Nov 20, 2012
We had planned the date and location for weeks – 10 dogs on October 27, 2012 in High Park, Toronto for their calendar shoot for Canada Pooch. The weeks leading up to the shoot were glorious fall days full of sun, colourful leaves and the crisp fall air. But all that chaged the week of the shoot. For that was the week that “Frankenstorm” decided to make its appearance in Toronto and the eastern seaboard was pumelled by Hurricane Sandy. Copious amounts of rain fell from the sky day after day…
With no time to lose, there was a last minute change in venue to Pawsway (which is an awesome place to take your dog, by the way!). There, we could be inside (read: dry!) and out of the rain (read: warm!). But, it did also mean that we would have to change our plan and have more of a ‘commercial’ look to our images. The decision was made to photograph them against a white background in line with the Canada Pooch website.
The day arrived and it was pouring cats and dogs outside. But, inside we had so much fun meeting all of the pooches and the pooch-parents who had braved the elements to come. Seeing all of these furry faces dressed up in the latest Canada Pooch outerwear…well, everyone felt like a model! As you can imagine, there was was a lot of excitement in the air as dogs and people were meeting each other for the first time and everyone wanted their pooch to do well. But they needn’t have worried – take a look at the results below and I think you will agree that everyone did marvellously!
Here is a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at what the Posh Pets’ set looked like before everyone arrived…
And here is cover boy, Foley. Or rather, his covers. This beautiful boy managed to get both the front and back pages of the calendar.
The petite Belle who was a last-minute replacement. But, this girl is a natural…took to modelling like she was born for it!
Charlie, who gave us a run for our money! I am sure that this boy has some border collie in him…this guy loves to move!
Sweet, little Eva. She was a doll to work with! But, she is wearing a top secret style that is part of the Canada Pooch so her image will be ‘revealed’ later…
Leo likes to do tricks – and he showed us quite a few! Here he is, executing his awesome paw shake.
We tried for a “looking back” shot with all of the dogs. But it was Lucy who rocked this angle!
The following brothers were Malbec and Pinto (someone loves wine!). Here, Malbec shows us his serious, GQ look…
…while brother Pinot is an absolute ham!
We also met a pair of sisters, both sporting the soon-t0-be released Canada Pooch styles. All I can tell you is that Lucy strutted her stuff in yellow…
…whereas Poppy liked the feel of the wind in her hair!
And here was little Sacha, who was probably the calmest of the group. She just sat and posed for us!
How can you get your hands on these images (including the ‘secret’ ones)? The calendars are available for $20.00 each from Canada Pooch directly and 10% of proceeds will go to Toronto Animal Services. If you are interested, please contact Canada Pooch directly at [email protected] by November 30, 2012. They will give you all of the details! It is a great deal – some great dog imagery and a way to help the TAS take care of less fortunate doggies!
Nov 14, 2012
This week we had marvellous fun photographing the loveable adoptables at Toronto Animal Services! Lots of doggies are coming up for adoption and you get to see a sneak peak here – and there are even a couple of cats this week too! They are all waiting to meet you at Toronto Animal Services (North Region), but as usual, you can find a little more information about each of them on the Posh Pets’ Facebook page too. Thank you for sharing their pictures and their furry faces…it helps them to find their forever homes!
Nov 8, 2012
When I first conceived of Posh Pets Photography, I had determined that I would “give back” by volunteering my talents as a photographer to photograph adoptable animals. It was a great plan, but I was plagued by three questions:
- One, would anyone accept me as a volunteer?
- Two, would I be able to take photographs of shelter animals of differing dispositions in unfavourable circumstances?
- And three, would it ever make a difference in the lives of these little furry faces?
So hesitant was I to offer my services that it took months before I plucked up the courage to walk into Toronto Animal Services to inquire if they needed anyone with my skills. As serendipity would have it, the shelter manager herself happened to be at the front desk that day, and as I stumbled badly through my “pitch”, I thought for sure she would say no. Her answer was immediate. When can you start?
That was in November of 2011…a whole year has passed since then! In that time, I have had the privilege of working with the wonderful staff at TAS – they have been integral in the success I have found in doing this week after week. I have also had the joy of meeting so may wonderful furry faces and watching with happiness as they, one by one, find their forever homes. Truthfully, some days are better than others. Sometimes the weather is glorious, the dogs and cats perfect models, and it is like I cannot take a bad photograph. Other days, it is raining, cold and we have the challenge of photographing a shy and fearful dog. But either way, those few moments of belly rubs and treats results in a photograph that will be posted on the website for the world to see.
Which brings me to Buddy.
I photographed Buddy this past summer on June 11, 2012. We took his image in what I call the “courtyard” at TAS…not as picturesque as it sounds. He was a bit shy, bewildered really as to how at 10 1/2 years old, he now found himself abandoned. I knew we had to get a special picture of Buddy for this senior to have a chance at adoption and, as I recall, I worked with him for quite a while. When I returned the next week, I was told that Buddy had gone to rescue. This made me happy as he would have a better chance in their hands, but I was sure that that was all I would hear of him. You see, I don’t often get feedback as to what happens to the animals after they go to rescue, and I didn’t expect Buddy’s situation to be any different.
Until last week, that is, when I received this e-mail…
Alfie (formerly Buddy ) was not put out on the adoption floor as he had been pulled by Speaking of Dogs. His photo was that of your beautiful work so I recognized immediately he had come from TAS North… While the old man of 10 1/2 was scraggly, emaciated and in serious need of medical TLC your photo exemplified his gentle, loving soul through his soft brown eyes. I can only imagine how difficult he would have been to adopt given his condition with the usual quick point and shoot. Thanks to you & Speaking of Dogs he came ‘ home ‘ to us and lived two spoiled, adored months of squirrel chasing, hugs and lake trips.
Thank you for offering your time and care to those who need it most.
My eyes welled with tears when I read these kind words. Not only had Buddy (now Alfie) found a home, but he had enjoyed the last two months of his life surrounded by love and comfort that only a home can give. And…the writer had said that my image had made a difference!
I was moved to reach out to Alfie’s mom and asked her for permission to share some of her thoughts on the time they had him with him. She wrote me back with these words…
Two months or two years seems like a blip in time but we could not have imagined our lives without that boy. Total lover – a leaner if you will. Was our pleasure to shower him with love and dignity. Life is about quality not quantity. Seniors have so much to teach us about life and love.
Such truth in those words. And so, thank you to all of you who foster and adopt abandoned animals, especially the seniors. Thank you to all of the shelter and rescue organizations that give these furry faces a second chance. And thank you, dear blog readers, facebook followers and all of you who reach out to me to let me know how the story ends for these lovely pets – I truly appreciate it!
I will now leave you with Buddy’s image. Looking at it now, it is not the best one I have ever taken. It won’t ever win any awards. But, it got Buddy, as Alfie, a second chance. And that, quite simply, is good enough for me.
I am not alone in volunteering for a shelter organization. Posh Pets Photography is a proud member of HeARTs Speak, a global network of animal photographers, artists, authors, graphic designers, and advocates who believe in the power of collaboration to reduce the number of adoptable animals unnecessarily euthanized each year. Artists. Helping. Animals. For more information on HeARTs Speak, please see their webpage by clicking here.
Oct 31, 2012
This week’s group yielded a “trio of three year olds”. While kittens and puppies are indescribably cute, the more mature furry faces have much love to give as well.
As always you can contact Toronto Animal Services (North) directly to inquire about any of the animals you see here. We also have a little information about each of them on the Posh Pets’ Facebook page. See you next week!
Oct 26, 2012
This week we were given the task of showing motivation. Specifically, the instructions were “…whatever (it) means to you…have fun with it!” If you spend enough time with animals, you will quickly realize that they can communicate all kinds of things just by a look – the desire to play, the necessity of treats, the guilt of “your leaving me…again.” Given that our cat, Lady Jane, has any number of these looks, I spent some time brainstorming what I could do for this week’s image. I turned around to see where Lady Jane was (since Ripley’s passing, she spends many hours laying under my office chair and I have to always check before I move it lest I roll over her precious paws) and this is what I saw. Possibly the most un-motivated pose ever. The irony of the moment made me laugh out loud (and grab my iPhone for a quick picture)!
The truth is though, Lady Jane is definitely one of my motivators for my business and my life. She is truly a cuddly cat who began life in a shelter, but now loves to be with us. She is also already 15.5 years old and, as much as I hate to think about it, she will not live forever. We lost Ripley earlier this year and the time will come when I will no longer have a furry grey Lady Jane sleeping on the bed beside me. What I do have are the glorious pictures of the two of them that I have taken during the years – memories captured forever. That is why I am a pet photographer. And why I volunteer each week to help shelter animals.
So, please enjoy this week’s image of Lady Jane who is my picture of motivation.
PS: After this picture and my laugh, I was truly motivated to crawl back into bed and take a nap…so you see motivation can mean just so many things!
Next in our blog circle is talented Quad-Cities Pet Photographer, Mary Beth Arnold. Let’s see where she and the rest of the blog circle got their motivation from this week!
Oct 25, 2012
Here is the roundup for this week’s group of furry adoptable faces! Everyone is cute and cuddly and would love to jump into your heart and home. There is a little more information on the Toronto Animal Services (North) website as well as the Posh Pets’ Facebook page about each of these wonderful boys and girls. If you see someone you would like to get to know better, please contact TAS directly to arrange a meet-and-greet.
Oct 22, 2012
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!
Oct 21, 2012
By my records, Posh Pets Photography has photographed 299 adoptable pets in 2012. Incredibly, 278 have found their forever homes or have found a place with a rescue organization! It is things like this that makes my heart sing! In honour of these little furry faces, I put together a quick video showcasing some of the guys and girls that have passed in front of my lens…please enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eYD02RM9Rs&feature=plcp
Oct 19, 2012
Of all the seasons, I love Autumn. The golden light. The leaves. The colours. And what a spectacular Autumn we have had in Southern Ontario – the trees look as if they are on fire! So, I was very excited to hear that our theme for this week was “Fall”.
Last weekend, I was priviledged to spend time with the gorgeous Ryder during his custom photography session. Ryder is a golden retriever and was therefore absolutely at home amongst all the colour around him. This is definitely one of my favourite images of his session and one that I think that not only shows off Ryder’s beauty, but also the beauty of the season!
And, who can resist the smile of a dog? Even a simple headshot looks amazing in the Fall!
So, that’s the Posh Pets images for this week! Next in the blog circle is California dog photographer, Lisa Van Dyke. Please follow the link to see her image for this week and keep going around the ring to see the images from the rest of the Beautiful Beasties gang!
Oct 18, 2012
Here is this week’s round-up of adorable adoptables available at Toronto Animal Services (North). As always, we have a little more information about each of them on the Posh Pets’ Facebook page and you can get all of the details by contacting TAS directly.
Incidentally, Miki (the beautiful dog in this first photo) was our 299th subject for 2012! I’m sure you would agree that she is stunning and, in person, is such a calm, sweetheart who walks beautifully on her leash. Come and meet Miki and all of her friends today!
Oct 11, 2012
After a bit of a vacation, I went back to TAS this morning. Boy, did that feel good! Lots of tail-waggers to meet and photograph, and some really gorgeous pets just awaiting their forever homes. If you see a guy or gal that you like, please contact Toronto Animal Services (North Region) directly. They can arrange a meeting with your prospective new family member.
You can also find out a little bit more about each of these furry faces on the Posh Pets’ Facebook page. Please check it out and share their images!
First, are the graceful felines…
And now the tail-wagging canines…
Thanks for joining us – we’ll see you again next week!
Sep 28, 2012
Posh Pets is back with another instalment of Project 52 with Beautiful Beasties! This week, our challenge was to do a little “street photography” by producing an image that showed a little more of its surroundings and was more documentary in nature.
We met this little guy on the street, gamely sitting on his balcony. He lives on one of the prettiest streets in Haifa, Israel, in the German Colony and seemed to be enjoying the peace and quiet of this particular morning. I loved how the morning light hit him just so…and so I snuck an image (or two or three or more).
If you haven’t followed us before, here is the deal…this is a blog circle of pet photographers who each interpret the theme in their own way. So, please go and check out our newest member StinkDog Photos in Denver, CO and see what she found on the ‘street’ this week! And then continue all the way around until you end up with Posh Pets!
