Miscellaneous Mischief

Vermont Professional Photographers Annual Print Competition

alphadog — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:35:03 +0000

This past weekend I had the pleasure of reuniting with many familiar faces and meeting new friends at the annual convention of the Vermont Professional Photographers (VPP). I learned a great deal from our members, from our guest speakers, and from the judges at the print competition. Print competition has taught me a great deal about bringing an idea from concept to finished work. Yes, it’s a lot of time and yes, it’s an expensive endeavor. But, my clients benefit because they know that I can produce competition quality portraits for them. This year all of my competition prints were selected from client-based work and I aimed for a variety of subjects, poses, and lighting styles. Over the next few years as I compete at the international level and provide service to the industry I will earn merits towards my Master of Photography degree. As of now I’m almost half way there.

But, you probably want to see the images from this weekend, right? Ok, here they are!

"Catch Me If You Can" scored 78 points, a red ribbon. This image also scored 81 points, a blue ribbon, at a previous competition. Featured is Maggie, who lives at the Charlotte Berry Farm. The image was flipped horizontally for competition, so you may already be familiar with the original version.

"The Tipping Point" illustrates that competitions can be unpredictable. It scored a very high 89 points and won the VPP mini print competition a few months back. This weekend it failed to impress most of the judges as much as I had hoped and scored 79 points, a red ribbon. One of the judges was quite enamored though and presented it with her Judge's Award. The model here is Spiderman, a kitten from HSCC that I photographed last summer.

"Hello, Spot!" scored 80 points, a blue ribbon. Each photographer hopes for a score of at least 80 points because that is the point at which an image may merit at the international level, getting us closer to a degree. I love this portrait of Jack Maroo, a Smile For A Cure client from last summer. This image has also been flipped horizontally for competition. I still love the original, but I also like to see how various changes to composition can affect a score.

"The Soul of the Panther" scored 81 points, another blue ribbon. This is Maximus, a very suave HSCC kitty from last summer. I adore this cat.

One more image, which I can’t show until the official release of the 2013 HSCC calendar, is “No Strings Attached!” and scored 82 points, a blue ribbon. I guess you’ll just have to order a copy and check out the October theme!

"Evening Slumber" scored 85 points. This is the highest scoring image at the state level that I have received. This portrait of Bella, my grandparent's dog, won the Certified Professional Photographer Award for the highest scoring print by a CPP, a Court of Honor Award, and the Best In Show Black and White Award. Wow. My knees were a little weak and my heart was beating so fast when I walked up to accept 3 awards for this portrait. My grandparents have this print hanging in their home and they absolutely cherish it.

The next step in the competition process for this year is to select 4 images to move on to the international level. There is no national level because the Professional Photographers of America is a worldwide association and people compete from all over the globe. Last year was my first year competing and 3 out of 4 images received a merit. Not bad for a first go.

Peace, Purrs, and Tail Wags,

~Kelly

2011 Holiday Cards

alphadog — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:22:25 +0000

I know… it’s not even Halloween yet and already I’m showing you my holiday card offerings. It makes a HUGE difference to have them on time though, doesn’t it? Between design time and shipping it’s a comfortable 2-3 week turnaround. I’ve trimmed down the design options to my most popular choices last year but I’ve added boutique card shapes. These fun flat cards are cut to shape and really stand out in the crowd. New this year is also the ability to add smaller sets after your initial 25. This is great for those of you with smaller mailing lists that need something between 25 and 50 cards!

Choosing your custom cards is easy to do:

1) What’s your style? Basic Flat Cards come in 4.5×5 and 5×7 sizes and start at $80 for the first set. Basic Folded Cards also come in 4.5×5 and 5×7 sizes and start at $99 for the first set. Boutique Cards come in 5×5 and 5×7 sizes and also start at $99 for the first set. Any design can be applied to any card shape. These prices are good until November 15.

NEW Boutique Card shapes for this year!

2) Add color. Green Garland, Rustic Snowflakes, Howlidays, or choose no design and I’ll fit your images to fill the card’s entire face. If you have multiple critters don’t worry, all designs can fit as many images as you need.

Rustic Snowflakes

Green Garland

Howlidays

Let the image fill the frame when you choose "No Style".

3) Get your creative juices flowing. Add text to any design to complete your holiday greeting. I’ve seen a lot of great variety here, from a simple wish for peace to a poem depicting the year’s major events.

4) Don’t forget the paper! Semi-gloss is the standard greeting card paper we’re all familiar with. Watercolor is my very favorite because it adds beautiful texture to make your friends and family want to hold on to your card. Art Recycled is a flat matte card made from recycled paper but is still lovely. Pearl adds a little shimmer and warmth to your cards.

Ready to order? Send me an email at Kelly@MountainDogPhotography.net to make sure your gallery is ready to view. Then proceed to “The Store” section of my shop at www.MountainDogPhotography.net/store and click on “Holiday Cards”. You’ll find detailed instructions for ordering when you click on the card of your choice.

I always have fun designing cards for my clients because no two are ever alike. I’m looking forward to helping you this year!

Peace and Tail Wags,

~Kelly

Galley, Draco, Hercules, and the Chickens! :: Vermont Animal Photographer

alphadog — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:55:17 +0000

I first met Galley at last year’s Home Fur the Holidays when her mom brought her in for holiday portraits. As you might imagine, many heads turned to see the 150 pound mastiff/great dane mix excitedly make her way through the crowd. Galley was a fantastic, wonderfully expressive girl despite the onlookers and noise. When her mom expressed interest in a full session at her home to include her other dog, kitties, and chickens I made a note in my “future sessions” book and thought about how fun that spring session would be. Unfortunately, Galley’s best dog bud, Ursa, passed away in late winter. As heartbreaking as that is, I am glad that her family has many portraits of their own to remember her by.

A few months later we scheduled a lovely early summer’s evening for Galley, her kitty brothers Draco and Hercules, and a beautiful flock of free ranging hens. Everyone made their mom and dad proud, as you can see below…

We started the session with Galley, in the stream behind their house. She looooves water!

Galley was not particularly impressed with my squeaky toy. She much preferred to see it tossed in the air. I ended up making a slight miscalculation (holding a camera steady in one hand and tossing a ball in the other is tricky business). The ball ended up in the stream and floated away... but this portrait was totally worth it

Did I mention that Galley loooves water?

We headed back inside for some indoor portraits... being a big dog can be exhausting!

Once Galley had a bit of a rest and thoroughly dried herself off on the couch she showed me another of her favorite spots in her cool log cabin.

Draco (pictured above) and his brother Hercules started out their portrait session as typical cats... completely unimpressed, didn't want to stay put, and definitely had better things to do. They must have mustered up a year's worth of "give a damn" though because they were incredible models. I am thrilled that these elderly gentlemen opened up for me and the camera. I know their mom and dad adore these portraits.

Draco, rockin' out to his invisible piano

Handsome Hercules! He really tried the hardest to be unimpressed.

"Hey Draco, do you think there are extra treats for us?" "There better be. I'm only here for the sunshine though. This is SO humiliating"

Fortunately for the cats we lost the good light in the house. Outside though it was just getting to that delicious golden hour and the hens were still foraging and enjoying the warmth. These girls were very easy to work with as they were inquisitive and worked for bread crumbs

Thank you to April and Tony for having me out to photograph your pup, pride, and flock. They’re all so photogenic!

I’ve seen April and Galley at a number of dog events this summer and April gave me the BEST compliment I’ve ever received “I need more animals so I have a good excuse to have you back!”

Peace, Tail Wags, Catnip, and Bread Crumbs,

~Kelly

Vermont Smile For A Cure Photographer!

alphadog — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 01:50:55 +0000

I’m excited! Recently I joined a number of other pet photographers involved with the Smile For A Cure pet photography charity. A full 100% of my “Smile” session fees will be donated to the National Canine Cancer Foundation during the month of September 2011!

The way the program works is simple:

1) I have pledged to donate all of my session fees for a minimum of 3 Smile sessions during the month of September 2011. My goal is 4 Smile sessions and $1000 raised.

2) You can expect the same dedication, time and quality for a Smile session as any of my regular portrait sessions. The difference is that you are making a contribution to a cause that is close to both our hearts and getting custom portraiture at the same time. A win for you obviously, a win for NCCF, and a win for me for getting to meet and photograph more fur kids!

3) If you are interested in a Smile session contact me at Kelly@MountainDogPhotography.net or 802-989-5707 to get more information or to schedule.

4) Instead of paying me for the session, make your donation directly to the National Canine Cancer Foundation via Smile For A Cure’s donation page. My base session fee is $225 but may be more depending on the number of critters you have. The session fee must be donated before our session. For anyone who donates an extra $100 I will include a spiral bound 5×5″ proof book from their session!

Again, Smile sessions are only available in September this year. Next year I will be offering Smile sessions for 2 months but I’m not sure which yet. So, book now!

Peace and Furballs,

~Kelly

In honor of my first two dogs, Tristan and Samantha, who died within two weeks of each other due to cancer.

In memory of so many others who have fought as well.

Hogan’s Calendar Shoot :: Vermont Dog Photographer

alphadog — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 18:13:29 +0000

I’ve been waiting to write this blog post for a while. Early this spring I found out about The Unexpected Pit Bull, a volunteer group of rescue pitty enthusiasts, was opening submissions to their 2012 calendar to HeARTS Speak members. Dogs eligible for submission had to be full or mixed pit bull from rescue, be spayed or neutered, and be outstanding examples of the breed’s personality. I immediately thought of Hogan, the deaf pit bull born into a southern fighting ring, that had made his way to Vermont. I had photographed him at Humane Society of Chittenden County and knew he won over the hearts of anyone who met him. He loves being around people, is friendly with other dogs, and was even appointed as a canine ambassador to the resident shelter cats. Given his special needs, HSCC asked their supporters for donations to purchase Hogan a special vibration-only training collar. The response was amazing!

Hogan was adopted from HSCC by Danielle, a staff member, who had been taking him home on weekends. When she decided to move to NYC she knew she couldn’t be without him. I contacted her immediately and set up a portrait session for two days before their big move. We decided to meet at Oakledge Park in Burlington on a chilly early April evening to utilize gorgeous sunset light. Cirrus, Hogan’s new sister, was also to join us.

I already had a few portraits in my head. The only trick was going to be getting Hogan’s attention where we needed it. Obviously, all my squeakers and noise making skills wouldn’t be necessary. Hogan was also WAY more interested in meeting all the dogs in the park and out of the beautiful light. So, I took to waving sticks in the air and throwing them onto the frozen lake. There were a lot of sticks out there by the time we were done. Cirrus was not impressed by sitting on cold rocks so we photographed the pair quickly and let Cirrus wait on the grass.

Given the time each portrait took and the relative shortness of the sunset I finished with a few really solid portraits. But they really show what a good natured boy Hogan is.

Cirrus and Hogan... they're certainly an interesting duo!

The last portrait before the sun set and the light went cool and flat.

Hogan currently lives in NYC with his mom Danielle, doggie sister Cirrus, and 5 kitties. He LOVES social time at dog parks and is undoubtedly changing some pit bull biases for the better.

The 2012 Unexpected Pit Bull calendar is available now for pre-purchase at www.theunexpectedpitbull.com. All proceeds go to your choice of select pitty rescues. Each month features a stunning pit bull with heartwarming portraits and amazing stories.

Peace and Pitties,

~Kelly

Purrfect Kitty Stretches :: Vermont Cat Photographer

alphadog — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:57:18 +0000

Our model today is Nikki, a soon-to-be-adopted kitty from Humane Society of Chittenden County. She was kind enough to show off some of her excellent stretching skills during her portrait session. Her guidelines for aspiring kitties are simple:

Step 1: Don't start too vigorously. Little toe wiggles go a long way when warming up.

Step 2: Repetitive leg lifts may seem boring but you'll be a stronger, more flexible kitty. (Nikki wants to point out that this is a great exercise to help recover from spay surgery!)

Step 3: The classic "Nikki" pose is a great stretch for every part of the body but should only be attempted after practicing Steps 1 and 2. (Nikki points out that you only have to hold this pose for 1/250 of a second, just long enough for the photographer to make the exposure.)

And there you have it. A workout so easy a cat could do it. But, if your cats are anything like mine, they won’t. Too much effort.

Peace and Furballs,

~Kelly

Cedar, Shellie, and Riley :: Williston, Vermont Dog Photographer

alphadog — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 20:16:06 +0000

It’s amazing how varied golden retrievers are. Sure, they share the common threads of personality and basic coat color, but each dog makes those characteristics their own. Take this trio for example. They’re undeniably goldens but each dog is so different. There’s Cedar the stately boy, Shellie the girly with the curls, and laid back Riley. If they were people I can picture Cedar in slacks and a polo shirt, happiest when he’s relaxing in the back yard with his family. Shellie would always wear a cute dress, have beautiful flower gardens and love her family no matter what kind of trouble they got into. Riley would always wear jeans and a t-shirt and wouldn’t pass judgement on anyone. Actually, I should explain all this a bit more. The trio’s parents, Sarah and Rick, also have a couple of people kids. Their daughter likes to joke that Cedar is the dad, Shellie is the mom and Riley is the baby. As you can see, I’ve let that roll around in my head and expand a bit

Anyway…

Cedar, Riley, and Shellie have certainly made their family proud with this portrait and it adorns their home as a 20x30" canvas wrap. Despite many attempts, the trio finally got the idea of what we wanted and they patiently waited for 1/320 of a second for me to make this capture.

A fun series. This set is displayed in their home as a 3 canvas collage.

Sarah asked if I could make some extra portraits of Shellie, her sweetheart. We turned the set into an image folio with portraits on the front and back, as well as on the inside. Shown is the outside layout with green on the spine. The tangible folio is so lovely!

Shellie's portraits on the inside of her folio.

Sarah and her family are involved with Golden Huggs, a golden and golden mix based rescue that relies on foster homes to care for dogs waiting for adoption. They are a dedicated group that has changed the lives of countless goldens.

Peace and Tail Wags,

~Kelly

Alee, Gryphon, Dagron, Russtipher, and Moira :: Vermont Dog, Cat, and Bunny Photographer

alphadog — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 02:15:51 +0000

Alee, Gryphon, Dagron, Russtipher, and Moira are quite a bunch. I met their mom, Heather, last year at Shelburne Museum Goes to the Dogs while taking a break from my booth with Jackson. He pulled me over to an adorable pitty at the Good Karma Rescue booth and immediately fell in love with her. That adorable pitty was Alee and as she and Jackson played Heather and I got to talking and laughing at their antics. We kept in touch over the winter and finally scheduled a portrait session for the end of May. We couldn’t have asked for better weather for Alee’s part of the session outdoors. Gorgeous late afternoon light streamed through trees and grass as she ran, jumped, and rolled in the hayfield adjacent to Heather and Sam’s home. The kitties and bunnies stayed indoors, but that didn’t make them any easier to corral. Dagron was especially steadfast in his desire to do the exact opposite of what we wanted. But, such is the way of kitties and I wouldn’t want them to be any other way

I’m going to do something a little different in this blog post. For the past year I’ve been showing clients their portraits in their home on my monitor. It makes the client’s decision much easier and more fun since they get to see exactly what their display will look like. I love to create collages that are displayed as either framed prints or canvas gallery wraps. Heather and Sam loved the canvas idea so I designed 5 different layouts right before their eyes. Enjoy!

Alee's canvas. She's an amazing dog. She was found as a stray in Virginia. Her ears had already been cut off. Despite that she is happy and full of love. And wiggles

Gryphon's canvas. He decided to have his portraits made in his favorite hammock/shredding toy. I couldn't argue with his backdrop and posing choices

Dagron's canvas. Dagron and Gryphon are brothers... so handsome and quirky. Heather and Sam think that Dagron is a bit, uh, slow and his name comes from a Homestar Runner episode featuring a misspelling of the word "Dragon". It totally fits him though.

Dagron's "creepy blank stare". Oh, Dagron, you are a special kitty. He does just sit like that... trapped in his own world I guess.

A canvas of the boys together. It makes me laugh every time I see it.

Russtipher, on the right, and Moira, on the left, got their own canvas too. They're such good friends and were so sweet to work with. I'd like to say that they were patient, but they required an almost endless stream of lettuce and treats. That's alright though, my models always get spoiled.

Peace and Furballs,

~Kelly

Friday Cute Overload :: Vermont Cat Photographer

alphadog — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:43:26 +0000

Yesterday was a relatively slow day to photograph new adoptables at Humane Society of Chittenden County so Ian and I indulged in a little kitten photography. Usually kittens are the lowest priority since they get adopted so quickly, but we had some extra time and that’s all the excuse I need, really. Button, Zipper, Stitch, and Thimble were in one litter and Lil’ Man and Lil’ Fella were a pride of their own. Here’s a little treat for your Friday! Enjoy!

Zipper, Thimble, Button, and Stitch!

On the right are Lil' Man and Lil' Fella

One of my favorite outtakes in a LONG time!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Peace and Fuzzballs,

~Kelly

Goofy Eddie :: Vermont Cat Photographer

alphadog — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:20:10 +0000

Just one collage today of a very silly cat named Eddie who is waiting for adoption at Humane Society of Chittenden County. It’s amazing how quickly cats adjust to new surroundings. When Ian and I met Eddie last week in his kitty condo he didn’t want to bother coming down from his roost for a photo op. He had just been made available for adoption and was still a little unsure of the new routine. This week Eddie greeted us at the door and was quite happy for his moment to shine. When photographing at the shelter I usually try to limit myself to a few portraits of each new adoptable so that I have enough time to capture everyone. Today was fortunately a fairly light day and Eddie’s charm and goofiness made it so easy to just keep clicking away!

Peace and Catnip,

~Kelly