Olive | A Dog Adventure in Cambridge, Ontario

Olive | A Dog Adventure in Cambridge, Ontario

It all started with a question. “How early are you willing to get up? Can we meet before sunrise?“, I asked.

It was the simple sacrifice of *just* a little more sleep that allowed us to be in position to catch the sunrise over the lake and create the image below.

pet photography kitchener waterloo

Olive showed up in her Boutique Session in a yellow collar – she has a different colour for each day of the week – and her Dad really wanted it showcased. During our Design Consult, he told me that he was a little concerned about whether we would be able to photograph her. Olive is an adventure dog and an independent girl. Her Dad describes her as ‘busy” and he wondered if she would be still enough for us to create one of my signature portraits. After he saw the first one at sunrise, he knew Olive was in good hands.

However, after that initial portrait, I let Olive be in charge of the rest of the session. With a little guidance from me, of course. Olive took me around and showed me all of her favourite places – and given that she walks here almost every day of her life, she had lots to show me. She would trot off only to turn around every now and again with a look of: Come on, guys! I’ve got tons of things to show you and we’ll miss it if you all keep dawdling.

pet photography kitchener waterloo cambridge

Given how early we were, there was still time to run before the heat became too much. I always think that dogs look so full of joy when they can just run.

(Side note: If action/running images is one of the things you are going to want to include in your session, I really do suggest we start early before the heat of the day sets in. And remember to pack lots of water. That way, it’s much more pleasant and safer for you and your dog.)

dog photography kitchener waterloo
Pet Photographer in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge, Ontario

It was one of those perfect Summer mornings where the light was beautiful and the sky was a dramatic blue. Olive’s coat literally glistened in the sun! Especially after she had taken a dip in the lake.

adventure dog photography in Cambridge, Ontario

This location offered a great variety of backdrops, including the cool shade of the forest. With that early morning sun peaking in amongst the trees, we had the perfect environment for one final, stunning portrait.

Olive’s canvas and framed prints now grace the walls of the home she shares with Dad. The Wall Art together with her Posh Pets® Folio, allows her to show off what a much loved doggie she is!

“Olive, thank you so much for taking me on your morning adventure with you. You have one of the most beautiful places to explore and I cannot wait until our Winter Session!”

Do you have an adventure dog? If you would like us to join you on an outdoor adventure with your dog, a Boutique Session is the place to start. Details are below:

POSH PETS BOUTIQUE™ SESSIONS

Where it all begins

  • Pre-session Design Consult that ensures we create images you will be thrilled with.
  • The result is gorgeous custom artwork the life your pet shares with your family.
  • A personal Ordering Consultation to ensure you select the right images from the gallery.
  • 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.
  • Examples of portraits from Posh Pets Boutique™ Sessions can be found here.

SwissRidge Doodle Romp of 2017 | Toronto Dog Event

SwissRidge Doodle Romp of 2017 | Toronto Dog Event

What a day was the SwissRidge Doodle Romp of 2017. Each year the ‘doodles’ of SwissRidge Kennels come together to raise money for a worthy cause and enjoy one huge ‘play date’ in Guelph for their extended family. I met pet parents who packed up their doodle(s) in a car or van, arranged travel documents and crossed the border from Pennsylvania, Illinois, Maine and Massachusetts, got on planes from Calgary, and in cars from all over Ontario and the GTA. Getting a photo of such a large group is a lot of fun!

Below, you can find some of the individual furries I was able to capture as they went about meeting old and new friends, running about and sniffing butts. I tried my best to remember the names of those I met, but without having written anything down, it is quite likely I have mixed some up. And then there were those who I did not know who mum and/or dad were. If you can provide further information, I would be happy to make the corrections.

So, without any further ado, please meet…

Toronto Service Dog Photographer

Jack

Best dog photographer in GTA

Tiny little Rowdy!

George

Emma

Toronto pet photographer, Posh Pets Photography

Finn – the kind of chocolate that is perfectly GOOD for you!

Best Toronto Dog Photographer

Stella

Premier Toronto Dog Photographer

Blizzard

Noah

Pearl

Someone receiving a little cuddle from a reassuring hand.

This is Rocky who is never far from his mum’s side.

Lola

Wylie

Friends meeting…

Zolo

Toronto exclusive dog photographer

Bernie – the beautiful black beauty!

Toronto commercial animal photographer

Eala, running with the wind in her hair!

Dog action photography in Toronto, Canada

Buddy

Toronto commercial pet photographer

Rocky getting a well-deserved belly rub.

Toronto commercial dog photographer

Pearl & Stella

tiny doodle photographer

Brittany

Would you know your doodle by their “doodle butt”?

 

Thanks for making it such a good time and see you next year!

A bonus…

Want to capture these types of memories every day? Sign up here for the Tips for Taking Drool-Worthy Pictures of Your Pet With Your Phone – a free pdf showing how to work with your phone to get great imagery. Have fun out there!

A Final Trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake | Heritage Session™

A Final Trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake | Heritage Session™

When I first heard from Buddy’s mum it was with a mixture of excitement and sadness. Buddy came all the way from Pennsylvania for what would be his final trip to Canada – a dog bucket list of sorts. He was facing some serious health issues and his mum wanted to enjoy travelling with him one more time. Niagara-on-the-Lake was chosen as the backdrop for this special occasion.
Niagara on the Lake dog bucket list photography session
As you can see above, we took some portraits on what is arguably one of the prettiest streets in the Niagara region.

From there, we moved to enjoy a picnic in the park. Buddy put on his best tie and brought a blanket. They spent some quiet moments together reminiscing about what a great life he had led.

dog picnic in Niagara-on-the-Lake
He even brought his best friends to join in the fun!
a corgi pup and his stuffed animals
But a new park is a place to explore and sniff. Even have a little run. But, most of all, times like these are reasons to smile.
a running senior dog
smiling corgi dog
Buddy still loved to get his feet wet in the gentle surf, so we spent some time on the little beach.
dog photography session if the water
corgi dog playing in the water in Canada
All too soon it was time to go home. A short while later, I received a note from his mum saying that Buddy was gone. I cried. This beautiful boy who had brought so much joy to his family was no more.

I was even more touched when she ended her note with the following:

“Through all of this my mother and I have said many times we do not know what we would do without your photos.  After they were taken, he started to deteriorate rapidly.  He looks so wonderful, healthy, and happy in them and that is the way we hope to remember him.

 

Thank you for everything.”

Run free Buddy. Always.

For more information on Posh Pets Heritage™ Sessions, see below.

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.
Annual Shelter Support Day @ CB2 | Toronto Dog Event

Annual Shelter Support Day @ CB2 | Toronto Dog Event

In case you missed, it, last Saturday was a day to meet new friends and and sniff a few butts in the big city of Toronto!

Wait…What?

It’s not as strange as you think if you are a dog. And, we, the humans of Posh Pets® Photography, had the absolute pleasure of meeting tons of urban Toronto dogs coming into the CB2 store (located at Bathurst & Queen) for the dog photography event of the day – all for the Annual Shelter Support Day. There were little ones, big ones, young puppies, old souls and many, many wagging tails. And no wonder – every participant got to enjoy tasty treats and went home with an awesome tennis ball, all courtesy of CB2.

CB2 Dog Photography

The Crate and Barrel/CB2 annual event provides financial assistance to a local rescue/shelter organization who do so much in caring for dogs and helping them find their forever homes. For the Toronto event, Tiny Paws Dog Rescue was chosen. As a bonus, we all got to meet Oscar who is currently in their care and eagerly awaiting a home to call his own. (Want to have a part in finding him a home? Please share his photo.)

Tiny Paws Dog Rescue Canada

Find the full photo gallery here:

In amongst all of the excitement, we were able to create beautiful images of all of the smiling, happy faces of the many well-loved dogs who already call this great city their home. Here’s the complete gallery…please scroll through to find your pup and share with the world!

For some behind-the-scenes footage, check out the video, below:

The Making of a Perfect Morning | Sunrise Session™

The Making of a Perfect Morning | Sunrise Session™

Would you be willing to get up before dawn to greet the sun?

If you have a dog, the morning walk is almost guaranteed to be a part of your daily routine. Even if it just a quick walk around the block because of the myriad of other things you have to do that day.

But…just for a moment…find beauty in the ordinary routine of life. Think about what it would be like to slow down and just relish that time with your one and only. To engage in conversation that only your dog can truly understand.

To share a moment like this…

Silhouette of dog at sunrise in Toronto, Canada

Start With the Sunrise…

Myca and his mum are two that truly celebrate their morning routine. They amble along the waterfront, taking in the gorgeousness of the city skyline when no one else is around. This is their city, their home and their time together. And on a crisp, fall morning, we got to share it all with the two of them.

Toronto skyline at sunrise with dog
The following scene is one that the two of them witness countless times throughout the year – but how to capture the first kiss of the sun in an image with Myca? Well, it’s all in precise timing (and a little practice on the part of your photographer).

We watched and waited…and waited a little more…until just the right time to have Myca find his place up on his rock. That gave him a moment to settle down into his pose – but not so long that he would become bored – just as the sun peaked up over the horizon.

The result? Exactly what mum wanted!

Bernedoodle at Sunrise

Enjoy Your Morning Run

After our sunrise was complete, we took a little walk and, like many Torontonians, enjoyed our morning run along the waterfront and the Humber bridge.

(The miracle here is the fact that we had the bridge all to ourselves! If you’ve ever been down at the waterfront in the morning, you know how rare that is.)

running dog on humber bridge, Toronto series
bernedoodle dog running on humber bridge in Toronto, Canada
happy running dog on bridge in Toronto, Canada

Take Time to Enjoy the Season

From there we moved on to where I knew there was a beautiful pocket of colour…

Autumn is truly a spectacular time of year in Southern Ontario, and you can enjoy it, even in the city. Mum wanted to capture all of that beauty of her boy and Fall in her gallery.

bernedoodle dog in autumn leaves in Southern Ontario, Canada
Mum also told me that she doesn’t like any pictures of herself. In fact, she hasn’t had a professional photograph of herself in years. Well, she doesn’t say that anymore…!
woman and her dog in Toronto's lakeshore park.

Feel the Sand Between Your Toes

And because no session would be complete without a good swim at the beach for a water-loving dog, we ended with a splash and a nice, big stick!

But, Shhh…let’s keep this our little secret. We don’t want Myca’s groomer see what we let him do…!

dog running on beach with stick and Toronto CN Tower
Myca’s gallery was so large that Mum had a hard time choosing her favourites. She ended up with a gorgeous folio box along with some stunning pieces of wall art. You can read all about the experience in her own words here.
Do you want to share the sunrise with your dog? The place to start is with a Boutique Session, described below.

POSH PETS BOUTIQUE™ SESSIONS

Where it all begins

  • Pre-session Design Consult that ensures we create images you will be thrilled with.
  • The result is gorgeous custom artwork the life your pet shares with your family.
  • A personal Ordering Consultation to ensure you select the right images from the gallery.
  • 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.
  • Examples of portraits from Posh Pets Boutique™ Sessions can be found here.
Five Ways to Enjoy Family Day With Your Pet | Toronto

Five Ways to Enjoy Family Day With Your Pet | Toronto

Toronto skyline with CN Tower.
girl with golden retriever dog

Family Day is the youngest statutory holiday in Ontario, as it was only added in 2008. The official reason for another holiday? Well, according to the website, it is because people “work very hard and they deserve more time to spend with the people they love”. What’s this about only people? Because in my books, family definitely includes the dogs and cats and any other furry creatures we share our lives with.

So, without any further ado, here is my rundown on how and where to create epic Family Day weekend memories with your pet.

1. Get outside

Got a favourite park or discover a new local spot! Take your time ambling, sniffing and building that human-canine bond. If you have a dog that loves to run, bring a ball, a frisbee or find a stick. No matter what you do, you will both enjoy the fresh air and get a little exercise.

Family Day at High Park in Toronto, Canada.

2. Discover a National Park

This might take a bit more than a day to do and some advance planning, but you have the whole weekend together! Did you know that there is free admission into Canada’s National Parks this year? You do have to apply for the Discovery Pass, which, in my experience, takes a few weeks to come in. But, this could be one of those amazing #travelwithdog memories you will remember for years to come.

Discovery Pass Canada - Travel With Dog

3. Enjoy the night life

The Toronto Light Festival in the Distillery District is being held from January 27 – March 12, 2017. Completely pet-friendly, come out at night and see the place lit up! If you choose to go Sunday night, you can enjoy sleeping in Monday. Your pet will love the luxurious decadence of lazing about in bed with you.

4. Appreciate warmth

For the ones who are not fans of the cold, spend the day at Purina Paws Way for their Family Day celebrations. The Woofjocks Canine All-Stars will be performing at 12 pm, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm. There will also be special games, crafts and activities for the whole family, including furry ones. Free admission.

Family Day at Purina Paws Way in Toronto, Canada

5. Do some serious shopping

A lot of retailers of all things pet allow dogs and cats in their stores. But, it does not have to stop there. The Bloor Street location of Holt Refrew has a dog-friendly policy so that your favourite canine can help you pick out the perfect outfit. Afterall, their bark of approval is everything. Woof!

Holt Renfrew on Bloor Street, Toronto

A bonus…

Want to capture these Family Day weekend memories for all time? Sign up here for the Tips for Taking Drool-Worthy Pictures of Your Pet With Your Phone – a free pdf showing how to work with your phone to get great imagery. Have fun out there!

Mochi – An ‘Engaged’ Kitten | Posh Pets Studio™

Mochi – An ‘Engaged’ Kitten | Posh Pets Studio™

persian kitten playing with turquoise ribbon
Being a Toronto pet photographer has its perks. Quite often I get to celebrate the joy that comes along with the arrival of a new furry family member, which can be such fun. But TINY Mochi’s arrival was even more special because she got to be a BIG part of a very important day for her family – the day her humans got engaged! (Tell me, what you were doing when you were only 9-weeks old?) But yes, Mochi was the culmination of a very well-executed plan that her Dad had come up with in order to woo Mum into saying, ‘yes’. (She did!)

Given those happy circumstances, during their Design Consult, both Mum and Dad said that they were hoping to incorporate the ring into some of the final portraits. While they may have thought it might be impossible because well, it would require posing a kitten, Mochi showed that she can model like a star.

Toronto pet photographer and engagement photography
engagement photography by Toronto pet photographer, Posh Pets Photography
Of course, in our never-ending quest to create timeless artwork, we mainly photographed Mochi as herself at this very brief period in her life. Mochi is a ragdoll kitten and will therefore grow to be much larger than she was the day we had her in our studio. Her colouring will change and her ‘tips’ will darken, so it was important to photograph in a way that preserves her ‘kittenhood’ forever.
Toronto's premier pet photographer with portrait of ragdoll kitten
ragdoll kitten portrait with shawl
Contemporary pet portrait photography by Posh Pets Photography
There was one image that I envisioned in my mind before the session, believing that Mochi would be the perfect model. Reminiscent of fine art newborn photography, the beauty of this image is the colour, drape and texture of the fabric with an equally richly-coloured background. The monochromatic palette makes Mochi come alive. And just look at those stunning blue eyes!
ragdoll kitten hanging in hammock
In the end, Mochi went home with a gorgeous Posh Pets® Folio and a large piece of canvas wall art. I cannot wait until she returns for her second session…all grown up!

Interested in a Posh Pets Studio™ Session for your puppy or kitten? Find the details on how you can book, below.

POSH PETS STUDIO™ SESSIONS

Classic studio portraiture

    • Studio portraits with a twist...we come to YOU! These sessions mean we are bringing the backdrop, the lights and all of the equipment necessary to set up a  photo studio in your home. Of course, if you prefer, you are welcome to come to our studio.
    • The result of this series is classic artwork with a timeless aesthetic that you will be proud to display on your walls.
    • Ideal for puppies, smaller breeds, cats or pets who are not comfortable travelling or spending time in the great outdoors.
    • 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 at a cost of $50 per subject.
    • Examples of portraits from Posh Pets Studio™ Sessions can be found here.

June is Adopt A Shelter Cat Month | Five Reasons to Adopt a Cat

June is Adopt A Shelter Cat Month | Five Reasons to Adopt a Cat

Why adopt a shelter cat? We’d love to tell you! June has been declared Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat-Month and we at Posh Pets are huge kitty lovers. Our resident cats, Baxter and Panda both came from Toronto Animal Services and they are absolutely wonderful! Baxter has been with us for three years and Panda for two and we cannot possibly imagine life without them. Every night I’m reminded, as my legs are pinned together in one place because they sleep on opposite sides, that a purr in the house makes it a home.

toronto-cat-photographer

So obviously, we are big supporters of adoption. Maybe you’re thinking about it, but maybe you’ve heard stories. So, here are five reasons to consider a shelter cat:

1. There’s a cat personality that’s just right for everyone.

I find it is a huge myth that all cats are aloof and shun human interaction. Baxter and Panda are proof-positive. I often call them my ‘puppy-cats’ because they greet us when we come home, respond to their names, love to be petted, brushed and will often cuddle up on my lap when I am working. There’s no doubt that my husband and I have created an environment where that type of behaviour flourishes, but the fact is, they were very sociable while still in the shelter. And it showed. That’s probably one of the great things of visiting a shelter to choose a kitty – there are many different breeds and personalities to choose from all in one place. Add to that, the staff usually have a good idea of the personalities, and can help you choose the perfect cat for you and your lifestyle.

toronto pet photographer

2. You’re saving a life.

Many shelters are overrun with cats looking for homes. It’s a harsh world for a cat or a kitten on the streets. Fifty percent of feral cats die within their first year and are considered ‘lucky’ if they make it past 2 years of age. Whereas, a well-cared for indoor kitty has an average lifespan of 15 years! Adopting a cat not only gives them a great life, but also saves the life of the one who now has a ‘spot’ at the shelter. That second cat now has their own chance at a forever home which, when they find it, leaves a spot for one more. Believe me, hearing the thankful, content purr of a feline friend that you share your home with, is simply amazing.

relaxing brown tabby cat pet photographer

3. Shelter and rescue cats are a good financial decision.

If you have weighed the benefits and costs of cat ownership, then getting your furry feline from a rescue or shelter makes sense. When you adopt an animal from a shelter, you are receiving the benefits of all of the work has been done before. They have had a health check, received necessary vaccines, are often spayed or neutered and have passed a behavioural assessment. They are also often sent home with a ‘starter kit’ consisting of lots of information, food, some health insurance. Plus, your adoption fee is a donation towards the medical needs of yet other animals in the rescue’s care. It all makes perfect cents!

brown tabby kitten sitting on scratching post

4. There are health benefits to owning a cat

Having a pet has shown to minimize our health risks. Everything from lowering the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease and heart attacks. Much has even been written on the health benefits of a cat’s purr – it’s certainly calming to listen to a happy kitty purring by your side. So, you’re saving a life and they, in turn, are lengthening yours.

Posh Pets Photography - Toronto's Best Cat Photographer

5. It’s a great way to support a great cause.

Rescues and shelter are doing great work helping cats live better lives. Your adoption sets a great example for those who believe that a shelter cat is somehow damaged or unhealthy. You’re helping get the word out that they are indeed loveable pets and can give so much back in return. If you are unable to adopt at this time, you can consider making a donation to a shelter or rescue that you believe in. As they say:

orange cat in tree house

Adopt. If you can’t adopt, foster. If you can’t foster, volunteer. If you can’t volunteer, donate. If you can’t donate, educate.

If you are looking to adopt a shelter cat because you want the companionship of a great cat or kitten, there are many shelter and rescue organizations within the GTA. Here are some of them:

Toronto Animal Services

Toronto Humane Society

Annex Cat Rescue

Toronto Cat Rescue

Team Cat Rescue

 

There is No Time Like the Present | Hugo’s Winter Session

There is No Time Like the Present | Hugo’s Winter Session

I received the call one afternoon from Hugo’s mom. From the moment she spoke and her voice broke a little, I knew something was wrong. And, when you are a pet photographer, you almost always know what it is.

She told me about Hugo, all 165 lbs. of him. He was beautiful and, at 4 years old, in what should be his prime. But, the day before they had received devastating news. Hugo had just been diagnosed with lymphoma. A specialist appointment had been made to determine the course of treatment, so there was nothing more that could be done but wait the couple of days for that appointment. But now, what his mom wanted most of all were portraits. Portraits that should have been taken in the Summer but things had gotten busy and, well, they thought had all the time in the world. Portraits that would ensure that they had beautiful images of Hugo forever.

We quickly rearranged things and set a portrait date for a couple of days later. We were hoping for snow (there was woefully little of that this winter in Toronto!) and a nice day. And that is exactly what we got. The temperature was beautiful – maybe even a little too mild for a Bernese Mountain Dog – and we had snow on the ground! Plus our background was the lovely palette of winter. Hugo’s entire family came out for his photo session (even Grandma), so that they could get family portraits with him. He is one loved dog!

Everyone should have one gorgeous portrait of their pet

Hugo’s mom said that, if she could get nothing else, she wanted ONE gorgeous portrait of Hugo looking happy, majestic and healthy. I knew the second I took it that this was the ONE. It’s now a beautiful, framed print, hanging in the family home.

fine art portrait of bernese mountain dog

The family also selected a custom folio box for their family portraits and some smaller portraits of Hugo. (It’s so stunning that you will see that I decided to update the official Posh Pets® Folio images for the website with it.)

bernese mountain dog portrait toronto

dog in forest in Toronto, Canada

Why choose to photograph your pet now?

Simply put, because it is important to capture the life of your pet as they are now. In all their stages – the wiggly new-to-life stage, the goofy teenager, the athletic adult stage, and the sweet senior. And because honestly, we never know what tomorrow brings.

I’m happy to report that Hugo has begun his treatment and is tolerating the chemotherapy well! Last time I saw him, he was perky and quickly greeted me at the door. He’s ravenous too, so he eagerly searched me for treats. Believe me when I tell you, everyone here at Posh Pets® Photography are all wishing very hard (with fingers and paws crossed!) that Hugo makes a full recovery!

If you are looking to book a session for your pet, the place to start is here. (Please see the update, below.)

beautiful mountain dog in snow in Canada

Update: Hugo passed away in August 2016 after bravely fighting his battle with cancer. His Mom sent me the most beautiful note regarding his session:

“I called Posh Pets® Photography in a panic the day after receiving the devastating news that my 4 year old Bernese Mountain Dog, Hugo, had been diagnosed with lymphoma.  I wanted to get  professional photographs done before he started chemo.  Karen was so understanding, compassionate and accommodating.  She made herself available within a couple of days.  Hugo was already quite ill but Karen worked her magic and took amazing photos that caught his spirit!  Karen was very supportive and a great help in choosing the photos (not easy when there were so many good photos to choose from).  The finished products are beautiful and we treasure them everyday, now that our beloved Hugo is gone.   Karen is clearly an animal lover and very talented – the perfect combination.”

Sleep well, dear Hugo.

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.

An Event for Toronto’s Cat Lovers!

An Event for Toronto’s Cat Lovers!

We know that Toronto is a great city of pet lovers. There is no doubt that we have lots of Posh Pups, but did you know that there are more than 25,000 licensed cats in our fair City? That is a whole lot of cat lovers! So, it only makes sense that the national launch of the 2016 CFHS Just for Cats Video Festival happens right here in Toronto. And, it all takes place on Thursday, April 14, 2016.

According the press release for the event, “The CFHS Just for Cats Video Festival was created in 2014 as a national initiative to increase the welfare of Canada’s Cats and enhance the human-cat bond. It is the only series of national festivals exclusively dedicated to cats and their welfare and is set to take place in 16+ locations across Canada in 2016. Since its inception, the Just for Cats Video Festival has raised $210,000 for cat welfare in Canada.”

So, if you love your cat and spend your days watching cute cat videos on the internet, then you should mark April 14, 2016 as a date with lots of other like-minded people in the City. And, just in case you didn’t think it could get any better…

Photo courtesy of www.lilbub.com

Lil BUB will make her first-ever Canadian appearance in Toronto!

VIP headliner this year is none other than Lil BUB who is travelling (with her Dude, Mike Bridavsky) all the way from Indiana to Toronto for her first-ever Canadian appearance to help raise money for shelter animals in Canada. This little lady is one remarkable kitty. She has raised over $400,000 for shelter and rescue animals and has 1.2 million completely smitten followers on Instagram who know it.

Her story is one that needs to be told. Born to a feral mother in rural Indiana, she was diagnosed with dwarfism, which gives her the appearance of being a ‘perma-kitty’.  Her lower jaw is smaller than her upper jaw and she has no teeth. She was then diagnosed with the only case of Osteopetrosis in a cat, an extremely rare bone condition. But, she has overcome all of that to be able to tell her story, author two books, star in her own talk show and TV special, participate in ground-breaking genetic research, become a recording artist, and…help her fellow felines!

Photo courtesy of www.lilbub.com

Photo courtesy of www.lilbub.com

Got Questions? Tell me!

It seems that Lil BUB is pretty excited to be visiting Canada for the first time. The press release quotes her human companion, Mike, as saying,

“BUB and I have been wanting to make a trip to Canada for many years now, and this will be her first international appearance. We are thrilled to finally be able to meet BUB’s Canadian fans, help raise funds to help as many Canadian cats as possible, and of course to watch brilliant cat videos on the big screen.”

I will have the opportunity to meet and interview Lil BUB herself (well, I do expect Mike to do most of the talking). Any burning questions you would want to know the answer to? Leave your questions in the comments below and I’ll do my best to get those answered.

So….do you want a chance to screen some awesome cat videos, meet Lil BUB, take a selfie, and receive some great swag? Then get over here to purchase your VIP Tickets for the main event. There are only 100 tickets available and when they are gone, they are gone! See you all there!

The Best Way to Enjoy Your Dog’s Puppy Stage!

The Best Way to Enjoy Your Dog’s Puppy Stage!

If you ever felt that you needed an excuse for a Posh Pets® session, a brand new puppy in your life is the perfect one! Little Murphy’s mom knew that the amazing puppy stage does not last forever and she wanted to book a session to capture the very essence of her baby boy. I remember when his mom first answered the door with Murphy in her arms and I squealed with delight – here was a wiggly, squishy golden retriever puppy! One look at the next image and it will be obvious that he is one cute little fella. He was 8 weeks old at the time, which is the age of exploring the world and a time to learn all about your new family.

Puppies are puppies for mere weeks. Portraits that capture the essence of that stage will be forever.

When I walked into Murphy’s home and saw this couch, I whispered conspiratorially to him, “I’m sure you’re allowed on that couch. Right?”  Turns out that, for a short time, I was right 😉

puppy portrait on couch

puppy on ornate couch

We then headed outside. Of course, to head outdoors and be seen in public, one has to be properly dressed. Murphy selected a very dashing navy polka dot bowtie for his portraits in front of his residence.

puppy on front porch with bowtie

puppy with bowtie

Once that was done, we needed to spend time romping in the back yard, exploring all of the new sights and smells. Off with the bowtie and on with the action.

golden retriever puppy running

golden retriever puppy pouncing

Take on sticks that are way bigger than you…branches that are attached to trees!

puppy with big stick in richmond hill

Sneak up on imaginary friends…

stealth puppy

And take time to contemplate life.

puppy contemplating l ife

And then back inside to wipe our paws and sit on more furniture we don’t normally get to enjoy.

toronto-puppy-photography

By the end, our little model was pooped. He crawled into his bed and slowly closed his eyes to romp and play some more in his dreams.

dog resting in his bed

sleeping puppy in his bed

Mom and Dad chose some gorgeous Wall Art and a Folio box to celebrate this special time in Murphy’s life. You can read about the experience from their point of view here.

Looking to start your adventure with a new, furry, little one in your life? The details are below.

POSH PETS BOUTIQUE™ SESSIONS

Where it all begins

  • Pre-session Design Consult that ensures we create images you will be thrilled with.
  • The result is gorgeous custom artwork showcasing the life your pet shares with your family.
  • A personal Ordering Consultation to ensure you select the right images from the gallery.
  • 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.
  • Examples of portraits from Posh Pets Boutique™ Sessions can be found here.

A Session With a Little Trio of Dogs in Downtown Toronto.

A Session With a Little Trio of Dogs in Downtown Toronto.

I love it when clients bring their ‘packs’ to Posh Pets® Photography and I get to photograph multiples. I love hearing the stories, watching them interact and then the challenge of getting them all in one frame. This trio of little girls were no different. Please meet Stella, the 4-year old dachshund, Maggie the 9-year old white pug, and, Penny, the oldest at 13-years old!

toronto-dog-photography

It’s always my goal to give each and every one a truly customized experience. One way I do that is by the pre-session consultation and it is important whether you have 1 pet or ten. In this case, Johanna knew that, given Penny’s age, their little ‘pack’ will not be together forever. Penny now suffers from arthritis, so she is not as athletic as the others and we needed to be considerate of her limitations. Stella, on the other hand, loves to run and she wanted to capture her in action. She also very much wanted a portrait of them together. They made us work for it, but we got the three of them together (see above)! As well as the two pug sisters, alone.

two pugs on a porch

I also discuss with every client whether they want to be in the images. Sometimes people are a little hesitant – “I don’t like myself in pictures…” – they say. Of course, I cannot force you to be in any of the photographs, but I do encourage everyone to come dressed so that they have the option of jumping in if the opportunity presents itself. There are two reasons for this: (1) You are an essential part of the relationship you have with your pet. You love them, provide for them and protect them. The session would be so vastly different if you were not physically there because of how your pets would behave. When all is said and done, you should have something tangible that celebrates that relationship. (2) You should exist in photographs. We are now in a generation that probably has more photos of the meals they eat, than they do of themselves. That’s ridiculous. You should have one lovely, amazing, wonderful image of yourself and your pets.

But, to show you that it does not have to be your traditional image, here is one of the portraits Johanna chose to speak to the beauty of their relationship. Penny, with her curled pug tail, Stella kicking up the dust, and Maggie walking beside them. All on ‘their’ beach, in the golden glow of a Toronto sunset with the skyline peaking out behind.

posh pups in the city

When Johanna saw the proofs, she said it was so them. Her, carrying Penny who was by this point too tired to walk. The other two in tow. It’s real because this is the essence of their walks together. Today.

sunset walk with dogs in Toronto

We spent some time creating individual portraits of her 3 girls…by this point, they had picked up on the idea that treats were readily available if they could model for the tiniest fraction of a second. It seemed to be a fair trade.

dachshund dog portrait

pug portrait photograph

southern ontario pug portrait photographer

And, of course, that ‘action’ shot of Stella. Doing her doxie thing.

dachshund running on beach in Toronto

Finally, the day to deliver the final art work had arrived! When Johanna received her folio box, she took them out one by one and and just held them, soaking it in. “You know these are gorgeous, right? Nothing like seeing them printed,” she whispered. “Yes”, I replied, “It’s the very reason why I insist up on it. There’s nothing like seeing and holding finished portraits. Portraits of your family.”

By now, the wall art is hung and in place I’ve seen pictures and it looks great! I also hear that a reveal party of the artwork may be in the future…can’t wait to hear how it goes!

If you would like to create your own custom portrait experience, contact me below.

POSH PETS BOUTIQUE™ SESSIONS

Where it all begins

  • Pre-session Design Consult that ensures we create images you will be thrilled with.
  • The result is gorgeous custom artwork showcasing the life your pet shares with your family.
  • A personal Ordering Consultation to ensure you select the right images from the gallery.
  • 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.
  • Examples of portraits from Posh Pets Boutique™ Sessions can be found here.