Big News!

We have a ton of really big news this month! I know we were pretty quiet last month, but that is because we were getting ready for this pretty big announcement!

As of December 01 2012 we will be moving to Abbotsford BC.  While we have immensely enjoyed our time on the Sunshine Coast & we will greatly miss the many wonderful people, rescues & fellow small business owners we have gotten to meet - (this really was a difficult decision to make), but we are doing it to be closer to my family in the end.

So the bad news is that if you live on the Sunshine Coast and you have any outstanding prize certificates to claim or you have been waiting for the right moment for a shoot...well....this is it!  The time is NOW :) And I really recommend booking this week as the weather looks like it might be remarkably nice for those outdoor shoots and clear Thurs-Sat. and who knows if that will happen again the rest of the month!  *Knock on Wood!*

The good news is if you live on the Coast, after the move I am always willing to meet up with you in Vancouver to do a shoot :)

The good news is if you are in the Abbotsford & Lower Mainland Area - We're coming your way at long last!  There is a smidge of bad news however for you all and I know it will be disappointing for some of you to hear, but please bear with us.  I will not be taking regular bookings in December.  The upside however is that I will still have Gift Certificates available for the Holidays!  It was a tough choice to make but with us moving and it being the holidays as well, it is just the best choice for us to make.  I will however still be offering shoots for any and all local animal rescue groups for the holidays for their animals in need.  The holidays is a very special time for me and my family & it is one of my most favourite times of the year.  For us it is not about getting, but about giving back to others & esp. those in need; which is why we will still be offering up shoots to rescues over the holidays.  I am also hoping to put together some kind of fun fundraiser & contest as well to keep us all in the holiday spirit even if we are not doing our usual bookings for December!  So be sure to hit us up on our Facebook Fan Page and let us know if you'd be interested in participating in them!

You will also be seeing more shares from local Rescues & such on our Facebook Fan Page & Twitter - with us moving to a larger city there are a few more to support and we are looking forward to meeting all our new fans & fellow local shops/businesses & local rescues as well!

Wishing you all a happy Monday! And be sure to keep watching our Facebook Fan Page & Twitter for more news about our big move!

Weekend Fun! Come Join Us!

Hey everyone!

Don't forget!

this weekend is going to be amazing! So be sure to come one down & join us!

Saturday September 8th from 10-3 at quality garden & pet in gibsons is having

their pet festival! and we will be there!  Come on down to our booth and say hello & enter for our draw as well!  It is going to be a fun day full of paw-some goodness so don't miss out & be sure to come join us!

Sunday September 9th from 10-2 at cliff gilker park in gibsons is the sunshine coast bc spca's paws for a cause event!  we are proud & honoured to be the official photographer for this very special event! We will also have a booth at this event as well and will be taking photos for donations to the spca, & collecting items that they are in dire need of as well & we're even having a draw at this event too!   So be sure to come on down & help out a great cause & who knows, maybe you'll also win a free session as well!

Paws For A Cause & Fun Fest Session Specials:

fun fest mini session: includes: 30 minute outdoor pet session – online private gallery – 30 min. consultation - $60

paws for a cause session: includes: 60 minute outdoor pet session – online private gallery – 30 min. consultation - $100

Paws For A Cause & Fun Fest Print Specials:

2 - Mini accordion books (2.75”x2.75”) - $50

4x7 image folio - $60

Fun Fest Package: Includes – 6 – 4x6; 4 – 5x7 & 1 – 8x10 - $40

Paws for a cause package: includes: 6 – 5x7; 2 – 8x10 & 1 – 11x14 - $60

Paws For A Cause & Fun Fest Draws:

Be sure to enter our draw at our booth! Simply fill out the card with your name & contact information & we will draw a randome name at the end of both the Quality Garden & Pet Fun Fest as well as after the Paws for A Cause! The winner will be announced on our FB Fan Page, Blog & Website! The winner will receive a free 30 minute outdoor pet photo session which includes a 30 minute outdoor photo session, 30 minute consultation and 3 medium resolution images on CD!

Bark In the Park

A little while ago, we were very honoured to be asked to not only participate in this amazing local event, but to also be their official photographer as well!  A Bark in the Park was organized by our local Dog Group - BOW WOW COAST!  It was an off the PAW event with a ton of contests, games & demonstrations and had some amazing local pet related vendors & local animal rescues in attendance.  There were a ton of really amazing dogs in every shape, size & breed imaginable! It was amazing to be part of such a grande event! Be sure to check out our Facebook Page for more fun photos of this event!

All the dogs in attendance were amazing and very well behaved, as these two lovely pups proved as they showed such wonderful manners meeting for the first time ....

Dogs of every shape, size & breed were in attendance for this amazing event - I was in puppy heaven! Several stole a tiny piece of my heart and I was in 7th heaven being covered in snuggles & smooches by all the pups who stopped by our booth, including this beautiful pup!

From the tiniest Chihuahua to Great Danes - dogs of all varieties and their owners showed up and enjoyed an amazing day of celebrations!

What the day was all about - Dog owners/lovers & the dogs celebrating for the Love of Dog.

There were a ton of events & contests to enter for dogs of every skill level, shape & size....

Pups ready for one of the great contests - The don't eat the hot dog contest - 

Pups were told to Sit/Stay on one side of the field while their owners crossed to the other side.

Once there the owners called their pups to them - the trick was that in between owner and pups 

was sprinkled with tempting hot dogs ... the winner was the one who didn't eat the hot dogs!

I was amazed that the pups were all so well behaved! It took several heats to determine a winner!

Way to go Bow Wow Coasters!  We have some amazing pups!

A great way to top off the day - a Pet Blessing for all the pets in attendance

The hostess with the mostess, miss Yo from Bow Wow Coast presenting Kellei from BC First Aid who did a wonderful Pet First Aid demonstration!

Cathrine Ann presented her checks for $500 to the SPCA & Gibsons Wildlife Rehab. Ctr. from her recent local fundraiser - There was also a check for Happy Cat Haven (who were not in attendance)

I have to say it was one of the most amazing Dog loving events I've had the pleasure of attending & participating in!  I do want to take a moment to thank some really amazing people who made this event possible & so incredible - many of these people also donated some generous items for the many wonderful goodie bags & prizes that were given away - so be sure to check out their pages, give them a ton of love & let them know that Paws & Tails Pet Photography sent you!

Vendors Included:

- Yo & the crew from BOW WOW COAST for putting this amazing event together 

- It's All About Me Canine Clothing (for lending us a table & shade too!)

- Kellei from BC First Aid for being the First Aid Attendant & the Pet First Aid Demo

- Duane Burnette for being our Fashion Show MC 

- Cathrine Anne for opening the ceremonies & her donations to the three local animal rescues

- BC SPCA Sunshine Coast

- Cairn Rescue

- Anima Connections

- Digby's Mobile Dog Grooming (who clipped everyones nails yesterday for a donation to the SPCA!)

- Sechelt Animal Hospital

- No Pawblems

- Jude the Puppy Nanny

-Dogs of Distinction

- 4 Paws Apparel 

- Eagle Ridge Vet Hosp.

- The Landing Vet. Clinic

- Mountain & Wave Pet Services

- Quality Garden & Pet

- Best Friends Pet Supplies

 - Grandmothers & Grand Others

- Gibsons Animal Hospital

- Sunshine Coast Pet Hospital

- Bone Appetite Dog Treats

- Sunshine Coast Nannies (who did face painting for all the 2 legged kiddies)

- Sugarpops Kettle Corn 

- Castle Rock Kennels

- Pawsitive Adventures

- Northwest Canadian Greyhound League

Other Prizes Were Also Donated By:

- Gibsons Pet Store

- Tisol Pet stores

- Amore Pet Foods

 - Lucky Monkey Home

- RC Pets

- DNA My Dog

- Earth Rated Poop Bags

- Modern Dog Magazine

- BC Pet Connection Magazine

- Earth Bath

- Treatmore

- Pup Chips

- Aron Pet Foods

- Acana

and now also for a grande finale to this wonderfully long blog post about this off the paw event.....

We had a draw at our table for a free 30 minute outdoor pet session which includes:

a 30 minute outdoor pet photo session

a 30 minute consultation

online private viewing gallery

and 3 medium resolution images on CD!

We had a huge response to our draw and would like to thank EVERYONE who took time to stop by our booth and say hello and also entered the draw! An extra special thanks to the lovely trio of teens who had a pet photo taken for a donation to the SPCA & the lovely lady who dropped off a blanket donation for the SPCA at our booth as well!  

Now.....Drum Roll Please....the Winner is.......

ROSIE KELMAN!

CONGRATULATIONS ROSIE!!!  We cannot wait to photograph you and your wonderful pup!  

Fun in the Sun Summer Celebration Specials

Our Fun in the Sun Summer Celebration Continues with some fun Specials! But be sure to get them while you can! These offers will expire August 10th 2012!

Fun in the Sun Summer Celebration Print Specials!

Print Package 1 Includes:
5 - 5x7's
2 - sheets of wallets (8 images per sheet)

$25.00

Print Package 2 Includes:
10 - 5x7's
4 - sheets of wallets (8 images per sheet)
2 - 8x10's

$50.00

Print Package 3 Includes:
12 - 5x7's
3 - sheets of wallets (8 images per sheet)
2 - 8x10's
2 - 11x14's

$75.00

*Please note*
1/2 of the cost is due when ordering and the balance must be paid in full before prints will be delivered.  Orders will not be placed until 1/2 of the cost is paid.

Fun in the Sun Summer Celebration Session Specials!

Ultra Mini Session Includes:

15 minute outdoor pet photo session

2 low resolution images on CD

1 sheet of wallets (8 images per sheet)

$40.00

Mini Session Includes:

30 minute outdoor pet photo session

4 low resolution images on CD

1 - 8x10 print

$60.00

Full Session Includes:

60 minute outdoor pet photo session

6 low resolution images on CD

1 - 11x14 print

$120.00

*Please Remember: *

all sessions include a FREE 30 minute consultation 

50% of the session fee must be paid at the time of booking - you are NOT considered booked until the deposit is made.  If you cancel your session this money is NOT refundable.  If you do have your session as planned, this money will be used towards the balance of your session fee.  

Sessions also include:  1-2 pets and 1-2 people in the photo.  For extra pets and/or people to be included, there is an extra charge for this.  Be sure to check out our about sessions page to learn more about them & about our sessions & what they include.

Fun in the Sun Summer Celebration Photo Gift Specials!

Only one Gift Special at the moment!

One sheet of Magnets - $25.00

Sheet includes 8 - 2.5x2.5 lustre photos 

*Please note*

1/2 of the cost is due when ordering and the balance must be paid in full before prints will be delivered.  Orders will not be placed until 1/2 of the cost is paid.

Big Events Coming in August & September!

I am so very proud and honoured to announce several tidbits of fantastic news with you all!  It has been an exciting month and I am so happy to say that everything has come together wonderfully and I am now able to share all of this wonderful & exciting news with you all at long last!  


Announcement #1 


As many of you know I have already announced, that I have been asked (and accepted the invitation) to be the official photographer of Bow Wow Coasts 2nd Annual Bark in the Park Event!  The other fun part of this is that I will also be doing a fundraiser for our local SPCA at the same time!  A HUGE HUGE Thank you to both Bow Wow Coast (be sure to check them out on FB here:  https://www.facebook.com/bowwowcoast) and also to our local SPCA Sunshine Coast Branch (be sure to check out their page as well here:  https://www.facebook.com/bcspca.sunshinecoast) for inviting me to be a part of this amazing event! 


So without further ado, here is the scoop on the fundraiser end of things: 

Digital photos will be offered at my booth for $10 with 100% of that going to the SPCA! You can either have the image emailed to you or burnt onto a CD and picked up. I am also offering a special price on 2 print sizes of the images taken - 1/2 the cost will go to print costs & 1/2 will go to the SPCA. 8x10's will be $10 and 11x14's $26.

I will also be sharing a list via twitter & my FB Fan page as soon as it comes in from the SPCA, a list of items they desperately need - and will have a place at my booth for you all to drop them off!  At the end of the event, the SPCA will take it all to the shelter to be put to great use ASAP!

I am however, requesting that as many as possible do RSVP (by emailing me) ASAP so we can coordinate and get as many taken as possible as well as properly cover the event. I will offer drop in's on site as I'm available to do so. You can RSVP by emailing me at: pawsandtails@hotmail.ca or leave me a note on my FB Event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/394574917257926/)

Here is the scoop on the Bark in the Park Event (August 12 2012 at Shirley Macy Park in Gibsons from Noon - 5pm) - which is going to be spectacular! Here are just a FEW of the treats in store for those who attend!!! (you can find out more by checking out the FB event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/405390769496696/)

some amazing dog activities:

• a doggy fashion show
• costume contest
• owner/dog 'look a like' contest
• many games/contests
• dog trainer demonstrations
• all natural doggy cake (and a people cake)
• nail clipping
• pet portraits/photographer
• pet blessings
• DOGGY FIRST AID on site
• kids FACE PAINTING
• information tables from our local dog community businesses/rescues/services
• our local SPCA will be in attendance...
...and much, much more. 

earthbath is gonna be sending us some sweet stuff for our sWAG bags! PLUS AMORE pets foods (http://amorepetfoods.com/)... AND Aron Pet Food - Healthy K9 are contributing goodies for sWAG and prizes too... Not only are we gonna have FUN at the a BARK in the PARK party (https://www.facebook.com/events/405390769496696/) but OUR pups are gonna be WELL FED with some seriously tastey and HEALTHY snax! 
MORE GOODIES for y'all from: ACANA, DNA My Dog (1 kit), Pupchips and TreatMore! PRIZES for a few lucky contest winners will include sweet sterling silver BoW wOw Coast Limited Run Dog Tags (that you can have your pups name put on) from Lucky Monkey Home... There will also be all natural, essential oil DOGGY soap in the sWAG bags made especially for our party by Lucky Monkey Home. Tisol have contributed some fun stuff for prizes! Sunshine Coast Nannies will be on site doing face painting for the kids! Earth Rated have contributed their incredible biodegradeble POOP bags for our sWAG bags and contest prizes! Our OFFICIAL Doggy First Aid Providers and the Doggy First Aid Demo will be BC First Aid.. BC's Pet Connection Magazine that they'll be contributing to our (s)WAG bags/prizes for the BoW wOw Coast 2nd Annual Dog Park Party: a BARK in the PARK! Can WE get a WoOf wOoF!!!
MORE GOODIES for y'all from: ACANA, DNA My Dog (1 kit), Pupchips and TreatMore! PRIZES for a few lucky contest winners will include sweet sterling silver BoW wOw Coast Limited Run Dog Tags (that you can have your pups name put on) from Lucky Monkey Home... There will also be all natural, essential oil DOGGY soap in the sWAG bags made especially for our party by Lucky Monkey Home. Tisol have contributed some fun stuff for prizes! Sunshine Coast Nannies will be on site doing face painting for the kids! Earth Rated have contributed their incredible biodegradeble POOP bags for our sWAG bags and contest prizes! Our OFFICIAL Doggy First Aid Providers and the Doggy First Aid Demo will be BC First Aid.. BC's Pet Connection Magazine that they'll be contributing to our (s)WAG bags/prizes for the BoW wOw Coast 2nd Annual Dog Park Party: a BARK in the PARK! Can WE get a WoOf wOoF!!!


Announcement # 2:

I am proud to announce as well that I will be participating in the amazing Quality Garden & Pet
Festival! We will have a booth there and are looking very forward to seeing you all there on September 8th
from 11am-3pm!  As soon as there are links or any other information available I will be sure to pass it along!
(be sure to check out Quality Garden & Pet here:  http://www.qualitygardenandpet.com/ )

Announcement # 3

I am also proud to announce that I have been asked (and accepted) the invitation from our local BC SPCA
Sunshine Coast Branch to be their official photographer at the amazing PAWS FOR A CAUSE event on the Sunshine Coast which will take place on September 9th at Cliff Gilker Park!!!  (you can learn more about PAWS FOR A CAUSE here:   http://support.spca.bc.ca/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=1430 )  I will also have a booth at this event and will, much like at the Bark in the Park Event, be bouncing between my booth & the event photos!  I look very forward to seeing you all there and I am so honoured and proud to have been asked to be a part of a great cause!  I cannot wait!  As more information with this event becomes available I will be sure to share more fun details with you all as well!  

So there you have it! 3 very exciting events coming up that I am very excited and honoured to be a part of!

I hope to see you all at all 3 of these amazing events! Be sure to check out BC SPCA, Bow Wow Coast & Quality Garden & Pet and give them a ton of love for putting these amazing events together! They ROCK! Also be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wonderful photos from all three of these events coming up!

Birthday Bonanza Specials!

Be sure to take advantage of these super limited time Birthday Bonanza Offers! 

These offers expire as of July 31 2012 so be sure to book & order NOW before they disappear!

Birthday Bonanza Print Specials!
Be sure to capture these limited time savings! They will expire on July 31st 2012!
Orders must be placed before July 31st!!

The Chihuahua Package - $50.00 (save $20!)
Includes:  10 - 5x7 & 2 sheets of wallet sized

The Bulldog Package - $ 85.00 (save $45!!)
Includes: 15 - 5x7, 3 - 8x10 & 2 sheets of wallet sized

The Great Dane Package - $125 (Save 50%!)
Includes:  20 - 5x7, 4 - 8x10, 4 - 11x14 & 4 sheets of wallet sized


Birthday Bonanza Session Specials!
Be sure to capture these limited time savings! They will expire on July 31st 2012!
Sessions must be booked & completed before July 31st 2012!!!

15 minute ultra mini photo session  $40.00
 - 15 minute photo session
 -  3 edited low res. images on CD
 -  online private photo gallery
 -  2 - 5x7 prints

30 minute outdoor mini photo session $60.00
  -30 minute photo session
  - 5 edited low res. images on CD
  - online private photo gallery
  - 8x10 print

60 minute outdoor photo session $125.00
   -60 minute photo session
    - 7 edited low res. images on CD
    - online private photo gallery
    - 11x14 print


Birthday Bonanza Photo Gift Specials!
Be sure to capture these limited time savings! They will expire on July 31st 2012!
Orders must be placed before July 31st!!

4x5 Image Folio - $75.00  (Save 50%!!!)
About:  Two photo prints are laminated & mounted before being affixed to the folio.  There are various options for cover & lamination styles available to suit your own taste!

Accordian Brag Book (Set of 3) & Custom card set of 25 - 5x7 cards (with envelopes) $125  (Save $25)

Bark in the Park & SPCA Fundrasier!

We are very happy & proud to announce that we are going to be the Official Event Photographer for Bow Wow Coast's 2nd Annual Bark in the Park Event at Shirley Macey Park in Gibsons on August 12, 2012 from noon-5pm!!!

As many of you also know I wanted to do a fundraiser for our local SPCA for my Birthday as part of my "birthday wish" however, it falls on a Wed. and I was hoping to do it on the following weekend - but that is Sea Cavelcade weekend....so after consulting with the wonderful folks at BoW wOw Coast & BC SPCA Sunshine Coast Branch we coordinated to do my birthday wish fundraiser at the Bark in the Park Event instead!!!

So here's the scoop! Digital photos will be offered at my booth for $10 with 100% of that going to the SPCA! You can either have the image emailed to you or burnt onto a CD and picked up. I am also offering a special price on 2 print sizes of the images taken - 1/2 the cost will go to print costs & 1/2 will go to the SPCA. 8x10's will be $10 and 11x14's $26.

I am however, requesting that as many as possible do RSVP (by emailing me at pawsandtails@hotmail.ca) ASAP so we can coordinate and get as many taken as possible as well as properly cover the event. I will offer drop in's on site as I'm available to do so.

This event is going to be a blast with tons of fun contests, games, demonstrations, goodie bags and more! So be sure to spread the word and don't forget to RSVP a special photo with your furry friends and help out our local SPCA as well!

A HUGE HUGE THANK YOU to BOW WOW COAST & our local SPCA for making this Birthday Wish come true!

Shawntel & Rudiger on the Beach

Today was finally the day that the sun decided to come out and play so that Shawntel, Rudiger and I could, at long last, play on the beach and do their photo shoot!  Shawntel was our first place winner in our Mother's Day Contest and I was thrilled to day to finally be able to have some beach side fun with her and Rudiger.  Here are a few sneak peeks at some of our fun on the beach.  Rudiger might be 10 years old but he sure doesn't know that he is lol He had us running and tromping all along the beach!  We had a blast and just as our hour ended....the clouds came back and let us know our time in the sun was over.  I hope you enjoy the sneak peeks as much as we enjoyed taking them!  Thank you so much Shawntel & Rudiger for an amazing and giggle filled shoot!  Rudiger you are a handsome lil rockstar! 

Sue & Miss Bre

Today I got to photograph one of our Mother's Day Contest Winners!  Sue and her amazing pup, Miss Bre came in second place in our contest and were so much fun to photograph! We had fun up at Kinnickinnick Park playing Soccer and taking her photograph!  It was a beautiful and toasty morning and was a great way to kick off an amazing weekend and start to summer!  Here area  few sneak peeks at their session!

Remember! This is the PERFECT time to book a session! The weather is fantastic and our local scenery is nothing short of mesmerizing & stunning! Thank you so much ladies for an amazing morning! I had an amazing time with you both!!!!

The Gibsons Seawall & The Before I Die Wall....

I know I normally only post animal/pet related things on this blog page, but this one is rather unique and special to me, so I'm sharing it on here as well today..... 

On Sunday I took a trip down into Gibsons and, after hearing about the new addition to the Seawall, I had to go down and explore it.  I love walking down there, there are some fantastic murals, a great waterfall, and tons of beautiful flowers out in full bloom at this time of year....

 and then there are the ships in the marina....

And of course one of the things I wanted most to see, the Before I Die Wall.  This is an amazing wall that I had first heard about last year when I still lived in Alberta when this link about it got shared with me....

http://candychang.com/before-i-die-in-nola/

I was very touched by this concept, so when I heard that there was one that had been put up here in Gibsons, I had to rush down to go check it out, even if it was pouring down rain.  Here are a few photos I took of our little Before I Die wall here, I cannot wait to make more trips down there while it is up and keep checking out the new additions to it as time goes on.  I also was amazed to find out this morning, that they also posted a wall in Vancouver....so be sure to keep your eyes peeled! You never know where one might pop up!

http://www.globaltvbc.com/blackboard+bucket+list+charts+lifes+biggest+goals/6442645996/story.html

So out of curiosity, what would you add to this great bucket-list wall?  

Happy Mothers Day

First of all I want to wish all the mommas out there, be your children have 4 paws or 2 legs, a very happy and wonderful Mother's Day today!  I don't have any human kids but I have 2 beautiful fur-kids; Lisa-Lee & Poly-Ana who are the lights in my world.  To all the amazing mommas out there, my own included, I hope you all have an amazing day and thank you for all you do!  You are all beautiful, wonderful and amazing women! 

Miss Lisa-Lee - Easter 2012

Miss Poly-Ana - Easter 2012

Now, onto what I know all of you have been waiting for on pins and needles and dying to know all morning lol Especially you wonderful women who entered our first Mother's Day Contest!  All of your entries touched me very much and you all worked very hard to collect some votes too!  So first and foremost let me say a HUGE thank you to you all for entering and sharing your beautiful stories and wonderful fur-kids with us!  In my book you are all amazing and are all winners and I am so very glad I did not have to choose!

However, that said, I am going to do something special for our wonderful entrants that shared their beautiful stories with us all - that might be a little bit unexpected.....but first a reminder of our contestants and their entries...lol (I know I'm being incredibly cruel drawing this out aren't I? LOL)

Michelle & Poncho

This is awesome I was just going through my pics and the only one I can find of me and my dog is from maybe 1 1/2 ago and he will be two in april 27th my name is Michelle and my best friend is named poncho in this shot is is maybe 45 lbs and now he is almost 150 lbs of love so having a mother's day pic with him would be awesome lol this pic is from aug 2010

Shawntel & Rudiger

Hi I would love to have a professional photo of myself and my pup (although he is 10 years old haha) done. My husband, me, and our dog Rudiger just moved to the sunshine coast at the end of March from the city. Our family is all back in the lower mainland. We have never had a professional photo shoot done with our dog, but it would be great to have some quality family photos to send to our family. Our family is constantly calling and asking how both of us as well as our dog Rudiger is, and how much they miss him now that they can't see him on a regualr basis. I would love to send them a photo, one that they could proudly display. I always knew that I don't have any great photos of myself and my dog but after looking through my pictures for this contest I realized that I don't have many photos of us together, and the ones I do have are definatley not worth sending our family.

Diane & Kaiser

Here's a picture of Diane, my partner/spouse, and one of her two pugs. This is Kaiser, 'the baby'. The pugs have been Diane's children for over 11 years, and they are getting on and starting to fail a bit. I would love to have a professionally shot portrait of her and her two boys - the day is coming that they will pass on, and having a beautiful photo would be a touchstone for her. She's never had pets of her own before.

The pugs are very photogenic but Diane has a terrible habit of talking, making 'homey' hand gestures, tilting her head funny (see exhibit A) or looking at the dog(s) rather than the camera. We need your help! I really don't want to have to see a ridiculous pose or mid-mouthful of words picture to immortalize the three of them together.

Sue & Bre

Hi, attached is a picture of my Bre with me. It's not exactly a flattering picture ... however she loves to climb onto my lap and get a scratch on her legs and butt!!

would love to win and get a professional picture!!

And now the results of the Voting....... 

In first place with a whopping 18 votes is....... drum roll please........

SHAWNTEL & RUDIGER!

followed very closely behind with another whopping 16 votes and you two ladies were neck in neck and swapping places for the past couple days! It was a very close race between you two for sure!!!!...is....

SUE & BRE

In third place with 8 votes was....

DIANE & KAISER

and last but certainly not least - our very first entry.....who earned 5 votes (and you two ladies were also neck in neck the past couple days as well btw! LOL)... is.....

MICHELLE & PONCHO

So now you know who came in what place! It was a very close race for 1st and 2nd and another tight one between 3rd and 4th! You all had me on the edge of my seat right up until midnight last night!

Now all of you in my eyes are definitely winners! And I'd make you all winners if I could....oh wait.....this IS my contests so I guess I could....and it is mother's day after all.....and I know this is something that would make my own momma and my two fur-kids smile too ....so .....I am going to change things up a little bit ... in a good way....and I hope you all don't mind :)  

So.... Shawntel & Rudiger and also Sue & Bre - you ladies worked your tail feathers off working hard for those votes and had me on the edge of my seat as you two swapped places throughout the contest!  You two are BOTH going to receive a prize of a free 60 minute outdoor pet paw-trait session which will include 5 edited images on CD  as well <3   

But, Diane & Kaiser and Michelle & Poncho you worked pretty darn hard too so you two ladies will BOTH be receiving a free 30 minute outdoor mini paw-trait session which will include 3 edited images on CD.  

Please be sure to email me ladies or call me and book when you would like to have your sessions done!

I would also like to add a personal note to each of our contestants as well...

Shawntel & Rudiger - I very much understand what its like to move and to want to share beautiful photos of your fur-babies with your family! Especially when they are so close to your fur-babies! I hope you enjoy your session and your new photos that you will get to share of you and Rudiger in and enjoying your new home!  PS Welcome to the Sunshine Coast!!!

Sue & Bre - Your photo really made me giggle! What a silly and playful pup miss Bre is! She reminds me of my girl Poly-Ana who also loves to climb up high and smother me (sometimes literally lol) with affection!  I know we will have a blast capturing your fun spirits and loving bond!

Diane & Kaiser - your story really touched me extra close! I know too well how special those memories are especially after your special fur-babies pass on to the rainbow bridge and how much it hurts when you don't have any too!  I look very forward to capturing your extra special bond into some very special memories that you will all treasure long after these special fur-kids go to the rainbow bridge to wait for you <3

Michelle & Poncho - I cannot wait to help you to update your photos of your now much bigger Poncho! I know we will have a blast capturing your bond together!!!

I hope all of you have an amazing & super spectacular Mother's Day and hopefully this posting has made it a little brighter today!  Many big hugs from me and my girls to all of you!  

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY EVERYONE!

TNT Calendar Shoot - Pet Photos

Last July I was very honoured when my friend and fellow photographer, Kelly from LaCrosse Photography asked if I would help her with a very special project.  She would be working on a Calendar that would help raise money for Breast Cancer.  This is something near and dear to my heart because in 2003 my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 Breast Cancer; and thankfully, she fought it and so far has won.  The calendar would be starring our amazing friends Kathy & Ged; who are the owners of the Sheer Insanity Monster Truck Racing Team.  Ged drives Sheer Insanity while Kathy, who is also the only female Monster Truck driver in Canada; drives the hot pink camo coloured TNT.  TNT is driven to help raise Breast Cancer awareness & fundraise as well.  Kathy & Ged are two of the most amazing people I have ever met and I am very proud to call them friends.  (be sure to check out Kathy's website about her fundraising and amazing truck TNT - CRUSHING FOR THE CURE!)

It was a very long shoot (we clocked in around 12 hours) on the acreage that Kathy & Ged own and live on with their two dogs, two horses and cats as well.  I found out that the coulees can be as hot as an asphalt
tarmac when it comes to reflecting the heat as the temps soared to over 30C.  Despite the heat however, we had an amazing time and while we shot, there was also an amazing BBQ going on simultaneously so there were tons of great people and fun to be had.  

While Kelly shot the photos for the calendar itself, I was in charge of taking pull back shots of her working (the behind the scenes if you will); the BBQ photographs as well as photographing the Canines & Equines.  

With so much chaos going on while I still lived in Medicine Hat, it has taken a long time to finally be able to announce that ALL my pet photos from the shoot have finally been completed.  Here are just a few of my favourite photos from this shoot!   You can also check out Kelly's blog post about our adventuresome day on her blog HERE as well!

I hope you all enjoy these photos as much as we all do and that you all check out the amazing SHEER INSANITY RACING TEAM & LACROSSE PHOTOGRAPHY as well!  I cannot thank them both enough for sharing this amazing day with them, it was a day I will never forget!