Tag Archives: Pet Portraits

Studio Work at Cindy’s Grooming Styles – Kitsap County Photographer ~ Four Foot Photography

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This week I was delighted to be asked by a middle school student if she could job shadow me. The specific day was Friday, my plan was to edit and work on taxes – a realistic view of my workday, but not something I thought would be too exciting for a 13 year old! The weather did not allow for outdoor shooting, but Miss S’s mom happens to own Cindy’s Grooming Styles, which has a large area for doggie daycare (and some beautiful wall art by Four Foot Photography)! We have talked about doing some limited edition sessions in the shop for Cindy’s clientele, so this was a great opportunity to do a dry run. Without much time to put out a model call, I decided to work with my own four foots – unfortunately, my wingnut Bichon was still several weeks from his next grooming appointment, and I really haven’t worked with our rescue pug that much. To that end, Cindy agreed to work Fabio in to get him camera ready, and I thought I would set up my mobile backdrop and bring Gladys along for a realistic study on how it can be to work with an animal who doesn’t have much experience at posing or isn’t particularly trained (Gladys is quite deaf). We had a lovely day – Ms. S is a bright, eager learner, Cindy did a beautiful job on Fabio, and Gladys was a pleasant surprise. Over the past several years I have been looking for the words to explain how the process of having your pet (or family) photographed can be very validating to the strong connection people have with their pets (and each other) – and also it is so FUN! The shared experience brings an emotional element to the images that is reinforced every time you look at those photographs. This was first called to my attention by the fabulous Stephanie Wright, whose rats I photographed my first year in business (Click here to see the images). She told me later that the evening after the photoshoot she just couldn’t put her girls down, seeing them through the camera’s eye she fell completely in love and just sat and cuddled them. This was the best compliment, and after photographing Gladys Friday, I got a taste of my own medicine. We loved her right away, stinkiness and quirks and all, but I am now SO IN LOVE with her adorable little head tilt! Here are my babies!

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I genuinely prefer to shoot in more of a lifestyle format and natural light, but this really got my studio juices flowing! Miss S had an opportunity to photograph as well, I will add some of her shots in the next few days (I REALLY have to get my taxes done!).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four Foot Photography, Mary Eklund, Pet Photographer, Kitsap County Pet Photographer, Dog Photos, Cindy’s Grooming Styles, Port Orchard Photographer, Pets and People, Portrait Studio, Bichon, Pug

FFP Tribute to Sneaky the Wonder Cat – Kitsap County Photographer ~ Four Foot Photography

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You love your animals. All of them. Their quirks, their paws, their cold noses, their slobber, their smell, their attitude, the way they walk. Every pet you have ever had (and some of you have had a lot!) lives in your heart, I know that. You always wish you had more time with them, but there’s one who was special. Your heart dog, your soul mate. They might have been gone for years, or it is the rescue you brought home last week, your puppy or your 8 year old cat, but they just get you, there is a connection, a deeper understanding. This post is a tribute to Sneaky, Dr Monica Wlodarchak’s best friend, her love, her confidante, advisor, keeper of secrets. She had to say goodbye to 19 year old Sneaky last week, and while she has other pets and has cared for so many others through Tender Touch Animal Hospital , Poulsbo Animal Clinic, and as an emergency vet, my heart breaks for her. Is it inevitable? Yes. Does that make it any easier? Not at all. I covet your prayers and positive ju-ju for her to get through the next few weeks.

 

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If you click on the Tender Touch Animal Hospital link above, you can read Sneaky’s biography, and get a glimpse into his life with Dr Monica, from a tiny, abandoned kitten, to big cat on campus, to vet companion. 19 years of devotion. I first met Sneaky in the summer of 2011, while photographing the staff for their employee portraits – he lived up to his name! Dr Monica does have some beautiful artwork from that session to validate her years of memories, and I hope that is a small comfort. Many people tell me they are afraid they will forget the details of their furry companions, but I can tell you from experience I still remember each of my pets’ smell, their fur, their favorite things, although I last said goodbye in 2006. I saw Sneaky most recently at the Tender Touch Open House in September (the images with the blue sweater!), and watched in amazement as Dr Monica flipped him over and nonchalantly did a blood draw from his jugular mid sentence. He was really just there for her, hanging on to provide the love and companionship she needed. Sneaky was a one of a kind wonder cat, and to say he will be missed, well, it just isn’t enough. Love you little guy, rest well.

Sneaky, Cat Photos, Tender Touch Animal Hospital, Dr Monica Wlodarchak, Four Foot Photography, Tribute Session, Kitsap County Pet Photographer, Employee Photos, Mary Eklund, Kingston, Poulsbo, Port Orchard Photographer,

McNeill’s Brogan Boy – Kitsap County Pet Photographer Four Foot Photography

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I never know what will come of an inquiry – sometimes nothing, and sometimes I meet someone I feel like I have known, or want to know, forever. I had a call in October that led to me meeting the fabulous Alicia Harck (I rarely use last names on my blog, but you really need to know that this angel woman is among us). Alicia is co-founder of The Big Dog Rescue Project, and coordinates for Seattle dogs coming in from high kill Texas shelters. She screens applications, picks up, fosters, places and delivers the dogs to their new families. It is an amazing, intensive constant, in addition to caring for her own sweet husband, dogs and horses. Alicia has since done some fostering for Pony Up Equine Rescue (in her spare time?). As much as I would go on and on about this fantastic giver of a woman, this post is not about her, but about sweet Brogan, her 11 year old yellow lab.  Alicia had seen my work at the annual Kitsap Humane Society Animal Krackers Auction, and was calling to set up a pet photography session. 2013 was a hard year for the Harcks, as they lost multiple four footed family members, horses, dogs and the cat. Darling Brogan had been treated at WSU College of Veterinary Medicine for a rare nasal cancer. Brogan fought hard and went into remission, but Alicia was calling me as the cancer was back. She wanted his session to be a surprise for her husband for Christmas, and we planned a lifestyle session featuring this darling boy on his (gorgeous!) home turf, being Brogan, while he was feeling healthy and happy. He certainly lived up to his billing as Chief Heartthrob, although Alicia’s friend Michelle tells me Brogan is HER boyfriend, so I had to take a number. The Harcks are making sure Brogan enjoys every day, and while cancer and treatment have taken their toll, you can clearly see his sweet, beautiful spirit, and the absolute love and devotion he has for his people.

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We made some beautiful custom Christmas cards, a gorgeous canvas, wood print, photographic prints and metal prints, in addition to their custom layflat session album. It is my fervent wish that their vibrant, personal artwork makes them happy every single time they look at it. I love these people and everything they stand for, I am truly blessed to meet such amazing people and animals through my business.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kitsap County Pet Photographer, Four Foot Photography, Mary Eklund, Port Orchard Pet Photographer, Gig Harbor Pet Photographer, Yellow Lab, Pet Photographer, Kitsap County Photographer, Professional Photographers of America

Kitsap Humane Society Adoptables – Kitsap County Pet Photographer

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I met some cutie-pies on Tuesday! Some of them have already been adopted – go to Kitsap Humane Society for currently available adoptable animals.

 

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Kitsap Humane Society, FourFootPhotography.com, Adoptable Dogs, Rescue Dogs, Kitsap County Pet Photographer, Mary Eklund, Dog Photos

Winter Lighting Challenge – Catchlights

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Usually a willing poser, the wingnut was rather subdued.
Literally one shot of the boy before he was off. Meh.
Gladys was full of beans, and pushed her fur brother off the ottoman.
Grandma Kitty can still smolder the camera.
What happens when I tell her to look right into the lens…sigh.
Catchlights on a fish? If you look closely…
Oh, this one is trouble…
PCS – Photographer’s Child Syndrome.

Catchlights are the little reflection of light in the eye that give spirit to a photograph, bringing it to life. This is especially true for pet photography. Animals have such dark eyes, it is very important to capture the light and avoid the dreaded “shark” or “dead” eye. For this week’s challenge (easy peasy, right?), I thought I would photograph the kids and the dogs together – yeah, no. Not gonna happen. So then I thought I would do each of my babies – two footed, four footed and finned (ok, I don’t really think of the fish as one of my babies, but I have managed to keep him alive for 14 months now!). Well it seems NO ONE was in a cooperative mood, so what I got was kind of silly, but I love them all the same.

I think perhaps Batfish was the most cooperative…

Port Orchard Photographer, Mary Eklund, Kitsap County Photographer, Kids and Pets, Winter Lighting Challenge, Cat Photos, Dog Photos, Lifestyle Photography, Gig Harbor Family Photographer, 2014

Tumbler-ific! Kitsap County Photographer ~ Four Foot Photography

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Last Saturday, I was in Indianola {beaUtiful!} and maybe disturbed Tumbler’s sleep a wee little bit in wanting to capture his portrait. I was rewarded with a giant yawn, and back to sleep he went. The light was so pretty, and he is even softer than he looks! Tumbler was adopted from Kitsap Humane Society and is living the good life with his people in a cottage by the sea. They appreciate and adore him every day. #HappyEnding

 

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Four Foot Photography, Pet Photographer, Kitsap County, 2014, Indianola Beach, Life is Good, Cat Photographer, Gig Harbor Pet Photographer, Bainbridge Island Pet Photographer, Indianola Pet Photographer, Port Orchard Pet Photographer, Kingston Pet Photographer, Poulsbo Pet Photographer, Silverdale Pet Photographer, Bremerton Pet Photographer, Mary Eklund, Kitsap Humane Society

 

Tank ~ the English Bulldog

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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!

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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

Prism Light

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This week’s creative lighting assignment was a bit more of a challenge than I had anticipated – I started by photographing some beautifully colored leaves in the back yard – pretty blue sky, a little sun flare, it’s all good, right? Except it WASN’T. Back to the drawing board, I went out again today, followed by the resident doggehs. I tried a few more abstract images, then I thought, “Do what you do.” So I did – instead of rainbows and composite images, I created a “reflection” of Zoie/Zurie/Slug Pug/Bobdole, which turned out kind of neat! I will be experimenting with this again – it would be pretty cool at an engagement/couples session. I love the artistic push this lighting challenge is giving me!

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Portrait Photographer, Mary Eklund, Four Foot Photography, Kitsap County Photographer, Pet Photographer, Winter Lighting Challenge, Prism Light

Photo Op to Benefit Prison Pet Partnership!

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December 7, 12-4pm, Four Foot Photography will be photographing pets and people, with or without Santa, to benefit the Prison Pet Partnership.

PPP Holiday Promo

 

 

 

www.PrisonPetPartnership.org

 

 

 

 

 

Pet Photographer, Mary Eklund, Four Foot Photography, Pictures with Santa, Holiday Photos, Kitsap County Photographer, Gig Harbor Photographer, Prison Pet Partnership, Sehmel Homestead Park, Kitsap County Portrait Photographer

PAWS Wagfest 2013 – Pet Photography on Bainbridge Island

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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!