Jan 11, 2013
Here is Posh Pets’ first edition of Project 52 for 2013, named Seasonal Fun!
Depending on where you live, you are in the throws of Winter or Summer. Or, maybe you enjoy something more temperate all year round. But, for those of us who enjoy seasons, I find that each one has its own, unique beauty. In Toronto, we have finally received a respectable amount of snow and I was determined to get out there and photograph it for this week’s theme!
While Posh Pets‘ has its wonderful private and commercial clients, I like to “give back” by volunteering to photograph adoptable dogs and cats at the local shelter each week. This is a work that I enjoy immensely! When it comes to the dogs at the shelter, I photograph them almost exclusively outside, no matter the weather! This is because, not only is natural light beautiful, but it gives the dogs an opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and feel the snow or grass between their paws. Those few minutes of attention, treats and the great outdoors often translate into moments of unbridled joy. And, there is always one dog who seems to love it more than any other.
This week, that dog was Rocky. He is a lovely 6 year old german shepherd who is available for adoption from Toronto Animal Services – North. The pent up energy created in the shelter environment means that walking him initially can be a bit of a challenge. He likes to pull a bit in anticipation of getting somewhere awesome. But, after a few minutes of exercise and love, he is a different dog – our return walk to the shelter had Rocky walking beautifully like a proper gentleman. If you are looking for a loyal companion, then please consider an older boy like Rocky – there are many ‘Rockies’ just waiting in shelters around the country, the continent and the world.
But, for now, please enjoy Rocky’s ‘mini-session’ highlighting all of fun of winter!
Here is Rocky when we first made it outside. At the sight of the snow, Rocky began to rub and roll in the snow in sheer delight! This was such a joy to watch!
Then, the running began. Dogs love to feel the wind in their fur and I love the look of the snow flying behind him and the look of happiness on Rocky’s face!
A little tired from his romp, Rocky stopped to listen and enjoy the world around him. Isn’t he gorgeous? This boy should be in pictures!
And, after some more rolling in the snow, a graceful portrait. I love his snow-covered muzzle in this one!
And finally, Rocky’s adoption photo which will help him find his forever home!
And there you have it – the beauty of winter through the eyes of a dog! Now, please continue through the blog circle to see what the other photographers in the group came up with. To start with, please check out Melbourne Dog Photographer, Ragamuffin Pet Photography and see what Caitlin has for seasonal fun in Australia!
Jan 9, 2013
Here are the beautiful furry faces from this week – all looking for their forever homes! You can meet each and every one of them at Toronto Animal Services – North and, should you wish to arrange an appointment, please contact TAS directly. Looking for some additional details about these guys? Then, please come on over to the Posh Pets’ Facebook page and have a look!
Dec 31, 2012
Hard to believe that this is indeed the last day of 2012! As such, it is always fun to sit down and celebrate the successes that Posh Pets Photography enjoyed this year and to look forward to the excitement in store for 2013. So first, the recap…
1. This little blog is now 2 years old! And, it is a very well-behaved 2 year old to boot! I checked the statistics and there have been 163 posts (including this one) … quite astounding to me as I remember thinking when I started that I would not have much to write about. I’ve loved sharing all the news and wonderful sessions along the way.
2. Posh Pets Photography definitely grew this year and I had the privilege of working with some amazing clients, photographing their beautiful furry faces. Nothing makes me more happy to hear that I have created images that they love (and often have a hard time deciding upon)! Thank you so much to each and every one of you!
3. This year was the first year I got to work with some amazing companies and artists on commercial projects that featured animals. They included Canada Pooch, Deadmau5 and the City of Toronto. I have so enjoyed this work!
4. I appeared on Animal House Calls with Ann Rohmer! That was a nerve-racking experience, but we seemed to have survived, and it was wonderful to highlight the available animals at TAS.
5. As you may remember, Posh Pets joined the Beautiful Beasties Project 52 in March 2011 and we continued the Friday posts throughout 2012. The little group seems to be constantly growing as others have heard about it and I know that I look forward to the new themes and seeing how each of us interpret it. If you have not been following along, visit this blog every Friday and see what all of the fuss is about!
6. I got published this year! Posh Pets Photography was featured on the Hair of the Dog, and The Daily Dog Tag blogs.
7. I spent the year photographing the adoptables at Toronto Animal Services – North Region. In all, there were 359 furry faces photographed – lots of dogs, even more cats, as well as a couple of birds, 2 guinea pigs, a pair of bunnies and a hamster. Looking back, it makes me smile to see that we started the year photographing Maestro (a brown tabby) and ended with and image of Ginny (also a brown tabby) – symmetry is good. I am also so happy to say that 343 of those guys have found their homes. As always, if you are thinking of getting a pet, please consider adoption!
8. Sadly, we said good-bye to our boy Ripley in May of 2012. I will never forget him and his photos still make me cry for our loss. But, I knew deep-down that we would not be a one-cat-home forever. And, so it was. In November, Dean, myself and Lady Jane added Baxter Huntington to our family, who has turned out to be the most wonderful kitty we could ever ask for. He will never replace Ripley, but I think Ripley would approve.
So, those are the highlights of 2012! Were there some things you missed? Then, join us and sign up for free e-mail updates in the box below!
For 2013, we have some exciting things planned…and tomorrow, I am going to tell you all about them. In the meantime, go out and enjoy that snow that has finally made it to Toronto…!
Dec 26, 2012
This week had quite a variety – 4 dogs, 2 cats, a hamster, a rabbit and a bird! They are all available from Toronto Animal Services (North), so contact them to arrange a meet-and-greet. There is more information on the TAS website as well as the Posh Pets’ Facebook page…so please have a look!
First up was the hamster! Cookie Dough is obviously quite tame and enjoys human interaction.
Then I met the appropriately named Birdie, a little budgie.
Then there was Ginny, a beautiful brown tabby cat.
Pepsi is one curious kitty cat, and loves to climb all over you to get to the treats!
Whitley is great, even though he is in need of a haircut. His eyes practically disappear!
Thoughtful little Plato is here contemplating the secret to happiness in life. And he thinks it probably has to do with having a home of one’s own.
Dorrie is a sweetheart! She is a little timid and shy when you meet her, but warms up within 20 minutes. She plays “fetch” with her balls and hoards her toys in her bed. She needs someone worth of the loyalty and devotion she has to give!
And here is Jingles, looking magnificent against his royal blue background!
Last, but not least is Monroe, the Westie on high-octane gas. This guy likes to go, go, go! During his photo session, there was no getting him to sit for a picture, so we simply let him loose and had him run straight at me!
Dec 18, 2012
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.
Dec 14, 2012
This week we were to try and perfect a new technique that would help ourselves and others in their photography. I decided to look at flash photography and to make it simple, I had two requirements: my source of light could only be a speedlight (no studio lights) and the flash had to remain on the camera. There are tons of other techniques using (multiple) studio light and beautiful images are achieved with off-camera flash, but I wanted to see how pleasing a light I could get with just one speedlight on my camera. In other words, something anyone could do!
Truthfully, I have never been a fan of flash photography for pets. Like a lot of people, they don’t enjoy being hit with a bright light and for some, it can really scare them. However, there are times when there simply is not enough quality ambient light and the photographer must supplement it.
For this exercise, I used my favourite boy, Baxter. Given that I was going to use quite a lot of flash I waited until he was napping (you will see in this series that he did not hardly stir during the whole process) and I tried to remain relatively in the same place.
So, here is the first attempt with the flash pointed directly at Baxter. Predictably, using a flash in this manner produces a rather harsh light. Fortunately, Baxter’s eyes are closed, otherwise, I surely would have blinded him. The flash lit up his face and everything else faded to black, creating an almost ‘natural vignette’. I was actually surprised at how much I did not hate this image, but as you can imagine, it would only work in very limited circumstances where you were after a certain ‘look’.
Here, the flash is pointed towards the ceiling. We often hear that we are to bounce the flash from the ceiling as ceilings are often light coloured and it spreads out the light a little more. I actually really did not like this look at all. The light is ‘ugly’ and is coming down on poor Baxter (who is still asleep).
And here is the technique I use the most when I have to employ a flash on camera. It is pointed neither up or down, but is firing directly over my head towards the wall behind me. Granted, if you try this technique in a room with richly coloured walls, you will introduce a colour cast from the light bouncing back onto your subject. But in this case, it lit up the still sleeping Baxter and gave the illusion of the room lights providing the light in the image.
And then I took one more image, just because I love his little black paws. And yes, he is still sleeping. It must be the reason why he is so gorgeous – he certainly gets his beauty sleep!
So, that’s it! As I said, so simple that anyone can do it…
Next in the blog circle is Victoria BC Pet Photographer Melissa McCabe of Unleashed! pet portraits. Please check out what new technique she tried this week and follow the circle all the way around until you come back to Baxter (who undoubtedly will still be asleep).
Dec 11, 2012
Amid all of the excitement generated by Darwin, the “IKEA Monkey” on Monday, we were able to photograph a “perfect 10”. Five lovely cats and five wonderful dogs…all looking for their forever homes. They are all currently living at Toronto Animal Services (North Region), so please contact them directly if there is a furry face in here that you would like to meet in person. As always, there is also a little about each of them on the Posh Pets Facebook page!
Dec 3, 2012
Small little group this week…which is a wonderful ‘problem’ to have! So, here are a perfect foursome – 2 cats and 2 dogs. Equal and balanced, and all looking for their forever families. You can meet them all at Toronto Animal Services (North Region) and can also check out their basic stats on the Posh Pets’ Facebook page.
Nov 30, 2012
Play is a wonderful way to spend some time with your pet – it is part of the bonding experience and can be a great de-stresser for you as well. However, it is important to remember that each animal is an individual with differing likes and preferences. But finding out what they enjoy to do is all part of the fun.
Since welcoming Baxter into our home, we have had to make adjustments to accommodate his energy! We had forgotten what it was like to have a 2 year old around and Baxter simply loves to interact and play. We have, however, found his most favourite toy in the whole wide world. As in, please play with me all of the time. Want to know what it is? Well, enjoy this 15 second clip (turn the sound up for full effect 🙂 ) …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4N5xarQAOA&feature=plcp
Yes, the classic game of chase the red dot…Baxter thinks that this is what he was born on earth to chase!
He is a smart little furry face – he has figured out that he needs us to ‘engage’ the little red light. He is lightening fast and would make an excellent hockey player (good little Canadian cat!) because he anticipates where the red light will be, as opposed to where it currently is. What he hasn’t figured out is that he will never, ever catch it.
And, of course, once all of the play is over, it is time for naps…what a life!
If you are planning for a Posh Pets‘ session and your furry face has a favourite toy, bring it! Not only will it help us keep his or her attention, but by incorporating their favourite toy in the images, their personality can shine through!
This is a blog circle, so there are many more images (and toys) to look at! Let’s start with the wonderful Charleston SC dog photographer Dana Cubbage and see what her guys’ favourite toys are!
Nov 29, 2012
This week I was presented with 3 cute kitties! Pumpkin stole my heart with her little chubby body and how she followed me around, but everyone in the TAS “bubble” was just lovely! If you are thinking of adding a furry face, please consider adoption. You can find these 3 at Toronto Animal Services (North) and their vital info is on their site as well as the Posh Pets’ Facebook page.
We’ll see you next week!
Nov 27, 2012
Snowball and Mittens. Sisters. Bonded. Seniors.
These two kitties need to find a forever home soon. They have been far too long at the shelter and, while there have been inquiries to adopt them out separately, that cannot happen. When they are separated, they will not eat.
Snowball is the more outgoing one while Mittens is the quiet type. Both are polydactyls so their feet are oh-so-cute. They are both lovely snuggle-bums and can be picked up and cuddled. In fact, they love it! As is clearly evident, they also love to cuddle together.
If you would like a couple of older beauties, then these two are for you. Past the kitten stage, cats settle into a lovely routine that does NOT involve scratching your furniture, running crazily around your house or putting little teeth marks in everything they discover. Older cats are wonderful (we had two seniors, so I know of what I speak).
If you are not in a position to adopt, then please share their image around. (Their image is also on the Posh Pets’ Facebook page.) The more people who see them, the more likely it is that the someone who is looking for a pair will see them and they will find their forever home. They are at Toronto Animal Services (South Region) and their IDs are #617150 and #617151.
Snowball and Mittens thank you. They are waiting patiently. Together.
Nov 24, 2012
Here is this week’s adoptables from Toronto Animal Services (North Region)! There are a lot of dogs and cats all looking for new humans to adopt :), so if you see someone you would like to meet, please contact TAS North directly. They are also all featured on the Posh Pets’ Facebook page, so you can head on over there and find out a little more about each of them. Thanks again for sharing their images and helping them find their forever homes!
