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 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