How I started photographing pets

Before I had a photo studio to shoot in, I would use my apartment in Logan Square. At this time I was having clients come over for their headshots and I would set up my lights and background. In the center of it all I would have a stool for the subject. My cat, Millie would always come sit on the stool because she is a diva and knows I am focusing on that stool. Eventually, before every client would come in, I would do a light test on my cat. See the previous blog post about Millie to see what I mean!

Then one day someone asked if I can take pictures of their two pugs. Sure, why not? That really kicked it off. It was so much fun and the best part of shooting animals is that you get their authentic personality. They are completely unaware that a camera is right in front of their face. Owners are always pleased to see these goofy and cute photos of their loved one. Seeing the joy in the pets and owners is the highlight of this job.

SIMBA the foster cat

For the past month we have been fostering Simba through Alive Rescue. He has been the perfect fit with our alpha female, Millie. He he calm and doesn’t really pay much attention to her which is perfect. It also helps that he is hard of hearing, so in the beginning when she would give him a hiss he would just walk on by unbothered.

The best part about Simba are his snuggles. Each night when I sit down on the couch he comes up on to my stomach and will hold on to your arm with his paws and give loud purrs. He stays snuggled for as long as you will sit there. There’s nothing better!

Millie

MY CAT, MILLIE

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I grew up with dogs. We always had two or three at a time. Mainly standard poodles then goldendoodles. I loved growing up with dogs and to this day I love them so much. In college I knew I wanted a furry friend but I knew I wasn’t ready to own a dog. I had never been around cats much except for when I’d watch a friends cat that would play fetch. That’s when I knew I could get along with a cat.

So I kept my eye open for a cat. It was one day when I was at Anti Cruelty Society that I found my friend. She was tiny. She had just turned 6 months old and had (still does) a tiny little frame and head. The fur in her ears poked out. I fell in love.

She has now been by my side for almost ten years. She is the best companion I could ever imagine. I like to tell people she is almost dog like. I can’t imagine my life with out her.

One day I hope to adopt a dog, or another cat. For now though, she is the alpha. We’ve brought in a few kittens here and there that we have picked up off the street and she lets us know that she would rather be an only child for now. Dogs that don’t bother her are fine, but anyone who wants her attention… she wont give it.

That’s the adventure of Millie. She’s moved around in the city with me 7 times! Now we own a home and are happy to be settled here.



Pet Photography Tricks : Noise

 
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NOISES!

For those who have been to my studio with their dog will know. I do WEIRD things.

Unlike human sessions, I do not play music. My studio is a big space with echos, so any odd instrument or noise will spook an animal if they are in an unfamiliar place. I keep all other noises quiet, so the animal will only focus on me.

  • WOOOOOOO WAHHHHHH ARRRRRRR!

    What’s that? Whale noises… yes, I will make weird whale noises. This is a hybrid between a whale and a whimpering dog. This causes the dog to do a head tilt. After a few minutes of the head tilt and concentrating on me, the dog will come running to my lens licking my face making sure I’m okay. It’s really the sweetest thing and they are always happy to know, I am okay, and they get a butt scratch for being so cute.

  • SQUEEAK SQUEAK!

    Squeeker toy! This is not to be used haphazardly! Since I have both hands on my camera, and I am sitting on the ground, I will put the squeaker toy right behind my knee so I am sitting on it. As I am shooting I will slowly “Squeak” the toy but sitting on it. The dog will not know where it is (so they wont come running for it) but they will look at me with that cute head tilt thinking “you hear that too???!”