Last week, I got the opportunity to work with a designer here in Charlotte, NC for a makeover at a beautiful historical house in the Dilworth neighborhood. While I was there shooting, the clients dog Sam, stole the show. Here’s a sneak from the session – - more of Samantha and the makeover later this week.

Lately things have been a blur around our home. Days and nights are running together. And I swear the holiday season and New Years was a total blur. Next thing I know, it’s 2011; and if 2011 is anything like 2010, it’s going to be an awesome year. And the best part so far of 2011 is all the beautiful SNOW. I have a love affair with snow. I think it’s so beautiful, even if my feet go numb from standing outside for too long to watch my dogs run around and get covered in white. I’ve also been known to just stand in the window and watch the flakes come down. Now, my husband makes fun of me for this addiction – but that’s because he grew up in Canada. Who can blame a southern gal like me who runs to get milk and bread as soon as there is a five percent chance for snow. I also refuse to drive in the stuff. I would like to think that everyone appreciates this fact so that I don’t slide into them on the road.

So to celebrate all the snow we rarely get to see in the Carolinas, I thought I would post one of my new favorite pictures. It’s my neighbor’s dog named Stella but for this post, you might think her name would be snowball.

And the best part of this picture is that it was taken on my new toy (camera): The Olympus camera I got over the holidays. I love this camera so much because it not only takes awesome pictures, but it has video and really cool effects. And if you are in the market for an advance point-and-shoot, then I recommend getting one. 

But enough of my rambling. (note to self – blog more, ramble less). Happy 2011 to all the readers out there. Here’s to a wonderful winter wonderland and staying warm! 

This year we had turkey. We had lots of turkey, sweet potato with baby marshmallows, green beans and onions, cornbread dressing and the best pumpkin cheesecake. I got to spend time with family around a small table and we all shared what we were thankful for and believe it, it was a long list. This year was better than last year with a frozen pizza, because we started new traditions. We decided that we would carry the Thanksgiving meal in the years to come. And a week ago, we put the tree went up along with decorations. I also let a little secret out that when I was younger, I always wished of a tree for the season even if I was Jewish – - I’ve always loved a tree with ornaments and lights. Don’t worry – the menorah is up on the mantle as well ready to light. And this year in the spirit of traditions, I’ve decided to get pictures of our dogs all dressed up for the holidays.

So happy holidays from our family to yours. May your season be filled with love, joy and laughter.

Nothing is better than a session that includes ice cream, laughter and kisses. Mallori and Greg are getting married in July next year here in Charlotte, NC. They are not only an amazing couple, but it shows in every.single.picture. It isn’t something a photographer can make up and I really think I had as much fun being on the other side of the camera shooting their session. I caught myself saying outloud after every shot – beautiful, just beautiful. Here are the pictures from their session that took place in Southend, Pikes Soda Shop and a few even uptown at and around the new Duke Power Building.

From the minute the session started to the minute it ended, these two were laughing and smiling. But more on this couple later this week. For now, here’s a peek from their session in Southend.

Trust is something you earn. You can’t just simply say to someone to trust you — it must be built up over time. The same is true about dogs. And the dogs that make you earn their trust are some of my favorite ones. Chi-Chi might be all bark, but she’s also the smallest dog with a huge heart. By the end of our session, she was giving me kisses and I knew then and there, she trusted me. That’s a huge accomplishment if you ask me. Here are some pictures from my session of Chi-Chi and Lola.

Isn’t Lola such a cutie? Her eyes are so pretty and just pour love.

Chi-Chi guarding the entire neighborhood. She’s a tough cookie for being so little.

 Here’s Chi-Chi and Lola’s parents. :) They have been married for about three years and love just gushes out of them as well.

Christie is so freaking beautiful. I love the series of the couple together. They totally rocked it.

This last picture was right before I left the session. As you can tell Chi-Chi was working the camera. Christy told me that this was one of her all-time favorites from the session so I had to include it.

Camerone explained that from childhood, she’s always had a Golden and they always had names that began with the letter B. That Brady and Bentley made a king size bed feel like a twin. They both loved going on walks and their treats – but most of all all their neighborhood friends. We started our session in Latta Plantation and move to the Golden’s neighborhood in Huntersville, NC before the sunset. These two together are quite a pair. Here are some pictures from the session.

When I first saw the above picture – I really thought it was a lion – - just look at that chest of fuzzy fur. LOVE IT.

Nothing beats having a LARGE dog think they are small enough to fit into your lap. Always makes me smile.

My fur kids aren’t as cool as their friends. I’ve been super busy between sessions and editing that I didn’t have a chance to get them Halloween costumes. So this year, I called upon their friends – the pugs: Sylvie and Atticus. I’m sure you remember them from a session earlier this year. So here they are – all dressed up and ready to go trick or treating – - I’m sure they are looking for treats more than tricks. Happy Halloween!

Here are two sneak peeks from two different sessions. Two dogs. Completely different personalities. Lots of drool, running around and kisses – the perfect weekend if you ask me. More to come from these sessions next week.

Bentley and Brady

Chi-Chi and Lola

Sometimes things happen that changes your life. And we all have choices to make on how we handle these changes. We can throw the covers over our heads or we can take on the world with a big smile or wag in our tail no matter what cards we are dealt. Brandy is one of those dogs that no matter what happens, she’s going to put her best face forward and keep going. Brandy came to Jenna from the Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue. One day at daycare another dog got a little too aggressive with Brandy and she lost her eye. Brandy has now healed and you would never notice that one of her eyes is missing – - it’s almost like she is winking at you. She also loves to jump into your lap for love. Jenna was a little worried when Brandy greeted me with a hop, but coming from a Boxer home – I was excited to see that these Boxer manners are a given.  Here are some pictures from our session. I had such a great time not only getting to meet Brandy, but also some of her puppy friends.

When I was editing, I came across this picture above and just loved it – not sure why, but it makes me smile.

This last picture is one of my favorites from our session. Jenna was having her a conversation with Brandy and you could just tell Brandy loves her owner so much. Thanks again for having me out to photograph you guys.