St. Louis Photographer » A Journal by Holly McCaig

I got a request from Carrie at the United Way of Greater St. Louis to donate a pet portrait session to their online auction, Give. Bid. Win. Of course! I jumped at it! So much fun to give back. I will admit though – as I told Carrie, I was so afraid that no one would bid on my item. How embarrassing would that be? Luckily, towards the end, there was a bidding war! And, the session went for $340. So happy to be able to give back.

The big winner was none other than this adorable little girl, ZOE!

Isn’t she a doll? Yah, I wanted to put her in my camera bag and take her home with me!

Carrie captured some photos of me shooting – as with all pet sessions, I dress pretty grubby. I get dirty and I think I smelled like peanut butter the rest of the night!

Zoe owns Sue – and Sue, I can’t thank you enough for your bid and donation to the United Way of Greater St. Louis. You are awesome!!!!

A blog post without a photo isn’t right. And, since I didn’t post yesterday, that’s a double-not-right!

I couldn’t think of a better title either. Hey, she’s conked out from the peanut butter yummies she had.

It’s one of my crazier weeks with back-to-back sessions and meetings. I am excited for Sunday to come so I can just chillax! I wanted to also wish all my friends and clients a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Hope you take time to enjoy the last bit of summer with your family and friends.

Merlin was part of my life for so long. He passed two years ago this Christmas. He was my company when life was crappy. He brought me lots of joy through rough patches and good times. He always made me laugh with his expressions and personality. There wasn’t ONE person that he encountered in his life that didn’t love Merlin. He always left an amazing impression on so many lives. His 13 years of life just went too fast.

Adopting another dog was something I always knew that I would do. I just never fathomed I would adopt two at once. Jack and Daisy were the perfect pair. Like Lucy and Ricky. Or Elvis and Priscilla (that’s for my mom), or I dunno ______ insert cute couple here. I always feared that taking on Daisy would be a challenge. And, to this day, it still is. I have no idea what type of life they lead before other than it wasn’t good. She’s terrified all the time unless she’s in a deep sleep.

Wednesday, as I was recovering from food poisoning the night before, I laid in bed all day. I grabbed my camera and decided to take a few pictures. I have been video-taping them more and more. I suppose I should pull those off the camera and archive them too.

Daisy was the only one that would give me the time of day with the camera. Jack pretty much turned his head and snoozed. They are like teenagers. I’m pretty lucky. I have to wake THEM up in the morning. This morning, Hollie called me a little after 9 – asking me if she woke me. Me: no, just lying here with the lazy dogs, I need to make them get up! How do they hold their bladders that long? I should not complain. When Merlin got sick, I bought him a dog door for the sliding glass door because he was constantly wanting to go outside at all hours. I needed it for my sanity. Jack loves it. Daisy is terrified of it.

Hey, I would be terrified too if they rescued me and my two babies – only to take them away from her! Poor girl. I have to remember this when she makes me crazy, pees or poops on the floor, or tears up blankets. I am just happy I could give her a home.

Here are a few of the photos taken the other day of Daisy. I have to start taking more of them like I used to.

As you may know…I love photographing dogs. I just opted to not really market it anymore because the economy has slowed that subject of my business down. I still honor it. To come into your home and photograph your dog for a few hours with you and your family as they are is $650. It includes my time and talent as a photographer, editing of your photos, slideshow and all high-resolution images on disk. If you’re interested, just contact me! I’d love to come in and meet your furry pups!

I also love to hear when people rescue dogs instead of buying full breeds. It means a lot to give an animal a home. I have attended some of the Stray Rescue adoption events and it warms my heart to see some of these dogs get new homes. The stories of their rescues brings tears to my eyes. They deserve the love too. Please adopt!

And, in case you didn’t know…I have a doggy session up for auction with the United Way of Greater St. Louis’ online auction www.givebidwin.com – now, GO BID!

Finally…a funny .gif I put together of two of Daisy’s photos. HA HA!

This week, as I’m looking around for things for my sweet poochies (Jack & Daisy), I decided this week’s Tuesday Tally is about the mutts. Yeah, I know it’s Wednesday. I never promised I’d do it by the book!

Insert Graphic Here

Skull Collar } Seriously – I LOVE THIS! If it weren’t $70, Daisy would have this. But, my luck, she’d roll in the mud and ruin it. It’s such an awesome take on a skull collar. I love the embossed leather and a little bit ‘o bling! My Dog Collar

I think Jack could look cute in one of these!

Juicy Track Suit } I know, call me an insane dog owner, but I’d love to get this track suit for Daisy. A while back, I photographed little Dora and she had a pink one. But it wasn’t the full suit – still adorable on her.  Seriously…way cute, huh?

Shabby Chic Bed } Now, I saw this and thought two things: 1 – my dogs would NEVER give up their spots in my bed. Why waste my money? 2 – PHOTOGS! How cute would this be for newborn shoots? Calling All Dogs

Kill the Stink } Jack is getting multiple baths a day. Why? Not because I want to do it, but because he manages to roll around in something god-awful smelling outside in the dirt. I mean, we’re talking gag-riffic! So, up we go in the kitchen sink to get a half-bath (mostly neck and head). I saw these and think I want to try them…maybe with so much washing they will help sooth his skin but also help get rid of the smell. Happy Tails Spa

Harness ‘em } OH WOW – this handmade couture for dogs is amazing stuff! Check out this harness! Daisy has to wear a harness because her head is so small that a collar comes right off her neck. Ruff Stuff

Stay Cool } it’s hot out there this summer and you gotta keep the furry kids cool if you’re going to take them out with you! These collapsible bowls are adorable and stylish – yet functional. Itza Dog

Drink Up } Finally, it wouldn’t be summer without a cold brew…right? Now, your dog can even enjoy them! Bowser Beer…I’m trying to find out where to order it! 3 Busy Dogs

Today, I decided to take a little outdoor break since it’s nice and overcast right now. And, took the new, yes, I did buy one, Canon 5D Mark II outside and take some video and photos of the dogs. I downloaded them and immediately processed this one. I love my little Jack. He melts my heart.

For those interested, on the Canon 5D, Mark II – 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. Process: lightened my exposure a little (trying to get used to this new camera) and then did a slight curves adjustment for some pop of the colors.