Bark! | Seattle Fine Art Dog Photographer

Miss G

And I sure am going to miss this face while I'm gone.

Sun + Travel + Stuff

Last night I was going through my photos of San Diego, in search of some much needed sun. I found a little bit in this image.

It was taken on my first night there down at Crystal Pier. I decided to cross process it a bit to add some interest and contrast.

I will definitely go back to San Diego in 2008 as I'm addicted to both the beaches and the light.  Speaking of travel, if you haven't been to my site in awhile, I have added a list of target cities for 2008.  A few New Yorkers have already found it and emailed me with interest, so I will definitely be going there next year.  I love New York.

Here is a list of my target cities for 2008 so far:  Portland, Chicago, Boston, New York, San Diego, Atlanta, Florida, Dallas.   

All you need to do is email me with interest and I'll add you to the list. 

And if anyone is on Oahu (Lanikai), we'll be there next week soaking up the surf, sand, and sun!   I am taking my camera and laptop this trip so hopefully I'll be able to blog a few photos here and there.  I'm pretty sure I found some coffee shops in Kailua with Wi-Fi, so I'll keep my fingers crossed. 

Mahalo!

By the light of the tree

The other night I got my tripod out, bundled up, and was all ready to go out into the neighborhood and see if I could do some long exposures of our house freshly decorated with Christmas lights.

As I opened the door, I looked over and saw Miss Gracie chasing the Christmas Tree lights. It goes on for hours. Every year. I think she has a sickness.

She looked so lonely that I closed the door and decided to hang out with her by the tree.  As I was sitting on the floor I couldn't help but notice how beautiful the light was.  So I took some shots of Gracie with just the light of the tree.

And just in case you're wondering, yes, our tree is the Griswold Family Christmas Tree.  9 feet of pure, artificial glory, pre-lit and straight from Costco.  In 3 easy pieces.

(Lens 50 f/1.8 | ISO 1600, f/1.8, 1/125)

I Am

I am an artist.
I am confident.
I am a confident artist.

One of the single most important lessons I learned this year was to believe in my work. Without abandon. I feel it is one of the biggest hurdles to tackle when making that decision to turn art into a business.

I read this article in a magazine yesterday.  It showcased words by 9 Writers and how they finally achieved self-confidence. One particular writer stuck out to me and I felt it was relevant enough to share today.

"I put myself out there"
by A.M Homes

In my case, self-acceptance was on back order and didn't arrive until I was in my 40's. There was a moment when I looked beyond myself, and wondered: Why do I care so much what most people think?

And then I thought of artists whose work means a lot to me - Picasso, De Kooning, Edward Albee, Patti Smith and Lou Reed - and it became clear that what I admired about each was the fact that despite their own self-consciousness, despite doubt, they were compelled to do their work, to risk failure. I reflect on these mentors, and what I see are men and women who were or are themselves, genuinely, with all the signs and scars that suggest a battle hard won.

As human beings, we are all conditioned to care, to conform. To reject conformity in favor of asserting one's individual nature is the work of a lifetime. It's hard to create art (or simply live your life) if you're looking over your shoulder. Each time I make something new, I feel I am once again offering my exposed self to the world and saying, "What do you think of me now?"

And then, I do it all over again.

In Memorium

I recently received word that sweet Tenny, a past client of mine, passed away.

Hoping his days are endlessly filled with chasing squirrels.

Merry

The Season Is Here.

Calendar

A question.

I have been getting quite a few inquiries this month for a Gracie Calendar.  I have been making a personal one for 2008 and might be willing to make it public if I have enough interest. 

Leave me a comment. Yay or Nay? 

Kids

This weekend I took Gracie to the Dog Park. My time there is usually divided into 2 equal parts.

The first part is watching my big girl happily romp in the fields, letting the tall grass whip her in the face, and laughing at her as she endlessly digs for rocks in the water.

The second part is fielding the incredibly original comments I get that come with owning a large breed. I can't even type them out I am so tired of them. But rest assured, I have come up with a completely original response that leaves people stumped and speechless. But it is mine and mine alone.

So imagine how happy I was when the following happened.

I was walking away when this adorable 10 year old girl with these funky glasses chased after me and said "Excuse me!" I turned and waited for it. The comment. The one that always comes.

When she surprised me and said "You have the coolest most amazing dog I have ever seen! May I please pet her?"

I could have just picked this girl up, spun her around, and given her the biggest kiss on the cheek! But that probably would have gotten me in trouble.

So I just smiled and quietly thanked her for making my day.

P.S.S.

(P.S.S. to Jim Santa.  I just discovered another sign)

A Letter

Dear Santa,

You must be sending me hints that I need another Great Dane puppy because I keep seeing them everywhere.   In fact, they come up and give me kisses each and every time.  This has to be a sign.  I know it.

I think you're best bet is to get in touch with my husband directly as he seems to be the sticking point here.  His name is Jim.

Looking forward to Christmas morning.

Love,
Erin

(P.S. Just in case you can't find any Danes, my second choice is a Mastiff. I've included some examples below.)