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.
A Cat Like Me - Comox Valley SPCA
Now that we're getting settled in the Comox Valley and our routines are starting to get established, I'm setting aside some time each week to once again volunteer with our local SPCA. Photographing animals needing homes is a pleasure and I always hope that the pictures will help the animals find new families quicker.
As I was editing these photos and coming up with a title for this post it occurred to me that I have a lot in common with the cats I photographed today. I met one cat that was totally mellow, even seemingly depressed at his lot in life. It was if he were thinking "how did I get here and when am I going back home?". In the same room was a kitty who was a bundle of energy and couldn't wait to get acquainted. Totally friendly and outgoing, she just wanted to play. And then there was another cat who was totally ticked off and continually looking for a way to escape. He did not enjoy this change in surroundings and was fighting it tooth and nail.
Not to be overly dramatic but I can relate to these cats! Transition is always hard and I moving away from one's comfort zone can be very taxing. Some days I can't wait to get out and explore and meet new people and then other days I just want to curl up on the couch and sulk. Sometimes I do both in the same day. Anyhow, animals are great therapy and I feel like this is one more step in my journey of being more like the second cat I met today. Getting out and meeting people can be hard (especially for introverts like me) but it will make the Comox Valley feel like home faster, and that's something I really want to happen soon.
Are you looking for a new friend to love? Contact the Comox Valley SPCA at (250) 339-7722 for more information on adopting an animal in need.
Â
Austin, Mausi and Pig - Comox Valley Dogs
This weekend I got to do a very energetic photo shoot with Jenn and her three awesome dogs: Austin the Blue Heeler, Mausi the German Shepherd, and Pig the Pug. These dogs were full of energy and had a great time tearing it up on Kye Bay beach. Austin and Mausi were all about chasing the ball while Pig quickly realized that I had treats in my pocket and stayed pretty close to Jenn and I.
I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get a group shot of these three but Jenn is a great handler and was able to get the dogs focused on her (for a few seconds, anyway!). I'm really loving Kye Bay as a portrait location, for the freedom that the dogs have to be themselves as well as the neutral backdrop of the sand. It really helps to make the dogs stand out from the background.
Richard and Andrena - Comox Family Photography
This week I got to do my first family photo shoot on the beach in Kye Bay. Andrena is a Realtor here in the Comox Valley and has been helping us find a new place to call home. Along with her husband Richard and two cute little boys, Fred and William, we had some fun running around in the sand, having juice box drinks and occasionally stopping for a few quick shots.
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 Toohey Family - Comox Family Photography
This week I got to photograph some great people: Jim, Wendy, Tamara and Jordan Toohey. Jordan is heading out to Australia to go to school so they wanted to take the opportunity for family pictures before he left. All the best in the land down under, Jordan!
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!
Caesar and Family - Courtenay Pet Photography
This week I had the pleasure of photographing a great new family with an awesome dog named Caesar. Caesar is well-loved by his owners Amanda and Ryan and their 2 sweet little boys. We shot at a great spot in Mission, BC - Fraser River Heritage Park, and then went back to their home to give everyone a chance to cool off in the sprinklers. Caesar had a great time fetching his ball over and over again while I photographed him. He was really happy to cool off in the stream after that. I think he probably had a really good nap in the afternoon because we tired him right out.
Chilliwack SPCA - Pet Photography
Our local shelter is busy! There are lots of dogs, cats and rabbits needing homes! Wouldn't you like to wake up and get a dose of cuteness like this every day?
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.
Kittens! Kittens! Kittens!
The Chilliwack SPCA had 3 litters of kittens today! 13 in all! Fortunately I brought my daughter Jessica along to wrangle them for me. We didn't get shots of every one, but here is a dose of cuteness for you - hope you can handle it!
Fraser Valley Equestrian Society Gymkana
Today I attended the Games Day for the Fraser Valley Equestrian Society. Lots of girls, lots of horses, lots of fun.
D 'n R Stables - Farm Photography
D 'n R Stables, owned by Debbie and Rob Garcia, has been my daughter's home away from home for the last 7 years. Debbie trains, teaches, and mentors many young riders and I have had fun photographing the many animals that call the stable home. Bacardi is a brand new foal, born only one week ago. He is a sweet little guy with interesting markings and lots of spunk and personality.
Chilliwack SPCA - Adoptable Pets
There was lots of activity around the Chilliwack SPCA today. Several cats got shipped out to other shelters in the lower mainland, but there are still lots of dogs and cats up for adoption.
10091 Hymar Drive, Chilliwack. House for sale
This is a departure from my usual blog posts but my house is for sale and I am trying to get as much exposure as possible for it. I absolutely love my home but my husband has gotten a job on Vancouver Island so we are moving and need to sell it. If you like what you see in the pictures, please contact me at 250-339-1147.
Features include: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, indoor pool, amazing garden, huge deck, backs onto park, nice quiet neighbourhood, hardwood flooring throughout most of main floor, incredible master bedroom with tons of closet space and cherry flooring, large laundry room, A/C, hot water on demand, jacuzzi tub in main bathroom, the list goes on. Asking $399,900.
Peaches - Dog Portraits
Peaches is a puffy little princess. She is a show dog and recently became a new mama! She had a lot of fun exploring the park and running in the field.
Cubbie - Dog Photography
Last night I had the privilege of photographing little Cubbie, owned by Corinne Stewart. Cubbie is a sweet little dog with lots of personality. He had a great time exploring Gwynne Vaughn Park.
Chilliwack SPCA
I had a great afternoon at the Chilliwack SPCA this week. There were lots of new dogs and cats awaiting adoption! Several nice, big, energetic dogs are looking for someone to play with them! The cats were sweet too but I like dogs the best! Check out the SPCA's open house this Saturday from 11-4 and make a new friend!
Courtenay Dogs are Great Fun!
This week my husband and I took advantage of the awesome BC weather and headed to Vancouver Island for a few days. We stayed at a lovely b&b, Belle Vue Bed and Breakfast right on the ocean just north of Courtenay. Our hosts Walt and Haideh provided wonderful hospitality, with some amazing breakfasts and a very comfortable room. But they weren't the only reason we had a great stay. Their two champion Flat-Coat Retreivers, Tip and Pocos, were a lot of fun to play with and of course photograph! Here is a sample of some of the images I shot on-location at the b & b. I gotta say, if I were a dog I wish I could belong to Walt and Haideh!
