coming soon! a new look for happy tails pet photography

Yes, it's actually happening! I'm not the best at making design decisions, so this has been a long project in the making, but Happy Tails is getting a fresh new look! I actually like to think of it as a "make-under." It's softer, more subtle and a little more grown-up, but still in keeping with the fun, friendly and playful vibe that Happy Tails is all about.

I'll write a more in-depth blog post about all the thought that went into this change, and why I decided on certain elements, when I officially launch the new website. In the meantime, here's a sneek peek.

Have you ever gone through this process? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Wags,
Stacey

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

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

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

shihtzu/pomeranian sisters in the garden | burlington, ontario pet photographer

I first met shihtzu/pomeranian mixes April and Laci back in May when they stopped by my booth at the Burlington Humane Society's ARFmazing Race fundraiser — they were all smiles in their cute pink harnesses. So, when their mom called to book a session, I had an idea of what these two girls were like. They are sisters, they are girly girls and they are all sweetness. During our session at a really beautiful lakeside garden (I posted about this gorgeous location earlier), I discovered they are tons of fun too, and fantastic models. 

April is more outgoing, curious and a total camera hog. She had unlimited smiles for me!

April also loves to chase the ball!

Laci is more shy and protective of her family. When strangers got close she would let them know they were in her territory — her bark is way worse than her bite though. Sorry Laci, it's hard to take you seriously when you look this cute.

My treats were a big hit with these girls and it wasn't long before shy Laci was joining her sister and hamming it up for the camera.

Aside from their different personalities, you can tell them apart from their markings. April has a white patch of fur on her chest that reminds me of Buckeye the weimaraner's "power patch." Laci has a white muzzle and a little white mark right on her nose.

Did I mention the hamming?

These two were just so happy — they had me cracking up the entire session! Look at those goofy grins.

I think this next shot is kind of cool - an exact mirror image!

April will do anything for a treat!

I'm not usually big on props, but because these two gals were small and black, I thought a bright chair to sit on might add a little zip. We just refinished this garbage find for our office, so I brought it along.

And you know the session is over when you get this face.

Tomorrow the family is moving to Ottawa. I don't know why, but it kind of makes me sad to know these two girls will be living six hours away! They are a riot and this family is kind of special to me — they value my work and are so supportive of my photography. Thanks so much for the fun afternoon April and Laci! All the best in your new home. I hope you have a doggone good time in the nation's capital!

Wags,

Stacey