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Internationally-renowned, award-winning animal photographer Illona Haus created scruffy dog photography inc. as the province's premier pet photography business in 2007 ... the first of its kind in Canada ... and, still today, continues to serve clients across Ontario, the US and the world. Based in Kitchener, Ontario and photographing exclusively animals for almost 20 years - both commercially and for private clients - Illona is considered one of the world's leading and most influential pet photographers.

 

To learn more about scruffy dog photography, its creator, history, and the scruffy dog experience, feel free to browse through the menu above, and scroll over a decade's worth of blog entries below!

 

Please drop me a line! I'd love the opportunity to capture stunning, creative, one-of-a-kind photographic memories of your 4-legged loved ones to treasure in artwork for a lifetime, and show you just what makes the scruffy dog experience second to none.

when it’s too hot ~ {Ontario pet photographer}

being an on-location, environmental photographer, with 80% of the scruffy dog portfolio being shot outdoors, we’re often at the mercy of the elements … and Mother Nature doesn’t always have the same agenda as we do when it comes to bookings.  this summer, She seems to have been exceptionally difficult — perhaps because scruffy dog has been exceptionally busy.

unlike summers in the past, this year we’ve had to postpone shoots not just because of rain, but due to extreme heat.  and this week has been particularly frustrating, with three clients needing to be pushed to later dates due to the heat, one of whom is a 17 1/2 year old golden retriever.  there’s no way i’m subjecting any dog, much less a senior, to this kind of heat.  fortunately, old girl Cassy is doing great and we are holding off until the temperatures are more favorable.

but whether a senior or not, this kind of heat and humidity can be hard on a dog.  not to mention that  for the true scruffy dog experience and a full portfolio rich with a variety of images that include action shots, and images that don’t consistently have your dog’s tongue lolling to the ground, it’s best to wait for the right day.

most importantly, i will not have a dog going down with heat stroke on one of my shoots!

so … you already know that scruffy dog always places the utmost priority in your 4-legger’s images … but you should know that before that, our concern is for the health and safety of your pet.  be safe!

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  • Holly Garner-JacksonNot only is it a good idea to postpone the shoot for the dogs sake, it’s a good idea for the photographer’s sake, too! Don’t want any photographers to keel over from the heat, either. Carrying all that heavy equipment is tough enough without the added heat! Where’s the photo of your tongue hanging out? ;-P
    Stay safe and sane!ReplyCancel

  • Artur JanyThat sucks 🙁
    But at least we are getting nicer temps over the weekend. Actually it’s suppose to drop from 40C to 18C withing a 48hr period…hello migraines!! ( well at least for Laura ). I can’t wait for the fall colors!!ReplyCancel

  • jennifer metzgerThat third shot is gorgeous. We had a cold snap a few days ago during the night which isn’t going to help the grass around here stay green for long! I will miss the green and flowers…hope it cools down soon for you.ReplyCancel

  • Courtneyoh man, a 17 1/2 year old Golden?! I’m anxious to see the photos from her shoot 🙂ReplyCancel

  • MarlaNicely stated! And I love these shots!ReplyCancel

miles makes me smile ~ {Ontario pet photographer}

i’m finally able to present to you more of Miles than just his sneak peek …

this little guy is a riot …

and lots of fun to work with.

of course, maybe it helps that i know terrierists … just a little.

Miles hails from Tennessee … picked up as a stray, housed for months at a boarding kennel while attempts were made to find his owner, and finally a rescue group down there found room for him … at which point he found himself on the terrier-train of rescue transport all the way up to Ontario into a failed-foster home where — in spite of much interest in the boy — foster-mom Ingrid simply couldn’t give the boy up.

and after traveling miles and miles to be with new mom Ingrid and the rest of his pack, well, you can understand how he comes by the name.

i had a great time with Miles and photography-enthusiast Ingrid as we traipsed her parents’ property looking for photo-ops …

you gotta admit, he’s a pretty talented little dude.

and of course, no dog escapes a scruffy dog photo session without a butt shot … at least, no dog this cute.

but any model who works this hard definitely earns the delicious scruffy dog treats.

of course, it wasn’t all posing.  there was crazy running …

… and checking out new trails.  don’t you just love that little upside-down apostrophe of an ear?

… and checking the sky for birds.

…and did i already mention the delicious treats?

from there — as the sun was setting and casting a lovely pink hue across the sky — we found a small floating dock down on the river behind Ingrid’s house.

Miles wasn’t too certain about the sloshing sounds the dock made, though.

… so i had to work on his confidence a bit and take my time with him in this new situation.

mom helped too.

i just love the look in this boy’s eye … “I’ll sit here, but i’m not going to like it.”

he was far more comfortable in one of his favorite positions: tucked in the crook of his mama’s arm.

of course, i decided to have a little fun with him and Ingrid …

she sure loves this little wirey boy.

it was dusk as we headed back to the house, but in spite of the low light i wanted to work with Miles and these few flowers on the walk home.

exactly how adorable is he?  i mean, really?

and finally home … a little chillin’ …

… a little dancin’ …

making sure the house is secure …

those are busy paws.

and of course, ever pack needs a strong leader …

thanks, Miles, for being one of the most adorable clients ever.  and thanks, Ingrid, for introducing me to your wonderful little man.  i hope you enjoy your gallery.  see you soon!

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  • IngridMiles is one of the most special dogs I have ever met…. the photos are absolutely amazing….. and I am so lucky to have him!! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Sandy & RykerOMG. isn’t he a little spitfire! Ingrid made a good choice there!ReplyCancel

  • Ella's Dog TreatsThose are fantastic photos of Miles. I liked the one with the flowers best. You have inspired me to go out and take some pictures of my new puppy.
    from Ella.ReplyCancel

  • UtskiWow! Those are wonderful! Several times I thought “oh this is my favorite” just to scroll down and find a new “favorite”
    You do amazing workReplyCancel

  • Artur JanyI love the fence pole shots!! Amazing!!ReplyCancel

  • sarahthese are SO great illona!!ReplyCancel

  • AnitaThat first one on the fence is TO DIE for!ReplyCancel

  • leesiathese are gorgeous!! what a sweet girl. so many awesome ones i can’t choose a favorite.(can’t believe her balancing skills!)ReplyCancel

  • Lori E.I love him! What a lucky little guy (and that name! perfect!) Beautiful photos; I think this is by far my very favorite set. 🙂ReplyCancel

  • JeffOnce again, so marvelous! My faves are the one where Miles is standing on the post and looking to the right over his domain and where mom is holding Miles in the crook of her arm. That one got me choked up.

    Sometimes I wonder if you realize how great of a dog photographer you are.

    Good stuff, great stuff.ReplyCancel

  • Susan HumphreysThese photographs are just adorable. I love the ones with his pack on the
    sofa looking at him. I love terriers. Your photos just get better and
    better. Your clients are so lucky.ReplyCancel

  • IdilThat third photo of Miles and his mama is so beautiful! I wish I had a photo of me and my Odie like that… *sigh* That just needs to be on the wall. I also love Miles running like crazy, being the pack leader, balancing on the fencepost… Oh, who am I kidding? I love them all!!! Adorable little dude. 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Holly Garner-JacksonLove the Fleur de lis butt pattern he has. So many great shots! This boy really does shine! No wonder she couldn’t give him up. Illona you have done this boy proud….. as if there was any doubt! Ha!!!ReplyCancel

  • LoriWhat a wonderful series of shots ~ both the outdoors & indoors ones! I do, indeed, love his ears, but I was also taken with the straight-on rear end shot showing the cool pattern of tan fur against the black and white. (Of course his eyes are his sweetest ‘part’ and you captured his personality so well)ReplyCancel

  • Chris Hawkinsall i can say is that terriers are probably the best dogs in the world.ReplyCancel

  • bublynskiOMG – Miles and Scruffydog are a match made in heaven!! What a personality, and it really shines through. I could never choose among these – they’re all wonderful. Those shots on the fencepost – what a good dog! I love all of these!ReplyCancel

  • eloiseOH MY GOODNESS. These are so beautiful. My favourite set of yours ever.ReplyCancel

  • SimonFantastic! What a character. Great light, outside and in.ReplyCancel

  • katehow is she possibly going to narrow these down? they’re all wonderfully fun.ReplyCancel

scotties gone wild ~ {Kitchener-Waterloo pet photographer}

meet McTavish and Sadie …

these two little sweethearts were definitely after my own heart from the moment i walked through the door and set my bags down.

and they were pretty easy to fall in love with during the shoot, even though they weren’t necessarily the easiest models.  typical terriers and being low to the ground, they were busy, busy, busy … following every scent … certainly no time for modeling!  although my boy McT certainly did his best to indulge me …

but Sadie couldn’t even bring herself to look at me, no matter how much cajoling or sweet talk, treats or squeakers i pulled out of my pockets …

much like my girl Matea, Sadie had huntin’ on her mind …

McT was as little more laid back … checking on us during our moving-shoot …

… but there were still times when he was just a blur going by.

we went to one of my favorite places to shoot and took in all the variety of backdrops … again, McT indulging me with his modeling abilities …

while Sadie … not so much …

because these two terrierists can’t be entirely trust off-leash in such a lush area, rife with scents and wild animals, i introduced owners Nan and Gerhard to the long-lines and how to work them.  it was Sadie’s and McTavish’s first experience on lines and i think the freedom was a definite hit all around.

and although Sadie might have only turned away from her hunting if i’d pulled a live squirrel from my pocket, McTavish was easily enamored with the Cuz ball i brought for him.

the cut wheat fields are less appealing than they were a few weeks ago, with the weeds already growing in around the dried, golden stubble, but Sadie didn’t care.

and almost as fun as the hiking — as with most dogs — is the car ride!

McT  l-0-v-e-s  his car rides …

thanks, Sadie and McTavish for a fun afternoon and evening.  i hope you enjoy your gallery of images, Nan and Gerhard.  hope to see you soon at your studio consult.

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  • leesialove the car ride at sunset shots. makes you wish you were there, living the dog’s life…ReplyCancel

  • Becky MisenerI really like the one with the tree lined road, so much captured there. I see you have used that one a few times. I can see why it would be a popular locating.
    My fav would be the one with the where the one scottie is tagging behind out of focus. And the devilish one where he is looking out of the corner of one eye 🙂ReplyCancel

  • SimonI totally understand your frustration, and it’s obviously your call, but you are unique amongst the 452 blogs in my RSS! Even the big names mostly just use a small watermark. If it ruins the impact of the photo, it’s a price too high IMO.ReplyCancel

  • illonathanks, everyone. glad you’re enjoying the scotties.

    yes, vicky, very low … belly-low.

    simon, sorry you’re bothered by the watermark. unless you’re a professional photographer who’s had the experience of having your photos stolen, you might not truly appreciate the necessity for watermarks. even so, i work at keeping them as transparent as possible, positioning each image’s watermark individually to ensure its placement in the least obtrusive area possible.ReplyCancel

  • AngelaSo fun! Love the light and the car shots. Cute pooches.ReplyCancel

  • SimonCould I make a plea for a less intrusive watermark? I know it’s a tough call…but of all the blogs I read, yours is by *far* the largest. Superb pics underneath, though!ReplyCancel

  • Vicky (tv writer)Absolutely charming series! You have such a wonderful talent, Illona, capturing the unique personalities of your canine friends. I especially appreciate how LOW you needed to go to get the terrific perspectives here.ReplyCancel

  • JillWonderful! I hope to book you to shoot my dogs soon!ReplyCancel

  • Annie KinmondGorgeous! Every one of them! I love Scottie’s; they are such Disney dogs;)ReplyCancel

  • Holly Garner-JacksonLove the last shot! “The End” shot.
    The others are great too of course. Love the woods scene where they are set to the left. Good thing you are close to the ground yourself for these short guys.
    Awesome that you could give them a bit of freedom to roam, too. It’s all about the dogs and their experiences and you really know how to bring out the best in the dog! Well done!ReplyCancel

  • marjoLove the setting sun glinting off the car … nice work … the copy is almost as charming as the photos (not quite) … enjoy checking out the blog!ReplyCancel

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