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

Balloons and finding balance

Some days just plain get away from me. Those are the days when I feel like the only things I accomplish are getting up in the morning, going to work and going to bed at night. Everything in between is a blur.

I juggle a full-time job, Happy Tails, a toddler, volunteering and all those in-between activities, chores and errands that make up life. It's busy. And it can be overwhelming.

I know I'm not the only one with many balls in the air, and I'm not complaining that my life is full — I wouldn't change a thing. But sometimes I have to remind myself to pause and enjoy the moments. Like when I bring balloons home for my son (he calls them baboos) and I can literally see his face light up — I swear it happens in slow motion. I would spend all the time in the world just watching that happen. He has made me remember the joy of balloons, and how sitting on the floor and swatting them back and forth is time well spent.

I am still trying to find balance — or as close to balance as I can get. I don't want to miss any moments because my focus is somewhere else or because I feel so buried that I can't see them. And I'm still trying to figure out what success means to me, and how I can have the life I want without sacrificing anything too precious.

One thing I do know is that being organized has saved me .... many times. And thankfully, I'm not a procrastinator. When I have a task, I get it done as quickly as possible so it's off my plate and I don't have to think about it. Here are a few things that help me:

1) Make lists. Whether you do this on your iPhone or the old-fashioned way with a pen and paper (yep, that's me), seeing everything I need to do puts things into perspective. And crossing things off is so satisfying! I also swear by my day planner. It has pages for each week and then a monthly overview, so I can see what's coming up immediately and how my entire month is shaping up.

2) Prioritize. If I think of everything that needs to get done at once, I feel paralyzed. That's when I don't get anything accomplished. I like to put things in order, whether by deadline or importance, and then focus on one thing at a time.

3) Just do it! There are tasks that I just don't like to do (picking up dog poop ... anyone?), but having them hanging over my head just drags me down. I prefer to just get those things over with, and then I treat myself with a coffee break (there is usually a doughnut involved too). Or, get someone else to do them. I recently discovered there are businesses that will pick up the poop for you! Is it wierd that I think this would make a great Mother's Day present?

4) Ask for help. I admit, this is hard for me to do. I don't like to think that I can't handle doing something on my own and I don't want to burden anyone else. But I am always so touched and amazed when people come through — and they always do. I'm in the process of organizing my first ever vendor booth (details coming soon), and after submitting my paperwork the scope of what I actually had to do to make it happen started to set in. I emailed friends and family, asking for volunteers and to borrow items. Within 30 minutes I had all the major things covered. It's a great reminder that even when I feel like I'm on my own, I'm not.

I read a quote recently by Diane Ackerman that really resonated with me. She said, "I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well." It's a challenge we all face. I like to think of that quote when I'm feeling caught up in life.

And then I go out and buy some balloons.

Wags,
Stacey

These are the moments I don't want to miss — Sunday morning pj time with the Chloe. Snapped with an iPhone.

8 tips for great pet photographs | southern ontario pet photographer

I was honored to write a guest column for the inaugural newsletter for Lifestyle Pet Care, a great local pet services business run by my friend Linda. Not only is Linda a huge animal lover (I photographed her rescue dog Nikki and cats Toby and Bear), but she also volunteers as a dog walker at the Burlington Humane Society. I was asked to share my tips for taking great pet photographs, which I am now posting for everyone to read. The article is below — I hope it inspires you to get your camera out and photograph your four-leggers!

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Pets are beloved family members and with their cute faces, just plain fun to photograph. Unlike humans, however, pets don’t understand that you’re trying to take their picture, and don’t always take direction very well. Here are a few easy tips to help you get the best photographs of your pet — regardless of what kind of camera you have. Just remember: be patient and have fun!

Get comfortable

To get natural, candid images, photograph your pet where they feel comfortable and relaxed, whether it’s your yard or a favourite spot in your house. Make sure you choose a time of day when your pet is cooperative — right before dinner or a walk can prove difficult!

Use bribery

Have a few of your dog’s favourite treats in hand or use your cat’s favourite toy to get their attention. Surprising your pet with a noise  — squeaky toys work great — can often result in a cute head tilt.

Focus on the eyes

The eyes are the most expressive part of your pet, so when in doubt, focus on those soulful beauties and try to get them tack sharp.

Get low

Photograph your pet from their level to create images with a connection.

Use natural light

Avoid dark rooms and other low-light situations. Take your pet outside or place them by a window.

 

Show your pet’s character

You know your pet better than anyone, so photograph Fido or Fluffy so their personality really shines. If you have a dog that loves to chase his tail, capture that! If you have a cat that likes to sleep upside-down, be ready with your camera to photograph it.

 

Contain them

If you have an active pet — especially a rambunctious puppy or playful kitten — try containing them. Put them in a box or laundry basket, anything that will keep them in one place long enough to grab a shot.

Increase your shutter speed

Dogs and cats are always on the move. To get them in action and prevent blurry photos increase the shutter speed on your DSLR camera. If you are using a point-and-shoot, use the “action” setting.

If you have any photography-related questions, please ask away in the comment section!

Wags,
Stacey

5 winter tips for pets | southern ontario pet photographer

Old man winter is taking his time arriving in southern Ontario this season, but I don’t want to be lulled into a false sense of security … the snow will fly at some point! We’ve had a few dustings of the white stuff, and some ice to go along with it, but we’ve gotten off easy so far. So, before we get hit really hard, I thought a post about winter weather tips for pets might be helpful.

Chloe loves the snow. And the rain. And the mud … weather never deters her from wanting to go outside and play ball. But there are a few special considerations all pet owners should take in the colder weather.

1) Use salt on your driveway and walkway that is specially formulated for pets. It’s more expensive, but it’s not harmful if ingested. We recently bought a bag for our house. It’s safe and as you can see, it works really well. And there's a Chloe look-alike on the bag!

After walks, wipe off your dog's legs, paws and belly — neighbours might not be as diligent about pet safety and your dog can ingest salt, antifreeze and other winter chemicals by licking his paws.

2) Did you know more dogs are lost during the winter than any other season? According to the ASPCA, dogs can lose their scent easily and become lost in the snow. So, take precautions!

3) Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. I know, d’uh. But it happens every year.

4) Longer coats provide warmth, so avoid short haircuts in the colder months and make sure your dog is completely dry after bathing before going outside for a walk. Short-hair breeds can be kept snug (and stylish!) with coats and sweaters that cover from the base of the tail to the belly.

5) Give your bestie a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from drafts. Chloe can often be found tucked away on her dog bed, on the couch, or yes, in bed with us (Kitty too – it can get crowded!).

Please feel free to share any winter safety tips you have. Let's keep our pets safe this winter!