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. :)
The foundation of Pet Palooza is the 2K dog walk. It starts the event off with a bang while taking the participants on a nice stroll around the perimeter of Independence Park. I got to be right in the middle of the action... ;)
After the walk, the festivities began! However, there's always time for a quiet moment to catch your breath and take in the view.
Pups got to make their own paw portrait artwork or work off the burn from the walk with a massage...
People weren't left out either! Face painting, massages, and palm readings were just a few of the things keeping the party going!
The Fido Fashion Show quickly got the attention of the crowd as adoptable dogs and HSC alumni strutted their stuff in some divine attire.
And what is a festival without great music? Alex Kastanas and gogo Pilot kept the crowd entertained.
On the other side of the park, your pup had the opportunity to try out the agility course. Jumps, tunnels, and platforms were just a few of the obstacles the Zoom Room trainers would lead your pup through.
A huge food truck paw-villion kept hunger at bay while a beer/wine garden did the same for thirst. (Don't you just love the dog staring at the beer being poured?!?)
My favorite part of the day was just watching people hanging out with their beloved 4-leggers. :)
Not to be forgotten, there were a few epic contests including some great entries for best trick...
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. :)
As we brainstormed about the bedroom, I began to put a storyboard together. I was really starting to like this makeover! The only thing that varied from the storyboard were the curtains. We already had linen-colored ones on-hand and they ended up looking great too!
And here is the *almost* final room. A few caveats first... 1) these are quick snapshots with no added lighting (because I felt lazy today) so sorry if they aren't the best quality; 2) The landscaping in the backyard is an upcoming project and I didn't move our bicycles (see #1) - sorry; 3) I still need to add some cool decorations to the mini nightstands I made. Anyway, you get the idea!
I LOVE this light from West Elm! It really makes the room!
I got these gorgeous watercolor prints from a fantastic artist on 
A few more shots. 
And, because this is a pet photography blog, I had to include an animal in a couple of the shots. Here's Teton (who is celebrating his 13th birthday this week) getting ready to decorate the room his own way...with cat hair.
Pick up a copy of the magazine and flip to page 18 for the full story. Or, check out the digital copy 
Noel had been sick for quite some time but she was in the best place in the world for extra loving and medical help. Unfortunately, she had to help type her last email, take the last couple licks from her Lickety Stik, and say her final goodbyes on Friday. She will be very missed.
I'm starting to cry again as I write this but I want to keep this as positive as possible. I'm sure Noel's spirit will roam the halls and kennels at the HSC and make sure each and every cat and dog have the opportunity to find love like she did.
Kalvin is a pretty active boy that will make a wonderful companion. He is very inquisitive as you can see from his head tilt. ;)
Franjelica is a super sweet lady and need I say gorgeous?!? She is wonderful at commands, is very polite and loves toys.
