Mojave

A family dropped in to talk about our session packages recently.  Before setting up their session - which will happen in a few weeks - I invited them to 'release the hounds' in one of the two studio parks.  As always, the camera followed along!

Shown here, Mojave demonstrates a bubble blowing skill worthy of the Olympics.  She was rescued and fostered by the volunteers of Alaska Animal Rescue Friends.  She's now living large in her forever home.

Can't wait to see the entire family again when we make a little trek around the mountains of Chugach range.  Hoping to see another bublle or two!

Justin and Jordan's engagements

Taylor and I worked together to create engagement portraits of Jordan and Justin today.

We started in the studio and, for a change, headed north of the studio into downtown Anchorage where the weather was calm.  The lighting was perfect for us, too.

Most of our outside work took place along the Coastal Trail and Westchester Lagoon.

Justin and Jordan will marry each other in about four months.  This was a fun, energetic way to spend part of the day!  

Gunnar.

Five things that tug at my emotions the most when looking through the lens every day:
* Eyes to the soul.
* Ears of happiness.
* A wagging tail (whether long or stubby)
* Texture in the face - statements of life's experiences.
* A smile of acceptance, approval and trust.

Gunnar.   Chocolate Labrador.   Nine years old.

Me Next

Gunner, a beautiful chocolate Labrador visited today for his Sweet Valentine's Day portrait session. We have one or two remaining spots this week. Call if you want in.

While loading Gunner back into his van, this pack seemed to be begging for their moments in front of the camera.

We have the best jobs in the world over here.

Stay tuned for Gunner's portrait later today.

Have a fun day!

Everyone at the studio wishes you and your friends a great day together.

Please keep those chicken bones and human snacks away from the cats and dogs and enjoy the commercials!

David and crew.

Etched portraits.

I'm developing a new portrait etching technique during some behind the scenes free time.

Shown here, Xena is portrayed in a first rendition of this art process.

It's possible that the studio will soon begin offering this kind of artwork for customers, past and present.

Let us know what you think!  Personally, I believe this will be an exceptional piece if portrayed as a metallic piece.

Stay tuned!

Xena.

Pet New Year

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Carol, Layla and Grizzabella worked the It's Important to Paws and Studio kiosk at Pet New Year 2014.   Kobuck dropped by for a few minutes, too.

Sponsored by Anchorage Animal Care and Control and hosted by Alaska Mill Feed and Garden Center, the event was hugely successful.  Attendees  took advantage of vaccination and microchipping services and enjoyed demonstrations by area dog experts.

While at our booth, we sold a few IITP books and talked up some of the upcoming specials offered at the studio.

Shown below, Layla is apparently worn out after a few hours of meeting, greeting and at pawing her visiting public.

She is such an incredible dog.

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Xena. Princess Warrior.

Xena's face looks like a beautiful fireworks display.  It bursts with energy.

Her personality is a celebration.

Xena is one-of-a-kind. But aren't they all?

I loved working with you today, Xena.

Thanks also to Taylor for assisting with posing and lighting.

Ted

Ted is a 15-year old Collie mix.  He's traveled around the world with his family.  His dad is a veteran.  His mom is active military in the United States Air Force.

Ted and his two younger dog siblings visited the studio as part of a session consultation.

Consultations are encouraged for families who are relatively new to the studio.  It gives us a chance to know our customers better, gives them a chance to tour the entire studio and that's also the best way to discuss our packages and pricing.

For us, meeting the dogs in advance is a real treat!  The more we know about our families the better the portraits!

We can't wait to see Ted again soon when we'll all get together for a portrait adventure with mountains, trails and beautiful scenery.  The dogs will be ready for nap afterward!

Vash, Skeezix (and Layla)

Layla and I enjoyed a short break during the day to visit with David and his two dogs, Vash and Skeezix.

Vash has been sick lately.  We thought this would be a fun way to spend some time with her and her handsome littermate, Skeezix.

Click the photo above to view a video of Skeezix, Vash and Layla playing at Ruth Arcand Park today.

Sami

It's been too long since a Bouvier has posed in front of the lens at my studio.   Sami was a welcoming subject.

This session was one of a few we're shooting as part of a Valentine's Day Special.  It was a delight selecting background colors for him.  I chose deep forest green and rose red.  The green really brings out her personality and poise.  She's an incredible beauty.

The red turned out nicely, too!  (I'm a tease!)

Mr. M.

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Maternity photographs with a favorite family highlighted a beautiful Saturday afternoon.  These included portraits of Mr. M.  What a charmer!

By the end of the session, he mastered the phrase "How you doin'?"  So funny and cute.

We'll see Mom, Dad and Mr. M again in three or four weeks when his baby brother is born.  Can't wait!

Winston

Handsome Winston brought his family along for portraits first thing Saturday morning.  He's a wonderful dog.  Taylor and I loved working with him and his favorite people.

Welcome!

It's all new for 2014.

After six years, it was time to bid farewell to the previous website.

Kelsey, Carol, Taylor and I have been working behind the scenes for weeks creating a fresh look for the studio through this new website.

This was a perfect way to introduce updated photography galleries, an event calendar and a 'monthly specials' section.

This site also includes forms asking for information so we can send updates on topics including Special Offers, Pawstice and Session Information.  We never share contact information with anyone else.  But we want to keep you updated when you're requested information.

I hope you'll bookmark the David Jensen Photography website and continue to stay in touch.

It also helps a lot to see comments.  Suggestions and 'hellos' are always welcome.

If you have the time, please also visit the new It's Important to Paws book website.  It's a world of information all by itself.

Thank you for supporting our studio.  We depend on you and your referrals to keep going.

Happy new year!

David
david@alaskaportraits.com
 

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Skeeter posed for the camera before Christmas.  We couldn't post his photograph before because it was still a surprise.  What a cute, mischievous face.

Rusty

It's an incredible experience . . . being able to photograph dogs - especially seniors. Rusty has lived a lifetime of trail hikes and runs with his family in Alaska. It's been a couple years since he challenged the FlatTop area. Today, he returned there and posed beautifully in strong winds, rusted foliage and hints of snow. He was in his true element.   We all were.

What a great way to spend the afternoon.

Rusty, 2014

Lily, Diesel and Ginger.

Beautiful boxers!  They visited the studio with their mom to take advantage of a Valentine's Day special the studio is offering.  Click here for more information.  We still have openings.  Make this Valentine's Day the best ever for you and yours.

Scout, Rascal, Thor, Mystie and Trouble. Friends of Pets.

The volunteers of Friends of Pets have been advocating for the care of cats and dogs for nearly 25 years.  They've rescued and adopted thousands upon thousands of animal companions to loving forever families.

We're honored to be able to help support their mission throughout most of those years.

Shown here five lovely creatures we photographed recently with help from FOP volunteer Kara and Kelsey, the studio's manager.

Visit the Friends of Pets website for more information about these and many other available cats and dogs.

And if you can, please join us in supporting their mission through Pick.  Click.  Give. by clicking here.

Thank you!

Alaska SPCA Spay-ghetti Dinner and Silent Auction

Mark your calendars for the Alaska SPCA's annual Spay-ghetti Dinner and Silent Auction.

This year's fundraiser will be held at Kincaid Chalet as it was last year - a great location and really fun event for the entire family.  Funds raised support their low-cost spay/neuter clinic. Pet Food Bank and adoption program.

Visit Alaska SPCA's website and LIKE their Facebook page.  We love everything about Alaska SPCA.

Shown in the photo below is "Res."  David photographed her at Alaska SPCA in 1989.  She was a permanent 'res'ident at Alaska SPCA's offices and thrift store for nearly two decades.

Res.

Available for adoption from Kitty K-9 Connection

Kitty K-9 Connection visited the studio with four gorgeous cats who are available for adoption.
Two kittens (Pitter and Patter) and two adults were incredibly beautiful in front of the camera.  They would be equally beautiful in your home.

Thank you, Amber and Tiana for bringing these lovely cats to the studio today.

Contact Kitty and K-9 Connection through their website for more information on how you can help support this all-volunteer organization and their mission to find forever homes for dogs and cats.

http://www.kittyandk-9.org  

Straw for Dogs

Lou.    Don't worry, he's well cared for now and enjoys life inside most of the time.

A chilly shoot this afternoon featured Frank and Lou.  Both are rescues from dog lots.  Neither had adequate protection from the cold.  Thankfully, Straw for Dogs and other volunteers stepped in to give them the love, warm households and family lives they deserve.

The purpose of the portraits captured during this session is to help create new marketing and information brochures and cards for Straw for Dogs.  These materials will be used to get the word about how to properly care for dogs in arctic climates.

You can help this outstanding 501C3 organization!   Visit their website to volunteer or to receive more information.  S4D is also Pick. Click. Give approved.

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Frank poses next to one of the Straw for Dogs doghouse that is built with insulation and an arctic entry to help keep the cold out,