1/22/2013: Model Call ... Bullmastiffs and more!

Free Photoshoots for Breeds Wanted to Photograph for January-February 2013

If you have one of the following breeds and would like a complimentary session before February 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:

Bullmastiff

Australian Shepherd

Kooikerhondjeg

Barbet

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: Bullmastiff #6: Desert Winds Rain Dance Maggie. Orange Empire Dog Club 138th All Breed Dog Show. January 29, 2012 in San Bernardino, California. Owned by Doug Plemel and Bob Bauer. Bred by Doug Plemel.
Bottom Photo: Australian Shepherd Tucker Mayo, Olympia, Washington.

Bring on the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels!

I think this is going to be a FUN weekend! I've been asked by my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel friends to set up at their summer celebration party and take some portraits of the cute Cavaliers ... and boy do I *l*o*v*e this breed! Proceeds from the shoot will go to Cavalier Rescue to help with their work. I've also partnered with them to photograph their intake Rescues from this area - professional photos really help the dog to stand out on the adoptable pages of the web site. There are a couple of things that make the fundraising shoots a little different from the similar mini-shoots here at the studio, besides the donation to a Rescue organization. The three most popular sizes (4x6, 5x7 and 8x10) of prints purchased from fundraiser shoots are priced lower than my regular scale and the pet parents get one free 8x10 for each purchased session. And the timing couldn't be better, as the Cavalier is on my "Breedz Wanted" list for this month (you can read about that by clicking HERE)!

Enjoy YOUR weekend - and I'll "see" you online on Monday!

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!

Project 52-4: Jumps and Cuddles

I am a member of a network of professional pet photographers from around the world. We have a challenge project: a blog roll (Project 52) where once a week we take a photo to fit the week's theme, and then link to the next participating photographer. This week's theme is JUMPS AND CUDDLES. I hope you enjoy this blog post with photos and feel like leaving a comment at the end. I love visitors! After you are finished reading, please take a moment to click the link at the bottom and see what the photographer after me came up with for the theme. In fact, sit back and take five minutes, and keep clicking thru until you come around full circle back to here - I think you'll enjoy yourself!
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

THE JUMP
She flies thru the air with the greatest of ease ... no trapeze needed for Kodak's Canyonview Little Miss Independent! Indie was eager to show off her hang-time over the makeshift agility jump bar during a break in the rains last weekend. This is one of those "couldn't have posed it any better!" action shots that I love to capture. Good Girl, Indie!

THE CUDDLE(s)
While Indie was able to catch some sun, Bennett's plans to cuddle up with a friend's grandson got washed out. He made up for that lost photo op by testing out some of the Valentine's Teddy Bears on set. It was hard to choose just one photo of my boy, so here are two to raise the "aww!" factor at computer screens around the world - featuring the lover boy himself, Kodak's Canyonview The Best Is Yet To Come.

Thanks for visiting my part of the Project 52 Blog Roll for Week #4. Now, remember to take a moment and click thru to the blog of Stephanie Madeline (of Chase and Snap Pet Photography - located in New Jersey). Enjoy the photos and give YOUR pets a hug from me!

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)

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!

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)