Disney - Angel Session

I am so in LOVE with this session. Disney's mom contacted me because this sweet little Cocker Spaniel is dealing with an unfortunate case of renal failure. Diagnosed back in January, she has been taking fluids almost daily to keep her energy up and keep her cravings going strong for her special boiled chicken meals. Disney had been having her good and bad days so we scheduled a session as quickly as possible in hopes of catching her feeling a little perky. Not only did we get a "good day", we got a great one!

We got to meet on a gorgeous Saturday morning - a morning that Disney felt especially well. She was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (well, Cockers only have a stub, but you know what I mean) and she totally rocked it for the camera. Our morning was full of laughing, singing ("Little Disney woo wee, special little woo wee, Disney Little woo wee..."), and just enjoying Disney's company. Even with failing health, Disney is surrounded by happiness, positivity, and endless love.

Isn't she a beautiful and happy little pup?!?

Disney had so much energy during her session! I think she saved it up just so her mom could get some great images of her happy baby.The gorgeous girls together...

Again, more energy! Disney was more than willing to chase her beloved ball for some yummy chicken snacks! We even got to fit in a car ride! I actually love that you can see her shaved leg. Despite the IVs and medications, she still has a smile on her face.Other than great parents, Disney also has a wonderful feline companion named Tiger. They are best buds... Tiger has quite the personality. He, too, has a special song and sound effects - Lil' tig tige...Lil tig tige...Happy cat...And I'll finish off the blog post with a couple more images of Disney, the star. I love these images of her cozying up to her parents. :)

This session is a testament to the power of positive energy and the effect laughter and smiles can have. Please send Disney and her family all of the positive thoughts and prayers you can as they continue to comfort Disney in her battle. I am so glad we got to spend this wonderful morning together and I hope Disney's family treasures her images for a lifetime.

Blitz and Miss Priss - Kitty Power!

OMG! I love kitties! Unfortunately, I don't get to photograph them as often as I would like. But, when I do, I love going through the images! These two kitties had me laughing the whole time I was editing. Their excitement for catnip bubbles and frilly feathers was totally contagious! Blitz may be a little bit fluffy but he can move with the best of 'em... It's a bird, it's a plane...no...it's a kitty on catnip!!!Blitz smiling like the Cheshire cat...Well, I guess he's over the bubbles.Miss Priss' turn!!!Her eyes are simply gorgeous...Blitz breaks for some lovin.And then he's back!Miss Priss loves the bubbles and she likes to curiously watch them fall from above.This bubble must have been special!Ahhhh...the cat's life...

Sammy and Lilly - Kitty Pics

Cats are like Lays potato chips...you can't have just one. My client was extremely sick when the doctor suggested that she get a pet to keep her spirits up. She heard about a woman who was giving away some kittens so she made the trip to go meet them. She immediately bonded with Lilly as they sat on the couch and cuddled. It was a done deal. Well, that was until Sammy jumped up on the back of the couch and laid down on my client's shoulder. It wasn't just a done deal...it was a package deal.

That was seven years ago and now these cats have the life of a king and queen. They have the biggest toy collection I have ever seen, they have awesome beds next to their favorite windows, and they lounge on their third-floor balcony where they can watch the birds and the neighbor dogs.

Sammy is super outgoing and seriously just wanted to be in front of the camera. Lilly was a little more timid but she is equally as photogenic. I hope this feline family enjoys their sneak peek!

I don't know why but I just want to eat this picture up...I think Sammy got a hold of the "kitty crack"!

Triple Play Farm

I recently had a photo shoot with Lake Norman Currents Magazine for a story on horse therapy. I made the short trip over to Triple Play Farm in Davidson, NC to photograph a couple sessions in action for them to use. Wow! It was so amazing watching those sessions, learning about the different exercises, and understanding how they mentally and physically can help people get over eating disorders, emotional issues, social problems, and much more. Their work is amazing and I can never get over how important the role of animals is in our lives. These horses have now been added to my mental list of selfless animals that live their lives to help people. Included in that list are seeing-eye dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and dogs that aid the disabled - all amazing animals. After the therapy sessions, I got to spend some private time with the horses as they went to pasture. I was lucky enough to grab a couple pictures for myself and I took advantage of the gorgeous light. I think it is very fitting for how special these horses are.

This is Leo, a one-year-old Ardennes horse.

And Clyde, a Norwegian Fjord with a killer mohawk!And Moose, a mini-horse.I love that Moose is a male but still rocks the braid! Plus his eyes are 2 different colors. Awesome!Of course I had to photograph the barn cat. She was just too pretty not to...

Monark and Kasper (both Norwegian Fjords) aren't seen here but they will be in next month's issue of Currents Magazine. Check it out in November if you want to learn more about the world of horse therapy.

Mountain Weekend

The weekend after my beach trip, I headed up in elevation and spent a couple days in the mountains of West Jefferson, NC. I was lucky enough to hang out with a couple other NC pet photographers...Mary Curry (www.marycurryphotography.com), Amy Choate (www.amychoate.com), and Nunthany Johnson (www.nunthanyjohnson.com). We rented a cute little cabin named the Rustic Retreat. The name is misleading, however, as this cabin was perfect for our little get-together!

What are a group of pet photographers going to do when they get together. Yep! Photograph pets. Unfortunately, we couldn't bring our own furbabies. Cabin rules. So went went on a hunt for some cute pups to be our stand-in models.

Luckily, we ran into some neighbors that happened to be out walking their dogs while we were driving down off the mountain. They were more than accommodating and let us have an impromptu session right there in the street (no worries...it was just a neighborhood gravel drive). Not only did these neighbors own two dogs, they also had 4 cats - one of which took it upon herself to be included in the nightly walk. She was more than curious when it came to the camera and quickly warmed up to the idea of a photo shoot. While the other girls photographed the dogs, I made the kitty my model. Meet my new friend, Rosie...

Rosie was so curious about the camera...So, so curious...The wind was really blowing this evening and leaves were flying everywhere. One caught Rosie's eye...Score! Of course I had to get a shot of her sisters. This is Trixie... And Sable...And one last one of my sweet Rosie. I really feel in love with this cat. Just look at her cute little smile and those gorgeous eyes. I heart you.