- Published on
I was so glad to be at LI-DOG's 3rd Annual Pints-n-Paws Luau at Off Key Tikki in Patchogue for the 3rd year in a row. LI-DOG is an organization that helps to get more access for dogs to Long Island's beaches and parks. Every year I have so much fun at this event. The restaurant is right on the water and the decor is beautiful. It feels like a tropical paradise. Then you add dozens of adorable dogs, and it is truly an amazing experience. There's also contests, music, raffles and free food from the grill. Everyone says that Memorial Day is the unofficial start of the summer, but the Pints-n-Paws Luau is when summer really begins for me. I also donated a basket to their raffle with a free session and a print credit, so I look forward to shooting that some day soon!
Here are the photos from the event!
(Click to see larger and use arrows to scroll through).
Here are the photos from the event!
(Click to see larger and use arrows to scroll through).
Want to stay up to date on what local events I'll be attending? Sign up for my email list here!
- Published on
I'll be at the 3rd Annual Pints-n-Paws Luau at Off Key Tikki in Patchogue on June 3rd from 12-4pm. This event is hosted by LI-Dog, an organization that works to increase access for dogs to Long Island parks and beaches. I'm happy to be photographing this great event for the third year in a row. I always have a great time and meet so many adorable dogs and their awesome owners.
To see all my photos from last year's luau, click here!
There will be a Margaritaville dog and owner costume contest, biggest lap dog contest, and a photo contest to determine the pup that will be the cover photo for next year's event! There's also free food from the grill, music and raffles. I'll be once again donating a basket to the Chinese auction with a free photo session and $100 print credit!
Find out more and buy a ticket for the event here!
To see all my photos from last year's luau, click here!
There will be a Margaritaville dog and owner costume contest, biggest lap dog contest, and a photo contest to determine the pup that will be the cover photo for next year's event! There's also free food from the grill, music and raffles. I'll be once again donating a basket to the Chinese auction with a free photo session and $100 print credit!
Find out more and buy a ticket for the event here!
To stay updated on local events I'll be attending, sign up for my email list here!
- Published on
On Saturday, June 9th, I'll be at the Islip Public Library doing a pet portrait program! This is my second year doing this program on the library’s garden terrace and I’m looking forward to it because I had so much fun last time. Above is the flyer and a collage of some of the participants from last year! You'll receive one free printed photo. The library asks that all pets be clean and good with other animals. Please bring them leashed, or in a harness or carrier. There will be a rain date of June 16th in case of inclement weather!
Registration is open now! The program is open to patrons of other Long Island libraries too.
It's from 1pm to 3 pm and the library is located at 71 Monell Avenue in Islip.
Registration is open now! The program is open to patrons of other Long Island libraries too.
It's from 1pm to 3 pm and the library is located at 71 Monell Avenue in Islip.
- Published on
I’m so excited to announce that I installed a display of my photography in the gallery hall at Islip Public Library! I have fifteen pieces in the gallery and they’ll be up for the whole month of May, leading up to the 2nd pet portrait program I’m doing on June 9th on their garden terrace. I’ve put in a selection of both my newborn and pet photographs. It was very hard narrowing down many years of photos to the work I’m the most proud of. I’m working on getting my artwork into more galleries, though, so I hope I’ll be able to use more of my favorite photos later on!
If you're a client of mine or were involved in the pet portrait program last year, you'll probably see some familiar faces there!
Go check it out at 71 Monell Avenue in Islip.
If you're a client of mine or were involved in the pet portrait program last year, you'll probably see some familiar faces there!
Go check it out at 71 Monell Avenue in Islip.
Stay tuned for more information on the pet portrait program I'll be doing there in June!
Want to be informed on events I'll be doing in the future? Sign up for my email list here!
- Published on
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!
Are you a Long Island pet lover? Sign up for my newsletter for local pet events, freebies & more!
- Published on
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!
Want this blog in a handy checklist form? Subscribe to my email newsletter here and get access to this and many more freebies!
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.
- Published on
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.
- Published on
I’m very excited to announce I’ll be shooting holiday pet portraits at Barkfield Road in East Northport on November 5th from 10am-6pm. Barkfield Road is a boutique pet supply store with an amazing “barkery” with adorable baked goods for dogs. Owner Carol is a dedicated animal lover and I’m so happy she contacted me to partner up for this fun event. Proceeds will benefit the Dotty McMorrow Sandmann Animal Rescue Fund, which provides financial assistance to families who are having difficulty caring for their pet’s medical needs. The Dotty Fund helps to keep pets at home with their owners instead of ending up in a shelter. I’m very proud to be helping out such a worthy organization.
Photo sessions will run for 30 minutes with a sitting fee of $25. Sitting fees will be waived if clients purchase more than $25 of prints or products. I’ll be offering small prints, metal ornaments and holiday cards. Products will be available for pickup at Barkfield Road 2 weeks after the event. I’ll be bringing a white backdrop with twinkly lights shown below. I’ll also have holiday props available for clients to choose from.
Photo sessions will run for 30 minutes with a sitting fee of $25. Sitting fees will be waived if clients purchase more than $25 of prints or products. I’ll be offering small prints, metal ornaments and holiday cards. Products will be available for pickup at Barkfield Road 2 weeks after the event. I’ll be bringing a white backdrop with twinkly lights shown below. I’ll also have holiday props available for clients to choose from.
Call Carol from Barkfield Road at (631)651-9292 to schedule your session today!
- Published on
Kent Animal Shelter has been saving the lives of Long Island's homeless animals for decades. They also do education and outreach with local schools, bring pets to patients with their pet therapy program, and have a cat retirement home for cats whose owners have passed or can no longer care for them. Personally, they gave my family an amazing gift when we adopted our Irish Wolfound mix Whiskey there in 1996. He gave our family 11 years of unconditional love, and for that we can never repay them.
For the last 3 years, however, we've tried our best to give them back a little of what they gave us. That's why, for the fourth year in a row, we are walking in their Wines and Canines Fundraiser at Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard and Horse Rescue. In the last 3 walks, we have raised over $2,000 and we hope to add a lot to that this year. They have taken in dogs displaced from the recent devastating hurricanes, so they need our support more now than ever. Please donate or share this fundraiser with an animal lover you know.
CLICK HERE TO BE AN ANIMAL HERO!
You can even sign up to be a walker and attend this fun event with your pup. There will be vendors, a prize auction, animals to adopt, and lots of delicious food and wine. I'll also be donating a basket to their prize auction with a free photo session and a $100 print credit!
CLICK HERE TO BE AN ANIMAL HERO!
You can even sign up to be a walker and attend this fun event with your pup. There will be vendors, a prize auction, animals to adopt, and lots of delicious food and wine. I'll also be donating a basket to their prize auction with a free photo session and a $100 print credit!
- Published on
Since last year's fall pet portrait program was such a success, I'm so happy to report that the Middle Country Public Library has invited me back for another round of pet portraits! This year's program will have a Winter Wonderland theme and is open to all patrons of the library that are registered for the program. All pets should be clean, well-behaved around other animals, and on a leash.
The program will be held on Saturday, October 21st from 1-3pm in the Children's Section of the library. There will also be a pet parade happening in the Nature Explorium right before the program begins.
Go to the library's website to register for the program!
The program will be held on Saturday, October 21st from 1-3pm in the Children's Section of the library. There will also be a pet parade happening in the Nature Explorium right before the program begins.
Go to the library's website to register for the program!
