Jul 1, 2011
This week’s image was all about the movies which took me back to one of the first Disney movies I ever watched – The Aristocats. I remember being enthralled with the lives of these cats with such personality. And it stayed with me. Even though it was released before I was born, as an adult, I had my own copy of the movie. My favourite line? The conversation between the siblings Marie, Toulouse and Berlioz.
Marie: Me first! Me first!
Toulouse: Why should you be first?
Marie: Because I’m a lady. That’s why.
Toulouse: Oh, you’re not a lady.
Berlioz: You’re nothing but a sister!
So, for this week’s images, I bring you Thomas O’Malley, Duchess, Marie, Berlioz and Toulouse! Great models they were – patiently sitting while I adjusted the lighting and found my angles. No wiggling, no moving, always looking in the direction they were asked, they were perfect.
So…what is your favourite pet-related movie?
Now, please check out our newest blog circle member, Judy Babinski of Dog Biscuit Photos, and see what movie inspired her this week! Don’t forget to make your way around until you wind up back here. Welcome, Judy!
Jun 24, 2011
This week’s challenge was to create a high-key or low-key portrait. Sometimes, if a pet is not used to a studio portrait session, it can be a blessing. They have no idea what to expect and so the flashes are met with interest and curiosity. Not so with my usual model, Ripley. After enough studio sessions, he knows what those large, black, suspended boxes do and he does not approve of it one bit. They even have the audacity to “beep” after they fire as if to taunt him. So, this week I decided to post an image of Ripley from a few weeks ago. It still makes me laugh for here he is talking. To the flashes. They are his nemesis and he is letting them know that the war is on.
Next in line is Blue Amrich from Chelmsford, MA! I have a feeling she went low-key for her image. Please check her out and the rest of the other photographers in the blog ring!
Jun 17, 2011
Accoutrements is the french word for “accessory”. So, this week’s theme was designed to celebrate the little things that make our animals happy. The last report I read said that Americans spend a staggering $41 billion on their pets annually. Proportionately, I have no doubt that Canadians spend about the same. Obviously, there is a lot of food and vet visits in that number, but I am sure that there are lots of toys and treats and designer coats as well.
Our two cats are no different. They too have their toys and so for this week’s image, Posh Pets photographed their favourite toys.
First up, we have the catnip mice. These truly have some kind of power over our felines. The orange tabby, Ripley, will roll all over the floor clutching his mouse tightly to his face. It is one of the few times he loses his dignity and with happy abandon shows his belly to the world by lying on his back. My grey tabby, Lady Jane, takes another route. She also clutches her mouse tightly, but is content to simply sit there and lick it. And lick it. AND lick it. It is like she thinks it is some kind of popsicle, when in reality it is just a big goobbery mess by the time she is done with it.
The second items are the ubiquitous foam balls. We buy them in different colours which is probably of little importance to the cats, but it makes the humans feel good.
You can tell that Ripley in particular is quite attached to his toys. I initially took them out quietly to photograph them. I probably got one or two shots before Ripley came and to make sure that I was not doing anything untoward with his possessions. The result is that those are his feet and face in my images.
Well, that is it for this week! Next up, please check out fellow Canadian, Holly Montgomery of Mutt Shots Photography. We cannot wait to see what she found this week!
Jun 10, 2011
When we received our theme for this week, I immediately thought hockey. Living in Canada during the last days of the Stanley Cup finals will do that to a person. However, when I suggested to our two cats that we dress them up in hockey jerseys for this week’s image, it was met with such a look of disgust, I immediately thought better of it. Their idea of “sport” is “endurance napping” or “finding just the right ray of sunshine to bask in” or “convince the humans that 5 a.m. is an excellent time to put down some food”. Not exactly Olympic events, although I have my suspicions that they would think that a failure on the Olympic Committe’s part.
As a result, I was thrilled to meet Caleb, a beautiful Rotti mix who loves swimming. Now, that is a sport! So, we arrived early at the park to photograph her and her wonderful family. After some beautiful images on dry land, Caleb was very excited to show off her skills in the water. Here is an image from that session. Please enjoy!
Next up is Natalia and Bill from Photo Lab. We cannot wait to see what great animal sport they captured! As always, please follow the blog circle around, until you end up back here. Caleb will still be enjoying the water!
Jun 3, 2011
As Posh Pets continues with Project 52, I am posting an image for this week that I think captures the simple theme of “love”. For nothing is stronger than a mother’s love, be it human or animal.
We happened upon this mama cat and her baby during one of our travels in the country of Bulgaria, more specifically the ancient city of Plovdiv. The “old city” is beautifully restored and has an abundance of little shops, lining winding streets, in which you could happily get “lost” for hours. We had decided to enter a local craft shop to see what we could buy when we came across this scene. Technically, the cat was a stray. This we learned from striking up a conversation with the lovely shop keeper. She explained that mama had appeared one day and the she had kindly given her some food. Seeing as the cat continued to come around, she eventually provided a basket for her to make a bed in. And then she had had her kittens. She had never left, preferring to carefully watch over her little ones, hugging this one as he napped (he opened his beautiful blue eyes for us when I took the photo).
As far as we know, to this day neither mama or her babies have names. They are most likely still living outdoors on the streets with only the kindness of one woman to rely upon. However, it was inspiring that, in spite of her circumstances, mama cat had not turned into an angry, fearful animal. Rather she had maintained her trusting nature and allowed us to approach her. She had remained true to her nature – a domestic cat. It made me think that maybe that that sums up the power of love. To be able, in the face of unfavourable conditions, focus positively on someone else important in your life. And to allow that relationship to prevent you from losing your humanity.
Now, it is time to travel around the world. Please check out Karla Ogilvie’s blog and see her interpretation of love!
May 27, 2011
There is a beauty in black and white photography that I simply love. To me, it seems to interpret a scene in its purest form – shadows and highlights – and therefore accentuates the light falling on your subject. And we know that photography is all about the light. So, without any further commentary, here is this week’s image in black and white:
As always, please check out the next photographer in our blog ring. This time we are going to Australia to check out Claire (Bear) Garrett from Petography. We will see you again when you make it back here to Toronto, Canada!
May 20, 2011
This week it was all about the details. In other words, the little bits and pieces that together make up our wonderful furry family members. It was fun to shoot with my macro lens, as getting that close to something seems to set it apart for special attention. It allows one to capture the amazing beauty of these “feline parts”. So, without further ado, please take a look at the images Posh Pets captured this week:
First of all, we have two different paws. Elegant and small, paws are a wonderful thing made up of four little toes. Flexible and padded, they are just perfect for running, jumping, leaping and pouncing. Fortunately for us humans, they do not come with opposable thumbs. Imagine the mischief our kitty family members could get into if they did!
And then we have the feline nose, so cute and small. Regardless of the colour, it is used to track a wandering mouse, to ascertain exactly who in the neighbourhood was here last, and to hold on high if anything does not meet its possessor’s high standards. Always working, a nose gives a cat the information it needs.
Last, but not least, are the eyes. Who has not been the subject of a cat’s stare? Sometimes intense and direct, sometimes sleepy and lazy, they truly are windows into a cat’s soul.
The next step in our blog circle will now take us to the west coast to beautiful San Francisco, California! Please check out the blog of talented Cyndi Kuiper of Chickpea Photography Studio to see what details she captured this week. And please keep going all the way around until you end up back here in Toronto.
May 13, 2011
Welcome back to another week of Project 52! This week’s image was to illustrate the theme, “in the garden”. At first glance, that might seem quite easy. And, it is true that there is much room for inspiration in a garden. However, it is much more difficult if one does not actually have a garden. But we, at Posh Pets are resourceful and headed off to a park. Afterall, I reasoned, a park is nothing more than a very large garden that is shared by a lot of people.
So, off we went to High Park in Toronto once again. What a difference a week makes! The Sakura Cherry Blossom trees are now fully open and receiving visitors! And it definitely made a difference that we set off early in the morning to arrive at the park by 7:30 a.m. and see the sun bathe the trees in the lovely morning light.
Our first greeter was this little guy. We found him running around, busy doing what squirrels do in the early morning hours. But then he stopped…and posed for us! Here is his portrait.
Next up, was a beautiful robin. We also found him busy hunting around for worms and such. But he lifted his head to check us out and that was enough time to have his photo taken.
And, finally, this post would not be complete without a glimpse of the real reason we got up early this week – the lovely Sakura Cherry Blossom trees!
Please take a look at the next blog in our circle. This time it is Stephanie Madeline of Chase & Snap Photography. Cannot wait to see who she met in the garden.
May 6, 2011
This week’s theme was a real challenge. Our group was instructed to “find a stranger with a pet, introduce yourself and Project 52, and ask if their pet would be willing to model”. Which would give you about 5 minutes. That was no easy task, but it was much harder considering how much it has rained in Toronto this past week. Most days, I did not want to go outside, let alone approach a stranger and ask them to stand in the driving rain while I photographed their pet. I am pretty sure my equipment would not have enjoyed it either.
However, yesterday was a beautiful day with gorgeous sunshine. We determined to get out to High Park in Toronto, in part to see the Cherry Tree Blossoms. We have lived in Toronto a long time, but I do not think it ever registered that we have Sakura Cherry trees in our own backyard. Once I found that out, I was determined to photograph them this spring. It turns out that we were a bit early, as they are not yet in full bloom. But, they are already beautiful. Even better, High Park boasts its own off-leash dog area. What better place to visit and see if I could find a willing, on-the-spur-of-the-moment kind of model to photograph.
Well, when we arrived, there were so many dogs out and about, enjoying the glorious sun with their humans. But the one that caught my eye was the beagle standing on the pathway with her family. Why? Well, I am kind of a nut for beagles. It must be a Snoopy thing. Back when I was in grade school, I would write and illustrate stories about Snoopy on my own time! And when little Uno became the first beagle in history to take “Best in Show” at the prestigious Westminster Dog Show in 2008…well, I have to admit that I had a little tear in my eye. It is that great face, the unassuming personality and the fact that they seem to just be themselves. At this point, I have pretty much decided that one day we will have a beagle in our home. (But please, do not tell the resident kitties about this plan…)
For all those reasons, I was beyond thrilled when her human family stopped me out of the blue and asked me to take a photo of them. At that point, I got introduced to Lola, their (approximately) 6-year-old beagle. Lola’s mom explained that she had been a rescue from a pound. They had gone to visit and realized that no one wanted her, which is horrible to imagine. But, like most beagles, Lola leapt into their hearts and found her forever home.
Lola was a wonderful little model! Even though this was early afternoon and therefore, the worst possible light you can have, she was more than willing to help me out. Of course, it did not hurt that her Dad had treats on hand as rewards. And the fact that she is so well trained. She posed, in between breaks to go and have a grand ole’ sniff of something interesting. It did not take more than a few minutes to find her look.
After everything, I just have to say: Lola, I really enjoyed meeting you, hearing your story and having the privilege of photographing you. We even snuck in a few images of you with your human family so that they did not feel left out. A sincere thanks to you, and the three humans you share your home with who all helped make it happen!
Look at her “big dog” shadow!
And we’ll leave you with one of the best things about Lola – her smile!
Blur – The Answer
For those of you who saw last week’s image and wondered how to achieve that kind of effect in camera, here is the answer. It is nothing more than a zoom lens and slow shutter. I set my shutter for 1.6 seconds and focused using the 70mm end of my zoom lens. When I depressed the shutter, I then proceeded to zoom all the way in to 200mm while the shutter was still open. It is that change in perspective that creates the lines. The trick though is to pause ever so slightly at the 70mm focal length before zooming through. That creates a slightly darker imprint of your initial image. So there you have it – go out and give it a try!
Going Around in Circles
At this point, you all know the drill. Now, we are heading north to Collingwood to see Cynthia Wood of Georgian Bay Pet Photography and see who she met! And then you get to click all the way through until you end up here with Lola’s smiling face.
Apr 28, 2011
Hard to believe that another week has slipped by! But that is a good thing in Toronto – it means we are inching ever closer to the nicer weather. It also means we had another theme to work with at Posh Pets for our on-going Project 52. This week’s theme was blur.
If you spend any time with photographers, you will come to realize that they are generally obsessed with “sharpness”. They can wax poetic about how “sharp” a lens is, the “sweet spot” of any particular lens and how to properly “sharpen” a file for print. But, this week we needed to produce blur. And, more importantly, to ensure that it was not mistaken for the dreaded out-of-focus image. It was also important for us that the blur be created in-camera and not as part of some manipulation done with Photoshop.
So here’s our take on blur. Thankfully, my subject was patient. You should see the outtakes! (You are welcome to post your guesses on how we created the blur!)
Next, take a trip a little to our south to New Jersey to see Stacey Axelrod of Wacky Dog Photo’s image. Please start here and follow the circle all around. When you get back, you can post your guess!
Apr 22, 2011
For those of you that went looking for last week’s post, so sorry, but we had to miss a week. With all of our travelling, the days just went by too quickly to shoot, edit, write and post. But, Posh Pets is back this week with a new theme – Landscape!
The instructions were: get outside, let the landscape inspire you, try to positively incorporate the surroundings rather than cut them out, and possibly shoot wider than usual. Which, truthfully, sounded like a lot of fun. However, if you live anywhere near Toronto, you will know that this past week featured absolutely horrendous weather. It was hard to go outside without being rained upon, blown about, hit by hail…never mind trying to do this with animals. So, what could I do? Well, in order to meet the deadline, I must confess. I cheated. Just a little. But I will come clean – this week’s image was not shot this week. Rather, it is one the images I took on my vacation about 10 days ago.
You might not find this landscape particularly “inspiring”, but, for me, it tells a story. I will always remember coming upon this dog with the soulful eyes. Who, after having checked us out, continued down the obviously seldom-travelled road alone. And who, just before she disappeared around the corner, turned back one more time, as if to wish us well on our travels. That look is this week’s image. It made me think: as we travel through life, we will meet new people and have experiences quite “by accident”. Sometimes this will happen in the least “inspiring” of places. Do not take these for granted. And, whether we enjoy them for years, months, weeks, days or for only a few moments, be sure to wish them well before we depart.
For another take on this theme, please check out the wonderful Steph Skardal’s image and blog. Do not forget to click through each link to complete the circle and end up back here. We will be waiting for you!
Apr 8, 2011
This week’s theme was “Perspective”. Seeing as we are currently travelling in Europe, finding animals to photograph was a little more of a challenge this week. But travelling does change your perspective on the world, does it not?
I was able to capture this image of a very small, adorable pup who we found by the side of a country road. He doesn’t look that tiny in this photo, but if you are looking for a reference point, look at the height of the grasses where he is sitting. Those are normal blades of grass. Mama was close by keeping watch to make sure we did not hurt her baby. That in itself was quite a touching example of a mother’s love. When we got out of the car, Mama approached our car, obviously very frightened by strangers. As we went to pat her, she lowered her body and turned away – perhaps strangers have not treated her well in the past – but her fear did not stop her from doing all that she could to ensure that her little one was safe. So, we talked softly to her, gave her some water and moved slowly to take photos of her puppy. By this time, the little one had scampered away and was watching us from a safe distance. How he must have wondered who these strange beings were with what must have looked like a gun pointed at him (my 70-200 lens with a hood on is imposing). It made us think, what would your perspective of the world be if you were only 8 inches tall?
To see the next image by Ann Kearns, please click here. Remember, this is a blog circle, so click through each of the links on each of the photographer’s sites until you end up back here.
