Adopt before you shop.
Showing posts with label my own. Show all posts
Showing posts with label my own. Show all posts
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year
Our cats are ready to party! Maybe they’ll start dancing on the table tops, or swinging from the chandelier. Lets hope not! Christmas is pretty much here and we at twoguineapigs HQ wish you all the best for the season - eat well (not too much) - drink well (ditto!) and stay safe. Hope all your wishes come true.
Adopt before you shop.
Adopt before you shop.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Easter Bunnies and 2 Black Cats | cat photography
It's not the first year these boys have encountered Easter chocolate bunnies. When the two guinea pigs were still around (RIP), these boys were kittens themselves and learning well, not to be rodents. Fast forward 3 years, the Easter chocolate bunnies are still as new as anything to these cats. PF in particular, wasn't impressed he couldn't take a bite at the bunnies. (Frankly, I find it hard to eat the bunnies myself too!)
Monday, February 13, 2012
Valentines | black cat photography
Its valentines day and I can think of one bachelor cat around here who could do with a date.
But be warned - Mr Big has no money and no experience ordering at restaurants - and I’m pretty sure he has never bought flowers before (he may have eaten a few though at some time).
Anyway - here’s a shout out on his behalf just in case!
Happy Valentine's Day!
But be warned - Mr Big has no money and no experience ordering at restaurants - and I’m pretty sure he has never bought flowers before (he may have eaten a few though at some time).
Anyway - here’s a shout out on his behalf just in case!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
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.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Mr Big the black cat | cat photography
It is not often that I get a chance to photograph Mr Big “conscious” as he spends most of his time asleep.
Cats only understand the English they want to hear (like “dinner is ready”). Other forms of English don’t impress them so much - such as a photographer demanding “Look here kitty!”. Its hard work believe me.
As if this is not enough he puts on this zoned-out look to torment me further - something I suspect he has learned from PF, the resident space-case.
As usual it makes me wonder what is going on in that head. I’d ask but the English thing once again means I doubt I’ll ever get an answer!
Brief update
Winter arrived early this year - bringing with it great light and streets with more character than the bland hot roads of Sydney during summer - heaven for us picture takers - although admittedly its a chilly heaven. I’ve been a bit under the weather for the last week. Despite that, I hope to be able to blog about some new projects I’m working on. Stay tuned!
Cats only understand the English they want to hear (like “dinner is ready”). Other forms of English don’t impress them so much - such as a photographer demanding “Look here kitty!”. Its hard work believe me.
As if this is not enough he puts on this zoned-out look to torment me further - something I suspect he has learned from PF, the resident space-case.
As usual it makes me wonder what is going on in that head. I’d ask but the English thing once again means I doubt I’ll ever get an answer!
Brief update
Winter arrived early this year - bringing with it great light and streets with more character than the bland hot roads of Sydney during summer - heaven for us picture takers - although admittedly its a chilly heaven. I’ve been a bit under the weather for the last week. Despite that, I hope to be able to blog about some new projects I’m working on. Stay tuned!
Friday, May 6, 2011
This cat of mine | cat photographer
A quiet day here at twoguineapigs HQ.
PF, our unofficial mascot, celebrated the rainy peace and quiet by staring, first one way (my way *gulp*), and then another (out the window) - snooper.
With action packed pets like this there is always something to photograph. Maybe "Still life with cat" Parts 1 and 2?
PF, our unofficial mascot, celebrated the rainy peace and quiet by staring, first one way (my way *gulp*), and then another (out the window) - snooper.
With action packed pets like this there is always something to photograph. Maybe "Still life with cat" Parts 1 and 2?
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Cat nap | cat photography
Mr Big can be a sweet boy - mainly when he's asleep. And when he is, he has no qualms about where, and how, he sleeps. He's a big cat - obese actually. Sometimes he moves his mouth or rocks his back leg in his sleep. He's a dreamer for sure - although its a mystery what's going on in his imagination. So peaceful?
I normally like high contrast black-and-white images but I think I like this less contrasted version - it gives a 'softer' feel. What do you think?
{ ISO 400 | 1/25 | f/2 }
I normally like high contrast black-and-white images but I think I like this less contrasted version - it gives a 'softer' feel. What do you think?
Friday, April 1, 2011
New sleeping pose
PF has a new sleeping pose on the cushion across from my desk where I work.
Maybe he has a thing about seeing me upside down. He has his own way of seeing things. Maybe one day I'll teach him to make photographs.
Maybe he has a thing about seeing me upside down. He has his own way of seeing things. Maybe one day I'll teach him to make photographs.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
There was once a guinea pig called Wiggley
A guinea pig who filled our lives with so much joy, happiness and love. And taught us respect and patience.
It is hard for me to post this tribute for Wiggley. It is hard to come to terms that he’s no longer with us when we tried so hard to give him a fighting chance to live. For those who have been following my blog, facebook and twitter, you would have read about Wiggley’s battle with his health. It was a hard time for us.
It is not so long ago that we lost Ginger. Barely 2 months. Perhaps the two of them wanted to be together.
It has left a hollow empty feeling. They were both very sweet, very intelligent and very playful. Like Ginger, Wiggley was well-traveled and socialised, for a guinea pig. Wiggley was one guinea pig who absolutely loved his food. And I’m glad I’ve made thousands of images of my boys.
I thought I would publish a few of the images I haven’t shown to anyone before to remember Wiggley by.
Rest in peace now my little old man (as I called him in the last days). He will always be in our hearts.
In case you're wondering, I kept both the guinea pigs' original names when I adopted them.
Wiggley, originally uploaded by twoguineapigs pet photography.
More food?, originally uploaded by twoguineapigs pet photography.
Last cuddle, originally uploaded by twoguineapigs pet photography.
LOR, originally uploaded by twoguineapigs pet photography.
Apple theft, originally uploaded by twoguineapigs pet photography.
It is hard for me to post this tribute for Wiggley. It is hard to come to terms that he’s no longer with us when we tried so hard to give him a fighting chance to live. For those who have been following my blog, facebook and twitter, you would have read about Wiggley’s battle with his health. It was a hard time for us.
It is not so long ago that we lost Ginger. Barely 2 months. Perhaps the two of them wanted to be together.
It has left a hollow empty feeling. They were both very sweet, very intelligent and very playful. Like Ginger, Wiggley was well-traveled and socialised, for a guinea pig. Wiggley was one guinea pig who absolutely loved his food. And I’m glad I’ve made thousands of images of my boys.
I thought I would publish a few of the images I haven’t shown to anyone before to remember Wiggley by.
Rest in peace now my little old man (as I called him in the last days). He will always be in our hearts.
In case you're wondering, I kept both the guinea pigs' original names when I adopted them.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Obsession
When we first moved into our apartment in Potts Point, the cats, especially PF, started to take an interest in the neighbouring apartments across from us.
I didn't think much of this as I thought he would outgrow it like Mr Big.
Almost 2 months have passed and still he's one nosy cat who is obsessed with the neighbours.
I didn't think much of this as I thought he would outgrow it like Mr Big.
Almost 2 months have passed and still he's one nosy cat who is obsessed with the neighbours.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
All-in-one post
For those who following my facebook and Twitter, you would have heard about Wiggley’s health update.
I’m posting this in Wellington by the way.
Last Tuesday, I took him down to see an exotic animal Vet after I’d spoken to his regular Vet. Wiggley has had a history of stones but they were not a concern then and a change of diet seemed to have worked until last week, when he began to pee blood. His Xray showed a rather large bladder stone. Thursday, Wiggley had an operation to remove the stone. By Friday, he was given the green light to go home.
We were given Bactrim (anti-biotics), Metacam (pain relieve) and Oxbow Critical Care to take home for him (not to mention a tube of eye treatment ointment for an ulcer he had in his right eye). That’s a lot of medication - more than I’ve seen for a while, let alone for ‘someone’ so tiny.
He seemed happy to return home to find his bed was still intact — still looking alert and curious about most things. I spent the next 4 days force-feeding Wiggley and getting 50ml of Oxbow in each day when he was not eating anything else. I managed 40 to 45ml per day and was a little successful in coaxing Wiggley to eat more on his own. The Vet rang us 2 days later after Wiggley had returned home, his urine culture test came back clear of bacteria — a big relief.
Wiggley’s health scare came at the wrong time when I was about to leave the country to get married in Wellington today — in about 6 hours time! How do you un-plan a wedding is what I want to know! I spoke to the Vet about Wiggley’s progress and we seemed happy with it and confident that he was recovering well. We found a dedicated and committed carer and sitter for Wiggley who could help us look after him while we were away. She’s exceptional is all I can say — very attentive and she loves Wiggley to bits.
With a heavy heart, we packed Wiggley’s bag and boarded him with his carer before we caught the plane to Wellington the next day. He’s one guinea pig who doesn’t travel light.
By the way, I’ll be away till Tuesday. I promise to make a ‘s’-load of images if you promise to wait for my return!
I’m posting this in Wellington by the way.
Last Tuesday, I took him down to see an exotic animal Vet after I’d spoken to his regular Vet. Wiggley has had a history of stones but they were not a concern then and a change of diet seemed to have worked until last week, when he began to pee blood. His Xray showed a rather large bladder stone. Thursday, Wiggley had an operation to remove the stone. By Friday, he was given the green light to go home.
We were given Bactrim (anti-biotics), Metacam (pain relieve) and Oxbow Critical Care to take home for him (not to mention a tube of eye treatment ointment for an ulcer he had in his right eye). That’s a lot of medication - more than I’ve seen for a while, let alone for ‘someone’ so tiny.
He seemed happy to return home to find his bed was still intact — still looking alert and curious about most things. I spent the next 4 days force-feeding Wiggley and getting 50ml of Oxbow in each day when he was not eating anything else. I managed 40 to 45ml per day and was a little successful in coaxing Wiggley to eat more on his own. The Vet rang us 2 days later after Wiggley had returned home, his urine culture test came back clear of bacteria — a big relief.
Wiggley’s health scare came at the wrong time when I was about to leave the country to get married in Wellington today — in about 6 hours time! How do you un-plan a wedding is what I want to know! I spoke to the Vet about Wiggley’s progress and we seemed happy with it and confident that he was recovering well. We found a dedicated and committed carer and sitter for Wiggley who could help us look after him while we were away. She’s exceptional is all I can say — very attentive and she loves Wiggley to bits.
With a heavy heart, we packed Wiggley’s bag and boarded him with his carer before we caught the plane to Wellington the next day. He’s one guinea pig who doesn’t travel light.
By the way, I’ll be away till Tuesday. I promise to make a ‘s’-load of images if you promise to wait for my return!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
V-day treats
Every now and then, I like to cook something new. I don’t admit to being a good cook. I promised the kids at home (yes, I have four-legged fur faces as children) their treats on Valentine’s Day, so I decided to bake a fish fillet for the cats and whip up some hay and greens for the guinea pig. The cats had tried this dish before — PF liked it and Mr Big didn’t seem to mind.
The guinea pig was easy. He would eat almost anything until recently - he seems to have lost his appetite lately. That’s for another post.
The cats, well, Mr Big didn’t like it this time. And PF didn’t hesitate to let me know how disappointed he was — he took off and had a go at the scratching post instead. Kids. Who said they are easy.
At least my friends remembered me and sent me emails and cards and even home baked ginger cookies. My partner and I exchanged cards and I got roses — you probably guessed it, my card’s on the left and his is on the right, yes that one with the strange looking Panda.
I hope you had a great V-Day.
The supposed fish fillet recipe that the cats weren't impressed with:
The guinea pig was easy. He would eat almost anything until recently - he seems to have lost his appetite lately. That’s for another post.
The cats, well, Mr Big didn’t like it this time. And PF didn’t hesitate to let me know how disappointed he was — he took off and had a go at the scratching post instead. Kids. Who said they are easy.
At least my friends remembered me and sent me emails and cards and even home baked ginger cookies. My partner and I exchanged cards and I got roses — you probably guessed it, my card’s on the left and his is on the right, yes that one with the strange looking Panda.
I hope you had a great V-Day.
The supposed fish fillet recipe that the cats weren't impressed with:
1 fish fillet (any fresh sort)
1 egg yoke
whole meal oats
Beat the egg yoke and sprinkle some salt.
Coat fish in yoke and cover it with oats.
Bake in oven for 10 to 15 min, turn once.
Cool before serving.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Saint Valentine's Day
This year’s Saint Valentine’s Day won’t be any different from the last 6 years except Ginger will not be with us.
Every year on this day, I give thanks and love to my partner and friends (and to you my online friends), and let them know how special they are in my life and how grateful I am for their friendship, love, support and kindness. And I also celebrate this special day with Wiggley, Mr Big and PF where they each will get a special treat and extra big cuddle.
I always wish Valentine’s Day was a public holiday, so I’ll make up the lost time by celebrating it a day before. Be kind to each other.
Every year on this day, I give thanks and love to my partner and friends (and to you my online friends), and let them know how special they are in my life and how grateful I am for their friendship, love, support and kindness. And I also celebrate this special day with Wiggley, Mr Big and PF where they each will get a special treat and extra big cuddle.
I always wish Valentine’s Day was a public holiday, so I’ll make up the lost time by celebrating it a day before. Be kind to each other.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Summer lounging
We have not been spared the Summer heat this year. Luckily we live near the water so we get the odd sea breeze or two.
The cats and Wiggley usually cope well in this heat. Though sometimes I wonder if they need a shave.
PF or aka Monkey, is known as the cat “with many faces”.
The cats and Wiggley usually cope well in this heat. Though sometimes I wonder if they need a shave.
PF or aka Monkey, is known as the cat “with many faces”.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
The favourite spot
It has been over 1 month and 5 days since we moved to our new place in Potts Point.
I found out that Wiggley has a new favourite spot apart from his ‘first class’ TV lounging seat — the Chaise Lounge. The lounge sits in one of the coolest spots in the flat which also happens to be the cats’ and our favourite spot. And, he likes resting beside the Damask pillow that accompanies the Chaise Lounge.
Sorry if I ever interrupt your rest or deep thoughts!
I should make an image of this popular Chaise Lounge and its accompanying Damask pillow while I still can - such popular household items.
I found out that Wiggley has a new favourite spot apart from his ‘first class’ TV lounging seat — the Chaise Lounge. The lounge sits in one of the coolest spots in the flat which also happens to be the cats’ and our favourite spot. And, he likes resting beside the Damask pillow that accompanies the Chaise Lounge.
Sorry if I ever interrupt your rest or deep thoughts!
I should make an image of this popular Chaise Lounge and its accompanying Damask pillow while I still can - such popular household items.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas
Christmas to the pets in our household means Mr Big snoozing throughout the day under our bed in the far corner after having pigged out on his Christmas dinner, PF being mesmerised by the Christmas lighting we picked up from Ikea at the last minute, and Wiggley having all the cherries to himself.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Season's Greetings
I was told a long time ago (and am still being reminded constantly) never work with children or animals.
Well, this year’s Christmas shoot has proven that the guinea pig is the pro! Wiggley is also the oldest amongst the remaining furballs we consider as kids in our household. (Ginger would have put the cats in their places). At least the cats didn’t mind wearing a Christmas collar for the shoot.
2 more sleeps to Christmas!
Here’s wishing you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year!
Thank you all for your constant support. Have a safe holiday.
In the meantime, here are some behind-the-scenes shots that I saved for this post that included my faithful staff assisting me with the shoot:
Well, this year’s Christmas shoot has proven that the guinea pig is the pro! Wiggley is also the oldest amongst the remaining furballs we consider as kids in our household. (Ginger would have put the cats in their places). At least the cats didn’t mind wearing a Christmas collar for the shoot.
2 more sleeps to Christmas!
Here’s wishing you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year!
Thank you all for your constant support. Have a safe holiday.
In the meantime, here are some behind-the-scenes shots that I saved for this post that included my faithful staff assisting me with the shoot:
Friday, December 17, 2010
Tribute to my boy
It has been a week since Ginger had left us.
In the mid of moving to our new home, Ginger passed away peacefully in his sleep on 10th December 2010, around 9.30pm. I remember checking up on the boys half hour before that. I guess he just wanted to leave quietly.
His sudden departure is still a shock to us all at home, including his companion, Wiggley. It took me a week to come to terms with not having Ginger for this Christmas, for my wedding next February, and for the years to come. Thanks to Petrest for their sensitivity and help.
This post is a tribute to my boy. He was full of life and sass. In his 5 years and 7.5 months, Ginger probably outdid any ambitious corporate achiever. He’s the guinea pig who shared a blog with Wiggley. He traveled between two homes in the last year and even travelled to Alpine in the Southern Highlands for one Christmas.
Ginger was the wise one. He helped us stay focused, I think - kept us earthbound and reminded us of what was important. He’s taught me about patience, love and kindness. He gave me so much joy in photographing him that he inspired me to photograph other pets. He had a sense of fun too. Ginger loved Baroque and Hard rock music. He had perfect pitch because he would not hesitate to let me know when I was out of tune practising the cello. Also he could squeak till the cows came home!
Amongst his companions were cats Matilda, Mr Big and PF, chooks Naomi, Laura and Dora, a Yorkshire Terrier named Princess (we dog-sat for some time), not to mentioned the Magpies and Currawongs in our neighbourhood. When we fostered two other rescued guinea pigs, Ginger was their leader and taught them to socialise with other guinea pigs and humans. He boarded at the then Australian Cavy Sanctuary branch in Wollongong and with Uncle Vinnie while we travelled overseas.
He survived two surgeries to remove his tumours. He loved his strawberries, cherries, parsley, and was very interested in his vegie garden which was a ceramic pot of herbs. Ginger was most curious about the products I purchased, especially his bedding made of recycling paper.
He let me dress him up in silly Christmas hats. He loved to play hide-and-seek and ‘follow the leader’ (it’s a guinea pig’s game, where two or more guinea pigs form a train and they follow the leader anywhere s/he goes).
Every year, he participated in Earth Day, watched Eurovision and the New Year’s Eve fireworks on tele. He even didn’t mind following two of the Australian elections and I suspect he voted for Kevin Rudd and was an admirer of President Obama. He paid tribute to Michael Jackson. Ginger met his fair share of human friends - who adored and loved him to bits.
He has watched many movies and TV shows with me: all 6 HP movies made during his time; all of Wallace and Grommet's series (his all time favourite); Peter and the Wolf; E.T.; G-Force; Caved In (that he lost interest in half way through); 60 seconds and many more.
I am missing his constant supervision of my knitting project, his big beadie eyes, punk rocker hair style, and his big and generous personality. I hope he had a good life with us.
He’s one little guy whose spirit will always be with us, close to my heart.
Here’s a compilation of some of Ginger’s life with us - images that I have made since 2004.
In the mid of moving to our new home, Ginger passed away peacefully in his sleep on 10th December 2010, around 9.30pm. I remember checking up on the boys half hour before that. I guess he just wanted to leave quietly.
His sudden departure is still a shock to us all at home, including his companion, Wiggley. It took me a week to come to terms with not having Ginger for this Christmas, for my wedding next February, and for the years to come. Thanks to Petrest for their sensitivity and help.
This post is a tribute to my boy. He was full of life and sass. In his 5 years and 7.5 months, Ginger probably outdid any ambitious corporate achiever. He’s the guinea pig who shared a blog with Wiggley. He traveled between two homes in the last year and even travelled to Alpine in the Southern Highlands for one Christmas.
Ginger was the wise one. He helped us stay focused, I think - kept us earthbound and reminded us of what was important. He’s taught me about patience, love and kindness. He gave me so much joy in photographing him that he inspired me to photograph other pets. He had a sense of fun too. Ginger loved Baroque and Hard rock music. He had perfect pitch because he would not hesitate to let me know when I was out of tune practising the cello. Also he could squeak till the cows came home!
Amongst his companions were cats Matilda, Mr Big and PF, chooks Naomi, Laura and Dora, a Yorkshire Terrier named Princess (we dog-sat for some time), not to mentioned the Magpies and Currawongs in our neighbourhood. When we fostered two other rescued guinea pigs, Ginger was their leader and taught them to socialise with other guinea pigs and humans. He boarded at the then Australian Cavy Sanctuary branch in Wollongong and with Uncle Vinnie while we travelled overseas.
He survived two surgeries to remove his tumours. He loved his strawberries, cherries, parsley, and was very interested in his vegie garden which was a ceramic pot of herbs. Ginger was most curious about the products I purchased, especially his bedding made of recycling paper.
He let me dress him up in silly Christmas hats. He loved to play hide-and-seek and ‘follow the leader’ (it’s a guinea pig’s game, where two or more guinea pigs form a train and they follow the leader anywhere s/he goes).
Every year, he participated in Earth Day, watched Eurovision and the New Year’s Eve fireworks on tele. He even didn’t mind following two of the Australian elections and I suspect he voted for Kevin Rudd and was an admirer of President Obama. He paid tribute to Michael Jackson. Ginger met his fair share of human friends - who adored and loved him to bits.
He has watched many movies and TV shows with me: all 6 HP movies made during his time; all of Wallace and Grommet's series (his all time favourite); Peter and the Wolf; E.T.; G-Force; Caved In (that he lost interest in half way through); 60 seconds and many more.
I am missing his constant supervision of my knitting project, his big beadie eyes, punk rocker hair style, and his big and generous personality. I hope he had a good life with us.
He’s one little guy whose spirit will always be with us, close to my heart.
Here’s a compilation of some of Ginger’s life with us - images that I have made since 2004.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Jelly bean
The shape of Wiggley's body in this shot reminds me of a jelly bean.
When I'm lurking behind him, he often turns around and checks if I'm watching his back. Not that he has anything to fear.
When I'm lurking behind him, he often turns around and checks if I'm watching his back. Not that he has anything to fear.
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