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Tag: ‘pet photography’



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! :)

 

Billy, Jasmine & Snickers: San Diego Schnauzers!

Monday, May 21st, 2018

I pulled up to their house, got out of the car, shut the door – and was immediately greeted with a cacophony of barks, yips and woofs from behind the fence! Billy, Jasmine & Snickers had all come out to greet me, and like all good schnauzers, it took several minutes for them to trust me enough for the barking to die down. (They had met me about a week beforehand, in my studio for our pre-session consult, but I’m pretty sure any absence of more than 5 minutes causes the same reaction… so I didn’t stand a chance, haha!)

We spent our session in their gorgeously-landscaped backyard in North Park, which provided the perfect mix of dog-friendly grass to run around on, pathways to pose on, and shrubbery to peek out from behind! Each dog had their own unique style, of course – and I have to admit, I really enjoyed working with Billy, the senior man of the bunch. He had such a feisty look in his eyes, even though he toddled around somewhat slowly on those 16-year-old legs… I think he really would have given me a workout a few years ago! But he let Snickers & Jasmine be the energetic ones for our session; they’re puppies by comparison at 4 years old!

All 3 dogs were really quite lovely to photograph; schnauzers are so expressive and not afraid to speak their minds! It’s that little dash of attitude that made our session so much fun. :)

 

This is Snickers! Can you handle that head tilt?!

san diego schnauzer

 

This is Jasmine, in one of her favorite spots in the backyard. I think she likes to be surrounded by the outdoors…

san diego schanuzers photo

 

And this is sweet Billy. That face, that expression, those eyelashes… he’s so amazing!

san diego schnauzer photo

 

David & Ton, thank you so much for introducing me to your beautiful dogs! (And Karen & Kimmy, thank YOU for introducing US!)

 

An Update for Cosmo Kramer & Simone, the Frenchies!

Thursday, May 17th, 2018

So every once in a while, the schedule gods decide NOT to be on my side. (Or maybe I anger them somehow? Who knows!) When that happens, it usually ends up delaying appointments that I’m looking forward to… and this time it meant that Cosmo Kramer & Simone’s family has had to wait far too long (in my opinion) to see their images! But the good news is that they’re finally coming in to the studio in just a few days, and then they’ll get to see all of our adorable portraits – yay! But until then, I decided that their saint-like patience should be rewarded with a second sneak peek! (Did you see their first sneak peek?) Because these Frenchies are way too cute to keep to myself. :)

 

So without further ado… here’s a fresh look at these Frenchies from San Diego!

 

frenchies walking in studio

 

 

frenchies

 

 

frenchie dog

 

Martha & family – I’m excited to see you SOON! Yay!  :)

 

French Bulldogs Cosmo Kramer & Simone

Wednesday, April 18th, 2018

I think it can be easy to assign stereotypes to dog breeds sometimes. Not in a bad way – but you might assume certain things about the personality of a dog, just because of its breed. For example, you might think that golden retrievers are always happy. Or that miniature poodles enjoy being carried around town. Or that dobermans make great guard dogs… or that cattle dogs are happiest when they have something to herd.

Part of this is totally logical – these assumptions are (more or less) what those breeds were literally bred for! So you’d be right, most of the time.

But when I ask you for a stereotype about French bulldogs… what comes to mind? For me, that’s a little trickier. If I really think about it, over my career, every French bulldog I’ve ever met has a strong personality and isn’t afraid to ask for what they want. And they’re goofballs!

So when Cosmo Kramer & Simone’s mom got in touch with me, I assumed I’d be in for an entertaining session, to say the least… two French bulldogs?? That could only mean twice the attitude and twice the goofiness – and therefore, a rollicking good time. And guess what: my stereotype was right!!! We had a BLAST during our photo session, and both dogs were just as assertive and confident as I expected (and hoped) they would be.

But there was one thing I didn’t see coming: amidst all that Frenchie attitude, Cosmo & Simone radiated a constant, unwavering sense of admiration and love for their family. It was so clear to me, throughout our session, that these “big dogs at heart” feel so big & confident because their parents and human “brother” are by their side. They were often checking on their people (especially their mom) during our time together, almost seeming to get their positive energy from their family’s presence. I have a feeling that these close family ties of love & belonging are what let Cosmo & Simone act so “big”.

Sound cheesy? Maybe. But after years of working with families, I know genuine connection when I see it. So let’s just say Cosmo & Simone are two very lucky dogs.

 

We started our photo session in the studio – Simone is on the left and Cosmo’s on the right!

french bulldogs in studio

 

This is Cosmo Kramer, named for his quirky mannerisms that evoke the Seinfeld character. And COME ON is there possibly a more handsome dog out there?! That blocky head, those inky eyes… he’s gorgeous. (No surprise that he’s a former show dog!) My favorite fact about Cosmo is that he watches TV and only gets upset when he sees 2 things: penguins and Nazis!

french bulldog picture

 

And this is the sweet Simone, infamous in her family for having no chill. Whatsoever. Clearly. (But believe it or not, she wasn’t the rascal who ran straight into my camera!!)

french bulldogs running

Martha, Chris and Vincent, thank you so much for a fun afternoon! I can’t wait to show you the rest of our images very soon! :)

 

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