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I think any form of exercise could probably be improved with the addition of puppies, to distract you from the fact that you’re not eating chocolate on your couch. Yoga is no exception. Since yoga is pretty slow and deliberate, it’s the perfect activity to mix safely with puppies, who can tend to get underfoot! I was so happy to be at JABS gym in Cutchogue to document their first ever Puppy Yoga class, which gave new meaning to the phrase downward dog! The class filled up in only 2 days and the registration fee went to benefit the North Fork Animal Welfare League. Originally, the event also had an aim to get a litter of puppies adopted, but by the time the class happened, they’d all been placed in their forever homes! The owners graciously brought their new pups into the studio for participants to snuggle and enjoy while they exercised.
The puppies were so full of life and they happily entertained all the yogis while they stretched. There were a few instances of furry mischief, like when one of the pups grabbed someone’s cell phone and ran off with it, but mostly they behaved beautifully! There were only two minor accidents of the bodily type, also. Not bad for doggies so young! No doubt this was the most fun yoga class attendees had ever been to, and I was so glad I was there to photograph it! Here are some of my favorite photos from the class!
The puppies were so full of life and they happily entertained all the yogis while they stretched. There were a few instances of furry mischief, like when one of the pups grabbed someone’s cell phone and ran off with it, but mostly they behaved beautifully! There were only two minor accidents of the bodily type, also. Not bad for doggies so young! No doubt this was the most fun yoga class attendees had ever been to, and I was so glad I was there to photograph it! Here are some of my favorite photos from the class!
There were whispers of a possible upcoming kitten yoga class....Stay tuned for more!
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My dog nephew is very used to me sticking my camera in his face, because I've been doing so since my sister Lisa adopted him as a puppy in 2009. What he never got used to was walking up a flight of stairs. Ash is terrified of steps and refuses to go up them. So since my studio is upstairs, I carried him to the top. Now, I'm used to my Gracey's little 17 pound frame, so I needed a little break once I got Ash's 45 pounds up there. Phew.
After 9 years, Ash knows when he gets to the studio, it's time for business. I sat him down on the rug and that's where he stayed until we were done. He didn't even complain when I draped fake roses over his head. Such a good model. Look out for some more really exciting photos from Ash in the near future!
Here are my favorite photos from his Valentine's Day shoot. Enjoy!
After 9 years, Ash knows when he gets to the studio, it's time for business. I sat him down on the rug and that's where he stayed until we were done. He didn't even complain when I draped fake roses over his head. Such a good model. Look out for some more really exciting photos from Ash in the near future!
Here are my favorite photos from his Valentine's Day shoot. Enjoy!
Schedule a photo session for your furry Valentine!
Email me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com or call me at (631)256-7476.
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Everyone knows that dogs are very important members of the family unit. They're sweet, they're affectionate, and they don't talk back or clog up the DVR with their reality TV shows.
Fido's your best friend, so he deserves more than a blurry cell phone pic in your family's photo album! If you're looking to have a beautiful photo session for your pup, follow these guidelines to make sure your buddy's photographs come out as amazing as he is.
Figure out the When and the Where
Are you planning to shoot in the studio or outdoors? If you plan on an outdoor session, consider the time of year. In spring and autumn, your dog should be fine to stay outdoors for the length of a photo session, but a long-haired dog might not be as comfortable shooting in the height of summer, just as a short-haired dog might not be able to handle a snowy session in the winter.
Choose your location wisely. Always call ahead to make sure that both dogs and professional photography are allowed at your desired location. Here on Long Island, there are countless beaches to choose from, but there are many that don’t allow pets, so make sure you can bring your pup before you get your heart set on a location.
Fido's your best friend, so he deserves more than a blurry cell phone pic in your family's photo album! If you're looking to have a beautiful photo session for your pup, follow these guidelines to make sure your buddy's photographs come out as amazing as he is.
Figure out the When and the Where
Are you planning to shoot in the studio or outdoors? If you plan on an outdoor session, consider the time of year. In spring and autumn, your dog should be fine to stay outdoors for the length of a photo session, but a long-haired dog might not be as comfortable shooting in the height of summer, just as a short-haired dog might not be able to handle a snowy session in the winter.
Choose your location wisely. Always call ahead to make sure that both dogs and professional photography are allowed at your desired location. Here on Long Island, there are countless beaches to choose from, but there are many that don’t allow pets, so make sure you can bring your pup before you get your heart set on a location.
Protect Your Dog
Make sure your dog is up to date on all of its vaccinations and is currently on flea and tick preventatives at the time of your session. Sticking to these guidelines will protect both your dog and all the other dogs that may come into the photographer’s studio.
Make sure your dog is up to date on all of its vaccinations and is currently on flea and tick preventatives at the time of your session. Sticking to these guidelines will protect both your dog and all the other dogs that may come into the photographer’s studio.
Talk to Your Photographer about Your Dog
Every dog needs to be handled differently. Some don’t like their bellies touched. For others, paws are a no-go. My Gracey (the cute chihuahua under the heart garland up there) is terrified of anyone who bends down over her. Let your photographer know if there's a way your dog doesn't like to be handled, which may scare it or cause it to become anxious or aggressive. The last thing I want to do as a pet photographer is make my subject uncomfortable, so let me know how I can avoid that.
What to Do Before Your Session
Walk your dog 1-2 hours before your session time to expend some energy. A dog whose been tired out a little will be much more obedient for photos.
If you’re going to get your dog groomed before the session, try to make that appointment a day or two before the photo session. Doing both in one day might be too much for some dogs, and a stressed out dog doesn’t photograph well.
If you have some time, practice sit and stay commands with your dog for a few weeks before the session. Bonus tip: my dog Gracey’s trainer had me teach her the “watch” command for when she barks at other dogs on our walks/makes my cat’s life a living hell. It’s also come in very handy when I want her to look at me for a photo. To teach this command, say your dog’s name and “watch!”. Reward them when they look you in the eye. Point to your face when you say the command if you like to add hand gestures to your training.
Walk your dog 1-2 hours before your session time to expend some energy. A dog whose been tired out a little will be much more obedient for photos.
If you’re going to get your dog groomed before the session, try to make that appointment a day or two before the photo session. Doing both in one day might be too much for some dogs, and a stressed out dog doesn’t photograph well.
If you have some time, practice sit and stay commands with your dog for a few weeks before the session. Bonus tip: my dog Gracey’s trainer had me teach her the “watch” command for when she barks at other dogs on our walks/makes my cat’s life a living hell. It’s also come in very handy when I want her to look at me for a photo. To teach this command, say your dog’s name and “watch!”. Reward them when they look you in the eye. Point to your face when you say the command if you like to add hand gestures to your training.
What to Bring
An outfit, bandana, special blanket or favorite toy can really enhance a session. Make sure that whatever you want to bring is not going to get your dog too riled up. A dog that is too focused on getting at his favorite monkey toy will not be paying attention to the camera.
It’s a good idea to bring a bowl and a bottle of water in case your dog needs a break to rehydrate. Bringing some of your dog’s treats is also a good idea, but use these as a last resort to get a dog to look at the camera, because they can make some dogs a little slobbery.
An outfit, bandana, special blanket or favorite toy can really enhance a session. Make sure that whatever you want to bring is not going to get your dog too riled up. A dog that is too focused on getting at his favorite monkey toy will not be paying attention to the camera.
It’s a good idea to bring a bowl and a bottle of water in case your dog needs a break to rehydrate. Bringing some of your dog’s treats is also a good idea, but use these as a last resort to get a dog to look at the camera, because they can make some dogs a little slobbery.
Patience is the Name of the Game
I have endless amounts of patience. That’s why I am particularly well-equipped for newborn and pet photography. At a mini session event last year, I had an owner tell me “there’s no way we’re going to get a decent photo of my dog, she’s too nervous”. I just sat there, casually throwing a few treats to the dog for a while. Eventually she calmed down and was able to sit, and her photos became my favorite ones from the entire day. A lot of times, the first 20 minutes of the session will just be the dog situating themselves, especially in the studio, which is a new place full of different smells. Don’t get frustrated if your dog doesn’t seem to be sitting still for photos. Most people don’t realize how fast a camera shutter can be. I can catch a beautiful moment that you didn’t even notice happened because it was so fast. Plus, dogs can pick up on their owner’s frustrations and it can make them behave even worse if they feel you getting stressed. Keep calm and have fun and your dog will too!
I hope this post helps you and your pet have a really successful photo session!
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I have endless amounts of patience. That’s why I am particularly well-equipped for newborn and pet photography. At a mini session event last year, I had an owner tell me “there’s no way we’re going to get a decent photo of my dog, she’s too nervous”. I just sat there, casually throwing a few treats to the dog for a while. Eventually she calmed down and was able to sit, and her photos became my favorite ones from the entire day. A lot of times, the first 20 minutes of the session will just be the dog situating themselves, especially in the studio, which is a new place full of different smells. Don’t get frustrated if your dog doesn’t seem to be sitting still for photos. Most people don’t realize how fast a camera shutter can be. I can catch a beautiful moment that you didn’t even notice happened because it was so fast. Plus, dogs can pick up on their owner’s frustrations and it can make them behave even worse if they feel you getting stressed. Keep calm and have fun and your dog will too!
I hope this post helps you and your pet have a really successful photo session!
Want this blog in a handy checklist form? Subscribe to my email newsletter here and get access to this and many more freebies!
Schedule a pet photo session with me! Email me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com or call me at (631)256-7476.
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Meet Cowboy and Ziggy! This dynamic duo might be mismatched in size, but not in energy. Ziggy, the little brown mix, is a tripod pup, but he doesn’t let that stop him. He keeps up with his big brother just fine. Cowboy the coonhound is the epitome of a big goofy pup. When he laid splayed out on the floor, I had to resist the temptation to get down there and cuddle with him.
Cowboy and Ziggy’s moms won my auction basket at this year’s LI-Dog Pints n Paws Luau and I was so happy that they brought in these two lovable guys. I’ve always thought it would be fun to have one big dog and one tiny dog, and after meeting them, it’s definitely on my bucket list. They even have a couple of cat siblings at home to round out their furry family. That’s the life!
Here are some of my favorite photos from Cowboy and Ziggy’s session! Enjoy!
Cowboy and Ziggy’s moms won my auction basket at this year’s LI-Dog Pints n Paws Luau and I was so happy that they brought in these two lovable guys. I’ve always thought it would be fun to have one big dog and one tiny dog, and after meeting them, it’s definitely on my bucket list. They even have a couple of cat siblings at home to round out their furry family. That’s the life!
Here are some of my favorite photos from Cowboy and Ziggy’s session! Enjoy!
Schedule your pet’s portrait session today! Email me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com or call me at (631)256-7476.
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I was so happy to photograph the gorgeous Kyra at the Avalon Park and Preserve for her Christmas portraits. As a former champion show dog, she’s really great at standing still and looking beautiful. As you can probably guess, that made my job as a photographer pretty easy.
She did so well through tons of different locations at the park, and even three adorable outfits. Kyra has an amazingly sweet personality and it was a pleasure to spend some time exploring the preserve with her.
If you'd like to follow along with Kyra's adventures, check her out on Instagram @kyrathewheaten!
Here are some of my favorite photos from our session!
She did so well through tons of different locations at the park, and even three adorable outfits. Kyra has an amazingly sweet personality and it was a pleasure to spend some time exploring the preserve with her.
If you'd like to follow along with Kyra's adventures, check her out on Instagram @kyrathewheaten!
Here are some of my favorite photos from our session!
Schedule your pet's portrait session today! Email me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com or call me at (631)256-7476.
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I was so glad to have Gianna, Cadence and Coda come back to the studio for the second time for Christmas photos. Gianna got so much taller since I last saw her, but Cadence and Coda were the same sweet, energetic pups! They’re seasoned pros at this point, so they did a great job looking at the camera.
It really means a lot to me when families come back year to year. It makes me really glad to know they were happy with my work and they trust me to continue capturing their family’s memories. If you'd like to see their photos from last Christmas, click here!
It was so cute to see how these two big pups snuggle up to Gianna. Seeing them together reminded me of the quote " Whoever said diamonds are a girl's best friend never had a dog". Truer words have never been spoken.
Here are some of my favorite photos from the session!
It really means a lot to me when families come back year to year. It makes me really glad to know they were happy with my work and they trust me to continue capturing their family’s memories. If you'd like to see their photos from last Christmas, click here!
It was so cute to see how these two big pups snuggle up to Gianna. Seeing them together reminded me of the quote " Whoever said diamonds are a girl's best friend never had a dog". Truer words have never been spoken.
Here are some of my favorite photos from the session!
Book your pet session today! Email me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com or call me at (631)256-7476.
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I'm taking a break from the Christmas photos to wish a happy birthday to Baxter! At 12, he’s the elder statesman of his pack, which also includes sisters Misha and Hazel. These three are so sweet and so incredibly devoted to their mom Irene. That’s why I was so excited when she asked me to photograph Baxter’s 12th birthday picnic at Blydenburgh County Park. Irene even made Baxter a doggy bone shaped cake, which the pups were not shy about enjoying. It looked delicious, but I have to admit I didn't try it :D
By a crazy coincidence, we ran into the family who owned one of Hazel’s puppies during our shoot. We ended the day with a very sweet family reunion, where Hazel was overjoyed to see her son again. It was a great day. Here are some of my favorite photos from the session. Enjoy!
By a crazy coincidence, we ran into the family who owned one of Hazel’s puppies during our shoot. We ended the day with a very sweet family reunion, where Hazel was overjoyed to see her son again. It was a great day. Here are some of my favorite photos from the session. Enjoy!
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Happy December! I'm a huge lover of fall, so I have a little difficulty letting go of my orange garland and pumpkin decorations. I do love Christmas too, though, so I guess it's time to embrace that, in the timeless words of Ned Stark...winter is coming. Even though the decorations in my house are only just turning from orange and yellow to red and green, as a photographer, I've been fully entrenched in Christmas photos since October. Get ready, you're about to get hit with a deluge of Christmas posts the likes of which you've never seen before. I'm starting off with photos of my wonderful dog nephew, Ash, who you've probably seen 100 times already :) He looked so very handsome in his Christmas sweater, which was especially cute on the red brick backdrop that Ash's dad (AKA my brother-in-law Will) gave me. Enjoy!
Schedule your pet's photo session today! Email me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com or call me at (631)256-7476.
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Anyone who knows me knows I'm obsessed with dogs. Any kind, any size, I don't care, bring them to me. That's why I had such an amazing time shooting pet holiday mini sessions at Barkfield Road in East Northport last week. Every half hour, I was excited to see more dogs come into the store for a photo session. It was even more satisfying knowing that a majority of the proceeds was going to support the Dotty Fund, which helps struggling families pay for their pet's veterinary care.
Here are some of the photos we captured that day! I wish I could share them all, but then the slideshow would be about 2 hours long :)
Thank you to Carol at Barkfield Road for hosting it at her amazing store, and to all the families who signed up and participated in the event.
Here are some of the photos we captured that day! I wish I could share them all, but then the slideshow would be about 2 hours long :)
Thank you to Carol at Barkfield Road for hosting it at her amazing store, and to all the families who signed up and participated in the event.
Schedule a session for your furry friend today! Email me at laurapeaphotography@gmail.com or call me at (631)256-7476.
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I was really glad that the Middle Country Public Library asked me back again this year for pet holiday portraits. A lot of patrons and pets came in for a photo after they were done at the pet parade that same morning. Since it was close to Halloween, we had a lot of people switching gears from pumpkins to pine trees when they got to the adorable winter setup the library provided. I was happy to see some cats come in this time, because we hadn’t had any the year before! I’d like to thank all the families that brought in their fur babies, especially the ones who were repeats from last year. I hope to continue these kinds of programs at Middle Country and lots of other libraries in the future! Here are the photos from the event!
