contemporary, lifestyle, on-location animal photography

this is why … ~ {Toronto dog photographer}

July 3, 2010

i’m often asked why it is i do what i do, especially after a pretty successful, twenty-year career as a novelist. i guess there are a number of reasons, the bulk of which i won’t bore you with … but the main reason for scruffy dog photography, the purpose behind it, the passion and the mission, is dogs like Bridie …

bridie-3971

it was touch and go whether i’d even get to meet sweet Bridie, a Cushings dog currently in renal failure. her shoot was postponed while she was in hospital, and even once she was released i wasn’t quite sure what to expect. i should never have doubted a terrier heart. Bridie was a trooper throughout our extremely long shoot yesterday and last night. with special shoots like this, i never take any chances, and since the mission of scruffy dog has always been to capture as many unique image in a variety of locations, especially with the special cases, when i know it is highly unlikely i will ever have the opportunity again, i go all out.

you will be seeing many more images from Bridie’s shoot, but she and owners Harriet and Tom have been on my mind during this difficult time (before and after the shoot) … so I wanted to share at least a couple of images for now.

bridie-230

you are in my hearts. be strong for your little girl, as she is strong for you.

Facebook Comments

17 comments

HarrietTom and I wanted to say thank you so much to all of you who posted comments in response to Illona’s amazing shots of our Bridie. Your words have been a huge comfort. Illona was so sensitive to Bridie and her needs – Bridie really responded to Illona. Just to let you all know Bridie is holding her own and we are enjoying every moment possible with her. We are incredibly grateful to Illona for capturing our sweet and feisty girl in photos.

HarrietReplyCancel
Jerry WelchNice Photos!!ReplyCancel
Sherry in MTYes to be sure, doG bless those strong little terriers! It brings tears to my eyes that she may not be with her owners long but I am thrilled they took the time to have the photos done by you. You have a special eye for your shots and these will be very near and dear to their hearts I am sure.ReplyCancel
Mirjam VisserBeautiful photos.
I lost my dog Spock through Cushing’s. I wish Birdie and her humans well.ReplyCancel
Jean (allegrolhw)Both images are so captivating. Looking forward to more of Birdie and thinking of her and her folks.ReplyCancel
LizBeautiful images. Can’t wait for more.ReplyCancel
Holly Garner-JacksonSo much love is portrayed here illona. You have captured so much emotion and power in these two shots I can’t wait to see the rest of them.
All my best to Harriet and Tom. A dog like Bridie can only bring joy and love to a family. I love the terrier heart, may it beat in your memories forever……ReplyCancel
wendyOh… That second photo is so touching. I love the look “mom” is giving her. You really captured the love.ReplyCancel
LindaWonderful shots! These will be memories captured and cherished forever.Heartfelt thoughts for all.ReplyCancel
Susan HumphreysThese photos of Bridie are beautiful Illona. Terriers are the best aren’t they? I love the shot on the bench. So poignant. You do suffer for your art, rolling around in goose poop!!!Much love to Bridie and her guardians.ReplyCancel
StephanieWhat you are doing for these folks is a precious gift……….If Only I had had this opportunity with my dear Maya…..ReplyCancel
ursula sooleyLove Love Love the first shot. Such a beautiful little critter. My heart goes out to her guardians.ReplyCancel
VickiI really love the photo of her on the bench, beautiful. Sending along my best wishes to Birdie 🙂ReplyCancel
Vicky (tv writer)I’m so glad you were there to capture this outing..and that she rebounded with enough energy for the shoot.
Sweet sweet dog.. I love that top one, and how your really low perspective makes her look like the queen she no doubt is!
Big dog slobbery kisses from my two boys to her humans Harriet and Tom.ReplyCancel
kristinai’m not a fan of those terrierist lol but what a sweetie good vibes for her ownersReplyCancel
MargaretPoor Bridie – the Cushings and the renal failure. 🙁 But having just spent a couple days with my aunt and uncle, and their Cairn Terrier, my thoughts and understanding of the terrier heart are rejuvenated. Theirs (Lucy) is 11 and doesn’t show any signs of aging, except a few gray hairs on her chin, and a slightly more calm demeanor than when she was a youngster. Otherwise, she’s as spunky and filled with Terrier-ness as ever! GREAT little dog!!! I hope Bridie and her people enjoy every minute they have together (as I suspect they will)!!!ReplyCancel
bublynskiI love what you said about a terrier heart. Bridie’s got it, that’s for sure! My heart goes out to Harriet and Tom… I know what they’re going through.ReplyCancel

conversions ~ {professional pet photographer}

July 1, 2010

i’ve had a number of email inquiries lately from upcoming clients regarding conversions and whether i do them since there really aren’t that many seen in the regular blog entries. well, i’ll admit … in spite of being an old-school b&w film shooter from years … er … decades ago, and loving b&w and other conversions, i am desperately in love with colour. not just that, but i am downright anal about colour management, saturation and tone, light and white balance … and even after i’ve done conversions, and those b&w’s or aged versions absolutely wow me, i’m still more inclined to show you the colour version. why? because it’s often colour that is the greatest feat.

colour management is one of the reasons i encourage clients to come to the studio consult. saturation, tone, contrast and so many other aspects of the images can change — sometimes drastically — from monitor to monitor, and even from browser to browser; with different browsers using different colour management tools, their results end up sometimes miles away from one another in spite of carefully managed and saved colour profiles at the photographer’s end. when clients come in for their studio consult they are able to see the images on a large-format monitor which is regularly and carefully colour-calibrated and kept in check with the various labs used to print the high-end prints and products scruffy dog offers.

still, some images beg to be converted …

08uno-206-2

hugs-for-hounds-584

… or given a special treatment …

the following are the typical conversions you get within your regular scruffy dog client gallery:

… as if the scruffy dog client galleries weren’t large enough! 🙂

hope this helps those who have been inquiring. wags!

Facebook Comments

1 comment

LizLOVE all of your different examples. Your clients must have the hardest time choosing!ReplyCancel

sweet man oswin ~ {Dundas Ontario dog photographer}

June 29, 2010

meet Oswin …

he’s tiny. he’s handsome. and he’s exceptionally-loved.

he’s also blind. he’s deaf. and he doesn’t get around very well, but he knows you’re there …

most of all, he knows his mama’s love.

as Oswin’s health was failing, and since it hasn’t been that long since i lost my man morley, this shoot wasn’t easy.

but it was important to me that i not only captured images of Oswin, but also of his incredibly deep bond with Deb.

when discussing the shoot with Deb prior to the date, i was informed that Oswin was no longer mobile. i’ve certainly had shoots in the past of dogs with severe mobility issues, and — with patience and enough rolling around on the ground — there are always ways of working it and still coming out with a huge variety of angles and unique images. with a little guy like Ozzy i imagined that for most of the shoot Deb would be holding him up and i’d do a lot of head-and-shoulder shots against a variety of backdrops … kind of like this:

the unexpected problem with this, however, was that without his sight and hearing, Oswin almost continually looked down. however, through the miracles of acupuncture administered by my girl matea’s own vet Lisa Burgess of Millgrove Veterinary Services, Oswin was actually up and on his feet for the first time in a while for our shoot.

and he was quite determined to use them too!

next, it was important to find some Oswin-sized wildflowers for a backdrop … early mint sprigs worked fine … plus it had the added benefit of leaving me smelling delicious for the rest of the shoot!

even some lovely yellow flowers along the side of the road can be beautiful. in fact, i’m a sucker for ditches; the scruffy-dog mobile can often be found parked along the shoulder of some road even if it’s just to waypoint a great location into the GPS for future use.

and then home, where Oswin was able to rest.

and his favorite spot is by the fire.

but of course, i couldn’t resist a few shots of him on this lovely leather chair …

thank you, Deb, for sharing your amazing man with me. it was a honor to work with him, and i hope i have captured his character and essence in the images throughout your gallery.

Facebook Comments

35 comments

madaboutgreysI have just spent a very happy hour browsing your blog. You do fantastic work – thanks for sharing all your tips. But this shoot is particularly fabulous. A wonderful mix of interior and outdoor locations. Superb. I bet the owner was impressed.ReplyCancel
Patti J. MaleAwesome photography, just gorgeous! Knowing both Deb and Oswin personally these photos brought smiles and tears. Thank You for capturing my very special friend’s “little man” in a way that she will always treasure and hold close to her heart with every memory! HUGs to you Deb and Os, you are always in my thoughts and I love every picture!
My sunshine doesn’t come from the skies,
It comes from the love in my dog’s eyes.ReplyCancel
Julianna KohBeautiful, beautiful shots!

Oswin is one regal looking dog – almost like a wise old wizard from Lord of the Rings 🙂ReplyCancel
TamaraBeautiful Illona. What you do is so special. I am tearyReplyCancel
StephanieAnother relationship documented for all time……He is a little elf dog…..again, love what you have given this family!ReplyCancel
ciscoloThese are some heartmelting shots of one amazing lil guy. It’s awesome how you’ve been able to capture the deep bond between Deb and her little man. Gorgeous work, Ilona!ReplyCancel
MargaretWhat a fabulous little old guy!!! The personality, love, strength, and devotion within that little tiny frame are just amazing, and you’ve captured all that is Oswin so well!ReplyCancel
Auntie JeanI had the honour to be there when you where doing the shoots of Oswin and Deb! Thankyou for doing a super job. The photo’s are amazing and shows the true friendship and love that Deb and Oswin have for each other. I know Deb will cherish them for a long time to come!ReplyCancel
Holly Garner-JacksonAnother amazing shoot illona. I had to laugh at the bow legged shot as I could picture a cowboy hat on Oswin as he straddled a tiny pony ;-)!
You would never know that Oswin was so debilitated. You have given him life and energy through your photos. Well done!
Oh and I’m so glad you were smelling better after rolling around in the flowers LOL!ReplyCancel
AndaWhat an emotional gallery, Illona. Deb and Oswin’s bond is evident and their love for each other palpable. You made him look as majestic as he feels he is. Wonderful work!ReplyCancel
LizThere are no words to describe how beautiful thud captures are. You have done an amazing job.ReplyCancel
illonathank you, ALL. it’s impossible to thank each and every one of you for you kind and generous words, for your outpouring of emotion and connection to Oswin and Deb.

for those who may have missed Deb’s comment, the Oz-man is still with us … his heart beats strong for Deb … their love probably being the one thing that keeps his little motor going.

it’s for dogs like Oswin and owners like Deb that i started scruffy dog photography … my desire for ALL dog owners to have those visual memories and ‘artwork’ of their dogs to treasure for a lifetime. puppies and young dogs are certainly loads of fun … but when you get the seniors, it reminds you of what it’s all about. so thank you again, Deb and Oswin.

and thank you again, everyone, for your visits and comments.ReplyCancel
JoanneOswin is such a special dog and you have captured his essence in these beautiful images. I especially love the ones that show his very special relationship with his Mom.ReplyCancel
ChristinaI definitely had tears in my eyes as I read through this. Our family yorkie (who is my mother’s favorite child) is 16 years old — he fractured his spine last year fall off the back of a couch, had $6000 worth of surgery, and half a year of recovery but can still walk.. and just these past two months, had a corneal ulcer that didn’t heal despite two surgeries.. so now he’s a one-eyed boy.. but he loves my mom, eats with gusto, enjoys walks, and pretends to be deaf when it suits him.ReplyCancel
elsieespecially love the one of him on the chaise (the second one) he’s really cute 🙂ReplyCancel
JDAs always, your talent amazes me!ReplyCancel
Lorie (G)Nice photographs. My favourite is #7, the photo of Oswin standing between Deb’s feet (head on). To me it represents Deb and Oswin standing with and for one another – comfort, protection, loyality, security, trust – the in sync that requires no words.

My second favourite is Oswin by the fire on the red blanket.

Oswins gift is Deb, Deb’s gift is Oswin. Very cool!

Cheers,
LorieReplyCancel
GuntherThese are truly great photos of a dog who knows how much we all care for him; he is truly Deb’s best friend.ReplyCancel
Dalton SmithLlona, you are one of photography’s greatest talents. This is a georgeous job you have done with my good buddy OZ. I know Ozman personally, because each time I hold him, he gives me a big lick on the nose. Each and every shot here is fantastic!ReplyCancel
tee4tiathat first shot just melts my heart, all of them really. what a little sweetheart.ReplyCancel
Lori E.What beautiful photos of the little guy. I teared up a little reading this entry. Sending good thoughts to Oswin and his mama.ReplyCancel
ursulaBeautiful shots Ilona of such a special little creature. You are able to capture the deep bond between beasty and human and stir our deepest emotions. You are on the road to greatness dear lady! Thank you for your visit to The Lair today. It was a pleasure to meet you.ReplyCancel
lin stoneYou put so much heart into these shoots..it really shows. As much as we admire your photography skills, these special shoots are treasures for the moms and dads of these sweet souls.ReplyCancel
AshleeHe’s such a charming little guy. Beautiful shoot.ReplyCancel
Loriyou take such beautiful photos, they truly must be treasures to the human companions of your subjects! i wish for him what I wish for all pups (and humans, cats, etc., for that mattter!): as many days spent healthy, happy, and beloved as possible <3ReplyCancel
Carol CamanhoOMG! Amazin! The photos, the story, the “little boy”.
Great job!ReplyCancel
Deb and OswinHow can we ever thank you? I cry each time I look through this blog. Oswin has been my absolute best friend in the world and my “little man” with a big spirit. He has been my experience of the purest unconditional love. This little guy is still fighting each day – 3 lbs 8 oz but with the help of acupuncture is pain free and demands his walk each night.
These pictures capture our bond and will be lifeline memories for me.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Deb and OswinReplyCancel
MarlaYou’re making me cry again!

*Gorgeous!*ReplyCancel
jennifer metzgerCrying at work!! Not good! What great shots. This had to be hard for you but WOW I bet the owner is thrilled.ReplyCancel
alexaYou did an amazing job with him! I’m sure she adores each and every photo.ReplyCancel
MachonzaI too wouldn’t normally go for Yorkies, but your photos always bring out the best in every animal. These are touching.ReplyCancel
StaceyYour photos and the stories behind them are so touching. A lovely tribute to a lovely dog.ReplyCancel
KamalaI’m not a Yorkie fan at all, but Oswin has a definite allure. Those great eyebrows, the long flowing old man mustache, those bowed legs!! Gorgeous shots as usual.ReplyCancel
KimWhat a wonderful little fellow. He must have had such a great day with the gift of mobility the accupuncture gave him.ReplyCancel
SamanthaHe’s a beautiful little old man. You can tell by the photos he is loved, and spoiled the way he deserves to be. Thanks for sharing these photos, they are so heart warming!ReplyCancel