Cleveland Wedding Photographer – Hunter Photographic

Apr

Our best friends – curious canines and engagement sessions categories: engagement, pets

“Do you mind if we bring our dog?” is a common question we get asked about engagement sessions. After all, our clients know I love dogs. They know I have a Doberman at home, and some know my father is a vet. Of course dogs are welcome for engagement sessions. It’s almost preferred. More than anything, I just love meeting new dogs. Each has a unique personality, but they all love the camera.

Dogs are an important part of new families, so it makes sense for them to be a part of any special moment. Over the years, I have amassed a small collection of dog portraits captured during engagement sessions. Below are a few favorites for you to enjoy. Most of the photos were captured this year and last, around downtown Cleveland.

Our best friends - dogs from engagement sessions

Above, Meatball with Danny and Deanna. Below, Bella with Molly and Dave. Bella was rescued from a crack house and now enjoys the perfect life.

Our best friends - dogs from engagement sessions

Above, Tara and Brian’s dog putting on a show. Below, a Hungarian Vizsla named Roo living up to his namesake.

Our best friends - dogs from engagement sessions

Above, Johah and Katie with their lovely dog at Holden Arboretum. Below, Erika and Scott’s dogs getting really curious.

Our best friends - dogs from engagement sessions

Above, Penelope (a rescue) with Didi and Henry. Below, a beautiful B&W of Danielle and Matt with their loved one.

Our best friends - dogs from engagement sessions

Lastly, good friends Annie and Derrick with Riley the rescue.

Our best friends - dogs from engagement sessions

I have been sitting on this post for a couple weeks and am so happy to have it finished. I’m so excited to finally feature a few more dogs. That’s all for today. More coming very soon, especially now that spring is here and summer is just around the corner.

P.S. – You know that thing dogs do when they dream? Monty is laying behind me, woofing and chasing squirrels in his dreams. Love it!

2 comments

May

Moxie’s Got a Big Heart categories: pets

I am sure everyone has seen a little bit on Moxie before – our “Sweet Pea” Doberman Pinscher. She has made appearances here on the site, on Facebook, Twitter, at parties and drooling out my car window. I have been photographing her a lot lately. Actually, a crazy amount. I could say it’s because I am practicing with film, testing lighting or playing with a new camera. Truth be told, the reason I am taking so many photos is entirely different.

Stop reading right here if you are quick to tears. Just pass over this text and skip to the pretty photos below. OK, you’ve been warned. If you are still reading, there is something to understand. Brooke and I love Moxie like none other. Moxie is our child in substitute of the real thing. About a year ago, Moxie had a heart attack. Seriously, dogs can have heart attacks too. I was home one day (thankfully) preparing for our big summer BBQ bash. Moxie and I were in the back yard when she went to stand up. She collapsed immediately. Just a moment later, she did it again. Being the son of a vet, I quickly realized what was happening.

RUSH! RUSH! RUSH! Off to the hospital we went. Hours and one painful bill later, Moxie was resting at home. Since then, some very expensive drugs and frequent cardiologist visits have kept her congestive heart failure at bay. Initially, we didn’t know if we would have her for a day or a couple months. Being familiar with congestive heart failure, I tried to convince Brooke that Moxie would not last long. I needed to prepare Brooke for the heart break I knew was coming. I was wrong, very wrong.

Nearly a year later and Moxie is resting next to me as I type. She is still happy and sweet as always. It has not been all roses, but we’re all blessed. So, why so many photographs lately? Its not to test film or a camera. It is not to keep my eye sharp. The reason is that we love Moxie. Need there be another reason? My recommendation – do the same for your family. Whether for your children, a parent or a pet. Put down the cell phone camera and take some real photographs. You’ll be thankful later.

[Update 11/8/2011 - Moxie stayed with us 17 months past her initial heart attack. Unfortunately, she passed on last Friday while resting comfortably at home and by my side. She will be missed, and always loved.]

So, here are some pretty pictures of us hanging out with our Sweet Pea -

Moxie the doberman pinscher by Hunter Photographic
For those that are curious, these were captured in Fuji Pro 400h film using my Hasselblad 500C/M.

Moxie the doberman pinscher by Hunter Photographic

Aren’t they pretty! Brooke, of course, is radiant as ever.

5 comments

Dec

Pet photography – Lucy & Oscar categories: pets

Weimaraner – pure love in a steely blue coat with a golden stare. All love and one of the most striking dogs you will ever see. I was contacted by Phil and Tammy for help capturing some great pet photography for their Christmas card. Apparently, their weimaraners Oscar and Lucy have graced the Christmas card cover each year. So, put two weimaraners together with the holiday season and what do you get?

Fox and Hound! I wanted to capture the classic hunting look of this magazine. We planned to shoot Oscar and Lucy at home in Shaker Heights and at the CWRU farm in the Hunting Valley. Hunting Valley is renowned for its beauty, open fields and equestrian sports, including fox hunting. I wanted to capture the open valley, pastel colors and peacefulness of the farm. I also wanted to capture each dog’s distinct personality.

Oscar is in charge! He is older, slightly larger and very stoich. His intense stare coveys an air of grandeur. Lucy is young and tall for a weimaraner. She sleek and energetic. Lucy is also a complete goof, which Oscar accepts when he is in the mood. Meet the dogs below, Lucy on the left and Oscar on the right.