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!!!

Rainy afternoon here in the Atlanta area…the dogs, knowing it is a rainy day are taking naps…Rocky at my feet, Gemma behind me and Niki curled up in the doggie bed to my left. They know there will be no fun adventures this afternoon. The weather of course is what inspired the above…”Dog Walk”. The fall weather is wonderful to get you up and doing something fun with your furry friends, even if it is raining out!

Gift Certificates available throughout the Holiday Season!

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).

Sometimes it just all comes down to a balancing act

Gift Certificates Available!

In this day and age…we all are so very busy…still we must make time to just play…in my case  I love to scribble (for those more sensitive to my choice of wording…simply put…Doodle). With my memories of the beach, the dogs and of course the fun we had I took the opportunity during a short break this afternoon to just scribble. Not a care in the world, no worries about exact likeness….just scribbling away…all the while I was smiling. Like so many of my scribbles, this one is not yet completed for it was time to get back to work….still, I had fun

When was the last time you took a little break to just play?

What can I say about Jin…to look into her eyes you just fall in love with her. She is a beauty and so true to her breed…fun, lively and oh so very curious about everything. Just look at those legs….she just makes me smile Converted the above file to a B/W file for the family to view for tee shirts and coffee mugs (available in sepia, color and B/W).

Took a close look at my calender today…can you believe the Holiday season starts in just a couple of weeks. Well…mine does anyway….remember to all those that will be wanting a photo session and or a Painting….be it a gift for someone special, or a gift for yourself…now is the time you want to get this done. It takes about six weeks during this time…and if I am verrry busy it could be longer to get something for the Holidays…add to that an early cut off date (will post more on that a little later). Gift Certificates are always 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

What is it about sunflowers I adore… So very fragile looking with their long stems and large flowers…. Swaying in the breeze… hues of gold, yellow, brown and green. Standing so tall and proud… Always turning their heads towards the sun.

Taking a break and doing something fun. Hung out with the puppies earlier then sat and painted a few things…just because I felt like it and the fact I am not feeling well…Lupus…sometimes just has to rear it’s ugly head. I often think it does that just as a way to get me to pay attention on the “good” days….take in all you can, when you can

Add to the fact that while I so enjoy painting portraits, often times I have to do what the client wants for they want what they want and the fact the artist wants to be creative, well sometimes you just have to paint in a way that is more appealing to the one that will be viewing the painting on a daily basis It takes me a while to wrap my mind around making the changes that were requested…best to walk away for a day or so and then start with fresh eyes, and a fresh mind.

Managed a few shots of the puppies…very hot here in the Atlanta area and bad air as well….so early morning is the best times for us to explore for a little while.