barn and blue skies | burlington pet photographer

Here is a little corner of one of my favourite session locations. Funny though, I have never actually used this barn (I think it might be more of a really large shed) as a backdrop in any of my shoots. On this day, in the late afternoon, I really liked how the light was hitting it, and the rich blue colour of the sky.

I'm usually so focused on my clients that I don't get a chance to really appreciate my surroundings. I'm making an effort to just take a moment or two to really look at my environment and photograph a detail or feature I really like — it's a practice I'm enjoying and hope to continue.

On another note, this blog will soon be retiring, as I'm putting the finishing touches on a new blogsite. It's fresh and clean and I'm excited for the new look and feel! I'll let you know when Happy Tails officially moves into it's new online digs!

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

glorious september colour | burlington pet photographer

September is my favourite month. Not just for photography, but for a host of reasons — the temperatures are cooler but still no jackets are required, the light is softer and more golden, the leaves are just starting to change ... it's a glorious month.

Here's a glimpse at a location I shot at this past weekend — it is just stunning right now. I had three sessions, in three different locations, but this little gem of a spot is still my all-time favourite. I can keep going back again and again and capture something different.

Enjoy the rest of the month!

Wags,
Stacey

what got buried | ontario pet photographer

Wow, where did the summer go? I swear it was just June and now it's almost September! As sad as I am to see the summer fade away, I'm looking forward to the next few months — September and October are my absolute favourite months for photography. The light is warm and golden, the colours are amazing and with the heat no longer a factor, Fido can run to his heart's content and I don't have so many "tongue on the ground" shots from my sessions! I'm currently booking into October (I still have a few spaces available in September, too), so if you're thinking of a fall session, don't hesitate to contact me.

As always, head on over to the official Happy Tails Pet Photography Facebook page for the most up-to-date news, contests and photos. But for those of you who have been off enjoying the summer (I don't blame you!), here's a quick recap of what's been happening in this edition of What Got Buried.

Behind the scenes I've been a busy bee. I'm working on a new blog/website, which is lots of work for a technophobe like me. I sent out my first ever Happy Tails newsletter (just click here to subscribe) and I hit a major personal milestone: my one-year anniversary of volunteering at the Burlington Humane Society, where I have photographed close to 500 shelter pets! I love visiting all the residents at the shelter — it brings me so much fulfillment helping them find a family with professional "glamour shots." They all deserve loving forever homes! Here are just a few of the furry faces I've had in front of my camera.

And here's a shot of Svobi the kitten (sibling Piglet is in the background), who is still looking for a home. Isn't he sweet?

I'm also excited to have my photography displayed in the Burlington Ont., location of the Bark and Fitz, a boutique pet store. I ordered two 20x30 canvases to fill the space right behind the cash. You can't buy anything without catching sight of Happy Tails art!

On the home front, we are currently in the middle of an office "facelift." Up until now, the room has been a catch-all for odds and ends. Our desk was too small and positioned over a vent, which made my feet cold. It just wasn't an inspiring place to work. So, first we purged and reorganized. For a few days the space looked like this. It was scary, although Kitty didn't seem to mind.

Now it looks like this, which is progress, but not yet complete. I'm hoping to blog about the final transformation when it's finally done!

While the office chaos has been happening, I've been busy with client sessions. Here's dark and mysterious Dobby from a recent home visit.

And a behind-the-scenes shot of me working with little doll Beatrice.

And my own two monkeys have had a bit of camera time. Bossypants Kitty has been brave lately, making her way into the backyard a few times while we are watering the plants with the door ajar. Only Kitty would wear a tuxedo in the garden.

Here's Chloe looking happy and satisfied after playing ball in the park. She turned seven in August!

And a rare shot of the two of them together ... kind of.

 

I hope everyone had a fantastic summer! Here's to an amazing fall!

Wags,

Stacey

featured on: the daily dog tag

I was thrilled when Beth from the Daily Dog Tag featured my session with Smiley on her blog. If you haven't checked it out, the Daily Dog Tag features lots of amazing photos, products and other good stuff for dog lovers. Her post on Smiley coincided with Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue Day, which is so fitting — Smiley truly is the poster dog for amazing rescue stories.

Smiley deserves all the recognition — he is an amazing example of how rescue dogs can change lives!

Wags,
Stacey

so you think a 5x7 is an enlargement ... | ontario pet photographer

It's difficult to visualize what a piece of art will look like on your wall. I totally understand and until I really got into photography and started ordering tons of product for my business, I was in the same boat. Back then, I printed lots of 4x6 prints and even went "big" and got 5x7s of our family snapshots. Most of them ended up packed away in shoeboxes in our closet because there really wasn't much I could do with them — I didn't want lots of tiny frames sprinkled around our house. When I started ordering sample products for my business, I had the light bulb moment. I realized these tiny prints weren't really what I wanted. I wanted art. I wanted impact. I wanted people to see the images hung on my walls without squinting.

A 5x7 or an 8x10 isn't really an enlargement. Sure, they are bigger than a basic 4x6, but they are still teeny tiny. But you can't really visualize the difference until you see it. To demonstrate, here is a framed 5x7 that I hung in my hallway and beside it is a 20x30 canvas.

What do you think — which would you rather hang as art on your wall? If this was the permanent spot for the canvas, I would go even bigger. Wouldn't a piece the length of the bench look stunning? If you want an image for your desk at work, or for your nightstand, then an 8x10 or 11x14 print might be the way to go. I'm not discounting them — they have their place. But if you are looking for something to hang on your wall, I think 20x30 is the minimum size you should consider (depending on your wall size and shape of course). Many people are surprised and think it will be way too big. But, as you can see in the example above, a 20x30 isn't that ginormous. I consider it a good starting point.

I love helping people achieve their own light bulb moment and display their photographic art in a way that can be enjoyed for many years. I am always available to help clients choose the best images in the best sizes and mediums for their homes.

Don't let your images languish away in a shoebox. Print them, and print them big! Go at least a few sizes bigger than you think you want — you won't be disappointed!

Wags,
Stacey

colourful garden by the lake | burlington pet photographer

Here's a peek at one of my recent session locations — aren't the colours beautiful?

I always consider the time of year and light when I choose a location. But it really depends on my four-legged clients, which is why I always try to learn more about them before we meet. I always try to pick a location with a pet's personality, colouring and breed in mind. This gem of a spot was for a session with two energetic pups who are girly girls through and through. A formal, vibrant garden was perfect for them — you'll see their full blog post soon!

I'm in the process of putting together a quarterly (hopefully!) email newsletter to share the latest Happy Tails Pet Photography news, contest, promotions and other good stuff. If you want to stay in the loop, sign up here!

Wags,
Stacey

english mastiff in the wildflowers | burlington, ontario pet photographer

Meet big man Bo — talk about slobbery, jowly cuteness! Bo is a six-year-old English mastiff and easily the largest dog that I've had in front of my camera (the mastiff is actually the largest breed in terms of mass, but wolfhounds and great danes are taller). He holds senior status for his breed and his eyesight isn't too good. His sniffer works just fine though — I'm pretty sure he could he could sniff out a carrot (one of his favourite foods) from miles away! He is the epitome of a gentle giant, and is very sweet, calm and affectionate.

He is totally secure in his masculinity too, and didn't mind posing among the wildflowers, head tilt included.

Bo deserves a big paws-up for recently losing about 20 lb, making him a svelte 230 lb. It probably helps that his favourite foods include yogurt and oranges, which he expects you to share slice for slice.

I've never fed a hippo, but I imagine the experience must be similar to feeding Bo a carrot.

Funny, and slightly embarrassing tidbit about this session: I usually show up with treats in my bag and one of Chloe's water bottles to keep the dogs hydrated and happy. I knew Bo was big, but I wasn't quite prepared for his size. It was clear that my little water bottle was inadequate when Bo's mom pulled out a two-litre jug of bottled water for him. Bo does not travel lightly!

Thank you Bo (and Bo's tongue) and Lisa for helping me test out this new location on a hot summer day! I will be using this little gem of a spot again.

Wags,
Stacey