Feb 17, 2012
I don’t usually do this. It is true that I love the pensive, thoughtful images of animals, but for the shelter where I volunteer, I usually aim for cute and adorable. It helps them find homes.
So, when we were given our theme for this week, I had in mind to take an image of a happy, tongue hanging out, tail wagging furry face. Happiness and joy…that is the mood that I wanted to illustrate. And, I was able to do that with the majority of the guys and gals I met this week. But, my heart broke when I met Patches and April. “Sisters” who have lived together for who knows how long, they were owner surrenders. Now, I won’t go into the details of why their owners decided that they could no longer take care of them – there is little to be gained by trying to collectively judge whether they had a good enough reason. All I do know, is that for Patches, a 9 year old Jack Russell/Beagle mix and April, an 8 year old Shiba Inu, just 48-hours ago they knew what it was to live in a home, to have a bed and the love of a family. And now, they don’t understand why one day it all changed. Confusion. Loss. Fear.
I talked to them soothingly, gave them gentle pats on their heads…and they tried to wag their little tails for me. But they were not interested in the treats we brought or the toys we tried to play with. They simply tried to look past the door to where they know their former home still exists.
Now, most pet photographers and pet owners in general will tell you that they often speak to animals. All kinds of silly things. And so, I spoke with Patches and told her she was a good girl and so was April. Whether she understood me or not, I will never know. But at the mention of her sister’s name, Patches turned to April and nuzzled her. Maybe to make sure April was still there. Maybe to assure April that she was still there with her. And it broke my heart. Because, for these two older girls, the future probably has only two choices. One, that they are not adopted. Two, they find their forever homes, apart. Neither path will replace what they have lost.
And, so I leave you with the image of Patches softly nuzzling her sister, April. Maybe, for one of the last times. This image is one of loss.
If you are at all considering adopting a pet, please consider the older ones. They really have so much to offer and ask for so little in return. And, if you are considering getting a pet, remember that they will rely on you for the rest of their life. They cannot simply be returned when it becomes inconvenient or even if it becomes hard.
I will leave you with a couple more images of Patches and April…if you know anyone who is looking for a pair of girls, please pass along their images and story.
Now, this a blog ring, so please check out Sweet Silver Photography located in Nashville, Tennessee! I’m sure the talented Kelly Coyle has something spectacular to show us this week!
Feb 13, 2012
Today, is a special day in our house for it marks the moment, 16 years ago, when Ripley came into our lives. Originally from the Toronto Humane Society, the “Ripley Years” have just flown by. However, in other ways, it seems like forever for we cannot remember life before his arrival. The day he popped his little head out of his carrier, made himself comfortable on our bed, and took up residence in our hearts.
So, happy adoption day to our big orange tabby. May there be many more years of relaxing on our bed to come…
Feb 10, 2012
Dogs follow their noses, especially the “hound” breeds. This week, Posh Pets was fortunate enough to photography a trio of beagles which provided lots and lots of noses to photograph. This image is a little more abstract/fine art than usual, but I really love it. And it showcases Marcy’s little nose.
Here is a top view of that same nose.
And here is the same nose WAY, WAY TOO CLOSE. Love this picture! This happens a lot during photo sessions – probably more than most people realize. And it always results in funny photos like this one. As well as the necessary business of wiping your lens clean of doggy nose schmutz.
But, just to show you what a beautiful girl Marcy really is, here is her adoption photo. Yes, unbelievably, she and her nose (and eyes, ears, paws and heart!) are all patiently waiting at the Toronto Animal Services for her forever home.
That is it for Posh Pets for this week! Now, please check out Kaylee Greer of Dog Breath Photography who is located just a little south of us in beautiful Boston, Massachusetts! We cannot wait to see what noses she photographed this week!
Feb 3, 2012
Posh Pets’ Project 52 theme for this week was simply “bridges”.
I love this image because it reminds me that the beautiful warm sun still exists – even though we haven’t seen much of it for the past few weeks in cloudy Toronto. Along with blue sky and green trees. And, oh yeah, it has a bridge! So, even though this technically was taken last summer, I think you will all forgive me if I bent the rules a bit.
Now, please check out Peggy Mundell of DogBreedz and see what bridges she found in sunny California! Over to you, Peggy!
Jan 27, 2012
This week’s theme made me smile as I knew exactly the image I wanted to capture. While cats are known for their ability to jump, they tend to have the reputation for being independent and aloof. In other words, not cuddly. Well, Ripley is a bit of a contradiction in terms for a cat. At 17 years of age, he is not so much into jumping anymore, but he is an absolute suck when it comes to getting cuddles from my husband. I just knew that this was what I wanted to photograph. And so, I present Ripley, nestled into Dean’s shoulder for his daily morning cuddle.
We always can tell how relaxed Ripley is by his paws. I love how he crosses his little paws, one over the other, when he is relaxed and really enjoying his hug. When he does this, we know it will be a long one!
Now, please check out fellow Canadian photographer, Ann Kearns to see if her crew was jumping or cuddling…or both! And then follow the blog circle all the way back here. Have a great Friday and weekend!
Jan 20, 2012
Shooting “from the hip” is a technique pet photographers will use to capture unique angles. It takes a little practice because you are literally holding your camera at about hip level and firing the shutter without looking through the view finder. What you end up with can be great, hilarious or just plain garbage. It all depends on where your camera ends up focusing. And, because you are doing this “blind”, you do not really know what you have captured until you look at the screen on the back of your camera.
To begin with I tried photographing Lady Jane while she was sitting still. These were literally my first two images, which was pretty awesome. But, she was sitting still, so that made it easier.
The next task was to do this while she was in motion. This makes it incredibly more difficult to do. My favourite image is the one below. It gives a sense of motion, which makes sense because, well…she was moving.
In all, I was pretty pleased with the results. I found that the images are very different with a large dog (I have done that before) because you can tend to get “under” their chin. Seeing as Lady Jane stands about 12 inches tall, I would have had to literally drag my camera along the ground in order to get that perspective.
So, let’s see what everyone else in the blog circle came up with this week! To begin with, please check out the super talented Natalia & Bill from Photolab and see what fun shots they captured for the theme! And then continue all the way around until you end up back here. We’ll see you next week!
Jan 18, 2012
Here are this week’s crop of new furry friends waiting to meet their new family! As always, please contact Toronto Animal Services (North Region) or see the Posh Pets Facebook page for more information.
And so, without further ado, I present this week’s adoptables…
Thanks for checking us out this week!
Jan 13, 2012
The theme we were given to shoot around this week was simply “new”. Given that most people take a moment at the beginning of a new year or a new month to think about some goals they might have, I thought I would share one of mine. This will definitely be new for me.
I want to learn to shoot film…properly.
There was a time that I had a film camera and I happily put rolls of film in it, set it to auto and hoped for the best. At the time, I had no idea of how to compose a photograph, let alone how to determine “correct’ exposure or how to rate film. This time, I am going to learn.
Given my goal, I am so thankful to my mom for lending me her old Minolta x-700. At the time when it was released, this was a state-of-the-art camera system – the flagship of the Minolta line. It is lovely! Completely manual, without the aid of an LCD screen, this camera will force me to slow down and think before I release the shutter. It will also force me to become friends with my light meter again.
Second item on my list was, of course, film! I have chosen to shoot Kodak Portra 400 VC for my first few rolls. And here is the very first one, fresh out of his cannister with its old familiar smell. This will bring its own set of challenges, the most interesting of which will be finding a lab that I like that can process C-41 colour film. I have been given a couple of recommendations which I will try out, but I am excited to discover a part of the Toronto photography scene that I know little about.
So, there you have it – my new (to me!) camera, my new film and my new goal! With a manual focus camera, it might be a little while until you see Posh Pets portraits from me taken on film, but I think working with this new medium will make me a better photographer. It will be just for me. No pressure. No chance of public failure. But, with a lot of time and practice, I hope to bring you images of cats and dogs, shot on film.
As this is a blog circle, please check out Cynthia Wood of Georgian Bay Studios and see what is new in her life this week! Have a happy Friday!
Jan 12, 2012
This week is a little lighter week – just two beautiful kitties! As always, the best way to get more information on these two gentlemen is to contact the Toronto Animal Service – North Region. Their images are also on the Posh Pets Photography Facebook page. So, without any further ado, here are this week’s stars…
Meet Maestro! He is a super-cuddly, 1 year old tabby cat who simply wants to have his belly, his ears, his back rubbed! He insisted on sitting on me for most of our time together (which makes it a little more difficult to get a good image) or rolling around at my feet. Maestro would make an awesome pet!
Now, meet Jupiter! Not only does Jupiter have beautiful eyes, but he loves to be picked up and cuddled. He is also sports an unusual colouring – he is completely black except for the tip of his tail, which is brown! At 3 1/2 years old, he still has many, many good years ahead of him.
Thanks for stopping by to meet the new guys looking for forever homes! We will see you next week!
Jan 6, 2012
Welcome to 2012 – a brand new year and a new start to Project 52! For this week, we were asked to introduce you to our pets. Unfortunately, not all was well in the Posh Pets’ household this week. I would love to explain, but I promised Ripley, our 17-year old orange tabby that he could tell it from his perspective. Hang on to your seats. And read this out loud with a slight British accent – that is exactly how Ripley speaks.
“Last Friday, I awoke to a day that I thought would be like any other. We had snow – which was new for this season, but we do get that every year. Other than that, I woke up my mom at the appointed time to ask her to feed me. She is good about that and ensures that my sister and myself always have what we need in the morning. As we padded our way to the kitchen to open the fridge door (which I always peer into to determine what today’s menu will be like), I noticed that something was amiss. My sister, who prides herself it seems, on a ghastly display of manners by bounding ahead of me and trying to shove her face into my food bowl, was following behind. (Please note that word, “behind” – it becomes important). This was highly unusual, for in my 16 years of residence – 15 of which were with Lady Jane – she rarely follows me.
Anyway, I had my breakfast, but Lady Jane seemed uninterested. Highly unusual. It was then that I heard my mom making a phone call and I knew, instinctively by how she addressed them, that this was no ordinary phone call at 7:30 a.m. in the morning. One of those terrible creatures humanity calls “vets” had been called. Given that we had just attended that sordid place in July (yes, I do keep track of these things), I could not believe my ears. I was sure that my attempts at behaviour modification had worked, for in July, I had thrown up all over the vet clinic’s lobby which prompted everyone, including staff, to great action of cleaning me, my carrier, the room…and the year previously, I had pee’d on my vet as a signal of my displeasure with where she stuck THAT. But I digress…
Soon after, I heard the familiar rattle of the cat carrier being dragged out of the closet. It was then that I noticed that the bedroom door was closed and I was IN the bedroom. The cat carrier was OUT there, but I was IN here. Safely esconsed in my room. I listened and then I heard it. Lady Jane’s furitive cries as she was being placed in the carrier. The bedroom door opened and suddenly my mom was explaining to me that she had to take Lady Jane to the vet, but that she would be home soon. I was relieved. Mostly because it appears that my previous behaviour has frightened or disgusted those vets enough to not ever want to see me again. Hopefully both.
I obviously have no first-hand knowledge of what went on in that place, but as I understand it, Lady Jane developed a condition that involved her…ahem…bottom region (see my reference above to “behind”). Essentially, she was unable to use the litter box as we felines have done for years. Rather than ensuring that she drank enough water (as I always do) to counteract the problem, she resorted to licking herself…down there. However, she was not content to merely clean herself. No, she licked herself to the point that she was red, raw and sore. That will only get you a trip to the vet and this time it is your own fault, in my opinion.
Anyway, mom and Lady Jane returned and I was none the worse for wear, lounging about on the couch upon their arrival. The carrier was opened and I came over to hear what tribulations she might have endured during her trip away. I had planned to give her a good sniff to ensure she was clean, but I was stopped dead in my tracks.
It. Was. Horrific.
For there was Lady Jane alright, but what had they put around her head? A satellite dish, perhaps? No, for we have never had any need of such entertainment in our house and this particular dish was turquoise. If Lady Jane was channelling some kind of Elizabethan collar style…well, this was not working for her. She looked depressed and miserable. I no doubt looked astounded and aghast. (Later when I heard my mom recounting the situation to my dad, she said my look was “priceless”. I like the sound of that.)
What ensued was 5 days of some ancient rituals involving water, epsom salts, zinc oxide cream (I have since been made aware of the fact that they regularly put this on human babies as well to counteract something called diaper rash) and syringes of sticky, orange-flavoured lactulose. All the while, wearing this ridiculous cone-shaped contraption. To her credit, Lady Jane bore it all remarkably well. I tried the best I could to support her by giving her gentle kisses on her head which is not like me, but when one of your own is so publically humiliated, you must help them to survive.
So, there you have it. I was in no condition to have my portrait taken this week and neither was Lady Jane. But to give you an idea of how incredibly horrible this all was, look below. If you are faint of heart, please avert your eyes.”
Ripley
For those left wondering, Lady Jane seems to have recovered from her ordeal and all systems are working as they should. The cone of shame has been removed and she has spent quite a bit of time sleeping. Which is when I captured this portrait of her. It really displays what she is like – a lovely, contented kitty. As for Ripley…he has had a hard week. Enjoy!
Now, in order to meet all the pets of the other members of the Project 52 circle, please check out fellow Canadian pet photographer Cynthia Wood.
Jan 5, 2012
Introducing the first Toronto Animal Services Adoptables of 2012! Please note that some of the cats are not yet available for adoption, but they soon will be. If you would like to receive more information or check up on them, please go to the Posh Pets Facebook page or contact TAS directly.
First up is Daphne. At 4 months old, she is a very active little girl who rarely stops for anything or anyone. She absolutely loves to play!
Venus is 3 years old and loves to be picked up and cuddled.
Apalonia is such a sweetie, but very shy. She felt most secure in her little kitty tunnel where she could watch the world go by. But look at those eyes – they are big and beautiful!
This beautiful gentle soul is well-behaved and has gorgeous eyes! Alice is 6 years old and knows her basic commands. Imagine getting to look at that face every day!
This 3 year old girl is a little rambunctious, but that is just because she loves people. And treats!
We will see you all back here next week!
Dec 31, 2011
- As of December 2011, the Posh Pets Blog is officially one year old! Hard to believe that this was begun on December 19, 2010 with one small post that said we had gone live. At the time, I had no idea what I would find to write about for the whole year, but it really has come together for me. I find that sometimes I simply cannot get all the ideas I have written quickly enough!
- Posh Pets joined the Beautiful Beasties Project 52 in March 2011. That has been an awesome project that allows me to shoot images just for me. For an artist, it is vitally important that we get an opportunity to stretch and push ourselves to try different things and also to explore ideas and concepts that we would not otherwise do. I really have enjoyed seeing how each member interprets one theme – I hope you have too!
- Posh Pets was featured in the Toronto Star on November 12, 2011 alongside one of my mentors, the very talented Teresa Berg. That was something that I could not have even dreamed of at the beginning of 2011. It was a complete surprise to be recognized for my work.
- Posh Pets began photographing the Toronto Animal Services Adoptables on November 2, 2011. I began with Greta, a beautiful brown tabby and ended the year with Pete, a gorgeous husky. In between, there were a total of 76 animals who posed for my lens – that is a lot of furry faces in just 2 months! I am so happy to report that Greta has since found her forever home along with 57 of her fellow adoptables and I hope Pete and his friends are not far behind.
Of course, I know that I could not have done this all by myself. So, I want to take a few lines to thank all of the people who have helped me during 2011.
♥ Thank you to all of my clients who trusted me to capture the beauty and grace of their beloved pets for I could not be working at something I absolutely love without you! I have enjoyed meeting you, snuggling with your furry family members and presenting you with final images you can treasure for years to come.
♥ Thank you to Kathy and her staff at Toronto Animal Services – North Region. Every week I go in to meet the newest group of adoptables, I am amazed by the hard work and dedication they display towards these animals who have no home, no protection and no voice. They really do care!
♥ Thank you to my family who have shown me such support during this last year. My Mom and Dad and sister have always been there, encouraging me to do what they know is a dream for me. I hope you know how much I love you guys!
♥ It would be hard to have missed the many stories on the blog of the kitties my husband and I share our home with. Ripley and Lady Jane are the best models, patiently putting up with my never ending requests for photography time. Ripley is now 17 years old and Lady Jane is 15, so they have many long hours of napping in between, but I would be remiss not to thank them too!
♥ Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank my dear husband. Dean has always believed in me, even when I did not believe in myself. He is honest to a fault and I can always count on him to tell me the truth about any of my ideas, business or my photography. At the same time, he knows exactly what to say and do when I am feeling frustrated or down. I truly do love you honey!
I will leave you with an image of one of our success stories from 2011 – this is Hank, who found his forever home last week. I do hope you will all stick around for all the Posh Pets’ excitement in 2012!
