Dog Model Call

I need a huge favor from all the American Pit Bull owners out there! I have an editorial client that is looking for some shots of Pit Bulls and the turnaround time for the photo shoot is pretty quickly. Like this weekend! I'd love to pick 1 or 2 special dogs out there that I can photograph in Cornelius, NC on Saturday afternoon. The photo shoot would just be a short little session (approximately 30 minutes) so I can get what my client is looking for. A model release will need to be signed as part of the shoot. In exchange for your time, I would give you a complimentary 11x14 mounted print from the session.

So here are the details:

I'm looking for any color American Pit Bull but he/she must meet the UKC breed standards set forth here:

http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/Breeds/AmericanPitBullTerrierRevisedNovember12008. The pup must be well behaved and know basic commands (sit, stay, etc). I'd really love to find a Pit Bull that has either been rescued or is currently in a foster home (however, please keep in mind it must be purebred). The photo shoot would take place in Cornelius, NC on Saturday, January 29th around 3:30.

If your dog meets the requirements, please email me at sarah@mcgrawphotography.com with a little information about your Pit Bull along with a picture and your contact information. Feel free to post on my Facebook page as well! Because of the tight turnaround time, please place all submissions by noon on Friday, January 28th. I will contact the selected owners on Friday afternoon to go over all of the details.

Thank you all so much and I look forward to seeing all the gorgeous American Pit Bulls out there!

These are the types of shots I will be trying to get on Saturday...

Are you Ready...

...for something super cool and totally exciting? Then stay tuned! Because February 1st, Nicole (my fellow photog friend) and I are announcing something special...wait for it... ;)

1-Year Anniversary!

Today is the first day back at work for many people...me included! Over the holidays, I tried my very best to take a relaxing vacation and even went to upstate New York for a couple days over Christmas. Fortunately, we got to be there when my first nephew was born! I kept my emails and phone calls to a minimum and really tried to catch up on some *me* time (I am starting today to get back to all of you that have contacted me). Anyway, this little break was exactly what I needed because as of January 1st, McGraw Photography officially turned 1 year old!!! During my break, I had some time to reflect on the past year. I started 2010 (and my business for that matter) thinking I was only going to shoot architectural work. Fortunately, around March-ish, my mom chimed in and suggested I also add pet photography. Well, after a ton of researching and practicing, I officially added pet photography to my repertoire. I couldn't be happier, and now, it is my main focus.

2010 was a challenging and tough year both emotionally and financially. It was very scary quitting a full-time job in these economic times but I was miserable, unhappy, and I felt creatively stifled. Fortunately, I think I have found my direction and I've been lucky to have had great clients and a great support system to get me through. I have discovered a wonderful network of pet photographers and they have given me inspiration, advice, and the drive to continue what I'm doing. Thank you so much! I am now ready for 2011!

Here is a quick reflection on some of my favorite pet images from 2010. I know a ton of them are missing but my mind is still waking up from vacation mode ;)

Happy 2011 and I can't wait to see what is in store for the second year of McGraw Photography!

Processing - Behind the Scenes

I was in the middle of processing some images and came across and extreme case of before-and-after...you know, Extreme Makeover style. Many clients don't really understand what goes on during post-processing so I thought I would share with you. Many people assume the images look great right out of the camera and all the photographer has to do is download them. Well, unfortunately, that's not the case. While I do strive to perfect my exposure and cropping in-camera, digital images are sometimes kinda greyish-blah and need a little boost. Here is a great example of what my clients are investing in - meticulous retouching of each of the images they receive. This process takes time and experience...something the chain photo studios usually don't have. *WARNING* - Viewer discretion is advised. The following image is not very pleasing to the eye and isn't something I would ever deliver to my client!

This is the image straight out of the camera. Yes, completely embarrassed and naked. Nothing too special but there is definitely potential. The color temperature is too cool for my liking and the contrast needs a good boost. I shoot exclusively in RAW so I can make adjustments as needed.This is the image after editing in Photoshop Camera RAW. I warmed up the color temperature, adjusted the exposure and increased contrast. Much better but it still lacks the pop I'm looking for. Here is the final image after my tweaks in Photoshop. I made several curves adjustments both overall and locally, did some clone work, and adjusted the eyes to make them really shine. Lastly, I sharpened the image. This is the image I saw in my head when I took this shot...

And the final before-and-after!

I hope this has answered some questions about what post-processing is and what all is involved. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Post Thanksgiving Comatose

It has been a week since Thanksgiving and Eva finally succumbed to the constant noshing of leftovers. It must be hard to be a dog... To see Eva's feast in it's original form, click HERE.

Charlianne and Homer - Engaged!

I've know Charlianne for many years as she is best friends with my two younger sisters. Charlianne and my sister, Ronnie, even flew out to Phoenix to visit me when I lived there. I introduced them to the Grand Canyon and we went camping together on the shore of Lake Powell. As a side note: I like to rough it when I'm camping. So, if you can hang with me, we're cool. We even got discriminated against at the Denny's in Page, AZ (I'll save that for another blog post). LOL! Charlianne attended my wedding and we were both bridesmaids in my sister's wedding. Long story short, we have a history. Needless to say, when she approached me about shooting her engagement photos, I had no other choice but to say yes. Even though its not typically what I do, rules are made for breaking, right?

I warmed up by photographing what I'm most comfortable with - their dogs! Their furbabies are Addison, a sweet chocolate Lab, and Teddy, a little ball of cute energy...

Once the dogs were finished, it was time to concentrate on the love birds. Charlianne has known Homer since high school but they only started dating after chatting it up at a friend's wedding a few years ago. That must have been a sign because she has waited for the ring ever since and had no doubts when it came time to say YES.I love everything about this image. They just look so happy and genuinely in love...

Congratulations to you two on your engagement! I hope you enjoyed your sneak peek!

Eva's Thanksgiving Dinner

Those of you that know me well know that I am not one to spend a ton of time in the kitchen. So, when it came time to think of what to serve Eva for Thanksgiving, I was at a loss. I had no choice but to go out and buy a pre-made meal. Fortunately, I was in luck because Target had the perfect Turkey dinner! I had seen this on Phetched.com a couple weeks ago and I knew it would be perfect to serve my little Eva. I was so excited when I finally found the time to go hunt one down. I scooped it up, brought it home, and was so proud of the gorgeous and healthy meal I was going to serve my daughter. I was so proud, in fact, that I wanted to take a picture. I wanted to show everyone I could "make" a fabulous turkey dinner (complete with corn on the cob, baked potato, broccoli, and a dinner roll). Here is the awesome meal. And, of course, it is served atop a frisbee...

Eva caught on very quickly. She sensed right away that there was something for her. She came to check it out...Hmmmmm...looks good....So yummy.....Ok, I can't stop myself anymore...At this point, I stopped trying to take pictures of the food. Fine, Eva. I'll take pictures of you...Sure is tasty...Bad dinner roll!!!!

From us at McGraw Photography, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!

Evan is Growing Up

I haven't seen Evan since the beginning of June and I was shocked at how big he had gotten! He is only 7 months old but is already fitting into some clothes made for a 12 month old. He has his first two teeth and is constantly chatting away in his best baby talk! To see his newborn session, click HERE. I couldn't be happier to be the photographer chosen to document Evan's first year of life. These images will be priceless in the coming years...when he starts to walk...begins kindergarten...goes on his first date...leaves for college...gets married...has his own kids. Evan's parents are extremely lucky to have professional photos to remember these fleeting moments.

These images bring a smile to my face every time I look at them. I hope they do the same for you!

Here is Evan on our way to Campbell's Covered Bridge...

My mom said Evan looks like a little Buddha here. I couldn't agree more.Love...What a cute family, including Evan's sister Molly.