However….I do have to say that a lot of the time my job does seem pretty easy!  This family illustrates exactly what I’m talking about… They are brilliant, gracious, dynamic, and grounded.  They know what is important in life — love, trust, honesty, faith, and kindness.  Photographing them this day was pure pleasure for me!  The weather was exquisite and the light sheer perfection.  Six month-old baby “N’ was such a serious little guy at the start.  Totally loved sucking in his bottom lip — adorable!  But he quickly got used to my camera and silly noises and gave us sweet smiles all around!  And the mom and dad….I love encouraging parents get portraits together — this can be a rare occurrence and they truly deserve a special spot in the limelight that is all their own.  Naturally we included Bella, their cute little pomeranian!  She was a tough cookie to follow but did her very best to pose for a few shots.  Big thanks to the “E” family for being such a dream to capture… Enjoy this (big) sneak peek of your session!  See you soon!

Mr. Hill’s words above, with one exception, quite accurately describe how dogs have affected and influenced me throughout my life.  The exception being that I have never felt “all-powerful” in my dog’s presence as Mr. Hill expressed…. Quite the opposite, actually.  I am often humbled by my dogs, especially knowing how perfectly sublime their love is and how hopelessly flawed I am… but how impossible it is for them to see that.  Maybe they just choose not to make a big deal of their divine spirits or my crummy shortcomings.  Either way, even though I continue to trip up in my life, they still think I am incredible, and that humbles me and encourages me to try to be as amazing as they perceive me to be, even though I know I will never, ever in reality reach such heights.  But it’s good and right to try….and for the reward of their truest, purest love, it’s well worth the effort.

Last Sunday afternoon I met “K” and her dog Mozart for a sunny afternoon session…. and I was humbled once again to be invited to witness and document the powerful bond these two share.  Only those who have experienced such a bond between dogs and their humans can fully recognize the strength it holds.  I felt so honored and simply elated to be brought into this world of theirs that only the two of them can truly comprehend.  These two are clearly breathtaking on the outside, but most importantly, possess beautiful souls on the inside.  It’s not by chance that these two crossed each other’s path at just the right moment… It was decided long ago that Mozart and “K” needed each other, and though the place and time would appear a coincidence, their encounter was destined to happen at an instant and on a level we’ll never be able to fathom.  They are a pair…who share a powerful, equally mutual admiration for each other.  And it’s such a delight to observe, because I know that they will never, ever let each other down.  I know all this, because I saw it.  Have a look for yourself:

“My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my dog already thinks I am” -author unknown

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France

Considering my great affection for dogs, this post is a difficult one for me to write.  A couple of weeks ago I was asked to photograph a gorgeous yellow Lab named Ben who just before Christmas had been diagnosed with bone cancer.  The family wanted to have some beautiful images made of Ben to remember his gentle spirit.  Upon arrival I was greeted warmly by his owners AND Ben….tail wagging and big sweet eyes searching.  Ben was happy and more energetic than I anticipated, and he made me smile despite the sadness I felt.  He showed me his toys, where he sleeps, his faucet, and his sport — chasing and chewing his stick!  His family is undeniably heartbroken…they are relishing this time that they have with him.  I know that even with his photographs, they will still never forget the extraordinary creature that Ben was and the lovely warmth he brought to their home.  I want to say thank you to Ben’s family for inviting me to photograph this great boy.  I too will never forget him.