About

Tag: ‘senior’



A Difficult Senior Dog Session: Bubba the Border Collie

Monday, July 16th, 2012

Bubba is a super-sweet old border collie whom I had the honor of meeting on Saturday. We had a great session – he was a patient model, he made us laugh throughout the whole hour, and we scheduled a follow-up session for outdoor photos later this week! At a glance, it was a wonderful time, and a typical experience for my clients. But under the surface, unfortunately, we were working with a very time-sensitive purpose: at 13, Bubba has stopped eating his meals and appears to be in a bit of chronic pain. His mom Kim doesn’t think he has much time left, so we got together as SOON as possible. And while that thought made the session harder than most, it also made it SO important. (Future clients, please know that if your dog is in a similar condition, I make it a policy to drop what I’m doing and come to you immediately. When time is short I don’t want to leave anything to chance, and I’ll do whatever I can to make sure you have beautiful portraits of your dog, even if it’s in his or her last hours.)

 

Enjoy these photos of Bubba – hopefully I’ll have even more to blog (from a gorgeous farm, with horses!) by the end of the week!

An old border collie dog barks and lays down in the studio.

 

We found a couch to relax on, and that was a bit more comfortable for Bubba…

An old border collie dog relaxes on a couch in the studio and smiles.

 

But mostly he just wanted to be close to mom.

An old border collie dog lays down in the studio and looks up at his owner.

 

Thank you so much for the privilege of working with your family, Kim. I’ll see you soon!

 

 

And Now for Something Totally Different: Portland Senior Girls Photography

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

You’re about to see something you’ve NEVER seen on this blog before… are you ready? Here come a bunch of two-leggers!

This past week, I went home to Portland, Oregon (where I grew up) to photograph my little sister! She’ll be a senior in high school this year, and senior portraits are a big deal in the northwest. So I got together with her (and a bunch of her friends), and we had a great time!

I’ll tell you what, seniors were an incredible challenge to photograph – but so much fun at the same time! Since I’m used to my “clients” paying little attention to me and only doing what I want so they can play with a ball or snack on a treat, it was a HUGE change to have my subjects actually do what I tell them to! Every time! Haha… I definitely have more respect for senior photographers now, because they have to have incredible creativity and posing knowledge. I mean, I always figured as much, but things are always eye-opening when you do them yourself for the first time. These girls were not only incredibly patient with me, but they were GORGEOUS models, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group to work with!

For the record, I can’t possibly imagine changing the focus of my business – I’ll always love photographing dogs. And my many pet clients certainly keep me busy, I’m lucky to say! So I’m still Allison Shamrell Pet Photography. But every once in a while I don’t mind a change of pace… so check out my first foray into senior photography! :)

 

Morgan

A high school senior in Portland, Oregon stands amongst trees and grass.

 

Keaton

A high school senior in Portland, Oregon sits on brick stairs.

 

Noelle

A high school senior in Portland, Oregon stands in downtown streets.

 

Katie

A high school senior in Portland, Oregon sits in the grass.

 

Kristine

A high school senior in Portland, Oregon sits under the St. John's Bridge.

 

Shelby

A high school senior in Portland, Oregon smiles up at the camera.

 

Noelle

A high school senior in Portland, Oregon smiles in a wheat field.

 

Last but not least, my gorgeous sister Katherine!

A high school senior in Portland, Oregon strikes a pose against a wooden door.

 

THANK YOU so much to all of you ladies for your time! I’ll have your galleries up next week! (hopefully!)

 

The Devotion of a Poodle: Marcel

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012

Marcel was not always Don & Linda’s dog. He actually used to belong to one of their kids! But every time Don came over, Marcel was at his side. Marcel was sad when Don left, and overjoyed when he returned – to the point that it just made sense for Don & Linda to bring him home with them. And now Don has a permanent shadow! Marcel protects him, loves him, and truly wants nothing more than to be with him all the time.

You hear about soulmates, and maybe you’re one of the lucky people to have found one. Some people believe in them, and others don’t. Watching Marcel & Don interact made me think about that term, though, and how maybe it doesn’t always have to apply to romantic partners. And that it could even surpass species. I haven’t known them very long, but I’m pretty sure Marcel has found his human counterpart – and best friend – in Don. It’s a devotion and a closeness that I don’t see too often. And even if I wasn’t a photographer, I’d describe it as beautiful.

Here are a few photos (an extra-big Sneak Peek!) from our session, during which we visited my studio, the park and the beach – because the sweet little guy loves the beach! I’m pretty sure we tuckered him out :)  Enjoy!

 

“Hi, I’m Marcel, and I’m a serious contender for cutest poodle ever. I’d like to thank my ears.”

9-year-old poodle in the studio and the park, with an ear up.

 

A poodle runs and poses in a pretty park.

 

Poodle sits on the beach with his human dad.

 

Thanks for a wonderful and heart-warming session, Don & Linda! I truly enjoyed it so much.

 

Pensacola’s 8th Annual Wiener Dog Races

Monday, April 16th, 2012

This past Saturday (April 14, 2012) was a beautiful day, with plenty of sunshine and a constant breeze – perfect weather for racing! Pensacola’s Wiener Dog Races are in their 8th year, and personally, I was pretty impressed at how organized and systematic the event was: there were divisions for every weight class (from 5 lbs all the way up to 20+ lbs) and each race was exciting! And to top it all off, proceeds from admission and food sales went to support the Florida Dachshund Rescue, a fantastic group of people that rehabilitate and re-home dachshunds in need. It was a fantastic day – check out all the fun we had in this video!
 

It was great to meet everyone there – and congrats again to the winners!

 

Kaylee the Old Golden Retriever Girl

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

I don’t know what it is about golden retrievers. Sometimes I think they have a direct link to my soul. I love meeting them, I love photographing them, I love playing with them – and I’m so blessed that my job allows me to do all three! This is Kaylee, a beautiful old girl that was adopted by her parents only three years ago. She’s 11 years old, and has a lot of energy for a girl her age! I was pretty impressed at how many times she kept throwing around and jumping for her pink tennis ball! (yes, she throws it around!)

 

It pains me to show just a few photos of this pretty old girl. I may have to post more to my Facebook page this week… because on a quick glance through her session folder, I’m a BIT overwhelmed. In a good way, of course!! Enjoy these images!

 

 This toy wasn’t in very good shape after about 5 minutes with Kaylee…

Senior golden retriever in the studio tearing up a toy.

 

Don’t worry, Kiersten and Brandon, I didn’t cut off your heads in all the photos! :)

Senior golden retriever in the studio with her owners.

 

We ended the session by relaxing at home. I think Kaylee was pleased about that.

Senior golden retriever on a bed with her owners, next to their feet.

 

Thanks for a GREAT session, Kaylee! I can’t wait to go through the rest of your images!

 

 

All Images Copyright | Blog Theme Created by LJP & SLR Lounge