Tag: pet photography

Lauren Grabelle: Documenting Dog Love

When NJ-based photographer, Lauren Grabelle, pitched me the idea to feature her work of "dogs at play, " I put her email on the back burner. Her work is terrific, but I had done action shots before, and I am always looking for something new.

Later, when I had some time to visit her site, the shots I really responded to were the intimate ones of dogs and their owners. I think Lauren's ability to capture the bond dog lovers have with their pets is extraordinary. It makes perfect sense that her undergraduate work was in Anthropology, because these photos are really more about the owners than their dogs. You can sense their intoxication, that split second when oxytocin levels soar and dog love consumes them. Realy beautiful work, Lauren. Thank you for sharing.

Lauren is also a very talented wedding photographer. So if you're a lucky couple able to include your dog in your wedding, I think Lauren would be perfect for you. Visit her website and blog for more information.

June 8, 2009
Five Free Photo Sessions from Sabrina Helas

Although, L.A. photographer Sabrina Helas is still mourning the loss of her dog Kramer, who succumbed to cancer last month, she has found great comfort in the many photographs she took of her sweet boy over the years. Inspired by this, and by Kramer's generous spirit, Sabrina is offering five free photo sessions to anywone with an ailing pet who might not have the resources to afford a photo session due to the economy. What an amazing tribute to Kramer. Thank you, Sabrina!

Visit Sabrina's blog for details.

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March 16, 2009
Contemporary Vintage Pudelpointer by Bev Hollis

Gin

A Pudelpointer is a hunting dog from Germany and a breed I've never heard of. Discovered this morning on photographer Bev Hollis's beautiful blog. I just love his look and the vintage feel Bev creates. Exquisite!

See more of her Pudelpointer shots here.

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February 26, 2009
Good Bye, Kramer

Kramer

Two weeks ago, photographer and friend, Sabrina Helas, lost her dog Kramer to inoperable cancer. When I heard the news I was heartsick and had no idea what to say, since two weeks before that I had tried to reassure her that veterinary medicine can do miracles these days. Try not to worry. This was when the tests were still being done. But the cancer had spread and she lost her sweet boy.

I still don't know what to say, because I don't think words will help right now. But, I wanted to tell you, Sabrina, that I think about the story you told me of how Kramer came into your life, how you were a frantic film crew girl in NYC when you were struck, light a lightning bolt, with the notion that you HAD to get a dog. Immediately. Somehow, you had the courage to follow your instincts, go directly to the nearest shelter (which was not very near at all), and meet your destiny in Kramer.

Through him, you moved to LA, became a pet and children's photographer, and found your fiance. I know nothing can replace your love for Kramer. But I hope that you will someday be able to find comfort in the gift that he gave you, your new life, and know that his legacy lives on in all the lives that you touch through your amazing photos and generous spirit.

With deepest sympathies,

Moira

February 20, 2009
Susan Sabo at Hungry Walls

Dogs in Motion: 1

Hungry Walls is a virtual gallery that features one photographer a month. Each week a different online show from that artist is mounted and the photographs are available for purchase. You can even buy the whole series. But once the show is gone, the photos are gone too.

This month, one of my favorite photographers graces the Hungry Walls, Susan Sabo. Week two features her series of Dogs in Motion and Dogs at Rest. In the accompanying interview Susan discusses how the tragic loss of all three of her dogs, Buzz, Gracie and Lola, within the span of 12 months now imbues her work:

It changed so much it's hard to know where to start. As far as photography, it was pretty cut and dried. When the first dog died, I removed all my photos from public view and just disappeared. I worked through some of my grief with photography, but it could never be fully healed, nor do I think it should be.

I'm definitely shooting with more intent, and trying to make my work more meaningful, to me or to the people I'm shooting for. Where I used to just shoot for the hell of it, I find myself going for a week or more without shooting now. if there's no purpose to it, I won't do it

Then Asked, If you could take the portrait of anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Susan replied:

Buzz, Gracie and Lola. The portrait, of course, being an excuse to just see them one more time and tell them that I miss them.

My heart goes out to you Susan. I hope that you can find comfort in your work's new focus and that somehow each day gets a little easier.

Dogs in Motion: 4

Dogs at Rest: 2

Dogs at Rest: 4

Click here to see the rest of Susan's work. Click here to read her full interview.

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February 18, 2009
When Darby Met Grace: Darby’s Photo Shoot with Grace Chon

Last fall, when Grace Chon, recent friend and LA pet photographer, offered me a photo session of Darby, my Longhaired Dachshund, in exchange for some PR help, I flipped. I had been a fan of Grace’s work since she emailed me to introduce herself and her company, Shine Pet Photos. In fact, I had featured her on my blog more than any other photographer at the time. I loved her work and her design aesthetic.

The session was scheduled for November 21, the day after Darby’s 14th birthday. The timing was perfect. When Darby was a pup, his birthdays were exciting. We went on adventures at the Tree People preserve or hiked up Runyon Canyon with his friends. Now, I hate to even write this, each year passes with a sense of foreboding. Oh no, my puppy is 14…that’s…I won’t even do the math…in human years. I get depressed.

With the photo shoot scheduled, I couldn’t suppress the thought, “I am so glad I am doing this now…before it’s too late.” Morbid. I know. But I couldn’t help it.

But, when Grace showed up, something completely unexpected happened. First, Darby fell in love with her. Yes, she was plying him with treats, but there was something else too. She was so focused on him, not just her camera, but her energy, that they totally connected and really started to work together. And me, I got to step back and simply watch. And watching him frolic and smile and obey was like watching him when we went to puppy school together, but better.

Perhaps it’s what it feels like to attend your child’s recital. I was so proud of him and I was thrilled that someone else, Grace, got to really know Darby’s unique personality. Our dogs are shapeshifters. They are complex little beings we have intense, finely tuned relationships with when we are alone, and then, when someone comes over, they turn into pets. But this didn’t happen with Grace. Grace met Darby. She got to know him, one-on-one, and it was so fun to watch.

And that’s what surprised me, that as much as I LOVE these amazing photographs, the memory of that morning is just as special to me. Just as precious.

By the time it was over, Darby had reverted to complete puppyhood. In fact he started doing something I hadn’t seen him do in years. He humped Grace’s arm. It was completely inappropriate and completely hilarious. And it reminded me of Grandpa Joe getting out of bed and dancing when Charlie finds his ticket to the Wonka Factory. Darby was young and vital and madly in love. And it was as beautiful to behold as each of these photographs.

Thank you Grace, for that day and for these images that I will treasure forever.

See more of Darby’s photos here or schedule a session for your dog at Shine Pet Photos.

January 7, 2009
Do You Have a Squeak at Home?

When LA Sharon Montrose shot a photo spread of her pup Squeak relaxing around their home, she was overwhelmed with the response. Squeak is so cute, the light is so perfect, and the wallpaper…where did she find the wallpaper?! People went nuts for her “Squeak at Home” post.

So, she wants to do it again. With your dog. If you live in photogenic Los Angeles home, and would like to have one of the premier dog photographers document your pup doing what he does best for free, you need to contact Sharon and try to get on the list. Needless to say, she has been overwhelmed with response to this too. Good luck!

Visit Sharon’s website to see more of her magnificent work. And think about one of her books for the dog lover in your life this holiday season. They truly set the standard for what a dog photography book should be.

October 21, 2008
Vote for Jamie Pflughoeft

Jamie and her beautiful muse Fergie

Fellow blogger and extraordinary dog photographer Jamie Pfughoeft has been nominated for Western Washington’s Best Pet Photographer on Evening Magazine’s annual competition. If you get a chance stop by their website and vote for her. You would make her day!

Here are some of my favorite photos from Jamie’s super fun blog. She has a background studying animal behavior. Can’t you tell from these shots…Jamie knows exactly how to get her subjects be stars!

Fergie

Henrietta

Zoe

Walter, Diza + Frank

Yukon

Visit Jamie’s website Cowbelly Pet Photography to schedule a session with your pup or learn more about her pet photography workshops which from all reports sound like a big success.

September 25, 2008
Welcome Fall 2008

Gina Catching Leaves by nigul2002 via flickr

Fall officially begins today at 11:44 am EST. So today, I am featuring some autumnal dog art to usher in a season I spend the summer dreading, then enthusiastically embrace when it arrives. Stew, fireplaces, football, yes, as a kid, I even liked going back to school, fresh notebooks and finding out whom I would sit next too. Spring is thought to be the season of rebirth, but in many ways it's Fall. Every team is perfect, and every student has an A. Feels nice.

September 22, 2008
Is Anna Kuperberg Really a Dog?

Bula, a Puggle, one of today’s most popular hybrid dogs.

Some of my favorite photographers are hybrids. Actor Jeff Bridges uses his camera to document making movies for his book Pictures. Guitarist Andy Summers, formerly of the Police, takes you on their early 80s concert tour through his photographs in his book I’ll Be Watching You. Both artists take brilliant photographs, but it is their perspective, the context the viewer brings to the photo, that adds to that brilliance and gives their work a certain ineffable depth.

Slidell and Venus, Kuperberg’s dogs and muses.

So, I’m trying to figure out how San Francisco photographer Anna Kuperberg takes us inside the world of dogs. OK, I don’t really think she’s a dog. Her focus is too sharp to be fixing F-stops with paws.

Duncan the Basset Hound.

But upon considering her new book, a chronicle of hybrid crossbreed dogs called Designer Dogs written by dog geneticist and behaviorist Catherine Coile, the thought occurred to me, perhaps Anna is a hybrid too.

Billy The Poogle (Poodle + Beagle mix)

Perhaps she is somehow part dog. How else to explain her unique perspective…

Slidell with a drop of slobber glistening in the sun.

the intimacy she captures with her subjects…

Johnnie the English Bull Terrier.

…the way she incorporates humans, but doesn’t allow them dominate her compositions…

Nikita, a Chihuahua-Dachshund mix.

Somehow she has a dog’s eye view of the world and it adds that same behind-the-scenes quality to her work that Bridges and Summers bring to theirs. Needless to say, I absolutely love her photographs. And I highly recommend adding her SlobberSpace Blog to your Google Reader. It’s the gorgeous, dog-centric big brother to Cute Overload.

Black Dog Red Hill

Also, Designer Dogs gets rave reviews on Amazon, not only for the magnificent shots, but for the thoughtful trait analysis of popular new breeds. This would be a great gift for hybrid dog lovers or those considering bringing one home.

January 21, 2008