Saturday evening was clear and beautiful for Kitsap Humane Society‘s 22nd annual Animal Krackers Gala Dinner and Auction fundraiser. For the first time, the venue was the lovely new conference center at Clearwater Resort and Casino in Suquamish. A record … 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
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.
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,
Feedback from the fabulous Mrs. Holman (This message made me so happy!):
“I just wanted to let you know that we got our package with our stuff and oh my goodness, we are over the top thrilled! Thank you so much, especially for the little extras you tucked in there, that was awfully kind of you. I have to say, those accordion books are my absolute favorite, they are so perfect for each of those kids, it is like you grew up with them (she is being overly kind, I am old enough to be their mother). They are going to love them and I can’t wait for the kids to see them. Have a Merry Christmas and we’ll be talking to you again.”
This is an excerpt from Connor’s letter home to his sister (with permission), telling how he uses his accordion book in his ministry in Africa. I love this so much, I am changing my name to Megan.
If you are planning a family reunion, I highly recommend planning a reunion photo session, I will be adding it to my session options for sure. Whether you hire a photographer at your destination, or appoint Uncle Bob, not only is it important to document your family, the process is emotive in and of itself (I have talked about this before – I feel strongly that creating the images is as important as having the images, from rats to dogs and their people to weddings to extended families!). The Holmans will always have these images to recollect and validate their relationships and remind them of the fabulous memories they made on the vacation they left for when we wrapped the session.
I have officially applied for weird aunty status, I love these people so much!
Family Reunion Photography, Kitsap County Photographer, Mary Eklund, Four Foot Photography, Kingston, Family Photographer, 2013, Extended Family Photo, Family Portraits, Kingston Photographer, Poulsbo Photographer, Port Orchard Photographer, Family Love
Nothing makes being a photographer more enjoyable than photographing good lookin’ people who love each other, in a beautiful location, and here, I give you Exhibit A: The Belinski-Cashmans.
I know Momma Michelle from Tender Touch Animal Hospital, where I did employee photographs a few years ago. I was delighted when she asked about Senior Portraits for her second son, Garrett (Class of 2013) last fall. Scheduling and the weather did not cooperate, but after I had such a great time with another reluctant to be photographed Senior (Hayden) in January, I checked back with Michelle (I try not to be pushy, but am always willing! Did I mention their gorgeous Kingston farm? You may recognize the dog, Max from my business cards), and not only did she still want me to do a Senior session, she hadn’t had family portraits in years. This is something I preach all the time, we ALL need photos of our families! Doesn’t matter if your family is you and a spouse; you and a child; you and a dog; you and your girlfriend; you and a spouse and 3 children; you and 9 cats; you, your spouse, your kids and 2 dogs; you, a cat and your boyfriend – YOU are the common denominator and YOU need to be in the photos! Get your friend and a point & shoot camera, your cellphone, your fancy camera or hire a photographer if you are able, just validate your family by preserving the images. Print them! Hang them! Look at them and remember the fun of doing it, it will get you through some hard times. I have never met anyone who said, “Gee, I’m sorry we did that family session and I wish I hadn’t bought so many photos.” Nope! I have, however, met plenty of people who wished they HAD taken photos. OK, off the soapbox, and back to the Belinskis! We had a lovely evening session at their property with all three kiddos, which was a sweet send off as the family has since sold the farm and moved to a newer house – the boys are off on their own adventures now, and the horses went back to their original home in Hawaii. This is a perfect representation of the fun and love shared between these five individuals, and there is a big, beautiful canvas of the three gorgeous children prominently displayed in the new home.
Four Foot Photography, Mary Eklund, Family Photographer, Senior Portraits, Kingston, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, Silverdale, Bremerton, Belfair, Port Orchard, Gig Harbor
Oh I was so excited about this super Clairetabulous Kingston family session, which took place before I left for a mentorship in the spring, and I haven’t shared it. Selfish! This is my darling, creative, superwoman friend Claire, her goofy and very tolerant-of-me hubby, Josh, and their two adorable kiddos, shot in lifestyle, documentary fashion. I give you “A Kingsbury Morning”:
As you can clearly see, this household is filled to the brim with love. A lifestyle session is a terrific way to cement and build on these memories. Jus’ Sayin’.
Four Foot Photography, Kitsap County Photographer, Child and Family Photographer, Lifestyle Family Session, Kingston, Poulsbo, Gig Harbor, Bainbridge Island, Port Orchard, Bremerton, Belfair, Silverdale, On Location Family Sessions
Teeah’s float wrap, won at Tender Touch Animal Hospital’s Open House in a raffle to benefit the Humane Society, is finished and hung! Please stop by and see it in person at 27099 Miller Bay Road NE, Ste C in Kingston. I could not have asked for a better model or met nicer people!
Aren’t they fabulous? Click on the image to make it larger.
Four Foot Photography 