patio.

But, after two major snow falls this year, cleaning snow balls out of dog paw pads and underbellies, wiping 20 paws with dog towels, and watching my dogs WISH they could be lounging around outside instead of staying in due to freezing temps, winter can't be over fast enough for me.

Dogs Get Cozy

One thing about our dogs, though...when it's cold out, they know how to hunker down and acknowledge that fact.

Favorite photo of Lilah hunkering down on a snow day.

We have many pet bed options for them, and have tried many pet beds, but here are two that we really like, that have moved to the top of the list. (P.S. The dogs like them too!)

1. The Coolaroo Elevated Dog Bed

These beds are wonderful, as they allow air to circulate in both summer and winter. We have several and use them outdoors in summer, as we have a few dogs who do not like to lay on the patio surface or the grass. You can buy relatively inexpensive topper beds for added cushioning for older dogs. CLICK HERE for more information on these great beds. I also keep a few extra woven covers stored, in case there is a need for replacement, however, we have four of these beds and in the past two years, have only had to replace one cover and this is from constant use. They hold up to weather, wear and tear and even dogs trying to chew them.

2. Best Friends Shag Donut Dog Bed

The Donut Dog Bed is coveted by every animal in our house, whether dog or cat. You can almost hear them say "ahhhhhhhhhh" when they snuggle into one of these fluffy beds. We have one small, two medium and one large donut. We tend to use these in our bedroom, for dogs who are older and no longer want to jump on the bed. While we love them beyond measure, they do tend to lose their shaggy-ness, but never their comfort, over many washings. We throw ours in the washer and dry them on low heat air dry. For more info on the Best Friends version of this bed, CLICK HERE.

You can find versions of these products on other retail sites as well. Chewy does carry the Coolaroo, as well as the donut dog bed.

Luke and Lilah share a Coolaroo and fluffy topper in the sun.

Keep Them Cozy Outside Too!

If you have your dog groomed down in the winter, remember to keep them warm and cozy outside as well. Our wire-haired terrier, Billie, does get a winter groom which removes a lot of excess coat, so we have a cozy little sweater she can wear to keep her upper body warm.

Billie in her cozy sweater.

She is pretty stylish, don't you think?

There are many doggy coats on the market today. As we are horse owners, we tend to look for coats that have the same durability and wear as our horse turnout sheets and blankets.

I can highly recommend the Dura-Tech Insulated Waterproof High-Neck Dog Coat from Schneiders. Not only is it durable, but both the neck and tail have size adjustment abilities, and the lining allows the dog's fur to lie flat and remain sleek and unmatted. The cut allows for great shoulder movement and runs from sizes X-Small to XX-Large.

Schneiders is RIGHT NOW having their winter sale on these dog coats. If you are interested, head on over to check them out.

Talley in a Dura-Tech Insulated High Neck doggy coat.

There's still more winter to go here in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania. I think I will grab a dog and find myself a cozy spot on the couch...at least for tonight.

Stay safe and warm out there!

This Week's Shelter Pet

Meet Molly. Molly is located at the Bucks County SPCA and would like to find a cozy spot in a forever home. Molly is a bit over a year old, is spayed, and can be visited at the SPCA's Lahaska facility. Here's some additional information about Molly.

Molly (Photo courtesy of Bucks County SPCA)

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Snow Day

1/9/2024

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When I was still in school, an impending snowstorm was a glorious thing. Whether it be grade school, high school, or college, a day off to enjoy the snow was a welcome event.

The activities changed--from sledding to skiing as I grew up--but the mindset never did. A first-snow day for the season was something to be celebrated.

So when our first "real" snowstorm of the 2024 winter arrived over last weekend, I planned to try to take some time with my camera to revel in the white stuff. A predicted 9 - 12 inches for our area, actually saw 7.5 inches when all was said and done--enough to have a great snow day, but not enough to bring normal life to a standstill.

Birds and Snow

When snow covers the ground, our feeder stations bring plenty of birds in for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are pretty used to me filling feeders and some of them don't even wait until I hang the feeder back up to start sitting in limbs above me, so sitting with my camera on the patio is not something that scares them away.

Our winter bird population consists of juncos, finches, hairy and downy woodpeckers, phoebes, blue jays, titmice, nuthatches, Carolina wrens, and mourning doves. They are a joy to watch, especially on snow days.

Setters Love Snow

Our two setters, Talley and Lilah, are all about snow. It is one of the only times Lilah is so overcome with excitement, she actually allows Talley to play with her. Lilah is a princess who normally doesn't mix with the commoners.

Lilah enjoying her snow day.

I keep the setters groomed down for snow, making sure paws are clipped appropriately so snowballs don't accumulate between their toes, but both have baby soft coats that get extremely messy and hold snow. After dry off time, applying a quick brush will make sure to avoid matting, and a leave-in conditioner stops static in the coat.

With the photo I took of Talley, I decided to use an AI background to make it more interesting. Talley often HATES to come in from the snow, so she will sit as far away from you as she can in the yard with this exact look on her face. I thought the lone tree represented her feelings pretty well.

Our smaller dogs (Billie the wire-haired terrier and Luke the Jack Russell mix) don't really relish being in the snow. They will just run out, do their business, and immediately look to go back in the house. Our border collie, Piper, is somewhat older (13.5 years) and has a bit of arthritis in his back right leg, so while his coat is IMPERVIOUS to the weather, he is not as keen to run and play with the girls anymore. However, if a cat is on the patio, he will be RIGHT THERE to make sure the cat is herded back into the house.

Horses Love Snow

Our horses, Roo and Eagle, LOVE LOVE LOVE the snow. I put this photo on my Facebook personal page, because it was just the best moment to capture Eagle making horsey snow angels.

When we turn them out in snow, they come bounding out of the barn to enjoy it.

Eagle is in his winter coat right now, as is Roo. Both are good buddies, but Eagle is the boss. Eagle is a Pinto, about 15.3 hands and one of the best horses we have owned. Roo is a Percheron cross, and has his moments, but is generally an all-around good man.

Past Snow Days

We have had other dogs who enjoyed the snow day extravaganzas as well. Unfortunately, they are no longer with us, but here is a small tribute to them.

Danny (top two photos) hated the snow and mostly stayed on the cleaned-off side patio, unless he was interested in EATING snow. Then he'd find a tunnel of snow to hide in while chowing down (caught in the act in the above right photo).

Moe (bottom left) was up to his neck in snow, walking through the tunnels we make the dogs in the yard. I'd have to say he pretty much did not care for snow either, although he never gave up his patrol of the fence line, no matter the weather.

Our Bethy would romp with the girls if the snow was not above her head, but in the lower right photo, you can see it was much too much snow for her to do anything but walk the tunnels.

We certainly miss this crew, and not just on snow days.

If you live in a winter climate and got some snow, try to enjoy it. Beauty is all around us in the white stuff for sure. If you have snow loving dogs and would like a session focused on snow days, give me a call. I am always ready to capture a snowmageddon dog world.

And that, my friends, is THE END.

Danny and Lilah circa 2018 snow event.

P.S. You can click on any image in this blog to make it larger for viewing. Enjoy!

NEW IN 2024

When I can I will be featuring an adoptable pet at the end of the blog post. Be sure to take a peek at handsome, 10-year-old Elliot, available through Above and Beyond English Setter Rescue. His location does not matter, as transport is always arranged. CLICK HERE for more information on Elliot.

Photo courtesy of Above and Beyond English Setter Rescue

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Highlights of 2023

12/28/2023

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Whoa.

That went fast.

There is something to be said for getting through Winter at record speed, but the end of the year has really snuck up on me. I know we have big storms ahead here in the Endless Mountains of PA, but today's 51 degree weather sure is playing some kind of "fooled you" game.

I've been thinking through the year in terms of my photography journey. Honestly, I have shared much of what has occurred in previous blogs during the year, but let me just review the highlights.

Master of Photography

In April of 2023, after 2.5 years of hard work, I received my Master of Photography degree from Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

My top goal as a professional photographer, achieving 25 merits (13 images and 12 service) is no easy task, especially when focused on client work during the journey.

I am happy to say, I achieved the degree using ONLY animal/pet and nature photos. This was also a personal choice, since pets are my photographic specialty.

This achievement is the top highlight of my year, but it hasn't stopped me from continuing my education in the field of photography. I have taken numerous courses this year, not only to continue to enhance my work, but to also keep up with new technology and equipment.

Achievements and Recognitions

Professional Photographers Association of Pennsylvania

I was honored this year, at the Professional Photographers Association of Pennsylvania's (PPAofPA) Inspire and Capture image competitions, to have my work recognized by a distinguished panel of judges.

From left to right above: "Seaside Serenity" garnered the Best Illustrative Nature trophy at the PPAofPA Inspire competition, as well as a Judge's Choice award. "Unscholarly Activity" won Best Animal Portrait at the PPAofPA Capture competition. This is the second year in a row in which I have won a trophy for best animal portrait at Capture. "Suspended" garnered a Judge's Choice award at the Capture print competition as well. (Click on the individual photos to enlarge them.)

In the Spring of 2024, I will be awarded a degree from the state affiliate, PPAofPA, for having achieved 16+ merited images in competition. Competition is important to me, as the critiques received by my peers only help to make me a better photographer. I hope to help others to recognize and achieve their photography goals in the future, just as my mentors supported me in my efforts.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Professional Photographers Association (NPPPA)

Over the course of 2023, I competed in three local print competitions through NPPPA. Submitting four prints in each of the March, May and September events, the results were:

March - 4 Blue Ribbon prints, 2 prints made the Court of Honor
May - 3 Blue Ribbon prints, 2 prints in the Court of Honor
May - Director's Award for the Highest Scoring Print of the competition
May - Fassbender Trophy for Best of Show
September - 4 Blue Ribbon prints, 2 prints in the Court of Honor
September - Director's Award for the Highest Scoring Print of the competition

Below is the results announcement taken from the NPPPA newsletter that reported on the event and competition.

A Busy Holiday Season

I met new families, new pets, new high school seniors, and new businesses this past year. I love meeting and working with new people and pets, but I am also always glad to see my repeat clients return for more photo sessions. Puppies and kids growing up, new additions to the family, and special occasions are just some of the reasons clients return, but many have told me it's also because of the great experience they have had in the past when it comes to having their portrait work done.

This is always good to hear, as I definitely keep an eye to detail, offer new products, and keep an open and flowing communication line between myself and the client during the order fulfillment process.

My favorite part of the holidays is getting my creative juices flowing to put together unique and inspiring holiday cards, or simple holiday-themed portraits for pet families.

Sometimes all it takes is a Santa hat and some digital backdrops, or a decorated tree set up in the studio.

The bulk of my sessions are completed in November, but I was actually able to squeeeeezzze in some December quick sessions, and as usual, did my own holiday cards last minute after everyone else's were completed. Working with great photo labs is so helpful to the process of getting things on time, so I wasn't worried.

What's In Store for '24?

New camera alert. I am finally a member of the mirrorless tribe, and over the holiday being busy did not give me much time to experiment with the new addition. So in the New Year I will be getting used to working with the Nikon Z5.

At the end of January, I will once again coordinate a juried Photography and Art Show at the Clarks Summit Ice Festival.

As noted above, in the spring I will receive a state affiliate degree. I also hope to receive my Animal Image Makers Accreditation in the spring. I only need ONE MORE IMAGE to merit to meet this goal.

I've signed up for some artificial intelligence (AI) classes. AI is showing up in all things, and while it is not allowed in PPA print competition, it is an effective tool in enhancing creativity in other areas of photographic work.

Well, that's 2023 in a nutshell.

I hope you all have a Happy New Year! Stay healthy, happy and safe. I'd love to add you to my ever-growing client family in 2024.

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Christmas Ghosts

12/20/2023

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This past week, while having a bout of insomnia, I watched the Patrick Stewart version of "A Christmas Carol." I hadn't seen this particular version before, although the older rendition has been a part of my Christmases for many years, and I did read the Dickens story in high school.

Everyone has their own way to approach the season. When our family was much larger, we'd spend much of our time decorating, baking, cooking, shopping, sending Christmas cards and wrapping gifts. All of it would culminate in a late night church service on Christmas Eve, followed by a morning of discovering what was in all those brightly-wrapped boxes under the tree.

As our human family dwindled over the years, our pet family grew. Our pets have always been an important and cherished part of our lives, and most took part in the Christmas holidays with gusto.

The Ghosts of Christmas Past

We may all bring the ghosts of Christmas into our hearts during the holiday season. It's hard NOT to think of friends, family and pets that have transitioned to spirit, especially if they were an integral part of celebrating Christmas.

For me, remembering family members and pets in special ways is important, whether it's burning a votive candle on their angel days, or looking through old photographs to spark memories, like the one below. This is where photographs become so very important in our lives.

The photo below became our Christmas card many years ago, featuring our dog, Burton. Burton was born deaf, but was a most willing participant in antler-wearing and would sit quietly just about anywhere if a treat was involved. I still have a few of these cards stored away in a "past cards" box, and every Christmas I go through the box to look back on the (mostly) pets featured.

It's kind of fitting that I am writing this blog on December 21st, which is the day we lost our lovely Moe. December is a month that could easily weigh our hearts down, due to pet and people losses. But, instead, we choose to celebrate their lives by remembering moments like the one below.

Our little deaf field setter, Burton, wearing his Christmas antlers.

The Ghosts of Christmas Present

Every one of our present dog family have been featured in our holiday lives in some way. Talley loves the outdoors and snow, so I try to capture her there. Lilah likes sending letters to Santa when she isn't whining about something. Luke's cute-as-a-button nose has been gracing the entrance to my studio since the photo was taken in 2016 (it's an acrylic), and both Billie and Piper have had their 15 minutes of fame (Billie is on my present business Christmas card to clients; Piper is Mr. May in our 2024 family calendar and has appeared in every family calendar since 2014).

Having just spent one of the busiest Christmas client seasons, capturing these same types of memories for families who love their dogs (my orders are all finalized and all will arrive in time for Christmas), it's the time of year when my grandkids are also featured in a studio Christmas photo (sometimes with one of our pets).

I often let them decide how they want to set up the photo, but my favorites are always the out takes, which I normally use on our personal Christmas card. This year, we went sans pet and opted for a large candy cane.

(Click on photos below to view them in a larger size.)

My grandkids have come to expect a Christmas memory, and that's a good thing.

The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come

While we can't stop time from encroaching upon our strongholds of people and pets, we can use time to move us forward and learn new things.

Adding to an arsenal of already accumulated knowledge there are plenty of classes, both online and in person, that have peaked my interest.

Artificial Intelligence in no longer just "on the horizon." It has sailed into port. It's something I will be experimenting with in coming months, along with my new mirrorless camera.

But, most importantly, Christmas yet to come will see more building of a "family" of clients, making their experiences good ones, and giving them memories to last for many Christmases into the future.

A black and white AI enhanced image of Lilah using a very old image.

Have a Merry

I am sending you happy and merry holiday wishes for whatever holiday you celebrate. Make sure you capture those special moments of the season, and if you haven't already, make a plan to visit a professional photographer and have them help you create lasting memories for your walls.

Merry Christmas!

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A Little Bit of Sparkle

12/14/2023

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There is no doubt in my mind that Christmas, and the holiday season in general, is full of glowing, sparkling, twinkling things.

Full of lights, candles, glittery decorations, and bright colors (like silver and gold), our eyes can find sparkle in almost every corner. It certainly is a different time in the studio as well.

Holiday Season Studio Prep

With a wide variety of backdrops accumulated over the years, I am ready for just about any scenario. I allow the clients to select their favorite from a list, and then work to "set up" a scene based on their selection.

I really don't do holiday mini sessions. I want to spend time with each client, and make their experience special, unrushed, and fun. I open my studio to holiday photos every November 1st, and run through the second week of December for ordering purposes, but will often take in clients as needed beyond that timeframe.

The results, as my grandkids and my own pets can attest, are full of sparkle and joy!

My grandkids modeling in a Christmas backdrop.

Grandkids have fun every year in a new scene.

Yes, I am one of THOSE grandmothers, who puts her grandkids to work acting as models for backdrops. Now, they can't wait until a new backdrop comes in, so they can help create the scenario!

Pets Sparkle Too!

I decided to look back through my photos in Decembers past and found some sparkly activity that took place in the studio, with both my pets and others. Here is a small sample.

Prepping Your Pet for Sparkling Photos

I often meet concerned pet owners who wonder if their pet will be able to "behave" long enough for a photo session. I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve to allow me the THREE SECONDS required for the perfect photo, and I am used to working with pets who come from ALL training levels, from "none" to obedience grand masters.

Studio sessions are perfect for dogs who may be reactive to other pets. It's quiet, enclosed, friendly, and there is plenty of patience to go around while your dog investigates his/her surroundings in the studio. Unlike rushed-line mini sessions in public places, you can be assured your pet will settle into the studio, and have plenty of time to do so.

Bring your pet's favorite treat along, as I use them (sparingly) to make him/her feel right at home.

If you have a favorite holiday collar, and would like it showcased, bring that along, too. I normally do not do gimmicky clothing shots, as they distract from the beauty of your pet, but I am okay with antlers or a Santa hat or festive ruff.

There is a certain magic about the season for sure. If you'd like to explore some magical photo sessions in a great environment, with your choice of backdrops and PLENTY of time to give your pet a feeling of comfort and security, let's make it happen.

I have holiday photos of all of our pets for lasting memories into the future. I know they are not going to be with me forever, so I also have their photographs made into ornaments. Every year I see our studio creations come to life on our Christmas tree.

I hope each of you have the merriest, happiest, most sparkly and best holiday--whatever you celebrate! Enjoy!

Christmas photos turned into metal ornaments.

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Treats and Photography

11/29/2023

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Our grandchildren decided they wanted a Christmas photo with our dog, Talley, last year.

It was a riotous occasion.

Luckily, Talley is very treat oriented...for that matter, so are the kids. I find a good treat and food-oriented dog, can help to get attention when things get out of hand. But, there can be some drawbacks. Read on.

What Treats Exactly?

While I am not a treat-tester, I can tell you that our Talley girl has an extremely sensitive stomach. Since she was young, I have been very careful to try out a treat in a small quantity to see what her response will be. Talley eats a special diet and four small meals a day. It is no picnic when her stomach goes awry, so I am very careful.

That being said, I have found two treats that work very well for her, and that other dogs I have worked with and photographed seem to respond to and like as well.

Newman's Own Snack Sticks are great attention grabbers. They are smelly treats (not for us, but definitely for the dogs), and the sticks are easy to break into small pieces, which I do. I can get five smaller pieces from one snack stick to use in a session. They also fit well in my dog lure stick.

The great thing about these treats is not only their ability to become "smaller," but also the fact that they are low in calories. For some overweight dogs, extra treats are not always the best thing, but with the snack sticks, there are no worries of high added caloric intake.

They are also "clean" treats. You can pocket them, and you will have no sticky, gooey mess to clean out of those pockets.

By the way, this lure stick is awesome. It works great for training purposes as well, especially if you have a dog that pulls while walking. I use it in the studio a lot when photographing dogs.

Newman's Own Snack Sticks are grain free and come in a variety of flavors. If you ever have a problem with any product from Newman's (sometimes the distribution chain can be cruel for products that do not use strong preservatives, especially if not stored properly before sale), Newman's will take care of you and send you replacements.

Best of all, Newman's Own really does donate profits to charity.

Buddy Biscuits and Softies

Another great, low-in-calorie treat that is a favorite of mine is Buddy Biscuits. Specifically, I use the soft treats. The bag says it all: free of corn, soy, artificial flavors and colors, because we don't need to add any of these to a dog's diet.

Talley will do anything for a Buddy Biscuit peanut butter treat. So will any of the dogs in our household, for that matter.

Treat Moratorium

A while back I wrote a blog about the use and non-use of treats as part of what I do. Treats have to be managed well if used at all in a session.

I don't like to be dependent on them. They are more for reward, rather than to elicit a certain type of activity.

For instance, Talley does not receive a treat until she has performed some type of activity. In the studio, she will wait for the pop of the strobe, then leave her spot and come to me, sit, then receive a treat. She will then go back to her spot and wait for the next strobe.

Of course, client dogs have not grown up in a studio, and I don't expect this same behavior from them. But, I still like to manage the handing out of any treats, and keep it to a minimum (as needed).

Problems With Treats

Here are some of the reasons why I would prefer minimal treat usage in sessions:
(1) They promote drooling in some dogs
(2) Depending on the breed, treats can discolor the facial and mouth hair of dogs
(3) Dogs generally make a really strange facial expression when a treat is expected
(4) Dogs may focus on the treat more than the camera

Of course, in a session where a dog is expected to CATCH the treat as part of a photo, a crazy expression is a goal. But in all other portrait work, it's best to manage treats well.

To schedule a well-managed treat session with your dog, give me a call. I am right in the middle of holiday photo season, which is always a REAL TREAT for me!

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Grateful Thankful Blessed

11/22/2023

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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!

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Horses That Heal

Spring Fever

Seeing Red

Cozy

Snow Day

Highlights of 2023

Christmas Ghosts

A Little Bit of Sparkle

Treats and Photography

Grateful Thankful Blessed

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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