Blackboard Jungle | cat photography

Today I decided to chalk up a post on facebook using my trusty blackboard. This little board I got from Typo and I love it. Very handy and it has a very handy delete function if you write a message you suddenly regret - called a duster!

You’d think photographing a blackboard, which just sits there, would be easy - but nothing happens at our place without the cats deciding its a good idea they should get involved one way or another. Both investigated the board and - erm - made their mark.

All cat “owners” out there (still not sure who “owns” who in these relationships) probably recognise subsequent events as recorded by this humble photographer.

Its not easy running a blog - especially a photographic blog which involves not only writing but also shooting. Add animals to the mix and it’s a labour of love.

Pricing pet photography

Is the world recession finally here? And does that mean that happy events like pet photo shoots will be considered luxuries as people can no longer afford them?

It’s possible.

All the more reason to book a session NOW - before you can no longer afford it (as well as food, pet food and transport).

The great surrealist, Dali, when he was a struggling artist, used to celebrate financial disasters by spending his last money on expensive champagne.

In other words, be positive. Just think how jealous your neighbours will be when they come over to beg for money and see a brand new framed photo of your poodle on the wall!

But seriously - I do realise that pet photography is not very cheap. After all, this is custom portrait photography.

To help with this I try to have a very open and clear pricing strategy so you, the Client, know exactly what you are up for when you sign for a session.

Price lists in the photography business can be tricky (a bit like cell phone deals) and bill shock is a risk. I know this from personal experience - so I really try to help Clients get a deal they understand and can budget for.

twoguineapigs is recession sensitive, so don't give up. We are here to help and you would be surprised at the value :)

Street life

It was beautiful Saturday late winter weather day today – sunny and fresh – warm but in no way muggy. After dropping in at Amy's puppy class, me and the guy went out and about in our local neighbourhood (Potts Point) for a wander.

It wasn’t all play and no work mind you. We dropped into Happy Paws Fitness to check out my pet portrait exhibition there (no art thieves have yet stolen it I am happy to report - Amy T takes good care of things). That was all fine.

Next we visited the nearby dog-filled park at Rushcutters Bay for some quiet time. I have to admit I took a couple of impromptu and discrete pooch-shots (strictly for fun). No owners were financially injured in this process (actually I don't think they even noticed!).

Having captured some canine action we made our way to the main street of Potts Pint (Macleay St) to check out a bookshop and finally the local deli for dessert tonight (yum!).

I guess you can tag this post as “not quite a pet photography post” – maybe more of a “weekend lifestyle blurb”?

Just so you know my life is not only cleaning puppy drool off lenses. We love our city-village and we have fun with it.

Naturally - there are photos to prove it. And have I mention I am now addicted to Instagram?

Two filters applied: Toaster & Earlybird.

Hot Kitties | cat photography

It’s no secret that cats have a shameless love affair with heaters. It’s one appliance they love to get up close and personal with. My cats love the heater so much their carbon footprint is probably the size of a truck..

As a photographer i face two main challenges photographing cats like these ones (by which I mean – my ones!).

Firstly, they tend to look like a black stain on the carpet. Secondly cats generally would prefer to look into a hole than into the lens of a camera. Maybe if i was a heater with a camera I'd have more luck!

Nevertheless, patience, practice and dedication do result in worthwhile kitty shots - and let’s face it - what can be more charming than a happy cat in a photo? I don't want to plug myself too much but getting a professional pet shooter to photograph your cat can result in truly beautiful portraits. Cats are fussy, but they are very photogenic. They are the supermodels of the pet kingdom. I think they know it too! Even my lazy cats.

Pup Academy II

It was another Saturday at puppy school for this Sydney Pet photographer.

At this rate if I ever come back as a pooch in a future life I will be the best trained puppy in history.

But seriously, it’s not the canine education I go for - although Amy is forever enlightening in deciphering the mysteries of pooch behaviour in her classes - I come for the ever reliable cuteness of the students.

Conditions for photographing these classes are challenging for a photographer - they are held in the open under daytime sunlight. That certainly gives some of these pictures a very Australian sun-soaked feel. It also maybe explains why some of the students can occasionally look a bit sleepy - it’s hard to stay awake when you are tanning.

If you are thinking of getting me to photograph your favourite pet (and why wouldn’t you?) please keep it in mind - early mornings and romantic evenings are the best times for sessions. Winter is the best season!

Anyway I hope you enjoy these pics of puppies and their immediate world – I mean human legs! I processed quite a few in black and white, which is a format I love. Pretty dramatic high-noon shadows, don't you think?