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!

The other day when I photographed the pups as a demo for photographing your pets…during the group photo I got the shot I wanted. then I said the magic release word…the one word that my dogs LOVE….it has a different meaning depending on just what we are doing….for the above it meant you can move and TREAT. I “whispered” OK and at the same time pressed the shutter release to see just what I would get…then of course I was attacked by three very happy dogs Amazing how the partially paralyzed dog managed to be the first one in motion!

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).

As promised to a couple of students I agreed to post a painting from a couple of years ago. It almost looks as though it would glow in the dark:-) Pretty busy…you really have to start somewhere! Do not be afraid to show your work!!!

Today I spent several hours on the Internet looking for photo nightlights. I would prefer nice, decorative ones however time is short and these are needed for Goldenrama. In my search I came across two artists sites….both were selling plastic nightlights. Contacted both and I am so very appreciative for both having taken the time to respond, after all this is a pretty busy time of year for many of us. One would not share her source (I fully understood), the other shared. The artist that shared it was the very same type I had found during my search, however I found them for less….so I took the time to send a few sites to her that had them at better prices…Thanks Susan, your a doll (let me know if all right to post your site here on mine….your work is wonderful). After the Holidays I will have to visit the Mart in Atlanta during a few of the shows and see if I cannot find specialty items such as the decorative photo nightlights rather then the plastic. These make such wonderful little gifts, or sale promo…and rescues lovvve them.

To those in the Atlanta area…the gas prices have fallen…and we can actually get some….yippppeee

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.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

July has come and gone… for my Mother -in-laws birthday it was decided lunch for her and friends at a lovely restaurant over looking the water would be a wonderful gift. When dealing with several people….well it took a bit of time to get everyones schedule to coordinate. Finally, the date was set….limo ordered for they should travel in style…and fun was had by all. So…maybe something we should all practice….celebrating two birthdays instead of one Photographs taken by Dottie’s good friend, Max.