Aug 22, 2023
We had picked the day and time and it was EARLY! Time was of the essence as Mum had let me know that Starling, her black labrador, was not feeling well and she really wanted to capture her first pup in the early morning light.
When we arrived at the location, my heart sank a little. The sky was ‘socked in’ and it was just a blanket of grey, featureless clouds.
There is no way we’re getting a visible sunrise, I thought.
Add to that, the location was over the water because I wanted an unobstructed view of the sky which meant it was windy. And cold.
But it was too late to postpone now – the two dogs and one cat (!) were already on the long drive from home to meet me.
And so I waited, hoping that the sky might clear.
By the time they arrived, the sky was still awful. We had only a few precious minutes to try and get the pets to settle and simply hope for the best when it came to the sky.
By the time we got our first dog in place, the ‘official’ sunrise time had passed. Nothing but grey, mournful sky.
However, above the horizon, I noticed a sliver of clear sky and I thought: What happens when the sun gets there?
Well, we found out.
For less than 2.5 minutes tops, the sky lit up with the most incredible orange-red hues!
We quickly got to work as we needed all three furry siblings in place to create our portraits. As quickly as the colour appeared, it disappeared when the sun went firmly behind the wall of clouds and we were once again enveloped in the grey, windy landscape.
But it was enough. Enough for this. Meet Duke, Starling and Kitt silhouetted against the incredible morning sky.
Professional photographer tip: A portrait like this involving multiple subjects takes some forethought and planning to execute well. This is an outcrop over the water and we simply cannot risk anyone slipping or falling. Thus, the humans are very close by and all of the pets are on leash at the time. The editing and retouching process ensures that the final portraits are perfect.
Photographing Your (Pet) Family
Whenever you have a family involving dogs and cats, the question always arises as to whether we can get a portrait of everyone together. To which I say: we are going to do everything possible to set ourselves up for success.
Much of our approach will depend on the relationships with each other and the temperaments of the furry siblings. In this case, believe it or not, Kitt (the gorgeous cat you see) was the most ‘stable’. (Stable is the word I use to describe the subject most likely to get into and hold a position.) Kitt also loves his canine brother and sister which is a great plus.
The result is that this final portrait was taking in one frame – no compositing!
Of course, individual portraits are important too. Here’s Kitt with his gorgeous colouring which matches the early winter tones of the forest.
Duke is the youngest and the most wiggly. But a head tilt and he got his portrait to match his feline brother.
But this session was really for Starling, Mum’s baby. Starling had just recently been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing some treatments. Not knowing how much time they had left together, it was vital we had gorgeous photos of her.
Celebrating the relationship
Given Starling’s diagnosis, we spent extra time and effort of photographing Starling and her Mum together. First in the early sky.
And together again later in the session. These unscripted moments are among the most precious. You can feel the love.
Of course, we had to get a family portrait of everyone together!
Porfessional photographer tip: No one has to be in photographs during a session with me. But I always encourage someone to come dressed as if they might. It just gives you options during our time together.
Lastly, we ended up on the beach where again, we took a solo portrait of Starling.
As well as Starling with her brother, Duke.
(Note: After I wrote this post and scheduled its publication, I found out from Mum that Starling had said her final goodbye.)
Starling, you have left a huge hole in your family’s lives. Your sweet spirit will be remembered by all who you touched. Run free, my brave girl.
And to Duke and Kitt, thank you for working with me during our session to celebrate Starling. It was like you knew that this was important for you were the most cooperative trio I have ever met. Thank you for giving me the honour. ♥
Looking to create meaningful portraits of your dog or cat during a Heritage Session? This is a special session to ‘celebrate the life, love and legacy of your pet.’™
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Celebrating the life, love and legacy of your pet. ™
- High-priority sessions are reserved for pets that become ill or are simply elderly. We make every effort to schedule these on short notice and work within their restrictions.
- An opportunity to take time out of your busy schedule to spend some quality time together, celebrate the life you have shared and create images you will treasure forever.
- 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.
- More information can be found here.
Jan 13, 2016
No doubt about it – Posh Pets® Photography loves our home city, Toronto. It’s a great city full of great dogs, cats, and their people. It’s busy and vibrant and boasts an easily identifiable skyline. And, it simply looks spectacular in photographs!
To celebrate our home city, we’ve been working on a project for some time now – finding a way to incorporate that awesome cityscape into images with YOUR dogs. We’ve been quietly scoping out locations and enlisting the help of many urban pups and their intrepid humans.
This has not always been easy. As you know, the Toronto skyline boasts one of the tallest buildings in the world, the CN Tower. Finding a perspective that will allow me to place a sitting dog who is about 12 inches high, in the same frame as a 1,815.4 ft building can be a challenge. Even large breeds are not really all that big when you place them beside architecture.
These images celebrate that truly quintessential urban pup. You know the one…they embrace the city lifestyle. They know their neighbourhood…Uptown, downtown, the Annex, The Beach, Cabbage Town, Liberty Village…you get the idea. Toronto is their home. Or, they lived here at one point and haven’t forgotten their roots.
If you are looking to create a Posh Pups in the City™ image(s) in your Boutique Session, then you are in the right place. You might have a location in mind, or we can research and explore an awesome spot together. We will create something that you will be happy to display on your wall for years to come! Let’s do this…
PS: If you have an urban feline that loves the outdoors, does well on a leash, we would absolutely love to meet them too. Posh Cats in the City™…why not? Me-ow!
May 6, 2015
This post is going to be HUGE. It is the third, and final, instalment of the Pampered Pooches festival and all of us at Posh Pets were thrilled to meet all of you! If you missed them, you can find Part 1 and Part 2 here.
With this many dogs, names are hard to remember. If you would like me to mention your dog’s name, please let me know in the comments below and I will update the post.
So, with without further ado, here are the rest of the cuties we met…
The sun came out in the afternoon and the dogs loved basking in the sun.
So many soulful, sweet faces!
A gorgeous greyhound!
This little girl was eager to please.
This duo were getting lots of attention wherever they went.
Nothing like a little white dog!
And a sweet poodle girl.
A little terrier with bows in her hair.
Everytime I look at this face, I smile. Samson, you are one cute pooch!
A little scruff nut came to visit.
As did a gorgeous malmute.
A happy Boston!
Tongues were out and smiles were big.
What a cutie!
A little more serious pose. I think he was worried that I might not hand the treat over 🙂
Such soft, clean hair. Not easy when you are white!
This little poodle had the most beautiful coloured coat.
Another dachshund…
Then the puppies came along…this frenchie was sooooo cute.
A beagle with soulful eyes…
A happy beagle boy!
Such a mournful look. Don’t worry…there are more treats.
Even in the chaos, you can still get a head tilt.
This little guy was just happy to be here.
Another frenchie puppy with the most awesome colouring…
Busy figuring out what else was coming…
There were lots of Bostons that came out.
Okay lady, take my picture.
I tell really good jokes 🙂
This fluffy GSD puppy named Dino came to visit us. Those little tufts of hair are just wonderful!
A sleepy customer…
Puppy. What more can I say?
And a wrinkled little brow. Just makes you want to cuddle them, doesn’t it?
Someone looks like they just got groomed for the event! One regal looking schnauzer…
A little shih tzu named Oreo who also looks like he had just gone to the salon…
Well, this guy let me know what he thought of everything!
Whew! I think I got everyone! Again, THANK YOU for coming out and helping to make Pampered Pooches a great success!
May 4, 2015
Welcome to Part 2 of the Posh Pets Pampered Pooches wrap up which happened on Saturday! If you missed it, you can find Part 1 here.
Again, I am unsure of many of the names, so if you know these doggies, please leave a comment below and let me know their details (of course, let me know which picture you are talking about). I’ll be monitoring the comments and will definitely edit the post with names as I receive them.
As anyone knows, wherever there are large crowds of people gathered it is important to have good security. Well, Pampered Pooches had some of the cutest security around for the day. His name is Sneakers and he belongs to Kristen of TheDen Toronto. (They have some of the coolest workshops around – design and make your own wedding rings, anyone?) Here you can see Sneakers ‘on patrol’, checking out the booths as we were setting up in the morning.
He also came to the Posh Pets booth to ensure our water and treats were good. I am happy to say we got a ‘Pass‘!
I’m thinking of renaming this post to “dogs-in-arms”, simply because there were a lot of furry faces being carried around. Finding yourself in a sea of legs can be overwhelming when your little. But, when you have an awesome human who is willing to scoop you up, it is oh-so-good.
This one could be a model – she has the gaze just right!
Happiness written all over this girls face!
This little one is Penny and she is a gorgeous Cavalier King Charles puppy. If I could have distracted her human long enough, I would have tucked her in my bag…
A frenchie puppy is always a good thing.
A little senior chihuahua – love the grizzled faces!
Could I be any happier?
Look at those ears!
At first glance, Zona appears to be big enough to walk on her own four feet.
But, given half the chance, she too is happy to be picked up and cuddled. She even shows her appreciation by showering you with kisses! Here she sneaks in a few with her dog walker Katherine, who runs the awesome Katie & Co. If you live in the Toronto area and need a dog walker, check out her website for more info.
These two opted for the stroller and had quite a bit to say about it!
Their sister, on the other hand, likes to be personally carried. She deserves it – after all, she is a bit of a celebrity, and her next star turn I am told, is the role of Toto in the Toronto production of The Wizard of Oz.
Max is 3-year old beautiful boy who has helped so many others with his work as a therapy dog. Unfortunately, he is facing some health issues of his own, so it was easier for him to enjoy the festival from the vantage point of his pram.
This little dude was quite happy to walk, strutting about and showing off his brand new striped harness. He had just received it and boy, did he look good!
And sometimes, even if you don’t need to be picked up, it is just enough to know that your human is near by.
There are still more furry faces to go. Stay tuned here and we’ll be posting Part 3 soon!
Aug 4, 2014
I love my weekly visits to Toronto Animal Services! The kid’s camp is still in full swing so it is nice to see all the adorable furry faces get their fill of walks, play, love and cuddles from eager campers. They also seem to get a good amount of treats and rewards as they learn new tricks and commands. And I have some very willing assistants to help me with handling the dogs as we get gorgeous adoption images of their charges.
All of these furry faces are available for adoption. You can find out their current status by contacting TAS – North directly. I will, of course, feature their little faces on the Posh Pets Facebook page and you can help by sharing their images around…it is amazing how many proud pet parents found their fur-baby via an image that was shared on social media! If that is you, feel free to contact Posh Pets Photography and let us know – it is sooo nice to hear the details of the happy endings!
Thanks to all the fans of this blog for following along! We’ll see you all next week!
Jul 4, 2014
So, this weekend (July 4-6, 2014) is the first Mega Pet Adoption Event in Toronto. It is being held at the Exhibition Grounds on the waterfront and is a joint effort between Toronto Animal Services, Toronto Humane Society, Toronto Cat Rescue and Pet Smart Charities…all in an effort to get lots and lots of furry faces forever homes! Adoption fees are only $25 for either cats or dogs, plus the license fee if you live in the City of Toronto. By all accounts the event is going very well and we are only at the end of Day 1!
Last week, I spent a few hours at Toronto Animal Services – North photographing as many animals as we could. It is so nice if they can have a beautiful adoption photo that showcases their beautiful little mugs and charming personalities. If you or anyone you know ends up welcoming one of these guys or girls into your home, please drop me a line at Posh Pets and say “hi”. I absolutely love to hear happy endings.
If you are thinking of adding a pet into your family, this would be the weekend to come down to the CNE. Don’t believe me? Well, I have news – my husband and I just adopted a new little furry girl into our family! I’ll definitely be sharing more about her shortly 🙂 In the meantime, enjoy these lovely faces…
May 29, 2014
Another week, another group of furry little ones in front of the Posh Pets‘ lens! It truly is a highlight of my week to go into the shelter and see their lovely little faces. But, it is even better when I find out that those I photographed during the previous weeks are now loving life with their new families. You will notice that these are all new boys and girls…except for Chewy. If you compare this week’s image with last week’s post, you will see that he has had a little make-over! Take a look and see which one you like better 🙂
All of these cuties are available through Toronto Animal Services and would love to meet you in person. Contact TAS directly for more information and to arrange an introduction.
Thanks for following the Posh Pets‘ blog each week – I am so happy to help these dogs and cats find their forever homes!
May 2, 2014
Hi there! Posh Pets is back with another large group of dogs and cats from Toronto Animal Services! Some of these furry faces have already been adopted, so be sure to contact TAS directly to get a status update before you go. But, I wanted you to see their cute faces (and the fact that we now have green grass to sit on) so I am sharing their images anyway. See you next week!
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 …
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!
Sep 10, 2013
Wow! Lots of furry faces to photograph at the shelter this week! We photographed them all yesterday when it was nice and cool, before the heat wave hits today.
They are all available from Toronto Animal Services – North. Although some may not be quite in the adoption pool yet, feel free to call TAS directly if you would like to meet anyone from these pictures. The furry faces will also be featured on the Posh Pets Photography facebook page throughout the week.
Everyone have fun and stay cool – we’ll see you next week!
Jul 14, 2013
There is a camp going on at Toronto Animal Services this week and the dogs are having a blast. A number of youths are working with them and, through positive reinforcement, are teaching them basic commands like sit, stay, lie down…as you can imagine the dogs are just enjoying the attention and play time with so many energetic young people.
In the midst of all of this excitement, we took some adoption photos. These guys are all available (or will soon be after the camp concludes) at Toronto Animal Services – North. So feel free to contact them directly if you would like to inquire about adoption. They will also be featured on the Posh Pets Facebook page during the week!
