Feb 9, 2015
It’s Monday. It’s cold. It’s February. Even though Toronto was recently named one of the best cities to live in the world, it can be tough to feel the love when you are faced with a day like today. Well, here is your little pick-me-up to start your week off right…
Here at Posh Pets we photograph animals of all breeds, shapes and sizes. And, we love them all! But there is something completely adorable in a brand-new tiny kitten. Their little mews and the way they go about exploring the big, wide world – it is the stuff that warm, happy thoughts are made of. I had the pleasure of photographing this little ball of orange fluff recently and, as you can imagine, thoroughly enjoyed myself while doing so. With the softest fur and beautiful, blue eyes, Milo is a stunner. He also knows how to work the camera and how to crawl his way into your heart. While I love creating gorgeous portraits, I would be lying if I didn’t admit to totally looking forward to the snuggles I get between images.
Now, look at Milo’s sweet face and tell me that you aren’t smiling. And suddenly the day doesn’t seem so bad…all thanks to Milo!
Jan 13, 2015
As a dog photographer, it comes as no surprise to anyone that I love dogs of all shapes and sizes. In case you haven’t noticed, Toronto and the GTA are full of dogs! I see them them everywhere – at dog events, riding in cars, pet stores and on the streets and in the parks. Walking down the street, I am that person who will always stop to ask if I can pet your dog. But given the number of pets in Ontario, I realize that I only get to know a relatively few number. Which is why, I am always so thrilled when someone chooses me to create beautiful images of their furry face. Not only do Posh Pets clients get something they love – custom art work that centres celebrates their pet – but I get to spend time getting all up close and personal with another awesome dog. With my camera, an arsenal of lenses, a few treats and the ability to make ridiculous sounds, we always end up being the best of friends!
I initially met Monty and his mom at a DoodleRomp. I can’t tell you how happy I was when his Mom contacted me and I learned that I was going to have the supreme pleasure of photographing her gorgeous boy. We designed a session that featured images of Monty’s favourite places to hike as well as a few in his backyard. Monty did not disappoint – he showed his skills and enthusiasm for climbing up and down tree logs, over the crest of hills and down into river beds, over bridges and through tree trunks, all the while working the camera with his beautiful smile. His gallery was stunning and made it terribly difficult to choose the final images. But, we did it! Today, these portraits are hanging as framed prints in Monty’s home, where he can be admired by many.
Monty, thank you for inviting me on your hike! It was such a pleasure to get to know you and most importantly, see how much you are loved. Be good, my boy…and try and keep those white paws clean!
Dec 11, 2014
I’ve been saving this post for some time. It actually took place earlier this year as we were in the depths of last Winter, but as I went through scheduling posts, I wasn’t sure anyone would want to see pictures of snow in the middle of July! Especially given that Summer never really started here in Toronto this year. Washburn was just too special to not have him appropriately introduced to you all.
Washburn is important to me because he shows the results of some of my volunteer work. I first met him when he was a wide-eyed adoptable at Toronto Animal Services and I photographed him in the hopes of him finding a really wonderful family to call his own. I’m so happy to now know that he did! Sarah, his ‘mom’ reached out to me when she found his original adoptable image on this blog and an e-mail conversation ensued. She told me all about how Washburn was now doing and sent me wonderful updated pictures of him. You can only imagine how thrilled I was to learn that I would have the opportunity to meet Washburn again because Sarah booked a Posh Pets Boutique Session! Arrangements were made, a date was set and we got to spend a couple of hours together on a sunny, yet crisp, winter morning in Toronto, capturing Washburn’s lovely personality and happy home with his new family.
We started our session with a majestic pose that showed off his stylish collar and harness – Washburn is a very fashionable gentleman,you know. I love looking at this image and all of that golden morning light behind him.
It was important to get some portraits of Washburn with his new forever family. Washburn’s life is wonderful and he is a far cry from being a little adoptable at the shelter. Truthfully, he has changed his Mom and Dad’s lives as much as they have changed his. And just look at his little raised paw!
No Posh Pets Session would be complete without some running and being silly! That stick was bigger and heavier than Washburn, but he insisted on bringing it with us the entire way. It made navigating narrow spaces a little more difficult, but no less fun.
Of course, if you have snow, you need to dance! Washburn was happy to show off some of his signature ‘moves’…
We finished the morning with some other locations and were able to capture this beautiful portrait of the little man.
Washburn, I wish you so much love and happiness in your new life – you deserve it. Your Mom and Dad love you so much and will take the best care of you. And I know you will keep them laughing and smiling every day. Live life well, my dear boy.
Looking for a winter session of your own for your furry face or as a gift for someone you know? Your first step is here.
Nov 26, 2014
Phew! It has been a rather busy Fall in Posh Pets land – so many cute, wiggly, furry dog faces to meet and photograph. And we had some of the most beautiful scenery to create portraits in with what was a gorgeous Autumn in Toronto. I cannot wait to share all of these sessions with you! (Hopefully, the imagery will keep us positive as we face another winter in Southern Ontario.)
In the midst of all of this, I also had a couple of days to catch my breath and spend some time with the amazing Barbara Breitsameter of Poppyblue Photography. If you are not familiar with Barb’s work, you should definitely go right now and check it out! Barb is a Certified Professional Photographer, a Platinum Photographer of the Year for both 2013 and 2014, and a platform speaker for Imaging USA (National Convention). However, even with all of those accolades, she is an amazing, warm, down-to-earth, humble person who is more than happy to share her knowledge with those willing to learn. I felt so privileged to have the opportunity to mentor with her. Barb, thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart!
So, you are probably wondering what did we do? Well, I have good news! I have finally finished editing some of the images we created together and am ready to share them here on the Posh Pets blog.
First of all, here is one of Barb’s own dogs, Fern. Fern is a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy…gorgeous from head to toe. She had been at the vet for a small procedure just the day before I met her, so I expected a quiet, dopey puppy. Nothing could be further from the truth! Fern wagged her tail and strained to greet me. By the second day, she was my awesome model.
The great thing about a mentoring session is the opportunity to go beyond your comfort level and try new things. In this case, I wanted to master studio photography. Knowing that Barb has won awards for her studio work, I was keen to get inside her brain and learn everything I could. Barb lined up some amazing models for me to photograph and guided me in the lighting. It was a great chance to experiment with so many pieces of equipment. Of course, I spent a good amount of time simply snuggling with the models 🙂
Two of the most perfect, roly-poly, frenchies (french bulldogs) I have ever laid eyes on! I literally squealed with delight when they walked up to the studio!
And then we had four of the most gorgeous basset hounds to photograph! They arrived in their very own, professionally wrapped vehicle…these guys are celebrities on the show circuit!
We also did some outside photography which is definitely my forte. Again, these two snuggle-bums!
And then Summer…she became our model after a rather serendipitous stop at the local veterinarian. Her Dad was so gracious to give us the opportunity to work with a lovely golden retriever puppy!
Last, but not least, I really have to thank Barb a ton for this last image. It seems appropriate that one of the last photographs a pet photographer from Canada could take was a dog holding a maple leaf. Not only did Barb help me by setting this up, she showed me how she would edit it. The result is simply stunning!
Thanks for following along on this little pet photographer’s adventure. I am always so happy to be able to learn new things and then incorporate them into my business and client sessions. If you are thinking of a Winter or Spring session for your furry face, now would be the time to set this up. In fact, given how busy this Fall was, if you really have your heart set on capturing the colours of next year’s Autumn, contact me and we can get you on the books NOW. Your first step is to contact me here. I so look forward to meeting you and your furry family members!
Oct 28, 2014
Pet photography is alive and well in Toronto these past few weeks! With all of the trees showing their best fall colours, we at Posh Pets have been busy as little beavers meeting lots of furry faces for their sessions. Even with the flurry of activity, we cannot forget about all of the lovely animals waiting for forever homes at Toronto Animal Services. It is such a pleasure each week to hand out treats and nice cuddles and belly rubs to the new dogs and cats I meet.
A lot of the animals in the following images are not quite ready for adoption. There are still some health-checks to be done and sometimes they have to be scheduled for their spay or neuter. But, if you are looking for a new family member, keep a close eye on the TAS website where their photo will be posted as soon as they become available. Rest assured, they are all lovely and would love to meet you just as soon as they can!
One other thing…if you adopted your pet from TAS – North, we would love to hear about it. Head over to the Posh Pets’ Facebook page and send us an update and/or a photo or two. Happy endings are just awesome!
Oct 17, 2014
Fall is always the busiest season at Posh Pets. I love the change of the colours, the crisp autumn air and the lovely furry faces I get to meet (and their humans, of course). But, I still make time for all of the little adoptables at Toronto Animal Services. After all, Fall is also a great time to find a forever home!
So, here is this week’s group of eager boys and girls all waiting to meet you. Contact the North Shelter to get more details and arrange a meeting. And even if you are not currently looking for a new family member, make sure to show these guys some love by sharing their lovely little faces…I am sure that there is a ‘somebody’ out there for each and every one of them!
Oct 16, 2014
At Posh Pets, we see our share of unforgettable four-footed clients. Today, I would like to introduce you to Simon, a furry face who will stay with me a long time.
Simon is a cat. A lovely, big, brown tabby cat to be precise. With gorgeous eyes that you could look at forever. Simon loves his people and enjoys playing with them. He is mischievous. He loves his treats and the opportunity to jump and run around the house. (If you can combine all of those things together, he is one happy cat. Actually, combine anything with treats and he is content.)
Simon, however, has also battled cancer.
It was June when I got a call from Simon’s human Mom asking if I had any availability on short notice. She wanted me to come to their house and take some portraits of her beautiful boy. Simon had recently been diagnosed with ocular cancer and the decision had been made to remove one of his gorgeous eyes – a very difficult decision for the family, but one that was made with the realization that it would save Simon’s life. The surgery date had been set which is why time was now of the essence. His Mom wanted images to forever preserve the memory of him in his prime.
I moved a few appointments around and headed over to meet Simon and his honest-to-goodness, real kitty mom, Jackie. If Simon knew he had cancer, he was not about to let me know about it. We spent a lovely afternoon playing, running, hunting, jumping and yes, getting treats in order to capture his good looks and beautiful personality. And, his Mom and I talked about his life. We laughed. We cried. We hugged. When it came time to finally say good-bye, I held Simon close and told him to be a good, brave boy and return home even stronger. Simon let me give him that snuggle and then went off to play.
I waited for news of his surgery…which was an awesome success! Although the first night of his recovery was difficult, it has all been positive news since then. In fact, it would now appear though that the loss of his eye was something far worse for his people to contemplate than the reality Simon lives. During the Ordering Session, Simon was already up and about, curiously interested in what we were doing. And by the time I delivered his final art prints, he demonstrated for me his ability to stalk, chase and yes, jump much like he did before. Simon may have lost an eye, but he certainly has not lost himself.
Today, Simon’s larger-than-life art work sits above the mantle in his home. His folio box and matted art prints are loved and cherished by the family. And dear, happy, healthy Simon seems content with it all.
Oct 1, 2014
Welcome to October! And, if you haven’t heard, October 1st is National Black Dog Day. Why a day celebrating black dogs? Well, it seems that there are those who feel that dark coloured furry faces are not as beautiful or friendly as their light-coloured counterparts. But, we at Posh Pets know nothing could be further from the truth!
It seems appropriate then to share these lovely images of the gorgeous and aptly-named Cinder. She lives in Yellowknife, NWT, so she is an ‘arctic dog’. She also has the head tilt down pat and it does indeed render the humans powerless.
Cinder is a fun-loving girl who wants nothing more to than to run and play with you. She is quite young, so she is still learning all of her manners, but she definitely knows her commands (both verbal and hands) and will win you over with her gorgeous smile.
Throw a stick and Cinder will always bring it back. And look at the beautiful backdrop she has to explore! This is one happy dog!
At the end of it all, Cinder will always be happy to pose for you!
So get out there and enjoy the outdoors with whatever colour your furry face is! And if you know any dark-coloured beauties, give them a hug 🙂
Sep 5, 2014
“Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog.” – Sydney Jeanne Seward
I loved this dog.
It has taken me a while to write this post. A week to be exact. Seven days. Almost 168 hours since we’ve said good-bye. And I still can’t believe that MacLeod is gone. Because he didn’t live with us – he belonged to my family – it is still easy for me to imagine him snoring loudly in his sleep at my sister’s or parent’s place. At 15 years of age, he did do a lot of sleeping. And snoring.
But, it wasn’t always that way. MacLeod and his sister, Anthea, came to our family when they were both wiggly, little shih tzu puppies, both from the same litter. Like any puppy out there, they were both unbelievably cute. And although I loved Anthea and her love of exploration, it was MacLeod that was my favourite.
MacLeod, aka Mackie, Big Mac, Maxster, Mister Magoo, was a character. He was your everyman’s dog. He had no airs about him, took you at your word and had a ‘what-you-see-is-what-you-get’ way about him. He loved people, playing, balls and getting dirty. All the while being gorgeous.
Somehow, over the years, I had become “Auntie Karen” to MacLeod. When he would hear those two words, he would get beside himself with excitement, whining and crying in anticipation. So much so, my family would not tell him I was coming to visit until I was less than 10 minutes away. When I would finally arrive, he would be there, ready to greet me at the door. And then, he would look up at me, turn his mouth up at the corners and give me an honest-to-goodness ‘grin’. After the initial fuss, he would turn his attention to my belongings and go through my bags in hopes of finding a treat, a new ball or something else wonderful that he was sure I had brought for him. And, when I finally settled in a chair to rest, there he would be – climbing on my lap and resting on my leg.
Time, of course, marches on. To see him get older, and less playful was hard. But when he got sick, I was heartbroken. My friend wasn’t the same. Getting up to greet me was difficult – laying back down was harder. There was no more joy in the thought of playing with a ball. And no more grin.
And so last week, my sister made the decision that the time had come to let MacLeod go. And we gathered, as we have for all our family’s pets, to say our good-byes. I had promised him I would be there when the time came, and I made good on that promise by holding his paw gently as he found peace.
While it is still hard to believe he is gone, I am so happy he came into our lives and that he allowed us to share him for a little while. Thank you Mackie. Please know we will miss you always.
I loved this dog. I still do.
Aug 22, 2014
This week, it was just Posh Pets at the shelter. The TAS campers have gone home this week – it is the end of summer after all – but the shelter seems full of dogs of all shapes and sizes. And such sweet, sweet faces. If you are looking to add a furry someone to your home, you can definitely do well at a shelter! Contrary to some opinions, shelter pets these are not all ‘damaged’ dogs with behaviour problems, health issues or restrictions with who they can live. For the most part, they are happy, bouncy, full-of-love furry faces just looking for a special person or family to spend their years with. (Of course, if those types of issues do exist, the staff will be the first to let you know.)
So, here is this week’s group. Contact TAS – North Shelter directly for more info!
Aug 16, 2014
The Posh Pets‘ week always starts right by a visit to Toronto Animal Services to photograph the adoptable furry faces available for adoption. But, let’s start your weekend right and have a look at some the lovelies we met!
Monday was probably the nicest day we had this past week (in terms of weather). The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the dogs were enjoying their time outside playing and learning from a whole new group of campers who are currently learning to care for dogs at TAS. I love meeting the kids who are eager to show me how they can get a dog to ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ on command…although we do sometimes have some laughs when things don’t go exactly as planned. But, not to fear – there is always a camp counsellor or TAS staff member nearby to lend a hand!
So, there you have it! Enjoy this week’s of adorable, adoptable faces! (And feel free to share them around too!)
Aug 6, 2014
We at Posh Pets always love an awesome surprise! Last year, I was contacted by Cathy who wanted to purchase a Gift Certificate for her parents as a surprise for a milestone wedding anniversary. We discussed options and settled on a package that would be just perfect for them and the centre of their world, a little 10 year old Bichon Frise named Lilly. I was told that Lilly lives a charmed life indeed. Dad cooks her up gourmet dinners in the kitchen. Her groomer comes to her. She travels with the family wherever they go.
When I arrived at Lilly’s beautiful home, I found out how literal that statement was. Lilly does follow them around the house and is especially attached to her Mom. Wherever Mom is, Lilly is never far behind. Watching. Lest they think of leaving the house without her.
When we planned the session, it was clear that the humans did not want to be in any of the photographs. Yet, Lilly does not like to sit by herself. However, spending the time and working at Lilly’s pace and comfort level, I was able to coax her away from her family for a few seconds in order to get images of her by herself. And, the cutest little head tilt. This image will be framed and hang on the wall for the world to admire. Which I am sure Lilly would think is as it all should be.
Lilly…you gorgeous little thing! Thank you for trusting me enough to photograph you and give your family images to treasure forever. May your days be filled with cuddles and meals fit for a queen. And love from all who know you.
