Pet Photography
So, we have this cat. He is a 2 & 1/2 year old Red Pointe Birman and his name is Boo. He is lovely. People tell us all of the time how beautiful he is. We love him and he means the world to us. When people ask me where we got him, I respond “My sister made him for me. Literally!” Anne already had a Birman (Sugar) and quickly had her spayed but when she realized that it was such a beautiful breed, she arranged to get a 2nd and bred her. Spice, Boo’s mom, had just one litter and gave birth to 4 kittens the day before I was to head off to Mexico with Gary and while I was only there to witness the birth of 2 or them (Boo being one) I later learned that 2 of the kittens, sadly, didn’t survive. Boo has a sister, Fergie, but her coloring is completely different from Boo (who is nearly all a creamy white) but they both have the gorgeous, signature blue eyes of the Birman.
You must know, and many of you already do, that this is not my first pet or my first loved feline. Brother/Sister litter-mates Hobie & Katie (Chocolate Pointe Ragdolls) were loving fixtures in our lives for 12 years and passed 11 weeks apart almost to the day 2 summers ago and we still miss them (see their story under the “IN MEMORIAM” tab on the home page) . About 3 months before they were put down, Boo came into our lives. Sure, we had to sort of “stow” him away in the office for a week or so and slowly introduce the little bugger to the “elders” but Boo swiftly became welcomed.
I remember very well Gary saying (once I brought Boo home) “So….when is he going back to your sister’s?” I retorted, with raised eyebrows…”Ahhh, he’s not?” Well I can’t imagine life without him and that didn’t take long. Gary and I both grieved so much when Hobie and Katie passed that Boo made for the perfect addition at the perfect time. I am forever grateful to my sister for allowing me to scoop that little fella up and take him home with me and I promise him everyday, by doing, that he will have a full life and be loved beyond measure as long as he is on this earth!
Okay, I know….the blog post is entitled “Pet Photography” not “How to replace a pet” or “How to manipulate your spouse into getting another animal” but I just happen to know, for a fact, that there are others like us, out there, who love your furry little family members and for countless folks, in the world, our pets are our children. What I want to offer to you is an opportunity to have your little darling photographed in a way in which you’ve maybe not ever considered. Sure, some folks wait for a family portrait session or Senior session to pluck up the family pet and hope he sits good for the camera OR you wait for the local pet stores to offer a “Have your pet’s photo taken with Santa” session and please don’t get me wrong those are great memories to have…I just want to spin things a bit and ask that you have me come to your home (or favorite park) and follow them in their surroundings and really capture their essence and soul. Fish, Birds, Reptiles are also encouraged and welcome. Do you have a horse or other farm dwelling lovelies? I would be honored to photograph them all. Please contact me so we can swap pet stories and preserve your beloved pets!
Here are some of my Cat-Hall of Famers! First up, Bob.
Here’s Alice!
and Yoshi!
Now I know that’s a lot of cats but know that not one of God’s creatures is too big or too small…I adore them all and cannot wait to meet yours. Thanks and talk to you soon.
GraphiStudio Albums
Now, I know there are a bunch of album companies out there. I’ve worked with many of them and I won’t stop searching for the perfect solution for my clients but what I’m here to say is that I adore what GraphiStudios offers me and in turn offers my clients. I get asked a lot, by brides, “Do you have a favorite album company?” and “Which album companies do you use?” My answer is “Yes, Graphi.”
Lets say you don’t need a Wedding album…it’s all good…I can create a GORgeous album of your Pregnancy, your Children, your High School Seniors, your Pets, your Business even your Vacation! Albums, today, are an extension of your world and should be seen as such. Showcase your life and put it on display. Contact me when you are ready to make Art out of your Life!
Above is a 14 x 18 Horizontal Album containing 40 pages (80 sides) of metallic paper (GORgeous) accompanied by a brushed metal image for it’s cover. This album could quite possibly be incorporated into your workout routine as it weighs in at a whopping 18 pounds! LOVE it!
Each album can be delivered in a super stylish briefcase to protect your heirloom for generations.
Below is a Square, 14 x 14, 40 page (80 sides) album printed on photographic paper with a buttery leather cover complete with a cut out to tease the onlooker and debossed with the couples names this one is sure to delight the senses even before you turn that first page.
Everyone has different tastes so if a Vertical Album is more your style, fear not. All album designs can be created to meet your needs and dimensional wishes.The following is a 9.5 x 13 Vertical, 30 page (60 sides) album printed on Linen Textured Paper with the Graphi-classic, Crystal Glance cover!
Combinations of dimensions, covers, paper are all up to you but don’t let that scare you. I can assist you in making those important detail decisions so that you can be proud of and enjoy your album and share it with generations to come.
Albums aren’t just for weddings anymore!
Black & White
In a world brimming over with color I often wonder what it is about black and white images that seem to stop time. I recently found…and I wish I could remember who said it…a quote that went something like this….”In a color portrait you see the person, in a black and white portrait you see the soul.” Palpable, isn’t it?
Well…I’ve noticed, lately, that I seem to leave many of my images in color…I haven’t been converting many. I guess living in Minnesota with so many colorless months I’ve simply gravitated towards colored images. They’re happy. Color images smile.
So I asked myself…do you only want to capture time? OR, would you like to make an impact with those very same images and stop time? Hmmmm. I think it’s high time I select the latter. Now, I’m not saying that I’m leaping off the color wagon but perhaps I’ll dabble with sitting on the running board and drag my boots a bit. Here are some recent captures of mine…thanks for checking in…
Janelle & Chad.
While they won’t wed until summer of 2011, Janelle & Chad met up with me for their engagement session this past week in Mankato (after a rain out session previously scheduled in Minneapolis). The spots that we found were some real gems! With a citrus theme in the works, we kept things bright but that didn’t stop me from suggesting that they pack their waders for a peaceful, relaxing end to the session. Thanks, you two, for arranging to reschedule. I know that next summer will be amazing! Embrace the planning phase and rest assured that I will capture every detail!
emily.13
My niece, Emily, recently turned 13. My sister, now, has another teenager in the house! YIKES! She and I have something in comon…Emily and I are both middle children. Famous for his Birth Order Book, Dr. Kevin Leman can guide you in why you are the way you are. Funny thing for me is that while I was the youngest and only girl for nearly 9 years my parents didn’t stop at 3 children…or even 4…I ended up the “youngest” of the first part of our family then the “oldest” of the 2nd half but chronologically…I ended up in the middle when Mike (the youngest and to this day refers to him self as “Mike, saved the best for last”), the 5th child, was born nearly 17 years after my oldest brother, Tim. Wheeeew…did I lose you? No matter..birth order (pecking order as some call it) is whatever you want to make of it. That said, I am happy to be safe & snug in the middle of my siblings and wouldn’t have it any other way.
So, back to Emily. As is customary, for many years, I have gifted my nieces and nephews with photo shoots for their birthdays which begins with a FABulous hair session. What started as a simple idea has grown to include (sometimes) hours of hair preparation and several outfit changes. This year, Emily kept it simple with a ton of new layers and a date with a flat iron! I love her energy and spunk. Here are a few of my faves…
Emily, I love you. Thanks for hangin’ with me and allowing me to capture your spirit.
Owen’s First Birthday!
Last weekend I joined a family to photograph their son, Owen, for his first birthday! This was a big day for them. This family has quickly become quite special to me. You see, nearly 2 and 1/2 years ago I had the honor of coming along side them and photographing their daughter, Aliah, who never made it into this world. I’ve been a volunteer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep for a number of years and for some families…I walk into the room and I just know that a bond will form beyond the session for which I was called in for. This family would prove to forge one of those bonds and they have changed my life forever as well. Thank you, Kelly and Jeff, for allowing me to capture your blessed Owen all along. From womb to 1…he’s one special guy and you will all remain in my heart forever. Happy 1st Birthday, Owen!
Jill & Andy…Engaged!
Congratulations to Jill and Andy…they’re wedding is set for October of 2010! With the engagement shoot behind them they will prepare their “Save the Date” cards and cross that off of their long list of preparations and details for their Wedding Day! Thank you, both, for inviting me to capture your sweet, relaxed nature. Looking forward to October!
Destination…Mexico.
I recently returned from an 8 day trip to Mexico. First, I spent 3 reflective days, by myself, in Play del Carmen then traveled north to join my sister and her family in Cancun for a little more action. I brought along a camera that “crapped out” on me upon my arrival and was forced to shoot with my iPhone. Fortunately, I wasn’t there to shoot a wedding! Besides, when I head out to photograph a wedding be it over seas, across a boarder or in the next county I always bring along plenty of back up! Thankfully, I was able to arrange for Anne to swing by my house, grab my other camera and bring it down with her!
I have to say, and I know I’m not alone on this one, that while destination weddings are a lot of work the rewards and results are always outstanding. Gorgeous backdrops are a given but getting to spend more time with the entire group of guests, leading up to the big day, makes you feel like family and everyone seems to loosen up more!
(Destination Wedding pricing is quoted individually and available upon request)
My sister’s family and I were poolside as the staff at the Marriott was prepping for a beach wedding on Palm Sunday. I grabbed this shot before things got crazy, I couldn’t resist!
This trip was pure pleasure and relaxation for me and an escape from the past 5 months of my mother’s illness and passing. It was so good to be there with family!
Pete, my brother-in-law, turned and asked me if I’d like him to take my photo and I handed him my camera and he got this great shot of me. Thanks, Pete! Thank you for everything!
I’m waiting to get shots off Pete’s underwater camera from our dive & I’ll post those another day. Above sea level, below sea level, we had a fabulous time!
Thanks, again, Bakers! I love you.
Gemma.
I feel so fortunate and blessed to have the ability to love two occupations. Photographer and Hair Dresser. Quite a lovely marriage of vocations, really. On occasion I get to do both for the same client~that’s what I really love! Yesterday, my niece, Gemma, came by to cash in on her Christmas present…haircolor (of her choice) an a fresh cut. After a rather quick consultation we decided to do a TON of blonde highlights on the top and go dark underneath for the “peek-a-boo” color. Gemma’s been dark for a while so it was fun to see her go lighter. Before she left, I grabbed a few shots….I love her. She’s growing up fast and is even going to head out to San Francisco in March for a first ever, on her own, trip! I’m so excited for her! I pulled out all of my San Francisco albums and reminisced about all of my love for that city. She’s pretty stoked about going and I’m excited for her! Perhaps one day she and I will go on an adventure somewhere, together.
Jessie Selects a Pic!
Last Sunday, while most of my family was gathered out at mom’s hospice home to visit and watch the Vikings cream the Sea Hawks, I asked my niece if she’s like to pop outside and grab a few birthday shots on the grounds around the home. While she didn’t come prepared to have a photo shoot I thought she looked amazing and she was braggin’ up her new top that she’d just bought so I figured we should give it a go! I think she rocked it!
