Poor golden pup, waiting for someone to play with him. I love painting puppies…their expressions are priceless….and oh my, they grow and change so very fast.

The “Pawfect Pet Portrait” will be starting the end of the month. This is a small group course held in our forum, $45.00 per student.  It will be in the shopping cart by the end of the week. Also, for those that prefer learning at their own pace you can purchase the Digiatlly Painting Animals and the course is e-mailed to one lesson per week within a 24 hour period of purchasing.

Like many Americans, I sat in the comfort of my home this morning and watched our 44th President get sworn in. It was a lovely ceremony and I must say the musicians did a wonderful job with the music that was written for the occasion…the poem that was read, outstanding. The speech, yes in deed, very eloquently written and read. Sadly for this President….well, things are a mess and so many looking to him to fix all of our countries ailments, which he cannot. Things will no doubt improve….in time.

To those inquiring as to where I had disappeared to since the Holidays. Thank You so much for asking about me….I am still here….still photographing animals, and of course painting them. I have been very busy with the new pup….and then this terrible cough, cold that  just cannot seem to shake….and then…PC troubles.

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

Yes indeed…it really is. When our Golden Phoenix died over a year ago…well our little pack of three was just not the same. While Phoenix can never be replaced it was time to add another Golden to our pack….bringing our three pack, up to a four pack.

While only with us a couple of days…he has made himself right at home.

After the meet and greet it was time to explore the new surroundings…everything had to be taken in, smelled…rolled in

Just look at that face…oh how he just melts our hearts!!!

Looking up at the A-Frame….just maybe one day he will be an agility dog??

And yes….Puppy Breath

He plays hard, and nap time….he sleeps soundly. Now, before you all run out for no doubt I have so enticed a few of you to get yourselves a pup…it is hard work. They need you there to potty train, crate train and of course teach them to have a soft mouth, what not to chew on. Just like with our children the most precious thing you can give is your time.

Rocky finally has a brother…Bailey (Baileys Irish Cream…yum) and yes…a little R & B is indeed good for your soul. Check back once in a while to se how Bailey is growing….oh and look for his training puppy training video’s which will be posted on occasion.

Gift Certificates available for Holiday Gifts!!!

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!

Just another shore bird you may be thinking…well if you watched the news at all yesterday this little bird made headlines. Weighing in no more then a pound in a half these tough little birds are now known to fly the pacific, non stop…as many as 7, 242 miles in their annual fall migration from Alaska to New Zealand. Amazing, so often we forget to marvel at such a thing. So in honor of this little bird I took a little bit of time to paint.

Gift Certificates Available throughout the Holiday Season

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).