Yazmin

This might bring happy Veteran's Day tears to your eyes...

Truely heartwarming news today. One of my portrait families just let me know that the beautiful black labrador they raised and trained to be a companion animal is about to graduate (November 21). Even better news, Yazmin will be given to a wounded United States Veteran. I'm so happy and proud of the Gober Family , Yazmin and especially Army Specialist Andrew Pike.

Click here to listen to a radio story about Yazmin and a true United States hero. You'll even hear her speak during the interview!

I photographed Yazmin and the Gobers earlier this year. Upon hearing the news of Yazmin's placement, Diane says her prayers have been answered.

Amen.

Brooke, Kaden, Jamie and Jason

The beautiful Robinson family completed an awesome Monday today!

13-month old Brooke was a doll. And her older brother, Kaden....what a great big brother. At one point, Brooke let out a little complaint and Kaden reassured her that everything was alright. The twinkle in her gorgeous eyes lit up at the sound of his voice!

Today's portraits happened, in part, thanks to a gift certificate from Betty and Jeff Clapp - another fun family I've photographed in the past.

Thanks everyone. Great session. Great family! I'm so happy for you.

Devlin, Hannah, Jake, Zoe and Rook

Today was the first time following a session that I truely appreciated the seat warmers in my car. Brrr......

But I'll tell you what: it was totally worth the effort. Today's portrait session with the Kelly family (an annual tradition!) was perfect. Little Devlin was all smiles. What a personality.

We enjoyed a bit of a hike up the trails around McHugh Creek. Devlin likes water falls and I was ready to oblige. Problem was one of the dogs (ZOE!!) loves water. It was all we could do trying to keep her out of the creek.

The bottom portrait was one of my favorites from the day.

Thanks everyone. See you at your viewing in a few days.

Robyn, Mark, Hannah, Porter, Batman and Brownie

Dog-gone Friday brought an energetic series of portraits with Hannah, her brother Porter and their entire family. Check out their great smiles!

Timing is everything when it comes to capturing smiles and six pairs of eyes at just the right moment. Feather toys, sparklers, bouncing balls (and beef jerky for the dogs) combined to bring together several nice family portraits. And the individual portraits of the Hannah and Porter were above and beyond!

Looking forward to seeing you for senior portraits next year, Hannah! You have a beautiful smile.

Flash II

Can't get enough of Flash. Here she is standing in the forest with a little snow.

Fun with Flash.

Behind the scenes work at the studio today. This means a day to try to catch up on projects and to do a little photography for myself. Of course Flash was going to be a part of this.

We walked up (and down) the trails at Hilltop, just she and I. It was peaceful bliss. Camera and tripod in hand.

I chuckled when I parked the Flash-Mobile (my Subaru Outback) next to five other Outbacks in the parking lot. For a moment the parking lot was owned by Outbacks. Sadly, I was the only one without a ski rack compartment. I felt incomplete ... like an Outback outcast.

Snow is flirting with us folks. (You can see it in the background of Flash's portrait.)

Bretta, Sheben and Tammy.

Shhhhh........ this one's a surprise so I'm trusting that if you know Tammy, Sheben or Bretta you'll keep these portraits just between us!

I'll be honest: we worked it for these poses. Poor Bretta. This very cute long-haired dachsund, was a little nervous during the session. On the other hand, her feline sister Sheben, at 18, could teach lessons on posing. In fact, she could teach lessons on relaxing too!

The end result was complete success. This collage represents just a few of LOTS of poses that will be a beautiful gift for their human dad.

Thanks for your patience today, Tammy. Well done!!!

Cody and Sampson

I loved working with Cody and Sampson today.

The session began with a few portraits of Cody in the early evening - pushing the extremes of the camera in low light conditions (especially with a black dog). The result of the outdoor portrait was fantastic.

Then we hustled inside to the warmth and better lighting of the studio for some fun portraits of each black labrador with and without their favorite toy balls.

Some of the results of today's session will be used as a gift for Cody's human dad. What a perfect gift.

Thanks everyone - I'm thrilled with the results of our work.

Matthew. Lumen Christi Class of 2010

Great portrait session with Matthew today. We started in the studio and then endured 20 degree weather for portraits in the park with the jeep and cycle. Dusk was setting in on some of the outside portraits but it added an extra dose of pizzazz to the portraits. Very nice. And even better - heated car seats to warm up after the session! We were both shivering by the end of the shoot.

Thanks Matthew. Your session was outstanding!

New client waiting area

A little moving of furniture was involved this weekend however the end result - the early stages of our new Client waiting area!

Layla - Bored and waiting.

Layla wants a piece of popcorn. Not sure I can spare a piece.

Created from my Blackberry.

Drew, Layla, Kobuck and Flash

Lazy day at home today. Breakfast out; moved a couple pieces of furniture at the studio; cleared the garage so the van will fit; and ran the dogs out in the yard. Time for a Jennifer Anniston romantic comedy and maybe some popcorn later on.

This photo was captured with my Blackberry. I never seem to have my pro cameras around the house.

King Charle

Charle was a perfect subject to conclude a fantastic week of photography. This King Charles Cavalier Spaniel posed, posed more, and then some more. We pulled all the stops and had a blast. I even pulled some messy bails of hay out of the prop closet for a series of portraits. What a kick!

A referral from one of my favorite families (the Segraves), I was really looking forward to this portrait session with Cathy and Charle. They didn't disappoint. I even managed to talk them into a few poses outside (against the recommendations of the National Weather Service - high winds, dust and chill factors).

Way to go!! Dog-Gone Fridays is the wave of my future for the studio. I can't think of a better way to wrap up any week. Thank you Cathy and Charle.

Congratulations to the Powell Family! Princess Maegan is the newest member of their wonderful family.

I visited the Powells for a couple hours Thursday evening, camera in hand. Walking up the drive, I was greeted at the window by Ali and Scott who were eagerly awaiting their photo session with me. They are simply indescribably beautiful children.

One of my favorite portraits was of Maestro Scott sitting playing some jazzy rifs on the piano.

Thank you so very much for letting me be part of your family, Kathy and Don. See you at your viewing in a few days!

Tucker, Isabella and Charlotte

Isabella and Tucker were a blast to photograph today. They were so photogenic and well-behaved.

I found myself challenged technically during the outside portraits with the very black Isabella next to Tucker's white gold coat under sharp sunshine. Some tricky camera adjustments fixed the problem with light diffusers and reflectors on the sidelines.

I'm really excited to show off today's collection. And there are a few images that are contenders for my Talking to Animals 2010 show.

Thank your, Charlotte. You have a wonderful family!

Available for Adoption from the SPCA

Edward and Chester are today's adorable four-legged companions from the SPCA. Both are very friendly and available for adoption. Edward (top) is an 8-month-old Corgi-Husky mix. I think he's as big as he's going to get - a little larger than a Corgi). Chester is a young Pekingnese (a little shy but a sweet, sweet, sweet lap warmer.)

Abbra, Wylee and Bear

We were Schnoodled today! Bear is a Giant Schnauzer-Poodle mix. What a sweet dog. His feline brother is Wylee, a Norwegian Forest Cat. Both posed it up in the studio and outside in the park. I love the connection netween Wylee and Bear.

Bear thinks his job in life is to supervise and take care of Wylee. Wylee never seems to mind the intrusion into his "cat space."

The signature pose, shown above, was created in the studio park. We planted Bear alongside their human, Abbra, and with Jordan's assistance behind the scenes, slipped Wylee onto the back of the wagonwheel bench. A few toys went flying in every direction and I clicked away.

Wonderful session Abbra. You have a beautiful four-legged family. Thank you so much.

Alpine Urology. Corporate portraits.

We provide photography services to small businesses and corporations throughout the year. This morning kicked off with portraits of the doctors and staff of Alpine Urology including individual portraits and group poses. These images will be used to update their website, business cards and other marketing materials.

The 7 a.m. setup time was a bit early for all but we replaced yawns with smiles for a great series of portraits.

Thanks everyone!!

Dolly and Jax are both available for adoption from Friends of Pets. Dolly is a very cuddly and gentle soul. Jax is adorable, blind and food-motivated! Yes...he's blind but his ears, nose and other senses make up for everything!!! It was a wonder watching him navigate the studio. He's going to be a perfect companion for a lucky family. Go to the Friends of Pets website for more information on these two sweeties and many others waiting for forever homes.

Joan, Lily and Mickey

Joan and I had lots of laughs today during her portrait session with Lily and Mickey. What a pair!!

Today's portraits will be used to update Joan's business cards, web presence and other marketing tools for her real estate business. Joan is a realtor with Dynamic Properties. Click here to see her website and photo from our last session together.

Joan is also a longtime supporter of Friends of Pets - one of the top fundraisers for FOP's annual Dog Jog.

Thanks Joan! See you soon.

Abby

My final update for the day, Abby visited the studio today during Jim and Brandi Segrave's session. Quite the cute little poser, eh?

Copper, Cody, Christine and Rick

Can you believe this weather? October 24 and it's nearly 50 degrees! What a perfect excuse to go outside for portraits. And that's what we did with both sessions today.

Christine and Rick have posed with their four-legged family several times over the years. The results of today's session are above and beyond their best ever (and we've created some nice portraits in the past...).

Copper and Cody were outstanding. Beef Jerky was the secret to much of our success - especially with Copper who was a little shy at times.

Oh my. You're going to love today's portraits Christine and Rick. Thank you.

The Segraves Family

I'm on my way to Cooper Landing for more work. But wanted to Blog this collage as soon as possible.

Jim, Brandi, Spencer, Emma and Buster "Boo" are abosulutely one of my favorite families to photograph every year. Always a hightlight on my calendar and for the day! This was the first time I've ever photographed them without seeing the spots of dalmations gracing their family portraits.

More to come when I've had a chance to settle for the evening.

Sidney

Sidney brought another smile to my face Friday. This independent one-year-old Shitzhu posed as if he was modeling for a cover shot of DogFancy. Who knows ... maybe ... someday!!

The studio portrait (top) was created as a candid image. I was setting up a stage for him in the studio and noticed him chilling out on the whicker sofa off to the sidelines. A quick turn of the lights, camera and tripod and he was ready to go. Turns out that he knew posing better than me!

Way to go, Sidney!

Lori, Annie and the Oh So Magnificent 7 others

I need human anti-freeze. Okay, brandy will do just fine.

So many times I'm asked "how did you get all of those dogs to pose like that?" I rarely take much of the credit. The same is true for today - as I had four other people in the fray and standing nearby wrangling these beautiful creatures.

The group pose completed more than 90 minutes in the rain, snow, hail, sleet, wind and infrequent sunshine. Add seven tornados disguised as Bernese Mountain Dogs and you've got the Perfect Storm and a Perfect Portrait!!!!

The emphasis of the session was Lori and her 10-year-old Annie as shown in one of the portraits above. The group portrait was a secondary goal and well worth the grand effort.

The second image shown: one pup is carrying the leash for another as they romp with total abandon.

Thank you everyone!!! Great job. Now for that brandy....

The Wilson Family

My favorite things in life ... photographing families who, over the years, have evolved into friends even more than their relationship with me as clients.

This is the relationship I feel toward Debi and Norm Wilson. They're an amazing couple who have, over the years, sheltered cats, dogs and even squirrels!

One of my earliest sessions at their home included my first meeting with their cats Nova and Doc. Both kittens at the time, they used my body as a human scratching post as they clawed their way to the cat toys I was swirling around above my head.

Shown above, left to right: Moochie the Squirrel. Rocky John Wayne Nasty Boy Wilson. Doc. Nova. Griffie.

Can't wait to taste that Shrimp Bisque Friday night, Deb and Norman. Carol and I are excited to kick back for the big birthday bash!!!

Shaq and Sheeka

It was a fun session with the Blue family today. Charles and Mary brought their MinPins Shaq and Sheeka into the studio for portraits. Everyone posed beautifully. We stepped outside for a few portraits, too! And then we raced back into the studio and enjoyed the warmth....

I'll see Mary and Charles again next year for Ken and Diana's wedding. Mary is Diana's mom. Definitely looking forward to summer again!

Thanks everyone. Great session today.

Jesse. Heritage Class of 2010

Jesse and I conquered a chilly fall aftenoon along the inlet today. Lighting was a little sketchy but we created some great portraits regardless. Some of my favorites were on The Rock (perhaps my last visit there this year thanks to the winter season that's around the corner).

We also stopped off at Potter's Marsh where bird watchers were stalking Swans, Cranes, Heron and ducks.

Thanks Jesse. Drink some orange juice or hot chocolate and bundle up!

Taiga and Diego

I can't think of a better way to start the day than working with Taiga and Diego.

Both were brought to the studio by their adoring humans thanks to a gift certificate from their human grandma! They came all the way from Seward for their portraits. I'm honored.

They posed so well together. When we worked on portraits of one, the other would try to hog the spotlight and vice-versa. Very fun.

Look closely and you'll see that Taiga and Diego have their paws intertwined in the family portrait.

Diego

More to come...this is from a session earlier today. Doesn't Diego look great white on white. Check back for more from the collection this evening!

The Amazing Thompson Family

Wow. What a beautiful, beautiful family. David, Hayden and Jad made the day perfect with their energy and smiles. These children were above and beyond wonderful ... inside and even in the cooler outside settings.

We even discovered a new playground for the kids (work is completed on the new playground equipment at Ruth Arcand Park off Abbott Road - complete with a cool slide!!!! Check it out everyone.)

Thank you so much Scott and Deanna. We'll see you again soon.

House Sitter???

I'm looking to hire a live-in house sitter the last week of December. Four dogs and a cat will love you for it. It'd make Carol and me pretty happy, too!

Any suggestions??

dj

Tyler. Dimond HS Class of 2010

Tyler made it into the studio under the wire for his senior portraits. Dimond High School's yearbook deadline is next week.

As shown in his collage, he plays electric guitar. Parishioners from Anchorage City Church can hear this young man in black play with the church's Christian rock band most every Sunday.

The primary image in the collage was created with me lying on my back looking up with a 15mm wide angle lens. I loved the unusual puffy clouds in the heavens and thought it would be a perfect compliment to Tyler's music and faith.

Thank you Tyler. I can't wait to show you all of the portraits from your session.

Tosca 2

Thank you!

Lori, Tosca and Robert

My highlight for the day was photographing Lori and Tosca together. I can't put into words how special I felt to be able to create portraits of them.

Talking to Animals ... Tosca and Lori completely define what this means. Their relationship and interactions were inspiring. I was totally touched that I could be a part of their connection to each other.

I'll let the images speak for themselves. Robert, Lori and Tosca....Thank you so much.

Ben. Dimond Class of 2010

We've been tagged!!

Ben is on my list of "first people to call May, 2010" when it's time to revisit the Graffiti Wall in the studio park. He brought a few cans of paint along for his high school senior portraits today and I turned him loose on "The Big Blue-Green Wall." The result was a series of awesome portraits (including the shadow silohuette used on this collage's background).

I posed Ben with his Capita snow board and then screened and merged that portrait into the paint swash giving the impression he's painting a self-portrait. I had an extra dose of fun building this particular collage thanks to Ben's creativity.

Start thinking 2011, Ben. You're hired!!

Alecia. Bartlett HS Classs of 2010

Beautiful Alecia posed perfectly today with her cat Little One. I know I've snapped too many portraits when I have to change the media card in my camera mid-way into any session. Good grief.....this is going to be REALLY tough editing down to just 40 or 50 final portraits for the viewing appt.

You really impressed me with your personality and confidence today, Alecia. And Little One was awesome, too. Thanks so much! I had blast photographing you and your favorite four-legged companion. Too much fun.

Ben. Dimond HS Class of 2010

Ben is graduating from Dimond High School next year. He took a break from his busy schedule for portraits earlier this week. We worked in the studio and then up in the hilltop ski area for awhile where we captured some of my favorite photos of the session. The trees are cleared of most leaves now but the mountains and evergreen trees are popping out beautifully.

Thanks Ben! (Sorry it took a while to get this collage on-line.... it's been a crazy week bopping back and forth from the Penninsula.)

Ben "Gump"

Ben was a beautiful gentle giant today. Graceful but a little awkward and timid on the backdrop surface.

Nicknamed Ben "Gump" Ryan, this hunky Great Dane breezed through his portraits. The image on the far right was created on a solid white "high key" background. I dropped out the white and added color from my one-of-a-kind stock art collection to give the collage that extra kick. It also draws the eye to that image on the right. It needed that draw and balance because of how well the image on the far left stands out (my favorite).

Way to go Ben! There's more beef jerky left over for your next visit.

Flash and Layla on the dock

Who needs more photos of swans, geese or eagles when the pet-ography mascots are posing pretty?

Keeping Flash and Layla out of the water almost seems cruel. But the alternative is a car full of soaking wet dogs all the way back to Anchorage from Cooper Landing.

Good dogs!!

Kathy, Michael and Bailey

It was so much fun working with Michael and Kathy again. I photographed their wedding and reception a couple years ago. And now, they've added Bailey! This English Springer Spaniel has the sweetest personality. Love the eyes in his solo portrait.

After some time in the studio, we opened our umbrellas and found shelter under spruce trees at Ruth Arcand Park for a few fall portraits. The leaves may be off the trees now but they light up the ground beautifully.

Thanks again Michael, Kathy and Bailey!

Jessi, Jesse, Jewlion and Tele

I love my job more and more every day - even after 20 years.

Jessi and Jesse celebrated their first anniversary with portraits at the studio. They have such a great sense of humor together....which helped when it came time to include their cats in the portrait session!

Kitties Jewlion and Tele tested our resolve Saturday day but wow, when they decided to participate, they gave it all! I'm certain they'll be part of my Talking to Animals 2010 exhibit (currently being designed!)

Happy Anniversary! Thank you for including me as part of your day.

Augie and Fuchsia

Check out these two Burman cats. They are so beautiful.

This was the first time I've used my new window light system with cats and I'm thrilled with the results. Augie and Fuchsia's eyes were perfect in color, clarity and sharpness. They were wonderful subjects. I can't imagine capturing these portraits with a strobe flashing throughout the session. The constant light system was everything I've hoped it would be

I settled in with them for about 30 minutes before the "real" portraits started happening. In other words, we tired them out a little.

Karen, their owner, has allowed me to photograph her wonderful cats for years...perhaps 18 or 19 years now. Her first cat, "Spike," was a session I photographed at her home when I was still operating my studio out of my house. Karen even worked with me for a few months back in the day!!

Look for one of the images from this session in my Talking to Animals 2010 exhibit premiering in February next year!!

Makala. Service HS Class of 2010

Way to go today, Makala! You made my day. Great poses, wardrobes and smiles. The only thing missing was that Concerto in G flute solo I was hoping you'd play. And your mom was right, one of the last photos we captured -with your sweater outside- probably will be among her favorites.

Keep that awesome personality, confidence and positive attitude! You're definitely going places.

Chris. Service High School Class of 2010

Chris and Leo "The Lion" posed for portraits in the studio today. We dodged rain but had a fun time bopping back and forth between the studio and outside portraits - closing out the session early enough so Chris wouldn't miss "ZombieLand" at the theater with his friend. Too fun!! I want a review of the movie, Chris!

Leo was a little nervous anytime he was out of his human mom's hands. But he posed perfectly. I think I see a family portrait in the future with all of Leo's human counterparts.

Thanks everyone!

Nathan. Service High School Class of 2010

Nate brought the family along for today's senior portraits including brother Adam and the labs. His mom set up the session with us after seeing some of our work. They also live up the street and like supporting neighborhood businesses. THANK YOU!

Graduating from Service HS next year, Nate's gearing up for basketball season which is just around the corner. Go Cougars!

See you in a few days for your viewing appointment!

Brandon. Service HS Class of 2010

Brandon wrapped up a busy day in the studio today. Iron Maiden t-shirt, a high riding truck and great personality - egged on by his mom and youngest brother, Dustin.

I really like how this collage turned out. It compliments Brandon's personality and his favorite color....black. The central image was created in the Grafitti Alley in the studio park.

Skyler. Service HS Class of 2010

Fall colors prevailed today with Skyler's portrait session. It was a bit misty but moisture brought out bright and saturated colors on the leaves.

In my quest to try something new with all of our sessions, I brought out the paint pan, brush, and roller to match Skyler's stained jeans. He wore them proudly (the painting work this past summer helped pay for his truck - shown above!!). btw ... i'm still cleaning paint from brushes and hands from the session!

Cooper also starred in today's production. This blond Chinook was a little jittery at first but eventually settled right into the doggy walk of fame at the pet-ography headquarters.

Thanks again Skyler!

Rodney & RaeAnn - Eclipse Album Preview

The design of Rodney and RaeAnn's Eclipse Wedding Album is completed! These layouts are just a few of the 60 pages that completes their album. It includes more than 270 images which will be display in a 12" x 30" panoramic album. The images tell a chapter of their story, from their engagement portraits to RaeAnn's toss of the bouquet.

Victoria: Grace Christian HS Class of 2010

Victoria, Angie and Sandy sparkled in the studio Saturday. Great wardrobes included one of her favorites, a fashionable formal dress from the stage production of Little Women, a Civil War era story by Louisa May Alcott.

Victoria is graduating from Grace Christian High School next year. She hopes to pursue a career in the arts after high school. The dogs...well, they'll continue pursuing beef jerky treats.

Bianca. Dimond Class of 2010

Way to go Bianca!! What a great portrait safari today.

A fall chill was definitely in the air. And our McHugh Creek adventure turned into a bit of an uphill hike (the lower gate is closed for the season). But the fall colors were perfect and the water level in the creek was low enough to access some beautiful portrait scenery.

With Dad (Dan) along for the hike and assisting with some lighting, and Angel, her family's adorable Rottweiler along for the ride the session was an excellent adventure with way too many great portraits to choose from.

Fall in Cooper Landing. Part 2.

#1. Late afternoon sun shines on a freshly stained deck in Cooper Landing. Whew...summer chores are almost wrapped up.

#2. Fall colors and the glacial blue water of Kenai Lake as seen from atop a mountain in Cooper Landing. Amazing.

The Murakami Family

The Murakami Family's visit to the studio was a renunion of sorts. I photographed them several years ago. And I photographed Jeff for his high school senior portraits about five years ago.

Jeff has graduated from college since then (with a bachelor's degree in Psychology).

We switched out backgrounds for several poses inside the studio before stepping outside into the studio park. The fall colors and light were beautiful once again. Perfect for a nice series of portraits that the Murakami's plan to send out during the holidays.