what can i say about these next two froo-froos? meet Judd – a Bichon Frise – and Charlie – a Bichon Shihtzu cross – who came from Woodstock for their scruffy Starter session.
i had fun with these two in the great variety of vegetation and backdrops that we typically use even for our Starter sessions. like many clients, mom Erica requested the tunnel of trees location, and – like many – had the tunnel in mind for her canvas. in fact, this image is the one Erica chose for her museum-framed Signature canvas, and i just wrapped it up!
11-year-old Judd has the sweetest energy … and for having a little pain-in-the-butt brother pushing his buttons most of the time, he actually proved to be an extremely patient old man.
whereas 1-year-old Charlie … well … don’t let this moment of repose fool you!
… or this saccharine sweet, calm expression and innocent tilt of the head.
… he’s really a wild man!
Judd’s sweet expression, on the other hand, can be trusted.
this man was all calmness and mr. posey posey.
with Charlie, well, it was easier to just bury him in a little crown vetch….jpg)
mom Erica was running a marathon the day after our session and, since Charlie joins her when she trains, she wanted a shot of Charlie with her crazy neon runners.
you could tell this boy had certainly done his own share of training … he was non-stop energy..jpg)
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of course, Judd was no slouch himself and we managed to incite a few runs out of him as well..jpg)
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thanks for a fun session, Erica, and for introducing me to your lovely boys. i’m looking forward to seeing you when you pick up your prints and canvas!.jpg)

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and how handsome is this big lug? Chance is a relatively new addition … adopted through Lab Rescue, he was a stray picked up in Kingston..jpg)
and then there’s sweet Tea. look at that face!.jpg)
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and this is the ultimate image chosen by Sandra as the 31×54″ museum-framed Signature canvas.
and here’s a testimonial Sandra so kindly wrote (and still has to be added to the kind words page):
we had such heavenly light the afternoon of Tea and Chance’s session. just look at it!
and of course, a little letting loose is always called for ….jpg)
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thanks, Sandra, for entrusting me with capturing these photographic memories of your gorgeous pups!.jpg)
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i can’t wait for their fall session … and to see what what they’re like zooming around in the snow too! although i’m wondering if i might have to invest in another settee just for their winter session. they might be rough and tumble …
… but even Bosco needs his beauty naps in between!.jpg)
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on Bosco and Murfy’s booking form, mom Evelyn wrote: “You seem to capture the pups’ personalities, or at least you make them all look like such characters!” but Bosco is definitely a case where i think no matter who is pointing the camera at him, he would look like a character. just look at this boy!.jpg)
of course, Ms. Murfy was no slouch in the character department, working on giving me a few pointed looks when asked..jpg)
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and i did mention Bosco’s need for frequent beauty rests, right? or perhaps that Mohawk he styles is just a wee bit too heavy?.jpg)
of course, no scruffy session would be complete without a little bit of time to let loose … and given the opportunity, Bosco and Murfy certainly didn’t disappoint..jpg)
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thanks for bringing your two amazing scruffnuts to me, Evelyn. i’m looking forward to working on your storyboards and your acrylics … and most of all, i’m dying to spend more time with your two again!


Holly Garner-JacksonOMD, illona, you have ouydone yourself!!! These shots are amazing! I’m sure Erica was happy she made the trip!!!!!
Susan BeardAmazing pictures. Wish I could take pictures like that.
Erica MayfieldLove this blog Illona! Loved how you captured my boys 🙂
Cathy MacTavish HillGreat pics. I love the idea of the pink sofa outside and the white dogs.
Roben Harris AndersonWow…amazing…..Looks like a fun day!
Lori Scholten Klopperawesome pictures!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks for sharing!
Caroline TwohillSuch a happy, colorful, FUN post! Love it!
Jackie Creary-HurleyWhat wonderful pictures. Just lovely.
Joni A SolisLovely, lovely, lovely. How do you manage to have such delightful light for all your photos? And such cute dogs.
BonnieYour photos just blow me away ,
Amazing to me how you take such beautiful pictures and the dogs personalities just shine thru in the photos .
I always look forward to seeing your new works !