Sunday, September 15 was the date for this year’s PAWS Wagfest at Battle Point Park on beautiful Bainbridge Island! It is one of my favorite events, so my enthusiasm was up, despite having attended ANOTHER of my faves, Harbor Hounds in Gig Harbor, just the day before, and logging 7 hours of driving time (mainly for childcare) in just over 24 hours. The weather was a bit dicey, and we ended up having some early thunder and rain, although the big nasties held off until later in the day. Huge shout out to my friend Jen Vroom, who attended both events with me, and brought coffee! I was so impressed with the stoic canines who were nonplussed by the thunder, and their human companions who came out to support PAWS of Bainbridge and all the good work they do for the animals. There was a terrific group of vendors and I saw several of my fave fourfoots – notably Dexter, Tucci and Casey, who were featured on my acrylic samples, and made some new friends, too! Super fun events included contests for best costume, waggiest tail, look-a-like, biscuit stacking (human), tricks, pie eating (canine), and the ever popular races. Voting was held and awards were also presented to winners of the fundraising Picture Your Pet contest, and those who raised the most for PAWS. Generally I am near my booth, photographing the attendees, but in this case was asked to document the events – I had only brought one lens, but the images will give you an idea of the fun that is had, and I hope to see you there next year!
Tag Archives: Kitsap
Six Months Old – Already? Port Orchard Photographer
Time does fly – especially that first year – and this little guy is already blasting through his milestones. I can hardly believe that Evan is six months old – and already on his first cruise. Livin’ the life, Little Dude! Rob and Pattie made time to appease the paparazzi (yours truly) the night before they left on vacation – yikes – for Evan’s 6 month pictures. He is just the yummiest little baby, I love those bright eyes and his interaction with his parents. It has been my unwavering pleasure to be their family photographer (and self-appointed weird auntie).
Kitsap County Photographer, Mary Eklund, Lifestyle Photography, Family Portraits, Baby Pictures, Milestones, Silverdale, Gig Harbor Photographer, Key Peninsula, Pierce County Photographer
Casey Girl!
I was so thrilled to receive a call from Casey’s parents, inquiring about a birthday photography session for their girl, about to turn 4. I always get excited about an upcoming session (and a doggie birthday party? Yes, please!), but this was a relief as well, since Casey’s mum had called Four Foot Photography the year before, I called back and left a message, and then did not hear from them again. This happens every once in a while, and I know that sometimes people change their minds, etc, but it always leaves me wondering if I did/said something wrong (artist-types can be a little sensitive!). Turns out, they had taken Casey to a studio for her 3rd birthday portrait – they have her portrait made on her birthday every year, isn’t THAT awesome – but we had met at PAWS of Bainbridge Wagfest, and they wanted a pet photographer for birthday #4, so it was my turn! Casey’s birthday is February 10, and I arrived at their beautiful Bainbridge Island home, balloons in hand, to meet the dog of the hour. A cake had been procured from a doggie bakery on the other side of the water, where Casey goes to swim therapy once a week, since having surgery as a young pup. Now my clients, bar none, are people who genuinely love their pets and value their place in the family. Casey’s parents impressed me even further, with the planning, care, training and spectacular life they are giving her. She is, as Standard Poodles are, VERY smart, and they keep her intellectually stimulated, as well as exercised, socialized and loved. So without further ado, I give you, Casey’s Fourth Birthday:
I had such a great time, I know I am being greedy, but I hope they call me next year! Your parents love you, Casey Girl, and so do I.
Four Foot Photography, Mary Eklund, Kitsap County Pet Photographer, Doggie Birthday Party, Dog Photos, Standard Poodle, Bainbridge Island, Pet Photography, Kitsap County, 2013
I know I’m a weirdo, but…
Yup, it’s true. I loved being pregnant, so it is really fun for me to do maternity pictures. Such an exciting time! You may remember Rob and Pattie, providers for Bear and Barley, those shedding, drooling darlings! Well, it wasn’t my place to say (no longer a secret!), but at Bear and Barley’s session, Pattie asked me if I do maternity photos. SQUEEEEEEE! I am so happy for these high school sweethearts, expecting their first baby next February. We had a heck of a time scheduling, the weather has not been in our favor (and also somebody didn’t look any more pregnant than I do…) – finally the stars aligned and we were able to photograph their maternity session at Howe Farm in Port Orchard. Aren’t they cute?
I can hardly wait to meet the baby!
Maternity Photos, Kitsap County Photographer, Mary Eklund, Four Foot Photography, Howe Farm, Port Orchard Photographer, Key Peninsula, Gig Harbor, Baby Photos
Jackie & Jermaine
Jackie and Jermaine were married July 28, 2012 at Gold Mountain Golf Course. It was a beautiful ceremony celebrating the love they share and the SIX children they have between them. I was truly blessed to be present, and believe me when I tell you it was a powerful thing to be trusted with capturing the powerful moments of the day – that’s a lot of pressure, people! It is my fervent wish that as they look at these images over the years they will be able to remember those intense emotions and be present in their love and appreciation for one another. Truly, my best wishes to two people who found their perfect match in each other.
Aren’t they beautiful?
Mike & Duke
I received a call late this summer (last summer already? Ack!) from Mike, who had seen my display at Woodside Animal Hospital and was interested in getting some photographs of Duke, his black lab and especially an image of the two of them together for a holiday card. I met them out at the public pier on the Port Orchard side of Sinclair Inlet, which was a really fun spot to shoot. There were folks fishing and crabbing and the sun was really sparkling off the water. Poor Duke – sooooo many wonderful, fishy smells! It turns out Duke hails from Kelso, my old stomping grounds! He is one lucky dog – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love love my clients – people who value the companionship their four-footed friends provide. In return, Duke lives the life of Riley!
When I first saw Mike’s lovely home (with all that clean, juicy wallspace!), I will admit I was thinking BIG CANVAS! However, I feel the artwork in your home is so personal (and that’s what I do!), it also has to mesh with your individual style. Mike selected a collection of 8 images in varying sizes, mounted on stainless standouts, for a very clean, modern look. It was also easier to choose 8 images than 1! I’m not going to share the Christmas card in case you are on Mike’s list, but suffice it to say a Santa hat and reindeer antlers are involved…FABULOUS! Oh, and as we drove away after delivering Mike’s order, my 7 year old said, “That guy is AWESOME!” Right you are, buddy. Thanks, Mike and Duke for your business, for being such good sports, for looking after each other and also for sharing your relationship with me. I look forward to our shoot next year, and seeing you out and about on your bike rides/runs!Heart (and dogs) of gold…
The winner of this year’s Four Foot Photography PetsWalk contest has become one of my favorite people. Katie, her husband Dave, and baby Casey share their home and hearts with Mae Mobley and Minnie Mae. I’ve mentioned before that one of my favorite things about my work is meeting people who care so deeply for the animals that share and enhance their lives. Katie lives that to an extent that puts her in the category of extraordinary.
Katie works at Kitsap Humane Society in Silverdale several days a week, even though Dave is in the Navy, and she is on her own with the baby and doggehs when he’s deployed. I do love red dogs! Both of these girls are rescues, Mae from KHS, and Minnie came to KHS in Silverdale with a group of little dogs that had run out of time in California shelters – she came home with Katie “for the weekend”, but that was a year ago…Katie is so passionate about her work and rescue that for their anniversary, in lieu of gifts, Dave donates to the shelter. I delivered the products she ordered the other night (all the better to get in one more snuggle with the darling Casey and pet those lovely red-gold girls. Aren’t they just perfectly matched?), and this morning I was preparing to deposit her check – across the top it says, “Adopt your next best friend.” Of COURSE it does.
Mae & Minnie haven’t had an easy go of it – last winter Minnie was attacked by a big dog and nearly killed, and both have been affected by it. So while we were doing our session, things unfolded in such a way that Mae became extremely protective of Minnie when strangers approached, and we shot more than half the session with Katie wrangling the girls and me holding Casey (so good natured!!!) on my hip and shooting one handed, unable to change my settings or zoom the 24-70mm lens I had on the camera, let alone switch lenses! I was not so hopeful about the results, and we made tentative plans to reshoot. I cannot tell you how surprised I was that some of my favorites from the session were shot under those conditions – all that studying and learning, those expensive workshops and training, and these images came out great in spite of many challenges. A great lesson in humility!
You will see Mae and MooMoo again, as we are going to do a “booster” shoot to get some photos of the two girls together, as they are as tight as can be. And also so I can get my hands on that sweet, juicy baby…
I was so excited when I received her float wraps – gorgeous girls!
Kitsap County, consider yourself lucky to count these amazing people among your populace!
I’m IN!
One of the things at the top of my list when I started my business was to give back in some way. There has been no shortage of opportunity there, but I am very excited that I had my first session photographing adoptable animals at the Kitsap Humane Society today. Most of today’s talent today were of the feline variety, but this little guy caught my eye in the lobby, and I made puppy-dog eyes at the staff until I was allowed to photograph him (also he was due for a potty break, but I suspect they were humoring me). Is he not just the cutest little dude? Most likely 1/2 Corgi and 1/2 Jack Russell Terrier, he was just a big bundle of cute in a tiny little package. Those floppy ears! Seriously. I want the first one I saw…epic fail! Let’s get this little guy adopted, quick! Meet Max:
Second Chance Care Fund Carnival
This doll baby is Barley. He is a Second Chance dog – arguably the poster boy. Isn’t he gorgeous? I had the good fortune of sharing my awning with him and his folks when it got too sunny for such a well insulated dude. LOVES!
This is the bite prevention talk given by Bethel Animal Hospital’s behaviorist, Jackie Kahler. Good information, people, and she is willing to present it to schools, clubs, etc! So in the top photo, which dog is more likely to bite, the cute little doxie in the man’s arms, or the gorgeously intimidating Dobie? Yup, the little dog being held is far more likely to bite. In the bottom photos the kids are demonstrating two bite prevention strategies – “Be a tree” and “Be a log”
The pet costume contest entrants, clockwise from the top….Wonder Dog, Double Stuffed Oreo, Seagull, Rich Lady. Bwahahahaha! So cute! The winner was Double Stuffed Oreo, but they were all worthy.
When was the last time you saw a dunk tank? Too much fun! Dr. Wempe got wet – some of the littler kids had a little help from some of the bigger kids…
More shenanigans from the good natured staff. It’s all to help the animals, right?
So we had to do a little comparison…medium brown in color, long white fluffy tails, four legs…who is bigger?
And my booth for the event. Thanks so much! I had a great time and met so many wonderful animal lovers. *Soon* there will be a colorful photographic display of Second Chance animals in Bethel’s lobby – please check it out! I am donating 10% of proceeds from sessions booked via the Bethel Animal Hospital back to the Second Chance Care Fund, to support their terrific work treating animals whose people can no longer care for them. You can read more of their stories at http://www.bethelanimalhospital.net/second-chance-care-fund.html
Piaf
Beautiful Piaf!
Through Second Chance, Piaf found her forever home with Crystal! Here are a few of my favorites from her recent session. See if you can find the bee in the middle photo – Piaf could!
Four Foot Photography 