Susan the Sphynx
This week I got to photograph one of the most unusual subjects I’ve had in front of my camera: a hairless cat. I really didn’t know much about hairless cats before this, just that they looked angry most of the time. But looks can be deceiving!
This is Susan (great name, eh?). She belongs to Virginia (ya, Virginia, from the Woofy’s videos!). When I saw Susan I knew I had to photograph her.
Susan came to Virginia as a rescue, and she has quickly found her way into the family. According to Virginia, she is the most “dog-like” cat she’s ever had. She loves to be around people, tear around the house, and provide lots of entertainment. It didn’t take long for Susan to get comfortable in the studio. In not time she was purring and playing while she had her portrait taken.
Her body is quite soft, too. And as you would expect, Susan loves warmth, so a good cuddle is welcome.
My studio is portable, so I can bring it to you! That is especially helpful with cats, who can have trouble adapting to new surroundings. If you have ever thought about having professional portraits of your cat, drop me a line! I’d love to chat about the possibilities.
Here are more shots of Susan. Enjoy!
Hallie - Courtenay Grad 2020
As we all know, this has not been a typical year, especially for high school graduates. So I wanted to do something special for Hallie, who is graduating from Vanier High School.
The light was beautiful the other night at Kye Bay, which made her beautiful red hair glisten in the golden sun. Hallie's goal is to pursue musical theatre, so she was very comfortable in front of the camera.
Hallie also brought along some casual clothes for a more natural look.
Her dad Jim came along and became my instant assistant, carrying around my lighting and making sure it didn't blow away on a breezy evening. Thank you Jim! This also gave me the opportunity to take a few daddy-daughter shots.
And of course a new headshot for Jim.
Congratulations and all the best, Hallie!
I am still taking bookings for grads of 2020, so if there is someone you know who would like a fun photo shoot experience to cap off their high school years, please send them my way! Contact info can be found here. Bye for now!
Ranger - Comox Valley Photographer
Could it really be spring? I don’t know about you but this past winter felt a little long. Maybe because we had the coldest February on record. But I guess the upside was that we didn’t have nearly the normal amount of rain that we usually get in the winter. Anyhow, I was so excited this last weekend to get back out to Kye Bay beach I invited Jenn and her little bundle of fluff Ranger to join me.
Jenn is also know as the “Crazy Dog Lady” and she has a very active pet business taking dogs on 2 hour pack hikes every day. She is so much in demand that she isn’t in taking new clients at the moment! Way to go, Jenn! Jenn is also Josie’s dog-sitter so I am always at peace when I go away knowing that she is left in Jenn’s capable hands.
Ranger is just the cutest little dog. At 9 years old, he is still able to keep up with all the big guys in Jenn’s pack. He was just the best little model too (maybe because I spoiled him with treats!).
After taking some traditional portraits we went out onto the sand for a different perspective. The light reflecting in the tide pools created some interesting effects.
And here’s one of Jenn’s behind-the-scenes shots of me trying to get really low without getting my knees soaked. It didn’t work!
Then, you can’t go to the beach without playtime. Although the sun was setting quickly Ranger was happy to run to me and provide me with lots of kisses!
I hope you enjoyed Ranger’s photos! I’ll be available for beach portraits from now until the snow flies again! Please call me at (250) 650-7389 if you would like to find out more about my beach photo shoots for families or pets (or both!).
Ella - Courtenay Pet Photography
Recently I got to do a fun portrait session with Ella, a lovable 11-year-old black lab. Ella was described by her owners as "somewhat neurotic", especially when she is around other dogs, but she did great out at Kye Bay beach on a beautiful summer evening.
Hope you are enjoying lots of summer sunsets with your dog this year!
Kya and Maisy - Courtenay Photographer
Last week I had two "seniors" in the studio...Kya and Maisy, a couple of older pugs who were so funny. I find pug faces hilarious, and after seeing these portraits I dare you to disagree.
This is Maisy, who is about 11 years old. Maisy was the more cooperative of the two. All I had to do was pop a couple of treats onto the bench and up she went!
This is Kya, who is 10 years old and blind. She was a little more confused about the whole situation but once she got comfortable she posed for me for a few good shots. I love both the dogs' colouring; they looked great against the grey background.
I also wanted to do some Christmas portraits and that little hat was so cute. Maisy wasn't that amused as you can probably see, but she gladly laid up on the chair for quite a while, and even started falling asleep! Doesn't it feel like she is wondering what the heck is going on with this thing on her head?
Kya wasn't as impressed with the Santa hat but I thought the scarf looked great on her!
To end off, here is one last one that I thought was so funny! Oh Maisy, you're awesome.
Thanks to Karen for bringing in her hilarious dogs.
There's still time to get pet portraits done in time for Christmas! I have a limited time offer from now until Dec.22. Pet portrait sessions are only $99! (Prints sold separately, some exceptions apply). Give me a call if you'd like to book: 250-650-7389. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you!
Headshots with Home Soulutions Remediation
This week I had the pleasure of shooting headshots for Home Soulutions Remediation here in Courtenay. They were in the process of redoing their website and wanted some consistent, professional shots of the team to complement it.
Think "soulutions" is a typo? Nope, their motto is "caring for the soul of your home". Home Soulutions does mould and asbestos remediation here in the Comox Valley. It's definitely not glamorous work! But Roy and Corae handle it all with professionalism and a sense of humour.
Roy Piper, co-owner
Corae Bracken, co-owner
Len Steves, Site Supervisor
Sue Johnson, Customer Service
They chose an outdoor location that had some really interesting blue detailing on the front porch. Unfortunately the evening we met was breezy and cool, but I think they did a pretty good job of hiding how freezing cold they really were!
If you would like to check out Home Soulutions new website, here is the link: www.homesoulutions.ca. I'll leave you with a cute shot of Roy and Corae's two dogs, who just happened to be hanging out while we did our shoot:
If you know of a business who needs to update their online presence, feel free to give me a call for a customized quote. Until next time!
Princess - Comox Pet Photography
Princess is an 11 year old Jack Russell cross with a heart of gold. Always eager for attention, Princess often would come over and put her head on my lap waiting for a scratch. Living out in the country, Princess has had some dangerous encounters with coyotes. But, she has pulled through and continues to thrive and remain a loyal companion to her owners Jeff and Kathy.
Gotta love a dog that smiles for the camera!
Country Girl - Teen Photography
My niece Natalie is a real Canadian country girl. She loves animals and fishing, and is a fierce hockey player!
On any given summer day when she's not working at her family's ice cream shop, you will probably find her jumping off 20 foot cliffs at the cottage, or fishing at one of her town's best fishing holes.
So it was appropriate for this photo shoot that she showcase the outdoorsy girl that she is, but also her feminine, "girlie" side. We used a beautiful old barn as a backdrop and had lots of fun goofing around.
Teenagers grow and change so fast. I know because I have two! Don't wait til they're grown up and gone. Contact me to find out how you can book a photo shoot for your teen today!
Baby Taylor Turns 1! - Courtenay Children's Photographer
What do you get when you mix an adorable baby, a pink tutu, a little birthday cake, and lots of decorations? A fun cake smash session of course!
Little Taylor's mom Jamie was one of the first people I met when I first moved to Courtenay. My daughter is boarding her horse at Jamie's barn. So I have been able to watch Taylor grow over the past year and it is impossible not to fall in love with her. She is a photographer's dream subject with lots of smiles and no inhibitions!
First we took some "formal" shots with this cute little pink and black polka-dot dress. Doesn't that smile make you go "awwww"?
Then, it was time for the cake. Taylor had no trouble digging in to the creamy soft icing. I wonder what she is thinking in this picture!
Then, she really started getting into it! I love the icing on her big toe!
Yum!
Mum gets into the fun!
Happy Birthday, Taylor!
If there is a little one in your life that is nearing their first birthday, why not celebrate the milestone with a cake smash session? Contact me here if you would like more information.
TaG Agility Trials - Courtenay Dog Photography
Yesterday afternoon was my chance to do some action photography. This agility trial was hosted by TaG (Team Agility Group) at Springhill Farms in Courtenay. TaG is owned and operated by Glenn Tiede and offers classes, clinics and trials throughout year.
As you would expect, dog agility includes several challenges that test a dog and handler's skill and teamwork. Being that this was my first experience I admit that I didn't have much of a clue how it all operated. But what I did see were lots of dogs and people running around and having loads of fun!
If you would like to know more about TaG, check out their website at: http://tagagility.jigsy.com/.
Here are a few of my favourite shots from the day:
Poppy, SPCA Contest Winner! - Courtenay Pet Photography
Before Christmas I held a contest in partnership with the Comox Valley SPCA. Anyone adopting a pet would have the opportunity to put their name in a draw for a complimentary photo session and $100 in products. Poppy's owner Jasmin was one of my big winners!
Poppy is just about the cutest kitten ever. She is 6 months old and a bundle of energy! I am almost surprised that I got any shots in focus because she was moving so fast! She especially loved attacking the feather toy I brought. We had lots of fun playing together and eventually she started to tire out and I got a few shots of her relaxing.
Having trouble getting photos of your kitten? I would love to help! Click on the Contact page to shoot me a message. I would love to hear from you.
The Williams Family - Courtenay Comox Horse Photography
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Bob and Caroline Williams, who recently relocated to the Comox Valley from Alberta. My daughter is working at the stable where they board their 5 beautiful horses. I spent the afternoon with them photographing the horses, and their dog Aiku, who was so much fun. I couldn't believe the expressions he gave me when he was racing towards me for a treat.
Saying Good-bye to the Hair - Courtenay Photography
My daughter Jessica has had long blonde hair for a few years now, and recently she made the decision to donate about a foot of it to an organization that makes wigs for cancer patients. This is the third time she has gone through "the big chop" as she calls it.
She wanted to get some shots before heading to Urban Hair Esthetics Studio in Comox for her cut. I was happy to oblige, so we headed down to the beach for a "mini" photo shoot. Good-bye long hair!
Adoptable Animals - Comox Valley SPCA Photography
I was back at the SPCA this week photographing the animals and this week I got to shoot some of my favorite subjects: dogs. Julie from the SPCA staff was a great handler and I found out why: she is a former dog trainer, and that made my job much easier. They have a huge fenced area at the back of the property which gives the dogs lots of room to run around. That made for some great action shots.
Inside I also met some very fat cats who will no doubt be going on a diet before they leave the shelter. They were so funny and expressive though, it was a lot of fun to watch them.
Please have a look through the photos and if you are looking for a new pet to love, contact the Comox Valley SPCA about how you can adopt one of these wonderful dogs or cats.
The Kay Family - Courtenay Portrait Photographer
One of the most common comments I get when I photograph families is, "it has been years since we had a family photo taken!". This was the case when I photographed the Kay family. Phil, Cindy and their kids recently moved to BC from Ontario and this was the perfect way to document a major transition in their lives.
Has it been years since your last family photo? What are you waiting for? Our kids grow up so fast, and as great a job as our phone cameras can do, it isn't the same as a professional portrait. I would love to help you make some memories with your family.
The Beauchene Family - Comox Family Photographer
Yesterday I got to photograph a special family with a little boy and an amazing story. Spencer Beauchene was born to his parents Mike and Jen at only 24 weeks and weighed only 1 pound, 5 ounces! He wasn't expected to make it, but due to the fabulous care at BC Children's Hospital, Royal Columbian Hospital's NICU department, and the love and prayers of his family and many friends, this miracle baby is now a thriving 2-year-old with tons of personality and an incredible smile!
Jazz - Chilliwack Pet Photography
I've been holding off on this blog post because I didn't want the photos "leaking" out into cyberspace. My friend Joanne booked this shoot so that I could photograph her husband's dog Jazz as a Father's Day present for her husband Michael. Now that he has his prints and album I can show you these cute portraits of a very sweet dog.
