Hello and welcome to the blog! I am Dana Mackay (also known as Tish) and I'm a wedding and pet photographer in Charlotte, North Carolina.
In between weddings and corporate shoots, I’ve been busy on Twitter. And thanks to all the wonderful connections, I got the chance to photograph some really sweet pugs. Here’s a sneak from our session. Special thanks to Sweet Novemeber Events, Erica Stawick and her fabulous pugs, Avett and Norm.
About a year ago I posted about my friend Bobbi who adopted Chance from Project HALO. She invited me back into her home to see Chance and also hang out with his sister Katie. Here’s a sneak from our session. More pictures coming later this week.
I’m a bad dog mom. I admit it. Things have been crazy this summer with travel and they are just as busy now with fall around the corner that I forget to take care of little things. But as I am catching up and gearing up, this past Labor Day was a perfect time to get those little things done; like getting our dog, Reese, to the groomers. Usually I hate the process of dropping her off some where she hates going and count down the hours until I can pick her up to find silly bows in her hair. You see, Reese is not a prissy Yorkie. Some might even say could have been a lab or a retriever. She loves open water where she can fetch you a stick. She is daring, sassy and loves attention. She is also the first dog I have ever owned in my adulthood and well, she means the world to me. I still can’t believe that she’ll be nine this year. But for now, she’s my little baby butter bean that I love seeing every time I come home.
And here’s a picture of Reese from this weekend all pretty and clean from the groomers.
And here’s the sweet face that always seems to know when 7:30pm hits and the treat jar comes out. Don’t worry – - she reminds me if I forget.
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. – Roger Caras
Another week can be checked off the “to do” list and the weekend project list can be pulled out in less than eight hours. I don’t know about you, but I find that on the weekends I don’t make plans, fill up with projects and before I know it, it’s Sunday evening. This weekend is sure to be full of cleaning, organizing, and a couple of shoots should the weather hold out. So this Friday I thought I would ask, what’s your favorite thing to do on the weekends? Travel, hiking, hanging out with friends, visiting the dog park, going to Ikea, getting lost in Ikea…all come to mind when I think about my favorite weekend plans. Leave a comment and share yours – I’d love to hear what every once else gets into on the weekends. Have a great one, regardless what you end up doing.
2009 Animal Expo
Founders Hall, Bank of America Corporate Center
“The purpose of the Expo is to give exposure to eight local Animal Welfare organizations, to raise funds for those organizations, to find animals furever homes, and bring awareness to the public of the tremendous pet overpopulation issue and the importance of spaying, neutering, and adopting.” – Allison Smith
I got to the Pet Expo at 10:30am and by 12:30pm, all 300 goodie bags were gone. A huge crowd turned out to support such a great cause, and who’s kidding – - to see all the cute animals.
I had the chance to not only take pictures of the event, but also participate with a table display. I made a little brag book that held about ten pics from recent pet shoots and also handed out cards with attached dog treats.
Overall, the event was a success. Many applications where filled out for the available dogs for adoption and all the money raised was split between the organizations that attended. I had a great time meeting lots of awesome volunteers and also some really nice photographers as well. Can’t wait to see this event grow even more next year.
Growing up to be a cowboy or cowgirl might not be a bad idea in this economy. In this case, being a rodeo star might even get you a college scholarship. The Rockin’ K Ranch in Charlotte, NC hosted the 2009 North Carolina High School Rodeo State Finals.
Lining up to take a turn in the ring.
I love how her hat is flying off her head and yet she keeps riding to rope the cow. Amazing!
I really wanted to take this goat home, but didn’t think our dogs would like her much.
All the horses were so beautiful.
I could not resist getting a puppy picture of this little girl. She loved the camera and belly rubs.
Overall, my first rodeo was a blast. Such a fun event to attend. Maybe next time we go, I”ll have a new pair of boots to show off.
The North Carolina High School Rodeo Association was formed in August 1986 to enable students from North Carolina to compete in rodeos in their state. The success of this association is evident, not only by the growth in membership, sponsors, and scholarships, but also by the achievements of many North Carolina contestants that have gone on to college and/or professional rodeo. Website: http://www.nchsra.comLast Saturday, my friend Kristin invited me over to check out her beautiful home on the lake and to meet her new additions. Needless to say, I was greeted by her family with open arms and maybe a little drool. Here’s a peek of Chase (the newest addition to the family), one of the many family dogs named Reese (like the candy) and even Kristin’s sister, Jessie who I have not seen since I babysat her millions of years ago (and who is graduating from high school this weekend). Enjoy a little hint of the fun we had and hopefully more pictures will be posted later this weekend. Congrats to Jessie on graduation, happy early birthday to Kristin, and fabulous Friday to everyone else.
Project HALO came out to Bark in The Park this past Sunday. Lots of cute barking pups and a little rain didn’t stop the Charlotte Knights from showing everyone how to play ball. More pictures coming soon.
A week ago, I was invited out to meet Tim and Andy’s new addition, Bella. When I first got to their home, Bella was napping and I was worried that she might sleep through our photo-shoot; I was so wrong. She was full of energy and loved the camera. Check out her baby-blue eyes and her super cute paws.
Here’s one picture from my puppy shoot yesterday with Bella. More to come soon.
