All of the elements required for a perfect shoot came together amazingly on a nippy autumn day last month. For two days before the shoot northern Vermont was hit very hard by rain and wind. I watched as every last maple leaf finally fell from my favorite tree in our front yard, wondering how I would be able to do a “fall foliage” shoot with bare sticks and mud. Fortunately the weather cleared for the shoot. When I puttered up the road to meet with Jeanine, Melissa, and Crystal and their models I was horrified, as I had expected, by the lack of color on the trees along the road. My frown turned upside down though when I pulled into the driveway to find a nearly unscathed outdoor studio – beautiful color all around, rock walls, green grass, and out-standing natural light!
When Jeanine and Melissa pulled up a few minutes later they explained that car keys had been locked in a car, then they got a flat tire on the way there. This session was a treat from Jeanine to Melissa and Crystal for being there for her through a move, an ended relationship, a new job, and well, everything lately. I had really wanted for Jeanine to just be able to have a fun day with her girls and her dogs (and kitty!), and after a few more bumps, that’s exactly what she got. Jeanine is a wonderful trainer and all three ladies have great dog sense, so I knew that this would be a relaxed, happy session.
Let’s meet the models, shall we?
Bella is Crystal's shepherd. Since she and Papaya don't always get along, we started the session with Bella while Py chilled out inside. When I first arrived Bella tried to pretend that she was a serious sheppie, but it didn't take too long before I saw right through that. Of course, she had to prove my worthiness with a game of fetch first.
Awww, Bella. This is one of my favorites of her. Of course, I may be biased since my own sheppie, Maple, loves sticks too and gets those same floppy ears when she chews them to bits.
Note the beer can. It's one of Bella's favorite toys.
Oh wait, are you going to start posing seriously?
Nope.
SoBe, the lankiest dog in the world, is almost constantly in motion, but he did stop and look majestic for me a few times. Thanks SoBe!
And off he goes!
SoBe and his little brother Flick.
I think you could have outrun him, SoBe.
Papaya joined the chase to help Flick bring him down!
Don't worry, they love each other.
Here's the cutie Papaya! She just started to learn agility and I think she'll be great at it. She's attentive, careful, and high energy.
Too cute, Py. Too cute.
Flick, basking in front of the lens.
The sun peeked out of the clouds for just a minute, then it was gone again.
Flick, you are one handsome dude!
Jeanine even got in on the fun!
The three pals together.
Ok, moving indoors now to Moose's wild jungle.
Jeanine found Moose by the side of the road. He's one lucky kitty!
Although if he knew he'd be doing stupid dog tricks, maybe he'd have hidden in the grass
Seriously Moose, you're killing me with all your cute.
The dogs had to wait *patiently* outside when it was Moose's turn. SoBe got a little impatient and opened the door on his own. Moose was not happy to have his photo shoot invaded.
I was treated to this view of Mount Mansfield on my way down the hill after the shoot. The rain and wind tried to ruin things, but we lucked out after all.
Well, there’s not much more I can say other than that was a really fun session. It was easily one of my favorites! Thank you ladies!
Peace and Furballs,
~Kelly
.png)
.png)
.jpg)
.png)
.png)