1/1/2013 - Model Call: Berger Picard and more!

Model Call: reminder ... BREEDZ WANTED for January 2013

If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session before January 10, 2013, please do contact me. Your dog might appear in a national magazine, on a greeting card or in a calendar! I'm currently looking for the following breeds:

Pomeranian

American English Coonhound

Belgian Sheepdog

Berger Picard

Puppies, adults and seniors - I need them all! They must conform to breed standards, but they don't have to be show dogs; purebred-looking pets and rescues are available for this offer as well.

Contact me to arrange your free private photo sitting. Shoot participants that are chosen for a national magazine will receive a copy of the issue they are published in. All participants will receive 20% off any prints they wish to order from the free session.

Studio sessions will be held at my Santee studio and location candids are available at San Diego County area parks or beaches. If you are in the SD, CA area and have a great house/yard to photograph in, then I may be able to come to you for the shoot. I would also love to do "lifestyle" shots and include the owner, if you are up to it (playing, walking, everyday life with your dog). Does your dog do a job, sport or fun activity? That is a possible shoot, as well. I look forward to hearing from you!

top photo: Atticus the Pomeranian puppy

bottom photo: Pomeranian #41: CH Cliffrose Call Of The Dove (call name Woody). San Fernando Kennel Club. May 27, 2011 in Pomona, California. Owned by Krystal Morris and Ron & Merilyn Smith. Bred by Krystal Morris and Lana Price.

11/30/12 - the weekend ahead with DogBreedz.net

Friday! The weekend is almost here!

For most people that sounds like one more day until freedom from work - but for the dog show photographer and conformation, obedience, luring and agility people it means gearing up for another weekend of serious dog business. I have a rare weekend off, which leaves me chomping at the bit just a little. Now that I have the energy to trot off to a show, my slate is empty! However ... I have some Holiday photos to edit, a work Holiday Party on Saturday and Sunday is my birthday. So this is actually a good weekend to stay close to home, working images on the computer and playing with the Cocker Spaniels. You know THEY like the "stay close to home" part of that equation!

Today I have a personal ordering session set up for Huggy Bear's mom. Bear has visited my set numerous times over the last two years and is a favorite with my assistants. Even on his grumpy days (hey, we all have them!) he is photogenic. Pictured here, his Charger Spirit shines through during the 2010 Holiday Season. His last visit with me was on a recent Holiday shoot at Camp Bow Wow El Cajon. He told me his mom is thinking about sharing his photos with friends and family. What a great way to celebrate your furkid and keep a smile on others' faces! I know I'll enjoy my morning coffee with Bear's mom.

This is my last "weekend off" (even tho I am editing) for a while. My volunteering for ESRA (Springer Rescue) as photographer's assistant and head dog wrangler will keep me busy over the next couple of weekends. Then work at the Spa and a final "last chance" Holiday shoot in Santee (weather permitting) will wrap up December, as far as business goes.

What do YOU have planned for yourself this weekend?

***** ***** ***** ***** *****Don't forget to enter my Thursday Giveaway for a unique way to share your love of animals during your gifting this Holiday Season!

Sneak Peeks: Camp Bow Wow 2012 Holiday Pet Photo Shoot

It's been a l-o-n-g four (and then some) months of not feeling well, but look out pups 'cause I'm back in action! Are those tails I see wagging at the news? I appreciate all the emails in support while I was down for the count and am looking forward to seeing all the furries, and their parents, who are lined up to spend time with my camera.

Easing back into the action included spending time with my friends at El Cajon Camp Bow Wow and raising some money for their Bow Wow Buddies Foundation. Tis the Season, and the Holiday set was ready for the action. Beautiful Flirt (Cocker Spaniel) had a special reason for striking her pose. She is a Therapy Dog now and wanted some special Holiday goodies to hand out on her December visits.

Stoney (Irish Terrier) preferred to go with a classic look without the Holiday touches when he visited on set at Su-Et's Kennel in Santee, CA. Wednesday November 28th will be the last Holiday shoot before Christmas (there are a few spots left). And if the weather holds, there will be a Last Chance shoot with the Holiday theme between Christmas and New Year's for a "pet's first Christmas" if any new fur-kids join your home over the Holiday. Just use the "Contact Me" button at the top of the Blog to inquire about joining a shoot.

Meanwhile, back on the show grounds, the Del Sur Kennel Club held their Fall Puppy Match on a beautiful sunny Sunday in El Cajon, CA. This little Pug shows that even puppies can float on air, when they are a natural for the show ring!

Coming up next: the final Holiday shoot before Christmas, a trip up to Orange County to play with the dogs and some on-set time volunteering for English Springer Rescue America, Inc, one of my favorite rescue organizations!

I hope you enjoyed the sneak peeks into my return to the pet photo studio (and the healthy life). Thanks for the visit - please hug your pet for me today!

Indie and Bennett - planning a Big Surprise!

Welcome back to the DogBreedz.net Blog. As many of you already know, Indie and Bennett are my own furkids, and they light up my life every single day. Although they are both adopted from a wonderful Rescue as puppies, they have "formal" names as well as their more familiar "call" names. Indie is Kodak's Canyonview Little Miss Independant and Bennett's big-boy name is Kodak's Canyonview The Best Is Yet To Come.

Indie and Bennett have been working undercover for many weeks now on a Big Surprise. They've been getting me up early, before the heat of the day, going to a Top Secret Location and putting their heads together with one of their Cocker Friends named Flirt (is it any surprise that she is a Parti, too?!). Flirt's parents, Peggy and Joe, have been put through their paces as well.

The Big Reveal is scheduled for August 3, 2012. And let me tell you, they are excited! And a little apprehensive - they want the news that day to be that their hard work has paid off. Stay tuned for more - and keep your paws crossed!

Let Indie and Bennett know through the comment section below - what do YOU think their Big Surprise is going to be?

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Indie (bottom photo) and Bennett (top photo) are modeling the July Beach set, celebrating the Dog Days of Summer. This is all done in studio - no sand in the fur or paws scorched by the hot pavement walking to the shore! The set is suitable for large dogs and other species too, so book your July Beach Session now. $35.00 for 15-30 minutes on set (whatever your pet needs to get comfortable and have fun!) and that includes a print credit that will pay for a 5x7 or it can be applied to other sizes, as well.

Have you signed up for the DogBreedz.net monthly Newsletter? It comes direct to your inbox and you can learn about all sorts of great things before they are posted to the blog - like the Beach Set (modeled in the newsletter by Salsa the Border Terrier). Click HERE to learn more.

Thanks for the visit - please hug your pet for me today!

Connecting with my Clients and Online Friends

Did you receive the DogBreedz.net July Newsletter in your email this morning? It's a wonderful way to sit back and "visit" with me online! This month's newsletter features a new product, announces the Christmas in July special sale, gives you a first look at the July Beach set in studio, talks about keeping your pets safe in the heat of the summer, announces the TWO July Facebook Give-a-way Winners and talks about behind-the-scenes improvements here at DogBreedz. Don't miss out on this valuable tool - and there are photos to enjoy (of course)! Check your spam folder and if you still don't see it - sign up here so future issues will come direct to your in-box:
~ your email address will never be sold or shared ~
When I'm in a photo session with one of your pets, even a 15 minute mini-session, I feel a connection with your fur-kid. I work hard to "listen" to them not only to help them feel comfortable faster but also to get a feel for their unique personality and for what makes them who their are. It helps that I've had a knack for "talking" with the animals since I was a toddler (I count our Westie and our Cocker as being two of my sisters as I grew up and our cats taught me a lot about life!) and that I am certified in Animal Reiki Healing. These bring an extra "something" to my animal sessions and it shows!

But connecting with the PEOPLE that adore their pets - that is harder to do! With longer private sessions, I do have time to get to know the "two-leggers" but in a fundraising or 15-minute session, it has to be all about the pets in order to get that image you will fall in love with. Through my blog and my monthly newsletter I can give you ideas about who I am and how I work. Facebook is more of a two-way street (when it is working correctly and loading!) and has been a valuable resource - I love reading your pages and getting a glimpse of who you are!

I offer a new service to my pet parents, and there is no charge for it: in-person ordering sessions after your studio or on-location shoot. I knew it would be good for business but I LOVE that it gives me time to really connect with YOU! Now you can enjoy the photographic process as much as your pet enjoyed his time with me on set! In about an hour of time, at a local coffee shop or even in your own living room, we meet and this is YOUR time. You are in charge and I sit back and listen. Yes, it's about looking at your proofs and showing you samples of products and photo finishes as you ask your questions, but it's also about listening to your stories about your pets and really getting to know YOU. I so have enjoyed the sessions I've had and I'm looking forward to more! If you enjoy the ease of just ordering online, in your pajamas at 1 am, don't worry: online ordering is not going away - but I am here for you if you have any questions.

Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter - it shows up no more than once a month in your inbox and if you have anything in particular YOU would like to know about me or DogBreedz.net or have a special product you wish you could find for your favorite images - just let me know! Thank you for reading, and please - hug your pet for me today! Top Photo: Indie my Cocker Spaniel receives Animal Reiki in a training class
Bottom Photo: Bisuit Cromelin the Boston Terrier loves the camera
while at a fundraiser hosted by Yorba Regional Animal Hospital

May 2012 - Catching Up on The Blog!

I looked at the date of my last post and all I could think (at the time) was WHERE did April - and half of May - get to?! And then I sat down to pull some images to share with you, to chronicle what I've been up to while absent from The DogBreedz Blog. After I pulled all of the images together, my question was answered ... but first, let's get on to the good stuff, the images, shall we? I know that's why you keep coming back!

In April of every year the El Capitan Stadium Association hosts the Lakeside Rodeo in the small East County town of Lakeside, California. It's a major event, the largest fundraiser for the Association and the crowd was out in force, enjoying the weather, the entertainment and the atmosphere. This was my second year attending. I have to say, as an animal lover, I think Barrel Racing is my all-time favorite event at the rodeo! My gallery of 2012 Lakeside Rodeo images is online at http://dogbreedz.smugmug.com/Non-Pet-Photography/Lakeside-Rodeo-2012.

I finished off April with my annual booth at the Springer Spaniel Specialty in Walnut, California. I take ringside candids in the AM hours, chronicle the Parade Of Rescue (celebrating the past year's work of English Springer Rescue America, Inc), and take portraits in my booth. The Springers participating in the Parade get free sittings, and all others make a small donation, benefiting ESRA. While a lot of Springers passed in front of my lens, a few of the two-legged family members had candid shots captured as well. I love this one - notice her stuffed animal? It's a Springer! The Parade photos and candids are online at http://dogbreedz.smugmug.com/EventPhotography/ESRA.

The next day it was off to the Lake Mathews Kennel Club show in Chino, California. Much less windy than last year's event! I was able to visit with a lot of my show friends and clients - capturing some great movement shots of favorite breeds and a couple of new (to my camera) breeds. Pictured here is Gordon Setter GCH Blazen Mackhyber's Cosmic Voyage, owned by Martha Dorward - he took Best Of Breed this day - congratulations! All Lake Mathews photos from this day are online at http://dogbreedz.smugmug.com/Dog-Shows/Lake-Mathews-Kennel-Club-2012.

In between my time with the animals that I adore, I spend some time with people sports, as well. Sports photography is one of my first loves, starting back in high school. This is an image I call "Third in Sight!" starring a player from the Volcanos, a part of the Santana National Little League. All Little League images can be found at http://dogbreedz.smugmug.com/Non-Pet-Photography/Sports.

And a weekend that had me in absolute, 100% triple-A HEAVEN! I was asked by a wonderful photography friend (Marty, of Photography By M) to fill in for him at an agility trial in the heart of stunningly beautiful wine country of Temecula, California. Combining two of my all-time favorite things - sports photography and dogs - you can imagine why I was positively over-the-moon with this opportunity. Jumpin' K9's hosted an ASCA sanctioned trial weekend and the fur was flying! Pictured here is Jumpin' K9 instructer Cindy Valdez's Australian Shepherd Latte in 16" Open Jumpers. Don't you just get caught up by the intensity in this Aussie's eyes? All photos from the weekend are online at http://dogbreedz.smugmug.com/Agility.

Rescue is very close to my heart. Since stepping down as Founding Director of San Diego Spaniel Rescue in 2009, I've contributed to various causes through fundraiser shoots and donating professional photography for animals available for adoption. Meet "George" - the day he met me on set it was just hours after being sprung from a local shelter by the local Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescue. Even with wind-tossed hair and still getting his bearings he is a stunning boy!

Wednesdays have continued to be busy days in the Santee, California studio. Free sittings are offered to clients of Su-Et's Kennel who are scheduled for baths, groomings or nail trims on most Wednesdays (weather permitting). From a recent sitting, this is Scottish Terrier puppy Peter, enjoying his crib. (I have to give a special shout-out to my friend and client, Kate, for donating this wonderful vintage crib to my props - I LOVE it!)

One Wednesday a month I take off from the studio and spend some time with my friends at Santee's Farmers Market where I talk to folks about pet photography options and also showcase my homemade Original Clip-N-Tote Bags. These are great for so many uses! Show peeps can find them retail at Davis Animal Products' dog show booths and they are also available online at my Etsy Store. Strong canvas construction, with an overlaying layer of printed fabric, the center of the Clip-N-Tote Bag is roomy, and the two outer pockets are deep and convenient for storage. Handy O-rings attached to the carabiner clips make an easy to find spot for keys or leashes. A friend of mine uses hers at the grocery store, clipped to the front seat of her cart: coupons, hand sanitizer and keys are all organized and easy to find!

And I am very happy to say the May issue of Dog Fancy features a full page photo of mine - check out the Puli on page 48! For those of you who like to plan ahead: Brown Trout will be using three of my images in their calendars for 2013. And for the Agility Addicts in my fan base, my first 2013 Calendar has gone live in my Lulu store - enjoy!

Well now, it is obvious to all of us exacly why April (and yes, half of May) has flown right by! I'll try to do better with regular visits and updates to this Blog for you. Thank you for visiting and enjoy the photography of DogBreedz.net!

3/27/12: Breedz Wanted to Photograph

BREEDZ WANTED for March/April 2012

If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session before April 15, 2012, please do contact me. Your dog might appear in a national magazine, on a greeting card or in a calendar! I'm currently looking for the following breeds:

Miniature Schnauzer

Akita

Silken Windhound

Keeshond

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Kerry Blue Terrier

Puppies, adults and seniors - I need them all! They must conform to breed standards, but they don't have to be show dogs; purebred-looking pets and rescues are available for this offer as well.

Contact me at DogBreedz (at) yahoo (dot) com to arrange your free private photo sitting. Shoot participants that are chosen for the National Magazine will receive a copy of the issue they are published in. All participants will receive 20% off any prints they wish to order from the free session.

Studio sessions will be held at my Santee studio and location candids are available at San Diego area parks or beaches. If you are in the SD, CA area and have a great house/yard to photograph in, then I may be able to come to you for the shoot. I would also love to do "lifestyle" shots and include the owner, if you are up to it (playing, walking, everyday life with your dog). Does your dog do a job or fun activity? That is a possible shoot, as well. I look forward to hearing from you!

2/13/12: Breedz Wanted to Photograph

Reminder: BREEDZ WANTED for Feb/Mar 2012

If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session before March 10, 2012, please do contact me. Your dog might appear in a national magazine, on a greeting card or in a calendar! I'm currently looking for the following breeds:

West Highland White Terrier

Airedale Terrier

South African Boerboel

Irish Red and White Setter

Olde English Bulldogge

English Foxhound

Puppies, adults and seniors - I need them all! They must conform to breed standards, but they don't have to be show dogs; purebred-looking pets and rescues are available for this offer as well.

Contact me at DogBreedz (at) yahoo (dot) com to arrange your free private photo sitting. Shoot participants that are chosen for the National Magazine will receive a copy of the issue they are published in. All participants will receive 20% off any prints they wish to order from the free session.

Studio sessions will be held at my Santee studio and location candids are available at San Diego area parks or beaches. If you are in the SD, CA area and have a great house/yard to photograph in, then I may be able to come to you for the shoot. I would also love to do "lifestyle" shots and include the owner, if you are up to it. Does your dog do a job or fun activity? That is a possible shoot, as well. I look forward to hearing from you!

2/6/12: Breedz Wanted to Photograph

BREEDZ WANTED for Feb/Mar 2012

If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session before March 10, 2012, please do contact me. Your dog might appear in a national magazine, on a greeting card or in a calendar! I'm currently looking for the following breeds:

West Highland White Terrier

Airedale Terrier

South African Boerboel

Irish Red and White Setter

Olde English Bulldogge

English Foxhound

Puppies, adults and seniors - I need them all! They must conform to breed standards, but they don't have to be show dogs; purebred-looking pets and rescues are available for this offer as well.

Contact me at DogBreedz (at) yahoo (dot) com to arrange your free private photo sitting. Shoot participants that are chosen for the National Magazine will receive a copy of the issue they are published in. All participants will receive 20% off any prints they wish to order from the free session.

Studio sessions will be held at my Santee studio and location candids are available at San Diego area parks or beaches. If you are in the SD, CA area and have a great house/yard to photograph in, then I may be able to come to you for the shoot. I would also love to do "lifestyle" shots and include the owner, if you are up to it. Does your dog do a job or fun activity? That is a possible shoot, as well. I look forward to hearing from you!

Top: Airedale Terrier CH Hoorah Ferocious Gentleman Branch
Bottom: West Highland White Terrier Taramour's Kayla of Arbroath

Meet the Breed: Poodle

Ahh ... the beautiful French Poodle with all the looks but none of the brains. We've all heard this stereotype at one time or another, but did you know ... NONE of it is true! To start with, the Poodle originated in Germany. And for anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing this breed, all three varieties (Standard, Toy and Miniature) are exceptionally smart dogs. Even though the Poodle is runway-worthy with its model looks, it comes from a strong working background, being first used as a water-retriever during hunts. The clips we see on the show dogs, with the "poofs" left over the ankles and hips - did you know that this wasn't some strange fashion choice but has actual merit? The hunters developed this cut to help the Poodles keep joints and vital organs warmer while working in the cold water. The rest of the body is clipped to help the dog move easier through the water during the retrievals. The oldest of the three varieties is the Standard (the largest of the Poodles). The Miniature Poodle is thought to have been used primarily for truffle hunting. And the smallest variety, the Toy Poodle, was most often seen in performances and circuses.

All of the Poodle varieties are quite active and require daily exercise. Don't forget to give him a job around the house or interactive toys - keep his mind sharp and stave off the boredom! Poodles have a hypoallergenic coat that may reduce allergy responses in humans and the breed is often used in mixed-breed crosses for this reason. The coat does require regular professional grooming, however. A great family dog in all varieties, do be careful with small children in the home with a Toy Poodle - a smaller dog may not be able to withstand the less coordinated interactions of a very young child. Supervision of dogs and children with any breed is always a good idea. Poodles are recognized in a number of solid colors, including white, black, apricot and grey. While you may occasionally see a parti-colored Poodle (two colors in solid patches) this is not a recognized color in the American Kennel Club and you will never see this pattern in the American show ring. The United Kennel Club does recognize the parti-colored Poodle, but over the pond they are shown in separate classes from the solids. Within the UKC the Poodle is recognized in only two varieties, divided by size: the Standard Poodle and the Poodle (the latter having both the Miniature and the Toy as members).

The Poodle is AKC recognized (since 1887) and is a member of the Non-Sporting group (Standard and Miniature) and the Toy Group (Toy). The Poodle is UKC recognized (since 1914, and separated into two varieties in 2000) and is a member of the Gun Dog group (Standard) and the Companion Dog group (Poodle). The Poodle Club of America, Inc. is the official Parent Breed Club for the Poodle in the USA.

Pictured top: GCH Brighton Lakeridge Encore (call name Alley), middle: Sharbelle Chanel II Pamir (call name Chanel), bottom: GCH Hosanna Danica Dancing In The Rain (call name Tenley)

Shop for Poodle gifts at Zazzle: click here!

Shop for Spoiled Rotten Poodle on Board stickers: click here!

Shop for Poodle greeting cards at GCU: click here!

Shop for Gift Cards with Poodle Images: click here!

1/17/2012 - DogBreedz Specials of the Week!

CURRENT SPECIALS

Shop and Save!
Have you been wanting to get a DogBreedz calendar, greeting card or other fun goodies? Now is the time with these current specials!

***** DogBreedz 2012 Wall Calendars and all items at Lulu:
20% off your next order. Save up to $100 on your next order through January 20, 2012. The fine print from Lulu: Enter coupon code PRICETHAW305 at checkout and receive 20% off your order. The maximum savings for this offer is $100. Sorry, but this offer is only valid in US Dollars and cannot be applied to previous orders. You can only use this code once per account, and unfortunately you can't use this coupon in combination with other coupon codes. This great offer expires on January 20, 2012 at 11:59 PM PST, so don't miss out! While very unlikely, we do reserve the right to change or revoke this offer at anytime, and of course we cannot offer this coupon where it is against the law to do so.

***** DogBreedz Greeting Cards at Greeting Card Universe: Special Offer: Order 10 or more cards and pay only $1.99 per card (regular price $3.00/each)! Use code 2012JAN199. Ends TODAY January 17, 2012.

***** DogBreedz Sweatshirts and Tshirts from Cafepress: Save 25% off sweatshirts and tshirts from CafePress.com through January 18, 2012 - no discount code necessary. Fine Print from Cafepress: Only applies to sweatshirts and short-sleeved t-shirts, subject to availability. Excludes bulk orders. Discounted prices are set forth on the website, no coupon code required. Promotion starts on January 16, 2012, at 12:00 a.m. (PST) and ends on January 18, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. (PST). Discount can be combined with other coupon code offers. All orders must be from the CafePress Marketplace. Offer valid online only, and may change, be modified or cancelled at anytime without notice. This promotion cannot be applied to past orders.

***** DogBreedz Photo Galleries: 10% off orders of $25 or more (tax and shipping excluded). Use coupon code Blog01172012 at checkout (enter it on the same screen you enter your payment information). This offer is good for prints and gift items at DogBreedz.SmugMug.com ... order the 2012 mini-valentines ... or prints of your favorite breeds and more! Coupon expires 1/22/2012.

(Top photo: Airedale Terriers Are Love On Four Legs t-shirt
Bottom photo: Mini Valentine's featuring Hannah the Pomeranian)

Breedz Wanted to Photograph: 1/16/2012

Reminder: BREEDZ WANTED for Jan/Feb 2012

Just a reminder ... if you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session at my Santee studio or on location before February 10, 2012, please do contact me. Your dog might appear in a national magazine, on a greeting card or in a calendar! I'm currently looking for the following breeds:

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Coton de Tulear

Curly-Coated Retriever

Chinook

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

English Springer Spaniel

Puppies, adults and seniors - I need them all! They must conform to breed standards, but they don't have to be show dogs - purebred pets and rescues are available for this offer as well. Contact me at DogBreedz (at) yahoo (dot) com to arrange your private sitting. If you are in the San Diego area and have a great house/yard to photograph in, then I may be able to come to you for the shoot. I would also love to do "lifestyle" shots and include the owner, if you are up to it. Does your dog do a job or fun activity? That is a possible shoot, as well. Shoot participants that are chosen for the National Magazine will receive a copy of the issue they are published in. All participants will receive 20% off any prints they wish to order. I look forward to hearing from you!

Valentine's Pet Photo Shoot

The Holidays are past, the New Year has been rung in - it's time to think about Valentine's Day! Next weekend, January 14, is the big V-Day package shoot here at DogBreedz in Santee, CA. 30 minutes of studio time, two different Valentine themed sets with props, an 8x10 of your favorite image, 6 mini-valentines, and a custom designed ornament are a part of your package. All this for only $99.00! Book now, sessions are limited for one-day shoots.

Visit the DogBreedz Valentine Ornament Store at Zazzle.com!

Breedz Wanted to Photograph: 12/12/11

BREEDZ WANTED

If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session at my Santee studio this coming Wednesday, December 14, 2011, please do contact me. Your dog might appear in a national magazine or a calendar! I'm currently looking for:

Pug

Irish Setter

Alaskan Klee Kai

New Guinea Singing Dog

Welsh Springer Spaniel

Anatolian Shepherd

Puppies, adults and seniors - I need them all! They must conform to breed standards, but they don't have to be show dogs - purebred pets and rescues are available for this offer as well. Contact me at DogBreedz (at) yahoo (dot) com to arrange your private sitting. If you are in the San Diego area and have a great house/yard to photograph in, then I may be able to come to you for the shoot. I would also love to do "lifestyle" shots and include the owner, if you are up to it. Does your dog do a job or fun activity? That is a possible shoot, as well. I look forward to hearing from you!

12/9/2011: DogBreedz week in review and the weekend ahead

It's been a busy week, editing the projects that are in my queue for wonderful clients! The Free Wednesday Sittings have been a hit at Su-Et's Kennel in Santee - it has been a great way to introduce their clients to my pet photography services. This last week I've finished photos from Free Wednesdays thru November 16, and paid shoots through part of November 17. The Del Sur Kennel Club asked me to be their official show photographer for their Fall Puppy Match (thank you!) and those photos are up now too. This weekend I'll be finishing and posting photos from the Santee Studio shoots and from a fundraiser at Camp Bow Wow El Cajon, benefiting their foundation Bow Wow Buddies. No dog shows on the books for me this month. I'm catching up on editing and getting ready for the dog show 2012 circuit kickoff at Palm Springs. This weekend however is my annual time to put aside my camera and don the role of the photographer's assistant for Don Osborne (Scoundrel Photography) as we shoot Santa Photos at the PetSmart in Santa Ana, California to raise money for English Springer Rescue America. It's always a hit and we have the BEST Santa around! Add to that the professional studio lighting, and you can't miss!

What are YOU doing this weekend?

(photos in this post: Top photo - Bosco the Staffordshire Terrier; Bottom photo - Black Russian Terrier puppy)

April 2011 at DogBreedz.net

There is so much to do in San Diego County on any given weekend - and I suspect that it is due, in part, to the wonderful weather we tend to have. I grew up in Upstate NY in what is known as the Snow Belt. Cold isn't something I enjoy, so it should be no surprise that I relocated out to SoCal! I am very excited to announce that I am now a contributing photographer to Brown Trout Calendars. I'm busy gathering images to submit for their 2013 breed lines and we all have our paws crossed here that some of my clients are chosen for publication. If you haven't yet found your perfect calendar for this year, take a look at some of my privately published offerings from Lulu. My friends at Camp Bow Wow El Cajon scheduled another fundraiser day to benefit Bow Wow Buddies Foundation. This is one of my favorite locations - the animals are always so well-behaved, the camp workers are fun, and the owners are true animal lovers. I love supporting Bow Wow Buddies Foundation - I think it is wonderful that all the Camp Bow Wow locations across the US support their local rescue groups with foster spots. This is Buddy, a darling Basset Hound who sat for me at Camp Bow Wow. My next stop was in Orange County for a very fun day spent at the Papillon Club of Southern California Specialty. I spent some time with my Cocker friends watching the obedience, then turned my attention to the afternoon classes in the main Papillon ring. Such wonderful cuties parading in front of me! This is Adfams Mighty Aphrodite. She is looking at her mom with absolute devotion and intensity while stacking in the ring! The next day I headed a little further north to West Covina, CA for my turn as official photographer for the Scottish Terrier Club of California's Spring Puppy Match. Besides ring candids and winners photos, I also had my portrait booth set up and was able to meet some of these feisty darlings one on one. Congratulations to Morgan's Tam O' Shanter for the Best In Match win! I can't remember the last time I attended a rodeo - and it was time for the famous Lakeside Rodeo, practically in my own backyard. To make it even better, all workers at the event were volunteers and all the money raised was for local charities. The skill of these riders was awe-inspiring! And while the excellent riders were definitely caught on film, sometimes the great shots are of the "oops!" moments. I can't decide if I aspire to be one of the official photographers or if I would be too scared to be IN the ring with all the action! I don't have my photos finished an in a gallery yet, but here are two of my favorites in the meantime. And then back to Orange County for The Hound Classic (photos still being worked ...)! I had a chance to meet a breed that is new to me. In the AKC Miscellaneous Class, meet the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno. This cutie is Gabriela Da Casa De Maio. I spent most of my time with the Borzois (Russian Wolfhounds) as I arrived too late to hang with a couple of my favorite breeds (Beagles and Ibizan Hounds). This is Zabava Atlantis. What a graceful breed! Easter is only a few days away - have you sent your Easter Greetings yet? With Greeting Card Universe, it's not too late! Order your cards online, and pay regular postal shipping costs - the fine folks at GCU will drop it in the mail for you! And if you've waited just a little TOO long ... you can change the inside of any card easily yourself. For example, my DogBreedz Easter cards by default read "Somebunny special is thinking of you - Hoppy Easter!" You can order yours, and change the inside to something like: I got distracted hunting for chocolate bunnies - Happy Belated Easter! Here are a few breed samples: Or you can take a look at some of these cards from other artists - designed especially for the procrastinator! Upcoming Shoots: Ongoing studio portraits at Su-Et's Kennel in Santee, CA, April 30: Fundraising Portraits at the English Springer Specialty in Walnut, CA. May 1: Ringside Candids and Scheduled Private Shoots at Lake Matthews Kennel Club show in Chino, CA. May 7 & 8: Ringside Candids at Rio Hondo Kennel Club in Pomona, CA. May 21 & 22: Ringside Candids at Mt. Palomar Kennel Club show in Valley Center, CA. All events are listed on my Shoot Schedule. Contact DogBreedz (at) yahoo.com for more information.