Cat got your tongue?

Albert.

Camera room on the verge of greatness

This is the "Before!"

I'll unveil the "After" in two weeks. This will include removal of the garage door (allowing me to use yet another wall of the studio as a backdrop.)

I've hired a professional artist, Joe Paul Pierre, to completely revamp every square inch of the camera room. Joe has done work at several hotels in Las Vegas including Paris and The Venetian.

The designs are approved, with help from a professional interior designer who assisted with color choices.

The painting begins today!

What is Pawstice?

Pawstice (© David Jensen, 1-2011)

A warm solstice breeze whispers presence and passed…
“a bark and a purr and a coo everlasts.”

‘neath reigning clouds no tears to be shed;
blessed joy for warm paws, fur, feathers instead.

A rainbow cascades painted pawstrokes of gold …
“An Arch and an Ark!” winds’ whisp does behold.

Pawstice exists when the sun never sets
leaving impressions engraved in heart silhouettes.

Those here, those passed, their strength is so near
when you listen and love with welcoming ears.

Pawstice 2011 has a location.

It's official: Ruth Arcand Park is now reserved for Pawstice, June 18, 2011.

Ruth Arcand Park

This is a terrific location. Just five minutes from the studio, it's one of my top three "within two miles" park locations for portraits. This secluded park is surrounded by forest and a grass lawn. Ruth Arcand Park will be perfect for Pawstice.

With input from staff, we're focusing on this as a free exclusive, invitation only event. Customers, their guests, and friends of the studio will be invited. No body will be turned away. However, as this is our first event of this kind we want to make sure it is done with class and dignity. This means we don't want to advertise it publically for fear of having too many guests and not enough hosts! Pawstice 2012 could be something completely different.

I'll set up an RSVP link in the days to follow.

Always open to ideas that will make this event sing!

Picture imperfect.

Not all clicks of the pet-ography camera are perfect. But they tell a true and fun story!

Gotta hand it to ya....

My hand made a cameo appearance recently (with a pinch of beef jerky) as I worked toward an up close and personal portrait of Willow and Annie.

Just look at those eyes.....adoring my fingertips much more than my charming personality.

Pawstice Update - Introducing Leola Adams

Author, Singer, Counseling Psychologist and Animal Companion empath and communicator Leola Adams has agreed to share her talent and wisdom throughout the innaugural Pawstice Celebration.

Leola will perform and also meet with guests and their animal companions through mini sessions. This will be a wonderful opportunity for all who attend. Leola's music, empathic and 'touch' skills will not only amaze guests ... it will also be a healing and therapeutic awakening for those interested in learning more about what their animal companions are feeling and what they are trying to communicate to their humans.

Pawstice 2011 - June 18th

Plans are firming up for Pawstice 2011. The date is set: Saturday, June 18, 2011 from 12-4 p.m. This is the same day that Anchorage celebrates Summer Solstice.

Pawstice will introduce all of the entries from the Talking to Animals 2012 Model Search.

And I'm really excited to announce that Debra and Doug Lindsay, both Methodist ministers (United Methodist Church of Anchorage) have agreed to lead a Blessing of the Animals during Pawstice.

Much more to come!

Talking to Animals Star Search 2012

You heard it here first!!

This is the first-ever Talking to Animals Model Search. It's an excellent deal with a savings of $25 off your regular studio session fee and the added bonus of a free Facebook Profile photo so you can show off your Pet Star(s)! Even better, at least one photo will be selected from your session and displayed at Pawstice 2011 - a new annual event at the studio July 18, 2011 (Anchorage's Official Summer Solstice).

The Talking to Animals Model Search will be launched at the opening of the 2011 exhibit Friday, February 4 at Border's Books.

Snow day.

Plowing snow in the driveway -- a favorite way to relax.

Behind the scenes.

Kelsey snapped this action shot during a recent wedding we photographed together.

This was one of just 4-5 weddings we cover each year.

Three fine mice.

A very fun portrait session today included a visit from five cute little Feed Mice. They are living very happily ever after.

Sarah and her mom adopted these mice (and two others). They were, for scientific reasons, unsuitable candidates for the mouse propagation program at the Alaska Zoo. In other words, they escaped the original plan which was to be a part of the Zoo's food chain.

I have to admit that these three girls are pretty cute.

Talking to Animals. The book.

I rarely make new year resolutions. So this proclamation is more of a continuation of a life goal which is....

Talking to Animals (the book) is now my first priority. I'm finally selecting images and writing cliff notes to fully embrace this project. I would like to have it available for signings February, 2012 at Border's Books.

A new film scanner should be here this week. This will allow me to retire the old scanner and do serious archive work in the weeks to come (sorting through a few hundred thousand film images, scanning and editing from film days - 1989-2002).

The premise of the book will be Whispering. This is much different than what Cesar Milan (the 'dog whisperer') claims as a definition of whispering. Much, much different. I believe it's a new concept and way of thinking that has not been widely considered, much less taught.

The book will inspire, increase awareness and bonds between people and their companion animals and plant a lasting impression with everyone who reads it. It will also be resource for coping with the loss of departed companions.

Time to dig in!

Puddy.

Bored at home while fireworks were terrifying one of my dogs New Year's eve and I decided to cruise Craig's List. Sometimes I'll find a cool antique furnishing or other odd item useful as a prop in the studio.

Nothing new of interest for sale. The sonic blasts were still booming around the house.

So ... then I search engine Pets and Fireworks on CL.

Several pleas for help popped up immediately. Exactly what I expected to see.

But then I saw the following: Puddy's Story

Here's what I read ....

Puddy had a rough life from the very beginning. At 3 months animal services got a call of a black lab/rott mix puppy running around little Campbell creek. I had been bugging my parents for a new dog and promised they could have all of my PFD's if i could have one. That day me and my dad went to the shelter and seen her, she was at the very last column of cages on the far right when walking in, and she was the only dog down that line. the first thing we seen was a big red sign that read "Vicious" my dad and i laughed and started the adoption papers. 12 days or so later, we got a call to go and pick her up, i was so excited she was what our family was missing, a second dog. She is a purebred black lab. We took her hunting and on fishing trips, she HATES fireworks and bikes, she will eat everything but green peppers and yes that includes mosquitoes and bees (we always thought she would get stung though she never did) she used to bite at the water from the hose like constantly and loves car rides. Now she is 12 years old she takes arthritis meds and has been on seizure meds for about 7 years. Sadly when my parents get back tomorrow from their vacation they are scheduling a appointment for her to be put down, since her back legs are giving out and she needs help going up and down the stairs to go potty. I think we would all agree on any animal not suffering anymore but i honestly am dreading the day to say my last goodbye as she is and always will be not only my best friend but my furry baby :)

That evening, I emailed and invited Puddy's human to bring her to the studio for a few minutes. I wanted to meet this four-legged dog. She agreed and we spent an hour together. What a sweet dog. She was everything her person described and more.

There's a lot more to this story...perhaps to be shared in another way one day. But I was so fortunate to be able to meet Puddy and to photograph her. What a wonderful way to start 2011 and to begin the new year.

View from behind the camera.

A customer (Pete) sent this photo of me in action at the Alyeska Canine Trainer's Club annual holiday party. I was photographing three very dark dogs and their human at the time.

Thanks Pete!

More behind the scenes action

Sometimes I turn the camera over to my clients. In this case, 3-year old JJ took a turn at clicking the shutter button on my camera. He did a great job. Too bad his subject wasn't very cooperative.

In action at Alyeska Canine Trainers

Kelsey aimed her camera toward me while I was working with a very well-trained Jack Russell Terrier during the Alyeska Canine Trainers Club annual Holiday party.

The elaborate twinkle light display was a hit and the portraits were loved by all.

Flash loves mail.

Flash has way too many rituals. She's a creature of habit.

She taunts Kelsey for 'mail' every day when the FedEx delivery arrives.

Kelsey prepares the mail for Flash and it is then delivered to me (as shown to the right).

Kobuck peeked around the mail for a cameo appearance.

Yes - Flash chewed the custom carrying handle on this particular mail.

The "A" Team = Kelsey in green!

Always there with a smile. Always doing an amazing job.

I told someone over the phone today that Kelsey is the glue that holds the studio together. That's not even the half of it.

Shown here - she's helping out as we bring a trio of pugs back into the studio after a brief visit in our Classic Park.

Thank you, Kelsey. You're my rock!

Flash and Pilot

"Pilot," our neighbor's dog played in the snow with Flash this morning. They held still for a brief snapshot from my pocket camera.

Flash's only interest, as usual, was her tennis ball.

Snow is easily Flash's favorite thing in life. (I think I run a close second).

Tubbs, Peaches and Princess

A couple pocket camera snaps of Princess with her siblings. All are Friends of Pets dogs. This is the first time they've seen each other in two months. Before then, they were in protective custody for at least seven months.

We're hoping they can visit with each other a few times each year - maybe with the fourth sibling whose name is Luther - a three-legged labrador mix. Luther now lives a comfortable life with a longtime Friends of Pets volunteer.

Shown above right: Peaches on the floor. Princess sitting up to the right. Tubbs laying down on the sofa to the left.

Pie made easy

Dinner at Simon's concluded with a shared piece of Pumpkin Pie. Relaxing TG Day with none of the clean up or trying to figure out where to put the leftovers.

Put your hand on the paw of the dogs who love you.

photography. an art of giving.

photographers ...

we share a meeting of the minds
in passion and in our hearts
to create timeless portraits
and to make statements
about the day in which we live
and the people for whom we touch
　
our images will resound
with generations we'll not meet
and our names may fade away
but our purpose will never be lost
　
thank you for your art
the giving of yourself to others
and for preserving, as witness
the love, tears, joy, memories
and legacies of our time.

Copyright David Jensen, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving, All!

The Blank Stare.

Every week I receive at least one request for 'pointers' on how we run a successful portrait studio. 90% of the inquiries request if they can shadow me for a few hours or days. The others simply want a simple "1, 2, 3 Step by Step "How to photograph pets!" instruction sheet. The request happened already this week (Monday morning via email) from a couple of photographers I met in passing a few months ago (they live out of state).

In most cases my first question to the aspiring pet photographer is "What do you REALLY love to photograph? What are you most passionate about? What do you want to do with your life in One, Five and Ten years from now?" Most of these questions earn an answer "I don't really know." That answer is sad to me.

I often get a Blank Stare when I answer the question about my success, which is:

"Success isn't measured by a bank account.

My success is related to my love for animals first and foremost. I knew I had a connection with four-legged companions long before I developed my photography passion.

When I decided to pave my path in photography, I committed to working 70+ hour weeks more than 20 years ago - because I Love Doing This Work. I was designed to do it. I'm blessed to be able to do it. Not one day passes where I don't think "My God, I am so fortunate." Not because of money (we've had some tough times over the years like everyone else) but because I'm blessed to be able to meet people and animal companions who love and adore each other. And I have the ability to give them something they'll treasure forever (for generations)."

There seems to be a glamorous mystique about the success of Alaska Pet-ography. And in this day and age, lots of photographers (some are well-established and very good at what they do) want an easy way to do what we do at my studio. They want the recognition, the reputation and I often get the impression that the primary motivation is to increase their photography profits.

I was the first in Alaska to introduce the idea of pet portraits. Wow - there were skeptics. My parents were always supportive but I could tell, early on, that they were hoping I would hold onto my day job. "How can someone make a living photographing dogs!!???" They were certainly proud watching as I proved it could be done.

My point for revealing this is to encourage others to follow their heart, to understand their passions, to grab them with gusto and let them lead you to 'success.' Failure absolutely trips us up along the way. Embrace that failure! You tried it. You learned from it! Now - go do it again!

The Blank Stare usually reflects disappointment that I haven't answered the real question they wanted to ask which is: "How can I make trunk loads of money doing what you're doing??" (Believe me, my trunk is rusty, worn and not overflowing with Pet-ography profits.)

The adage "Money isn't Everything" is true to this day. "Everything" is doing what your heart believes is right and making a difference in the lives of people and their companions whenever possible.

Not everyone is 'designed' to do what I do. But everyone is designed to do something beautifully.

Jersey Girl.

A special post for a special girl. Halle has led a remarkable path. She deserves everything she receives these days with her special humans and four legged companions.

New stories touch me every day. Halle is particularly sweet. Look closely at this portrait - especially her eyes - and you'll feel what I mean.

Giving lip service,

I suppose there's humor in every situation. In this case, Michelle had placed a little treat in her mouth to lure Satari to her face for a kiss. Satari, at 11, doesn't have the best depth perception these days. The result was a snag up on Michelle's lip as seen here. I love the expression on Michelle's face as she tries to maintain a stiff upper lip (sorry - couldn't pass up the chance). Add yes, Michelle left the session with a bruised lip thanks to this love nip.

Sadly, Satari has an unmanageable brain tumor. She will only be with us for a few days. These portraits will be true treasures for Michelle and family.

Me...I'm trying to hold it together. Sessions like this are rewarding for what they accomplish but exceptionally demanding on our hearts and psyches at the studio. So ... seeing a funny outtake helps the healing process for us, too.

Sniffin' around for a smile.

Not all pix are suitable for public consumption. But I nearly always come up with outtakes that are hilliarious and acceptable to those of us who know dogs are dogs and they like to smell.

Here's a click (I couldn't resist) of a sniff that was warranted. This little puppy had a flatulence problem during tonight's session. Na Pali had to know where a special puppy aroma was coming from. She obviously figured it out.

My apologies! But this image brought a smile to my face when I needed one!

Na Pali, the adult, is still adjusting to having an eight week old puppy around the house. I love the expression on Vader's face.

Dexter

A happy face for a happy day (talking about the dog pic......)!

I'm convincing myself that a special bobblehead exhibit may be coming to a gallery in Anchorage one day in the next year or so.

Is it just me? I like this look. It's a different perspective, for sure! I have a sense that an exhibit like this would bring some smiles.

Viewers will definitely have to appreciate big dog and cat noses in their faces.

new stuff

So excited - I'm bursting for Wednesday to arrive as a brand new projector will be delivered. It's state of the art (expensive) and will display my images in the viewing lounge better than ever before. Yippee!!!!! I may stand by the parking lot window Wed. a.m. in anticipation.

Also expecting a new tripod 'head' that will guarantee even more stability to my hunky camera and lenses and attachments. Yeah, it's expensive too. Hmm.....I wonder if some of that Bush/Obama stimulus money is available????

Website is down.

Arghhhh. The server that hosts my http://www.alaskaportraits.com/ website, based in London, is being attacked by an international group called "anonymous". Seriously. They launched what is called DDoS - a Distributed Denial of Service bug. Apparently this has been an ongoing problem and the FBI is also dedicating resources to it.

For now, my website is worthless until the server debugs the invasion.

Frustrating, to say the least. But they have a good reputation so I'm going with the flow for now.

Happy Birthday Kelsey!

Happy Birthday from everyone at the studio, Kelsey!

Mary. Friends of Pets. Read with a tissue.

I'm always affected by the homeless dogs and cats that appear before my lens as part of the effort to find them forever homes. I've adopted a few, helped as a liaison to connect families to the companion animals I've photographed (more than 1500 in twenty years). I'll do anything in my power to assist. And it's never easy watching some of them come through the doors. The only thing that brings a sense of calm is knowing that once they've encountered Friends of Pets, the Alaska SPCA or any other animal rescue organization is that they're assured a far better future than their past.

Sometimes, I'm sidestruck. Today was one of those days. I'm crying in my heart and hiding it on the outside (except for this blog).

Mary was rescued from a village. She was transported to Anchorage after being shot through the neck. I don't know who did it. I don't know who has helped her since then or how it is that she's still here to bless the beautiful people who will one day provide a forever home.

When she walked into the studio, Mary was calm, confident dog with a little tail wag. Or at least that's how she appeared.

I did my meet and greet. All was good. She even ate some special treats. I read her as another gentle soul waiting for her perfect companion.

Kelsey and Kara (Friends of Pets volunteer) coaxed her to the studio stage.

I lifted the camera to my eye and looked at her through the lens. In an instant...... She completely shut down. She quivered. She hid her face. To her, my camera and its clicking sound was the same as a gun. All of the sudden, I felt guilt. Tremendous guilt and shame.

After much more gentle work we calmed her and found a more comfortable "place" for her to relax on the sofa. I snapped a couple photos. One of which is shown here.

She's a lover. She needs to build trust with someone special.

And me. I'm heartbroken that she viewed me and my camera in a way that no other creature has done before. I know it wasn't my fault. But it affected me deeply. I don't know if it's hate that I'm feeling for someone in a village or something else. Most of all, I want to see a happy ending for a creature that deserves it much more than someone who was aiming a gun in her direction at one time in her life.

Weird dogs (according to Kelsey)

Kelsey documents and keeps track of the lazy studio dogs. They provide plenty of entertainment.

Her own Murphy dog will make an appearance Thursday. He's just plain nuts because of separation anxiety. He bounces around like crazy anytime Kelsey leaves the office for another room.

Shown here, Princess showing her hussy side and Flash in stasis with her toy.

Whine.

vent, Vent. VENT!!!!

Fauxtawg Dawg will have to explain in more detail later - when I try to understand it more myself!

But for now: I love offering solicited photography advice to people who ultimately reply

"Oh, I used to do pet photography years ago. I just thought you might be able to tell everyone else how you do it because it would sound better coming from you."

Thanks for letting me vent!

Ski bum ...... dj

Feeling the pain tonight. Pushed myself on the Hilltop Park ski trails. Maybe a mile +/-. That's a lot for someone who's been slacking for too many years. Proud of myself. Have to keep the momentum going!

The making of a snow angel.

Kelsey snapped this IPhone photo of David a moment after he convinced Nicole to make snow angels as part of her senior portrait collection.

The image below is one of the portraits from this chilly shoot.

Skiing by the seat of my pants . DJ

What a night. I tackled a ski trail tonight for the first time in 20+ years. Well, it was a small loop. And 30 minutes is enough for a premiere return to skis.

But STILL! My heartbeat is rat-a-tat-tatting to the drum. Broke a sweat. Didn't fall on my butt. Lost my hat to the wind on one hill and I backtracked to retrieve it. This proves the need to bring one of my goldens along on a multi-use trail soon (when I know I won't injure a four-legged someone with my ineptness) so they can retrieve lost objects!

Excited to get back out on the trail for more than a half hour.

Anyone want to join me for a little exercise? I'm game.