Bark! | Seattle Fine Art Dog Photographer

Hi

The woman behind the blog.

The Other Side

Have you ever had this grand idea of a shot that you wanted to take, but your subject wasn't into it, or the light was bad, or the scenery wasn't all you hoped it would be?

I think having a previsualized idea of what you want to shoot is great, but a lot of times I find that if I overplan something, it just comes out looking forced and wrong to me.   It is a constant lesson in flexibility as well as letting go of the control freak part of my photographer brain.

Like Gracie for example.  I had the white backdrop up to test out my freshly painted in home studio.   I asked her to sit, in my mind, thinking that she would sit nicely in front of the backdrop.  But nope, she turned around and gave me this instead.  Rather than forcing her into something that she wasn't comfortable with (sadly, looking at her lovely Mom) I just shot the back of her instead.   

I love this shot of her ear, which would not have looked nearly as cool from the front. 

Fine

Fine.

I'll sit + pose for you.

But I'm not going to smile.

Image of the Year

I've always had a hard time picking out one single image that stands above the rest because every time I shoot the experience is individual and unique to each subject.  How can I pick one over the other?

But this year it was so very easy for me. 

Visiting Pearl Harbor during our vacation this December was a very unexpected and memorable highlight.  The day we went, I was ready to bring my camera on the tour but it was dumping rain so hard that I didn't want to risk it with the rain and high humidity, so I sadly left it in the car. 

Deciding instead to bring our family point + shoot which fit nicely in my pocket.  I think if I had brought my big camera, I would not have been able to get this shot.  It is a very intimate moment on the Arizona Memorial.  At the center of the memorial, a hole is cut out in the middle, allowing viewers to look down at the remains of the Arizona.  I happened to step over and see this gentleman looking down at the ship, almost in a silent prayer.  I felt so compelled to capture this moment, that I blatantly ignored my own first rule with my camera and that is the respect for privacy.  I had to capture it.

Each time I look at this image, I can't help but wonder what was going through his head.  Especially since we were there the week of the 66th anniversary.  Is he a survivor?  Did he lose friends?  Was he remembering where he was when the first bomb dropped? 

It surprised me that my image of choice was not a dog, because that represents the bulk of my year.  But I love it because it represents that photography is not about the fancy equipment, or the "L" lens, or the lighting...but rather the moment that is occuring when the shutter snaps.

My Holiday Card

This year I have received the most beautiful, creative, and inspired Christmas cards.  Far more beautiful than any other year that I can remember.  Each day this month I have gone out to the mailbox and delighted in the images.  I don't know if it is the rise of the digital age or that I have simply ended up with a group of amazingly talented friends.  Whatever the reason, I was stunned at the creativity and I thank each of you that was so gracious to send us a card this year. 

I also thank you for making me feel especially guilty that I do not send out cards (kidding!)  In all honesty, I have never been one to send out cards but I do love to get them!

In lieu of a card, allow my slideshow to serve as the official Vey Family Holiday Letter.  My images say volumes about our 2007, far better than any words could. 

I didn't realize the variety of subjects I shot this year until I went back and put together each month for the slideshow.  The range is broad and they are all very special to me.  Including snow days out in my neighborhood, newborns, a very special maternity session, 2 weddings, 2 workshops, headshots, puppies, dogs, vacations, a wild + crazy birthday party, a horse, and of course Miss Gracie.

I am excited and ready for 2008 starting with a brand new website that is just about done.

Enjoy.

(The slideshow is big so please allow it to load completely before hitting play)

VISIT SLIDESHOW HERE

Whew

I'm almost done with my to do list.

Time to take a breath and enjoy the last of the holiday season.  I don't think I'll be shooting much for the rest of the year.  We'll see.  As with everything, especially creative work, it is good to take some time off and do something else.  I don't ever want to burn out and dread picking up my camera.

Have a relaxing and stress free weekend. 

Just Because

Because they always make a bad day better.

In Search of Sun

I was in my 4th of July folder last night and came across some images of my niece, Baylee, that I didn't really look at during the summer.  They were taken after a long day in the sun over at The Lake.  You might wonder what I was doing in my 4th of July folder? 

I was looking for sun. 

The Veys live for summer around here.

So I thought I would share these two of her.  She really is such a doll and certainly is comfortable in front of the camera.

Answer

Oh how I wish the answer to my trivia question was a new puppy.

Alas, it is not.  I can pretty much guarantee that I will not be getting puppy breath for Christmas.  But I bet it will be something electronic, which is fine with me, because I am a total techie geek and proud of it.  I have been shaking the box under the tree since my husband bought it at the end of November.  It has been sitting there so long that it no longer has bows on it because Gracie ripped them off (well, not really, I pulled them off and stuck them on her head for entertainment and she was running all around trying to get them off).

I have it narrowed down to an iPhone or a GPS, to help me from not getting lost when I drive to client sessions.  I can say with certainty, that it is not the diamond pinky ring I have been eyeing. 

Those of you who guessed a new website.  You're right!  It was time for a fresh, modern, new look to go with my just completed goals for 2008.  Can't wait to share!

Trivia

Can anyone guess what this is?