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.

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.

I realize that if you come here, it's to see pretty pictures, not a bunch of words but i had to post today.
I am a craigslist addict. I love to browse it. I love looking at vintage furniture but also tend t head to the pet section.
And around this time of year the pet section is terrible.
Puppies, all types, all needing to go 'NOW' Cats as well but their numbers on their always depress me. But the puppies.
You can tell given their ages that they were most likely christmas presents.
Now, the cuteness worn off, the realities of house training and manner training kicks in so they get kicked to the curb.
Or, even better, 'Our old dog doesn't like it'. What a shocker, they are dogs, if you throw a young pup at an established single dog there will be some adjustments and *gasp* it might take effort.
I know this can be a sore topic but please PLEASE do not give puppies as gifts unless it's been very well thought out and agreed to before hand. Please.
These four legged creatures are each individuals but have one thing in common. They depend on us, they don't chose us, they don't buy themselves, they don't decide on their own to come into our homes. We do it all. When we do that, it's up to us to follow through with our commitment. If nothing else what does it teach your children? They are expendable? Not something I'd want my daughter to learn. So, before you go get that puppy on a whim take a trip to a local shelter. Look at every one of those faces, most barking frantically for attention. Make sure you can promise forever to the best of your ability. Of course, if the spirit moves you, you could give one of the animals in front of you a chance at a great new home. ;)

**Note, if your puppy purchase is planned with a responsible breeder you will have been thoroughly vetted prior to any of this (please note I did say responsible) and you will likely feel as if you've been interrogated by the FBI. This is for the puppy's safe being and most of the time (though not all) prevents any of the issues discussed above.

Remember how I was just talking about shooting in the cold and snow? Well, there isn't so much snow in this but it was negative 6 degrees windchill.
Didn't stop this girl from enjoying herself.

So, we are (as usual) wrapping gifts on the Eve. Bosley and his Great Paws find the task much to tempting so he is, Horror of Horrors, locked in the kitchen.
Now mind you, this is less then five feet from where I am wrapping. We are separated by a child safety gate so he's far from segregated.
After getting 'the look' under the gate for some time he decides to make his own fun.
Clu has a crate in the kitchen. She loves it and you'll often find her napping there in the middle of the day. But, she is small, thus it is small.
I do have a point I promise.
So, Bosley is out in the kitchen and I hear quite the ruckus, I glance out and see....no Bosley. Hmm... "Bosley?" Instantly a black speckled nose, followed by the rest of him emerges from Clu's crate. It's a lot like watching clowns exiting a car. Shaking my head in disbelief I return to wrapping, keeping one eye on the kitchen to catch Houdini in the act.
After a forlorn sigh he once again returns to the entrance of Clu's crate, drops nearly to his belly and heads on in. Moments later his head pokes out of the door.
How he makes himself fit, let alone turn around, is a mystery.  So, I've finally released him from his terrible torment in the kitchen and given all the dogs an early gift that they are now enjoying quietly.

Keeping them out of the gifts until morning...wish me luck.