Tag: Animal Photography

Catography – Part I

Posted on by cecile

We all know cats usually do what they want and when they want. For a photographer this can be quite challenging. We have tricks up our sleeves and will work where the cat will be most comfortable and open to the camera. This often means working in a clients home as opposed to a studio. This Catography series of posts is dedicated to those felines who have modeled for me in all their purrfect ways and the stories that come with their photo session.

Meet Coco. This extra-adorable, super cute kitten gave me a run for my money and that’s why he scores my first post. I openly admit, to date, he is the hardest cat that I have ever taken photos of. LOL!!

Most kittens are bouncy, wobbly, jumpy and fast but this little guy was in perpetual motion x 10. It was his sleepy time but he would have none of that while I was there. We tried blocking off his exits but he found ways to sneak through. He pounced on things and climbed the couch. We put him on the highest perch of his cat-scratch post and realised he was that much closer to the mantle that he, oh, so much wanted to explore. We played with him but he never tired. He ran to the left and to the right and zigzagged like a squirrel where you think you have the next move figured out but then he changed his mind and stopped before going again 1/4 of a second later. That cute photo of a kitten in a bowl? Haha…not for this guy. He was just too darn energetic, cute and FAST.

It’s a big world out there and this little monster was all about learning and exploring. I don’t blame him really. I think my mom mentioned I was the same way when I was the equivalent of Coco’s age in human years. But, that’s another story.

Eventually, I was able to get a few photos of him through anticipation, figuring him out, patience and some luck. As much as Coco made me sweat I loved every moment of his photo session. I love what I do and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thanks so much to his parents for being accommodating and for their patience as well!! I can’t wait to see you again. I’m sure you’ve grown tons within these past few weeks.

Interested in a portrait of your furry friend? Let’s talk!

I DID IT!!! I AM an ACCREDITATED PHOTOGRAPHER with the PPOC!!

Posted on by cecile

I DID IT!!!!

I am now an accredited photographer with the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) in the Canine/Dog Portrait category!!!!!

I’ve been working hard for this over the past few months and am beyond STOKED!!! The criteria – 10 images of 10 different dogs in 10 different situations. Four of the images must have been made indoors, 4 others outdoors and the last 2 were of my choice. I was judged for creativity, composition, lighting, technique, subject matter, presentation, story telling, centre of interest, style and colour balance. That’s a lot but when you’re representing the PPOC and want to be a top notch photographer this is what is expected.

I know I’m all giddy but this is a HUGE deal to me. This is THE highest standard in professional imaging. I now get to proudly display PPOC on my website and represent them. I take this seriously and aim to produce strong, technically correct and emotional photos that have impact and meaning. 

As many of you know a few years ago I used to race downhill mountain bikes. While I rode at breakneck speeds I had no issues doing this in front of everybody. The final time on the scoreboard was absolute. I knew where I stood. Photography, however, has taken me outside my comfort zone. I put my heart into my photos and hope that people like them and not laugh at my work or ideas. Unlike racing, exhibiting my photos is really nerve racking. In essence, I’m putting my inner me out there for all to see. Submitting for accreditation in front of Canada’s best photographers was hard for me.

I cannot thank my husband David and my children enough. They put up with me going out at all hours and working long nights and often days making sure each photo was worthy of being submitted. David – thank you for putting up with me during this time. I also could not have done this without all the special furry friends (and their non-furry owners). Thank you Paul Johnson Desiree Ellis Lalena Desautels Robin Banks Chetti Pece Amy Siddaway and the others who are not on the net. 

Here are the photos that were accepted.

WOOF!!