St. Louis Photographer » A Journal by Holly McCaig

This week, two new loves came into my life. A 100mm f/2.8 Macro and a Fisheye. Yes, I consider them loves! So, been practicing with my Macro. Thought I’d share a few. Hope you have a FUN and frightening night tonight!

Okay, maybe I am a girl, but I am squealing! Why? Tomorrow is HALLOWEEN! By far, my most favorite holiday ever. Every year, we waste time and money on more decorations to make the evening fun for kids. The other night when I got back from a shoot, the sky was not quite dark and yet still ominous. So, pulled out the camera and took a few quick shots. It’s not the full effect for sure. I will shoot those tomorrow when I can get the fog machine and other lights setup that don’t stay out all the time. Andrea is coming over too so I can get some good shots! Hopefully of the kids too!

Hope your day tomorrow is FRIGHTFULLY FUN!!!!

I had the pleasure of photographing a family I’ve been shooting for three years now! THREE! I’ve seen their kids now grow quite quickly. I swear, you blink and there they go! As you know, I don’t photograph kids or families much anymore. But, I continue to work with past clients and my own friends and family. And, when I do, I get a slight “bug” to do more. In fact, I’m trying to work out logistics to do a couple of “ideas” I have in my head with some kids of friends of mine. Time? Where are you?

Okay, the photos. I shared a few of this family earlier, but have finally completed my proofs and have their slideshow prepared. I hope you enjoy.

To see the slideshow, please click here.

Thanks for looking!

Yesterday, my friend, Maura, called me about coming to photograph her sister’s dog, Bailey. Bailey has cancer. Bailey is very sick and well, it was urgent that I come and take some photographs for them. I just was waiting to be told what time I was needed to go because it wouldn’t be long. I was greeted by Deidre, her son, and three dogs. Two very cautious and unsure what I was doing in their home, and the other, calm and yet still interested. Though the big difference was the sadness in his eyes.

This was such a hard thing for me because I looked back at Merlin’s photos before I left for this shoot, wanting to make sure that I didn’t miss a beat. What I knew the family would want and love to look at forever. And, yet, it brought back so many memories of the days Merlin was so sick.

Thank goodness for sunglasses.

As I watched this boy lie next to Bailey and hug him, I asked him, “what do you love most about Bailey?” and he answered this:

“Bailey is always the one that keeps all the other dogs calm. He just looks at them and they all relax. I wonder who he’ll pass the torch onto when he is gone.”

My heart melted.

I’ve cried for them and only wish I had gotten to know Bailey when he was healthy and happy.

As I left, he walked over to me – very slowly and frail-like and I said goodbye to him, knowing that would be the last time I would see him.

Bailey’s fight ended shortly after. Please hug your fur-babies.

I’ll have more photos of Bailey once I get caught up with other proofing. If you are interested in having your dogs photographed please contact me about capturing their memories. You can visit my website by clicking here.

A while back I did one of these types of posts and I thought it was funny, the phrases you filled in. So, figured I’d do it again. Cause, well, it makes for funny conversation – and I also love to see how creative you are.

The best things in life ___________________________________.

Here’s some fun wordart from the last time, some might make some fun t-shirts or prints/cards, but I loved Audra’s comment completion: