I could also title this blog, “The Life of a Tree,” “Climbing Trees”, or “A Tree over Time”. I have been a portrait photographer in the Hamptons for over twenty years. When I photograph I imagine what would be enjoyable and interesting for my clients. I like my portrait clients to be engaged in whatever it is we are doing. I feel that natural expressions come forth and enable me to photograph who that person really is. One of my favorite locations has a giant tree. It’s a magical tree with all of its nooks and crannies stretching out over the sand by the bay.
This giant tree has held countless children and families in its limbs.
I remember how much fun I had as a child climbing trees. The world looks so different through the limbs of a tree.
Some families have chosen to make their holiday cards from the portraits on the tree.
I started using this location with its giant limbed tree over twenty years ago. It has weathered many storms, lost some branches and many leaves. This is what it looks like now, in July 2013. I wonder what portraits I can make from its aging limbs.
In 1983 I was about to complete my Master of Photography Degree at Brooklyn College. My thesis took me to a small coal mining town in Pennsylvania. My mother had grown up in the area and I was curious to know where she came from. While I was there, I met Joe, a single parent father and his two children. I ended up visiting the area several more times over the next few years photographing their life.
I was struck by the Joe’s attention and devotion towards his young children. They lived with him and saw little of their mother. He dressed them, fed them, took them shopping for clothes, made homemade ice cream, played softball and more.
Eventually this collection of photographs was exhibited at several galleries across the country. It won awards at the Everson Biennial, Syracuse 1984 and the Women Photographers in America, Los Angeles 1985 Exhibition and Competition.
Whether you are a first time owner of a new puppy, or have a treasured family dog that’s seen all of your children grow up, or a show dog, having professional photographs made is always a good idea. As a professional pet photographer, photographing dogs comes with its unique set of skills and preparation. Patience and calmness is a must. Pets are like people, they have their own personalities and temperaments. It is important to establish a rapport with each dog.
Here are seven tips on preparing for your dog portrait session.
1. Location: Decide on a location that’s meaningful for you. Do you like taking your dog to the beach, are you used to playing with your dog at home. Talk with your photographer about what you enjoy doing most with your pet.
Golden Retrievers in their flower and vegetable garden
2. Grooming: This is best done the same day before the session. A shiny clean coat makes for the best photographs.
Afghan show dog, beach setting for a magazine cover
3. Handler: If you are going to be keeping your dog under control, bring along another person to help get your pet’s attention.
Jack Russell puppy
4. Toys and Treats: Every pet loves being rewarded for doing a good job. Bring along toys and treats your dog likes.
Red Retriever and Labrador Retrievers
5. Leash: Bring a leash that’s neutral colored and as small as possible. A well-mannered, well behaved dog is always a plus.
Jack Russell on a boat dock and Welsh Corgi at the beach
6. The Unexpected: Playtime with your dog can lead to some unexpected photographs. Relax and enjoy your pet, that pleasure will come through in the photographs.
Lap dogs in a home setting
7. A Family Heirloom: Dogs come into our lives for different reasons and by different means. However they arrive, they become an integral part of our families. When creating an heirloom portrait make sure your clothes coordinate with your pet. Solid earth tones for park, garden or yards work well. For a beach setting, wear lighter colors, pastels, whites, and blues can be very pleasing to the eye.
I have a nineteen year old cat, a thirteen year old dog and a twenty eight year old horse. I am thankful for all of the photographs I have of each of them. Each day they are on earth is a blessing. When they are gone, I have hundreds of photographs of our lives together. Cherish your pet!
