For as long as I can remember, my life has revolved around caring for companion animals and nurturing the bonds they share with their human families - first as a vet tech, now as a pet photographer. This blog is where I will feature my fave pet photo sessions, share pet tips - including how to take better photos of your own pet, home decor and pet photo display ideas, news, updates, special events, and probably a lot of rambling about dogs and how awesome they are.
Pet Photo Blog
My Images In 2 Exhibitions In Shediac
Three of my favourite images are currently on display in an exhibition featuring 12 artists who are accredited members of the Professional Photographers of Canada, Atlantic Region. This was a juried exhibit, which means that the images that were included were selected by a panel of trained judges from out of province. I’m so proud to be included, and also that 2 of my 3 images are the only pet portraits included in the exhibit!
Baby Bunnies and more at the GMSPCA
A couple of weeks ago, I photographed some more adoptable pets at the Greater Moncton SPCA and it’s a miracle that I got out of there without bringing half of them home. They have the most adorable baby bunnies right now, and their mom, “Sweetness” is just lovely, too. I was most tempted by “Twitch”, though - a beautiful, big, calm boy and such a beautiful silver colour! Remember that bunnies make awesome pets, but they are work and with proper care can be a 10 year + commitment.
Feline Portraiture
I’m so pleased to announce that I have earned my 5th and 6th Accreditations through the Professional Photographers of Canada; Feline Portraiture and Wildlife Photography. Both passed accreditation on the first attempt, with an overall quality of “Good” (which is better than just “Accepted”). I’m trying to collect all the animal ones, just have Equine left now #goals.
Barney And Thumper, Bonded Bunnies at Moncton SPCA
Barney and Thumper are a lovely, bonded pair of rabbits waiting for their forever home at the Greater Moncton SPCA.
A few weeks ago, I photographed a whole bunch of dogs, cats, rats, and even a pair of budgies for the Moncton SPCA. I’m delighted to report that ALL have been adopted, except for this sweet pair of buns. I’ve lived with many house rabbits myself over the years, and while I don’t recommend them as “starter pets” (they are a 10 year + commitment, definitely not an Easter novelty gift for children!), they are very engaged and rewarding pets, with personality +++.
Our Pack Rescue Dogs
Last week, I had the privilege of meeting and photographing these 3 lovely dogs for Our Pack Animal Rescue in Moncton, NB.
Athena is a 3 year old pitty mix who can be a little bit reactive with strangers and unfamiliar dogs at first. She was a little wary of us in the beginning, especially my partner Graham who was wearing a hat and sunglasses, but she warmed up quickly with treats! Athena would prefer to be the only pet in the home because she doesn’t like to share and will want her family all to herself. Once she knows you, she is a major cuddle bug.
Photographic Artist of the Year 2018
The Atlantic Region of Professional Photographers of Canada held their annual image competition recently, and I took home a bunch of awards, including Photographic Artist of the Year! I also won the Bruce Berry Award for Best Overall Print, Best Pictorial/Floral, Best Fine Art, and 2 Judge’s Choice awards. What a night to remember! (And I sure was glad I didn’t wear heels).
Beach Dogs
Molly and Murphy are a pair of 8 year old Golden Retrievers who think they are still puppies. Their mom takes lots of photos of them, but really wanted to capture them in action, which is difficult without professional camera gear.
We took the dogs to Waterside Beach, on the Bay of Fundy (near Alma, NB and Fundy National Park). It was the perfect location, and even though the foggy, drizzly weather was a little disappointing at the time, the grey and sandy tones ended up being an ideal match for the neutral, beachy decor in the home! We even designed an (endlessly customizable) folio box to hold the mounted prints
Here's why your pet photos are blurry
Your camera needs light to record an image. It doesn't matter whether it's an old film camera, a top of the line DSLR or your smartphone; light is the necessary ingredient, and most of the time you will need more of it than you think. This article is for people who want to take better pet photos with the camera they've already got, so I'm going to try to keep this very simple, with just a few (hopefully) palatable bites of technical info for you to swallow.
Animal Portraiture Accreditation
Woot Woot! I’ve just learned that I have received an Accreditation in Animal Portraiture from Professional Photographers of Canada! This is my fourth professional accreditation, along with Canine Portraiture/Dog Photography, Pictorial/Scenic Photography, and Ornithology/Bird Photography. Here is the portfolio of 10 images that were accepted for the accreditation:
Grooming Salon Gang
I Had such a blast creating these portraits for the owner of Paws N Noses Grooming Salon, in Moncton, NB.