Saturday, October 30, 2010

Scout, the Sheppard/Husky/Diva Mix

Scout is an amazingly beautiful Sheppard-Husky Mix, but don't let those beautiful blue eyes fool you, she is quite the little diva. 

Normally I wouldn't suggest a dog park for a photo shoot but I always want the dog to be in their "element" and Scout loves the dog park.

Although Scout is not the most outgoing dog, she does love in interact with all the doggies in her own way.  As her mom Kathy likes to say "she gets all the doggies excited and then sits back and watches what she has created."


Scout really loved me, in fact, she pretty much claimed me as her new "person" and when my wonderful lab Boston came around, Scout scared him off and wouldn't let him anywhere near me.



I love to get to see all the doggies personalities, they are all so different, that's what makes this job fun.  Scout would pose for me and when other puppies would come over and play, she would scare them away and then literally go back into her posing. 


She is so beautiful and I did mention those amazing blue eyes, didn't I?

















I've seen many pictures of Scout before I actually met her, and her trademark move is to stick out her tongue.  But that "look" works for her.

Happy Reading!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Doggie Blogs are Great Inspiration

So when I was deciding to specialize in pet photography, I had to do some research.  Is there enough "interest" in pet photography??? 

I found multiple websites and blogs of other people who absolutely love dogs and focus their business on dog photography alone.  I decided to do a blog of some of the other great dog photographers out there.......so in no particular order.

Hot Dog Photography  - this is a business out of Toronto, a fellow Canadian which I love, and she does amazing pet photos.  Anita Peeples' photography is 100% pets, plain and simple!  She is great, because she is great at it.

Next is Oh My Dog Photography - this husband and wife team are based out of California.  They put a little twist on the business because they focus on studio portraiture.  Their photos are classic with a twist, they focus their attention on the dog only, not the background, because again, its in a studio.  If I ever travel to California, I'm definitely going to check out their studio.  Click here to watch a YouTube clip of one of their photo shoots , one word....Priceless!

On to Cowbelly Photography- is a pet photography business based out of Seattle.  Jamie Pflughoeft (owner and photographer) specializes in fun, candid, expressive documentary-style dog and cat photography.  I found her site extremely helpful when deciding to start my business because she does one thing that one other does, she offers advice to other photographers who are getting into the business and she offers workshops as well.  How cool is that?  Also her photography is amazingly beautiful.

Next is Marcia Leeder Photography- her business is based out of Toronto, and unlike some of the other photographers that I've discussed, she not only does pet photography, but she also does family and children photos as well.  I think that its great that she doesn't limit herself, so she's free to explore different aspects of photography all together. 

Charlotte Reeves Photography is another great inspiration for me.  Her business is based out of Australia, and she definitely uses the great landscape in her pet photography.  I love how her website doesn't just show off her amazing pictures, but it also tells you about the dogs personality in each photo.

Lastly, there is Scruffy Dog Photography, which is most entertaining with their almost daily blog with different daily doggies.  This business is based around Toronto and southern Ontario.  I find her pictures are like no other, they are so creative and really capture the essence of pet photography.

So in ending this blog, I can only hope that someday my blog will be as great as these blogs and some new and upcoming photographer mentions me on their blog.

Here is a sneak peak of Scout.....

She is a Sheppard/Husky mix, with lots of spunk.

Happy Reading

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Pheobe, Weimaraner on the move

Pheobe is a two and a half year old Weimaraner, who is constantly on the move.  She is amazingly fast and I would consider her more of a "people's dog" than a "dog's dog".  For those of you none "crazy dog people" that means that although she plays well with other dogs, she will prefer to hang out with people than a pack of dogs.


I have personally known Pheobe for the last two years and I actually consider her Boston's  (my Labrador retriever) girlfriend.  That's only because the two of them having literally grown up together, Boston even received a Christmas gift from Pheobe last year.  Oh yes, dogs give gifts, lol.



Pheobe was the very first Weimaraner that I had ever been introduced to, I just can't explain the silkiness of her fur. 


I was actually scheduled to do a different photo shoot today but when that got rescheduled, Pheobe was the best stand in model that I could think of.  And since she is used to going with Boston to the park, she didn't mind getting a couple of pictures taken.  Oh course, it did take a treat or two.


Happy Reading!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Silver and Chocolate Lab Puppies


On Sunday I got to spend the morning with 18 little eight week old Silver and Chocolate Labs.  There was to litters four days apart, hence being 18 little puppies running around.

I actually first went to see them about a week before, but these little guys had never been outside before, and I when I was there it was raining.  No need to traumatize them their first time out, so we put the photo shoot off for a week.

I'm so glad we did cause it was so much fun on Sunday.


Its been such a long time since I've been around puppies this age, I almost forgot how much fun they are.  When this tiny little guy was placed in the leaves, he automatically busted out and started running (okay it was more like bouncing because at this size they can't run). When I initially got to the Moerschfelder farm, I was really looking forward to taking pictures of the Silver Labs.  They are so unique with the most amazing blue eyes.


Of course that was before the cute Chocolate Lab puppies came out to play.......




The Chocolate Labs were so curious and extremely hilarious by climbing all over everything in sight.  They just couldn't wait to go exploring.

The Moerschfelder's still have some of these cute puppies available to anyone who is looking for a loving pet.  There are 6 male Silver Lab puppies, 2 male Chocolate Lab puppies and 2 female Silver Lab puppies left.  Please contact Brenda or Wayne at mctreelinelabs@hotmail.com or by telephone at 905-520-0529.

Happy Thursday!!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Pawsitively Christmas - Saturday, November 27th, 2010

I'm really excited to be taking part in this year's "Pawsitively Christmas".  I'm the photographer taking pictures with Santa Paws.

Pawsitively Christmas
Sat November 27, 2010
Selkirk Town Hall
Pet Photos with Santa Paws   
$10 per picture, includes goodie bag

Pet Nail Trimming by Country Paws Grooming Salon $5.00
Microchip Clinic by Ontario Canine Rescue $30.00

Huge Penny Raffle Table, Touch & Take Table
Ladies Diamond Earrings Raffle ( $350 value )
Pet Related Vendors – Great Deals on Pet Items

Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue selling hot/cold beverages, baked goodies, pizza
All Proceeds From This Event Will Benefit Participating  Rescues :
Speaking of Dogs,  Great Dane,  Canadian Hound,  Springer Spaniel,
All Pets Welcome, Dogs Must Be Leashed

Contact : Rose  Prawdzik – 905 776-5391 / starchaser@sympatico.ca

Please bring non perishable food items for Jarvis Caring Cupboard Food Bank

All proceeds go to a great cause.  Please bring your pet and come out for a great day,

Happy Reading,

Monday, October 18, 2010

Jazmine's Day in the Sun

On Saturday I was lucky enough to meet Jazmine and her people, Cassi, Dan and Davin.  The weather was great and Jazmine got to run free at App Mills Nature Centre http://www.grandriver.ca/index/document.cfm?Sec=3&Sub1=15&Sub2=0, okay well she actually wasn't running free, but the 30 foot leash sure made her feel free.

Jazmine is just over 2 years old but she still has all the energy of a puppy.....


She was really well behaved, but who wouldn't be when it was "all about Jazmine" day.  She got to play with a new pink squeeky ball, which was only fun for about 5 or 6 throws.




Jazmine wasn't much of a swimmer but she still ended up in the water for a picture or two.

I just loved how Jazmine never tried to take off, she would lead the way but she would never be out of her mom, Cassi's sight.



Jazmine was a great model for me, especially with those amazing golden eyes.....


Thanks Jazmine, Cassi, Dan and Davin for a great day!!!

Happy Reading.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Bailey - Cairn Terrier Pug Mix for Adoption


I'm so happy to introduce this great little one year old male Cairn Terrier Pug mix, Bailey.  He is up for adoption through Ontario Canine Rescue www.ontariocaninerescue.com and with a cute face like his, hopefully he will find a home quick.

While taking his picture, he was all about showing off all his tricks......


He can dance.......

He can fly.........

Bailey can also warm your heart with just a sweet smile.



Bailey isn't the typical little yappy puppy, he is considerably quiet but don't let that fool you, he can still play with the big dogs.  He is great with kids and cats too.

I love his wiry fur and his under bite, he is definitely one of a kind.  Sort of a little "wild" guy!!


If you are interested in adopting little Bailey, contact Jackie at Ontario Canine Rescue www.ontariocaninerescue.com and inquire about the adoption process.




Happy Reading, Julie

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

My Personal Inspiration

Some photographers are inspired by babies or bridal magazines, but my personal inspiration literally wakes me up every morning and barks at me when its time to go to bed.  It's Boston, my two and a half year old Labrador Retriever.  To some, Boston would be considered a spoiled puppy, with his doggie daycare and his multiple toys scattered all over my house BUT it is literally the best part of my day when he greets me at the door with those adorable puppy wiggles.

I also find that Boston is one of my most patient doggie models, but that's only because he has had a camera following him around since he was 6 weeks old.



I'm pretty sure that Boston will make an appearance on my Blog multiple times, just because he is so damn handsome.....of course, I am a little bias. 


I have been called "crazy dog lady" on multiple occasions because I am really good with dogs and when taking their picture I try to capture their personalities.  To me, its not just about being able to take a couple of good pictures here and there, I try to make the dog as comfortable as possible, whether it be a familiar location, with their favourite toy, or just getting them comfortable with me.

With Boston being a senior model now, he tends to do what he wants when the camera comes out, here he is hiding.......

I honestly think that he thought that I couldn't see him.

Happy Reading.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Boxie - Boxer Available for Adoption

Yesterday I got a chance to take some pictures of some great dogs for adoption at Ontario Canine Rescue http://www.ontariocaninerescue.com/.  There was nine dogs available for adoption but I only took pictures of seven adorable puppies. 

Although, they were all great dogs, I literally fell in love with a three year old Boxer named Boxie.
Boxie is so sweet, I just wanted to take him home myself.  I know that Boxers are lean, muscular dogs, but this dog was rock solid.  He is great with people and little kids, but he surely wants to be the only canine protector in a home

I think I fell in love with his amazing eyes.
How could you not fall in love with those eyes?

While Boxie was modelling for me, he got to play a game of fetch with his favourite ball.  He was so happy and loved showing off how quick he is.


I just couldn't believe that Boxie was in need of a good home, he was such a patient and well mannered dog, with rugged good looks to boot.

Anyone looking to adopt Boxie or any of the other great dogs that are available, check out http://www.ontariocaninerescue.com/

Thanks for reading, Julie