Throw back Thursday with Flash.

Flash still knows how to strut her stuff.  age, Flash, at 10.5 years old doesn't mind flaunting it.  She's my lovely sidekick 24/7 and has quite the following with our customers (most tell us that she's their favorite - but don't tell anyone else.)
Flash was born in 2004.  This photo in a photo was captured when she was five months old.

Introducing Carolyn.

Carolyn has joined the studio's team!   We're delighted to be able to share her talent, enthusiasm and initiative with our customers.

I photographed Carolyn a few years ago - before she earned her Bachelor's degree in Arts.  At the time, she was graduating from high school.  Soon after, we photographed her entire family.

The energy at the studio is outstanding.  Taylor - who has been working here for about a year - is a leader extraordinaire.  I'm blessed to have her assisting with sessions and working to keep our clients happy.

Taylor and Carolyn bring so much to the studio.  They are exceptional.  I know you will agree when you meet both.

I am always your puppy.

Melinda and her soul-dog Haley took time out of their day for a brief visit as participants in my project that focuses on senior dogs.

I'm only sharing 1% of the images created during this project.  The overall collection will be assembled into my upcoming book "When age has no Leash:  Lessons learned from senior dogs."

This is a special image to me.  But then again - wait 'til you see the entire collection.  I've photographed more than 60 senior puppies during the past eight weeks.

It's so challenging, this book.  I learn something new everyday.  So many lessons.  My job is to put them all into words and images.  I promise, this will be something to treasure.  It already is to me.

Thank you, Haley and Mel.

dj

The Havard Family

So many great photos from today's session above Rabbit Creek, Anchorage.

90% rain was predicted the evening before.  We held steady and watched and wished throughout the day as sunshine dominated the skyline.

Lo and behold, everything came together for another perfect couple of hours with my favorite kind of people:  A family who loves dogs!!  And no rain!

Oh, my.  The results from today were spectacular ... with special thanks to Taylor for her help with lighting and gear.  She even snapped a few of today's photos.

Much, much more to enjoy everyone!  Thank you for today.

Don't touch that dial!

Do you receive unsolicited calls? Perhaps the phone rings and no one is on the other end of the line or a recorded woman says "I've called the wrong number?"
This is probably obvious to most, however, I Googled the phone number... of one recent frequent anonymous caller. It was a phone number in Illinois with a long track record of fraud.

Apparently, those who call back/redial, etc., will see a $60 or more bill on their next phone bill.. It's a relatively new scam. The goal is to lure people into calling the number as they attempt to remove their number from 'the list.'

So ... Google or search a number before calling back. I'm glad I did.
Flash and dj.

Pawstice 2014

Here's a short sneak peek of things to come - images from Pawstice 2014.

This was the 4th annual Pawstice that was created and hosted by our studio.  It's a free event for friends of the studio and animal care organizations that make a difference in our community.  In total, the celebration drew 100+ dogs and their people.  Doug and Debra Lindsay, retired United Methodist ministers, offered blessings to dogs throughout the day.  A rabbit and horse also joined in on the fun.

Peg Banks and Kari Campbell sang a beautiful rendition of Bob Dylan's Forever Young.  It brought happy tears to many.  For me, I kept hoping for more and more verses!  It was just that good.

We're working on a video that will highlight the entirety of Pawstice 2014 - with Peg and Kari's music in the background.  Expect to enjoy that in the next very few days.

And heartfelt praise goes out to the volunteers who helped make this event happen:   Kara, Cassie, Judy, Joanie and more to be listed Monday.  A tip of the hat to everyone at the studio for their teamwork and leadership:   Taylor, Carolyn and Carol.  Wow.  I am so totally impressed.

Falls Creek with Layla and Kobuck

Shot out of the studio a little early today hoping to find some dramatic weather conditions as Anchorage was again experiencing sunshine, heavy rain, winds and lighting at the same time.
We struck out and detoured to Falls Creek Trail along Turnagain Arm.

Powerline Pass Trail with great dogs.

Here's a small collection of photos from this morning's early hike into the Chugach Mountains with friends and their spectacular dogs.    Curly, Dora, Tilly, Wallace and Layla were perfect trail dogs.  The lighting and scenery changed with every step forward.  It was phenomenal.
Thanks Mike, Melissa and Kristin!   Very perfect hike this morning.

Peonies. A short story.

Before Carol and I purchased the studio building in 2000, I walked the neighborhood and talked to and sought approval from more than 30 neighbors before beginning our plans to rehabilitate the property. All were supportive with one fun an...omaly. A delightful elderly neighbor woman three houses down looked me square in the eyes as her face tightened in an "oh-oh, grandma's about to lay down the law" expression and she said "I'll support your studio plans as long as you don't hurt those Peonies!!!!"

I'm pleased to say that, 14 years later, we have what must be Anchorage's largest Peonies.
Sadly, they only thrive in full bloom for a couple weeks. But they are gorgeous. Pink and two-tone Peonies are also blooming.

Mini Mouse approves. Our neighbor, bless her heart, does too.

Pocket, Penny, Polly and Honeysuckle.

Such adorable dogs.
These portraits were created with a lot of fantastic patience, gentle care and help from Taylor.  She's such a huge asset to the studio and our customers.  I'm impressed with her work every day.

Pocket, Penny, Polly and Honeysuckle are remarkable dogs.  They have extensive behind-the-scenes stories.  They are completely transformed from the dogs they once were.

Now, they are living happily ever after.  Thank you Kim, Nelson and Matthew.

Debby and Kayce's wedding

Kincaid Chalet lit up in sunshine just in time for a beautiful wedding this afternoon.
Families traveled from Florida, Arizona, Colorado, California and Australia to attend this celebration.
Carolyn and I photographed the festivities from the set up through the dancing.  The lighting and laughter couldn't have been better.  I know I was especially touched by the wonderful senses of humor shared by all.

Congratulations, Kayce and Debby.

The Ayer's Family

Family get togethers have been a theme at the studio the past couple of weeks.  It's especially fun for us because we're able to say hi again to families we've worked with in the past.
Larger family portrait options at the studio include outside stages and a nearby venue that allows enough room to comfortably photography groups of 20 or more.
Thanks to everyone in the Ayer's family.  It was really nice seeing everyone together.

Conner, Rebecca and Lucky

A beautiful family moment.
Conner and Lucky will be part of my senior dog project. You'll see more of their lovely faces in the near future.

Thank you for sharing your family with me, Rebecca.

<3

dj

Kelsey's new adventure.

Kelsey and Murphy.

Kelsey began working at the studio in 2005. Her mom had recently visited the studio for executive portraits and mentioned that her daughter was interested in photography. I hired Kelsey immediately out of high school.

Nine years have passed since then and her personality, talent, leadership and passion have touched too many customers and animal companions to count. If you know the studio, you k...now and love Kelsey.  So do we.
Kelsey has been my anchor at the studio.  And I've been honored to have her represent the studio for so many years.

Today was Kelsey's last day at the studio as its manager.

Next week, she'll begin her new adventure which will include doing freelance work for the studio - continuing to touch everyone with her imagination and creativity. She'll also be branching out beyond the studio in ways you''ll hear about soon.

It's been an emotional ride these past few days for all of us. Today and the days to follow will require some mental adjustments. But I couldn't be more proud of Kelsey's growth and what she's about to accomplish.  Her wings will fly high.

We love you Kelsey.    See you next week!

Family Renunion!

I worked with Ann McCoy at Alaska Pacific University many years ago.  During this session, Taylor and I worked with Ann's entire family for a fun collection of photographs under the sun and in the studio.  A few mosquitoes made guest appearances along the way, too.

By the end of the day, we covered just about every combination we could think of.  Great memories and smiles.  A few paws and whiskers made their way into the photos as well.

Ben. Class of 2015

We've photographed the Bray family for many years.  This has included senior portraits of Ben's brothers as well as his sister (and her wedding).

Today was Ben's day to shine.  And with some scheduling flexibility, we found some sunshine, too.  Our session was scheduled to happen Tuesday but we all decided the rain and wind was just too much. So, we regrouped and found a pretty awesome day today with great weather and light.

Portraits in the studio would have been just fine.  I decided we should take advantage of the light and make it an adventure.  We soon found a ball field to highlight part of Ben's athletic career.

Thanks everyone.  Timing is everything and this was perfect.