i rarely get the time these days to shoot my own scruffies out on the trails or on walks … too busy with clients’ shoots, or just too lazy to drag the equipment along. so, the other day i actually scheduled a short shoot with my own girl …
these images were taken down by the river or in the fields along the trail following it … minutes from the scruffy dog studio … a great place for photo ops, and for those future clients who are struggling for places to take their dogs for our shoots, i highly recommend considering this area.
the queen anne’s lace is closing up but right now it is dense with goldenrod and purple asters …
of course, having off-leash control helps …
and a sidekick, of course …
mostly i did this shoot because i’m looking for some images to print on larger-sized products for the new studio space, and — as much as i’ve fallen in love with a lot of my clients’ dogs — when investing in these larger sizes of 30×40 i’m kind of partial to having them of my own guys.
some of you might already know that my girl has been recently diagnosed with DJD (degenerative joint disease) and bridging spondylosis of the spine. she has some pretty nasty looking xyrays where the bridges are complete and three vertebrae in her pelvis are already fused. at only 7 years of age, this is certainly not what anyone expects.
for now, the protocol is nutraceuticals, acupuncture, chiropractic, laser therapy, massage, ice/heat and to keep this girl moving, moving, moving …
and hunting, of course … cuz that’s when this girl is in her element.
and if the length of a dog’s tongue is any indication of their happiness, i think matea is probably the happiest when she’s out in the field where she belongs.
thank you, matea, for being my inspiration, my best friend, my soul, and my absolute greatest teacher.
10 Comments
That is one BIG tongue! And I thought my Rotties’ were long.
Your pictures are beautiful!
Beautiful
Simply beautiful captures
She does look very happy!
beautiful shots! matea looks like she thoroughly enjoyed herself!
Well I didn’t expect anything less of you. These are fantastic.That goldenrod really pops doesn’t?
Oh my good word these are beautiful images of your lovely girl. That last image had me flash back to my bearded boy and I could cry!! I can only imagine how great these will look on your amazing new walls!! Which one did you pick to go big?? The third from the bottom would be amazing. I hope Morley gets one that big too!?
Cheers,
Allison
Simply beautiful!!! great to see lots of wonderful photos of her!
I absolutely love your photos Illona - they are stunning and truly capture what being a dog is all about. As an up-and-coming photographer, I find them truly inspiring!
Gorgeous captures of your girl! Hope she stays happy and healthy more many more years to come.
She’s so beautiful, I love the scruffy Pointers! I was raised with Eng Pointers, and GSPs.
I really feel you on the not expecting health issues at 7. My own best friend, wet down in the back a few months ago, and to get him walking again, has taken massive treatment, as well as follow up acupuncture, and physical rehab. He’s only 7 though, so worth every penny to keep him fit, healthy, and happy as long as possible.
Hopefully health decline is slow for your girl, so she can have many more years for hunting, and running!