thank Dog. photography » fun, artistic, modern pet portraits | Dallas,Texas

2.7.12

picasso | dallas dog photography

Still catching up on old sessions (I still have some from last summer that I intend to blog!)…

This cute little nugget, Picasso, is back for more photos.  I first met him not long after he was adopted – he was a little nervous and scared (though not as much as his mom remembers!).  Now, a couple years later, he’s come out of his shell – there’s definitely a very obvious increase in his confidence and happiness.  He’s also recently had a little clicker training – which made it really easy to get him to look away from mom for a minute and toward me.

We started our session at a little park across the street from Picasso’s apartment building…

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Then we moved inside.  Picasso’s mom realized her apartment didn’t get much light so she spoke to the building management and was able to get a key for an empty apartment on the other side of the building.  At first, it seemed a little odd being in a completely empty apartment – but Picasso loved the open space, jumping and fetching his *beloved* monkey (funny how they pick a favorite, isn’t it?  Picasso’s mom has looked everywhere for a replacement as Monkey’s getting a little too well-loved, but can’t find it.  So Monkey it’ll be until he completely disintegrates!).

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Food Fan Frank - I just stumbled across your site, and let me just say, you are an amazing photographer. I especially love your pictures of this little dog. His pictures show his personality so well. I especially love the jumping pictures. They remind me of my own little terrier. Keep up the nice work!

Sonya - Hi,

I absolutely LOVE your pet portait work! Do you mind sharing with me what lens you used for Picasso’s photo shoot? I love how he’s in focus and all else is blurred. My guess would be an 85mm but it also looks a little Lens-Baby-ish…Also, is it all natural light when you’re indoors or do you use continuous lighting or strobes? Very cool and inspirational. Thanks!

Sonya

debbie - Thanks, Sonya and Frank! Sonya – I primarily used the 24-70/2.8 and the 50/1.4 lenses and all natural light for this shoot.

2.3.12

jet, the foster monkey

Since Rosie (now Bella Rose) was adopted a couple weeks ago, Jet’s personality has really come out.  He’s a happy, busy, spirited, snuggly lab puppy.  And he’s managed to do the seemingly impossible – he’s won over Belle.  Sure, she barks and snarls at him – but her tail gives her away (that slow happy wag).  Well, that and the stampede that goes through the house a few times a day – typically in order of size (Jet followed by Bear followed by Belle) – followed by Jet’s parkour/keepaway exercise (jumping on sofa, off and onto chair, off and onto other chair, off and back to sofa – all the while dodging the big dogs).   He can push it a bit much with Belle when they all get riled up – but luckily, that’s where St Bear comes in.  He steps directly between them and alternates between wresting Jet and grooming Belle.  It’s pretty remarkable to see.  (Though, since Belle barks during the entire game, it does get less fun for me as time goes on.)  Anyway, it still amazes me to glance over and see Jet chewing on Belle’s tail.  The wrestling games with Bear are no surprise – nor is the jumping on his back or nipping at his ankles – but the chewing on Belle’s jowls? That privilege had been reserved for Bear only up to now.

He likes everybody – but he LOVES other dogs.  LOVES.  He desperately wants to play with every pup we meet.  He’s still learning the signals – he doesn’t seem to comprehend the idea that another dog might not want to play back.  I mean c’mon – it’s so fun!  And he’s so cute.  Right now, he’s all legs – it’s hard to know how big he’ll end up, but right now, I’d guesstimate around 60 lbs.   He’s also quite smart – teaching him to sit for his treats, dinner and stick (his favorite toy) was remarkably easy.  And as playful as the little monkey is, he’s just as snuggly.  He has the typical puppy play hard, crash hard, and he prefers the crashing be done on the sofa snuggled up with me.  Which makes me swoon, particularly when he chases bunnies in his sleep.

So – all this to say – Jet reeeeaaallly needs to get adopted – ASAP.  Seriously, the longer he’s here, the more trouble!  Assuming the weather cooperates, we’ll be a Pet Supplies Plus on Mockingbird on Saturday – come by and see us!

thank Dog. photography | dallas, tx

*****  And a quick reminder – the Valentine’s special is still on (runs through the 14th).  It’s a great deal!  *****

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Marjorie - Dear Debbie,

Oh my gosh, the bigger Gilligan (the runt of the litter, and the last one along with Jet to still be adopted) gets, the more he looks like Jet! And you JUST described Gilligan’s personality to a T. Gilligan’s sister Mary Ann (his best friend) was adopted last weekend — the family wanted both of them, but found that Gilligan was “too active.” (They’re Lab puppies, for goodness’ sake!) So he’s back in our house, but oh, I’m kinda glad. One of my 2 dogs doesn’t care for him (Corgi, grumpy), but I’ve noticed a thawing the last couple of days, to the point where they can actually walk within 2 feet of each other without the Corgi growling and snapping at him. Victory!

Unlike Jet, Gilligan was pretty lost without Mary Ann the first couple of days. He was super-happy-go-lucky before, but he’s been a bit subdued and looking a little lost since she left. But the last couple of days, he’s slowly coming out of his shell again, and the 3 are starting to play more. He really needs to be adopted ASAP because I’m really loving him way too much for my own good.

I’ll have to send you a pic because the resemblance is uncanny. Gilligan didn’t look much like Jet when they were really small, but now they could almost pass for twins.

Crossing fingers that Jet is adopted! Gilligan will be at an adoption event tomorrow, too!

Cheers,
M.

Debbie - The other girl that came to DFW Rescue Me is also still available – the adoption fell through. She’s in the midst of a massive growth spurt (poor Robyn cannot feed her enough!) – she’s still smaller than Jet, but gaining.

I think Jet would have been really lost without Rosie as well – if not for Bear. I sometimes joke that I should rent him out as a professional puppy socializer! And now, since Jet’s won Belle over, he’s pretty much had the run of the house when I’m home, hanging out with us, so he hasn’t really had a chance to miss her too much. (Speaking of Rosie, she came by the event last weekend but I hadn’t arrived yet. I heard, though, that she had a pretty new pink rhinestone collar on and was on her way to go fishing at the lake with her new dad and brother. She’s got it good!)

Marjorie - That’s so funny because the girl you’re talking about was actually the BIGGEST of the litter! We called her Major precisely because of that. (We called Jet “Minor” because he was like a smaller, male version of her.) So it’s funny that she’s going through a growth spurt again! The poor thing – I was there at that particular adoption event when her potential adopter was filling out the paperwork. She just kept talking about how calm she was, how sweet and all that. All of which is true – Major was always the most laidback of the litter. I’m sorry that it didn’t work out. Maybe we should all go for a playdate sometime!

My husband and I were talking about having you take pics of us and our dogs once our last foster has been adopted (Gilligan). You take such amazing shots, and I would love to see some really good ones of our “family.” Do we just email you for an appointment?

Cheers,
Marjorie

Debbie - Aww… thank you! Yep, just email me and we can set something up!

1.27.12

valentine’s special

I do occasionally run special deals – packages usually.  Those signed up receive the news first (and sometimes are the only ones if the opportunity fills up) — to be added, click on “Subscribe” above and add your email to my list!

Anyway, I decided to run a Valentine’s Day special this year — and it’s a good one!

thank Dog. photography | dallas, tx

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jet, the foster monkey » thank Dog. photography - […]  And a quick reminder – the Valentine’s special is still on (runs through the 14th).  It’s a great deal!  ***** Tweet Posted in dfw […]

1.19.12

happy birthday, bear!

Today was my boy’s 7th birthday.  At his last vet appointment, he was classified a “senior.”  I assume they meant a high school senior because my boy is not getting old.  I won’t allow it.

Anyway, Bear and I went on a little adventure today – just the two of us.  He is such a good boy, always has been, but I think the past couple years he’s become just about perfect.  It’s funny – Belle gets the most love from strangers (she’s so big and fluffy and pretty!), but among friends and family, Bear’s #1.  Sometimes ranking higher than their own dog.  He’s awesome.  He’s my shadow, my pillow, my foot warmer, my protector, my heart dog.

Despite being neutered very early in life, he’s still very much a boy.  Always putting his mark on things (outside only).  That pile of leaves are his now.  All his.

On a side note – I love this time of year.  The light’s soft (well, not really at midday when Bear and I went out – but it’s so nice and soft in the mornings and late afternoons).  And the temperature is infinitely better.  I know most people considering booking a session tend to want to wait for spring or summer, but I think the landscape is just as lovely this time of year.

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stacey - So sweet – happy birthday Bear! I think it’s so nice that you went on an adventure together for his special day and got some beautiful shots!

1.17.12

the Bennett Whyte bunch

Here’s the story of a lovely lady
Who was bringing up a very lovely lab.
He had hair of gold and loved his mother,
His life was really fab.

Here’s the story, of a man named Whyte,
Who was busy with a pitbull of his own,
They were two kids, living together,
Yet they were all alone.

Till the one day when the lady met this fellow
And they knew it was much more than a hunch,
That this group would somehow form a family.
That’s the way they all became the Bennett Whyte bunch.

Until one day when they found two sweet puppies,
Wandering on the street all lost and hurt,
They fed them and worked to find them families,
But little Ghost they could not give up.

So now Ghost and Timber and Bishop,
And Sean and Katie too,
They’re all are one big happy family,
With plenty of things to chew.

I never claimed to be a songwriter/poet.

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Kristan - This is the cutest family, and you’ve done an outstanding job. I have no idea who they are, but I LOVE them through your photos. As always.

Donna - This make me soooo happy! Just beautiful!

Jennifer bennett - I had to post to say how wonderfully you photographed my sister and her family! What a talent.

y e l p