But if you have a lovely larger dog like a Golden Retriever, for example, you might want to consider a winter shoot! Why? Because you almost can’t find deep, rich, textures like this at any other time.

It’s true that you don’t get the flowers and the green grass or the autumn leaves.  But this is what you can get- and I think it’s truly just as beautiful in it’s own way:)

Do I hear an echo?  I’m sure I must.  I am the worst of all bloggers on the planet, I think.  One of my many New Year’s resolutions is to post on this blog more often.  So I am starting off the New Year ( my definition of “starting off” is anytime within 8 days of the New Year)  with SOME of my faves from 2012.

I hesitated to do this because I don’t want anyone’s feelings hurt if their dog/horse/cat doesn’t show up here.  I just chose a few but had so many wonderful shoots.  In fact, I didn’t have a single shoot in 2012 that wasn’t wonderful.  Lucky me!!

So on with the show.

The first prize goes to Scooter. He wins the “Dog I Most Want to Squeeze and Kiss Every Time I See His Picture” award. (Yes, these are the kind of categories you will be subjected to in this post. Don’t say you weren’t warned. )  Scooter is a rescue dog who came to his owner, Angie, in horrific condition but you would certainly never know it.  He’s so full of himself it’s hilarious- can’t you just see the little ‘tude he’s copping?  What a little buster!

The next award goes to Fastest Shoot Ever- I think it lasted about 10 minutes.  This is the Kentucky Humane Society calendar cover for 2013.  It turned out great but it was a very fast, “hairy”  job!!  That’s because these two dogs had never met and did not exactly get along.  The super happy and very social puppy, Noelle, was a little too much for 11 year old Lacie, who would have much preferred a nature walk to a puppy hanging off her ear.  But they hung in there just long enough for me to get about 5 shots, including this one. Whew!

And while we’re on the topic of charity shoots and calendars….  Daisy was the 2013 Louisville Weimaraner Rescue Calendar girl.  She wins for Silliest Smile!! Love it!

Best Sunrise Shot:

Best Sunset Shot:

Best Puppy Picture:  Little Luca.  She also wins for the puppy with the best attention span.  This is at the end of the shoot in which she posed like the Queen for about half an hour!! That’s like 6 hours in puppy time.

Most Dogs/Grown-up and Baby Humans posing in one portrait!

Most Photogenic Horse- the incredible Hansen.  He’s a talented racehorse,  a gorgeous guy, and a big sweetie too.

The award for Best Eyes go to Sahalie.  They are the deepest amber color- gorgeous!!

I think little Henry gets the nod for Best Outfit.

Best Model goes to Gabby.  She and her sister Foxy have been photographed by me three times, and they have posing down to a science. They are both fabulous!!!!!

Most Photogenic Feline goes to Atlas.  He’s one of those cats who thinks he’s a dog. And what incredible eyes!

And, on a completely unrelated side note,  I just realized that the vast majority of the cats I’ve photographed have names that start with the letter A. Hmm…. weird…

Most Fun During a Shoot goes to Gracie!  She was joyful and tireless and loved every minute of it!!  Even after the two hour car ride to get here!!

And finally…… the award for Most Challenging Pose!!!  You probably can’t fully appreciate the dexterity of this little guy but he was balancing on a rock, down a hill by a rushing creek. ( He also gets the award for Canine Bravery during a Photoshoot!!)

What a great year!!!!  And so many others too that I wish I could show. Maybe I’ll do a part two sometime soon:)

Here’s to 2013-  may my clients be just as wonderful!!

This is a photograph I took in the morning fog earlier this week.  I was just in the mood for photographing horses!! It must be that little thing we call Derby:)

I learned so much from a workshop I did last month in Seattle, Washington with Corinne and Stevn Alavekios.  You should really check out their work at www.photographicessays.com.  Amazing photographers and nicest people in the world. I learned a lot about homemade textures, lighting, composition.  I just learned a lot- period.

We’re finally getting into Equine photography season!!!! Horses have shed their winter hair and the weather is gorgeous.  Can’t wait!!

Oh well..  I have not posted any of my more recent shoots as I am down and dirty with designing a new website to be coming soon to a computer near you.  So here are a few highlights from some recent work!

First cat of the year- Athena.  She’s a bengal cat and I photographed her and her brother.  Is she a gorgeous cat or what?  Wow!!

How about this little cutie? This is Fiona.  She’s a sweet Bichon and we had a great shoot in the park! She was supposedly a picky treat eater but she completely LOVED the salmon jerky treats I had and would probably have preformed a back flip into the lake if I’d asked! Of course- I didn’t

Rudy is an Australian Shepherd.  He was the perfect model. Seriously, he was one who would sit and stay for an hour if I’d asked.  As a result, we shot some gorgeous images of him to surprise his Mom for her 30th birthday! ( It’s over now so I can post!) She was thrilled with a large, framed fine art print of this picture.  Rudy now assumes his place in the home as #1 child for another few months until she has her first baby. Then he’ll have to share the spotlight, I’m sure!

Another surprise present. This is Ginger, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  Her Dad snuck her out of the house for our photo shoot.  All went as planned until Ginger decided to jump into the lake!  This was very out of character for her, as she normally doesn’t like to do anything adventurous. She was covered in mud and had to make a quick dash to the groomer so Mom wouldn’t be suspicious!  But it was all worth it in the end. We had some lovely images and he decided on this one- in a large, framed canvas for their bedroom!

Last but not least, the comic relief of my last month or so…   this is Bella the dachshund.  She is an old girl and couldn’t see or hear.  However, apparently her sense of smell remains quite in tact.  She was very enamored with all the treats I had and trotted around after me for the whole shoot.  The wind was blowing and we got some of the sweetest shots of that little girl! Love her so much!!

So a few highlights from the past few months as I’ve been busily getting ready for Spring. And apparently Spring is here!!!!

Here’s the perfect example.  This is Tia and Tess with their super fun parents!

Tia and Tess are adorable… seriously… the shoot was a blast and the editing was even better because their silly little faces just make me laugh out loud.

And the run like bunnies….

And they love their parents.  They will even pose on top of them - which is a definite advantage when you have five pound dogs.  My dog would probably break my ribs if she tried to pose like this.

Haha- don’t tell me this dog doesn’t make you smile:)

I’m so lucky to have my job- photographing happy little dogs and their families.