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Archive: ‘pet photography’



Lyra the Rescue Cat! (La Jolla)

Friday, February 22nd, 2019

I recently had the pleasure of photographing a very special rescue cat in her new home in La Jolla. Lyra has had a rough start at life, unfortunately – but I know it’s only going to get better from here on out! She was found in a bush (of all places?!) in Long Beach, but thankfully, she was rescued by her mom Lauren who is taking truly great care of her. Before Lyra, Lauren had a cat named Cassie, a once-in-a-lifetime cat who sadly passed away before we were able to have her photo session. So Lauren knew that when she was ready to welcome another cat into her heart, it would be important to document their life with beautiful images. Lauren told me that if there’s one thing she learned from Cassie, it’s that time is no guarantee. I couldn’t agree more and admire her for opening up her home to show Lyra what love is.

As you can see, Lyra is a gorgeous kitten with the most striking blue eyes! She did have some unexpected medical issues arise a few days before the photo session, so when I visited their home it took a while to convince her that I wasn’t another veterinarian – but we were able to create some lovely images without causing any additional undue stress. At first, she was content with hiding behind the bookshelf and probably preferred a nap instead of having her photo taken. We were able to coax her out with LOTS of goodies and she eventually warmed up to the idea of taking a few photos. The fact that she took her time was no surprise because – come on – we all know that cats will do whatever they want do to! :)

During our time together we got to hang out, relax and keep the session at Lyra’s speed. Her favorite part was playing with the laser pointer, I know that for sure. When I say she loved it, I mean she LOVED it! (And I loved seeing her prey instinct come out – she reminded me of a little lion!) We had to put it away after a few minutes of playing and she was definitely disappointed. Sorry Lyra – doctor’s orders! :) This session is a great example of how working witb a small space and non-ideal timing still doesn’t prevent us for getting amazing portraits! So without further ado, I can’t wait to share Lyra’s images with you!


This was how the photo session started, haha – for a rescue cat to go through a weekend full of invasive vet visits, she preferred to keep her distance from me at first!

rescue cat portrait


But eventually she relaxed – what a gorgeous kitty.

rescue cat lounging on bed


I don’t usually share black & white portraits on a sneak peek, but oh my goodness if she isn’t the most majestic little lady!!

rescue cat black and white


Lauren, thank you for inviting me to capture some beautiful images of your new baby. You two are lucky to have each other and I can’t wait to see you again soon!

Bernie & Otis, Two Fluffy Pups from Rancho Santa Fe

Thursday, February 14th, 2019

I recently had a playful and action-packed session with Bernie and Otis! Of course, when I say “action-packed”, I mean Otis doing most of the action and Bernie happily watching his (big) little bro! :) And I learned that even though they don’t go at the same speed anymore, one thing they do have in common is their love for treats. Especially since they don’t get treats on a regular basis – special occasions only! (Which means I might have been their new favorite person during the session, haha!)


Bernie is a 13-year-old schnoodle and a sweet little mama’s boy! He has such a calm nature and is just a very good boy. I really love photographing senior dogs – it’s an honor to capture all their distinguished gray fur, and so much fun to imagine how differently they used to look and act. According to his parents, Bernie was very much the energetic dog in his younger years, but has since passed the torch on to Otis. (I suppose that’s allowed when you’re 13!)

senior dog from rancho santa fe


Otis, the handsome 3-year-old labradoodle, came to the session ready to play! He is a dog on a mission when it comes to fetching tennis balls! His parents have a gorgeous estate in Rancho Santa Fe full of lush greenery near their barn, which made the perfect backdrop for photos AND the perfect spot for Otis to lose a ball! At various times we thought we would never find the ball in the tall grass, but nope! There was no stopping that boy when it came to his toys. Here he is on the horse trail on their property – I was tempted to share one of his many action photos, but I couldn’t resist that head tilt! :)

rancho santa fe dog on trail


After we were done playing near the stables, we set off for the beach in Del Mar. Let me tell you something: it was COLD out there! I’ve got to hand it to this family for sticking it out with me, despite none of us being quite prepared for the chilly weather, because getting out there for the beautiful sunset was totally worth it! Between the beach being wide open & uncrowded, the stunning sunset & colors that lit up the sky, and the lovely people & dogs to photograph, I’d call this a win in my book.

rancho santa fe dogs


Thank you Trish & Ralph for braving the cool February evening with me for a fun session with your four-legged kiddos! I’m excited to get together with you both again soon!

Missy the French Bulldog Puppy

Wednesday, February 6th, 2019

I know what you’re thinking: “A French bulldog puppy? Isn’t that one of the cutest little breeds ever?” I totally agree – and I know Missy’s mom does too! Meet Missy, the most adorable four-month-old Frenchie. With her unique coloring and confident personality, she was an absolute joy to photograph!

We created these images at Presidio Park, where Missy happily got to run around, chew on sticks, smell all the smells and hang out in the flowers. She was so agreeable and was happy to pose just about anywhere or anyhow for me – in exchange for a treat, of course! And given her young age, I have to admit that I was incredibly impressed by her mom Robin and her training skills. At just a few months old, Missy has already come so far. She already knows commands like sit, come, and we even trusted her for a brief period to be off leash. She always came running right back to either one of us when we called! It was amazing, and just goes to show the strong bond that Missy and her mom are forming as she grows.

I think Missy’s favorite part of the session may have been the very end when she barked her sassy bark and got to use my finger as a chew toy. But I didn’t mind – I would never be able to say “no” to that face! (She must have been full of treats at that point, haha!) But the whole session was fabulous, since Missy was completely happy just being able to explore – never too far from her mom, of course. We had a blast that afternoon!


This is Missy. Yes, she really is that cute in real life.

frenchie puppy photo


A puppy who can sit & stay?! Pinch me!

french bulldog puppy sitting


Not pictured: the flower she chomped on before posing for this photo. Flowers aren’t food, silly girl! :)

frenchie puppy in flowers


Robin, thank you so much for introducing me to your adorable new addition! I’m looking forward to showing you the rest of our images soon! :)

Coco the Yorkie, from Escondido

Thursday, January 31st, 2019

During our photo session, I learned something very important about Coco the yorkie, and I learned it very quickly: Coco has opinions. And he isn’t shy about sharing them with you!

We spent Coco’s photo session at his home in Escondido, and I have to admit, this was a pretty unique session for me. Not because I haven’t photographed a yorkie before (I have) or because I haven’t photographed families at their houses before (I definitely have), but because this was a rare instance in which I never truly gained Coco’s trust! Usually, in the first 5 minutes of a photo session, the dogs figure out that I have treats and I’m there to make sure they have a ridiculously fun time, and by the time I walk away we’re best friends. I’d say that’s the case about 95% of the time. But not Coco; no, he’s not fitting into any typical molds. Coco is absolutely in love with his parents – especially his “mommy” – and I think he figures that he doesn’t need any other humans in his life! With all the work his parents have done on their house, Coco has seen his fair share of contractors, construction workers, and visitors, and he’s over it! (I was even under strict instruction not to ring the doorbell when I arrived, in the hopes of avoiding Coco’s usual distate for visitors!) So we had the interesting experience of doing a photo session with a subject that didn’t care for his photographer whatsoever…!

But thankfully, that didn’t stop us from having a surprisingly great time! We still did all the activities we planned on: snuggling on the couch, running around the backyard, and posing for a few family photos. I’m happy to say that our photos convey what a cute, unique dog Coco is – and they certainly don’t look like a dog that would have chosen a different way to spend the afternoon, haha! I was happy to work according to Coco’s comfort level, so we kept him happy while still creating images that his parents are going to love. Sure, it was a slightly different pace than some photo sessions – but it was a great challenge for me to keep Coco happy while making great portraits at the same time! So here’s to the one and only Coco, who reminded me that every dog is an individual – and that I can always carry more treats with me!!


Oh Coco… you’re dripping with attitude. And I love you for it.

yorkie photo

Chasing the ball is one of Coco’s favorite things to do – almost as much fun as biting his mommy’s ankles and shoelaces!

yorkie action photo

Come on – that face!! Coco, you’re adorable.

yorkie pic

Elmer & Johnny, thank you so much for introducing me to Coco! I had a great time with all 3 of you!

Archie the Australian Westie, from La Jolla!

Monday, January 7th, 2019

Archie is an incredible dog. I’m excited to introduce you to him for various reasons, not least of all because he’s beaten the odds so many times! I would say he’s part cat, but I’m pretty sure we’re well past 9 lives by now. Archie has survived near-death experiences, multiple attacks from other dogs, and just about every other harrowing close call you can imagine. (I seem to recall his mom telling me a story about Archie being swarmed by poisonous frogs…?) Honestly I don’t know how his mom isn’t entirely white-haired by now. Archie is from Australia – I think they make dogs tougher “down under” than they do here, because HELLO, the outback!! – and he brought his tough Aussie spirit to live in La Jolla with his sweet family. He’s the oldest child of the family, and to be honest it was a little hard to pick photos of just Archie for this sneak peek since most of the photos from our session also feature his two human brothers! Archie adores them both, and did his best to “protect” them from all the dogs & passers-by in the park during our photo session. But despite his guard dog instincts, all in all he’s a remarkably easygoing dog, and an adorable part of his family. Spending the afternoon with Archie was lovely, so it’s my honor to introduce him to you today!


Honestly, who can resist that little westie face?! He’s such a cutie!

westie


I’m pretty sure he’s contemplating his next adventure… which he promptly went on seconds after I took this photo! He had our hearts racing as he explored a little too close to the edge of the rocks… but then he came happily trotting back, content & unbothered as could be. Archie, thanks for the glimpse of what life with you is really like… but can you please give the close calls a rest?!

westie dog in la jolla


At the end of the day, it’s clear that he always beats the odds so he can come back to his mama. He loves her so much.

westie snuggling

Susie & Sam, thank you for introducing me to your daredevil dog! I’m so excited to get together with you again soon!

 

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