Puppy Love's Hard to Ignore

I've been wanting to make a promo video for McGraw Photography for years. I'm such a control freak that I've wanted to do it myself even though I have no idea how to shoot video, much less edit it. Well, that's where Creative Live comes in. Creative Live is an online classroom for photographers, videographers, designers, etc. If watched live, their classes are free. You also have the option to purchase each class so you can refer back to it over and over.

When I've watched Creative Live in the past, I mostly tuned in to watch classes on photography. Well that all changed when I decided to watch Rob and Vanessa's course on video fusion - a mix of stills and video. That class really got me thinking that it would be possible to make a video for myself. However, I was also put in the mindset that, "oh, I don't have that equipment, I don't just want to do slideshows, etc."

Fortunately, Creative Live came to the rescue again when I watched Hailey Bartholomew and Sue Bryce's course on show reels. Those fabulous women showed me that I didn't need a ton of fancy equipment and the shooting was WAY more my style (especially with dogs that may be a little hard to direct). I was completely inspired and decided to pick up my camera and play around!

Now keep in mind this is my very first video. I was by myself (which can be difficult with a dog) and I only used my 5D Mark III, my 35mm lens and the strap around my neck. I eventually want to get a Fig Rig for smoother movement but I need to make sure I would use it enough (or convince my husband I would)! Anyway, I hope you enjoy my happy girl, Sadie, playing with me in the backyard...

I am truly inspired now and I can't wait to make a "real" promo video for my business!

Puppy kisses!

***EDIT*** I just wanted to touch on a couple things people have had questions on! :) This was shot on manual exposure with manual focusing. I forgot to manually set my white balance - oops! - so it was on auto. The video was edited with iMovie. Oh, and the song is I Adore by Mindy Gledhill and it was licensed from Triple Scoop Music. I think that's it! :)

Shackleford Banks Trip

I'm sure vacation photos aren't normally super exciting for others to go through so I'd thought I'd keep things simple and show some highlights from a trip I recently took over to the island of Shackleford Banks.

Shackleford Banks is special in that it is home to more than 110 wild horses. Only accessible via boat, you are free to explore the 9-mile long on foot in search of a glimpse of these feral beauties. When you finally lay eyes on one, it is pretty magical - almost like you have discovered a real, live unicorn.

Of course, there are other amazing creatures that call Shackleford Banks home and, honestly, it may be easier to find a few of them. Heck, we even stumbled upon a naked man hiking across the island (sorry, no pics)! To give him credit, it was pretty hot in the sun but I sure hope he had bug spray in his backpack - the mosquitoes out there were huge!!! Aside from the random naked dude, it is a wonderful place to visit!

I don't know of many things more magical than a wild horse walking down a deserted beach. Simply amazing...

If you ever make the trip to Shackleford Banks, I highly recommend using the ferry service from Island Ferry Adventures. Also, be sure to pack food, water, bug spray and sun screen! And, most importantly, remember the horses are wild so give them space!!!

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Rhett Butler

You may have seen me gushing over these two on Facebook for the past week but did you know they are brothers?!? Well, not blood brothers, but live-in-the-same-house kind of brothers. Imagine these two handsome devils greeting you every morning when you wake up! That would certainly bring a smile to my face!Obi-Wan Kenobi is a Basset Hound with a look to die for! Seriously. Could you say no to this face?Rhett Butler is a French Mastiff, or Dogue de Bordeaux if you are fancy. ;) He is 150 pounds of wrinkles, slobber, and cuteness!We kept most of Rhett's drool under control but every now and then, a little bit couldn't help but slip out. It's totally part of his charm!Again - Obi-Wan with that "give-me-what-I-want" look. I love his splayed out feet...This is what happens when you ask brothers to pose together. Cracks me up!Now we got it!Just in case you didn't get it before, here's another magical Obi-Wan Kenobi look. May the Force be with him.Now that's a handsome goofball!Back in the woods, both Obi-Wan and Rhett took turns working it for the camera...Poor Rhett is dealing with a heart condition that makes him a little on the slower side. However, he knew his mom really wanted a running shot so he turned it on for us! This is the tame version...And a crazy outtake.! Hehehe!As opposite as these boys could be, they were equally fun to work with (as well as their parents)! I can't wait to see them again and bring some more drool home with me! ;)

Luka and Lacey

Surprise sessions are the best and I just love the excitement that surrounds the news when the secret is revealed! I recently had the pleasure of photographing 2 totally kissable Westies as a surprise gift for their 2-legged dad. Not only was the session special because of the Christmas holiday, but because we wanted to document our main model, Luka, in a very loving way. A tumor was recently discovered on his liver and, of course, the news was devastating to his family. Fortunately, his energy is still fantastic and you can't even tell that he is ill. Our session revolved around him and this charmer was beyond thrilled!

Luka had a blast exploring Fisher Farm. He had the biggest grin on his face the whole time and his smile is so contagious!What’s so great about exploring a field if you don’t get drop for an oh-so-good back scratching?Luka stepped aside for a few moments and let his sis, Lacey *literally* sneak up for a shot. ;)And he even shared the spotlight with his pretty momma…What a CUTIE!!!I’m so glad that we had the opportunity to document this special boy on such a wonderful day. Luka's dad was definitely surprised because as he unwrapped his Coffee Table Album, happy tears began to fall. They even sent me a picture of him posing with his album. I love what I do. :)

Here is a peek at their gorgeous Album...

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What My Paws Are Diggin' - Personal

It's a New Year and that means resolutions to be a better person, get in shape, lose weight, etc. Because of that, I wanted this installment of What My Paws Are Diggin' to be a little more personal and focus on us 2-leggers. This time, I'm going to share with you some things that I personally use and love and they have helped me move down a path of health and happiness. Hopefully, you might discover something that will help you reach your 2013 goals!

1) Mumford & Sons: Ok, so maybe this one won't make you lose weight or get healthy but I promise it will make you happy! I just love Mumford & Sons! Their music is amazing and I'm obsessed with watching them perform (do a search on YouTube!). They are stellar songwriters and musicians and I finally get to see them in concert this Valentine's Day! Yay!!! Happy, happy, happy! :)

2) Bio Ionic StyleWinder: I have a ton of people ask me what I use to curl my hair with. I was introduced to this curling iron a couple years ago and now I use it ALL the time! It's unique in that you turn the barrel with your fingers - kind of. It's hard to explain but trust me, it works, it's super easy, it gives you "beachy" waves, and they last! I highly recommend this if you are trying to save time but still want a finished look to your do!

3) Hurom Juicer: I've always loved to juice fruits and veggies but this juicer has taken it to another level for me. It's a slow juicer which extracts more juice from your produce and results in a higher quality juice with less foam and oxidation. If you want to get more fruits and vegetables in your diet, this is the way to go! Lately, I've been starting my mornings with a pineapple/apple juice and I promise, it's like liquid sunshine! And you know what they say - you are what you eat (and in this case, drink). I know I'd really like to be a ray of sunshine!

If you don't know anything about juicing or it's benefits, check out a juicing class at your local Williams-Sonoma or watch Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead (it's available on Netflix).

4) P90X: So this is for the whole get-in-shape thing. Honestly, last year I was completely slack in this department so I'm stepping it up this year. I've done a cycle of P90X in the past so I know it works! It had me doing push-ups all over the place and probably in the best shape I've been in since high school. I started again at the beginning of the year and, while I currently can barely move because I'm so sore, I know I'll see changes very soon!

5) Vitamix Blender: This is the newest collection to the things I love. I've wanted a Vitamix for years and years but it was never in the budget. When my ghetto blender broke about a month ago, I finally bit the bullet and went for the Vitamix. OMG! I should not have waited so long!!! This thing is amazing and makes awesome smoothies, banana ice cream, homemade dressings and so much more! It is such a wonderful tool to have for a vegan, raw-foodist, or anyone that wants to make healthy meals at home!

6) Bean Vegan Cuisine: As many of you know, I have been a vegan for over 7 years now. While I never push my diet on others, I always try to help out if someone has questions and is thinking about going down the same path. One question that I always get is, "what DO you eat?" Well, trust me, there are plenty of things to eat but I'm also very excited that a new vegan restaurant has opened up in Charlotte. It might not be super-healthy and they even describe their food as comfort foods, but it is a great place to try out some delicious cruelty- and animal-free options. My personal favorite is the jalapeño/cheddar burger (my mouth is watering right now)! Even my meat-loving husband has turned away from chicken with the help of their buffalo fingers. Oh, and their Kitty-Kat Cake is unbelievable!!! Even if you aren't following a vegan diet, you should check it out!

To learn more about a vegan diet, check out Forks Over Knives. It's available on Netflix too!

Goodbye in 2012

2012 was hard in that I had to say goodbye to too many clients this year. Each and every pet that I photograph becomes a part of my heart and I love nothing more than to receive updates on what they're up to and how they're doing. Inevitably, I will also get told that one of them had to say goodbye. This is the hardest part of what I do and I cry every. single. time.

I wanted to put together a little blog post in order to honor those pets that have gained their angel wings this year.

Ellie - Ellie was the first deaf dog I've ever photographed and I fell in love with her sweet personality immediately. She loved going out on the boat with her moms...

Jack - We squeezed Jack's session in just hours before he said goodbye. He spent his days protecting his mom on his front porch...Cali - Cali said goodbye way too soon but we were lucky to have a wonderful session together before she got sick. She got to play ball, swim, and go on a car ride...Disney - Disney had a beautiful Angel Session that was full of celebration, positivity, and compassion. It was so touching and I know she said goodbye with nothing but happiness and love in her heart...Cliff - Who could ever forget Cliffy-Poo? This sweetie also had to say goodbye too soon but I know his parents will always look at this picture and smile...Manchester - Manchester fought a strong fight so he could stay by his mom's side as long as possible. He enjoyed licking out the peanut butter jar for a special treat...Chaz - Chaz was ill during our session but you would have never known it. He made sure his family had images of his sweet, happy face having a great time...Ilsa - Ilsa resembles my Eva so much that I took her session very personally. When I got the news that she had said her final goodbyes, it was very hard. She was a beautiful dog with a beautiful soul...

Phoebe Buffet - Phoebe Buffet was part of a model call that I held back when I was doing studio work. At 14 years old, she had played "mother" to numerous foster dogs and is now watching over them from afar...

For those of you out there that have lost a beloved pet, I know the pain never goes away - it just gets easier to deal with. Please know that there are people out there that also treasure the memory of your pet and understand that they were a part of your family. I'm sure 2013 will bring you new memories (and maybe even new pets) but be assured that your four-legged loved ones have now gained their angel wings and are watching over you...

Bailey

An "overgrown fluffy Lab" was the description I got of Bailey when I got the session inquiry from her mom. With a description like that, I knew Bailey would be awesome! At 11 years old, she is still as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as any puppy I've seen and was a pleasure to photograph. Unfortunately, when it came time to actually have her session, the weather just didn't want to cooperate. Dark grey clouds and threats of rain forced us to reschedule three times! That's a new record for me. Thankfully, on our fourth try, we lucked out with a gorgeous sunny day and mild temperatures. The wait was totally worth it!

So without further ado, here is Bailey...

We started Bailey's session at her townhouse and then moved on to one of her favorite walking trails.The greenway was gorgeous and peaceful and we even encountered a few deer as we explored. Bailey wondered why we kept stopping and taking pictures instead of trying to walk the whole loop.To end the session, we headed back home to a field behind Bailey's house.She had never explored back there and her smile tells the story of how excited she was!!!She seriously explored every nook and cranny she could get to! I think I had as much fun as she did!

Bailey, it was so wonderful to FINALLY spend and afternoon photographing you! I hope you have since recovered from all the excitement and I can't wait to see you again!

Scooter and Lucy

Jack Russells and Labs are probably two of this county's favorite breeds. They are both so happy and playful and evoke such a sense of joy. I was so excited to spend an afternoon with both when I got to photograph Scooter and Lucy!Scooter is the perfect name for a Jack Russell! He definitely scooted around chasing his ball and working off his Jack Russell energy. He is such a cute munchkin!!!Gotta love his smile! :)Lucy is a black Lab mix who was adopted from the Humane Society of Charlotte. This sweetheart is unbelievably good and I just fell in love with her!Every so often she will show you her go-go-gadget ears! :)Meanwhile, Scooter was strictly business and made sure someone was throwing his ball at all times. He loved my Kong tennis ball more than any of his own so I left it with his as a parting gift.This looks like it could end badly. No fear...neither one of us got injured!He's saying, "Hey! Are you getting this?!?"Sweet babies!!!! Look at Lucy sitting pretty!Lucy will charm you in a SECOND with this precious smile... And on the other end, she is making snow angels. With no snow. And just one wing. ;)On the left, no silly noises. On the right, weird noises coming from the camera lady. I can almost hear the "Argh?" from the two of them.Thanks so much for such a wonderful afternoon! Scooter and Lucy were such a joy to be around. Their 2-legged parents are very lucky! Slobbery kisses!