Coco’s Birthday Weekend – Part I

By Sarah Dickerson.

At the end of September we celebrated Coco Bean’s 5th birthday with some low key family fun, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing. You know that feeling you have when you’re in a moment and you just know it’s something you’re going to remember for the rest of your life? This was it.

We started the day off with some early morning canoeing. The air was cool and the setting serene, we had our mellow music playing as we began to row. We pretty much had the water to ourselves, minus the occasional kayaker passing by. This was incredibly lucky for us since we soon found out that we (… well, let’s be honest it was mostly just me) could not steer a canoe straight if our life depended on it! We did our best, but zigzagged and laughed all the way. This may have been the first time Coco had truly been embarrassed of her parents, which is okay though, because I was totally embarrassed too! Coco acted like a seasoned professional though, and looking very Kate Winslet-esque at the front of the boat might I add!

Normally I’m not a watersport girl due to my fears of deep and dark water (and now my apparent lack of upper body strength and coordination adding to the list!), but since it wasn’t that deep it didn’t seem too scary. Excuse my sans-makeup and disheveled-hair look, but I loved Bean’s expression in this photo. So cheerful, and I love any photo where her tongue is out! She really enjoyed sitting with her pops and trying to spot these so-called manatees in the water, and of course listening to all of the interesting sounds that little critters in the trees made.

Look at that happy face! Be sure to come back for Part II of her special day. Hint: Extra yummy birthday treat + an ocean sunset.

AUTHOR: Sarah Dickerson is a visual designer and photographer from the Midwest who loves animals, all things English, rainy nights, cozy backyard gatherings, twinkling lights, and festive weddings. To see more of her work, visit her website and blog, Chic Sprinkles.

5 Fun & Easy Home Pet Photography Ideas

One of my favourite things to do is whip out the camera and snap some home pet photos. Of course, nothing beats visiting a professional pet photographer to have some special keepsake photos that you will always treasure, but there’s something about lazing the day away at home and capturing your dog one-on-one in a little home photography. With your dog completely relaxed and with their favourite person (you!) by their side, you’re in the prime position to capture those special details only you know about.

Yet, on the flip side home pet photography can be hard. If you’re like me you have millions of out of focus pooch photos, pics of tails zooming out of the frame, and a whole bunch of close ups of your dog’s nose that, to be honest, kind of suck. So how can you make taking photos of your dog at home fun? Here are 5 fun and easy home pet photography ideas that will leave you with a treasured photo to frame in no time…

1. HANG A BACKGROUND

I know a lot of pros say go outside and capture your dog playing in the yard, and I do agree that’s a great option. But for novice photographers, that usually ends up with you covered in dirt, a bunch of photos filled with shadows and blurry images, and your dog having enjoyed a good game of fetch (…well at least someone’s happy!) So why not stay inside and create your own doggy studio. Buy a metre or two of your favourite fabric and choose a softly lit area of your home to set up. Hang or tape the fabric to the wall letting it fall to the ground. (Note: Use tape that doesn’t remove the paint!) Pop your dog in front and start snapping!

2. CAPTURE THE DETAILS

One of the things you’ll have over an professional pet photographer is your dog will allow you to get uncomfortably close. You also know everything there is to know about your dog’s moods, quirks, and secrets spots of beauty. So it’s time to capture those details. Love your dogs ears? Nose? The way their head tilts when you say ‘Walk’? These little details are the ones you’ll forever hold in your heart, so time to capture them on film.

3. WRITE IT OUT

Nothing is cuter than a dog with a message. I suggest fashioning a small blackboard and writing in a personal message that applies to your pooch – or your favourite quote about dogs. Simply hang it around your dog’s neck and click away. (PS. I got my chalkboard from Typo for $10 – bargain!)

4. USE PROPS

Soda doesn’t really do dress up. I occasionally get to put a bow in her hair, but that’s about it. So bringing in a few props when taking photos really adds a fun element to home photography. You can use glasses (like Soda Gaga above), hats, bow ties, scarves…you’re only limited by your imagination. Don’t forget your dog’s favourite toys! Sure that puppy squeaky toy may be annoying now, but in 10 years time you’ll be wishing you had a photo of your pooch with their favourite puppyhood toy.

5. FILTER IT

In these days of Instagram, there is no excuse not to play with photo filters. And there’s no easier way to freshen up a regular photo than by having some fun with colours and photo quality. You don’t need photoshop, just google web photo editors and you’ll be able to try out your skills on line (I’ve heard great things about Ribbet). Try converting images to Black & White, sample vintage filters and try your hand at brightening and contrasting colours within the photo. And don’t forget to have fun!

HANDY HINTS:
- Always have treats and toys on hand to keep your pooch interested.
- Take your photography in short bursts so your pet doesn’t get bored.
- Make the experience fun for your dog. Never put them in situations where they are uncomfortable – they won’t be happy, and it will show in the photo.
- Reward your pet with a walk or game following the photo shoot. This will lead them to associating photos with fun!
- Take lots of photos from all different angles. Just think – if you take 20 photos, one has to be good!
- Relax and enjoy the process. Remember, you’re capturing memories, but you’re also creating them.

SilhouPETte Charm Necklaces

Fun & Sweet Things Shop It 22 Aug

By Sarah Dickerson

I’ve always been a admirer of small charms, trinkets, and keepsakes that hold a special meaning. When it comes to pets though, lets face it, it’s hard to find quality products that aren’t, dare I say… tacky. That being said, I’m sure you can understand how very excited we were when Jessica, the founder and artist behind SilhouPETte, reached out to share some of her beautiful charm necklaces with us.

SilhouPETte offers both custom and breed-specific silhouette jewelry, with a vintage feel, to keep the love close to your heart. Available in both Sterling Silver and Gold-dipped Sterling Silver, these necklaces are sure to win you over.

The idea blossomed a couple of years ago when Jessica created a pet silhouette as a Christmas gift for her close friends. Her friends had tears of joy when they opened their gift, loving all of the intricate details of their 14 year-old Pomeranian. When Jessica saw how touched her friends were, she decided to share her talent with the rest of the word. And we are glad she did!

{ABOVE: Gold SilhouPETte Charm Necklaces | Poodle and Boston Terrier}

I had a wonderful time photographing these SilhouPETte necklaces. They are delicate, feminine, and can be dressed up or worn casually. These make the perfect gift for any animal lover and are a great way to honor the special pet in your life.

{ABOVE RIGHT: Silver SilhouPETte Charm Necklaces | Chihuahua, Schnauzer and Dachshund}

Jessica hopes that these original charms keep the special bond between you and your pet alive now and forever. It’s easy to see, through her work, that she truly appreciates the uniqueness of every individual pet.

From Jessica:
“I’ve always adored great profiles and loved examining every little part of my cat’s: I knew the precise shape of the ridge on her nose, where her little white patch of fur began and ended on her chin, and exactly how the fluffy fur on her chest waved.

What’s wonderful and intriguing to me about animals is how they express endless and unconditional love. They hold no grudges, make no judgments, and love me just the way I am. It’s no wonder I have such a deep connection to my pets. Just seeing their image brings joy to my day and love to my heart.”

Wanting a custom SilhouPETte of your own pretty fluffy? Head over to the SilhouPETte Website & Online Store, and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter. Also, be sure to watch for their upcoming spot in Martha Stewart Living magazine’s September issue, as SilhouPETte will be one of four products featured in an article on memorializing pets! You know you have a quality product when Martha Stewart tips her hat to you. How exciting, congrats Jessica!

Sarah xx

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A very special thank you to my lovely models, Lauren and her Boston Terrier, Luna!