The 2010 Summer Tour has BEGUN!
(pictured above: Indie Mundell testing out the 2010 Tour Set)
23 Fundraisers - 11 Rescue Groups - 3 Months - 2 Countries - 1 Photographer and her two pups ... add them all together, shake well, and you have the Summer Photo Tour from DogBreedz.net. The Tour has begun with our first two stops this past weekend. Saturday was in Carpenteria, California for the 2nd Annual Second Chance Cocker Rescue Reunion Picnic. Sunday found us set up at The Pet House in Goleta, California for a day-long shoot, also for SCCR.
(pictured above: Hope Carvalho at Toro Canyon Park shoot)
Saturday was beautiful! Toro Canyon Park was a wonderful setting for this early afternoon BBQ picnic. Second Chance had very tempting raffle items available as well as beautiful hand-crafted doggie blankets for sale. The food was beyond yummy and the dogs beyond gorgeous (but we all know that I'm partial to those Cocker kids, anyway). Indie and Bennett were perfect photographer's dogs - being patient in their private suites and greeting all the humans who came by. Sometimes I think they are more well-known than I am!
(pictured above: Jax Van Orsdel at The Pet House shoot)
Sunday - another gorgeous day (is there any other type in the Santa Barbara area?!) ... and Indie, Bennett and I headed out to The Pet House located in Goleta. The staff was friendly and the products were fun to browse, but I was there to work so I cut my shopping short. A nice variety of doggies paraded through, along with some Cocker Friends. Second Chance Cats was set up in the next area of the store for an adoption event, so I had a chance to play with some great cats and kittens on set too. Indie provided extra incentive for pups to perk their ears for me, as she was VERY hopeful for a chance to play with lovebirds and parrotlets that were on display in the store - and let us hear her enthusiasm when she thought it might prove worthwhile.
(pictured above: Foster Kitten)
Weekend 1 of the Summer Photo Tour is over, leaving great photos, wonderful memories, and two tired pups. Our next stop is Sunday June 13 at Dee O Gee's Grooming in San Pedro, CA. There are still sittings available - contact the photographer at dogbreedz @ yahoo.com and schedule YOUR pet for a photo session, benefiting Take Me Home Boxer rescue. See you in San Pedro!
NOTE: The Summer Photo Fundraising Tour is a 3-month coast-to-coast International Tour to raise money for animal rescue organizations across the country. My biggest expenses on the Tour are hotel and gasoline costs ... if you or you business would like to help sponsor the Tour, contact the photographer at dogbreedz @ yahoo.com - sponsor one hotel stay or donate a gas card to help with expenses! Stops and sponsorships are also being accepted now for the 2011 Tour - let me know if you are interested!
(pictured above: Lilly Ehrhardt the Yorkshire Terrier goes high for a better view of the fireworks)
Weekend #3 of the DogBreedz.net Summer Photo Tour flew by in a whirlwind of activity. This stop benefited Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas and was hosted at the Sugar Land store of Natural Pawz. The Fourth of July/Americana set was a huge hit while the plain backdrops came in handy for folks who are planning ahead for ... Christmas Cards!
(pictured above: Chad Trahan the Great Dane puppy, ready for his close-up)
This two-day shoot was packed to the max with dogs of all breeds and sizes. Singles, pairs and foursomes, they paraded in and did their best "good dog!" poses. The Rescue volunteers came out in force to play with the dogs (and owners) and to help keep things running like clockwork. No cats or other critters this weekend, but the canine variety was awesome!
(pictured above: Cabo Meeks welcomes me to The Yard)
We had openings for private shoots while I was in the Houston area, and I also made a stop in Austin for a private sitting on my way out here. These shoots are fun and relaxed, allowing me to capture the dogs in their own homes, where they are most comfortable. A handful of props and some portable backdrops come along for the animals that are ready for something a little more formal.
(pictured above: Sweetie Stanley strikes a demure pose in a private sitting)
Basic private shoots are an hour to two hours, with my mobile lighting. On location at the pets' homes or out and about, I end up being everyone's favorite "Aunt Peggy" when I show up with my special treat bag. Although, sometimes the ducks at the pond are a bit more interesting than I am!
(pictured above: Lucky Joliloeve keeps one eye on the ducks - no funny business, Quackers!)
Weekend 3 of the Summer Photo Tour is now a happy memory. I'm busy at the computer editing some fun photos (Santa Barbara - almost finished!) and getting ready to head north. Our next stop is a three-day shoot at A-1 Pet Emporium in Oklahoma City, OK, benefiting Okie Dokie Cocker Rescue. Private shoots will be available on Thursday June 24 and Monday June 28. Catch you in Oklahoma!
(pictured above: McDuff Collins snuggles with some special friends at home)
NOTE: The Summer Photo Fundraising Tour is a 3-month coast-to-coast International Tour to raise money for animal rescue organizations across the country. My biggest expenses on the Tour are hotel and gasoline costs ... if you or you business would like to help sponsor the Tour, contact the photographer at dogbreedz @ yahoo.com - sponsor one or more hotel stays or donate a gas card to help with expenses - your support would help multiple Rescues! Stops and sponsorships are also being accepted now for the 2011 Tour - let me know if you are interested.
