Tito Tuesday ~ Hyde Park Pet Photographer

When one is stuck inside a tiny apartment all day due to massive amounts of rainfall you tend to get a little stir crazy. I call it creative crazy as I just came up with a new weekly blog I will be posting, Tito Tuesday. My shih tzu, Tito, is kind of a low key guy. He keeps to himself and remains quite a mystery to all he meets. Therefore every Tuesday I will be updating everyone and something new that we did during the past week. Today, being one of our first full days of torrential rain I decided to write about that. The rain doesn't bother Tito. Infact he likes to frolic and run in light rainfall making it super fun for mommie. Most of my morning was spent editing photos so as I glanced down at my little guy staring back up at me were these two sad eyes. I know he was bored but whats a gal to do? So finally when the rain subsided a little bit we went outside. I thought there was going to be a little more enthusiasm as it had been hours since smelling the fresh air. Instead, Tito just laid down in our alley, right next to a large puddle. He was simply looking for a change of scenery. Stay tuned for next weeks episode of Tito Tuesday.

Canvas Prints ~ St. Petersburg Pet Photographer

It was a typical Monday morning. I woke up, did some yoga, and then checked my email while drinking my morning caffeine. Nothing really stood out until I got down to about the 8th email. 30 % off any order with Simply Canvas. I glanced at it, thought about it, and kept going onto the next email. That afternoon I returned back to that email and further investigate this 30% off sale. Now, I had used other canvas print companies before and been satisfied so I wasn't sure if I wanted to go with a different one. On the other hand I was planning on purchasing some large canvases for my pet studio and 30% off makes a substantial difference. Well, as it turns out I ordered four large canvases.They range in size from 11 x 14 ( black french bull dog), 16 x 20 ( Red Coonhound), up to 20 x 30 ( golden pup and shepherd mix). My only regret, that I didn't order more. I was very pleased with the way my canvases turned out and the customer service that was provided by Simply Canvas. These prints will be hanging in my studio next week, which I am super excited about. However, there is one that I'm not sure is going to make it. You see, I fell in love with this canvas of Combo and so preceded to hang it on my wall in my house. I like it so much I don't think I can share it with my studio. Guess we will just wait and see next week.

Big Boy Blue ~ South Tampa Pet Photographer

If I could only take one lens with me on a pet shoot I would have to say that my 20 mm 2.8 would be the lens of choice. And while I have about 8 other lenses on my wish list, the 20 mm is like good ol' faithful. That being said I wanted to expand past my comfort zone and work with one of my other lenses. Thus enters the Nikon 50 mm 1.8 and Big Boy Blue. Blue is my neighbors dog whom I had the pleasure of puppy sitting last Thursday. The owners were having an open house and thought it might be easier with everyone coming in and out to have Blue in a different spot. Thus enters my assistance. I took Blue and my pup Tito to the dog park in an attempt to wear out this 2 year old lab....Ha! Wear out a 2 year old lab? What an oxymoron. It did tire him out enough to sit still for me once we were back at my apartment for some puppy pictures. Here are some of my favorites. And all of these were captured with the 1.8. Check out how straight his teeth are in the last shot....Boy has better pearly whites than me :)

Tito's Travels ~ Tampa Pet Photographer

Yesterday I finished an article on Pet Travel for the Dog Travel Network. I can't really say too much about the article because I'm uncertain as to when Courtney and Bree will post it on their website. But rest assure, its gonna be a good one. I also sent them some super cute pictures of my pup, Tito and our flight home in April. Stay tuned for the article but until then here are a few shots of my man :)

Ms. Gracie ~ St. Petersburg Pet Photographer

Meet Grace. This precious little girl has grown substantially since I last photographed her. But considering she is a Great Dane that's pretty much all they do for the first 2 years. Her mom called me and asked us to take some pictures of her 1. Her birthday is coming up and she wants to document her growth 2. Because Gracie's dad is a HUGE penguins fan and apparently they just won the Stanley Cup, so she wanted a few shots of Grace in a Penguins jersey. I apologize for not being more sports oriented but I had no idea hockey was still going on!
Even more exciting than all of this, Grace will be having her puppy party in July and I am going to be the photographer. Much for to come with Grace but for right now here are a few of my favorite shots.

Roxy ~ South Tampa Pet Photographer

So as I said in the previous post, Rusty and Roxy were my super models on Monday. Roxy, having a little more pep in her step than Rusty allowed us to try a whole bunch of angles, props and backdrops. Here are a few of my fav. 

And again, anyone who is looking for an awesome hair stylist contact Tanya at Rocco's in Safety Harbor.

Rusty ~ Pet Photographer Safety Harbor

On Monday I had the privilege of photographing to adorable pups, Rusty and Roxy. Their names blend together as if they were meant to be. Rusty, the older and wiser of the two is nearing nine years old. He has a slightly whiter face than he used to but that doesn't stop him from being the greatest sweetheart to anyone he meets. And Roxy is the spunky super star that wouldn't stop smiling. I had a blast with these two loves and their owner Tanya who is an uber talented hair stylist at Rocco's in Safety Harbor.

We got to experiment with some different backgrounds and props. Most of the experimenting was done on Roxy because Tanya informed me that Rusty's only specialty was laying down for photographs. I totally understand. It's hot, he's a little bit older....Do whatever you feel like doing. These are a few of my favorite of Rusty.

Pawsitivley Pictures ~ The interview with Packs and Paws

I was really flattered when pet blogger, Jorge of Packs & Paws contacted me the other week. He really dug my style of pet photography and wanted to do an interview with the artist for his blog. I was totally stoked. Check out the interview, and the pictures by clicking here.

Gunner ~ Pet Portrait Session: Tampa Pet Photographer

Meet Gunner. A Beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback. I had the pleasure of photographing him in my studio on Sunday morning with owner Shelly. Gunner was one of the most well behaved dogs I have ever shot. Did you know they were originally bred to hunt and help kill lions? Not this pretty boy. In fact Shelly told me he prefers lizards and squirrels to lions. Regardless of his preference, we were able to get some super cute pics of Gunner which Shelly is excited to use as a Father's Day present for her boyfriend (Gunner's dad). I can't wait to hear what he thinks! But until then here is a sneak peak at Gunner's studio session with Pawsitively Pictures.

P.S. What do you all think of my super amazing yard sale find? This vintage chair was purchased for $20 at a Tuesday afternoon neighborhood sale. LOVE It! And LOVE the fact that I got a chance to use it on a gorgeous dog.

Tito's Trip : Turtle Beach Resort

The Trip Through Tito's Eyes:

I Ruv The Beach. I Ruv Wrizards(lizards). I caught one and almost ate it until mom grabbed it out of my mouth. I swam. I sniffed. I swept(slept). I Ruv My Mom And Me Getaways. 

Pet Friendly Getaway ~ Turtle Beach Resort

I knew this was going to be an amazing trip when I opened the front gate to the cottage and Tito charged ahead trying to get every single lizard that immediately scattered upon our arrival.There were hammocks, hot tubs, and big outdoor porches. I felt like I was back in Jamaica at my island cottage. Above all, Tito, my four year old shih tzu was permitted anywhere on the property. No restrictions. Sure, if he is in a public place (like the pool, grilling and fishing area) he has to be leashed. Totally understandable. Both days, we kayaked to this beach, only accessible by boat. Imagine the length of three football fields, tri-colored beach grains, and not a soul there besides me and my dog. I have never seen a bigger smile on Tito as he ran up and down the surf line. It was a wonderful two day getaway that brought some much needed rest and relaxation. Located in Siesta Key the resort is called Turtle Beach Resort. It has ten Caribbean style cottages varying from studio to two bedroom cottages. I encourage everyone, especially in the Florida area, to check it out. 

Ms. Maggie - St. Petersburg Pet Photographer

I was excited to get the opportunity to shoot Maggie last Sunday. Maggie is a super sweet dog and an absolute Daddy's girl. From the moment they walked into the studio Maggie only had eyes for her dad. In fact, she wouldn't dare look anywhere else besides him. Getting her to glance at the camera was a little bit challenging but I finally discovered the trick. Ms. Maggie is very bribeable (yes, bribeable is not a word, however I liked it in the sentence) with Nutro Lamb and Rice sticks :) Here are a few of my favorite shots.

Sneek Peak....The Getaway

May was an action packed month for us. There were shoots, editing, proofs, client consultations, business opportunities and more. Needless to say I was looking forward to a few days off in June. Last minute (actually Sunday night before I prepared to leave Monday morning) I stumbled across a pet friendly destination about an hour South of me. The price was right and availability was there. Here are a couple of pictures from Tito and my trip to the Turtle Beach Resort in Siesta Key. Much more to come. But Tito is just so precious I couldn't go without  blogging immediately.