It was an absolute joy to welcome Bonnie, Chips and their owner Dawn into the studio this month for a studio photography session.
About Bonnie & Chips' Studio Session
Dawn had been gifted her studio session from her friend Jim, who had also had a studio session with his two pups Rosie and Sam. Dawn had accompanied Jim for his session and enquired about a session for her dogs. As I was about to give her the details I saw Jim, who was standing behind her, shake his head. When Dawn was out of ear shot Jim explained that Dawn was a really good friend and as she looks after Rosie & Sam he wanted to buy a studio session as a surprise thankyou. It was lovely to hear and Dawn was over the moon with her gift.
Both of these teeny tots are rescue dogs. Chips was rescued after being thrown from a car, fortunately other motorists managed to catch him before he disappeared into a corn field. Bonnie's previous owner sadly passed away and her foster didn't believe she could be rehomed, so she was going to be put to sleep. Fortunately Dawn found both dogs and they are now living their best life.
The session itself was calm and relaxed. Both pups were happy to be held whilst the other was doing their best model poses for treats. Dawn had seen a previous session so was aware that owners have an active role in the session. Under gentle direction she guided the dogs and gave plenty of high value rewards at the right time, to encourage their best behaviour whilst remaining calm.
During the consultation call Dawn mentioned she would like to be have a photograph with Bonnie and Chips, but like many people she did not like seeing herself in photographs. On the day of the session I discussed how I could take images of Dawn with the two dogs. Dawn loved the big chair so we decided to sit her in it with Bonnie and Chips on her knee. Rather than looking directly at the camera, I got Dawn to look down at the dogs and make squeaky noises. The dogs immediately turned to look up at Dawn and wit one click the emotion was captured!
Dawn's gift session included two window mounted prints and she added a third as she knew exactly where she was going to put them in her house. During the reveal, and after much consideration, she chose single images of Bonnie and Chips. Chips is standing looking directly at the camera tail in the air and an expression on his face saying 'Well hello there, yes its me!'. Bonnie's image had to be the one where she is standing, paw raised looking like a true model. There was no question that the third print would be Dawn with both dogs. I had converted it to black and white, which I felt made a stronger image and Dawn agreed.
Dawn was really pleased with her prints. The single images of each dog where framed in a white mount, complementing the colour images. The black and white image had been framed in a black mount with a white core or inner edge, which framed the image perfectly.
I'm always astounded that people can abandon dogs and do it in such heartless ways. It was a joy to photograph these two lovely pups and I'm glad they have found a happy and peaceful home with an owner who loves them vey much.
Dawn's thought's on the session
Gayle was lovely and welcoming and put me at my ease straight away. She was wonderful with the dogs who liked and trusted her.
The photoshoot was professional and done at the dogs pace so they never felt uncomfortable during the process.
I ordered 3 prints which when they came were clear, sharp and had captured the dogs’ personalities beautifully. They were professionally mounted and delivered to my door by Gayle.
The whole experience was a pleasure and well worth the investment
