Documenting the Love Between Pet and Owner, Sam and Jeni

For those of us who are pet owners and understand the deep love and soul sharing we do with our companions, you will understand why these images mean so much as Jeni has just learned her companion of 12 years, Sam the yellow lab, has only a short while left to live. Here are some of the images taken from their session: (more images from their session on AP Design and Photo’s FaceBook page)

Real Life

I love it when my clients appreciate showing real life in their portraits. Here is their nice family image to start with and the next two images showing the real deal! My client’s favorite image is the last one shown here

Family Portrait with the Dogs

We did it! We did it! Hank and Holly were squirmers who did not want to sit still for the camera but somehow we got an image of the whole family WITH THE DOGS (many treats involved)! And I loved the images of this mom and son so much that I am now going to schedule my own portrait session so I’ve got some like this of me and my son before he gets any older and won’t even sit next to me!

“Trick or Treat!” Pet Photography at The Pet Rescue Center

Check out these costumed critters! They are all up for adoption at The Pet Rescue Center in Mission Viejo, CA. Which is your favorite? Mine is either Moe, the male bulldog in the top left corner of the dog grouping or Hendrix, the puppy in the middle of the puppy grouping.

WHY the big changes to AP design and photo?

This week it was announced that AP design and photo is transitioning and offering only graphic design and pet portraits after Dec. 2011. (No longer offering family and child portraits after the fall is over.) AP has decided to get back to it’s roots with graphic design. Umpteen years ago, AP’s artist went to college for graphic design and has been in the field professionally since then working for various companies large and small: newspapers, billboard companies, etc. and then more recently freelancing from home. Photography came naturally with the graphic design (an eye for composition) and has blossomed into it’s own portion of the business. AP design and photo would like to get more focused and specific with pet portraiture only as this field of photography is not quite (yet) oversaturated and it is where AP’s passion is. Here we believe our pets are family too and want to document our relationships with them. This pet portrait half of the business will be developed as a separate division and focused not only on private commissions but also commercial and editorial work. We hope you will stay in touch to see how we grow (by subscribing to this blog and/or becoming a FB fan)!

Graphic Design – AP design and photo

AP design and photo consists of two services: graphic design and photography. Most of the time I am blogging about the photography half of the business, but I thought it might be helpful to share a little about the graphic design side of the business. I often hear that people don’t know how to find a designer and they just end up trying to design something on their own, spending countless hours of frustration. I’ve recently created a few different packages (an “identity” package, etc.) to make it easy for people to get what they need (shown on the website, www.apdesignandphoto.com). Some recent graphic design samples have been uploaded to the site too, such as an annual report for Long Beach Redevelopment Agency (designed and produced along with Eliot Lane’s copywriter, Donnelle Koselka). Take a quick peek! Thanks for reading the blog and have a wonderful day!

Pet Photography Weekend

I had the pleasure of attending a GREAT pet photography workshop in San Diego hosted by Jamie Pflughoeft of Cowbelly Pet Photography and J. Nichole Smith of Dane + Dane Studios. Here are some of my favorite images from the doggie models available to us that weekend:

Kiki – the miniature Pinscher who loves treats, dressing up and being asked about Disneyland  In the second image she had been told to “Wait” as she stares down at the treat in the grass. She obeyed! Good girl!

Bryson – who LOVES the water and especially the dog beach! He so patiently let us all photograph him.

Max – who was happy to do whatever!

Amie – whose bond with her human mom seemed so close.

Thanks doggie models! All of us enjoyed meeting each one of you and your owners! And thanks to Jamie and Nichole for a wonderful weekend full of learning and fun!

Dog and Cat Images Featured in Coast Magazine

The Pet Rescue Center (TPRC) and pet images taken by AP design and photo are featured in the recent issue of Coast Magazine. Coast Magazine wrote a really interesting article about a day in the life of Casey, the Operations Director at TPRC who adopts the animals out to loving homes. If you don’t get a chance to read it (link above), please at least check out these kitty photographs (below) to see if any of these sweet hearts might be YOUR new love! Please, pretty please, share these blog posts with your friends (via email or FB). I really want to help TPRC get the word out about these pets up for adoption! Thank you so much!

Here is poor Pumpkin who has been at TPRC for so long! She is a perfect cat – she’s just a bit older so most other kittens and younger cats get adopted out before her. She has had so many changes lately and is just longing to be settled in a FOREVER home!

Pumpkin’s Story…

8 year old, Female Orange Marmalade Cat. Was relinquished to us when her owner was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Always spoiled with love any cat would only dream of until the dementia set in and she was no longer being consistently fed and cared for. Loving, sweet, gentle kitty, who needs a home with no other cats or dogs. She came to us declawed. Pumpkin has been around children for her entire life and has always been timid but gentle.  (She is already spayed and up to date with shots.)

Here’s Raja – he was a little peeved as we took him out of his playroom to take his photographs. (He was having a ball in there checking out the fishtank and playing with his toys. He’s a lover too.)

Raja’s Story…

Hi! My name is Raja. I am a 3 year old grey tabby. I had a medical emergency recently that my previous owners were unable to pay for. I had an obstructed urethra which is very common in male cats, but unfortunately very expensive to fix. Well the Pet Rescue Center could not turn me away so here I am! Dr. Wheaton did my surgery and now I’m all fixed up. I’m very happy and healthy and looking for a new family to love. (Already neutered and up to date with shots.)

Lux’s Story…

Hello, my name is Lux. I am a spayed, female, rescued from the OC shelter on March 25th. I was suffering from an upper respiratory infection when I was rescued, which has resolved now. I am a dainty girl. I’m under 10 pounds. I love to sit on your lap and give kisses like a dog:) (Already spayed and up to date on shots.) If you think your home needs me in it, please contact Casey at The Pet Rescue Center.

Artemis (multi-colored female), Sookie (white female) and Dennis (orange and white tabby) were shared in a past blog post and are still available.

Photographed Dogs Ready for Adoption at The Pet Rescue Center

Every few months I love to go to The Pet Rescue Center (TPRC) in Orange County and photograph their pets that are up for adoption so TPRC can post the images on FaceBook and a few other places to help get these pets adopted. We will start with a very touching and happy story. Chaya, after being found extremely emaciated and almost dead, has been nursed back to health and become such a healthy lovely doggie. She is going home with a forever family tomorrow! So happy for her! (Read her story HERE and see the images documenting her journey to heal.) Chaya melted my heart when I took this image. (Her eyes were so loving and soulful.)

Chaya’s Story…

Hello! My name is Chaya. I have been with the Pet Rescue Center since January. I was a very thin stray with a very bad skin infection found wandering around in Carson. Now after 3 months of staying in a safe, loving, environment, my skin is almost 100% better and I have put on 15lbs! I am an extremely affectionate female American Pit Bull Terrier/Labrador Retriever Mix. I want nothing more than to keep my head in your lap and stare into your eyes:) Most of the time I try to see if I can get small enough to curl up in your lap. I am already spayed, a special needs pet, up to date with shots, and good with kids. For having a rough life I am in great spirits! I love all people and all dogs. I just need a family!

Percy’s Story…

Hi my name is Percy:) I am an all white, male, miniature poodle. I was saved by the PRC from Devore animal control. I was covered in mats when I was picked up, but the sweet nurse at the center cleaned me up beautifully.I love to play and I love people. I am already neutered, housetrained, up to date with shots, good with kids, and good with dogs. Please come visit me if you think I might be your forever friend!

Violet’s Story…

HI! My name is Violet. I am a 6 month old Pitt Bull Mix. I was rescued by the Pet Rescue Center on March 25th. When they first saw me I was suffering from a nasty case of demodex. I was very red, itchy and uncomfortable. After finishing my meds and having 2 cleared skin scrapings I am officially ready to go home! I now have a shiny, beautiful, red and white coat. I get along with everyone and love to play with my PRC buddies. I would do great with other pets. I love making you proud so I listen really carefully when its training time. I am already spayed, housetrained, up to date with shots, good with kids, and good with dogs. I am going to grow up to be a great family dog, I just hope I find my family before I grow up completely! Come see me!

Daisy’s Story…

Hello, I’m Daisy! I am a gorgeous 10 month old Lab/Pit Mix. My family wasn’t able to take care of me anymore, and so I ended up at the shelter. As you can see, I’m a very pretty girl. My eyes match my coat. What you can’t see from my photos is what a well-trained doggie I am. I am already spayed, housetrained, purebred, in need of an experienced adopter, and up to date with shots.

I know my name, I sit without treats, I walk on a leash. I know how to “drop it” and “leave it” and “wait”! I’m a motivated walker with good manners. BUT, my best trick is with a tennis ball! I jump through the air like an acrobat to catch one. I am very smart and have too much energy to be in boarding. If you want a fun, interested, motivated member of your family, then please come see me!

Ruth’s Story…

Hi! My name is Ruth! I am a lab, boxer mix and I am 3 years old. I’m such a lover that The Pet Rescue Center could not resist taking me home with them after I melted their hearts at the OC shelter. Not only am I extremely affectionate, but I am very beautiful as well. I have a soft, brindle colored coat and am in perfect health (already spayed). I want nothing more than your love and attention. I would make a great companion for anyone.

AND, LAST BUT NOT LEAST, Moe/Moji is still available. (He’s been on here.) Read his story on this link. He’s a favorite at TPRC!!!

Happy Mothers Day!

Here is a very special baby born to a couple that had longed for quite awhile to be a mother and father. After infertility treatments, they finally got their little love they had been waiting for! Here she is!