Feb 1, 2013
I love action shots, so this week was fun! Sometimes at the shelter, we just let the dogs loose and they run themselves tired. The great thing about photographing running/action sequences are all of the great expressions that appear.
First of all, there is the “take off”. The eagerness and expectation of it all…
Then comes the “flat out run” face. Such concentration!
Sooner or later, the “crazy” face will appear …
And my personal favourite, the “Oof” face…the sound I believe they make when they land.
This is a blog circle, so please follow it around if you would like to see how all of the other photographers interpreted this week’s theme, starting with Connecticut Pet Photographer, Kathryn Schauer. See you next week!
Jan 29, 2013
Here is a smaller group of 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!
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 1, 2013
I love “beginnings”… so much promise and excitement! It is fun to imagine where life might take you and what might be accomplished. However,”might” is not a great business plan for it really is no plan at all. So, for the past few weeks I have been brainstorming and planning goals for 2013. I thought I would share them here so that I can stay focussed on them (accountability and all that) as well as let you all in on some exciting news.
1. There will be some changes to the look and feel of the Posh Pets Photography brand in 2013. There really isn’t anything else I can share right now as we are right at the beginning of this project. But, I am very excited to be working with such talented people on this and I will share things as soon as I can!
2. I am going to continue to submit my work for publication and features. There is nothing like seeing your work published. That means that my clients can look forward to not only having their images shared with Posh Pets’ fans who follow the blog, but with a far wider international audience…we are going to create some stars!
3. Posh Pets Photography is currently working on a special project with Pawsh Magazine that is to be launched in early 2013! If you haven’t seen the work of Laura L. Benn and/or Pawsh Magazine, well get on over and check it out! I came across her magazine and saw the gorgeous imagery, I knew I wanted to work with her. Then, the name (Pawsh – Posh, get it?) coupled with the fact that she divides her time between Ottawa and Toronto…well, I was hooked. A few months of corresponding and we’ve come up with a collaboration that is going to be awesome!
4. I am going to continue to reach out and foster strong relationships with other local businesses who work with the same clients that I do. There are a few things percolating here as well…stay tuned!
5. I made a promise to myself when I started Posh Pets Photography – I would invest in my education by attending a workshop/mentoring/conference each year. To me, it is crucial that I do so so that I can create the best imagery possible for my clients. I’ve kept that promise each year and I promise you, 2013 will be no different.
6. I will seriously start shooting on film. I have a camera, film and even shot a frame or two! But, 2013 will be the year that I shoot film for personal projects and really hone my skills. I would love to integrate film into my business, but for now I will keep it just personal.
7. I will continue to work with shelter and rescue organizations to help their adoptables find their forever homes. This work is especially rewarding to me and I invite anyone who has adopted an animal from one of my images to please reach out and let me know. I love hearing and featuring the happy endings!
So, now you know some of things I have planned around here. I hope you will continue to follow along and I would love to meet some of you in person this year! This is just the beginning…let’s see where this path takes us…!
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 6, 2012
I’ve been thinking about this for some time now, more so since we lost Ripley at the end of May. From the time we had his diagnosis to the time we said our final good-bye, it was less than 36 hours. After 16.5 years together (we adopted him when he was about 1 years of age), we had less than 36 hours. A precious few hours to hold him, cherish him and try to memorize everything we knew about him.
Fortunately, I am a professional photographer. Which means I literally have hundreds of images of Ripley throughout his life. But, at the end, I needed more. Even though I can now clearly see the difference between when he was well and the last couple of days of his life, I created more images. Those photographs still bring tears to my eyes, but they make me smile too because they are memories of him.
But, it made me think of those who are not photographers. Those who only have the odd iPhone image of their beloved furry face(s) or a few images stored away on a hard drive somewhere. When the time comes, in most cases, that won’t be enough.
I always tell my clients not to wait until the end to invest in professional custom pet photography. It is wonderful to have images and memories of the times when our pets are well, active and vibrant. But life happens and we get busy. And sometimes these things catch us by surprise. For those, I am happy to introduce Posh Pets® Heritage Sessions.
What are Heritage Sessions™?
Heritage Sessions™ are special sessions that are high-priority because they are reserved for pets that become ill or are simply elderly. I know, from personal experience, you may not have even a week to have your precious boy or girl photographed. So, I will do everything reasonably possible to meet your scheduling needs so that you don’t miss out on this very important time together. Simply put, they can be requested on short notice and we will find a way to work it into our calendar.
Your Heritage Session™ will also go at the pace of your pet. When a pet is ill or is simply quite elderly, they need frequent breaks for water, rest, and medication. Given the emotions involved, you might need a break too. So, we will not watch the clock. We will not keep track of time. We will simply photograph until we have the images you want. And need. And make sure that you have some time to just enjoy each other’s company, and have it frozen in time forever.
I know images won’t make up for the loss of your pet. It will still hurt. A lot. And you will feel like there is a huge hole left in your heart. But, in time, looking at the images you chose to create together, you too, will be able to smile through the tears.
POSH PETS® HERITAGE SESSIONS
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.
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!
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 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 19, 2012
Look at this little furry face I met yesterday! Soya is 2 years old and comes to work with her Dad. Her job is to greet the visitors as they go through the booth at Ein Gedi, Israel. (Which, by the way, is gorgeous and a fabulous opportunity to view some waterfalls, swim in the pools and generally enjoy an oasis in the barren desert!) On this particular day, it was HOT. Not a cloud in the sky and 42 degree weather…perfect weather for a swim. But not so perfect if you are a dog with hair. And, so we met Soya, resting in the shade of the booth and ready for her close-up!
Jul 12, 2012
It was a fine winter morning when the Posh Pets team set out to meet Sally, a beautiful corgi mix. At 13 years old, she was definitely a senior and unfortunately had developed some heart problems. That meant that she was moving a little slower and tired more easily. But, there was absolutely nothing wrong with her figurative heart! It literally brimmed over with love for her humans – and it was clear that they loved her dearly right back. In fact, Sally’s session was a gift from the family to her mom and dad because they knew what an important part Sally was in their lives. And so, we spent a lovely morning together capturing some beautiful images of a very sweet and happy dog.
All too soon, Sally passed away. Such a devastating loss to a family who loved her so much and in whose schedule she was very much a part of. I am told that she enjoyed many a car ride around town, sitting in the passenger seat, next to her Dad. She is mourned in the neighbourhood by the many friends (furry faces and humans) she had, and who now must find a way to cope with her absence. Sally was even famous – for she had been featured in a newspaper article not long ago. She will be missed because she made the live of those around her better.
Sally, you were truly loved and every day with you was cherished by those around you. Your mom and dad would brag about your intelligence and loyalty because they were soooo proud of you, and because, quite simply, they adored you. Your images are stunning and I know that they will continue to be shared far and wide. It was an honour to have met you and captured your sweet spirit.
