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!!!!

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!

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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.

Finally! These four, adorable underdogs!

Annie – one of my models – asked me about photographing her dogs. One of them, John Wayne is being featured through a series of children’s books Annie is publishing. I cannot wait to see the books. All of these dogs have been rescued from bad conditions. The stories just break my heart. But, I love that Annie cares enough to adopt instead of buying from breeders. There are so many mutts out there that need good homes and loving hearts to care for them. John Wayne and Miss Puggy are both special needs. John Wayne has just three legs and Miss Puggy is blind. Lily (the little chihuahua) has soft pallette issues and is not the typical, yappy little dog. She just wants a warm place to snuggle and you hardly know she is around.

I’m so excited for Annie and her books. And, I’m even more excited to share a few of the pictures we did. We finally had to move to studio because of all the rain we’ve been having. It proved to be better for wrangling four dogs around. But, it was a lot of fun. I don’t offer studio work for dogs, but am happy to bring my lighting and backdrop to your home if you prefer indoor shoots with your dogs as opposed to outdoor ones. Be sure to click on the “Little Dog Smiled” gallery for more of my dog portraiture in the real world.

That’s Annie & John Wayne.

I don’t remember him barking…but maybe I caught him looking up at Annie. I still love it though!

Lily is the tiniest little chihuahua. She came in wearing her little shabby chic dress on the left there. She’s missing teeth from not being cared for very well…so her tongue sticks out a lot.

Here’s Miss Mo. She will sit still for you so well!

Miss Puggy. The newest rescue. She was going to be put down the day Annie rescued her. She’s blind and has hip problems. She was used to breed puppies, then rescued by an older person who they believe passed away.

OMG – how can you NOT love this shot?

And, a few more  cute ones for good measure.

Dog photography is by far my favorite thing in the world to do!

I’m working on a project for Stray Rescue of St. Louis’ annual art auction event. My intention is to sell this to anyone as well as donate back to the organization. It’s a great organization, and if you are not from St. Louis, you should read the story of Quentin, the Miracle Dog.

These are a few of the shots I got that I quickly processed this morning. It’s been a very busy week and I have another event to photograph today. I think I need a week’s vacation, don’t you?

I’ll be sure to share more when I get the project complete for this event.