Today was the last day of my daughter’s team gymnastics camp. The girls have worked really hard all week, so it was time for a little fun. I didn’t take many photographs, however I did try to capture the mood and spirit of the evening.

Of course, there was a dog…Hershey. She wanted nothing more than to fetch, fetch, fetch, and then fetch some more. With a little coaxing, I managed to get her to pose for me.

There were also some pool shananagins. You certainly can’t have a party full of gymnasts without a little bit of throwing, flying and splashing. I love everyone’s expressions, even the girls who are watching.

And, finally, there were some cool girls laying in the grass. Well, actually, I asked them to lay in the grass. You know me, I just love that dramatic look!

All in all, I think everyone had a wonderful time.

All images ©Susan Dodd Photography

I had the pleasure of photographing the Carr family a bit ago. They all came together from near and far to visit and asked me to create some family images. It was a beautiful day and we all had a wonderful time. There was a lot of love flowing and I felt very honored to be a part of that special time.

Thank you Madeleine for allowing me to experience your family, and create some images that I hope will bring good memories of that day.

Photographs are important. They help us to remember our loved ones and keep them in our hearts even when they can no longer be with us.

I hope to post more of this fabulous family session, but for now I would like to honor John Carr who passed away Wednesday morning – June 25 – at his home. His spirit lives on in the hearts of his wife, their children and grandchildren.

John Carr
May 30, 1930 – June 25, 2008

John, Maureen and their children.

I love these two photos.

All images ©Susan Dodd Photography

Last night I photographed Diana, Tinkerbelle and Pretzel in Philadelphia. Wow! I had the best time and I have to say those little dogs stole my heart. Pretzel is the epitome of “dachshund”. He is adorable, silly, and sweet. Tinkerbelle has the blue-ist eyes I have ever seen on a dog! She is very petite, but her eyes really stand out and almost seem to glow!

About 1/4 of the way into our session, I asked Diana if she happened to have any “cool” shoes – maybe with some color? She brought out the absolute coolest pair of yellow shoes!

I shot a few rolls of b & w film which I’ll have to wait for, but I couldn’t resist – I had to share these!

Don’t ya just LOVE those yellow shoes??

All images ©Susan Dodd Photography

This morning was absolutely beautiful. I spent some time with Lindsey and Leon in Skippack. My gallery is in the beautiful and quaint little town of Skippack. Lindsey also has a shop in Skippack – Skippack Stylekrafters, and she just happens to do my hair! However, this morning, Lindsey was my subject! We wandered the streets of Skippack looking for some cool locations, and I really think we found them!

Here is just a little tease…some that I immediately loved! I hope to post a few more later, but for now,
Enjoy!! (and thanks for a really fun morning, Linds!)

All images ©Susan Dodd Photography

I met Bracken this weekend. I had been waiting to meet Bracken. She is a Scottish Deerhound. I’ve never seen a Scottish Deerhound, much less photographed one! Bracken is 14 weeks old, but since she is so tall and lanky, at times she almost looks like a much older dog. She has a little grey coloring on her face which also gives her a mature look. However, she is a puppy through and through. And, she is adorable.

Behold…Bracken!

This is Bracken’s new mum, Madeleine.

All images ©Susan Dodd Photography

This morning my good friend Nancy Biddle and I headed to Phoenixville to do some photos with her dog Jack. Normally when I do my Cool Pets sessions, we are in a park, at my client’s home or somewhere quiet. So it was quite a challenge doing photos in a busy, bustling town. Downtown Phoenixville is currently being rejuvenated, and there were people everywhere. Workers, walkers and shoppers filled the streets! However, we managed to grab a few cool shots!

So, without further ado….

Check out that cool leash!

Nancy just loves Jack; and Jack loves Nancy…very much.

Thank you Nancy. I think it was a success!

All images ©Susan Dodd Photography

I have been a photographer for over 20 years now. My work has offered me the opportunity to experience amazing people, events, places, animals and relationships. When I first started my Cool Pets business I had no idea that it would blossom into the rewarding and fabulous career that it has become for me. What I also didn’t think about is that these beloved animals that I am privileged to meet and spend time with during my Cool Pets sessions have lives that are much shorter than their human companion’s lives. I have such wonderful clients, and when one of their companions passes away, they email or call me to let me know this, and to thank me for the photographs that I was able to create for them, and the memories of that special session.

Saying good bye to these amazing animals is never easy. Here are just two of the most recent goodbyes. I have more, but for now..

Remy…he was the pride and joy of his owner, Ray. What struck me most during their session was the tremendous amount of respect they shared. They were true buddies, friends, companions. I don’t think there was anything they wouldn’t do for eachother.

Iko Iko…owned and loved by Happy and Sam Shipley. He was strong, and elegant. He lived a long life and was forever devoted to his family. Rest in Peace, Iko.

All images ©Susan Dodd Photography

Today was girlfriend day for my daughter. And, whenever a friend is over to play they always end up in front of my camera! After much coaxing and giggling, I was able to get the serious look I was hoping for.

Aren’t they gorgeous?

And, of course, silly.

One from a previous “Girlfriend” day.

Welcome to my very first post on my brand new blog! Wow, a new blog, and a beautiful, new, updated Cool Pets site! How exciting! After much time and work this has all come to fruition, and it is pretty darn cool. I’m excited to have a place to share photographs that may not exactly be Cool “Pets” all the time. You might find some cool people, and even a little bit of color every now and then!

My site, wow! I am so happy about my new Cool Pets site, and I owe a lot to Katie Untalan for her hard work and very, very artistic and creative talent. She is amazing! Without Katie, my site might not have evolved into the beautiful, contemporary gallery that is has become. It was she who suggested a little updating…well a little updating is what we did! Check her out at ktpdesign.com and see just how talented she is! Sorry, no photos of Katie because she lives in MA! But, who knows, maybe on our annual vacation trip to MA and New Hampshire, I will catch up with her and take a few shots and post them! (get ready, Katie!)