Washburn – A Perfect Gentleman | Toronto Dog Photographer

Washburn – A Perfect Gentleman | Toronto Dog Photographer

I’ve been saving this post for some time. It actually took place earlier this year as we were in the depths of last Winter, but as I went through scheduling posts, I wasn’t sure anyone would want to see pictures of snow in the middle of July! Especially given that Summer never really started here in Toronto this year. Washburn was just too special to not have him appropriately introduced to you all.

Washburn is important to me because he shows the results of some of my volunteer work. I first met him when he was a wide-eyed adoptable at Toronto Animal Services and I photographed him in the hopes of him finding a really wonderful family to call his own. I’m so happy to now know that he did! Sarah, his ‘mom’ reached out to me when she found his original adoptable image on this blog and an e-mail conversation ensued. She told me all about how Washburn was now doing and sent me wonderful updated pictures of him. You can only imagine how thrilled I was to learn that I would have the opportunity to meet Washburn again because Sarah booked a Posh Pets Boutique Session! Arrangements were made, a date was set and we got to spend a couple of hours together on a sunny, yet crisp, winter morning in Toronto, capturing Washburn’s lovely personality and happy home with his new family.

We started our session with a majestic pose that showed off his stylish collar and harness – Washburn is a very fashionable gentleman,you know. I love looking at this image and all of that golden morning light behind him.

dog in snow with golden morning light

It was important to get some portraits of Washburn with his new forever family. Washburn’s life is wonderful and he is a far cry from being a little adoptable at the shelter. Truthfully, he has changed his Mom and Dad’s lives as much as they have changed his. And just look at his little raised paw!

young couple with dog on bridge

No Posh Pets Session would be complete without some running and being silly! That stick was bigger and heavier than Washburn, but he insisted on bringing it with us the entire way. It made navigating narrow spaces a little more difficult, but no less fun.

pug running with stick in his mouth

Of course, if you have snow, you need to dance! Washburn was happy to show off some of his signature ‘moves’…

dancing dog in the snow

We finished the morning with some other locations and were able to capture this beautiful portrait of the little man.

magestic dog posing in trees

Washburn, I wish you so much love and happiness in your new life – you deserve it. Your Mom and Dad love you so much and will take the best care of you.  And I know you will keep them laughing and smiling every day. Live life well, my dear boy.

Looking for a winter session of your own for your furry face or as a gift for someone you know? Your first step is here.

Simon | Toronto Cat Photographer

Simon | Toronto Cat Photographer

At Posh Pets, we see our share of unforgettable four-footed clients. Today, I would like to introduce you to Simon, a furry face who will stay with me a long time.

brown tabby cat looking up

Simon is a cat. A lovely, big, brown tabby cat to be precise. With gorgeous eyes that you could look at forever. Simon loves his people and enjoys playing with them. He is mischievous. He loves his treats and the opportunity to jump and run around the house. (If you can combine all of those things together, he is one happy cat. Actually, combine anything with treats and he is content.)

Simon, however, has also battled cancer.

It was June when I got a call from Simon’s human Mom asking if I had any availability on short notice. She wanted me to come to their house and take some portraits of her beautiful boy. Simon had recently been diagnosed with ocular cancer and the decision had been made to remove one of his gorgeous eyes – a very difficult decision for the family, but one that was made with the realization that it would save Simon’s life. The surgery date had been set which is why time was now of the essence. His Mom wanted images to forever preserve the memory of him in his prime.

I moved a few appointments around and headed over to meet Simon and his honest-to-goodness, real kitty mom, Jackie. If Simon knew he had cancer, he was not about to let me know about it. We spent a lovely afternoon playing, running, hunting, jumping and yes, getting treats in order to capture his good looks and beautiful personality. And, his Mom and I talked about his life. We laughed. We cried. We hugged. When it came time to finally say good-bye, I held Simon close and told him to be a good, brave boy and return home even stronger. Simon let me give him that snuggle and then went off to play.

I waited for news of his surgery…which was an awesome success! Although the first night of his recovery was difficult, it has all been positive news since then. In fact, it would now appear though that the loss of his eye was something far worse for his people to contemplate than the reality Simon lives. During the Ordering Session, Simon was already up and about, curiously interested in what we were doing. And by the time I delivered his final art prints, he demonstrated for me his ability to stalk, chase and yes, jump much like he did before. Simon may have lost an eye, but he certainly has not lost himself.

Today, Simon’s larger-than-life art work sits above the mantle in his home. His folio box and matted art prints are loved and cherished by the family. And dear, happy, healthy Simon seems content with it all.

brown tabby cat sitting on dressercat reaching for a treatbrown tabby cat on stairsbrown tabby cat on coffee tabletwo cats eating

Lilly – Living the Good Life… | Markham Pet Photographer

Lilly – Living the Good Life… | Markham Pet Photographer

We at Posh Pets always love an awesome surprise! Last year, I was contacted by Cathy who wanted to purchase a Gift Certificate for her parents as a surprise for a milestone wedding anniversary. We discussed options and settled on a package that would be just perfect for them and the centre of their world, a little 10 year old Bichon Frise named Lilly. I was told that Lilly lives a charmed life indeed. Dad cooks her up gourmet dinners in the kitchen. Her groomer comes to her. She travels with the family wherever they go.

When I arrived at Lilly’s beautiful home, I found out how literal that statement was. Lilly does follow them around the house and is especially attached to her Mom. Wherever Mom is, Lilly is never far behind. Watching. Lest they think of leaving the house without her.

When we planned the session, it was clear that the humans did not want to be in any of the photographs. Yet, Lilly does not like to sit by herself. However, spending the time and working at Lilly’s pace and comfort level, I was able to coax her away from her family for a few seconds in order to get images of her by herself. And, the cutest little head tilt. This image will be framed and hang on the wall for the world to admire. Which I am sure Lilly would think is as it all should be.

Lilly…you gorgeous little thing! Thank you for trusting me enough to photograph you and give your family images to treasure forever. May your days be filled with cuddles and meals fit for a queen. And love from all who know you.

 

Best Bichon Frise Photographer

 

Titef – Island Dog Photography | Island Destination Pet Photographer

Titef – Island Dog Photography | Island Destination Pet Photographer

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.

dog standing on grass

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.

dog looking over pool

Featuring incredible outdoor patios and terraces, complete with sun rays…what more could a dog (or his humans) want?

dog standing on deck

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!

DR beach with dog running

Chilling and relaxing…island style.

dog lying on beach Dominican Republic

Looking very dapper and well-travelled, Titef struck a pose as the sun set over the island…

dog with sailboat and beach

Thanks so much Titef – we hope to come back and see you soon!

Bella, Maya & Windy | Pet Photography in the Dominican Republic

Bella, Maya & Windy | Pet Photography in the Dominican Republic

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.

Samana Penninsula, Dominican Republic

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.

sad beagle face lying on floor

But, then she was quite accommodating and willing to pose like a super model.

beagle sitting beside green bushes

Beautiful Bella who won me over with her quiet spirit.

beautiful dog sitting by bushes

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!

dog with head tilt mastiff

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?  😉

group shot 3 dogs and 2 peopleWe 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.

black and white sunny garden 3 dogs

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!

Finn & Kona – A Gorgeous Autumn Senior Session | Southern Ontario Dog Photographer

Finn & Kona – A Gorgeous Autumn Senior Session | Southern Ontario Dog Photographer

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.

Posh-Pets-Photography-two-dogs

Finn took her professional portrait session very seriously, showing me how gorgeous she is.

Posh-Pets-Photography-husky-mix

Nothing quite like feeling the sun on your face, eh Finn?

dog smiling in the sun

Then it was Kona’s turn for a professional portrait…with a little lean just to make it more ‘her’.

dog leaning on dock

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.

two dogs peering out at lake

The splendour of Fall!

husky and pointer sitting in leavestwo senior dogs in fall leaves in southern ontario

Finn showed us her best smile…

smiling husky dog

…while Kona decided to mix it up and make sure I got a full show of her best howl.

pointer dog howling in leaves

And, finally, this beautiful black and white art piece of Kona showing the world that THIS is how you run.

black and white image of running pointer dog

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!

Zolo | Oakville Golden Doodle Photography

Zolo | Oakville Golden Doodle Photography

Today I am so happy to share this long overdue blog post featuring Zolo and her amazing Posh Pets session!

The first time I met Zolo, I fell in love. Hard. Of course, she is one of the cutest little doggies, but what struck me about here was her gorgeous personality. This is a girl who is beautiful inside and out. So, as you can imagine, I was thrilled when her mom asked me to photograph her!

Our session started in Gairloch Gardens in Oakville, Ontario. Then we moved onto the Bronte Outer Harbour Marina, taking images along the way. The red door belonged to a kindly person who let us use their property just because knocked on the door! It is hard to resist the sweet face of a puppy! Zolo is a minature golden doodle and is the consumate poser.  Just look at her!Golden Doodle puppy sitting on a dockGolden doodle puppy sitting at Bronte Marina, OakvilleGolden doodle puppy at Gariloch Gardens, OakvilleGolden Doodle puppy standing on a tree stumpGolden Doodle puppy sitting on bench at Gairloch Gardens, OakvilleGolden Doodle puppy with red doorAs you can imagine, with all of this gorgeousness, Zolo’s mom had the hardest time picking the images from her beautiful Gallery. But, we got there eventually, and now, Zolo’s family can enjoy her beautiful images on their walls!

Just a reminder:  The beautiful Autumn season is upon us! If you are thinking of booking a Posh Pets Session to enjoy the beautiful Fall colours, contact me right away. We don’t have many Fall dates left, and the colours should be beautiful this year!

Sneak Peek | Golden Doodle Photography

Sneak Peek | Golden Doodle Photography

I can’t wait to share this incredible Oakville, Ontario portrait session with you! But, for now, you will have to be content with a sneak peak of the gorgeous Zolo, a Golden Doodle puppy. Stay tuned for more images soon!

Golden Doodle puppy lying in grass

Paddington | Toronto Corgi Puppy Photography

Paddington | Toronto Corgi Puppy Photography

Is there anything quite like the unbelievable cuteness of a puppy session? All of that roly-poly goodness combined with snuggles and little legs can’t take them very far? I don’t think so.

So, it was with absolute delight that I spent an early summer afternoon in Toronto photographing petite Paddington during her cute puppy stage. The head tilt alone left me hopelessly in love. And when we got her running…well, it took everything I had not to simply plop her in the car and take her home with me. (In a way, I guess I did – one of Paddington’s images currently graces the masthead of this blog.)

It has been a few months since we took these images, so of course, Paddington has grown into a beautiful corgi girl. I get to see her quite regularly as she belongs to the owners of the pet supply store I frequent for my own furry faces, and she is almost always there to greet me with a kiss. But, her family is so very glad we were able to capture these images while she was still young. Come along and I think you will agree that it was worth it.

corgi puppy sleeping on dog bedcorgi puppy standing on deck chaircorgi puppy smiling in tall grass with sunlightcorgi puppy on path with head tiltcorgi puppy lying in grass with head tiltsmiling corgi puppycorgi puppy running in green grasscorgi puppy trying to get in backdoor of housecorgi puppy peeking over grass

If you are considering having a Posh Pets Photography puppy session for a new furry face in your life, don’t delay! The puppy stage is brief, but photographs can capture it forever.

 

Ryder | The Story of a Girl and her Dog

Ryder | The Story of a Girl and her Dog

Happy golden retriever with his girl
When Sarah first called me to book a session with her puppy, I had no idea what a special dog I was about to meet. All owners gush about how great their dog is, and it goes without saying that each one is definitely special. But, Ryder is a little different – for he was the fulfillment of a wish Sarah has had since she was a little girl.

You see, a couple of years ago, Sarah was diagnosed with cancer. As she began to undergo treatment and take up the fight against the disease, her mother found a book where, as a little girl, she had written down her dreams for the future. One of those dreams was to have a golden retriever puppy. Truth be told, Sarah had never given up on that dream and now that it seemed that life had thrown her a curve ball, she was ready to make it happen.

And that, in short, is how Ryder joined Sarah and her family. Ryder may not be a puppy anymore, certainly not in the technical definition of the word, but he is definitely Sarah’s “heart-puppy”. RP (short for Ryder Puppy) has been with Sarah through everything and anything, and to witness the bond will give you goosebumps. It is often remarked that the strongest relationships are created through adversity, and I am told that Ryder would simply lie with Sarah as she went through endless treatments, offering the silent comfort that only a loyal dog can. In many ways, as Sarah’s mom says, “he saved us all”.

And so, one crisp autumn Saturday morning in Rouge Park, we all took a walk with Ryder and Sarah to document the relationship of a girl and her dog. Gratefully, Sarah is in remission now and therefore looks forward to many more beautiful walks with her RP, but it was important to her to capture the beauty of the relationship as it is today. We definitely created some gorgeous imagery, but I think you would agree that the most beautiful part of these images is the story that goes with it.

Ryder, thank you for letting me into your life and giving us the privilege of photographing you and your family. Your love, your loyalty, your being…you are a beautiful soul. I wish you many more romps in the park and beautiful walks with Sarah by your side…

girl with her heart dog in Toronto
Toronto dog photographer

Toronto dog photography

Dog photography in Toronto, Canada

autumn dog photographer in Toronto, Canada

golden retriever in autumn leaves in Canada

  golden retriever in forest in Toronto

serious golden retriever puppy

smiling golden retriever

There’s nothing like taking the time to make memories with your dog. If you too would like a session like Ryder’s, contact us below:

POSH PETS BOUTIQUE™ SESSIONS

Where it all begins

  • Pre-session Design Consult that ensures we create images you will be thrilled with.
  • The result is gorgeous custom artwork showcasing the life your pet shares with your family.
  • A personal Ordering Consultation to guide you in selecting the right images from the gallery.
  • Please note: The Creative Fee covers time and talent to photograph a maximum of four (4) subjects, which can be any combination of people and up to two (2) pets who live within the same household. Additional subjects may be photographed for a small additional fee.
  • Examples of portraits from Posh Pets Boutique™ Sessions can be found here.
Harris – A new leash on life! | Premier Toronto Dog Photographer

Harris – A new leash on life! | Premier Toronto Dog Photographer

This was a very special session, so much so that it was featured on the Hair of the Dog blog – a blog exclusively for pet photographers. Please read on to find out why…

I photographed Scooter as part of my weekly volunteer work at Toronto Animal Services (North Region). That photograph was spied by a lovely couple who just had to have him!

A few weeks later, his mom contacted me to arrange for his photo session which we scheduled for the Fall when the autumn colours would be out. And so, on a glorious fall afternoon, I had the absolute privilege of photographing Scooter again as the newly named Harris.  What a joy that was!  In the time I had seen him last, he had had a complete make-over…grooming sessions, obedience classes, a better diet, and lovely days spent going for walks and snuggling up on the bed with his new family.  He is obviously adored and is simply enjoying all the happiness a loving forever home brings!

His mom and I talked about the experience of adopting Harris and I asked her to put down a few words as what it had been like. I’d like to share those words here as I think she says it far better than I ever could.

As middle aged couple with no children, our home was peaceful but we missed having a frolicking companion to come home to.

“It’s not that you can’t get over his death, it’s simply that you no longer have a dog to give love to”. The light went on as the wise words of an acquaintance rang true and I knew it was time to get over the sorrow of losing my beloved Westie

Three weeks later, I spied Scooter on Posh Pets TAS Adoptables and I was determined to have him. TAS informed us that he was a work in progress but we were prepared to deal with this five year old Scottie with the dog aggression who wasn’t housetrained and did not understand simple commands. On May 26 we adopted him and quickly realized that the newly named Harris must have been absolutely miserable in the shelter as he did not possess all of the traits he had presented at TAS.

He seemed to understand right away that our home was also his and he was housetrained to some degree, take away a couple of forgivable accidents. We enrolled in obedience classes and he learned quickly.

Harris is fond of other dogs and is extremely playful with them. So playful in fact, that we found it hard to believe that he was five. Two vets that had checked him both feel that he is about two.

The feisty and loyal Harris is a good natured, comical and extremely loving boy. His noble head rests against my leg each night as he sleeps contentedly on his back. I often catch myself smiling in the dark, happy to be sharing my life with a wonderful companion once again.

I will always remember dogs like Harris as they represent all of the ‘happy endings’ I imagine ‘my’ adoptables have. These little furry faces waiting patiently for someone to see beyond the circumstances of a shelter environment and give them a second chance at happiness. Often times though, in the process of what we view as ‘rescuing’ such a pet, we find that they do indeed, rescue us.

Harris, I wish you all of the happiness in the world. And I know you have found it with your new family. You are adored, doted on and greatly loved. And, in return, you have given light to a home. You have done well for yourself, my boy. You have done well.

Zoe | A Beautiful Summer’s evening in The Beaches

Zoe | A Beautiful Summer’s evening in The Beaches

All dogs are special to their families. There is no doubt about that. But, some dogs have managed to wiggle in and find their place where no one else could. Zoe, a gorgeous blond shepherd, is that kind of dog.

Zoe came into her family’s lives after the death of the previous family dog. While the rest of the family was thrilled to have another dog around, Heather wasn’t so sure. The sting of saying good-bye was still there and she did not want to become attached to another puppy. But, as dogs are wont to do, Zoe patiently won her over. And now, 10 years later, she is definitely Heather’s dog.

Zoe moves a little slower now – 10 years is a long time. There is a little arthritis and not so much jumping and running. But, there is still love and loyalty. And an infectious smile and a zest for life that only a dog can have!

Zoe, it was a privilege to photograph you – you are a gorgeous soul! I am so glad that we had the honour to meet you and have a part in recording the life you share with your family. It is so obvious and simple. They love you. And, you love them. I know that your family will treasure these images always!