I can honestly say I am not sorry to see 2008 go. While my business as a full time portrait photographer has grown and my new clients have been a high point of this year, I have had some personal changes that were not so great. I anticipate 2009 to be a fresh new slate of exciting things to come.
This is Finn. He belongs to a lovely lady named Suzanne Bria. You can check out her Goldens here. We had some fun yesterday–he’s a perfect gentleman. I will probably post more of these as I edit them but I just wanted to end 2008 with a glance of something that always makes me happy and warm inside. Nothing beats the soul for some canine sunshine and beauty.
Something is looking down on Finn from above and speaking to him–maybe it’s Riley in spirit. Riley’s telling him what to expect from a photo session with me. At least Finn is still smiling!
Did I mention that Finn has many titles on him?
Intl-CH Hyegold Midsumr Knights Dream CDX RAE TDX JH WC VCX CCA CGC ASCA-TD [AKC ptd.]
This just shows you what a lot of hard work can accomplish. He loves his obedience training–jumping, tracking, you name it! Talented boy.
Of course it’s already Christmas in other parts of the world right now. I hope everyone is spending time with your loved ones, canine or human and enjoying the holiday season. This was one of my favorite captures this season and it almost seems that little George here is singing a holiday carol.
Today’s agenda is to relax some and bake some cookies for Santa for tonight. I have found I have serious trouble relaxing–the guilt factor washes over me and I feel I must be doing something.
Here’s to wishing you all a very happy holiday and treasure the time you have with your families and friends.
33 dogs in 6 hours. Was I insane? Not really. It went really well and I think everyone will be pleased with their images. Murphy’s Paw was kind enough to ask me to be their holiday photographer this year and the proceeds went towards the Tri-Valley Animal Rescue. Here are a sample of the day. I am still finishing up two other families (you know who you are) and will be getting your galleries up very soon!
If you love Curb Your Enthusiasm you are going to be so jealous of me. I just received the BEST stuff in the mail today from my dear buddy Amy who had the nerve to get out of expensive California and move back to Virginia where all her family is. She has been such a wonderful friend for the past 5 years and you know how when you get older it gets harder and harder to forge those friendships that are meaningful and lasting. She moved back to Virginia after living in the Bay Area for eleven years. I spent endless hours practicing my photography on her daughter and she really understood me. When she moved away I was heartbroken–then my dog passes away—it’s been one hell of an Autumn. In fact, she’s the kind of friend that was going to forsake Thanksgiving with her own family to come out and babysit my dog with cancer while I was on my family vacation! What kind of friend does that? A best friend I tell you. Unfortunately Riley didn’t want to cost us the $$$$ to fly Amy and her daughter out here to spend a lonely week taking care of him so he gracefully passed before that time (I think that dog had a plan) but I know she would have been here in a heartbeat if I needed her. Check out this wonderful gift she sent me just because. It really made me cry with happiness that someone cared enough to try and knock me out of this funk I have been in for the past month.
Come join the fun! I will be photographing dogs Sunday December 7 from 11 am until 5 pm. Proceeds benefit the Tri-Valley Animal Rescue. Here’s your chance to get your lovely canine captured just in time for the holidays! I would love to see you there!
I love Piedmont! The S family I shot a few weeks back really turned me on to this location. I can find all sorts of nooks and crannies. I am very partial to stairs–give me a family or a dog on stairs and I am in heaven. I have been shooting this family for several years now and it amazes me how much young B is growing up. We had a good afternoon.
Before I left for my vacation last week I met the C family in San Francisco at Chrissy Field beach. It was a beautiful afternoon and everyone had the same idea that we had–go to the beach and enjoy the rare fall weather. Many dogs were passing by in between my shooting and some wanted my Uncle Dave toy. I had to fight a few of them to give it back to me! Here is a sneak peak that I know Mrs. C was anxious to see. More to come soon.
I will be out of the office next week and although I might be checking my emails, I won’t be available to return phone calls or get to my work computer. Another one of the S family…
Here are a few of my favorites from the Blue Sky holiday minis I did in San Francisco. What I love about these are the non traditional, candid joy I can capture in the families’ faces and expressions. It’s all about having fun there and I hope to schedule more minis there in the future. The light is so gorgeous and the families have fun running around with their kids.
This was a happy moment of laughter and tossing in the air–gets the kids laughing every time.
And, to finish it off we have Sasha the Shitzu in her denim outfit.
Last weekend I met the S family and spent some time at Piedmont Park in the Oakland Hills. I must say, it’s a really nice location! There were several photographers out and about that afternoon and I can see why. Showing just a few of the two adorable children.
This is Cali and Tanner. They belong to one of the partners who own Tuscan Willow Pet Boutique in San Diego. Someone thought that editing images of Golden Retrievers would make me sad, but it really doesn’t. I have nothing but love for them. You know what picked me up today? I had the opportunity to see this dog again today and she made me feel a little better than yesterday. Lots of kisses and in my lap attention.
This one makes me smile. Tanner is laughing. It’s almost as if he is giggling at something funny I said.
Cali had a smile too. Can you see why I love Goldens so much?
