Happy birthday to me!

Today is my birthday! This year it was overshadowed by Hurricane Sandy (to those of you in the eastern U.S., I hope you are recovering!) and every year it is overshadowed by Halloween, which I've always been ok with because as a kid (ok, and grown-up) you can't really go wrong with presents one day and candy the next. This year, as a treat to myself, I ordered a 20x30 canvas of me and my golden girl Chloe to hang in our home office. I love it.

This image also makes me want to repaint my house. This blue-grey wall colour looks great in person, but does not translate well in photos!

Happy Tuesday all!

Wags,
Stacey

happy birthday to poodle-mix Charlie | burlington pet photographer

This furry little ball of tail-wagging cuteness is Charlie – his second birthday was the day after our session and it was important to his mom to capture him as close to his birthday as possible. We met in a north Burlington park and were faced with an overcast afternoon. But Charlie's mom wore such a bright, colourful outfit that worked so well with the photographs and the setting — it added a fantastic pop! Take that overcast skies! These two are a sweet pair.

Charlie says "hi!"

I left this session wanting a pair of red skinny jeans ... if only I could pull them off!

This last shot was taken in the parking lot - I'll pretty much use any location that I can work with! I thought the lines had a nice, graphic look.

Happy birthday Charlie! It was lovely to meet you and your constantly wagging bum!

Wags,

Stacey

gallery wrap canvas | ontario pet photographer

In my previous What Got Buried post I shared a quick look at a couple of canvases that I have hanging in the Burlington, Ont., location of the Bark and Fitz pet boutique. The shop owners were kind enough to give me space right behind the cash register, and it is a great opportunity to showcase not only my photography, but one of my favourite products that I offer clients: gallery wrap canvases. I thought I would share a closer look at these canvases because I think they are pretty awesome.

I posted before about going as big as you can when it comes to wall art, and I think 20x30 is the minimum size to get. It's a nice size — it's big enough to be displayed on many different wall shapes and sizes, and can still be used in a grouping if you want. These canvases are both 20x30.

I love canvases because they are really durable and come ready to hang — it's really the easiest way to get art up on your walls. I work with an amazing professional lab that works exclusively with photographers. I am in love with their canvases ... or perhaps more accurately, in lurrrvvee! The colours are always spot on and the finishing is top-notch, right down to the neatly folded corners.

None of the detail is lost — it's amazing. Don't you feel like you could reach out and pet Buckeye?

Although Chloe doesn't get what all the fuss is about — why I would ever order any art that has a dog on it other than her?

Don't worry Chloe, you'll be up on our walls soon enough. My birthday is coming up and as a little gift to myself I ordered a canvas of Chloe and I for our office. I'll share it soon!

On a more personal note, seeing my work on a product like this makes me feel like more than someone who takes photographs — it makes me feel like a bona fide photographer ... even, an artist. Sometimes I get caught up in worry and doubt, and comparing myself to other photographers, and my confidence gets low. Can I really call myself a professional? Why does everyone else seem so successful and have everything together? But then I open up a delivery like this and say in wonder to my husband, "Wow, this looks like real art." His response is a pretty consistent, "Umm, yeah. D'uh." There is nothing more satisfying than seeing my work like this. It just plain makes me happy.

Wags,
Stacey

happy senior dog in the early autumn colours | burlington pet photograher

I met Blackjack and his person Deb at a local park on a beautiful September afternoon. Lots of people like to reserve session dates in October to catch the fall colours, which I totally understand, but I'm telling you, September is not to be overlooked! I think Blackjack got a dandy of a day. I especially love the yellow, purple and white flowers (some may call them weeds) that fill the fields at this time of year — so gorgeous!

Blackjack is an easygoing, 13-year-old senior border collie/lab mix. His hearing is going, and he's having a few issues with his back legs, but I think I saw a little skip in his step during our afternoon in the fresh fall air. He was happy just poking around and doing his own thing.

I truly believe that pets pick their people. Blackjack picked Deb twice. He belonged to an ex and stole Deb's heart. Despite the human relationship not working out, Blackjack came back into Deb's life later on when he was in need of a new home. He's been with her ever since.

I've declared my love for seniors over and over again, and Blackjack is no different. I love his grey muzzle and mellow personality.

Enjoy your memories Blackjack and Deb! You are a wonderful pair.

Wags,
Stacey