First, this is Andrew. He's a Mountain Curr, and a really scaredy-cat. I've got some better pictures of him with the ears up, but this one just cried out for a bit of artistic treatment.
Most of you know I've really been hitting the pet thing hard in an attempt to make up for the loss of most of my income from my day job. I've booked a lot of big events, but they are all falling toward September and on, which makes things a little tight.
Well, today I shot for a new rescue group (for free like I usually do) for the first time. Once I send in my first batch of pics, I usually pitch them for fund raising and referrals for private sessions. However, they took to me right away today and asked if I could stay and shoot their personal dogs for a fee. I wasn't set up for that as I only had my rescue backdrop with me and no additional lights, etc At first, I wanted to kick myself, but then I realized that I had an opportunity to sit back and give a well thought out estimate for them. Good thing to, because here is what I got myself into in a week or so:
The kennel owner wants me to shoot all of her personal pets and she wants 11x14s of each of her dogs separately, plus she wants a group shot of her and all the dogs together in the yard. Not so bad, but then she gave me the numbers -17 dogs, two horses, two cows, and a pig or two. Yes, I'm serious!
Additionally, the kennel manager and one of the staff will be brining their personal dogs and the kennel will be advertising that I will be there that day for their customers too.
Now, I did 18 dogs today in 45 minutes, but I had 4 people shuttling them back and forth for me. Plus, since it was a volunteer thing, the pressure was off. For a paid session with 17 dogs, not to mention the horses and such I'm sure this will be a few hours.
LOL...I don't think you need to worry, your work is wonderful and you so obviously know what you are doing. You care about your subject and that comes through in every single image I have seen you post here. I would like to see the pig pics though.
jim, i love the pic and i wish you all the luck in the world and hope you get through this tough time!!! i cant think of a better way to try to get through it than what you are doing and it looks to me that you are making the best of it!! keep up the great work!! i always believed that good things come to good people!!
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! People who abuse animals really make me angry. I have 2 rescues now. I will post some pictures of them here one day *when I get my adobe CS3 working again*
This is great news about you getting this gig in your time of need Jim. It's awesome what you are doing. And yes, great things do come to good people. Best of luck with this.
Excellent job on this picture btw. It is a great capture.
Jim a stunning image of this beautiful dog and I applaud you for all you are doing for these wonderful animals. I wish you every success in the up coming events . You are definitely very talented and as mentioned your love for these animals shows in your images . Let us know how it all goes and all the best !!!