Today finds it to be an overcast….damp….rain on and off kind of day. Having some free time I took the opportunity to play with Nikkor’s 50 mm AF S lens and I must say it is exactly what I have read and been told….Sweet It is really about time Nikkor updated some of the old favs. Wonderful Bokeh, and oh so quiet motor….fast enough for the puppies….and of course wonderful for inside and low light situations (1.4)!!! Other then resizing for the web, these images have-not been manipulated.

Since I had the time I decided it was time to “try” and get the pup to know just what he should do around the camera, of course we will need several more sessions for these were really just “luck” shots. When the pups were about 7 weeks old the breeder had sent a photograph to all of the new puppies families of all the puppies in the pen napping. The position that most were in made you smile….there was one pup that had actually climbed on top of one of the crates and was napping on it….half on, half off….can you guess which pup it was?

Even though the three adults are sooooo used to having their pic taken….when adding a new pup to the pack you have to have some patience….at this point the pup is actually a little shark with fur,!!! The other dogs do not want to be placed next to him….they will all learn…and really each will do anything for a treat

Upon my return home yesterday my pack let me know right off the bat that it was just unacceptable that I left them behind. I cannot really blame them…they are used to having me hang around, or if I leave, so too do they. They were left in the very best of care….received enough play, attention. Still, they are way to accustomed to having me around. So in between catching up….I have had to groom, give hugs and of course lots of outside time playing. No….not at all spoiled!

This past weekend found me surrounded by puppies, nothing more adorable then a Golden Puppy!!! I did my best to leave with one or two in my pocket….sigh, the breeder took a count before I left….darn it A cold front had moved in and it was a bit cold outside so all photographs to be taken inside….fast puppies, low light….outside would have been soooo much better!

These were my favorite puppies….too cute!

After getting to hang out with the 11 puppies I then traveled to Asheville and stayed in a lovely Bed & Breakfast (and for those always on the look out for dog friendly Inn’s, this is B&B is for you…oh and make sure you stick around for breakfast….yummy). During my oh too short stay I called Marilyn Sholin and we met for dinner at Havanna’s (Mikey Too). Good food, Good wine….and wonderful company.

The two images above were taken with my cell phone!

This Sunday found me busy working. Doing the prep work on a couple of new portraits…as I am not the photographer on all paintings I create it can at times be a little challenging, especially if the animals are deceased and the original photographs are not very good. So…after running through PS and making the adjustments that will give me the best detail to see, I started painting. I got to thinking and I know, I have written this before…take the time to get a few wonderful photographs of your furry friends…easy to do if taking them yourself. I cannot imagine not having the many wonderful images of my beloved pets….know that in your local area I bet there is a pet photographer or two…well worth the investment…even in these troubled times….I photograph people and their pets all the time as I no doubt other pet photographers do….so make it a family affair and get some great images!!!!

So…during my break the above was painted…Niki in color!

Several of you have been asking why I am soooo very picky about the images you send to me for a painted portrait. It is all int he details my dear friends, if they are not there how can I paint your furry friend? So, the quality of the image is important. If you are trying to photograph more then one furry friend….it just may be easier for you to take a few of them alone and then I can put them all together when painting. The above image was taken and just as I pressed the shutter release a squirrel jumped from the house to a tree….they did manage to keep their stay ….good dogs!

Send several images showing your dogs personality, the above shows Gemma…on a nice day when we are out in the yard you will often find her over seeing her surroundings…she keeps an eye on all of her pack members. Get them playing, napping and just hanging out.

All of the above images flash was used, notice that there is no red eye….make sure your camera is set for red eye control if using flash…rather then photographing your furry friends inside…do it outside in natural light and if flash is used it will be fill flash (best if your flash is off). If, you must get a few inside images do so near a window (natural light is really the best).

Don’t be afraid to get close, or make use of your zoom lens. Get close ups of your pets face (making sure your in focus). Bend down, lie down….whatever it takes to get several great shots. Please note your dogs will be so very excited, or some may even be a little frightened of your camera…relax, make it fun. Have a few tasty morsels, a fun toy….an empty potato chip bag (the noise will help get them to look at you). For some dogs you just may need a helper….you Can also make use of your leash for better control….just make sure nothing important is blocked! Cats….a few fun toys should do the trick!!!

During our mid morning break the pups managed a good romping around the yard and then, just relaxed. Lovely, cool fall morning…leaves falling all around us, nice breeze…and the dogs just enjoying taking everything in. Then…as I turned, camera in hand I noticed Niki sharing a few secrets with Rocky It was soon time for us to head back inside for me to resume work…I did so with a smile, thinking about how the three dogs so enjoy one another’s company.

Lately I have been looking at a few dogs to add one to the pack, another Golden. I am not at all in any rush as I want the right dog that can fit into the pack….also, would like to get past Thanksgiving before adding. I have been visiting a couple of the local rescue organization….several wonderful dogs looking for their forever homes. Always tough when you have so many to choose from….so stay tuned to see if we actually find another pack member!

Only a few more photography days left so if interested in a photo session now is when you want to make your appointment. Also, those wanting a painted portrait…only another two weeks or so to get your orders in to me Please know gift certificates available throughout the holiday season (for photo sessions, painted portrait, online classes).

Yes…I slipped and fell the other day….Ouch! Then the next day I decided to groom the dogs in the morning…you know trim the fur, dremel the nails….I did this sitting on the tile….a few hours later and I just knew I would pay for it….they would have to wait another day to be bathed. That day was today….with the temps dropping at night, well it just may be one of the last outside baths they will get until next spring….or of course I could feed the hose from the bathroom….all the way through the back of the house so that the water temp. can be controlled.

Michael took pity on me and pitched in and helped… started with Rocky, while he was being dried I bathed Niki….then Mike did Gemma. So, all three clean and yes… my back is still killing me. Please note I really have little ability as far as being a “groomer”, however I make them look neat and clean. It is soooo much less stress on the dog if you learn to do it yourself….not to mention the gas you would save, and of course the bathing and grooming money could be used for something else.

Holiday season is here…..running out of time for giving personalized photo gifts, or a painted portrait. Gift certificates will be available throughout the Holiday seaon.

Sometimes it just all comes down to a balancing act

Gift Certificates Available!

Earlier today found myself and my ever faithful pack wandering the yard….camera in hand and ready to stop and photograoh those findings that are interesting. The last of the lilies….seems such a short season however I know that this is due to me not feeing well and not making use of the camera and taking the time to enjoy the flowers in my yard.

While in the agility yard I watched all three dogs…last night I had a student from about 10 years ago stop by to introduce me to his new GS pup. What an adorable puppy Sasha….but then I have a thing for GS’s….love them. What a smart puppy, as she will again be stopping in next week and I will have a few pictures of her to post. Being a puppy she made use of the grassy area in the agility yard….while none of my dogs met her….they knew she was in their yard and this morning just had to investigate. Each had to reclaim what is theirs as they stopped at each location the little pup had urinated.

As all of my pups are now full grown we have been thinking of eventually adding another. Keep thinking something will just come along for in the past that is how we have gotten most of our dogs….or maybe another Golden for how can you just have one

Niki enjoying the large Bumper Bed in Brick and Sunset (twill fabric).

I am always in search of products that my dogs will give Paws Up…and these beds do just that. I have been in search of comfortable dog beds….made in the USA and found a company that is here in the states….what really sold me was that so too are they a green company as are the beds affordable ($79.00-175.00 plus S&H). Did I mention all covers can easily be unzipped, removed for machine washing….the perfect dog bed!

So, coming soon to Paw Prints Store will be several of these wonderful beds.

The Bumper Beds come in nine colors that by mixing and matching you have up to 81 different combinations to choose from. The Tuckered out comes in two colors (plus a Premium which is in cow print….fun).

Roomy enough to share!

These beds are stuffed with 100% recycled intelliLoft …and they are very well made!

Rocky and Niki in the x-lg Tuckered Out Bed in the Beach Glass / Chocolate (made with reinforced Berber material).

Beach Glass/ Chocolate & Oatmeal/ Chocolate

Each bed is well made and is zippered so covers can be easily removed and machine washed! So “Paws Up” from my pack!!! Please know that if interested and you just cannot wait until listed in Paw Prints Store, just contact us and we will order one for you!

Paw Prints Studio does it’s best to support local small business’s and business’s located in the USA and actually stands behind their products beings sold as Made in the USA products.