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Better Togehter: Photographing Dog Families

August 28, 2018

Dog portraits are great solo but sometimes it’s better together. Meaning if you have more than one dog and they get along why not get a portrait of the two (or three) of them together?

Now maybe you have more than one dog and you want to be in the portrait with them. That is very doable. Unless they’re super well trained and behaved and maybe a little tired it will take a bit of time to achieve this so have patience. Often times I find that the dogs are doing just fine but it’s the people that are super stressed about the process. They’ve overly worried that their dogs aren’t performing as they should. After all they think “they’re so well behaved at home!” Well they probably are but you’re now in a studio that they’ve maybe been in once before—hence the reason we stress a pre-session consultation with you and your dog(s) so they can get to know the place.

Keep your dog safely at home during fireworks season.

Keeping Your Dog Safe In Summer Part 3

July 2, 2018

There is a lot to think about when caring for your dog in summer--with the heat, keeping them hydrated and doing your walks in the morning or evening. Making sure your dog isn't in a car in the sun with windows up, even for a few moments. Dangers of bee stings, snakes and poisonous plants can keep you on your toes.
Now with the fourth of July approaching be mindful of dogs reactions to loud noises. This goes for thunderstorms as well but many dogs react with fear to fireworks.

Here are my two rescue dogs: King (2, year old Lab/boxer mix) and Dakota (seated, 10 year old lab/shepherd mix). Thanks to a colleague for taking this photograph.

Helpful Dog Handling Tips

May 21, 2018

As a Colorado Springs dog photographer and owner of two dogs I’ve learned a lot from being around dog trainers as well as dogs and their owners. I see a lot of good behavior as well as bad in dogs and their owners.

Whether you are a new dog owner or have had dogs for years it’s still good to be reminded about tips for caring for your furry friend. In the past I’ve blogged about many of them including proper diet and exercise as well as over feeding your dog. Some of these are simply common sense but you’d be surprised by the number of dog owners who fail to do them and then are frustrated with their relationship with their dog.

I recently rescued another dog who is just two years old. This is my third rescue and I know a lot of the issues that can occur with a rescue dog however it had been years since I had to start over with training and dog proofing the house. I’d forgotten some things so this was a good refresher for me to read new information on dog handling.

Winners in the Calendar Contest, theme: "Domestic Dogs"

9th Annual PAWS Fundraiser A Sucess!

March 12, 2018

We recently completed the 9th Annual Fundraiser for All Breed Rescue and once again thanks to all those who participated it was a success. Over four days we photographed numerous dogs in both mini sessions as well as the ever popular calendar competition. All proceeds went to ABRT with over $1000 raised.

All the calendar entries were well thought out for this year’s theme which was “Domestic Dogs.” Each winner plus 9 other calendar contest winners will be in the 2019 All Breed Rescue Calendar which will go on sale this fall. The top 3 winners (judged by our sponsors) were Grand Prize, Ned as “Shower Dog” Tovjah and Anzhel as “Baking Dogs” and “Alexander as 50’s Housewife Ironing Dog (see photo above).

Don’t miss the funny behind the scenes video (below) from this event.

Thanks to our sponsors: Stay Happy Pet Sitting, Bam Paws Stay & Play and Bon Pet Supply without which we could not have a successful fundraiser.

Bon Pet supplied all the treats for the goodie bags; BamPaws contributed to the winners prizes and Stay Happy Pet Sitting donated the $250 grand prize basket and gift certificate.

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9Th Annual PAWS Fundraiser for All Breed Rescue

February 12, 2018

It's back--the 9th annual fundraiser for All Breed Rescue & Training. Once again we're gearing up to help ABRT and you can help us! This year we again have 2 ways to donate and get your dog's portrait taken: the mini session and the Calendar Competition. Mark your calendars- on Friday February 23 and Saturday February 24 and March 2 & 3 you can take part in this fun fundraiser.

The mini session is a 15 minute photo session of you and your dog or just your dog. For a $40 donation to All Breed you get the mini session - which is followed by a 10 minute viewing session so you can pick out your 5x7 print and if you want order additional prints or products. There is no waiting in line with this fundraiser-you select your time slot and show up--that's it!

Simba, who is 18 years old (left) with his little buddy Jake.

Portraits of Aging Dogs

January 4, 2018

Much has been said in this blog over the years about the importance of taking your dogs portrait before it’s too late. What do we mean by too late? Not necessarily before your dog has passed away but as your dog ages their eyesight and hearing can go and walking gets difficult.

You might not necessarily want to remember your dog old, blind, and hunched over so it’s best to get them in for a portrait before then if at all possible. The dog above at left is amazing- he is 18 years old and could still focus on the camera and noises in the room. He had difficulty walking but still had his wits about him. The owners friend wanted to surprise them with a portrait of his two dogs and we gladly agreed, especially since this is probably that dogs last good portrait.

Couple with their 3 month old English Pointer

Photographing Puppies

December 19, 2017

Have a puppy that you’re thinking of getting photographed? When is the right time? Well we’ve done puppies pretty early in life—think between 6 and 8 weeks old. They are cute little balls of fur at that age and they love to sleep. We did 9 bloodhound puppies for a breeder—18 pound puppies—and had to work pretty fast because like newborn babies they like to sleep a lot!

Ideally between 2-4 months is great for puppy pictures. You can do earlier and get some cute sleepy shots but to have a puppy “pose” you need a little older. And having some basic commands is very helpful. The couple above wanted a “family” portrait as well as individual shots of their new English Pointer puppy. This is great as I recommend at least at some point in a dogs life to get a great shot ofd family with their pet—whether it’s one person or the whole family. It’s a great way to remember all the great times you had with your furry friend.

With a little planning you can enjoy a great outdoor portrait with your dog

Outdoor Pet Portraits Part 2

November 3, 2017

Dogs can easily be distracted and was mentioned in the first part of Outdoor Pet Portraits. Most clients we work with prefer the undistracted environment of the studio. There aren’t birds or cats or even squirrels to content with. Even having additional people in the area can be distracting for some dogs.

However some clients really prefer the outdoor look and we’re happy to accommodate them. For safety I always have the client leash the dog. Even if you have the best trained dog int he world you don’t need them dashing after an animal during the session and getting hit by a car or knocking people over. It’s just a good safety precaution to leash your dog. There are ways to pose to minimize the leash and we can also digitally remove it if necessary.

Halloween Costume Contest

September 20, 2017

Mark your calendars for Saturday October 28th for lots of fun and a Halloween Costume Contest. We’re teaming up with BamPaws Stay & Play and Bon Pet Supply to bring you a fun filled Halloween event for you and your dog (okay cats can come too!).

We’ll have food, fun and games as well as the big contest. Think your dog has what it take to walk away with the Grand Prize? Well get your creativity going as it’s sure to be a stiff competition. Need help with a costume? Check out Bon Pet Supply for their selection of dog costumes.

The event will be at BamPaws—a brand new dog daycare and boarding facility located just south of downtown (815 S. Sierra Madre ST). Get creative then bring your dog!

So mark your calendars: Saturday October 28 from 10-12.

Dog First Aid

August 10, 2017

Most of us really love our dogs but do you know what to do for your dog in an emergency? I sure didn’t until recently.I knew of a few signs of dehydration and some low blood sugar indications as I have previously owned a diabetic dog. Beyond that I was basically clueless.

Not long ago I stumbled across an app for your smart phone developed by the American Red Cross. It’s free and once downloaded it provides an amazing amount of material for you to assist your canine buddy.

This app is very handy and is divided into sections that include understanding what is normal for your dog.

Meat bones while okay for dogs can sometime prove too rich for their digestive system

Feeding Your Dog Properly

July 27, 2017

We all love our dogs and sometimes it seems we love them a little too much! By that I mean a little too much food love.When you have a dog that either begs or sits right beside your table while eating it’s very tempting to toss them a little something from the table. But don’t get hooked on that!

A few scraps here or there isn’t so bad but they’ll develop a taste for people food and before you know it you’ll be cranking out the food to keep your dog happy. So what’s wrong with either too much people good or even dog food? You dog can rapidly gain weight and that becomes harder on their whole body—their legs and joints can go bad, they can develop diabetes and more. I know —I had a dog that I fed table scraps to, let him lick plates and gave him tons of treats. He soon developed diabetes. Not good. Two shots a day is hard enough but soon enough it can wear them down and their organs begin to fail. Really really not good.

Help Your Dog Beat The Heat

July 18, 2017

Once again it’s summer and the days are hot! If you feel hot just imagine wearing a heavy fur coat in this weather. High heat is hard on your dog so please take appropriate measures to make sure your dog is safe this summer.

Be sure to play with your dog and take your walks in the cooler parts of the day. I know I walk my dog extra in the early morning and then in the evening. If your dog has to be outside during the day please make sure that they have adequate shade that they can be in during the hottest parts of the day as well as plenty of water. Please don’t leave your dog in a hot car—if they need to be left make sure the car is in shade or the windows are down enough that fresh air can get inside the vehicle. In Colorado there is a law now that allows bystanders to break car windows to rescue children or pets left in a hot car. So if you don’t want your windows broken please protect your pet.

The Dogs of Downtown Colorado Springs

November 22, 2016

Every now and then I get to work with really talented people on fun projects. That was the case recently working with the folks of the Downtown Partnership on their Dogs of Downtown 2017 Calendar project.

It all began with a sweet little French bulldog named Gurdy who visited the offices of the Downtown Partnership. They fell in love with her and decided there needed to be a Calendar celebrating the dogs of downtown—those dogs who hang out on a regular basis at the offices and shops in the downtown core. The ones known by the clients and customers who visit those places.

For the Health of Your Dog

November 14, 2016

We all like to keep our beloved animals healthy and safe. We protect them from eating foods with artificial sweeteners and away from foods like grapes and raisins that can cause renal failure. But sometimes we don’t think about the importance of the dog food that we are feeding them day in and day out. We often assume that if we can buy it at a specialty store —whether large chains like Pet Smart or your local pet store—that the food is okay. Often times we are unaware of what’s in that food we give them.

I know I’ve changed dog food to a grain free variety after the food I thought was good was subject to several recalls and lawsuits. Now I’m thinking further of a change after reading about the top foods and why they are good for your dog and why some I thought were good might not be so good after all.

The people at reviews.com have looked at over 2000 dog food varieties and analyzed them in terms of content and how safe they might be for your pet. After all a healthy dog is a happy dog. Here is an in depth look at what they found out.

Celebrating Moms of "Fur Children"

April 28, 2016

Have you ever thought about having a great portrait of you and your furry companion? Well this is the time to do it. We’re about to celebrate Mother’s Day in a big way at Springs Pet Portraits!

May is the month we celebrate moms. In honor of Mother’s Day for 2016 we are celebrating moms of “fur children.” During the month of May we are offering mini sessions for you and your furry companion. You will get a mini session and an 8x10 print for just $49. This offer is good for in studio mini session portraits only and only in May.

2015 Year in Review

December 30, 2015

Another year has flown by! Springs Pet Portraits continued to grow and participate in some fun events in 2015. Our year always gets a great start in February with PawPrints—our Annual Fundraiser for All Breed Rescue & Training. This was the second year we did the calendar and had a blast with the creativity of the participants. The 2016 Calendar is available for purchase still —it’s only $15 and all proceeds go to ABRT. You can pick one up at Our Family Vet, Bon Pet Supply, All Breed Rescue and of course here at the studio. The next fundraiser is coming up soon so stay tuned for details. If you’re not on our email list click the banner at the top of this website and sign up! You’ll be in the loop for all the fun adventures of Springs Pet Portraits.

Fun With Christmas

December 10, 2015

Sometimes you just need a funny Christmas card! And sometimes your dog will allow you to you to put them in funny Christmas scenes—like standing next to toys with a Santa hat on! Some dogs are so mellow they have no problems doing whatever their crazy owners want—even wearing a Santa hat. Other dogs..not so much.

Photographing Older Pets

November 13, 2015

The majority of our clients come to us when they have a brand new pet—sometimes a puppy but often one about a year old. Or they come to us as their pet is aging and they want a great portrait before it’s too late. There is a previous blog post here about photographing puppies.

But say you have a senior pet and you’d like to get a great portrait of them to enjoy now as well as to remember them after they’re gone. As our studio tag line says, a great portrait will make you laugh, cry and remember the good times you had together.

Dangers to Your Pet

November 3, 2015

Dangers to your pet lurk in your house. Many of us know that certain items are poisonous to dogs because they are poisonous to people as well. But there are many pet owners that are not aware of the dangers of other items commonly found in the average home.

While most people are aware that rat or even insect poison are bad for dogs they don’t stop to think about smaller dogs and cats getting into the those bait traps that we set behind appliances on the floor. These can be a danger to animals. So can household cleaners.

Modern Dog Magazine Session

September 1, 2015

Back in June we did a special session for Modern Dog Magazine. They hold an annual STAR Dog Contest. Well little Teddy from Colorado Springs won their hearts. Teddy came from the Mill Dog Rescue and has quite an interesting story (see attached). His mom Michele Burchfield came with Teddy for his big day. Teddy is such a star and was very easy to photograph-in fact he was pretty excited. He has tons of adoring fans and a massive social media presence so is used to lots of attention. He is a great “spokesdog” for the Mill Dog Rescue.

Featured

Jan 4, 2024

Innovative Ways to Uplift Your Dog's Life

Jan 4, 2024

Welcome to a comprehensive guide dedicated to boosting your dog's well-being. This article shared by Springs Pet Portraits is tailored for dog owners who are eager to enhance their furry friend's life in meaningful ways. From interactive play to creating a secure and loving environment, we dive into practical methods that promise to enrich your dog's daily life.

Revolutionize Playtime

Engage your dog in dynamic play sessions. Moving beyond the basics like fetch, introduce interactive toys that stimulate their brain. Teaching new tricks or setting up homemade agility courses adds variety to their routine. This not only keeps them physically fit but also mentally sharp, forging a stronger bond between you and your pet.

Jan 4, 2024

Oct 11, 2023

Downsize with Your Pet! Making the Transition Easier

Oct 11, 2023

Downsizing to a smaller space can be a challenging process, especially when you have pets. The transition can be stressful for both you and your furry friend. To alleviate some of the anxiety associated with moving, below are some helpful tips that will make the transition to a smaller home smoother for both you and your pet.

Find a Pet-Friendly Rental

When looking for a pet-friendly rental, make sure to research the specific pet policies of the property, including any size or breed restrictions, and whether there are additional fees or deposits required. Be prepared to provide documentation of your pet's vaccinations and training to help strengthen your rental application.

Make a Plan and Begin Early

Einstein Moving Co. notes that planning ahead and starting early is crucial when downsizing with a pet, as it allows for a gradual adjustment to their new environment. This will also give you time to mentally prepare for downsizing while ensuring that

Oct 11, 2023

Jul 24, 2023

Making Your Office Dog Friendly

Jul 24, 2023

With the rise of pet-friendly workplaces, businesses are seeing a positive impact on employee morale, stress levels, and team collaboration. However, careful planning and consideration are needed to integrate pets into your workplace. Here's how you can create a thriving pet-inclusive environment, shared with you below by Springs Pet Portraits.

Put Together a Comprehensive Pet Protocol

Initiate your pet-friendly journey by crafting a good pet policy. This rulebook should cover all aspects of bringing pets to work - from behavior expectations to hygiene standards and even vaccination requirements. Pet owners should be accountable for their pets' conduct and any resulting damages. In addition, the policy should also include a contingency plan in case of pet-related incidents or emergencies. It is also beneficial to have a system in place for employees to report any issues or concerns related to pets in the workplace. Regular reviews and updates of the policy will ensure it remains relevant and effective.

Digitally Distribute the Canine Code

Post policy creation, ensure that it reaches all your employees. Dispatching a PDF version of these guidelines allows your team to access and reference them as needed conveniently. The unalterable nature of PDFs also ensures that the policy remains consistent across different devices. Moreover, by providing digital access to the policy, you can easily update it as needed and ensure everyone has the most current information. You might also consider creating a dedicated section on your company's internal website where employees can find the pet policy and other related resources. Amid this, you may consider this option: include tips for acclimating pets to the office environment or suggestions for resolving common pet-related issues.

Jul 24, 2023

May 3, 2023

Photographing Older Dogs-Before It's Too Late

May 3, 2023

We love our pets and want them to live forever. It’s easy to forget about your pets age when they’re young. Even up to 5 or 6 years old. Then one day you realize your pet is slowing down.

Hopefully you have a great series of photos of your dog or cat as they age. Hopefully at least one of them is a professionally done portrait that you could hang on a wall. It’s difficult to lose a pet—I know, I’ve been through it a few time with dogs. Each time I was grateful I got a great portrait of them. I have a few hanging in my bedroom that I can see every day and remember all the great times I’ve had with my dogs over the years.

May 3, 2023

Feb 2, 2023

How To Work Remotely With Pets

Feb 2, 2023

Preparing for a digital nomad lifestyle with pets can be both an exciting and daunting prospect. It involves making sure that both you and your pet have all the necessary supplies, arrangements, and legal requirements in place before setting out. You'll need to consider budgets, destinations, accommodations, and how to keep your pet safe while traveling. All of this takes careful planning, so here are some tips to help you get started.

Find Pet-Friendly Rentals with Reliable Internet

Finding pet-friendly accommodations with high-speed internet can be a challenge for digital nomads with pets. However, it is possible to find the perfect place to stay when traveling with your furry friends. Many websites are available that provide listings for pet-friendly apartment rentals and hotels that offer fast internet speeds. It is also important to research local pet laws and regulations before taking a trip, as these can vary greatly from country to country.

Feb 2, 2023

Oct 18, 2022

Starting Your Pet Care Business: Quick Tips for Success

Oct 18, 2022

If you’ve been sitting on the idea of starting your own business, it’s time to stand up. There has never been a better time than right now to get going, especially if you’re looking at starting a pet-centric business. Springs Pet Portraits outlines a few things you can do, tips to get started, and reasons why now is your time to shine.

Types Of Pet-Care Businesses

Dog walking. Fresh air, sunshine, and companionship? Sign us up. If you plan to walk dogs, living in or being in close proximity to a walkable neighborhood can be a boon. As a dog walker, you can make anywhere between $15 and $40 per hour according to Airtasker. The only downside is that you have to take care of any messes your four-legged clients make along the way.

Pet grooming. Grooming other people’s pets is a great way to help ensure that the animals in your neighborhood stay clean and fresh.

Trainer. When you love animals, are a people person, and have lots of patience, the Animal Humane Society suggests that you might be a great fit to become a dog trainer.

Pet products. People buy things for their pets every day, and there’s no reason you can’t get in on the action by making custom collars, pet clothing, or dog houses.

Oct 18, 2022

Jul 21, 2022

Keeping Your Dog Healthy in Golden Years

Jul 21, 2022

As your dog gets along in years, you will notice that their abilities and needs change. Perhaps they begin to tire out more quickly on your morning walks or find it increasingly difficult to climb onto the sofa. Maybe they become a little more irritable and harder to predict. No matter your pup’s personality, it’s time to start making adjustments that will benefit them in their senior years.

Today, Springs Pet Portraits shares some practical care tips you can incorporate into your dog’s regular routine.

Jul 21, 2022

Apr 5, 2022

Older Dog Portraits-Before It's Too Late

Apr 5, 2022

Having a great portrait of your dog is a wonderful way to remember them. We photograph a lot of older dogs. If you don’t have a great portrait of your dog and they’re getting on in years it’s best to do it before they’re too old, blind, deaf and crippled to look good in the photos. You really don’t want to remember them this way. Plus you never know when your younger seemingly healthy dog might develop an illness and go before you’ve had a chance to get their portrait taken. So it’s best not to wait too long.

For most dogs it’s ideal to photograph them when they’re still a little active—able to stand okay and see and hear commands. Although this is best it’s not always possible—we get that— so if you have an older dog not quite up to standing or seeing/hearing we can still get some great portraits.

Apr 5, 2022

Feb 1, 2022

Moving (With Pets in Tow): Strategies for a Smooth Transition

Feb 1, 2022

Worried about your big move? Just imagine how your pets are going to feel! It is essential to transition your furry friends into their new home with care and forethought to avoid sickness, trauma, and upset. Here, Springs Pet Portraits shares crucial strategies for a seamless transition.

Before

It can be daunting to get started on the logistics of planning, but taking the first step is the hardest. Here’s where to begin.

House hunting: Look for pet-friendly features such as a big backyard for dogs and lots of trees for cats. If you’re looking at apartments in Denver, be sure that you are clear on their pet policies.
Utilities: Set up electricity, internet, and gas at the new place, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Pack: Here is a handy packing checklist by Updater to simplify the process.

Feb 1, 2022

Nov 24, 2021

Making Your Dog's Home A Work of Art

Nov 24, 2021

For hundreds of years, artists from Manet to Butterworth have found considerable beauty in animals, choosing them as their focal points in portraits. Thus, it’s official: pets can help beautify your home even while they provide unconditional love and companionship. Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to keep your home as clean as you’d like, particularly when your dog finds joy in making a mess. It isn’t too difficult to have a gorgeous home with pets -- it just takes a little extra focus. Springs Pet Portraits offers some pointers to help.

Keep Your Dog Entertained to Prevent Boredom

If you find that every time you clean your house, your dog decides to make a mess of your freshly planted ficus, you may have a bored dog on your hands. All animals thrive on physical and mental stimulation through playtime, toys, and owner interaction. If any of these are not provided to your dog’s satisfaction, they may become bored. While boredom can cause your dog to sleep all day, with muted responses to stimuli, more often it manifests itself in “acting out,” such as chewing carpets or rugs.

Nov 24, 2021