This is Simon, I met him a few weeks ago for his session and he did beautifully. Initially he was frightened of the camera, he'd be showing off in grand ways but the moment I lifted my lens he would droop.

After a walk through his owners stunning woods he did loosen up a bit and I was able to catch some of his fun and silly personality.

A few weeks ago I got to have a little mini shoot with these guys. Obviously brothers BooBoo and Mister have a very different outlook on life. One, harboring an inner diva that rivals many in Hollywood. One, I obviously bored him.

I was fortunate enough to meet Simon this past Monday.

His owner had told me about the rough start he had in life, how they nearly lost him a few times.

You would never believe it now. He is a beautiful four year old and after a warming up period enjoyed showing me his awesome diving and ball catching skills.

Well thanks to Facebook and their grubby little updated user agreement I will be posting much more to my blog.
I really should have done this all along but hindsight is always 20/20 or so my mother said.

This little girl is known as the 'Little Red Hen' and she really does seem to cluck at times. I think we are all enjoying the arrival of fall.

I hate digital.

I know this seems odd since I actually shoot with a digital camera but I hope to explain myself.

Back in the time of film every shot had to be anticipated and thought through. The film sent off, the negatives viewed with much anticipation and then prints ordered.  I go through this process myself every time I run a roll through one of my film cameras. I adore the romanticism of it.

These days with digital the thought seems to be that there is no effort involved and why bother printing because you can ‘buy the disc’.  Somehow it has gone from art to some sort of instant gratification production.

This does both the photographer and the client a great disservice. How many of you, photographers and consumers alike have discs or hard drives filled with photos that have never gone farther then your Facebook page? Are your walls at home empty or filled with another persons ‘art’?



Why is this?



In ten years will you even be able to use the disc of images? Yes? Well what about that floppy disc from the 90’s, never really thought those would go obsolete did you.
But, if you pull out the old family albums that your grandparents and parents put together you can once again fall back into the memories they inspire.  The feel and look of physical prints, it does give the experience that little bit extra.

If you pay for photography the least you can do for yourself is order prints of some sort. Don’t leave your images wasting away on a disc or on the computer. Get them on your walls, bask in the memories, and show off the awesome subjects.

I am not in any way suggesting you get the disc and go print them at Wal-Mart. There is a reason pro photographers use pro labs, and it’s not so we can charge more. There is a significant difference.
In quality, colors, durability.
We work with our labs to make sure your products are spot on and of the highest quality. We stand behind our work and are always here for future questions or concerns.
This doesn’t happen when you ‘just get the disc’.



So next time you are considering photos of that adorable newborn, your beautiful family, or your four legged friends do your research.
Decide what kind of prints you want for your walls, find a photographer that offers them and has training and passion invested in their business and make it happen.

You are worth it. Your subjects are worth it. And live with a bit of anticipation while those prints are on their way.

Lilly is one of those dogs that has an amazing zest for life.

She's charismatic as well as sweet with a healthy dose of puppy bratyness thrown in for good measure.

She is working towards her pond snorkeling championship.

I don't know about you all but I am thrilled that summer is here.
Unfortunately it didn't feel like summer on Saturday for the Nappanee Dog Parks 2013 Pet Expo. Overcast, damp, and cold there still managed to be a decent turn out. I met some stunningly beautiful pets and their totally devoted people. I tended to talk a lot more then I photographed so pardon the lack of candids.

The winter can be a chilly time to get out and about. I was reminded of this recently. The day of this session dawned bright, windy, and cold. The thermometer read 16 but after windchill it was much closer to the negative digits. However, this adorable girl embraced her terrier side and we managed to get some great shots before we all agreed that we were numb and it would be best to reschedule for a warmer day.
Of course the PERFECT day happened to be the next day. A fresh snow cover gave everything a soft  pillowy look. No wind and a relatively warm 26 degrees.
Thank you to the weather for that slight.