All I can say, is there’s not better way to immortalize the acquisition of a new puppy family member than to see them on the cover of a magazine!
Somewhat impulsively Olivia, Charleston, Colin and I ended up in Mt.Vernon on a Sunday afternoon – between tulips – in the dirt – working for the perfect shot.
Here’s some shots that were cover contenders… {Dog bless string cheese – without which, these shots would not be possible. Oh, and also Charlie’s FANTASTIC “Old School” collar by Mascot, which I adore.}
Ok so as a photographer, contrary to popular belief, I don’t carry around my camera at all times. I don’t photograph my dogs daily and I don’t think it’s interesting or engaging to post constant blogs about my own pets.
However, watching the evolution of the relationship between my 6 yr. old Great Dane and our brand new French Bulldog puppy has been fascinating. He (Charlie the baby) is gregarious and fearless and persistent – while also quite laid back and patient. She (Olivia the Dane) is needy, barky, somewhat aloof and really would be perfectly content to be up on the couch or bed, alone with mom for her entire life. Charleston took and immediate liking to Olivia – her fondness for him is more of an acquired taste.
I have discovered that when I put Charlie up on things (bed, couch, chair) he stays there. He doesn’t even attempt to jump off. So I’ve used this to my advantage when trying to complete household activities that are easier accomplished without a puppy underfoot. One of these such days I was putting away laundry and plopped the pup on the bed (Olivia followed – she can’t stand the idea of him getting a privilege she has not been granted.)
During the half an hour or so that followed I absolutely HAD to get my camera. The light was soft and lovely, the colors in the room suited their spots and pinky skin and they were both in a fine mood to be documented. Here are some of my favorites… I love the “barky” ones because it really seems as if they are having a lengthy conversation
Then Olivia got bored and disappeared so I took the opportunity to make my bed and plopped Charlie back up there for a nap…
And of course, because a self-indulgent blog post about your own dogs is ALWAYS better with video… we have for you a fun little moment in our typical evening at home: Olivia and Charleston havin’ it out. They love each other, we promise
Oh my goodness, I just want to eat them up! They are adorable. They remind me of my dog, Buddy, and my sister’s dog, Olivia. Only our Olivia is a little Boston Terrier who is just like Charlie, and Buddy the Lab is just like your Olivia. I couldn’t stop “awww”-ing and laughing at the pictures and video, they remind me so much of our two. And Charlie, Charlie is just TOO much! I don’t know how you survive with so much cuteness in your house!
They are SO sweet! I LOVE them! And, I totally know what you mean.. Yes, I love to take photos of Topaz, but no, she doesn’t get photographed daily… Not even weekly. Honestly, it’s more enjoyable to shoot dogs I don’t know well…. I’m too picky with Topaz! I love the one of them looking at each other. Adorable.
Okay, I gotta hand it to you guys over at dane and dane, your photography absolutely rocks! Your new french bulldog puppy is so adorable and so wonderfully captured! Your dane is sweet too, and you are spot on in documenting their relationship perfectly! As photographers sometimes we’re like the cobbler who doesn’t have shoes for his family. But the time that you took to document your babes in a artful way will last the rest of your life and bring you so much happiness each time you look at your collection of photographs. Plus photographing them on the bed was brilliant! They looks so commfy and natural. Thank you for sharing your wonderful design and photography with us. Cheers, Marc
On a rainy Friday morning, I met Jasmine. Lighter and more compact than the camera I was toting on my shoulder, this little lady had me at * head tilt*.
I am so thrilled that Jazzy’s mom has hired me to photograph her 3 more times this year – that means we get to document this little fluff ball as she grows and her bold little personality develops. It’s days like this that I LOVE my job! (even in the rain).
Jasmine is a 13 week old “ShiChon” (Shih Tzu // Bichon) and she is all GO! Typically my subjects aren’t much for holding still, but this little wiggle worm had about a 1.2 second attention span. We played with toys, we made some really insane noises and we rolled around and snuggled in the dreary morning light.
What I couldn’t get over with Jazzy is what a rag doll she is – not like my solid chunk-of-a-puppy Frenchie. She’s feather-light and floppy, floppy and boy does she love to get love!
Here’s a couple sneak-peeks from our first shoot of 2010!
A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of venturing out to Seabrook (my #1 favorite WA ocean-side getaway). My purpose was to #1 attend the “Doggie Days” event held there (making an appearance for both dane + dane pet photography & Dog is Good). The #2 reason for the trip was to photograph the three canine kids of my new friend Ann, the proprietor of “Salty Dog”, the new pet boutique coming to Seabrook this summer.
The event on Saturday was a ton of fun – there was a great turn-out of fun-lovin’ Fidos, all helping to raise money for the North Beach PAWS Animal Shelter in Ocean Shores. We all thought Olivia was a contender for the “lick peanut butter off a spoon” contest – but alas she was bested by a ravenous Golden Retriever. I guess all those “dainty eater” manners don’t always come in so handy There was also BBQ and cupcakes… add in the beer + wine garden and I really don’t think you can get closer to perfection: BBQ, cupcakes, sunshine, cold beer and dogs by the ocean? Yes please! Here’s some photos that the good folks at Seabrook posted on their blog (you can see Olivia chillin’ in the car as we set up our booth): Seabrook Doggie Days 2010
The next day we had a lazy one – made yummy breakfast, walked the beach, rode the beach cruiser bikes around town, relaxed in the hot tub. When the tide was out and the sun was low, we met up with Ann, Max, Gus and Henry to wander down to the ocean for some fetch, frisbee and photos.
I love, LOVE shooting on the beach – what scenery eh? Makes my job soooo easy (well aside from all the sand that gets everywhere – and I do mean EVERYWHERE. Sheesh) Regardless, I am happy to have the opportunity to return Seabrook a few weekends this summer/fall for some sessions there – I cannot wait! In the meantime, Ann has the tough job of picking which photos should go up in her store!! Good luck missy!
These are all great, but that silhouette / reflective cloud shot at the beach is particularly awesome. Would you mind sharing what length lens you used for that one? Thanks as always for posting your work – I always look forward to seeing your new stuff. Beautiful!
As most of you know by now – I spend a lot of time in Southern California.
When I visit, I stay at the home of Jon & Gila Kurtz (my partners in crime at Dog is Good). However, the house is also shared by their children: dogs Sasha and Henry and one human kid -Abby. Recently, earned through a variety of rewardable behaviors, Abby was given a Guinea Pig… a pet she researched thoroughly before purchasing and whom she promptly named “Sheldon”. Clearly this kid has great taste and a refined sense of humor.
If, like Abby, you’re mom is a dog trainer (as well as incredibly devoted to the household canines) you’d want your own companion too, and that’s exactly what Abby’s found in this squeaky little wonder-rodent. (The fact that he does not need twice-daily walks was a big selling point.)
As a gift last holiday, I promised Abby a mini photo session of her and Sheldon – her precious little piggie. Here are a few of my faves
P.S. Abby fully intends to get a second pig and name him Todd.
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