i’m often asked by potential clients if i’ll include them in their photos of their dogs, and my answer is: “of course!” the only reason you don’t see more photos of people included in the scruffy dog galleries is because of privacy issues and out of courtesy to clients.

however, a few weeks ago, when i was approached to do an “engagement shoot”, i honestly came close to saying ‘no’.  afterall, although i believe in pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zone to learn new things, i firmly adhere to the notion of leaving some types of shooting to those who are more experienced in that area.  namely, you’ll never see me shooting a wedding, thank you very much.  and likewise, there are those photographers who seriously should never even point their cameras at a dog.

but Steph and Drew were adamant, especially since they wanted to include their two ‘ladies’ in on the shoot.  of course, their flattery went a long way to bribe me, and so it was …

and although it’s been a rough winter as far as the weather cooperating with scheduled shoots, the day could not have been more perfect for a completely outdoor session.

the ladies had a blast running around the farm/location and exploring … sometimes they forgot they were supposed to be part of the session!

in fact, trying to get their attention when there were such wonderful distractions of horses and freedom required a lot more effort on my part, but i always have my arsenal of secret weapons … like really good smelling treats sure to entice any beagle-nose.

these rescue beagles were sweethearts and i truly hope we have the opportunity to meet again for some non-winter and indoor shooting.

it was a great shoot … loads of fun in the snow, and a wonderful, windswept location …

and of course, Steph and Drew were all about having fun too.

thanks for a very memorable afternoon Steph and Drew, and thanks for letting me share a few of your photos and sugary smooches on the blog.  i’m sure others will agree that you two are a wonderful couple.

and, as always, thanks to the ladies …

i met this sweet boy a couple of weeks ago before scruffy dog headquarters got hit with a trojan virus and became just a little backlogged.   lost in the quagmire of having to build a new hardddrive, reloading programs and frantically playing catchup, i haven’t been able to keep up with blog posts and client sneak peaks.   still, i wanted to share this young lad …

Bauer actually turned out to be my closest client yet, living only one street over.  gotta love those short commutes.   owners Karen and RJ and i headed out to Bechtel park to shoot the VERY wintry segment of the Winter/Summer Rover.

although Bauer was initially terrified of the camera, and very skittish of the skiiers, he had eyes only for his frisbee.

and sweet Bauer’s got some eyes, doesn’t he?

i loved our time in the woods, with the snow falling around us … although it’s never easy shooting in a downpour of snow.  so much is left to chance … falling flakes too close to the lens can blur out whole portions of your subject … so, lots of throw-outs.  but still, lots of keepers too.

i love the relationship between Bauer and his dad … of course, i get to see it beyond the time of the shoot since i do see RJ and Bauer around the neighborhood once in a while.  very boy-and-his-dog.

and back at home, you can tell Bauer definitely lives the good life …

thanks for an awesome afternoon, Karen and RJ.  you’ve got a wonderful boy.  i hope Bauer’s looking forward to our Summer shoot as much as i am!