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Golden Retrievers Starr & Max

Sunday, July 1st, 2018

I had an absolutely perfect photo session recently with Starr & Max, golden retrievers who live in Carlsbad. And don’t get me wrong: even though I describe it as “perfect”, things got a little silly at times, a couple of aspects definitely didn’t go according to plan, and Max made it clear that he never realllllly wanted to sit still and pose for my camera, haha! But the “plan” and the preconceived notions of what the dogs “should” do during a photo session really don’t have anything at all to do with how well the session goes. Instead, what made this session truly perfect was the family I got to meet, and the relationships I got to witness. Starr & Max are both senior dogs that have been with their family for over a decade; their brothers are young men now, and one of them told me he remembers adopting the dogs when he was in second grade. I got to see them play fetch with sticks and tennis balls in the sunlight, sit and relax in the shade together, and even go for a little walk as a family, all 4 people and the golden retrievers too. It was beautiful and perfect and everyone had a good time – and as a result, I think we ended up with some pretty nice photos! ;)

 

This is Max – who his family always thought was the younger dog by about 2 years, but after a big of digging, his mom just found out that he’s only a few months younger than his sister! Isn’t he handsome?

golden retrievers in sun

 

And this is Starr, proving she can still chase after a ball if she wants. I just love her flappy ears!

golden retriever fetching

 

Oh Max. You’re such a happy boy.

golden retriever in sunshine

 

Don’t you just adore the way Starr looks up at her dad?! Total sweetness.

golden retriever laying down

 

Theresa & Doug (and Justin & Zack), thank you so much for including me in such a lovely afternoon together! I’m excited to share the rest of our photos with you soon! :)

 

Cooper & Nala, Big Dogs from San Diego

Wednesday, June 27th, 2018

For most people, black labs would qualify as “big dogs” – but not for this family!

I met Nala & Cooper about a week before their session, at my studio for a meet-and-greet, and that meeting told me juuuust about everything I needed to know about these dogs. Nala the black lab confidently strode in the door and right past me into the rest of my studio; she’s a happy, inquisitive, smart girl who enjoys exploring new territory. Cooper the Newfoundland, on the other hand, wasn’t so sure about the smooth flooring in my studio’s entryway, and it took about 15 minutes (as well as a haphazard trail of dog beds, a doormat and various toys) to convince him that he could successfully make it over the linoleum and onto the not-at-all-slippery carpet in the rest of my studio! From that experience, I knew that working with Cooper would be a rewarding experience – but that he would most likely make me work to make everything come together. And that was true, haha! Once he has solid footing, Cooper is a goofy, lovable guy (in the words of his dad, he’s a big ol’ floof) and yet he’s also very different from his sister. She’s ball-obsessed, while he’d rather work for treats. She knows every trick in the book (roll over, high five, etc – her parents should probably open a dog training business because seriously) whereas he prefers to spend his energy socializing with new people and other dogs. And only one of them has a dedicated bib for all the drool – you guessed it, that’s the Newfie. :)  I had a great time working with both dogs – and I think they enjoyed all the playtime and treats throughout our session too!

 

This is Nala in her front yard – isn’t she gorgeous?! (And I’ve already threatened to bring future clients to their house, because those bushes & greenery were a dream to work amongst, haha!)

black lab laying down

 

Okay, I couldn’t resist… a running photo of Cooper was too tempting not to share! This boy can move if he wants to – so stay out of his way, haha! Don’t you just want to give him a big fluffy hug?!

newfoundland running picture

 

Oh, these two… such good dogs!

two big dogs sitting

 

Bryce and Whit, I’m so glad we finally had the chance to get together! These summertime photos are definitely worth the wait… and I’m looking forward to seeing you both again soon!

 

Petunia the Shar Pei Mix in San Diego, CA

Tuesday, June 12th, 2018

Some dogs are lucky enough to call San Diego home for their whole lives… they grow up playing on the beaches, basking in the year-round sun, and maybe never see the snow. (Doesn’t sound so bad to me, haha!) But Petunia is a little more “well-rounded” than that; she’s from Chicago! This midwestern mutt just moved here with her mom about 7 months ago, and she’s experiencing the joys of San Diego for the very first time! (So many firsts!) I absolutely loved getting to know her because she’s a total sweetheart. For example: although treats & toys are helpful in getting her focus at times, you can tell that her biggest reward is attention & love from her mama! She’s absolutely head-over-heels crazy about her mom, and their bond really shone through during our session. I think she knows that they’re on a great adventure together – after all, isn’t moving across the country an adventure?! Petunia’s mom told me how this little lady is already guarding her from big scary repairmen, haha – she’s even barked at them so intimidatingly (is that a word?) that she’s literally sent them running!! I’m telling you, don’t mess with this girl – it’s a much better plan to be her friend and get big slobbery kisses in the face. :)

 

Petunia is a shar pei mix, as you can probably tell with all those forehead wrinkles – and probably pit bull, too! Isn’t she the cutest?!

shar pei mix dog

 

Oh, hello there – ready for your close-up? (Petunia wanted to make sure you got a better view of those trademark wrinkles…)

shar pei mix studio photo

 

We visited Balboa Park for the second half of our session – because how much more “San Diego” can you get? Petunia got plenty of attention from passers-by as we walked through the park; those people had probably never seen a cuter shar pei mix in their lives. :)  And by the way – this photo was taken after the Great Squirrel Sighting of 2018 – the moment at which Petunia discovered her life’s true calling. Squirrel hunting, of course. But I was proud of her for being able to take a break from “squirrel watch” to pose for more photos, haha!

shar pei mix

 

One blooper, just for fun! (Petunia had a hilariously good time!)

shar pei mix dog yawning

 

Elizabeth, thank you so much for introducing me to your beautiful, sweet girl. She’s just amazing. I’m excited to get together again soon! :)

 

 

Skype the Golden Retriever – San Diego, CA

Saturday, June 9th, 2018

Okay, you KNOW I have a weakness for golden retrievers. So when Skype’s dad called me, I couldn’t have been more excited! Skype is a 1-year-old golden retriever who’s 100% puppy, simply couldn’t be more gorgeous, and absolutely adores his parents. We ran & played at Encinitas Community Park and Tourmaline Beach, and I got to see his (very real) obsession with the ball the whole time… he would chase it literally all day long if he could! Apparently he’s somewhat famous at Camp Run-A-Mutt for never taking a break during playtime; the boy just doesn’t sit down if there’s a ball or another dog to play with. Shepherds, border collies and terriers usually get a reputation as “high-energy” breeds – but I think Skype could outlast them all, haha! And so I was able to capture our fair share of action photos, but lucky for me, Skype was also willing to show off his “sit” and “stay” commands every once in a while, so our session ended up having a ton of variety. I think his parents are going to have an exceptionally tricky time picking out their favorite portraits, as a result!

 

Here’s that handsome face. If Skype ever goes missing, don’t look at my house.

beautiful golden retriever

 

If these photos don’t make you want to adopt a golden retriever, I don’t know what will. There’s so much fluff to love – and can you tell he’s still a puppy?!

golden retriever picture

 

He LOVED the beach! And yes, since he always came trotting happily back to his dad after every fetch, we let him go off-leash – the lifeguard didn’t like that very much! Oops! :)

golden retriever at beach

 

Chris & Clara, thank you for introducing me to your sweet boy! I’m looking forward to showing you the rest of the images soon! :)

 

Nomi & Nita, Poodle Mixes from North Park

Thursday, June 7th, 2018

You know what I love? Christmas gifts!

You know what I love even more? Christmas gifts in June!

Haha – Nomi & Nita’s mom received a gift certificate for a photo session for Christmas, and decided to spread out the holiday cheer by redeeming it a few months later. So although I had to wait a little while before meeting these cute pups, I have to admit, it was worth the wait – Nomi & Nita are the sweetest dogs! These poodle mixes live in North Park with their moms, and I photographed them both at home and at Presidio Park. And while they may be similar in appearance, they each have completely distinct personalities: Nomi is a little princess, ready to steal the ball from her sister at a moment’s notice, and averse to the idea of a “collar” and “leash” when she would simply prefer to be relaxing in her mom’s arms. Nita is a bit more submissive, happy to let her sister dig out the ball from underneath the couch, and loves to run & romp in new places (as long as her family’s there with her, of course)! So here’s my question for you: think you’ll be able to see their photos without squealing from all the cuteness? Good luck…

 

Although you’d never know it just from seeing her, Nomi has a rare affliction called mega-esophagus. Her moms have done an incredible, painstaking job of taking care of this sweet girl, and ensuring that she lives safely with this life-threatening issue. And as a result, she rules the roost at home! I just love her big fluffy ears!

cute poodle mix

 

This is Nomi, ready to play! Can you tell that she’s a poodle-chihuahua mix? She doesn’t have any medical issues like her sister, because their moms deserve to have at least one low-maintenance dog! ;)

poodle mixes photo

 

What a sight to come home to… I would literally sprint home after work every day if these sweet faces were waiting for me like this, haha!

poodle mixes

 

Tiffany & Kelly, thank you so much for introducing me to your darling girls! I’m excited to see you both again soon! :)

 

 

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