For the Love of Art
As a Fine Art Pet Photographer passion drives me, and my passion is to capture and interpret the moments that happen around me. I use my experience behind the lens to capture those moments and my expertise in Photoshop to interpret them. I have been working behind the lens since those old school film days, well before the digital revolution. I would say I have been at it for over 35 years, but that might give my age away.
I was drawn to photography the moment I was able to hold a camera. I was an early adopter of DSLR’s and was blown away when I discovered Photoshop (not sure of the year, but it was the first rendition to include CS in the name so we are talking nearly 20 years). I am confident saying I have mastered both. My photography confirms my experience with my camera and I have the Adobe Certified Expert Credentials to support my mastery of the digital tools. I guarantee to put all that experience to play at every session.
Prior to focusing on the wonderful critters we share our lives with, I used photography to find the hidden truths that lie within humanity. I was what many refer to as a Fine Art Photographer. I worked with models, created costumes and sets and composited images together in an attempt to create something that represented a form of truth. We humans tend to hide our truths and it often takes trickery to expose those truths to the light of day. I enjoyed it for years, but as I get older I find myself seeking open honesty. The peace that vulnerability brings. So now I work with animals. With animals nothing is hidden. They are truth. Making that truth shine is my goal as a pet photographer. I want to capture the unadulterated joyous heart and soul of your pet.
To get at that truth the photographer (and the pet parent if they are at the session) have to remove themselves from what is going on around them. To catch the real essence of your beloved companion we have to let them be without adding our own preconceived ideas or desires. I don’t want to photograph your pet at the beach if they are afraid of water just because we might think it would be a beautiful shot. I want to create a beautiful image in the space where your pet is comfortable and doing what they feel is fun.
I just love dogs, and there really is no better companion than an animal. Rita Rudner
In Memorium | Sweet Rocky
For the Love of Animals
We recently learned the hard way the importance of making joyful memories every chance you have, and we are very grateful we took the time and energy to capture those memories whenever possible. Tragedy can strike when you least expect it. We lost our beloved English Pointer at the end of 2017. It will remain a painful heartbreak for years to come, but when the sadness strikes I pull out those incredible memories and remind myself that the time we did have was a wonderful gift! We love you Rocky and always will!
Although, Rocky can never be replaced, we began a new adventure with a new gift named Leo. Leo is a spunky adorable Spinone, and he and Tessie (the original Bearded Lady) are BFF’s. They are two incredible peas in a pod.
I knew at a very early age that I wasn’t going to be a parent of human children. Instead that maternal instinct has always been aimed at my four legged fur children. I am one of those people that will greet a dog out on a walk far more vigorously than I address their owner. Do I like animals better than people, no; but there is a trust and honesty that comes more easily for me where animals are concerned. It is just the way I am made.
Animals are able to show us that the heart is infinitely expandable. Their open vulnerability and honesty is a shining example of how pure relationships can be if we just stay open to them.
The Family – Tessie, Sydney, Leo, Jay and Tom
The Bearded Lady Films Us