Michelle and Kristen would have to be two of the sweetest people I have met.  Michelle has such an affinity with animals and her love came shining through when she came to my home and met Max.  She was so gentle and caring and I loved that about her from the moment we met.  We had such a laugh at our session.  Kristen was an excellent model and in the end loved it almost as much as Michelle did.  Aren’t these dogs the cutest.

I recently received an email from Deb Carter who wrote “You must really make an impression on your clients for them to inform you when a much Loved pet passes away .. You inspire me very much”.  I was touched to receive that email and wanted to respond via facebook but thought what I would say would be best said here on my website.

I have taken thousands of photographs of the most beautiful pets over the past three years, mostly dogs but some horses, and a few cats.  I remember every single one of them because they impact on my life from the moment you call me to tell me their story. And trust me, they all have their own unique story to tell.

I WANT to know how they came into your life.  Were they a rescue?  And if so, did they come from the Animal Welfare League of Queensland or Best Friends Animal Rescue? Were they a pet store find or did they find you somehow?  Did they wander into your backyard one day and stay?  I’ll never forget Nala’s story from Vanuatu.  She was found under the house.  I want to know what breed they are, what you called them, how old they are.  I want to know if they are inside dogs, outside dogs or working dogs, if they are aged or have a disability.  I ask because firstly I am genuinely interested to hear about your dogs and I take all of these things into consideration when we choose your location and the time of day we shoot.  An aged dog for example would find it hard to walk on soft sand at the beach because he or she may have arthritis.  A younger dog who may not know all the basic commands, might be safer in environment away from other dogs and distractions.

I listen to every story and then I want to meet them.  Before I even pick up my camera, you bring your dogs to my home.  They sit on my couch (sometimes all of them) or by my feet.  If they are puppies I will hold them, hug them and kiss them because I love puppies and can’t help myself! If they are older, I will play with them and Phoenix recently loved having me chase him around the house! They get to know me and I get to know them so when I catch up with them at their shoot they remember that I’m the lady who gave them hugs and treats and even chased them in my home a week before!

I capture 100′s of images at your shoot.  The reason being is that the expression on a dog’s face can change from click to click.  They might be engaged in what I am saying to them or the sounds I am making.  They might be surprised by a bird taking off from a nearby tree or a car backfiring.  Or they might just be so relaxed at the end of their big day with me they are half asleep.  It’s not just the expressions on their faces its the expression on yours.  The laughter from being licked on your mouth or the tender moment where you have pulled them in close to your chest.  Just a whisper in their ear can create an image that resonates with you.

All of your images resonate with me.

I spend hours pouring through the images from your shoot.  Looking at your dog and laughing out loud when I come across one that I know will make you laugh too!  I photoshop the sleep out of their eyes, leads off their backs and breathe colour and life into your images.    This takes time.  So once more I am spending hours with your dog at my computer and he or she is not even here.  I do this whilst my dog sleeps at my feet.

You then come back to home and sit on my couch and see the results.  I have cried countless tears with many of my clients so you will always find a box of tissues on my coffee table.  I know they are tears of joy.

So from the moment you call me to the moment you see how your relationship unfolded in a moment of time, I HAVE FORMED A BOND WITH YOUR DOG!

And when a client calls me to let me know their dog (or horse) has passed away I cry.  The loss is great to me, the grief is real and I will miss your dog almost as much as you will.

I am always grateful that you trusted me to capture a time in the life of your dog when you were both truly happy.

Diana

Pet Photography Gold Coast – K9 Photography

I met Charlotte and Stella a couple of weeks ago and we spent time talking about where we would shoot and what to wear.  Charlotte told me she isn’t a jeans and boots kinda gal and prefers to wear dresses and I’m so glad she did.  We talked about colours and keeping it simple so the images are not about the the dress and they are about the story.  Charlotte got it right.  She chose a neutral colour palette to blend in with Stella and the surroundings.  She really is a gorgeous girl and Stella is just the sweetest puppy.  Interestingly enough, Charlotte speaks swedish to Stella and Stella mostly responds to commands in Charlotte’s native tongue.  I don’t meet many dogs who speak Swedish.  Loved this shoot.  Enjoy.

Pet Photography Gold Coast – K9 Photography

I love this family.  Susan won her sitting at an arctic breed rescue fundraiser earlier this year.  I knew I was going to get a Husky or Malamute or something equally as gorgeous but didn’t bank on a couple of Malamute puppies and a handsome senior Husky.  Susan and Geoff drove for 6 hours to do their shoot with me.  They stayed in overnight accommodation that allowed them to have the dogs with them and we did the shoot the following day.  I met Ikkuma first.  Being the youngest of the three he bounded out of the back of the car and couldn’t wait to lick my face!  Loved it!!!!  Willow was next.  She’s Susan’s girl and at 9 months of age she has taken Ikkuma under her wing and mother’s him a bit however they do get up to lots of mischief I hear.  Dakota being the oldest was very easy going and just went with the flow of things.  I had a few problems with the kids names however.  Reece and Morgan.  The only Reece I know is Reece Witherspoon and the only Morgan I know is Morgan Freeman.  However Morgan is the gorgeous gal and Reece is the adorable boy.   I was totally confused and so were they!   They loved this country location however we were all a bit worried about because we are in the height of tick season (oh and not to mention brown snakes and yellow belly black snakes).  I always keep a pair of gum boots in the car when I head out to the country! I kept the dogs out of the long grass and didn’t venture into any old sheds.  It was better to be safe than sorry.  Great family, awesome dogs!

Pet Photography Gold Coast – K9 Photography

I absolutely adore the vintage flavour Emily brought to her shoot.  Her blue and white floral dress was the perfect colour and French Bulldog puppy Emerald looked amazing next to her.  Emerald was very inquisitive and loved meeting the swans and ducks for the first very first time.  She got a little more than she bargained for when the swans waddled up to greet us and somehow I don’t think she will be in a hurry to chat to these large birds ever again.  This was a fun shoot!

Pet Photography Gold Coast – K9 Photography

Photographers, generally speaking, love being behind the camera.  It’s not that we don’t love being in front of the camera, we just prefer not to have our own photographs taken.  I am not speaking on behalf of all photographers just the ones that I know.  But we need to capture the memories just like everyone else does so who does a pet photographer call to capture memories for her?  Me of course! I was really chuffed that Kelly trusted me with this job.   Kelly reminded me of where I was 3 years ago.  She has recently started a pet photography business for the same reasons I did.  For now she is part time and she hopes to make it a full time career one of these days. Who wouldn’t want to hang out with people and their dogs all day long!  She shares a love with her boy Henry (her Newfoundland Maremma x) and she wanted to me to capture that love and bottle it.  She loves her images and so do I.  We had a great afternoon together in Bangalow!

Pet Photography Gold Coast – K9 Photography

Pet Photography Gold Coast – K9 Photography

When you book a portrait session with K9 Photography there are a couple of things I want to know straight off the bat.  I want to know what kind of pet I am photographing.  So if it’s a dog what breed is your dog, how old is your dog and what is your dog’s name.  The reason I ask these questions is I am already visualising possible locations that would suit your dog, the style of your portrait shoot and photography props I may need to take with me.  So when Sarah called me she told me she had a brand new puppy.  {Squealing on the inside – mustn’t let her know I love puppies} He has just finished puppy school at Craig A Murray with Anthea and his name is Keith.  Keith? Well that just made me laugh out loud instantly.  What a fabulous name for a blue heeler x.  Keith was a superstar at his portrait session.  He rocked every shot.  He was full of energy and I enjoyed every minute of this session.  Sarah, you are lucky to have him.  Being a working dog gal myself, this little man will give you years of fun, love and loyalty.  Sarah is lucky I didn’t pop Keith into my van and take him home with me.

If you agree that Keith has the best name and is the cutest lil man – leave me your thoughts and comments.

 Pet Photography Gold Coast – K9 Photography