Orchard … Cold, Cold Orchard
October 10th 2009. One of the coldest October days that I can remember. AND the day that I was set up to visit Deer Lake Orchard and do a wonderful MINI session for all pet lovers out there.
I had the day all scheduled. I had planed ahead quite a bit with all my little hand outs and informational pieces, but I still felt that I needed a bit of help to make sure the day went smoothly. Enter Mur.
A happy photo, no?
As a package deal, I had promised a gallon of cider and lunch for his help in keeping me organized at the session. Cider? Check. Pizza from Casey’s? Also check.
We set up shop in a little corner at the front of the barn complete with sunshine and a sign saying “Pet Photographer.” He was set up with my sign up sheet and I was set to roll with the camera and treats. While, yes, my set up is a little on the modest side, I do love it! I have a great book of samples, more information than you could ever want on what I do and a wood stool hand stenciled (and stained) with my logo. To begin with, it had less to do with the business but more to do with my love for moose and then my logo and for sure photography. And I guess Chocolate, too. So in retrospect, it totally has to do with my business. I do love my job!
As for the turnout, I had hoped for a few people but really had very little interest. In past pet photo years, it didn’t sound like a great turnout but with me being cold in long underwear and 2 coats/hat/mittens, it just really wasn’t in the cards for me to get many clients. I did come away with some pretty fun photos of Kona Rose, the fabulous canine host at Deer Lake Orchard.
Kona Rose was a beautiful subject. She was willing to work for dog treats (which is always nice) and she was the ever sociable pooch. Without fail, she would greet all the guests and even seemed to have the front door of the barn figured out. If she barks, someone will open it. Life is as simple as that.
Dear Kona, while I know you weren’t totally prepared for the photo shoot you were a fabulous model. And I know now that Pup-peronies are the key to your heart. Until we meet again, Salud!
Is it December, already?
I keep hearing that Photographer’s holiday season starts in September. It seems to be true. I know it’s the end of October, but on every blog I read and every cool photo website I go to, there is nothing but holidays holidays holidays. It’s OCTOBER people! But I spose, lots of photographers have holiday cut off times and it’s better to get things done earlier than later. Because when it’s later, it’s darker, colder and snowy-er and stress is on the rise.
But what does this odd rambling rant have to do with anything? With the holidays come holiday cards. I’ve spent a good amount of time adding new things to my website including some of that ‘tailor-made stuff’ I advertise on my biz cards. Not everything I offer is up there, but I’ve got holiday cards. And that’s what’s most important right now anyways, right?
This one is my personal favorite card – the tri-fold! It has 3 panels that when folded together are a 5×5 card. A bit different and a bit AWESOME.
I added a few samples here, but for the complete collection, head over to www.ChocolateMooseImages.com
Your options for holiday cards are virtually endless! Want me to take the photo? Love to! We’ve still got time. And I even have a special ‘holiday rate’ for just this purpose. Want to use that favorite photo from your greatest Mount Rushmore vacation? Will do! Want to use a pre-designed card I have? Easy enough. Want to get all wild and crazy and work with me to customize your cards? SIGN. ME. UP.
Contact me via the blog (contact me! page) or my website and let me know what you are interested in. And in the mean time? I am going to start my ease into Christmas music starting with the 3 Roaches. Best Christmas album ever.
Little Man Strugs
Once upon a time there was a little man named Barrett. And in his younger year (or months) Barrett had a love for the camera.
He was pretty content just lying there on a blanket and staring at himself in my camera lens. Fast forward to the new age of ‘young toddler’ and he has become Little Man Strugs (short for “Little Man Barrett – King of Struggling and Wriggling”). He is at the beginning of that “I do what I want” time and “No one can hold me down.” I love it! What determination this guy has. While it makes photo taking and even baby holding a bit of a challenge, he is so stinkin cute I’m sure his family wouldn’t trade a second for a less struggley babe.
Having said all this, meet the whole Curtis family. Mom. Dad. And Little Man Strugs.
For Barrett’s birthday, his Grandpa and Grandma gave him a mini tractor. Notice the red color. Not green. As I’ve been educated. It did not leave his side from the moment he got it to, I’m sure, well after we left the drive way. And I think it’s a perfect addition to these photos.
(notice the tractor. On mom’s leg. Real close by)
The next one is my favorite from the session! A moment a pure, tractor happiness.
Adorable family! And very patient with me as well. Thanks for letting me torture your little man with my ideas!
ohh Gracie
Meet Gracie…
She is the sweet puppy of my cousin. After the Minnesota winter rained on my parade once, we finally found a not too frigid morning that actually had sunshine to make this photo shoot happen. But you know what really gets me about that last statement? That apparently Winter is starting in October this year. Not Cool Minnesota, I don’t think you checked with your residents on that one. None of us are ready or happy about it and unless you plan to quit winter in February this year, I just don’t think it’s fair.
Phew.
At most holiday events I haven’t gotten the chance to spend much quality time with Gracie discussing life’s conundrums such as why dogs eat twice a day but people get to eat as many times as they want. Or why Odie always got kicked off the counter by Garfield. So it was fun to see her at home in her element with her mama. She is a sweet and energetic little lady who is pretty darn good at sharing the insides of her toys.
After toy time we ventured outside into the backyard that overlooks a lake/pond type body of water. With the sun a shining, it was a gorgeous view!
…Well there you have it. Little Gracie. Just a taste of images for now, but there might be some others later. You’ll just have to wait. And. See. Enjoy your gloomy Thursday morning… it’s ishy here, I just hope it’s not where you are.
But there is an up side to today. Tomorrow is FRIDAY. Hot Dog!