Shelby - Moving Pet Portrait

April 23rd was the ideal Spring day - birds chirping, 70-something degree weather, flowers blooming, and not a cloud in the sky. I inhaled the fresh air flowing through my screen door while I felt the warmth of the sun as it broke through the dancing leaves outside my window. With all of the beauty and light surrounding me, it was hard to imagine that something as dark and as ugly as cancer lingered in the shadows, ready to pounce at any innocent victim walking by. This time, that despicable cancer had gotten its grubby hands on the dog I was filming that very evening. Shelby is a lovely mixed-breed pup that has recently been diagnosed with cancer. After undergoing numerous tests (including a biopsy close to her lungs), her parents and their oncologist decided to move forward with chemo and radiation. In fact, her first round of radiation was scheduled the the morning after our session.

That Spring evening, on the drive to Shelby's home, the pressure to perform began to build. Although Shelby only lived a couple miles away, the short trip seemed to take hours. I couldn't get there fast enough. The storyline and shot-list I made days earlier played over and over in my head. Voices were also saying, "don't mess this up...this is so important...don't mess this up." Don't get me wrong, I do this for every session. This was just amplified x 100!

After ringing on the doorbell, I could hear Shelby barking inside. Her oh-so-nice mom greeted me and invited me in to meet my special model. (Oh, did I mention Shelby's mom is one of the most fabulous wedding and boudoir photographers ever? Yeah, check out Critsey Rowe Photography when you get the chance. Again, no added pressure on a photographer like me. Ha!) Anyway, because Shelby's parents are photographers, Shelby knew what my camera was. This wasn't necessarily an advantage. Actually she would prefer the camera to stay out of her face for a change. However, with a little treat motivation, Shelby warmed up to the whole this-is-about-you idea pretty quickly. Awesome!

Before we really began to film, we had to go through wardrobe. Because of Shelby's biopsy, her back was shaved and she was sporting an interesting 'do. She doesn't usually dress up, but for this special occasion, she decided to go with a nice little pink frock. Super girly. Now we were ready!

Adrenaline took over at that point and Shelby's parents probably thought I was a crazy woman. I had them do things over and over and, just like in any movie, it's not necessarily shot in an order that makes sense. When nerves or pressure crept in, I would refer back to my shoot-list to make sure I didn't forget any important elements to the story. After a few hours of filming, it was a wrap! I said my goodbyes and wished Shelby the very best luck for her upcoming radiation session. She then settled in for a peaceful nap.

When Shelby's Moving Pet Portrait was complete, I didn't release it right away. Again, insecurities overwhelmed me. I knew parts weren't perfect - I mean, I'm still learning. I had a lunch date with Shelby's mom in a couple days and I wanted to make sure she was happy with the video before it went public. May 5th was the day. Noon. At Dish in Plaza Midwood. Press play. She cried. I cried. All was well..including Shelby.

Since first meeting Shelby, she has undergone a few radiation sessions. According to her mom, she is feeling much better and seems much happier. I have no doubt she will continue to improve! I know all of the wonderful positivity and good vibes she's been receiving over the past few days are sure to help as well.

So if you've read this mini-novel, I'm sure you're ready to meet the famous Shelby. I introduce this special lady and her wonderful mom and dad...

Shelby - Moving Pet Portrait from Sarah McGraw on Vimeo.

And here is the YouTube link in case the above video won't display on your viewing device: http://youtu.be/r1uyxbAIgYQ

Here are a few stills from after our filming. This first image shows Shelby's shaved back and markings for her radiation...

And of course her darling face...Thank you to everyone that has shown Shelby love and support. It's amazing what positive energy can do to change a situation for the better. We love you Shelby! xx!

Missy and Dailey

Before I start on the cuteness overload you're about to see of Missy and Dailey, I have to give a big shout out to their parents. Long-time followers of mine, they were all over everything for their session. Mom read all through the Welcome Package and did everything in the "How to Prepare" section and even had an appreciation for the lighting the day of the session (we had to reschedule once because of the threat of rain). Can I say dream client? Just wanted to put that out there because I don't do it often enough. My clients (human and 4-legged) are amazing. :) Now on to their super-adorable babies, Missy and Dailey. Although they greeted me with a couple barks, once I stepped in their home and they smelled treats, they were all mine. :) Even Dailey (who tends to be a little more shy) was following me around within seconds. I had a feeling they were going to be great models. I introduce the pups in front of the camera for this pet portrait session...drum roll please....Dailey (left) and Missy (right)...

I instantly fell in love with Dailey. He may have a little head - no, really, he's tiny - but he's got the smarts of a young child. There's a lot going on behind those eyes. He's one of the most intelligent pups I've ever met.Missy wasn't a dummy either. She'd do anything for a treat. :)The best part was seeing the two of these pups together. They are professional head-tilters part-time. And full-time crazy playmates!And of course to-die-for models. :)I squeal every time I see an image of these two together!!!Toward the end of our session, we made a quick trip down to the neighborhood creek. Most of the tall grass and flowers had been cut that afternoon but we managed to find some pretty goodness to pose in.These two, man. Gotta love 'em! :)

Woody

Woody has been on my radar since November when we had several sessions get rescheduled due to rain. As excited as I was to photograph him, I totally understood when his dad decided to wait until the Spring to try our shoot for the ump-teenth time. As sad as we were to have missed the last of the Fall colors, this Spring session exploded with vibrancy! It was perfect! Woody's dad wanted a cool, urban vibe and NoDa was the place to be! Woody was a rockstar as he posed throughout the area (as well as attracting a ton of attention)...

Because what cool guy doesn't pose on a keg??Woody's dad loves fish so we were stoked to find this cool mural!This was when I discovered the power of the tennis ball. It's Woody's kryptonite.Hehe...I love that the dog in the mural is checking us out...Woody got a little overstimulated with all of the action going on around NoDa so we snuck away to a secret little place I had scouted earlier. It's in the process of being demo'ed but it lasted long enough to serve as the perfect background for this chill guy.Skateboarders have taken over this abandoned area and have created their own little skate park. It's complete with pipes, ledges, ramps, and, of course, graffiti. (Sorry if I didn't get the skateboard lingo correct.) ;)Isn't it funny how something so "ugly" can be so perfect?!I just had to include this last image because it gave me a good chuckle. :)

Thanks, Woody, for being such a fabulous model and for making my vision a reality! You are seriously one of the coolest dogs out there! :)

Gertie - Studio Session

Who doesn't love a Frenchie? Seriously. If you are one of the few that don't, perhaps Gertie here will help change your mind. Gertie is just a pup...9 months old to be exact. And trust me, she had the energy to prove her puppiness (yeah, I made up a word). She had me on my toes! She was here and there and everywhere and I loved every minute of it! Check out this pretty Blue Fawn Pied funny face during her studio session...

This face is too much...Now when I say that Gertie loves balls. I mean LOVES balls - any size, color, texture, whatever!! Here are some examples to prove my point:

Number 1: The Jolly Ball

Number 2: Red Bouncy BallNumber 3 (and to show you that size and color don't matter): BasketballI may have given you the impression that Gertie doesn't have a serious side. However, she does. See? And one last goofy one for kicks... If you love Gertie, let me know! She's going to have an on-location session in June and we're going swimming!!! Yippee!!!

Beautiful Day

Man. It's a gorgeous day out today. I really hope Spring has settled in for realz this time! This weather - and this cute little munchkin - have really made my day! :)

Ansel, Izzy, and Zeke

This post is quite bittersweet. This trio's eldest brother, Ansel, was diagnosed with cancer and was only given a few months to live. At 10 years old, for a Dane, Ansel had already had a long and fulfilling life. Rescued and adopted from Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love, Ansel spent the better years of his life in a loving family and even had the opportunity to see his 2-legged human brother born. Unfortunately, Ansel gained his angel wings on Sunday - just days after our session. I don't want this post to be all sad and bring you down (even though it's making me tear up). Instead I want to honor Ansel and his sweet family.

Ansel's family loves Uptown Charlotte so, even though we had our hands full, we went for it! Three people, three dogs, and a baby - haha! We were struggling! Luckily, some friends showed up to lend a helping hand and we were able to capture some fabulous images of Ansel and his sister, Izzy, and brother, Zeke.

This is by far my favorite image of Ansel...

And Izzy (on the left) and Zeke (on the right)...Zeke is an Italian Greyhound who was very interested in the other dogs walking by. However, I quickly discovered that a, "You wanna go on a walk?" or " You wanna go on a car ride?" made him focus right on me!Izzy, on the other hand, was only interested in the tennis ball. Yep, she wasn't going anywhere without that thing!And my boy, Ansel... Ansel's dad was especially close to his boy. Because Ansel's tumor was putting pressure on his rectum, he was having to potty quite frequently. Dad was very patient with Ansel and did everything he could to clean up his accidents and to make him comfortable. I just had to sneak this picture in...Lastly, we wanted an image to remember Ansel with his baby brother. And they look off into the landscape together... run free sweet boy... xx...

Gus and Lucy

Spring is finally here and I couldn't be happier! By far, Spring is my favorite time of year to shoot. I just can't resist the green grass, the array of flowers, the birds chirping, and the warm sunshine. Ahhhhh...just thinking about it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside (especially on a cold, rainy day like today). The only thing about this Spring is that it showed up a little late this year. Winter had too hard of a grip which proved challenging for Gus and Lucy's session. Their mom reeeeeeally wanted to have a Spring-looking session but the options were limited. After hours and hours of searching for some green grass or blooming trees (not in a parking lot), I finally made my way down to Fort Mill, SC to check out the peach blossoms. They were on their way out but, luckily, they hung on just long enough for a great session.

The session was focused mostly on Gus, a 6-year-old Maltese/Bichon mix that is the light of his mom's world. Although she never thought she would have a small, white, fluffy pup, Gus has stolen her heart...

Lucy is Gus's sister and she was happy to jump in for a few shots as well. :)As I mentioned, the pink blooms blew me away in the background. How creamy and buttery do they look?!?Who is the cutest dog? Oooh! Oooh! Me! Me!Lucy is so regal here. In fact, she just a big goofball. PS - I love goofballs!You, uh, got a treat?!?Purples and pinks and greens, oh my! Gus, you are too handsome, my friend!They may not be the best of friends, but Lucy and Gus cooperated long enough to get a few pictures together. ;)That was enough of that!Look out! Gus has the zoomies!!!!

What a gorgeous location! I'm certainly going to keep this location in mind throughout the summer and into next spring. If you'd like to book a session here, just give me a shout. Although there are no longer blossoms on the trees, the beauty continues on.

A huge thanks to Gus and Lucy's mom for making the journey to our special spot. :)

Aurora

Aurora was a sight for sore eyes on the long, empty beaches of Bouge Banks. Her unforgettable smile was it's own beacon...kinda like a lighthouse that attracted nothing but joy. And this girl has a lot to smile about. When Aurora was 5 weeks old, she was found abandoned along with her brother. Luckily, they were scooped up and fostered by a loving family. The brother was adopted out but, in the meantime, Aurora's foster mom quickly became a foster-failure. In short, Aurora had found a permanent home. :)

I introduce Aurora, photographed in Emerald Isle...

Aurora was a little shy and jumpy and first, but her eyes lit up when she saw my tennis ball. And when she realized it squeaked? Yeah. She came right out of her shell.Aurora being bashful... Not a fan of the water, Aurora was beyond happy to smile for me on dry land. :)

A huge thanks to Aurora's family for allowing me to photograph this little beacon of happiness! :)