The Dog Days of Summer - Part 2

I'm soooo excited to write this blog post - I can barely type!!! Why, you ask? Well, two reasons. Number 1 is because most of these shots were taken with my awesome new 50mm f/1.4 lens - in fact, these are the first pictures I have taken with it. I must say, I love it already!!! I can't wait to play around with it some more and see what all that baby can do. Reason number 2 is because you, my friend, are in for some major Great Dane Rescue cuteness overload...like out of this world cuteness! Now on to the pics... I'll start out with a kicker! Who can resist this furry little face with those oh-so-adorable eyelashes!?!

I'm not really sure if these little ones are going to be up for adoption, but I just couldn't resist posting their pics!

This sweet little man is Charlie. He is about 12 years old and was brought to the rescue as an owner surrender. This poor guy is so confused why he is here and just wants to curl up in someone's lap and feel safe again...

Next we have Sammie and a handsome white poodle. Sammie is the sweetest girl and has given birth to several of the black doggies I have photographed at the rescue. She isn't too good around other dogs but is a real cuddle bear with people. The white poodle is currently nameless but was definitely someone's baby at one time in his life. He loves to sit on your lap and will give you instant attention when the treats are pulled out!

Here they both are with their cutest faces and best smiles...

Luke is a Boxer/Hound mix of sorts and has a heart of gold. He will be awesome with a family that can give him tons of playtime because he loves his toys!

This next set of puppies will really get your heart racing. In total, there will be 6 little Hound pups available so get ready to make room in your house...

These last couple images remind me of why I volunteer at the Great Dane Rescue. No matter what breed, age, size, or shape, all these poor dogs want is for someone to take them home, give them a warm bed, plenty of food, and lots of kisses. I hope I help that happen.

New York Wedding

A couple weekends ago, we made the trip to upstate New York to attend a friend's wedding. We were at a loss when it came to buying a gift because they weren't registered anywhere. What to do? Well, I am definitely NOT a wedding photographer (too scared to try) but I figured I would try to grab a couple shots to give as a wedding present. I didn't want to interfere with the REAL wedding photographer so I photographed the guys getting ready - moments that sometimes get ignored. Hopefully these will make an ok gift for the bride and groom! P.S. - Props to all the wedding photogs out there! You gotta have skills!

The guys got ready at the groom's grandparent's house surrounded by family pets and pictures. What a nice way to include family members that physically could not attend the wedding...

Some little details from the reception...

The Dog Days of Summer - Part 1

As most of you know, it has been a hot few weeks here in the south. Luckily enough, most of us are blessed to have a comfortable home with a thermostat and chilly air conditioning. However, not everyone is so lucky...especially the animals that get left behind. This past Sunday, I spent some time volunteering at the Great Dane Rescue of the Carolinas. This time it seemed different - it seemed strangely quiet and I didn't see all of the dogs as I glanced around. Well, with temperatures closing in on 100 degrees and the humidity hovering at 50-60 percent, most of the dogs were hiding in their houses in what little shade the high noon sun could provide.

Please don't forget these helpless animals this time of year. They would give anything to be able to sprawl out on your living room floor and chill under the ceiling fan and A/C vent. Here are just a few of the pups that need a comfortable home...

This sweet boy is Waylon. Despite the heat, he was ready to play with me and then settle down for a good chest scratching. He was definitely my favorite of the day!

Next is Christian (on the left) and WillowBear. Christian is a new arrival and WillowBear has been at the rescue for quite some time. WillowBear will be a gorgeous dog with some grooming and care. She is a sweet girl with great manners!

Next we have some Great Dane puppies!!! They are super cute and will melt your heart!

Eva's Monday Morning

Some Monday mornings are better than others. Eva decided this particular Monday was made for staying in bed and occasionally glancing out the window. Note her pretty collar from Haute Dogs!

Big yaaaawwwwwnnnnn....

Can you spot her Cindy Crawford beauty mark? Hint...its on her nose...

Refer-a-Friend Cards

Starting today, all print and product orders will include a customized sheet of 8 wallet-sized "Refer a Friend" Cards. These awesome little prints will be personalized using an image from our session together. Hand these cards out to family, friends, and even strangers...basically anyone interested in a photo shoot! If your referrals book a session using your personalized card, you will receive a FREE 8"x10" gift print from your photo shoot! Just my little way of saying thanks to my fabulous customers!

Sasha - Mini Session

This past weekend, I spent some time in South Carolina for travel photo sessions. Before my Saturday evening session, I hung out at my mom's house for a few hours. She has a pretty grey cat named Sasha who was all ready for playing when I got there. I figured there was no better way to get ready for my evening photo session than to warm up by taking a few quick photos of Sasha! I don't get to photograph cats very often so I was more than thrilled for this opportunity!

After play time, Sasha was ready to move to her favorite room of the house - the sunroom. This room has three walls of windows...perfect for a cat to check out the birds and goings-on of the neighborhood. All of the windows provided gorgeous backlighting - something that is quickly becoming my new *thing*.

By the end, Sasha was ready to be left alone and settled down under her favorite chair for nap time...

Thanks mom for letting me hang out!

Nathan and Mia

Saturday afternoon was hot and humid with a chance of thunderstorms. Thankfully, the storms never appeared and I was fortunate to photograph Mia and Nathan in some gorgeous late afternoon sunlight. The photo shoot took place on some beautiful farmland in South Carolina, surrounded by pastures, barns, and friendly animals - a true play land for young children. Many thanks to Mia and Nathan's family for picking such a picturesque location. Also, many thanks to Nathan (for helping me push the button) and Mia (for putting up with getting your picture taken). I hope you enjoy your pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them! On to the photos...

Mia is a gorgeous little girl and a "firecracker" (her mom's description). She had on the cutest dress and was more than happy to show it off for me.

Nathan is a true 7-year-old country boy and was totally in his element on this 30-acre spread of land...

I grew up with three sisters so I don't know what it would be like to have a brother. I figure it would be like these pictures below - lots of teasing and rough-housing...

After a quick change of clothes, it was time to feed the animals. How cute are Mia's boots? They were hand-me-downs from Nathan...

Mia got to ride on the Rhino out to the pasture...

...while Nathan got to drive his 4-wheeler...

Time to feed the horse, donkey, and goats...

...or just chase them around...

I gave Mia some flowers for being such a good model. I think they made her day...

Fortunately, I was lucky enough to grab a few shots of Nathan and Mia together...

What a beautiful ending to a beautiful afternoon...

Your New Best Friend?

I swear that the Great Dane Rescue of the Carolinas has the sweetest and most loving dogs EVER! I know I say it all the time, but I have yet to find one dog there that isn't overflowing with love and ready to share it with the lucky members of its forever home. Please contact the Rescue if any of these pups look like your new best friend. Before I begin with the photos, I want to give a shout out to a few people. First, Amanda, for helping me out with the photo shoot. Second and third, to Janeen and Allison Mayfield. Janeen's family adopted Buddy (Gilbert) from the GDR in June 2008 and are completely in love with him. To show their appreciation, Janeen's daughter, Allison, collected donations for the Rescue in lieu of presents for her birthday. Many thanks go out to the Mayfield family! The world is lucky to have such a warm-hearted and thoughtful child and kudos to Janeen for raising such a beautiful daughter!

Picture Time!

First on the roster today is Elvis. Cute brown puppy? Check. Sweet as can be? Check. Loves the head tilt? Check. Do I want to take him home? Check.

Next we have Sadie, a pretty Beagle mix. She was found hidden underneath a trailer and now wants to spend the rest of her life with a loving home...

I have had my eye on Priscilla for a few weeks now and I finally had the opportunity to photograph her. She is absolutely gorgeous!!!! She is still young, ready to play, and is a genuinely happy girl!

I don't know the names of the next two dogs but they will probably get adopted fast. The puppy on the left almost went home with my helper for the day!

The next few pics are of a pair of Schnauzers that (I believe) were rescued from a puppy mill. The first guy is Mugsley and is just as friendly as can be and walks around without a care in the world! His girl friend, Poopsy, seemed to be a little more shy and would love to go home with her BFF.

Lastly, we have Bo. Bo was such a ham for the camera. His expressions were priceless! This dog will definitely provide endless entertainment for you and your family...