Apr 16, 2014
Given the crazy weather we have had in Toronto this year, the Posh Pets family was happy to travel for a few days in January and enjoy the sun of the Dominican Republic. I am always up for travelling, especially if it means I get to photograph dogs! Although our primary reason for being down there was to attend a family wedding, I got to squeeze in a couple of photo sessions with furry faces too. Considering we got another snow fall in Toronto yesterday, todays post will be a nice reprieve to look at some beautiful, sunny imagery. If you missed the first Posh Pets photo session, featuring 3 dogs, you can find that here.
So…please meet Titef, a gorgeous soul who lives the good life! On an island…sun all year round, beaches to run on and lots of people and dogs to see and meet, Titef is one happy doggie! He is also a stunner and doesn’t worry about the snow or cold taking away all of that gorgeous greenery that surrounds him.
The islands have that laid-back vibe which keeps us coming back for more. Requests of any sort are usually graciously accommodated, and the great people of Hotel Alisei in Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic let us have run of the place for Titef’s photoshoot. Here he is looking over his “domain”, which includes a gorgeous pool area.
Featuring incredible outdoor patios and terraces, complete with sun rays…what more could a dog (or his humans) want?
Then we headed to the beach (the Samana Peninsula has so many!) and finished up with some beach shots. Nothing like running and feeling nothing but sand between your paws!
Chilling and relaxing…island style.
Looking very dapper and well-travelled, Titef struck a pose as the sun set over the island…
Thanks so much Titef – we hope to come back and see you soon!
Apr 8, 2014
Well, the snow has melted, the sun is shining and temperatures are rising in Posh Pets land! After a very hard winter, even the dogs at Toronto Animal Services show such a relief that it is not freezing outside, and take their time to sniff their surroundings before settling in for their photography session. We haven’t exactly got beautiful green grass yet, but the fact that we see the grass is good enough for us!
This week we photographed a very cute group of doggies. Not many cats are currently at the shelter, but we know ‘kitten season’ is coming…it always happens in the spring. It would seem that spring is just delayed on all fronts this year.
If there is someone here that you would like to get to know better, please contact TAS directly to get an update and arrange an introduction. I will be featuring these little and big ones throughout the week via the Posh Pets Photography social media channels. If you like, follow us here or here or here …
Mar 26, 2014
Being a pet photographer is something I absolutely love, especially when I can donate my talents to those who need it the most. A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting four, little doxie girls who have not had the best start in life. They are part of the QC15 – fifteen dogs who were rescued by Canadian Dachshund Rescue from a Quebec puppy mill. These four little ones were part of that group and they came to the Posh Pets Photography studio for their glamour shots.
As you can expect, they have a few health problems and each of them are receiving extended treatment. Of particular concern is their mange, which has resulted in them being almost completely hairless (and will probably remain so for the rest of their lives). But, a lack of hair does not stop them from being curious, friendly, sweet and downright cute.
So, without further ado, please meet Josephine, Aimee, Isabelle and Pearl…
If you would like updates and their progress and to help support their treatment, please consider a donation to the Canadian Dachshund Rescue. You can do so by following the link here.
Mar 7, 2014
Yesterday was a glorious day (for pet photography and otherwise) in Toronto! We finally had some bearable temperatures, beautiful blue skies, sun and fresh, clean snow. The dogs were excited to finally get outside and not freeze their paws and bums off and, quite honestly, we were too. It was such a pleasure to photograph these adoptables and give them a chance to shine.
Each of them are available at Toronto Animal Services – North Region. If you are interested in adoption, be sure to call ahead and make sure that your intended is still available. You’ll also see their adorable furry faces on the Posh Pets Photography Facebook page. For now, take a look!
Feb 26, 2014
As a pet photographer who loves to photograph dogs outside, I have asked myself (along with the many who make their home in Toronto) many times in the last few weeks, “Will this cold weather never end?” And again on Monday, this was the basis of my conversation with each of these furry faces during the brief moments that we could stand being out in the elements. I promised them that the nicer weather (and a forever home!) were just around the corner if they just held on a little longer. To ensure that my promises were not in vain, please share their images far and wide so that they have as good an opportunity as possible to be seen by the special person looking to bring them home. I, and each of them, thank you!
I’ve never photographed as many puppies in one week as I did during my time on Monday. Kaya and Duncan are both only about 15 weeks old, and Morty is still a young boy at 9 months old. On the other end of the spectrum is Clarence who is a lovely 9 year old guy. Along with their feline friends Thor, Amos, Luchio, Ameira and shy-girl Veronica, they have lots of love to give.
Each of their images will be posted on the Toronto Animal Services website as well as be featured on the Posh Pets Photography Facebook page during the week. Questions about anyone in particular? Please contact TAS directly who can give you the latest updates on their statuses.
Thanks for stopping by and we’ll see you all back here next week!
Feb 8, 2014
It has been a busy few weeks for Posh Pets! And, after some pretty frigid temperatures, a few snow storms and a few days away, I finally got back into the North shelter this week to photograph the adoptables. It was good to be back and I got to meet some beautiful cats and dogs this week.
If you are looking to meet a future family member, please contact TAS directly – they will be happy to set up a ‘meet and greet’ for you and give you all the details they have on any particular cat or dog. They will also be featured on the Posh Pets’ Facebook page, if you would like to follow along. It is so awesome when you share their little faces with any and all and help them find their forever homes!
Feb 1, 2014
Last week, the Posh Pets‘ family got to the see sun! Getting away to enjoy sunny days, blue skies and sandy beaches is reason enough to go, but this time we had an extra special reason – my sister-in-law’s wedding in the Dominican Republic. Las Terrenas de Samana, to be exact, and just so you all know I am not kidding when I say it is gorgeous, here is what you see as you drive from the airport.
Now, at this point, you would expect me to be sharing with you wedding photos. But nope, I’ve done a count – I have 51 images from the wedding and over 300 images of various dogs and cats! (You know you are a pet photographer when…) So instead, let me introduce you to Bella, Maya and Windy, 3 “siblings” that make their home in the Dominican Republic along with their humans. First up, was lovely Windy, who has a “sad puppy” face that melts your heart.
But, then she was quite accommodating and willing to pose like a super model.
Beautiful Bella who won me over with her quiet spirit.
And then I met Maya who made me laugh…her papa was a mastiff and the result is that her head looks like it is too big for the rest of her body. But, she can certainly do the head tilt!
However, the goal of this session was to capture a family portrait of all of them together. I was told that they really, really, really wanted this image, and to tell you the truth, I had no idea if we could get it. During my short time on the island, it quickly became apparent that Dominican dogs are very different from Canadian dogs. Their entire lifestyle is different – they live outside where they can come and go as they like and are usually employed in protecting the property and their family. In short, they don’t play with toys, they don’t do tricks, they easily block out any noises that would assist you in getting their attention, and they are not accustomed to being ‘posed’ in any sort of fashion. But, it was a challenge we were going to take up.
I wish I had the space to share with you all of the ‘outtakes’ that happened before this image was finally created. We had tongues sticking out, faces turned away, doggie bums toward the camera and one fall into a very thorny bush (ouch!). But, in the end, my camera tells me that it took only 1/200 of a second to get this. Makes it sound easy-peasy, right? 😉
We ended the high energy session in the blazing sun (read: very HOT) with this…a beautiful statement on the relationship the three dogs share with their people.
Would you like to immortalize your ‘pack’ in a family portrait? We can do that in Canada too! See our Investment page for your options and then contact Posh Pets Photography here. Hope to welcome you to the Posh Pets family soon!
Jan 17, 2014
We at Posh Pets love senior pets! There is something about the senior furry faces amongst us that is so endearing. It’s the maturity and calmness that comes from having seen it all before that allows them to slow down and enjoy the moment. The loyalty, trust and love they have for their human family and the fondness they have for routine. Somehow, they have made peace with the world and are happy with their place in it.
On a gorgeous fall afternoon last year (I am a little behind on blogging client sessions!), I had the privilege of travelling to Picton, Ontario to photograph two beautiful ladies. It was the halfway point between Toronto and their home in Ottawa. I am somewhat ashamed to say that I have lived in Southern Ontario almost all of my life and driven the highway to Quebec more times than I can remember, but I have never gotten off the highway and explored Prince Edward County. It is absolutely stunning and I will definitely be going back!
Amidst all of that beauty, I met Kona and Finn who are 11 and 13 years old respectively. Age is never kind to people or dogs, and their mom had warned me of the challenges that lie ahead. Kona has a bit of an obsession over shadows and reflections…anything that flickers can hold her attention for long periods of time and it can be difficult to break it. Finn is almost deaf and has a combination of a heart murmur and weak legs which meant we needed to take our time and go at her pace. Truthfully, their mom was worried we would have a hard time getting any sort of decent images.
As is often the case with pets, they prove us wrong – Kona and Finn were amazing. We were out on the water for some of the session, and while the afternoon sun hitting the water caught Kona’s attention a couple of times, it was nothing we couldn’t manage. And Finn was a trooper, showing off her best smile for the world to see. Come see some of the beautiful images that now grace their home…
We started on the dock and you Kona’s personality shone through – she is such a ham! I think she is actually smirking at me in this image.
Finn took her professional portrait session very seriously, showing me how gorgeous she is.
Nothing quite like feeling the sun on your face, eh Finn?
Then it was Kona’s turn for a professional portrait…with a little lean just to make it more ‘her’.
They have a beautiful relationship with each other. At this age, you have to cherish the moment and take in the beauty of the world around you.
The splendour of Fall!
Finn showed us her best smile…
…while Kona decided to mix it up and make sure I got a full show of her best howl.
And, finally, this beautiful black and white art piece of Kona showing the world that THIS is how you run.
One final note – I have a lot of clients who want images when Southern Ontario bursts into full colour, usually during a small window of time in late September and October. As a result, those Sessions dates are popular and are booked quickly. If you are thinking of a Fall Portrait Session for your furry faces, now is the time to contact Posh Pets and reserve your date. I look forward to meeting you all!
Jan 12, 2014
I headed out as we at Posh Pets made our weekly visit to photograph the adoptables at Toronto Animal Services – North. We met a lot of furry faces this week! Lots of wiggly dog bums and many happy kitties in the bubble…all awaiting their special someones to show up and give them a forever home.
As you look at their lovely faces, if you see someone you would like to meet, please contact TAS – North directly. They will be able to answer all of your questions and give you a current status on any individual pet. Even if you are not planning on adopting right now, please share this post in the hopes that many, many eyeballs will see it and through the power of the internet, we can help them find their homes!
Jan 10, 2014
This week’s Project 52 theme was Joy. And, we at Posh Pets believe that there is probably nothing more joyous than a dog enjoying the wind in his hair, running around with his beloved ball! Plus, this image shows green grass and beautiful sun – given the past few weeks we have endured in Toronto, it brings me great joy to just see something other than ice, snow and cold! I hope it brings you some joy too!
As you may already know, this is a blog circle where each pet photographer interprets the given theme in their own way. Next in the blog circle is Emily Fuss Photography in Sarasota, Florida. Please click through to see what joy she found this week!
Jan 3, 2014
Welcome to a new year! For many people the start of a new year is filled with fresh promise, new projects and a chance to start again. And so, it is with Posh Pets Photography and the Beautiful Beasties Project 52 series. Each week, we’ll have a new theme where we try and create an image or images that represent that theme.
The theme for this week was introductions. We’ve been asked to introduce you to the beautiful pets we share our homes with and who will often be the subject of our photographs for Project 52. In our case, if you follow the Posh Pets’ blog, you will already know these two furry faces already. However, here is a chance to meet them again!
This is Lady Jane sitting so regally on my bedside table (where she knows I do not want her to be). She will be 17 years old in March and was diagnosed with chronic renal failure in October 2013. We’ve had a few crises since then and there were times when we were sure she would not see the end of 2013. At her peak, she was 17.3 lbs, but now she weighs a mere 9 lbs., and I reminded of this every time I pick her up. But, she is holding her own. It frightens me when she climbs to places she should not because she is not very steady and I fear for her little bones. But, she is a stubborn little old lady and if Lady Jane wants to sit on the bedside table, then that is where she will sit. You can see a little of that determination in her pose.
And this is Baxter Huntington, our 3 year old rambunctious, friendly, playful, in-your-face-and-give-me-affection cat. He likes to thwart any attempts I make at taking his picture by closing his eyes. (Yes, he has figured that out.) But, he loves us, loves his sister Lady Jane is just so darn cute that I can’t resist taking his portrait whenever I can! He loves to explore and has taught his older sister to go places where she never would have dreamed of venturing before. And at the end of the day, he grooms her and settles down to nap beside her, often with a paw laid gently touching some part of her body.
Both of our kitties originally came from the shelter and are wonderful furry family members. If you are considering welcoming a pet into your home, I wholeheartedly encourage adoption. You’ll be seeing a lot more of these two in the weeks and months to come!
This is a ‘blog circle’ which means that each photographer will interpret the week’s theme. You can start with Denver Pet Photographer, StinkDog Photos and get introduced to her crew. Then, if you like, follow the circle all of the way around until you end up back here with Baxter and Lady Jane.
Dec 31, 2013
Brrrrrr! It was cold out there in Posh Pets‘ land yesterday. Add to that, the ice and snow everywhere and we had a recipe for wiggly butts (human and animal)! But, we had beautiful sunlight from the setting sun which lit up the small area where we photographed all of the available and up-and-coming adoptables this week. What a way to end our last session of 2013!
These beautiful guys and girls are all available from Toronto Animal Services – North Region and would love to meet you. The cat adoption room was hopping with people yesterday (always a good thing!), so we didn’t have an opportunity to photograph any of our precious felines this week. We’ll be back though…
See you all next year!
