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A Trio of Maine Coon Cats from San Diego

March 7th, 2019

I’m so excited to introduce you to three of the most stunning Maine Coon cats I’ve ever met! Say hello to Bella, Rockie & Casi! This photo session, quite honestly, was a breeze – especially compared to other photo sessions I’ve done with cats before (sorry kitties, but you don’t always make yourselves the easiest subjects to photograph!). Not only did we have a ridiculous amount of fun, but all 3 cats were b-e-a-utiful! I happen to think all pets are beautiful, quite honestly – but every once in a while those extra-photogenic subjects make my job that much easier. And what’s even more special is that this photo session was generously gifted to this family by their dear friend, Mary. She was even able to join in on the fun with us! Thank you, Mary, for introducing me to this lovely family – and I’m so glad you were able to be there for the big day! (Side note: did you know I offer gift certificates?)

The oldest & wisest of the bunch is Bella. Oh Bella… She really wasn’t into the whole photo session idea at first, and wasn’t afraid to express it. But she slowly warmed up enough to show off her toy, and she eventually became so relaxed as time went on that she started kneading it right there in front of me! That was a big deal for this 13-year-old girl! I was thrilled to see that despite the weird stranger following her around with a big black camera (me), she had gotten that comfortable, which in return allowed for some gorgeous images.

On the other hand, Bella’s two younger siblings had no problem showing their enthusiasm for our photo session! When I arrived to their house, Rockie was literally waiting for me at the door! I felt like a welcomed guest and knew right off the bat that we were going to have a great afternoon. And to my surprise, only minutes after I’d made it into their house, Rockie managed to find the decorative tassel on my camera bag – and he decided that it would look better if it had a few less strings attached to it, haha! (I didn’t even realize it could be considered a toy! That’s what I get for not owning a cat myself, haha!) Let’s just say it made the perfect toy for him. :) I loved his outgoing and playful personality!

Casi, which is short for Cassiopeia (inspired by the star on her nose), is Rockie’s litter mate! She’s very social and her personality is similar to Rockie too. She has also been deemed “the sous chef” by her dad: whenever he’s in the kitchen, she’s right there beside him wondering what he’s cooking up and politely asking if she can taste test! Isn’t that adorable?


Bella is most definitely the queen of the house and lets everyone know it. #lioness

maine coon cat


These confident one year old siblings didn’t hold back on posing for me! Aren’t they gorgeous?! (And just look at alllllllll that fluffy Maine coon fur!)

maine coon cat


Can you see the “star” on Casi’s nose?

maine coon on stairs


As I was packing up my gear, I joked with my clients about how this gallery was going to give them “good problems” – because there are going to be SO many fabulous photos to choose from! As I’m looking through their images, I can confirm my suspicions: we were right! :) Wendy & Tom (and Mary), I cannot wait to meet with you all again soon for your ordering session!

Turbo, the Pomeranian Mix from San Diego

February 25th, 2019

I’d like to introduce you to Turbo the Pomeranian mix! She may be small in size, but she’s got a BIG personality to make up for it! Trust me: with her energy & personality, she could not have a more perfect name. It’s always a fun challenge keeping up with her while she lives life at lightning speed!

I’ve actually photographed Turbo in my studio several times over the years for my holiday mini sessions – as well as one full-length session in the studio – but this was a first for us to visit the great outdoors together. One of the many things Turbo and her mom love to do is walk through Heritage Park, since it’s right down the street from their house in Mission Hills. And this park turned out to be the perfect spot for our session! I’ve got to say, I loved seeing Turbo in her element letting loose!

It was also a delight to see how her and her mom connect. Marjorie is so patient and sweet with her – even when Turbo gives her “attitude” (let’s just say this dog doesn’t keep her opinions to herself, haha!). Her mom has done an awesome job working with her, and I’ve enjoyed the privilege of seeing their bond deepen over the years. Not just anyone would be willing to adapt their lifestyle to accommodate a rescue dog with this much energy – but I just love witnessing their relationship, and knowing how much work has gone into it leaves me with nothing but respect for this whole family.


This is Turbo – in a rare moment of stillness. Isn’t she adorable?!

pomeranian mix dog


Walking through the park is one of her favorite things to do – in fact, I’d be willing to bet she considers it “her” park!

pomeranian mix puppy


Such. A. Cutie. (Sorry for all the sitting-still & calm photos; they’re the result of lots of effort and patience, so you could say they’re the images I’m most proud of from our session, haha!)

pomeranian mix


Marjorie, thank you for a fun afternoon – and for introducing me to my new favorite park! :)

Lyra the Rescue Cat! (La Jolla)

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

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

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! :)

 

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