Sunday, August 21st was PAWS Wagfest at Mike Wallace Park by the Kingston/Edmonds ferry terminal. Wagfest is an annual fundraiser walk to support the work of PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap, and this year featured a 1K/5K Go … Continue reading
I seriously love the PAWS of Bainbridge and North Kitsap organization. My first contact was for the PAWS Wagfest in 2011, I brought my samples as a vendor, and met such nice people! The more I know, the more impressed I am! There are so many programs that benefit pets and people on the north end of Kitsap County, placing animals in forever homes, pet food bank, veterinary assistance, spay/neuter, feral cat abatement, Kitsap Lost Pets, placing cats with seniors and pet retention financial assistance, to name a few! I will go into those programs in further detail over the next few months, as I filmed some video of the various programs for PAWS. Saturday, June 6 was the PAWS fundraiser, “The Great Catsby and The Woofing Twenties.” As the name implies, this was a fun party to celebrate 40 years of PAWS programs and volunteers. The decorations were gorgeous, the band Good Co performed and the costumes and desserts were spectacular! There was a photobooth! I would have more to say about it, but I know you really came here for the pictures!
And the poster pet was the gorgeous Luna! She has an amazing story – for another blog post…
but isn’t she fabulous?!
Kitsap County Photographer, PAWS fundraiser, Bainbridge Island Pet Photographer, Port Orchard Pet Photographer, Animal Welfare, Great Catsby and the Woofing Twenties, 1920s theme, Lifestyle photography, Four Foot Photography
Sunday, September 7th was a gorgeous, sunny, end-of-summer kind of day. I was lucky enough to spend it with the kind people of PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap, celebrating all things canine. WAGFEST is an annual fund raising walk/run and vendor fair, held in Bainbridge Island’s Battle Point Park. There were contests, educational talks, bands, food and lots of fun! I am including waaaay too many images, but some of the little dog races are just so much fun…Check out Pickles photobombing the next heat in the race!
Click on the images to enlarge. Thank you so much to everyone who came out to support PAWS of Bainbridge’s excellent work. I look forward to next year!
Four Foot Photography, Kitsap County Pet Photographer, Bainbridge Island event, PAWS Wagfest 2014, PAWS of Bainbridge Island, Charity, North Kitsap County, Dog Photos
I LOVE it when people gift my services – 1) I am an avid gift-giver myself 2) It is so thoughtful to gift something you know someone will treasure, especially if it is something they would not have done for themselves 3) I get to meet really awesome people and pets… But enough about me! In September I had a display booth at the PAWS of Bainbridge Wagfest, as I have each of the last 3 years: 2013 , 2011 – I will have to search for 2012! I met Derek, who was helping his friend at another vendor booth, and we talked about doing a gift certificate for another friend’s birthday. Derek and Tara surprised their friend Jessica on her birthday with a session and print credit for her English Bulldog, Tank. The day Jessica and I set up for the session was rainy and cold, but Jessica wanted to give it a go, so we met at Silverdale Waterfront Park. Tank is adorable, as is Jessica, and they were stoic about the weather, so we ended up with MANY fun images to choose from. Tank’s quirky characteristics, like his Dalmatian-spotted ears and fabulous underbite, Jessica credits to puppy mill breeding, and though her rescue dog’s health issues have cost her “enough to buy a new car,” her love for her companion, and his adoration of her makes it all worthwhile. Here are some of my favorites!
Pet Photographer, Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Gig Harbor, Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Kingston, Belfair, Kitsap County, Pet Photography, English Bulldog Rescue, Silverdale Waterfront Park, Kitsap Lifestyle Photographer, Mary Eklund
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!
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
If you’ve been wanting photos but have been put off by the weather, here’s proof that you don’t have to wait until summer to schedule your photoshoot! Last weekend I had the immense pleasure of a session with Dexter and Tucci at their gorgeous Seabeck home. I met their mom at PAWS Wagfest on Bainbridge Island in September (and she kept my card! and called me! thank you!). If anything, I think these images are even more personal and relevant, as they reflect Dexter and Tucci’s daily surroundings, as well as Karyn and Robert’s style.
While Dexter and Tucci have very different personalities – Dexter is very shy and was pretty sure I was trying to do him in with that gizmo and Tucci is half Tigger and really, really wanted to chew up my ugly green camera bag – it smells SOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOD – they also have a lot in common. They are both rescues, both 4+ years old, and both are loved beyond their wildest dreams. Remember that commercial, “I’m a lucky dog”? Well, I couldn’t get it out of my head as I headed for home. These two sweethearts are both loved and loving, blessed and a blessing, goofy and well, goofy. You guys rock.
My work here is done – now it falls to Mops & Dudley’s parents to choose their favorite images from the session they won at PAWS Wagfest 2011. Better them than me! It’s hard to pick a favorite – this is one of mine. Feel free to chime in – what’s yours?
Dudley & Mops! Congrats to our pugalicious participants, and kudos to your pugnatious people, who rallied 30% of the votes in your favor. I’m looking forward to your session, double cutey-cutums!
Four Foot Photography 