Currents Magazine Pet Issue

I had so much fun photographing Ace, the 2014 winner of the Lake Norman Currents Magazine cover contest. He beat out 50+ other pups in a contest that would land the winner's face on the October pet issue - all to benefit Friends of the Animals. When Ace isn't workin' his stuff in front of my camera, he's a medical alert service dog who is specially trained to alert his mom of changes in her blood sugar. And here are a couple of the fun shots we got while hanging out during our shoot...

And here is the talented Ace on the cover. Now that's a handsome boy...

Mr. Banks

When you get the opportunity to photograph an unbelievably cute and scruffy dog for some large artwork for a vet's office, you jump. Like ASAP. And, man, I tell ya, Mr. Banks didn't disappoint. Here are just a few of the amazingly cute images this superstar knocked out in a matter of about 30 minutes. He didn't waste any time hamming it up!

And the final product? This 30x40 canvas is proudly hanging in the lobby of West Ballantyne Animal Hospital! Stop by to check it out! (Photo Credit: West Ballantyne Animal Hospital)

Ender, Princess & Magoo

The Smith family is a family of animal lovers. They are very active in the Iredell county rescue circles and have three adorable pups of their own...Ender, Princess and Magoo. Ender is a sweet 8-year-old Doberman that loves her frisbee and a good game of fetch. She loves to run in her large backyard as well as look for bunnies and other tiny intruders. She also has the hobby of being super irresistible as seen here...Princess is actually the little "queen" of the clan. She's a 9-year-old Chi with a few tricks up her sleeve...Last but not least, there is Magoo. Although a little timid of strangers, Magoo warmed up quickly to my treats and tennis ball. :) This scruffy pup is well known for his bouncy run and it was on the "must-have" shot list! Our session took place on an absolutely spectacular evening with the lovely sun sparkling through the pine trees. I'm so lucky Ender invited me into his backyard to capture the gorgeousness!Of course we had to get him playing with his favorite toys!Usually the dogs my clients worry most about end up being the best models. Magoo was the classic example and ended up being the biggest camera ham! Tiny Princess tried to keep up with her brothers and did a little running after the ball. It didn't take long before she tired of the grass and was ready to get to solid land.Her eyes!!!! Gorg!

So you wanna know the real reason for this session?!? Well, this furry family is expecting their first baby of the 2-legged variety!!! Woohoo! The pups joined in for some cute pictures for the baby announcement. Everyone join in and leave them a big congrats!!! :)

Oliver and Chicklet

Oliver and Chicklet are an amazing little pair of Papillons. Although they greeted me with a bark-fest, they actually calmed down enough to show off their cute faces for the camera. Not fans of the grass and yard, Oliver and Chicklet decided to hang out with their people on the back deck. It was perfect! We hung out in the breeze of the fan which, not only kept the mosquitos at bay, but it made the pups' flowing hair that much more gorgeous! I introduce Chicklet (on the left) and Oliver (on the right)... Chicklet shows off those lovely ears!Meanwhile, Oliver gets some lovin' from mom. Doesn't he look like a little Panda bear?!? Chicklet is 11 years young but doesn't look a day older than 2!This is what Chicklet does all the time...chew on her chip...Oliver chooses to pass the time with his tongue out to the side looking as Ewok as can be! :)

Abby, Ralph and Zoe

How many people out there can say that they've seen a Chinese Crested, much less, photograph one? I've never done either until I got to meet and photograph Abby! I was beyond excited to get this opportunity! Abby is 11 years old with a little puffball face and tail. She is such a delicate little girl that prefers to stay off the grass and would rather be in someone's lap. I love this shot of her whole furless tiny body. :)She even has a gorgeous smile! :)Although Abby's usually pretty mellow and chill, she gets a wild hair when her mom starts to weed the flower garden. I don't know what it is, but she LOOOOOOves to chase the weeds when they are thrown into the woods. That whole delicate-dog-thing goes out the window at that point.Abby isn't an only child! She has a brother, Ralph, and sister Zoe. Ralph was one of the pups we were most worried about capturing on camera. He doesn't warm up to strangers but as long as he has his tennis ball, he's a pretty happy camper. He actually knocked it out of the park. We got some great shots of him!This is one of my favs. I love the flowers surrounding his happy face. :)"Play with me!!!!!"Last but not least, we photographed Zoe. She's also a little shy around strangers but she will eventually warm up. Like her brother, she's a little obsessed with some tennis ball too!Those flowers again!!! She's fixated on her tennis ball!These pups made me work my tail off but we captured some wonderful moments that truly show off their fun personalities! :) Thanks for such a great shoot!

Edmund Fitzgerald and Hershel

When Edmund Fitzgerald's dad contacted me for his session, I'll admit that I didn't know what the Doxie's name was in reference to. It wasn't until after I talked to a friend of mine that I learned of the famed freighter and folk song. After reading up on the story, I was confident enough to go into the session knowing everything about the tragic events of the boat's wreck. Now I just needed to find out why this tiny little Dachshund was named after this freighter...Turns out that Edmund Fitzgerald's parents are big Gordon Lightfoot fans (this singer of the folk song) and have been to several of his concerts. In ironic fashion, they thought it would be funny to name such a tiny, little creature after a huge 728-foot boat. How hysterical!!!He is so cute and photogenic!Not to be overshadowed, Hershel is Edmund Fitzgerald's older brother. His gray face shows his age but he is wise beyond his years. :)He still has some craziness in him too! :)Doxies are so cute when they run!!! I love their flying ears!Hehe! Edmund Fitzgerald almost looks like a toy here...Well, if you didn't know about the Edmund Fitzgerald and/or the song, I hope you get the chance to look it up and get a little history lesson today! :) And if you don't, at least you got to look at some super-cute pups!

Sadie and Chloe

I've said this a million times before. I hate cancer. When Sadie's mom contacted me over 4th of July weekend, she knew something was going terribly wrong with her baby. Out of nowhere, Sadie became ill and disoriented. She was rushed to the vet and given fluids and had some tests done. Turns out she was anemic and would also need to come back for an ultrasound. At that point, her mom was obviously scared of what was to come. We scheduled a session immediately.

Fortunately, Sadie was pretty much back to her normal self when we began shooting. As you'll see, she was smiling (and, wow, does she have a contagious smile!!!) and even doing a little running. I love that she didn't look (or act) ill the entire time. Gosh...she is such a sweet and wonderful girl.

Days after our session, Sadie had her ultrasound appointment. A mass was discovered on her spleen and her parents were now faced with the almost impossible decision of whether or not to put their almost 12-year-old dog through surgery. Before they could make up their minds, nature had it's way with Sadie yet again.

She went into another bad state and was rushed to the emergency vet again. This time, she went into surgery right away to remove her spleen. The mass was removed and the biopsy came back confirming everyone's suspicions - splenic hemangiosarcoma...cancer.

Sadie is now back home recovering from surgery and is doing great! The vet gave her 2-5 months to live but I think her amazing spirit will keep her here much longer.

I can't express how emotional this roller coaster has been for her parents, her fur-sister, Chloe, and even me. I'm so grateful we could make this session happen....it brings tears to my eyes.

And without further ado, this my dear Sadie (on the right) and her sister, Chloe...

Knowing the circumstances of this session, these smiles amaze me...Sadie has been through ACL surgery and has the signature "sit" of that now. Haha! Oh, and did I mention she is deaf? She is so alert and young-looking...you'd never know it!And Miss Chloe is a little bit a a goofball. Her eyes and that lovely fur are so photogenic!We spent our session at the Harrisburg Farmer's Market. There were some cool buildings, trails, and fields to explore. I'm so in love with this wide shot.Chole might be a little jealous of the extra attention Sadie's been getting... ;)See!!!!! Sadie got a little pep in her step!!!! I'm sooooooo glad!!!I just love this dog...And the family picture. I don't think a dog could have a happier face. This was definitely a moment Sadie will always remember. She got so many hugs and kisses this day. Chloe, on the other hand, is ready for a nap.Please keep this family in your thoughts over the next several months. It's not time to say goodbye yet. xx!

Mackenzie, Rouge and Scrappy

Mackenzie, Rouge and Scrappy made the trip all the way from Raleigh, NC for their session last month. After dodging rain storms, we were able to pull off their session in what was probably the most humid evening on record. Ha! We explored a big chunk of Fisher Farm where we found some amazing wildflowers, awesome smells, and big land to run through. We were a sweaty mess by the end! This session was scheduled because Mackenzie, the brown and black German Shepherd, is getting a little older and her mom wanted to capture her in all of her beautiful goodness. She brought her sister, Rouge, along as well. She's the black German Shepherd with the name to match her personality. Lol! I love it!

They also brought along their little brother, Scrappy. Now this little guy is a crack up and oh-so-small! He was lost in the tall grasses and got so wet during the shoot. This little firecracker loved every second of it though!The shot on the right just about sums this pack up. Mackenzie is so regal, Rouge is a goofball, and Scrappy is a little silly...Here they look like little angels though. ;)Mackenzie and Rouge loved playing ball in the wide open fields!I can't get over this face! I love little Scrappy! His mom sings to him..."Because I'm Scrappy, Scrappy..." to the tune of Pharrell Williams' "Because I'm Happy." Exploring...I love this shot of the gorgeous Mackenzie...Scrappy was so tired by the end of the shoot. He needed some lovin' from his mom... :)Thank you for such a fun but hot and sweaty shoot! ;) I'm so glad we avoided the rain and were able to squeeze this in! xx!