Elegant and Athletic Borzois

Posted on June 2, 2025 by cecile

Can elegant and athletic be combined? Yes.

I photographed these two Borzois a while back but decided to bring these photos back into the spotlight as I was thinking about dogs and sunsets. Watching these dogs run full blast will forever be etched in my mind. Their speed and agility are truly amazing. Previously known as Russian Wolfhounds they are majestic sighthounds that are regal, independent, athletic, elegant and FAST!!

We started the day with an indoor shoot inside the owner’s house as both dogs were freshly groomed for the photo session. We followed that up with a full day on the beach. It was such an enjoyable photo session that will not be forgotten for so many reasons. Watching the dogs run, their natural beauty and regalness shining through and I cannot forget the onwers Dore and his wife who were simply the best hosts.

Sadly, Sonia, the female Borzoi on the unexpectedley passed a way a few short weeks afterward the photo session. I was gutted when I heard the news but forever but forever happy I had the opportunity to photograph her. RIP Sonia.

THEO

Posted on December 28, 2024 by cecile

This is Theo. He’s a wonderful small horse with lots of spunk for his size.

He showed me that energy as he ran faster and faster around me. I had just set up a couple of mobile flashes when Theo decided to run. No problem. This is exactly the type of photo his handler and myself wanted. Nothing like a 1200 lb horse running circles around you in an arena kicking up dust. 🙂

I decided to capture Theo with a low-contrast look. I think it suits him well and shows off his strength, energy and good looks. His owner/handler was thrilled with the results.

A Foal in a Big World

Posted on September 2, 2020September 15, 2020 by cecile

This is the story of a foal whose life began a little over a week ago.

As I sat on the grassy field I couldn’t help but reflect of my own experience as a mother with her new born. It’s amazed me to see how quickly this little foal grasped basic movements such as walking, and eating within a few short hours of his life. It was a joy to see him stretch his short neck, and bend his front legs to eat what few tall blades of grass there was. He watched his mother carefully, learning from her movements, body language and sounds. And nursed gingerly. Finally, walking alongside her protective flank.

And then there was the clown side of him with his legs, proportionately longer than his body, and his ears, pricked and larger than his head earning him the nickname Moose. His lean body not yet filled out sprang into action as his curiosity got the better of him and he began to play and kicked around the field.

I couldn’t help but giggle as he tried to eat the hem of my pants and gum my shoelaces. I watched with lovey dovey eyes as I took my camera to my eye to capture his beauty, his character and his inquisitiveness before him and his mom retreated back to the comfort of the warm barn for the evening.

It was indeed an honour to be able to spend a few precious hours late one afternoon and photograph this special time between him and his mother. The bond that they have formed is already strong and unbreakable.

Thank you little man for a perfect afternoon.

Add a Bit of Bling to your Face Mask

Posted on August 21, 2020August 23, 2020 by cecile

Adding bling to your face mask is a sure way of getting you to wear them (more). But, finding the right photo isn’t as easy as you think.

Not all photos are made to go on a mask. You need to consider colour, composition, sharpness, contrast and the quality (resolution) of the photo as well as the type of printing and the material it will be printed on.

Lucky for my kids, I’m a pet photographer and they were able to choose their favourite photo of our cats so that I could order their very own face masks. The verdict? They LOVE them. Letting them choose the photo was key as it gave them control over their masks and they are proud to show off their furry friend. Perfect for school and getting them to wear them.

I used a local printer. The masks are made with a stretchy material and slip on easily over the ears for a comfy, secure fit. They come in 3 sizes – small, medium and large. I ordered a large for my husband and it fits him great. For myself and the kids I ordered a medium . It fits me perfectly. However, the mask is a tad loose on both my boys. I think I’m going to reorder another set for them (with different photos for the fun of it) in the small size. My kids are aged 10 and 13.

If you are interested in customizing your face masks with a photo of your dog, cat, fish, horse or other animal let me know. I’d love to take a photo of them indoors or outdoors (don’t worry, I am practicing Covid-19 rules). Pay for the photo session and I’ll throw in a mask for free with your choice of photo. Not only will you end up with a kickass mask you’ll also have high-end photos that you can use for custom prints, wall-art, albums or a coffee table book.

$49.99 – gets you a short photo session, you choose the photo or I can help you and, a mask. I’d love to hear from you!!

Cecile

The Cool Cat Rag

Posted on August 6, 2020August 21, 2020 by cecile

The Cool Cat Blog. It’s a new. It’s exciting and it’s about all the cool cats I get to meet and take photos of.

Meet Casper. He’s one cool cat because he’s a Bengal. He’s timid until he gets to know you and then he’s just a little less timid then before. He’s a big sweetie and will spend his time playing, and jumping like Bengals do, hiding high and pouncing on an unsuspecting cat toy. When it’s chill time-down time though he doesn’t give a meow and acts like a typical cat who knows who’s the master. And, that ain’t me or you.

Catching him in action was easy. A few of his favourite treats and toys and the right time of day. Once I got his trust he let loose. The flash didn’t bother him but playing with my background paper along with his brother from another mother was unexpected. Soon enough they punched a through. LOL!

These type of fun portraits are great to have printed in a coffee style book or to share online with your friends. Contact me for more information regarding prices and times.

© Cecile Gambin Photography/Cool Cat Photography

Catography – Part I

Posted on July 3, 2020July 3, 2020 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!