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…

Kathryn's 1st Communion

I had the distinct honor of not only attending Kathryn’s
1st Communion but photographing her that day as well.
Rather than putting a slide show together, I’ve decided
that the images would be best viewed individually.

Kathryn is a complete natural beauty, loves the camera
and, luckily, loves me too. Oh, and also pictured is their
new puppy Sam. Sam is a Cavalier King Charles/Bichon mix.