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Archive: ‘pet photography’



Chewie the San Diego Schnauzer Mix! (Lake Murray Park)

Monday, March 31st, 2014

As soon as I rang the doorbell, I heard a cacophony of barking & yipping from inside the condo – and as soon as the door opened, I was bombarded by the paws & tongues of two adorable schnauzer mix dogs! Haha! Chewie & Max are little terrier/schnauzer mixes, and I practically had to do a double take when I saw them both – because although they’re not biological siblings, they look SO much alike! It’s almost uncanny… but despite the resemblance, our session was going to be all about Chewie, since Max & his mom were given a surprise photo session with another photographer when they visited San Francisco a while back – and they didn’t want Chewie to be jealous of all his brother’s time in the spotlight! So we “balanced” things out with a session that took place inside their condo, as well as right out their back door to the nature trails of Lake Murray! I loved being able to shoot in a place that’s so personal to them; they often go on walks on the trails and the dogs were completely comfortable there. And of course, they were totally at ease in their house too – they might have fallen asleep on the beds if it weren’t for their rapt attention to the treats in my hand, haha! Take a look!

 

Oh Chewie – I just love your face!

schnauzer mix on bed

 

Here are the handsome brothers together! What do you think – are they more terrier or more schnauzer mix?

schnauzer mix dogs

Chewie loves sniffing (and marking) everywhere on the Lake Murray trails – we even let him loose for a bit of exercise!

schnauzer mix at lake murray

 

Chris & Amy – thank you so much for a great session. I can’t believe it was months in the making! I’m excited to see you both again soon!

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Point Loma Pet Photography with Teddy & Haley, Aussies

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

I had a very good feeling about this Point Loma pet photography session before we even started. I’m not sure why – maybe it was because it’d be my first session with my brand-spanking-new 70-200mm lens? Maybe it was because this was my first session in Sunset Cliffs, an absolutely gorgeous location? Maybe it was because my client is one of the groomers at Awesome Doggies?

Whatever the reason, this session definitely lived up to my high hopes! We had a fabulous time and each dog’s personality really shines through in their photos… so without further ado, let me introduce you to Haley & Teddy!

They’re thrilled to meet you! haha!

point loma dogs photography

 

This is Teddy; he’s a 5-year-old Australian shepherd and a total mama’s boy. He rarely wandered more than ten feet away (only if there was a stick involved, really), and if we asked him for a sit/stay/down/anything, he’d feel nervous at being put on the spot and slinked between his mom’s legs instead! Haha, he’s a total sweetheart – don’t you love that goofy grin that seems to be permanently on his face?

point loma pet photography

 

This is Haley, the older of the two. She’s 10 but doesn’t look a day older than her brother! This girl is much more independent and confident, and lucky for me, her obedience is pretty excellent. She was happy to explore Sunset Cliffs and the tide pools in Point Loma, not to mention meet all the other dogs we ran into during our session.

point loma pets photography

 

Both of these Aussies are totally devoted to their mom, Elyse. And let me tell you, it was beautiful to see.

point loma dog photography

 

 

Elyse, thank you for introducing me to my favorite new spot! Future Point Loma pet photography clients are always going to hear me suggest Sunset Cliffs as a potential location from now on.  (Well, at least those clients with outdoorsy dogs like yours! haha!)

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Corgi Photography: Milan & Harley in Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego, CA

Saturday, March 15th, 2014

I am so thrilled to introduce you to Milan & Harley, the cutest little corgis in all of California! These dogs live a carefree, happy life with their parents in the Rancho Santa Fe area of San Diego. And if you could see their big house & beautiful yard to play in, I’m pretty sure you’d agree: they won the canine lottery! These are two lucky dogs, and they’re full of personality to boot. I absolutely loved getting to know them both (and their parents) during our session the other day.

 This is Milan! She’s a 13-week-old corgi puppy that loves to run around & play – not to mention exercise those sharp puppy teeth, haha! (Did you see her photo on the Facebook page? She was a big hit!)

cute corgi photography

 

 And she’s completely won over both of her parents! See, she even helps her dad work in his office!

corgi puppy photography

And of course, we can’t forget Milan’s handsome older brother Harley. He wasn’t too sure at first about his parents’ decision to bring a new puppy into the household, but now he & Milan are best buds! Plus, he lets her know when to calm down, already. :)

corgi photography

 

Look at that happy face! Harley is such a good-lookin’ boy.

happy corgi photography

Kelley & Paul, thank you so much for a fabulous session! I can’t wait to show you the rest of your photos – I’ll see you soon! :)

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A Client’s Perspective on her Pet Photography Experience

Wednesday, March 12th, 2014

Today on the blog, it’s my honor & absolute pleasure to introduce you to my friend Lori! She lives where I started my business, Pensacola, FL, and she started out as my client – but several years (and sessions) later, she’s become a true friend. She graciously agreed to write a guest post for me – not as a business owner or pet-industry professional like Norma at Earthwise Pet Supply or Elyse at Awesome Doggies – but as herself, as a pet owner, simply to provide you with an honest client’s perspective. My past clients know exactly what the Allison Shamrell Photography experience entails, and I hoped that if she told her story, prospective future clients would better understand what their experience might be like, and maybe even help them decide whether booking a session with me is the right choice for them. So check out what Lori has to say! 

 

client's perspective

 

As the proud owner of 2 great yellow Lab boys, I was on the prowl for a professional photographer who was willing (and able) to take their photos. My 14-year-old Buford would be a snap, he’d posed for my attempts for years and he was comfortable with the routine.  His arthritis and hearing loss would be his only challenges.  The real issue was finding someone who could catch Rio, who was only a little older than 2 at the time, basically a 110lb toddler.   I had tried an indoor only / family photographer and while the photos were fun, I wasn’t really into the dressing up stuff – I could do that at home.  Then I found a natural light photographer but she specialized in infants and children, so the photos were just lacking that special “something”.

 

client testimonial

 

In early 2011 I saw a random flyer at my vet’s office advertising a pet photographer.  The photos on the flyer were fun, indoor and outdoor – I jotted down the website and soon after found myself surfing the website of Allison Shamrell Photography.   Honestly, I was hesitant when I saw the prices but I decided I would buy a package, just use the print credit for photos and be done.

Allison met me in downtown Pensacola where we visited parks, fountains, the historic district and her studio.  At first I was kind of uncomfortable, I didn’t know what to expect and how it was going to work out having both dogs there at once.  It took about 2 minutes to see this was going to be a great experience!  “Just let Buford do what he wants to do, I’ll work from there”    “Is Buford ok to walk over to the fountain, or should we let him rest and we can work with Rio?”   Allison was up on brick walls, lying on the pavement, kneeling for sloppy kisses from Rio and loving on my old Buford dog (a sure way to my heart).   The dogs had a great time and so did I!

 

client perspective

 

A couple of days after our session, I saw the sneak peek photos and was floored with the way Buford’s sweet smile was captured just right, and how even when he behaved you could see the spark in Rio’s eyes.  When it came time to order, Allison showed me samples of each product she had available and I was fascinated with the quality and variety! Fortunately, her patience extended past dogs on to their people, because I kept her hostage for hours.  I was so indecisive!

 

client's past experience

 

My orders came in and each delivery was more exciting than the last!  I had canvas wraps and portrait prints, storyboards…. Some went on the wall and some propped on the dresser in my room.

 

Fast forward to early morning, May 24, 2011.  I sat on the floor of the vet’s office with Buford who had stopped eating.  He was disoriented and his eyes told me he was done.  A month shy of his 15th birthday, I kissed my best friend’s grey fuzzy face for the last time. 

 

past client perspective

 

When I got home, my first response was to go to the computer and watch the video of our session with Allison over and over again.  I posted on Facebook and Allison was one of the first to reply with her condolences.  I wanted just the right photo to post of my old man, something to do justice to his quiet, gentle dignity.  I chose a photo from the park, where Allison had let Buford lay down to rest and she took photos of him while he was there.

 

I had more photos of Rio done, this time with my parent’s terrier Rags.  When I had 2 new dogs join the family, they had their sessions as well (and that little dachshund – well, he was 100% proof Allison can get a great photo of pretty much any dog!).   After Buford passed away I knew I couldn’t miss another opportunity to have the “just right” photo of my dogs.  I take some pretty decent pictures, but I wanted to “feel” the texture of their coats, see that look in their eyes that was specific to each dog (“smiley Riley” “bad Frank” etc).   Almost 3 years later, all of my photos from all (5?) of my sessions with Allison are on my living room wall or those of my parents.  And Buford still holds front and center. 

 

The image on Lori’s canvas.
a client's perspective

 

Now that Allison has moved completely across the country, I find myself in a bind with my newest dog, Lucy. I don’t have “real” photos of her! It’s different this time, because I am not looking for that “something” in a photographer – Allison set my expectations and I know exactly what will meet my needs – I want a photographer who is confident enough in their work to have a pre-session meeting with samples of their galleries and products, but who is humble enough to lay in the grass with an old dog; I am looking for someone with the patience to help me round up a rebel dachshund after he chews through his leash, but with the time management to get my orders to me in a reasonable fashion. After browsing some photographer sites and blogs, I still find myself emailing Allison invitations to come back just for one more session. 

 

– Lori E.

 

 

Lori, thank you for such an eloquent description of your experience with me. (I still can’t believe Frank chewed through his leash during that session!) If I ever get the chance to visit Pensacola, you’ll be one of the first people I call. :)  I hope this story was helpful to you if you’re considering commissioning me or any other pet photographer for a custom session! My session pricing is listed here, and you can contact me here. Thanks for reading Lori’s story. :) 

 

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Guest Post: Professional Dog Grooming, Pre-Photo Session

Tuesday, February 25th, 2014

I’m proud to introduce an exciting new type of post for the Allison Shamrell Photography blog – a guest post!  I always recommend that my clients consider booking a grooming appointment (or at least a bath) for their pets a few days before our session. So the wonderful people at Awesome Doggies, San Diego’s premier mobile pet grooming service, answered a few questions that a first-time photography client might have about getting dog grooming before a photo session. They’re the experts when it comes to grooming, and they have some fabulous insights into all the factors that make up a great grooming appointment! Take a look! 

 

grooming pet photography

Left: Elyse uses a hair dryer on Henry the black lab. Right: grooming tools & brushes in the Awesome Doggies service trailer. (Photo credit: UT San Diego, used with permission.)

 

Written by Elyse Angone, Operations Manager at Awesome Doggies Mobile Grooming

 

Have you ever gotten a fresh new haircut right before a big event or photo sesh, only to feel uncomfortable in your new do or not liking the pictures as much as you’d hoped? Well, one trick to grooming for pet photography is to know your pup can have the same dilemma! But don’t worry – with some pre-planning, your pooch can feel comfortable and look fabulous for the camera. Here are some things to consider:

What kind of “look” best suits your pet?

You probably want your dog to be clean (or mostly clean), brushed out, and looking their best for their pictures, but you also might not want them to look too different from how they always look – you may not want to try a standard breed clip for your Westie if they’re usually in a casual puppy cut (or you might not recognize her in the photo!). If you usually get your dog clipped short when they see a groomer, but they spend most of their time looking shaggy, you may want to opt for a bath-only with some light trimming just before picture day. Put some thought into what look best represents your dog, and talk to your groomer ahead of time to decide when to have your pup groomed, & what look to go for.

pet grooming

Elyse washes Henry with one of Awesome Doggies’ many shampoos. (Photo credit: UT San Diego, used with permission.)

 

When should you see the groomer?

If your dog doesn’t need a full haircut, it’s probably safe to have them groomed a day or two before your session is scheduled. If a haircut is happening, you may want to have that done a little farther in advance. That gives you time to make sure the haircut is to your liking, without the stress of being rushed. It’s nice to have a day or so to look over the haircut at home, in your dog’s natural environment. Be sure to call your groomer ahead of time to schedule their appointment, & let them know that a professional photo session is scheduled. If you think your pet may have a matted coat, or if they’ve ever had a shave-down due to matting, consult with your groomer well in advance for recommendations on how & when to handle the matting. Keep in mind that a shaved coat can take months to grow back.

 

pet grooming san diego

Left: Henry basks in his bath. Right: various shampoos & treatments for different types of dogs. (Photo credit: UT San Diego, used with permission.)

 

What other grooming options are there?

Groomers have a few tricks beyond basic baths and haircuts that can help your pictures come out great. Some shampoos have optical brighteners in them to make coat colors “pop”, and conditioners that can add a fresh shine. Paw pads can be conditioned to make them look and feel softer. Black toe nails can even be painted with black non-toxic nail polish to make them look extra nice (or you can use nail polish to add a splash of color). Even if your dog doesn’t get a haircut, your groomer may be able to neaten the fur between their toes, or thin out the hair around their ears to make them appear perkier. Ask your groomer what they have & what they recommend for your dog.

Lastly, and most important, remember to have some fun with your pup on picture day! Put some thought into the grooming plan ahead of time, so that when the camera comes out you can just enjoy watching your four-legged friend shine!

 

grooming photo session

Left: Elyse finishes drying Henry with the hair dryer. Right: Elyse & Henry finish their appointment, with Henry sparkling clean, and they exit the service trailer. (Photo credit: UT San Diego, used with permission.)

 

If you’re in need of a groomer to provide extra gentle care in the most stress-free environment possible, Awesome Doggies serves most neighborhoods of San Diego, bringing a mobile grooming salon to your doorstep. Click here to visit the Facebook page (which always posts cute photos & funny links!), or you can reach Awesome Doggies by calling (858) 633-3641.

 

Thanks for the article, Elyse! (I personally had no idea about the optical brighteners in some shampoos – that’s an awesome tip!)  Awesome Doggies does fabulous work, and I’m thrilled to feature their expertise here on the blog. I hope you liked this post as much as I did! :) 

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