After a long stretch of days of rain and clouds, we had an amazing evening to head into Washington, DC last night. The goal for Maggie & Riley was to have some nice skies for a few Washington Monument shots.
Finally, mother nature cooperated! While we killed some time waiting for the lovely warm sunlight we found a few nooks and crannies around the mall for some photo ops. We discovered a lovely sculpture garden just off 5th and Pennsylvania and Riley was quick to pose in front of the giant eraser. And then we were thrown out! We looked for “No Pets Allowed” signs honest - but never saw one. Oh well, at least we had that pesky permit!
Bad Dog Riley!
We spent some time at the Smithsonian Castle. No one bothered us about our silly permit and there was some great open shade. Riley kept watch for squirrels and birds and kids and bikes and runners and….
As we were passing by the Smithsonian Castle to head to our final destination of the Washington Monument we looked back only to see the most beautiful red brick against a clear summer blue sky. Ah, dogs and architecture - my favorite!!
So, our final stop was the monument and that beautiful evening light as the sun sets. We were not disappointed. Thanks Maggie & Riley for a great DC evening!
We spent the evening with delightful Bella. A young golden retriever escorted by both of her humans for a farm session. While we expected to have both of Bella’s parents, Jeff and Wanda, ramble about the farm with us we were surprised when Jeff exited their vehicle on a pair of crutches with one very swollen and braced knee.
Seems Jeff wrestled with a slippery watermelon and in his attempt to salvage a crashing melon put a torque on his knee that stressed some ligaments beyond tolerance. So, we settled Jeff in the barn studio with a good book and an elevated knee and set off with Wanda and Bella..
There is a bit of irony to Jeff’s watermelon story that ties in to the story of Bella. Jeff has served his country in the Army for a very long time and had seen many tours of duty. His most recent though, took him to Iraq for 12 months. And for the first time in 26 years he knew when he deployed this time, Wanda would be alone. The children were grown and out of the house. Wanda had an empty nest.
Thus entered Bella. And her mission.
Jeff gave Bella to Wanda as a goodbye gift of sorts. Thus entered the newest family member! Bella and Wanda attended training classes and spent enjoyable weekends together. In fact, we met Wanda & Bella at Breaux vineyards when Wanda was there on a “girls” outings with some friends.
Bella
So for us this shoot was special. We loved the fact that Jeff realized that his long-served “military wife” was facing yet another challenge in his absence. We also love that he understood the value of the bond an animal would provide. And lastly, all political views aside, we honor Jeff for serving his country. We’re so glad he returned safely, only to meet up with a very nasty watermelon..
I love this “lost in the grass” shot!
Though he spent the afternoon at Tranquility Farm, Brodie was far from tranquil! Brodie is one of those dogs who never really likes to stand still. On the other hand, he likes to hang next to people while not standing still… Which makes for, how should I say this, a challenging photo shoot!
When I say he likes to move, I don’t mean in the “Hurry up and throw the ball” sort of way. More like “I’m really here to do my own thing so try to catch me with that shutter..”
An absolutely beautiful dog, Brodie was rescued 6 years ago at the age of 1, by his forever human Carlie. Carlie told us that she worked with Brodie in a Canine Good Citizen class but apparently Brodie has some, how would you say, “focus issues” and his instructors politely suggested some “remedial” training:}
Training frustrations aside, Brodie really is magnificent. He has this two-tone fur - black one minute, brown when the sun hits it just so…
We enjoyed our evening with this gentle soul. Thunderstorms rumbled in the background for a good part of our session. Brodie didn’t seem to have a care in the world…
This was our second attempted session with the striking Samson. We tried once before in May. We started that shoot, got about 6 shutter clicks in, and the skies opened up. Not a quick thunderstorm mind you, a sound throttling that abruptly ended any thoughts of a session.
So we met up with Samson a second time. A beautiful evening this time and after a few minutes of getting reacquainted Sam decided he liked this photo stuff!
A happy dog with a ton of energy - true to the sporting breed… I think he thoroughly enjoyed himself as did we.
There’s a special place in my heart for all dogs, but the sporting breed, outside in a beautiful setting, is just too much fun.
This session is a surprise session for Sam’s human - a birthday gift. Sam holds a very special place in this man’s heart and has helped him heal through a personal tragedy. That, my friends, is why we love our dogs so…
So thanks to Sam for a great session. More importantly thanks for being such a wonderful companion..
We had a wonderful “senior” session with 12 1/2 year old Golden retriever named Darby. A senior session entails a shoot of shorter duration - generally the perfect thing for the older, less active pet.
Somebody forgot to tell Darby it was a senior session! Darby, along with his girl Addison spent the last hour of a beautiful early summer evening running through the fields at the farm. Again we fought those darn gnats but everyone concerned hung in there for some fun shots.
Addison, barely two, is talking up a storm and had quite a lot to say to her buddy Darby…
So we mixed this shortened session up a bit. Alternating between shots of Darby, shots of Addison, and shots of these two friends together.
It is so obvious that Darby loves his family. He was a “pound puppy” who is very devoted to his forever family. Thanks to the Munson family for a fun summer evening session!
Finally. After 4 reschedules due to this horrendous spring weather, we got to spend our evening with Hunter on the farm. A young English Yellow Lab, Hunter is just a year old, and is pure lab through and through.
What does that mean to a pet photographer? Bring food, have toys (a ball in Hunter’s case), and give up any thought of wearing him out!
Hunter was the perfect dog for a farm session. Happy to run and jump (and drool!) and also very willing to take a break and strike some lovely poses. We were inundated with gnats last night and I was grateful I had such a gracious subject and patient humans!
If I had to guess, if Hunter was asked to write a short composition about his day at the farm it would go something like this.. “There was this girl with great treats, there was my favorite ball, the girl, the treats, the ball… Did I mention the treats?”
Did Someone Say Ball?
And I have to say, after the sad news of last week with the loss of my assistant Michelle’s dear Peaches, it was just the type of session we needed. A dog full of life and humor and spirit!
So thanks for the wonderful afternoon Hunter. Maybe there was a bigger reason for all of those reschedules. If you were sent to cheer us up, you did a fantastic job!
I was especially happy to work with my new 85mm 1.4… LOVE IT and…
…. the tilt-shift is just so much fun for those vintage shots I love.
It was most appropriate that we were rewarded with a beautiful sunset - after 4 rainy reschedules. A fitting end to a great evening with an awesome dog!
As though yesterday wasn’t bad enough. Today we lost Peaches. Peaches belonged to my wonderful assistant Michelle and her husband Jimmy. Diagnosed with a malignant pancreatic tumor - an insulinoma, just over a year ago, Peaches rallied after her surgery and had some extra happy, healthy months.
But then the tumor returned - with a vengeance. And so began that delicate dance of trying to balance quality of life with the side effects of the only therapy left - steroids. And it was the bravery of Michelle and Jimmy to say tonight, “She’s had enough.”
Peaches came to the Lickey’s by way of a “rescue” of sorts. A young man living in an apartment could no longer keep her. That turned out to be Peaches’ lucky day. She spent the next 10 years dedicated to this couple who loved her so much.
The Peaches I knew was always happy, always trying to do whatever it was Michelle or Jimmy asked of her. Through the years I’ve photographed her for her beauty “head shot,” a Christmas card, and even for the wedding invitation of Jimmy and Michelle. Delmer in a top hat & tails and Peaches, in what else , a veil and pearls.
So, please send good wishes to my dear friends for the loss of their sweet Peachie. She was a dream dog. A once in a lifetime dog. They were all so lucky to have had each other.
I chose this image because it represents both Peaches’ fun-loving spirit and her willingness to do anything to please Michelle. Goodbye sweet Peachie. We will all miss you.
Peaches: 1999- June 4, 2009
As with all canine cancer victims who we have been lucky enough to photograph, Bev Hollis Photography is proud to support the work of 2Dogs2000Miles with a donation in Peaches memory.
No matter how much we see it coming. No matter how rational and compassionate the decision is. The decision to let an animal family member go is one of the most heartbreaking things we do as humans.
Such was the decision faced today by my friends, Anne & Lee “Doc” Hooks. Their beloved Mia, though strong of heart and will and fight, just could not push her body any longer. Sometimes I think this is hardest - when the body’s ability to rise and stand and walk fails an animal. In Mia’s case, even though it was her musculoskeletal system that ultimately failed, her life was extended at least 2 years as a result of a back surgery that literally gave her a new lease.
But today, her family said goodbye. Mia went gently at her home after a much loved snack of a pig ear and a bit of chocolate. And the thing I know for certain is that Mia was the kind of dog who went bravely and proudly and gracefully - surrounded by much love.
Mia - December 22, 1996 - June 3, 2009
We had an early morning shoot in Ashburn on Saturday with Heidi and her human Laurie. Heidi is 14 1/2 years young and is still a mover and shaker!
We started with a short session outside and thought we had worn her out.
At least that was our plan - to get her to rest quietly indoors on Laurie’s beautiful furniture. Heidi had other plans. After a short water break, Ms. Curious was back following us about - interested in our treats and camera but NEVER stopping! She hung in there with us though and we came away with some adorable images.
It was a pleasure meeting such an energetic senior.
Heidi
Every once in a while you have to take a break from what you do. When you’re lucky enough to love what you do for a living, the break you take often involves more of the same.
Such was the case for me this morning. Two good friends dragged me out of bed at 4AM to head into Georgetown for some shooting along the Potomac.
Since I tend to be good at getting into trouble I wasn’t on the dock long at Thompson Boat Center before I found I was, once again, breaking a few rules. Namely, no life jacket, no dock…
A kind employee, Gary Weeden, welcomed us though, and told us all about the Boat Center. He gave us a look inside and showed us the view from the upper level. And as it often is with photography, the light was beautiful for just a few minutes.
Some days you’re just glad you made the effort…
Key Bridge from Thompson's Boat Center
by Bev
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