Bunny Pictures! A Maine Pet Photographer

A few weeks ago I was contacted by a Mom, asking me if I would do a "mini photo session" with a REAL bunny, for Easter photos.  That email prompted me to remember when my Mother-in-Law took my own two boys to have their photos done with the Hallmark bunny many many Easter's ago.  The results were not heartwarming...and my Mother-in-Law, God bless her heart, feared she had caused irreversible damage to my two boys.  (I'm happy to report both my boys are fine and have never had reoccurring nightmares of a giant rabbit in hot pursuit...) however, when the request came in I somehow could relate and wanted to find a way to do this.  I have to thank the staff at the Animal Refuge League for embracing the idea and making it a reality.  Very special thanks to Lynne McGhee for spreading the word, setting up the appointments, building the "set", and of course supplying the beautiful bunnies.  I donated my time and 100% of the proceeds went to the ARL.  I've shared a few photos below, and included a very quick..."Quick like a bunny!" slideshow just to share the smiles.  If you need a SMILE, this slideshow will do it!  I do believe a good time was had by all...and I am fairly confident we left no child traumatized with reoccurring giant bunny nightmares!

 

slideshow here! Or click on photo below if you can see it.

http://video214.com/play/zQSivbBvrVBTUXA10SW1qg/s/dark

 

 

Chloe's Breeding Update. A Maine Pet Photographer

Our beautiful Chloebutt is finally home with us.  She spent one whole week away...at the stud farm...sort of speak...and because she's such a Mama's girl, I was advised to stay away from her...so she wouldn't be distracted from the task at hand.  I am told that a "tie" was not established.  Click here for more info on what happens when golden retrievers mate.  I am told that Chloe loved her stud, and the two of them played together all the time.  I'm told that they did lots of humping.  He humped her...she humped him...But, humping normally leads to a "tie" and although these two did love spending time romping together, their innocence and inexperience got in the way of accomplishing the one thing they were brought together for.  So, where does that leave me in my blog and my mission to educate you all on the breeding of a golden retriever?  I'm guessing we will pick up where we leave off here...in about 10 months :)  ...and just like us humans...there is a slight chance that Chloe did get knocked up during her escapades at the farm...so I will be keeping a close eye on her and I will be sure to update and educate right here...if by slight chance I should need too!

Guest Blogger Today. A Maine Photographer

Today I have a guest blogger.  If you would like to guest blog for me, please drop me a line!  I have few rules.  No politics.  No swearing.  No negative talk.  Please, if you wish to share a passion with your friends and the world, send it over...I would love to be your forum and meet your friends!

Today's guest blogger is Maria Dorn.  Maria loves to express herself on facebook...so I invited her over here, giving her as much room as she wished to share her perspective and sense of humor, and of course her friends.  If you are visiting here for the first time please save this site and come back often!  (Since I am a photographer and this is my blog, I first want to note that this is not one of my photos.)
  Without further ado, here's Maria. 

We've been living in Westbrook for about 15 years. What amazed me most
about Westbrook was once we moved here, it was like we were living in
our old South Portland neighborhood growing up....our neighbors were
some of the best SoPo names....so if I thought I was moving away from
the homestead to cultivate a new image....ha! I had high school friends
on either side of me here in the 'brook. My husband and I have four
kids who we are alternately beamingly proud of or downright disgusted
with. Most of the time we think they are pretty awesome though. Our
oldest, Marty, barely graduated from WHS last year, but thanks to
several hundred novenas (sorry, religion), a lot of threats (won't
swear) and a big push, he made it and promptly enlisted in the Maine
National Guard. He has spent this past year training in South Carolina
and San Antonio. He is a medic and despite our lack of hope for him
this time last year, we are beyond proud of him. Our two girls are in
high school and are 16 and 17. There is nothing more to be said because
you said I couldn't swear. Let's just say I am never surprised at the
sparks and flames flying out of their fingers as they text their friends
about how abhorrent I am because I made them unload the dishwasher. Or
I talked to them in public. Or I wore a turtleneck. I have committed a
million mother sins. I am biding my time, though, until they have kids
of their own.......my youngest, TJ, well everyone knows he's my
favorite. Because he still likes me.
My subject of the moment is my weekly pilgrimage to Boot Camp at 5:30am
at WCC. Right now I would be deleting this blog because I know I talk
about it ad nauseum.....but let me just say, the toning and fitness is a
bonus....but the REAL REASON I go is because of the incredible
instructor and women who drag their derriere's out of bed at 4:45am
three days a week and take an hour for themselves. You are one of the
rockstars, too, Jo.   [ :) ]
I started going about a year ago when I found myself looking forward to
'hot fudge sundae dinner!' and shopping up a size. I had no energy and
I figured I would just become a pudgy little Italian nonna. But I don't
cook and I don't wear pudgy well....so I got up and went to a class one
night I think with Colleen, but I'm not sure anymore. It's a sweat
stained blur. I was kidding myself - put on leggings, one of Jeff's tee
shirts and my 10 year old sneakers. Fixed my make up....no water, out
the door I went....heck I had four kids, how hard could this be. Within
15 minutes I was on my knees drenched in sweat and asking for divine
salvation to take me right then and there. And that was only the warm
up. I got through the workout hour with the rest of the women, one of
my friends having an asthma attack, the other crying into the
mats....and I left glaring at Lisa Petrucelli, the instructor (whom I
have come to idolize and adore), when she said to me in passing, "That
was ok, but I expect 3 full push ups Thursday." I got into my car,
aimed it for home and prayed there would be ample Tylenol, red wine and
hot water for a bath when I got home.
The next day I couldn't move. The day after that was Thursday. I
thought I could do three pushups and show that Petrucelli girl who was
boss. I finished 1.5 pushups. Looks like I needed to go back. And I
have, ever since. And now maybe I can do 12 pushups on a good day but
I'm surrounded by women like Barb "SunnyB" Sawyer who cranks out 20 and
yells at me that I can do 15.....Paula Green who, when we're lagging
behind Lynn "Flash" Aceto, wheezes, "I think we can catch her, Maria!"
and means it...and when I see Melissa Foye, wincing but pressing on,
nothing but hero status for her. Justine Post whips around the gym and
encourages everyone and our coach, friend and mentor Lisa Petrucelli
reminds us that we are athletes and to expect no less of ourselves. She
is a constant source of support, praise and extra push. So in a
nutshell, this is my soul lifeline. It's great my heart is all pumping
nice and my blood is a pretty shade of crimson, but my soul is lifted
and reinforced by the goodness of these women who I love and am honored
to call friends.

Remembering to be Grateful, Today and Everyday. A Maine Photographer

OK, I'm taking a quick break from my normal routine to remember to be grateful...and today I am choosing to share it with you.
As I sit here typing, I'm hearing the new Pope, Pope Francis, who has just been introduced to the world for the first time, I'm hearing his words of gratefulness on the TV next to me.
Today I am grateful to have friends to share my blog with, my stories, my life.
I am grateful for my husband and my kids.  I am grateful for my dog Chloe, who still hasn't let the cute stud mount her yet.  I'm grateful for the crock pot lasagna I made this morning, so that I can work this afternoon knowing that supper is already made.

Now, here's a new one.  Something I've never really expressed gratitude for...until now.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach my passion of digital photography to others.  I'm teaching my third round of digital photography at the local community center.  Again, if you know me, I've expressed many times my love for Jim Carrey's movie "Yes Man" and on a few occasions I have challenged myself to say "yes" to whatever comes my way.  Last fall was one of those times, and when asked if I would teach an "introduction to your digital camera" class, I said "yes" without hesitation.  After saying yes I learned that I would have very limited resources at my disposal...basically I would have a classroom with electricity and tables and chairs.  What I didn't have was Internet or even a big screen to share info on.  It was a learning experience for both my students and myself, as I taught with very little visual aids, and I shared lots of info through emails and links after class.  When asked if I would do it again, this time with a large screen I could hook my laptop too and Internet access, I didn't even hesitate to say yes.  Now here I sit, half a year later, in the middle of my third round of classes. 

OK. I'm going to get personal.  I am insecure.  I am not a teacher.  I'm not the greatest photographer that walks the streets of Westbrook.  I do think I'm somewhat of a comedian.  I do try to follow the law of attraction and live on the "positive" side of life...however, I still am my own worst enemy when it comes to believing in myself.  I do believe one needs to step out of their comfort zone to succeed.  I do believe that everything happens for a reason.  Today I am grateful for saying "yes" last fall to teaching photography. 

So, what brought on this recent revelation? 

Her name is Elizabeth, and she was a student in my last photography class.  Elizabeth received a very nice camera for Christmas, a gift from her husband.  Elizabeth showed up at the first class carrying her new camera, still in the box it was purchased in.  She said she had no idea what to do with it.  That was then.  This past weekend I saw photos on Elizabeth's facebook page...and that's when it hit me.  I may not be the best photographer that walks the streets of Westbrook, but I do have a gift of sharing my knowledge.  Chinese Proverb "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.  Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime"
So, am I worried that I will teach you all so well that there will be no need to hire me to take photos?

"Yes"

I suppose I can just keep teaching.
I asked Elizabeth to let me share her photos.
Don't you dare ask me what kind of camera she has!
Most cameras can do the same thing...you just need to have a good teacher who will teach you how to operate it.  I will add that the "vision" and "creativity" seen in these photos is all Elizabeth's, that, I cannot take credit for!
I taught Elizabeth how to use her very nice camera...and today I am grateful  :)

Golden Retriever in Heat, Update. A Maine Photographer

Here's the latest update on my Chloe and the status of her heat.
NOTHING is happening!
I brought her to romp with the stud on Friday morning.  Although she did seem happy to see him, she wasn't really receptive to much of anything else.  So, I brought her back on Sunday, and was asked to leave her.  Now, 48 hours later and non stop flirting...I'm told she still hasn't given in.  I could go on and on with clever comments here, but I will refrain.  She is staying at Snowypaws for now, and we miss her like crazy!  Our house just isn't the same without our Chloebutt, and we hope she will fulfill her obligations and come home soon! 

I did get to visit with another two litters while at Snowypaws.  Here are a few shots of Mama Sammie and some very cute pups!

Golden Retriever Chloe meets her Stud today. A Maine Photographer

OK, today is Chloe's big day.  Today Chloe is going to lose her virginity...and I do believe she is ready!  (but am I?!)  Here she is in her Sponge Bob panties...we put a pad with wings in it, and let her roam the house in the evening.  She just wants to be wherever we are, so it allows her to come up to our room in her somewhat messy condition.  In case anyone is wondering, Chloe's heat is really not that messy.  I have been doing more research so that I won't be surprised with the events still to come.  The information I've gathered indicates that Chloe is a normal golden retriever female, with heats occurring about every ten months, and ensuring that they are not very messy.  I have read about the "flirty playfulness"and Chloe has surprised me with this behavior.  She is usually so skittish around other dogs...unless they are little dogs...then she loves to play...but a big dog...not her thing.  Some of you know we inherited my in-laws dog Max a couple of years ago.  Max is an old man Shetland Sheepdog...and last night Chloe was driving him crazy!  She was in his face, flirting playfully, and poor Max...just whining for someone to rescue him from her.  Today should be interesting nevertheless.  I will update my blog over the weekend to let you know how Chloe did.  Please continue to visit us!

Big Girl Chloe, a Golden Retriever in Heat part 2. A Maine Pet Photographer

Here's an update on my beautiful Golden Retriever Chloe (AKA Chloebutt...but that's for another day).
Day 6 of her heat.  My house is a sty.  Both dogs have been tracking in sand after their morning and evening walks.  I swear each of them collects grit in all four paws and waits an hour after their walks, relaxes their paws, and deposits their collection on my kitchen floor.  Along with the daily grit is now the addition of the blood drops.  Chloe will clean much of those up...but in the interim...if the cat comes across them she will hover above it for minutes at a time trying to bury it.  Yes...there is grit on the floor, but the cat will bury in vain...for there is not enough grit to bury with!!  Either way, I am not accepting company or visitors at this time!

I was under the impression that my dog would have two heats a year.  It is obvious that Chloe is a one heat a year girl.  She averages a good ten months between heats.  She is three years old, and has had all her checkups needed to make sure she is a good candidate for breeding.  Personally, I think she's the cats meow and more.  There is no greater dog!  She is, however, a bit quirky.  She is easily spooked.  Walking her on a dark evening she will gladly cross the street in order to avoid walking by a holiday blow up...or even a roadside trash or recycle bin.  I'm quite curious as to how she will behave with her pending mate.

Yes, we do have a stud play date scheduled for this Friday.  Yes, I will be bringing my camera and a telephoto lens, and I hope to set up camp in a nearby window.  I've done a bit of research and am sharing it with you here on what to expect on Friday when Chloe meets her stud.

I will share more personal stories of Chloe as the days go by.  Chloe is from the Snowypaws "Charm" litter...and her litter name was "third times a charm" in connection with her mother having a successful breeding after three attempts.  We are in hopes that Chloe's first attempt will be successful, but we are on a journey, so we will all learn together...and I will have plenty of posts during this time to share lots of Chloe stories.

I'm now going to share photos of Roman with you!  Roman is one of my recent Dog Wash Etc monthly portrait winners.  Roman is a golden retriever...and I probably don't need to tell you that it was love at first sight for us?  Shame on me, but my notes are sketchy on his age...I think he's 5 years old, and quite the handsome energetic spitfire.  I thank his owner Amanda for sharing him with me...we definitely had a great visit!

Big Girl Chloe. Golden Retriever in Heat. A Maine Photographer

Today we are starting a new chapter on a current journey.  A journey that began three years ago.  Today, my Snowypaws golden retriever Chloe is in heat, and has a date with a stud next Friday March 8th.  For the next several months my blog posts will include our story of Chloe.  I will share how Chloe became part of our family, the many "quirks"of Chloe, and hopefully a successful breeding, a successful maternity, and a successful litter.  Please come on the journey with me by following my blog and sharing it with others who might enjoy.  We will all get an education together, and I can guarantee you will all love Chloe almost as much as I within a few weeks. 

As promised, however, I have several dog photo shoots that took place prior to 2013 that I have yet to blog about...so I will continue to squeeze these shoots into my next few posts to feature these beautiful dogs too!  Today's feature is Sidney.

Sidney is a 13 year old Chocolate Lab.  Sidney was our Dog Wash portrait winner for September.  When I contacted Sidney's owner about the photo shoot, he was happy to have won, but he had mixed feelings about the timing.  Sidney had just had some surgery and had several areas of shaved fur.  I asked his owner to promise me that we would get together in a few weeks to do photos...after all, Sidney wasn't getting any younger.  I'm so grateful we were able to work something out.  It took some work on both our parts with scheduling, but we were able to meet at Ferry Beach in Scarborough for a quick photo shoot.  Sidney never disappointed me...and I would have never guessed that he was 13 or had had recent surgery.  He was an absolute beauty and delight!  Thank you Wesley and Kristy for sharing Sidney with us!