It was quite a few years ago when I first met Trinelle. She called me to photograph her beautiful dane, Gracie. Trinelle had just rescued her, and they had become fast friends. Gracie was a little uncertain about strangers, and intruders on her lawn, but one thing she was certain of was Trinelle. They had a wonderful friendship, and so when Gracie passed away in the summer of 2010, there was a large empty space needing to be filled.

Enter Rocky. He’s big, he’s gorgeous, and he stole Trinelle’s heart immediately. She says that once Rocky arrived, she was able to stop crying over Gracie. Rocky and Trinelle are a beautiful pair. Rocky is shy, but not in a “scared” way. Rocky is a quiet, calm gentleman. I loved him from the moment I saw him! At first he wasn’t sure what to think of this whole “photo shoot” thing. But, by the end, he was posing like nobody’s business.

Here are just a few images….a small peek at a big, wonderful guy..and the girl who loves him!

Oak.

I love him. I’m sorry. He has so much going for him. Let’s see…he’s a Corso, and that’s cool. He’s a Firehorse Cane Corso, and that’s extra cool. He went to Westminster this year – cool too. But, mostly, he is adorable. He is full of personality, and charisma. He’s a lovable, big oaf… and that’s what gets me every time.

Jon, Angela and Oak make an amazing family. Not to mention that Jon and Angela have a voice for Oak, and you can have a full conversation with him (well, it’s not really Oak talking, but it’s fun anyway). There is such a great respect that they all share, and I really think that is so important. They love, trust, and totally respect Oak, and he gives that back to them tenfold.

Oak was the Friday Face a few weeks ago, and I have been waiting to show more. Last night Jon and Angela got to see all of the photos, so now I get to show more here!!!

Take a look at Oak’s gorgeousness!!

This could just, maybe, possibly be my favorite photo of the session. Ang, you’re gorgeous….Jon, completely handsome, and Oak….well you know…studly.

I don’t know, can you use the word demure to describe a wrinkly Shar-Pei? Absolutely, you can! Especially if that Shar-Pei happens to be sweet Keesha. Keesha is definitely wrinkly – that goes without saying, but where Keesha really shines is in her calm, demure personality. She will greet you with lots of wags from her tail, but she remains quiet and unassuming. It almost seems as if she doesn’t want to be annoying.

She loves attention, but doesn’t hog it. She loves to be petted, but won’t demand it. According to the breed standard, Shar-Peis are aloof and standoffish. That’s very true, but I think with Keesha, it should read, respectfully aloof and standoffish.

Keesha and Amy have been together for 9 years. Keesha is now 11 and Amy says that Keesha has always been this sweet calm girl. It was easy to see the mutual respect they have for one another, and the love that they share.

It’s not hard to fall in love with Hemi. Look at him, he’s gorgeous.

I first met him when he looked like this…

and this…

Now, almost three years later, he has grown into the most handsome, elegant, hunk of a man (ok, dog). Rottweilers are a gorgeous, hard working, extremely devoted breed. But, at heart, they are softies. They are smart, but extremely silly at the same time.

Hemi is all of that…and more, actually.

Julie, his wonderful owner and I, walked him all over the park, putting him up on things, asking him to stand, sit, stay, wait, all the while teasing him with promises of doing fun stuff like swimming! Hemi took it all in stride, and demonstrated the most amazing elegance and class.

Now, for the tough stuff. Hemi was recently diagnosed with epilepsy. It has been a heart breaking road for Julie as she and her vets have searched for the proper medication dosage so that Hemi could continue his busy working life, and loving family life without interruption.

As of our sitting, Hemi was on his One Hundred and Second day seizure free. Please, say a little prayer that his health continues down this very encouraging path.

Now, take a look at Hemi, in all of his handsomeness. (That’s a word, right?)

Unbelievable gorgeousness.

Dorian and Ron in the ruins. Amazing location, amazing light…perfect subjects.

It was a beautiful, chilly day when we got together to do our session. Romeo and Princess shivered almost the entire time…despite their adorable sweaters. Charlie, of course, had his natural furry warmth to keep him comfortable.

To say I had fun photographing Liz, Tom, Princess, Charlie and Romeo would be an understatement. It was a blast actually. Charlie is a natural ham in front of the camera, Tom kept me laughing with his great sense of humor, Romeo and Princess, despite their shivers, did everything I asked of them, and Liz couldn’t have been more beautiful.

You could say that this next photo is a bit of an outtake. Princess decided she needed a few kisses from Charlie. Apparently she likes to bug him. By the look on his face, I’d say he doesn’t really appreciate it. And Romeo just looks embarrassed!

Finally, after Princess was done bugging Charlie, everyone was ready! Phew, I’m so glad!

This photo is special for many reasons. It was a rainy, misty, dreary day. Not a day that you would think of going out to do a portrait session. But, Meatball was a special dog, and Dina, his owner, was eager to get the photos done because she was concerned about his health, and how long she might have with him. So, despite the weather, we went on as planned. Except for one thing. The plan was to do the session at one of my favorite parks – so we were to meet there. When I arrived and took one look at Meatball, I knew I had to go to somewhere else….the tracks. Since there wasn’t any sun, and the weather was already questionable, time wasn’t really an issue. So, Dina loaded Meatball (and Delilah) back into the car and we headed for the train tracks.

To say that Meatball was strong and energetic is an understatement. For most of the sitting, Dina held tight to his leash as he struggled to run over to see me – or tromple over me to get to the toy that Eryn was holding. Finally we ventured up the very steep hill onto the tracks. We took a few photos, and then positioned Meatball on the tracks and asked him to sit. To all of our surprise, he sat. And sat, and sat. He sat so well, that I asked Dina to drop his leash. A few squeaky voice sounds later and VOILA, this photo was created. As I got up off the tracks (filthy from head to toe) I thanked Meatball profusely for what he had just given me.

Honestly, I really think he knew exactly what he was doing. He knew it was his moment and he made it work.

For me, this image represents so much. A moment in time that I will remember forever, an amazing dog with an incredible spirit, and a heart and soul that will live on in this photo.

I have entered this image of Meatball in PDN’s Faces contest. I would be honored if you would click here, and go to the page and vote!

Thank you for reading Meatball’s photo story, and for {hopefully} voting!!

Oh, and for anyone who might be wondering…this was shot on Fuji Neopan 1600 black and white film….my favorite film of all time.

It was a beautiful evening when I met up with David, Leoncia, Sasha and Riley for our session. It was a new location for me, and that is always exciting. The evening was perfect; amazing light, adorable dogs, and the cutest couple ever! Who could ask for anything more!

Today is a big exciting day at Westminster. It is the day that two of my clients hit the ring to strut their stuff. I am so excited for them, and their owners. I also feel very honored to have photographed each one of these Champions! It’s no secret that I love the Cane Corso breed. They are gorgeous dogs, with wonderful personalities.

A few years ago I met Ron Hoser and Jen Molchan of FireHorse Cane Corso and began a wonderful client/friend relationship. I have photographed many of their dogs from puppy to adult. We have had lots of fun during our sessions, and most recently, spent a day in the city with three of their dogs. One of which is hitting the Westminster Show ring today….in less than an hour!

He is CH. FireHorse Dorian, TDI, CGC. He is big, he is gorgeous, and he is pretty much a mush. His expression says it all. He is as about as laid back as they come.

|Dorian|

A few months ago, I met and photographed Glow (Multi. Ch. PrideNJoyz Afterglow, GCG, TDI) and her owner/breeder Krissy Sauers. Glow is Dorian’s half sister. They actually do look like siblings. Glow’s personality is a bit more “girlish” though. She is sweet, and (if this word fits a corso) extremely cute!

|Glow|

Both Glow and Dorian have been doing extremely well in the show rings – taking them by storm!

The Cane Corso is one of the new breeds for AKC this year, and it is so exciting that these two beautiful dogs are at Westminster right now representing this wonderful breed.

Go Dorian!!!!!
Go Glow!!!!

I am sending winning wishes to both of you!!!!

I met and photographed Timmy a little over three years ago. He was a pleasure to photograph. He is one happy, silly, crazy adorable dog. Timmy brings joy to anyone he meets.

Right now, Timmy needs some good healing wishes and prayers sent his way, as he is in the hospital awaiting tomorrow’s surgery. Last week it was discovered that he has 3 herniated discs and has lost the ability to walk. A few treatments were tried, but there was no change in Timmy’s condition. So tomorrow he will have surgery in the hopes of releasing the pressure which is compressing his vertebrae. If the surgery is successful, he may just walk out of the hospital.

According to Lynne, Timmy’s human mom, his spirit has not faded. He is still as happy and enthusiastic as ever. He has a very strong will, and hopefully, that, along with a little help from a wonderful surgeon, will have him walking again.

So, please just say a small prayer, or send a wish for a successful surgery for Timmy.

Good luck, Timmy. I know I’ll be thinking about you.