FidoJournalism

A New Blog

2008-04-13T22:25:00.002-05:00

If you're subscribed to this blog via RSS, you'll want to head over to http://www.fidojournalism.com/blog to see my new blog and update your feed. I will no longer be posting to this one. The new blog features BIIIIIIIG images, so be sure to check it out.

Thanks for reading!

Stephen

Lolly

2008-03-28T20:39:00.003-05:00

Lolly is an incredibly sweet black lab with a very loving family. I wanted to take her home with me, but I didn't think they'd appreciate that.

Lolly enjoying the nice weather...

By far, the coolest dog collar I've ever seen...

Lolly has beautiful eyes!

After a little play time she was pooped!

Still pooped!

Shelley, Sam and Lolly (peeking her nose through)...

Stella

2008-03-24T19:08:00.005-05:00

Stella was one of my toughest subjects yet... a sweet but hyperkinetic Chihuahua (and jet black to boot)! Honestly I was a little worried at first as she bounced around the room at warp speed. I wasn't sure what kinds of images I was going to get. Eventually, all the humans (except me) had to leave the room for her to settle down, but that she did, and we got some nice shots.

Stella with her friend the giraffe...

Some more window-light portraits...

Outside for a "walk"... the life of an urban dog...

Houseguest

2008-03-13T18:43:00.001-05:00

Last night we dog-sat for our neighbor's greyhound Cleo. She had no problems making herself at home.

And the Winner is...

2008-03-03T10:11:00.005-05:00

The winner of the "Unconditional Love" contest is Katie Kutch, who sumbitted this heartfelt entry. The competition was stiff, but this story of unconditional love really stood out. Congratulations Katie!

Thank you to everyone who submitted a story.

Murphie was not what people referred to as a good dog. She had some slight behavioral issues, a proclivity for barking and the highest vertical leap I have ever seen. One of her many talents, was that of a master counter surfer. If it was there, she could get to it and eat it in a matter of seconds. I have never seen two paws and a snout work so quick. She could get to anything, no matter how far. She would eat steaks in one bite, swallow sandwiches without chewing and would devour anything in a matter of seconds. And I mean anything. We would watch her out in the backyard, pain in her eyes as she attempted to pass entire paper towels and panties, all swallowed whole. We took turns pulling partially chewed items from her bottom. It happened in the yard, it happened on the street during the evening walk, it happened in the basement as she literally backed up to my mom and went to the bathroom right in her face. It could be quite an embarrassment, more for the person privileged enough to draw the object from her‐ but to Murphie, it was all worth it.

We owned the dog no one liked. All of our friends and extended family members really couldn’t stand her. They didn’t understand why she would jump on them, why she would lick incessantly, why she would bark and why she just couldn’t “be calm”. But the truth was, she was a dog who loved people. She would wait for her family every night to get home, she would sit on our feet and she would lay on our magazines and newspapers while we were trying to read. She was happiest when she could be with people.

Two years ago, Murphie was diagnosed with PLA, a kidney disease that is common to Wheaten Terriers. Her body could no longer process protein in the body and she was therefore unable to eat the meats, cheeses and eggs she loved so much. The prognosis was not good, but we knew we had to do everything we could. We changed her diet to prescription food, much to her displeasure. We started her on a medicine for her kidneys, a protein supplement, a multivitamin and a baby aspirin‐ twice daily and all taken without peanut butter. Since her kidneys were no longer functioning properly, we would take her out close to 15 times per night. This past winter, her condition rapidly deteriorated and she was no longer eating or drinking. We began to give her daily IV’s of medicines so we could keep her hydrated. For that hour each evening, she would lay helplessly in the bathtub while she was given her nightly dose of fluids to keep her comfortable. In the end, we knew there was nothing we could do to cure her or to bring her back to her old terrier self. Murphie passed away on New Year’s Eve, eleven years to the day we brought her home.

For a dog, and more importantly a member of our family, who had provided us so much over the years, I cannot imagine doing anything different for her. To us, she was worth every single minute and every single penny we had, to give her as much unconditional love as she had given us. This April, my husband and I will welcome our first puppy in to our home. Otter McGee will join the ranks of spoiled terriers before him and I know will provide us with as much enjoyment, entertainment and love as Murphie did.

Shadow

2008-02-25T22:10:00.002-05:00

There's something about this image that I love.

P.S. - Don't forget to enter the "Unconditional Love" contest!!!

Siblings Reunited

2008-02-22T20:37:00.011-05:00

You may remember my session last year with Liora and Sabra, the Saluki mixes rescued from Israel. If you haven't read their amazing story, you must read it now! It's okay, I'll wait.

Finished? Wasn't that a great story?

Well there's an even better ending, as it seems that there are even more siblings living in the area! Add Snow and Emmy to the mix. They all got together a few weeks ago and it was amazing to see how similar their mannerisms are. I'm so glad they called me back to document their reunion.

I think this is Snow and Liora, but it's so hard to tell them all apart...

They looooove to roughhouse...

I think this was the only shot I got with all four of them!

This one cracks me up!

How could these NOT be siblings?

Snow was tired from all that playing...

In the middle of a scrum... being a dog photographer is dangerous work!

Playing with Video

2008-02-15T23:08:00.004-05:00

Don't worry, I'm not going to give up photography for video, but we got a new video camera for Christmas so I thought I would play. Luckily Cooley and Jingles provide us plenty of funny moments to capture. This is Cooley doing his cat-like routine with a rope toy.

"Unconditional Love" Contest for a Free Session!

2008-02-14T13:08:00.000-05:00

Since today is Valentine's Day, I thought it would be fun to have a little contest honoring the love we have for our pets. But there's a little twist. I want to hear your best story of unconditional love. Tell me something that your pet has done that drove you absolutely crazy and, of course, why you love them anyway. You must also send a picture of your pet(s).

Entries are due by March 1. Please email your story, picture and contact information to contest@fidojournalism.com. The winner will be announced on this blog Monday, March 3, and will receive a free Ceasar session ($500 value)*!

We have too many stories to count in our house, but here's a few just to give you some ideas:

When Cooley was a puppy, he used the wood baseboards and door frames in our dining room as his personal chew toys. He destroyed them. Several months later, we thought his wood obsession was licked until one day we came home and found all four corners of our coffee table chomped off.

One night we came home to find a stack of books on our coffee table shredded to bits and our sofa practically overturned. These books were on the table for months without incident.

Just recently, Jingles cut his foot requiring emergency surgery and one of those cones to keep the bandaged area clean and dry. Well the cone didn't deter him from, and we tried everything - bitter spray, duct tape, etc. - to keep him from chewing the bandage and licking the wound. We had to make several unplanned visits to the vet for rebandaging (at $50 a pop).

Then they go and do something like this and remind us why they bring so much joy to our lives:

I think our stories are relatively tame, so I can't wait to hear your best stories!

* - session must take place within 60 miles of Takoma Park, MD on a date I have available.

Oh, Jingles...

2008-01-16T16:05:00.000-05:00

So we had a fun night over the weekend. Jingles somehow managed to cut his foot on something in our yard, so we made a trip to the emergency 24-hour vet last Saturday night. He sliced into his foot down to the tendons, necessitating immediate surgery. The doctor said he did well ("he's not a sissy" were his exact words), but seeing a groggy Jingles limp out of the surgery room with a cone on his head at 4am was about the saddest thing I've ever seen.

For people in the Maryland-area, the vet is the Metropolitan Animal Clinic on Nebel St. in Rockville. We were very pleased with the service and care of Jingles.

The vets instructed us to keep him calm over the next few days, which is like telling Britney Spears to act like a sane, rational person. Ain't gonna happen. We've already been back to our vet several times to get him rebandaged, and resorted to duct tape, bitter spray and other things to try and keep the wrap on. When Jingles has his mind set on something, there's really very little that can be done to stop him.

Here's our poor boy...

Brotherly Love

2008-01-16T15:51:00.001-05:00

Every once in awhile, Jingles and Cooley are so sweet to each other. It's rare, but it does happen. I snapped this the other night as they were both laying on the couch. I love how Jingles wrapped his legs around Cooley and used him as a pillow.

FidoJournalism Profiled!

2008-01-10T22:11:00.001-05:00

FidoJournalism was recently profiled by a journalism grad student for a class project. It was an honor to be asked, and while I don't usually like to talk about myself, it was fun giving someone a behind the scenes look at a shoot and my thought processes. I think Kate did a terrific job expressing in words what I do, and, perhaps more importantly, WHY I do it.

Take a few minutes to read the profile [HTML or PDF] and let me know what you think in the comments.

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T22:53:00.000-05:00

Jingles and Cooley wish you a very happy new year! They had a lazy day today, mostly napping and watching football, much like mommy and daddy.

Cedar

2007-12-26T18:08:00.000-05:00

This was a very special session - a Christmas surprise for Cedar's mother, who has been with her for 16 years. Cedar was very sweet and showed surprising energy as she came bounding down the stairs to greet me. She's old, but still has plenty of life! She was happy to share her bed with feline brother William.

As a documentary pet photographer, I really try to tell a story with my pictures. I hope I was able to capture a little of what makes Cedar so special.

Season's Greetings

2007-12-21T19:26:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a very happy holiday season. Thanks to everyone who supported this endeavor and made 2007 a great first year for FidoJournalism. I was fortunate to work with such great clients. I look forward to what 2008 has in store!

I thought these images were fitting:

Arbo

2007-12-21T19:19:00.000-05:00

Arbo is quite the charmer. He is one cute Goldendoodle, and it's impossible not to fall in love with him at first sight.

Snow!

2007-12-07T19:51:00.000-05:00

We had our first snowfall of the year this week and the boys were loving it, especially Cooley with his Husky heritage. He literally does not want to come inside, content to just sit on the porch and listen to the cars go by. It's amusing (except when we need to leave for work). I took a few pics when I had a chance, but wouldn't you know that my favorite shot is this one that my lovely wife Carolyn took. I've been giving her a few pointers, but I guess now I have to watch my back. She might steal my gigs.

And just so he doesn't feel left out, here's one I took of Jingles, ever the watch dog.

Sonny & Gibbs

2007-11-26T20:18:00.000-05:00

I knew I was going to get along with Sonny and Gibbs - after all they are named after Washington Redskins (like our boy Cooley). Sonny is the lovable Bichon, while Gibbs is the energetic Lab mix. Both were rescue dogs from A Forever Home. We had a fun backyard session!

Gibbs patrolling the yard...

Sonny was a little shy at first...

Gibbs gives a good shake for a treat...

Gibbs wondering who is the strange man laying in his yard...

LOVE the Redskins collar...

I wish I could show you how this picture came about. I was laying in the grass shooting the above pictures of Gibbs and Sonny wanders over and decides to stand on my back. I basically shot this one blindly, but I like how it came out!

I love how Sonny is looking up at his mommy as if saying "Pay attention to ME!"

One of Sonny's favorite spots for R&R...

Winston

2007-11-17T21:52:00.000-05:00

Winston is an adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He loves to play with toys in the yard and look out the window. He pretends to be a ferocious watch dog, but he really loves everyone. Here are a few highlights from our session.

Monty & Taz

2007-11-13T21:37:00.000-05:00

Monty and Taz make quite a combination. Monty is the bulldog who loves everyone. Taz is the cat who loves everyone but Monty. Getting them together for a picture was out of the question, but we had fun anyway.

Taz wasn't too keen on pictures at first...

Monty flashing his smile...

Monty could be the Georgetown University mascot...

Monty loves his toys...

Taz on the prowl...

Getting some love from Dad...

Did I mention Monty and his toys?

This one cracks me up. Gotta love the underbite...

I think Taz warmed up to me...

Monty from above...

Pooped!

Designer Dog Book

2007-11-10T10:01:00.000-05:00

San Francisco-based photographer extraordinaire Anna Kuperberg has recently published a book called "Designer Dogs," a hardcover coffee table book about hybrid dog breeds like labradoodles and cockapoos and puggles. Needless to say, her images are amazing and you will want to check this book out if you love dog photography.

She's also launched a new blog for her pet work, cleverly titled Slobberspace. You can purchase the book through her blog.

It's wonderful to see talented photographers shooting what makes them happy. Anna is a perfect example of the adage, "Do what you love and success will follow." Congratulations Anna!

FidoJournalism on Display

2007-10-30T20:15:00.000-05:00

The good folks at the Center Pet Pharmacy in Washington, DC asked me to display some of my work in their store. Center Pet Pharmacy has been a neighborhood institution for 43 years, but they've just remodeled their store and launched an awesome new website. This week they are celebrating their grand re-opening.

They wanted an upscale look for the display, so we decided on large black and white prints on canvas to give an art gallery feel. The picture below doesn't do the canvas prints justice. They are huge and look great! The large picture is 36x48 and the two square prints are 22x22.

If you're thinking about a FidoJournalism session, you should stop by Center Pet and take a look at the prints. You will be wowed. We can turn any image from a session into ready-to-hang art for your home! We can even do custom sizes to fit any space.

Total Destruction

2007-10-23T22:20:00.001-05:00

So Jingles and Cooley look cute and innocent, but they can be bad when they want to. They don't particularly care for us coming home from a day at work and then leaving again. Carolyn and I did just that the other night when we went out to dinner, and we came home to a total disaster area. They (most likely just Jingles) shredded books and magazines that were on our coffee table and somehow removed one of the couch cushions. I imagine this is what our house would look like if a tornado came through.

But how can you resist those faces?

A New Toy

2007-10-04T21:56:00.001-05:00

No, I don't mean a new toy for Jingles and Cooley... I mean a new toy for me! I just got a new lens and gave it a quick spin tonight with my favorite subjects. I really love using shallow depth of field and throwing the background out of focus. This lens does that really well. Enjoy!

Cooley is such a good little poser...

Jingles not so much...

Cross-processed Jingles...

The boys love checking out what's going on in the neighborhood...

Ahh, there's a good look into the camera. We had just played fetch and you know Jingles is tired when that long tongue comes out...

George

2007-10-01T19:18:00.000-05:00

With two 65 lb. dogs of my own, I sometimes forget what it's like to have a little dog. George is a 7 month old Maltese puppy and we became fast friends. He's a little ball of energy and he gives the best face licks with his little tongue. I had a great time spending some time with George and capturing what an evening in his life is like.

George likes to stick his whole face in this slipper...

He's a little guy, but when he wants to get somewhere he lets you know it!

I love these shots of George and his mommy sitting by a tree during their evening walk...

George likes to carry his leash down the hall. Here he was waiting patiently for me to go into the apartment with him.

"Yes, I know I'm cute."

Sophia: Daddy's Little Girl

2007-09-24T21:06:00.001-05:00

Sophia is the sweetest little Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel/Poodle mix), and enjoys her Daddy's attention in their gorgeous home in Dupont Circle (actually right around the corner from where Carolyn and I used to live). We spent some time on the roof deck to take advantage of the amazing late afternoon light.

How's the view, Sophia?

Sophia has taken a particular liking to this hose attachment. I love when I can capture a pet's little idiosyncracies and show their personalities in my images. That's why I love the candid, documentary style.

A quiet moment with Dad on the steps.

A Day in My Life

2007-09-14T18:27:00.000-05:00

Over at the Love Life Images wedding and portrait studio, we decided to have some fun this week and photograph a day in each of our lives. Our cameras were with us all day and we photographed everything from the mundane to the exciting. Of course Jingles and Cooley are featured prominently. After putting the images together, I noticed that my dogs and food seem to be the dominant themes in my life. Oh and my wife too, can't forget her! :) I don't eat fast food very often, but Daria introduced me to the Vanilla Frosty at Wendy's and I couldn't resist.

We've each posted slideshows with images from our day. We had so much fun doing this, and we'd like you to take part as well. We are accepting photos from your life until September 19. You can email your entry (max of 5 images per family, please) to Jennifer at jennifer@lovelifeimages.com or info@imagesbyjennifer.com. Your photo will be posted on the LLI blog on September 20th and we’ll let you vote on the winner. The winner will receive a free portrait session!

Thanks to everyone who entered so far and check back on the 20th for the voting!

Pool Party!

2007-09-10T20:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Carolyn and I brought Jingles and Cooley to a Pooch Pool Party hosted by the Montgomery County Recreation Department. The entire Wheaton/Glenmont pool was opened to dogs... and there were lots of them there to enjoy a refreshing dip.

Jingles and Cooley made quite a pair. They didn't seem all that interested in swimming, but they enjoyed running free around the perimeter of the pools, sticking together as usual. They did splash around some, but some of the other dogs were swimming in the deep end and even going down the slides.

I had a booth set up so I couldn't take as many pictures as I wanted, but here are some of my favorites from yesterday.

Jingles and Cooley surveying the scene...

Cooley cooling off...

Another lap around the pool...

Parents brave the heat, while the dogs enjoy the water...

Testing the waters...

I like the layers in this one. If you look closely, you can see one dog swimming in the deep end, and another running in the background.

That is one shaggy dog!

This poor guy was investigating the slide and took one step too many...

Xenia and Zeus

2007-08-15T20:02:00.000-05:00

Xenia and Zeus were two very well-behaved little pugs, with lots of energy and a whole slew of neat tricks. I enjoyed our shoot, and hope you enjoy the images!

Our Boys

2007-08-11T16:00:00.000-05:00

I realize it's been awhile since I've posted any pictures of Jingles and Cooley. I've been busy with weddings and my FidoJournalism clients. Don't worry, they still get plenty of attention, just not as much camera time. But I decided to have some fun with them last night as they waited by the front door for Mommy to come home.

I like how these two seem kind of abstract. It also captures the feel of watching them at play... lots of not-so-gentle wrestling and flying fur (we sweep alot).

Another "abstract" art piece. I think I'll title it, "Cooley, You're Too Close to My Lens!"...

Yes, they can be gentle with each other (it's just not often).

Cooley on the lookout...

Rosie

2007-07-17T21:07:00.001-05:00

Rosie is a gorgeous Spinone Italiano, and displayed the breed's common traits - gentle, friendly and playful! After a few romps around Rosie's backyard, we headed to her favorite play area where she appointed herself official greeter and raced off to meet each new dog that came by. Then it was back home for some rest and a special peanut butter treat. Mmmmmm, peanut butter.

Giuseppe

2007-06-29T20:10:00.000-05:00

I had a great time hanging out with Giuseppe and his family earlier this week. Giuseppe is a mixed breed pooch with a gorgeous brindle coat. He is very loved and enjoys living downtown.

His favorite activities include...

rolling in the grass...

resting in the hall...

romping at the playground...

watching soccer with dad...

and, of course, kissing mommy!

Thanks again for letting me document this handsome dog!

The Bark Ball

2007-06-23T13:24:00.000-05:00

I was recently invited to photograph the Washington Humane Society's 20th Annual Bark Ball, hailed as "Washington's only formal evening for the 'four-on-the-floor' crowd." This was my first time attending and I didn't realize that so many people brought their dogs to the event. It was incredible, and a lot of fun too! There were dogs of all sizes, and I was amazed at how well-behaved they all were.

The festivities included a silent auction, dinner and dancing. They also showed a slideshow with images from my Day in the Life session with the WHS staff. James Carville and Mary Matalin chaired the event and brought along their own pack of dogs (four or five, I lost count). A good time was had by all. Congratulations to the great staff of the Washington Humane Society for putting on such a successful event.

Two Special Dogs

2007-06-02T09:42:00.000-05:00

Last week, I was honored to photograph Liora and Sabra, two Saluki siblings who were rescued from Israel after bombings last year. Their story is amazing and they are both so sweet. Despite all they've been through, they are happy in their new homes and thrilled to be living down the street from each other, so they can play and romp together. Here are a few from our session.

A Day In the Life of WHS

2007-05-26T13:42:00.000-05:00

The Washington Humane Society recently asked me to photograph a day in the life of their DC shelters. The images will be used in a slideshow at the 20th Annual Bark Ball, "Washington's Only Black-tie Gala for the Four-on-the-Floor Crowd". Here are some of my favorites from the day spent observing WHS' very caring and dedicated staff. Sign up for the Bark Ball to see more from my Day in the Life session!

Strut Your Mutt

2007-05-09T22:29:00.000-05:00

On Saturday May 19, be sure to stop by the Strut Your Mutt Parade and Dog Festival in Bethesda. Come by the FidoJournalism booth for some free goodies and a chance to win a free session! In addition to the parade, there will also be contests, a fashion show, obedience experts and a raffle for prizes.

Organized and sponsored by the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rotary Club, the event raises needed funds for the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. We hope to see you there!

Fashion for Paws

2007-04-19T14:18:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday I attended Fashion for Paws, a fundraiser for the Washington Humane Society held at the French Embassy. The highlight of the evening was a fashion show (humans and dogs!) with some well-known personalities in DC. The event was a big hit, and raised money for WHS' Good Home Guarantee, a five year plan that promises to find a good home for every adoptable animal brought to WHS shelters by the year 2010. The goal is to eliminate the need for euthanasia. WHS shelters maintain an open admission policy. No animal is ever turned away for any reason.

Here are some pics from a fun evening.

Pumper and the Boys

2007-04-05T11:28:00.000-05:00

Last week, Carolyn and I dog-sat our friend's spunky Pug puppy, Pumpernickel. She enjoyed tormenting Jingles and Cooley by running under tables and through their legs as they tried to catch her. She must have seemed like a little toy to them, but they were gentle with her and they were sad when she left. Here are some fun pics of Pumper and the boys.

Gus and Ruby

2007-03-20T18:35:00.000-05:00

I recently spent some time photographing Gus and Ruby, two Yorkshire Terriers who spend most of their days as guardians and co-proprietors of The Posh Pooch Luxury Dog Boutique in Bethesda. They were delighted to show off the latest in stylish dog beds, and Ruby got in some good old fashioned fetch with her plush toys. Gus was mostly interested in treats from Mom. View more of my session with Gus and Ruby, and be sure to stop by the Posh Pooch to say hello.

Dogs on Parade

2007-03-03T17:42:00.000-05:00

I had a great time at Alexandria, VA's 21st Annual St. Patrick's Day Fun Dog Show! The event featured costumed dogs competing in categories such as Dog with Best Irish Costume, Owner/Dog with the Most Similar Hair, Most Unusual Markings, Best Tail Wag, Biggest Feet, Best Spots, Best Smile, Most Unique/Disproportionate Appearance, Most Unusual Tail, and Most Mysterious Heritage. The event culminated in a doggie parade down King Street! Here are some shots of the puppies enjoying the festivities.

Showcase Your Pets in Style

2007-02-13T14:15:00.000-05:00

FidoJournalism is pleased to offer you our new line of canvas prints, a stunning way to show off photography of your pets. Our canvas prints are gallery-wrapped, hand-stretched around the sides of the frame for a beautiful print, ready to hang on your wall. No additional custom framing is needed.

These pictures don't do it justice, but this sample is a 24x36 print and the quality is amazing.

Your pets will appreciate their pictures displayed as a work of art in your home, and they'll love being the center of attention (as if they weren't already). Don't forget to ask about our canvas prints when you book your FidoJournalism session.

Puppies Galore

2007-02-05T23:01:00.000-05:00

Carolyn and I spent part of Super Bowl Sunday at the home of Carolyn's co-volunteer at Lost Dog and Cat Rescue. They are raising nine hound-mix puppies who will be up for adoption in a few weeks. If you're looking for a totally irresistable addition to your family, please check the Lost Dog site for updates on these guys. They are too cute, aren't they?

Lazy Saturday

2007-02-03T23:50:00.000-05:00

Jingles and Cooley stayed up late last night and used today to catch up on their sleep.

Welcome to FidoJournalism

2007-01-20T11:23:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my new pet photography website. I'm very excited about combining two things that I really love - pets (especially dogs) and photography. My style is photojournalistic and I try to capture moments candidly rather than setting up poses. This is how I approach my wedding work, and I want to bring that same aesthetic to pet photography.

Of course, any serious pet photographer must start with a love of animals. I really love dogs and my wife and I have two of our own. Aside from their chewing (pillows, socks, walls!, etc.), they are great companions and patient subjects. (OK, maybe patient is the wrong word). If you like to visit this site, you will be seeing a lot of them on these pages.

Taken last night with my brand new cameras! Can you tell who gets the good seats in our house?

Jingles

Cooley