Puppy Pictures...a must!

"Oh my Gosh!  This puppy is soooo keey-oot!!!"  

Yep, that's how they get you.  Those big, soulful eyes.  Or the pudgy, scrunchy face.  How about that puppy "bref" and the plump puppy "tummeh"?  However they nab you, they do.  And just like that...you have a new addition to your family.  Now that you have this rolling ball of fun, this flip-floppy, ear flapping bundle of energy, you sit back and enjoy the "puppiness" that is your brand new baby.  But like a brand new car, or a new born baby, that new puppy breaf smell, and super adorable puppy face (and size) grows all up!  

The transition was almost non-existant.  Now you have an adolescent pup, or an adult canine and either they are frustrating you because they're getting into everything, or they become apathetic and nothing compels them to run around and play anymore.  I've got one question for you...did you get some puppy pics made back when your pal was a pup?

Some people take it for granted.  I even had a friend tell me "not everyone thinks of getting their puppies picture taken..."  to wit I responded, "that's why I need to inform them!"  And so begins the informing...

If you are a parent of a human child, I am pretty certain you have several, if not a plethora, of pictures of your child.  You may even have a portrait taken of your child/children documenting their every year.  But did you, or are you, going to have portraits made of your puppy? 

Well…you should.

Puppies grow up a lot faster than kids…a lot.  The longer you wait on having their pics taken, the bigger they will get.  Take for example Julian and Angelo.  

The first time I saw them was a week ago when they first came into rescue.  They were cute, yes, but they were lackadaisical and only wanted to be held and to sleep.  Yesterday, during the shoot, it was all we could do to wrangle them up and have them (somewhat) in front of the camera.  They were EVERYWHERE!  Curious.  Sniffing.  Playing.   I’m sure by next week they will be talking and getting their driver’s license!

So to those of you that “don’t have the time” or don’t think it’s that important…just look at these pics.  If you didn’t at one point in time say/think “Awwww” and pout you lip and yearn to swaddle one of these pups as you looked, nay drooled over, said pics, then I excuse you from ever getting your pup’s pic taken.  For the rest of you (which is probably everyone who set their eyes on the pics) get your puppy’s pic taken.  They are priceless, they last forever and, most importantly, the picture and memory will never grow up :)

Puppies Don't Stay Puppies Forever

Say me, Say you

Usually the "About Me" section on mine or anyone else's website or Facebook, Twitter etc account elaborates on awards won, honors and prestige, how many years I've done this and who's picture someone took and blah blah blah...

Well, this once, I want to tell you a little bit about me...then, I would like to know a little about you (since we're in the sharing mood).  One thing about me is that there are a few things that I WILL NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT.

1.  My wallet (duh)

2.  My ninja knife (another duh)

3.  My watch

4.  My car keys

5.  My shades

What are you MUST HAVE things you don't ever leave home without?

Fashion Portrait vs. Pet Portrait

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of doing a photo shoot with a friend and talented fellow photog Ruby Byrne of Ruby Byrne Photography here in San Antonio.  We were booked to shoot some fashion sets with some very talented models, Natalia Madrigal, Rita Nova AND from America's Next Top Model Sara Longoria!

I know some of you are asking "But Abe, you do pet photography"  well...that is just one facet of my skill set.  I am, in effect, a portrait photographer.  By that I mean that I specialize in capturing portraiture, be it a pet or a person, model or bride, graduate or child.  That being said, what's the difference?  Glad you asked...

When it comes to making a portrait of either a pet or a person, there is very little difference.  The main difference is that you can direct a person on how you want them to pose or model.  Um...that hasn't worked for me yet when it comes to directing a pet :/  they pretty much tell you what they want to do, you follow.  However, sometimes, when you are working with talented models such as ANTM model Sara Longoria, you can also follow as they change their pose ever so slightly.  It's a sort of dance the photographer and model do, and WOW is it fabulous!

With a pet, you are at their beck and call.  You have to continually watch them through the lens and see their personality emerge, then you have to know when to snap the shutter and capture it.  In order to accomplish this, you have to sit and wait.  You have to have A LOT of patience.  You have to enjoy watching and being with your subject.  The only dance is the dance the pet is doing, you are just there to enjoy the show and hopefully get the shot that shows who they are.

The only other difference I can think of, and it somewhat pertains to the aforementioned, with pets, you have to be calm!  On a fashion shoot, or a wedding, the mood is exhilarating...go go go!  If there are several models, you have to get one ready, get her on set, then while she's getting her shots in, the other one is getting changed, hair and make up done, then switch models, change location, yada yada yada.  As such, with weddings (especially when I am scheduled all day) it's get to the salon, get those shots, get to the church/chappel/ceremony area, get in position, make sure second shooter is in position, switch positions for next stage of ceremony, get to reception/reception hall, take pics of family...you get the picture (pun intended).

You cannot, nor do you have to be, on the "go go go" with pets.  In fact, it behooves you to be in a relaxed, calm frame of mind.  So, even the dress attire is more casual.  You almost have to be non-present to accomplish what you are there to do.  Yes, at first the pet is going to want to know who is invading their space.  But as they get used to you, they let loose and let you see who they truly are.

Other than those differences, there really is no other distinction in creating the portrait.  You have to have proper lighting.  You have to know your subject and what your final product is going to be.  You kinda have to have some assistance in either moving your light, doing hair and makeup, distracting or getting the pet's attention, giving them treats (both models and pets ;)   ) so that you can focus primarily on taking the picture.  All the technical aspects HAVE to be there regardless of who you are shooting.  A portrait is a portrait regardless of your subject.