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

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

And the winner is ...

You know those photos of cute, cheerful dogs that you've seen drawing a name out of a hat to announce the winner of a contest ... well, that isn't Chloe! I wanted some cute photos of her choosing the winner of the ARFmazing Race $50 Happy Tails Pet Photography gift certificate. Instead I got this:

Sometimes I swear she must be part basset hound with those droopy eyes! She seemed mildly interested when I mentioned there might be a cookie involved. Ultimately I picked the entry with the most Chloe drool on it as the winner — very scientific.

Deep down I am sure Chloe is over the moon that Sarah Lynn Saari is the winner! Woot!

I will be in touch with you soon about your prize — congratulations!

Wags,
Stacey

Blind golden retriever with a big smile | burlington, ontario pet photographer

Smiley. Saying this golden retriever's name just makes you grin - it's impossible not to.

Every dog I meet is special. Whether it's their personality, history or relationship with their family, I am inspired by each four-legger I photograph. Smiley is all of that and so much more. I call him a "heart dog" — when you meet him, even if it's just for a moment or two, he changes you. Maybe this sounds hokey to some, but Smiley's presence is one of peace and unfettered joy. He is happy in a simple, straightforward way that we can all learn from. And his name is truly fitting — he smiles ALL the time. Which makes everyone around him smile. It's totally contagious and it just makes you feel good.

Smiley was born without eyes and spent his first few years in a puppy mill. His condition also gave him a few other quirks: he is smaller than your average golden, but he has really big teeth. His back legs are a little bowed. And he looks like a puppy — from his size, to his soft, fuzzy coat, you would never guess this boy is nine years old.

Despite his difficult beginnings, Smiley now has an amazing family, and is also a certified therapy dog who gives comfort to mentally ill and disabled patients every week. He loves to be in contact with people.

Now, onto the photos. Smiley is the easiest dog I've ever photographed — he is so well behaved and low-key.

In fact, a few times he would settle right in like he was going to take a nap. Of course it's hard to tell if he's actually sleeping ... I think he enjoyed playing this game with me!

Shortly after rescuing him, at the age of two, mom Joanne had Smiley's eyes sewn shut. He looks like he's smiling so much that he's squinting. So. Darn. Cute.

 

I think this next shot is an all-time favourite of mine. The light was amazing and Smiley was so content.

Smiley is completely in tune with Joanne. From the sound of her footsteps to the tone in her voice — her cues let him know if he is safe or if there is an obstacle in his way. He relies on her and trusts her completely. It is an amazing bond that they share.

Smiley likes to introduce himself to everyone. How could you not fall in love with this face?

You might be wondering how Smiley gets around. Well, he bumps into things a lot. And as I quickly learned, when he's running towards you, he doesn't know when to stop! But otherwise he gets along just fine. In fact, as he's going about his doggy business — sniffing, listening, frolicking, nuzzling — you forget that he has a disability. Joanne doesn't want people to treat him differently or think "poor Smiley." She says it's important that he explores his surroundings on his own, using his own instincts, without people hovering over him or cringing every time he bumps into something. She is always close by, and she's a dog trainer herself, so Smiley is always safe and very well loved.

I'm not the only one who thinks Smiley is special. He has been in the media and has been on stage with Cesar Millan as an "inspirational dog." You can read more about Smiley in this newspaper article and in this article Joanne wrote for Cottage Dog magazine in which she recounts his first time swimming.

Thank you so much for introducing me to your "heart dog" Joanne. And to Smiley, who made me smile so much my face hurt! I hope we meet again soon.

Wags,

Stacey

chloe on canvas

Have you met Chloe yet? She's top dog at our house, although our bossypants cat would probably protest this (Kitty thinks she is top cat AND top dog). We adopted Chloe at age four and despite her insane tennis ball obsession, she is just amazing. We love her. Here is Chloe at her birthday last year when she turned six.

And now I get to look at that moment every day because here is Chloe on canvas!

I ordered this 15x30 canvas a while ago, but didn't get around to sharing it until now. I love it! It's a gallery wrap canvas with a nice chunky profile — I offer this product through the Happy Tails collection.

Here's an even closer look at the thickness. This canvas is one-inch thick, but you can also order these at two-inches thick.

 These canvases are hand-stretched and come laminated for durability. The quality is really stunning. I swear it looks like Chloe is going to pop right off my wall!

Here's the back, which is neatly finished. It comes ready to hang too, with a wire hanger or metal brackets (these are not recommended for bigger sizes).

I think this is a great example of how to approach art and professional photography in general. Before your session, try to have a good idea of how you are going to display your images, so your photographer can help meet your needs. And don't keep your finished photos languishing on disc or print off a dinky 4x6. You are investing in art, so treat your images as such!

This canvas was ordered through one of my trusted professional labs — the quality of ordering through a true pro lab that caters to photographers is undeniable. Please don't snap up a WagJag deal or go to your local Walmart. You have made the investment in professional photography — don't ruin it on poor-quality printing.

And when it comes to choosing images, don't feel compelled to pick the ones that are the best technically. This image of Chloe isn't the best work I've ever done — I had half a second to capture it before she gobbled up that cookie and some of the highlights are blown out. But it makes me smile every single day. Images that elicit an emotional reaction are the ones you will get the most enjoyment from day in and day out.

I will have this piece of art to enjoy long after Chloe is gone. It's a sad fact that our canine companions leave us much sooner than they should. It gives me comfort knowing that I'll always have a visual moment to cherish of my most favourite four-legger.

Wags!
~ Stacey

cottage life | muskoka, ontario, pet photographer

One of our favourite ways to vacation in the summer is to rent a cottage in the beautiful Muskoka region of Ontario. It is so relaxing to have morning coffee on the dock, and spend the afternoon with a book and a drink, listening to the birds and crickets (check out my earlier post to see how Chloe likes to spend her vacation!). It's also fun to explore, and that's how we stumbled upon a gorgeous field down a dirt road while walking the dogs. Of course I had my camera. And of course I took photos. Here's Chloe and her friend Lucy enjoying some off-leash time.

And the best way to wrap up a spontaneous photo shoot? Basking in some sunshine with your feet hanging off the dock of course!

chloe swims!

We took last week off for a cottage vacation in the beautiful Muskoka region of Ontario. The change of scenery and tranquility were refreshing, but unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate. The chilly temperatures prevented us from taking full advantage of the lake and kept us out of the water ... well, almost all of us.

Chloe's obsession with water rivals her passion for ball ... she was in the lake constantly and we had to deal with seven days of wet dog smell! She loves to splash the water and bite at it — she could do this for HOURS.



By the time we left, the beautiful natural shoreline wasn't so beautiful ... Chloe left no lily pad untouched!

chloe's big day

Yesterday was Chloe's birthday - she turned six! I've had a few people ask how she celebrated. Well, she received lots of pets, an extra-long after dinner walk and a special treat. But mostly she celebrated the day away doing this:

Yep, she snoozed on the couch. Being a new mom to a nine-month-old, I can totally see how this would be appealing. I might celebrate my next birthday napping!

Even a fancy birthday treat didn't rouse her from her slumber.

After sleeping beauty got her required eight hours of daytime sleep, we tried giving her the dog cookie again. This time there was a little more interest!

happy birthday chloe!

Today Chloe turns six (although she doesn't act a day over two!). It feels like she's been in our lives forever, but she only became part of our family two years ago when we adopted her from a family that could no longer care for her. We still can't believe how lucky we are. We are actually her third family – it's hard to imagine, but she has been given up twice. Once as a puppy, then again when she came to us at the age of four. We are NEVER giving this monkey up. She is the sweetest, most loyal and exuberant creature, and she truly makes our house a home. Plus, she's super cute.

Chloe is obsessed with tennis balls. So, yesterday we went out for a walk with her trusty "Wilson." It was early evening and I was hoping to get some photos of my Golden during "golden hour" — that time in the evening when the light is warm and magical. But the clouds rolled in making the skies a little overcast. Parts of the path were still pretty though.

Of course, there were lots of things to explore along the way. There were bugs to sniff ...

And grass to eat.

Occasionally she would stop for a few seconds to let me take a picture.

We love you Chloe — happy birthday! Stay tuned to see how Chloe spent her big day!