Monthly Archives: August 2009

Otto Gets a Vest!!!

Monday, August 17, 2009 3:16 pm Posted in Charity, General - Dogs

Though I’m still recovering after nearly 10 hours of shooting yesterday, I am very happy to report that our first ever Vest A Dog Photo Fundraiser was a rousing success!!

We got some great images, met some great dogs and most importantly we raised enough money to buy Otto, one of Leesburg’s two police service dogs, a Level II Stab and Bulletproof Vest!  Otto and his partner, Officer Greg Parsons,  stopped by to say hello yesterday and we even got them to step in front of the lens for a couple shots.

[caption id="attachment_742" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption=""OTTO""]"OTTO"[/caption]

We know from recent news reports that Otto was involved in the latest hostage situation here in Leesburg where shots had been fired.  While we hope he won’t come upon another situation like that anytime soon, we’re thrilled to be part of making him safer!

A very huge thanks goes out to the wonderful folks at Dog Day Afternoon in Leesburg who graciously donated their space for the entire day.  Sandy and Shannon always step up to the plate to help out local animals and for that we are grateful!  And another thanks to Katie who not only dropped off adorable “Oakie” for a photo session, but brought a giant box of steaming hot coffee for us to start our day!!

[caption id="attachment_744" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Oakmont & Dakota"]Oakmont & Dakota[/caption]

Another giant thank you to Alice & Dave Canham and Nanci Burns, volunteers who stayed the day and did whatever was asked -from rolling used seamless paper, carrying out trash, and I think I even caught them jumping up and down on occasion in an effort to help get a dog’s attention!

[caption id="attachment_741" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Clementine, Winston, Damsel & Rusty"]Clementine, Winston, Damsel & Rusty[/caption]

I know I’ve mentioned it before but my team rocks! Thanks to Michelle, Brandy & Don for working so hard, not just yesterday, but each day you step out to represent Bev Hollis Photography. I truly could not do this without you!

[caption id="attachment_749" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Do we look like a back to school ad? (Yes those are knee pads!)"]Yes, I'm wearing knee pads![/caption]

Lastly, thanks to everyone who took the time to come out and donate to this very worthy cause!  From Sprite’s humans who came all the way from Richmond, to Officer Junkins with the Fairfax Police Department who showed up to show support for the cause.  We are very grateful.  And thanks to all of you for accepting our rather regimented scheduling system without which, we couldn’t have gotten this done!!

[caption id="attachment_746" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Bear & Sampson"]Bear & Sampson[/caption] [caption id="attachment_745" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Cullen, Punx & Sprite"]Colin, Punks & Sprite[/caption] [caption id="attachment_743" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Shadow and Lilly"]Shadow and Lilly[/caption] [caption id="attachment_756" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Chuey"]Chuey[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_757" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Max, Jordan, Inky & Moose"]Max, Jordan, Inky & Moose[/caption] [caption id="attachment_750" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Murphy"]Murphy[/caption]

We’ll be sure to keep you updated and let you know when Otto gets his vest!

We have a new update that we’re so excited about! A good friend from the West Chicago Police Department has arranged to donate a “cooling vest” to Otto!! The bullet proof vests are heavy and hot. It is recommended that dogs wear a cooling vest to “re-regulate” their body temperatures after a session in the “heavy” vest.  Thanks to our great friends at West Chicago Police!

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Sophie Turns on the Cavachon Charm! (Virginia Pet Photographer)

Sunday, August 9, 2009 2:21 pm Posted in General - Dogs

We squeaked in a session last night as the skies darkened and the humidty raced upwards.  Sophie, and her human Sarah, did a combined signature session.  We were orignally scheduled to do this shoot in May to celebrate both Sarah’s and Sophie’s birthday.  But because Sarah really wanted some barn images we postponed until the barn was finally ready.

To say that Sophie is full of personality is truly an understatement!  She may very well be the sweetest dog I’ve ever met! Full of mischief and fun -but, always ready to don her pearls and strike a pose!

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I just loved her against my big giant canvas!

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So after about an hour of zooming around the barn, batting those big eyelashes at the camera, and trying to get into the ant trap, Sophie switched her pearls for her outside collar and we  headed outdoors to dark skies and extremely humid conditions.

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Not to worry though, Sophie kept working that camera as long as we asked  her.  We really wanted to get some shots of her running and playing but the skies were so dark it made that rather difficult.  (Yes, I know I have a D3 and can push that ISO but I prefer not to do that:))

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So we settled instead for tons of fanciful poses with this uber-cute pup!  Happy Belated Birthday Sophie!

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Lest you think Sophie can only “do” beauty shots, we threw in her urban-grunge pose! (I love that she still sits like a puppy!)

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Thanks for an extra special evening Sophie!

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Tegan Comes To Tranquility Farm!

Sunday, August 2, 2009 5:55 pm Posted in Tranquility Farm

We spent the late afternoon and evening last night with Tegan, a gorgeous greyhound, adopted after his racing days were over.

Tegan’s human, Michelle signed on for our “signature” session which included shooting time in both the barn as well as out on the farm. Well apparently she didn’t tell Tegan this.  He wanted absolutely nothing to do with that barn session!  We  literally had to physically hold him in place, attempt to get his attention, and then ready that shutter button because he would bolt to the door the second we released him.  Nonetheless, we managed a few classic greyhound poses!

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(Notice I gave in and bought that giant canvas!)

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We finally relented and Tegan got his way as we headed out to trek amongst the farm backdrop.  Photographing greyhounds can be a bit like working with a cat. They do what they want, when they want. Tegan decided he only wanted to look eastward and preferred a sweeping view.  At times it was like manuevering a horse about the farm.

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Tegan is a striking boy with his half black- half white face.  A love of a dog. He was in foster care for 2 years before finding his forever home with Michelle.  And what a home he’s found. Michelle is not new to greyhounds. Tegan’s predecessor, Gavin, was another greyhound of Michelle’s who died suddenly at age 6.  Tegan is much loved and is, as most greyhounds seem to be, truly grateful for his new life.

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Those of you who know me, know that I go way back with greyhound and galgo (Spanish greyhound) work.  Working with Tegan last night brought back great memories of so many wonderful greys who have passed through my life.

Thanks for a great session Tegan!

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(Please note that I am well versed in greyhound handling and Tegan was never off-leash in these photos!)

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Jordan – Australian Shepherd

Saturday, August 1, 2009 10:25 am Posted in Tranquility Farm

I just wanted to post one more of this spirited senior girl. Her proofs just went up for her mom, Diane, to view and I so enjoyed working with this great dog that I wanted to share one more.

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