Schedule a call
Paws for Oz – It‘s a wrap!

Paws for Oz – It‘s a wrap!

Events, News

Five short months ago, the most pressing thing on my mind was the Australian Bushfires and Paws for Oz.

The videos of burnt, hungry, dehydrated and exhausted wildlife were keeping me up at night. What started as an idea that came to me at 4 a.m., in three short weeks was catapulted into a full blown international fundraiser – all with the help of my wine industry/animal loving friends, Jennifer Hart and Meg McGrath.

The idea was to bring together an international group of Pet Photographers – intense animal lovers by nature – under the banner of Paws for Oz.  Knowing there is strength in numbers, our goal was to raise $10,000, which was later revised to $20,000 when we smashed the $10k goal!  All donations were made directly to established rescue Wildlife Victoria, to help with rescue and rehabilitation of koalas, wombats, kangaroos, dingoes, kookaburras and many more species.

The first phase of the fundraiser involved a silent auction in Niagara’s wine country. The wine community donated exceptional wines and experiences that locals were invited to bid on at the launch event in January. The auction raised almost $7000 for Wildlife Australia, a rather auspicious start to the fundraiser!

Phase two was the recruitment of pet photographers – ultimately twenty nine incredible pet photographers joined the cause, representing Canada, the US and Australia!

Go big or go home!

A massive shout out and THANK YOU to everyone who supported Paws for Oz, through donations, time, expertise and interest! Together we raised $20,753 and I’m incredibly proud of that achievement. Over $3,000 was raised was through Indigo Pet Photography alone. We received lovely notes of thanks and appreciation from Wildlife Victoria via email and social media. Not to brag, but we were the top fundraising team in the Australian Bushfire appeal on GoFundraise, where Wildlife Victoria was taking donations! Okay, yeah, totally wanted to brag about that!

On Instagram we encouraged our Paws for Oz photographers to tag their posts, please click here for an assortment of adorable images captured  –  including a few by yours truly!

I still have several sessions in Toronto that I’m very much looking forward to once restrictions are loosened. I imagine they will need to be outdoors sessions – in keeping with the 2020 theme of social distancing – and they will be lots of fun, of that I have no doubt.

Please take care and think happy thoughts! Give your beloved four–legged some extra lovin’ for being such a great isolation partner  🐶❤️💕

Cheers and wags,

Karen

Good things come from sweaty palms

Good things come from sweaty palms

News, Self improvement, Sessions

Fact: Good things come from sweaty palms

Last year, I made the decision to invest in myself, heavily. I am so grateful that the universe kicked me in the pants to go to an incredible pet photography retreat in the south of France. One of the biggest aha moments that I took away from the experience, is the fact that if I’m going to be successful, I need to shake things up. I was stuck in a safe zone and clearly I was going to have to start to look for and embrace photographic opportunities that made my palms sweat.

Welcome to the Year of the Sweaty Palms

This year, I’ve taken on several jobs that made me step waaaay outside of my comfort zone. No longer am I saying to myself, “yeah, a big no on that job. That sounds scary and complicated and like someone else should do it”. If I let that crazy lady hold me back, I won’t grow as a photographer and that, my friends, is my never ending objective. I was blessed to have found a path into pet photography and I will throw my heart and soul into it until I breathe my last breath.

Just this past week, I stepped further out of the old comfort zone than I ever have before. I had a pro bono photo shoot for a social impact company called Mother Erth. They upcycle discarded plastic materials, keeping them out of landfill… aaaaand, wait for it… they work with artisan mothers in third world countries to create gorgeous fashion accessories. Thus enabling them to become financially independent! I love that!

We are creating a movement of people wearing our bright bags as a statement of their commitment to care for others and the Earth.

It came together like it was meant to be

I was contacted by Co-Founder Sean Kelly and asked to create images that would appeal to Mother Erth’s hip, youthful, stylish customer and promote their line of pet carriers and beds. Pet photography has created a vehicle for me to give back, so when a good fit comes along, I’m all over it.

I reached out to friends, clients and colleagues to pull this shoot together and I have to say, that it all came together beautifully because of their generosity and kindness. The shoot took place in the ever gorgeous surroundings at The Good Earth Food and Wine Co.  My canine models were a breathtaking Papillon named Betsy (thank you so much Kait Ripley) and the fluffiest most adorable little Pomeranian Kismet aka Kitty Kat (can’t thank you enough Nikki Fowler). The dogs interacted beautifully together and with my stunning, stylin’ hoomans Eva and Loire, who along with Eva’s mom, coordinated their own hair, makeup and wardrobe selections. EEEEK, you girls ROCKED it!!!

For someone who works almost exclusively with four-leggeds, this really was a big stretch for me creatively and I’m proud of the final product. Even more importantly, my clients and models all had a great time and love the images. The feeling of accomplishment that comes along with doing something that literally gives you sweaty palms is so immense! I gotta say… I like it!!

Here are a handful of the final images, enjoy!

small papillon dog in hand woven dog carrier by Mother Erth
small pomeranian dog in hand woven dog carrier by Mother Erth
two young women walking in the vineyard with dogs in bags over their shoulders
papillon dog in Mother Erth carrier on picnic table at Good Earth winery
Two tiny lapdogs in a Mother Erth woven dog bed at The Good Earth in Niagara
Two young women in the garden at The Good Earth Winery with their tiny dogs in Mother Erth carriers
young woman waiting for a friend checking phone with her dog in Mother Erth carrier at The Good Earth
Young woman looks lovingly at papillon in carrier at Good Earth winery by Indigo Pet Photography
little papillon dog in a hand woven dog carrier on girl's shoulder
Pomeranian peeks at dog photographer Karen Black at Good Earth winery
Papillon smiles at camera by Indigo Pet Photography in Niagara
Pomeranian smiles at dog photographer Karen Black in Niagara

Paying it forward: Brutus’ story

Paying it forward: Brutus’ story

News

Paying it forward – for Brutus

This is not something I normally do, but every once in a while something really smacks me in the face and I think, yup, this here is an opportunity to pay it forward. You see, once upon I time, I was stretched pretty thin financially and my heart dog Samantha needed emergency surgery. I had absolutely no idea how on earth I would be able to afford the surgery but somehow the universe conspired to come to my aid. My vet took her without asking for payment up front and a couple of people came to my assistance with lifeline loans. I couldn’t have done it without their help and I’m eternally grateful.

But this isn’t about me, it’s about gorgeous Brutus! A big, lovable galoot of a Mastiff. Brutus was adopted just about a week ago from sketchy circumstances by one of the young guys who manages the farm that I live on. He and his wife were in search of a low energy, adorable pooch that would be low maintenance and grow with their young family. They went to see him and were unsettled by how thin he was and by what appeared to be an untreated eye infection.

 

mmmmm treats
Brutus sitting so pretty
His charms in combination with his situation made their decision a no-brainer. They wanted to get him home, love him up, put some weight on him and get that eye taken care of. Unfortunately, what they quickly discovered is that their newest family member has a serious eye condition called Entropion, where the eye lid curls in. Worse still, in Brutus’ case, the vet said that it had obviously been left untreated for several months because of the terrible condition of his eye – his cornea has ulcerated.

I can’t imagine the pain this gentle giant has experienced in recent months. But his new family is committed to him. The specialty surgeries ahead and medicines will run into the several thousands. On top of that, his right eye is showing signs of deterioration as well.

First things first, his impending surgery to repair (or possibly remove) his eye is currently quoted at $3300. October 6th is his specialist consultation. Being the ipso facto “dog lady” in these parts, Scott called me to ask if I had any ideas for how they might navigate the waters and my first thought was to start a Go Fund Me campaign. Sarah got that set up immediately and people have shown extreme kindness and generosity by donating to Brutus’ cause already.

 

Belly rubs are the best for Brutus

Asking a “Mastiff” favour for Brutus

I’m a firm believer in “paying it forward” so I went to meet Brutus and took some images that I hope will help to get his story out there. He is a ridiculously adorable pooch and he is clearly in love with his new family. He’s already put on weight and I know that with help he will get through this and live a long and happy life full of belly rubs. The universe has a way working magic when we most need it and I’m hoping that it will help Brutus to get all the medical attention he needs.

If you would like to help Brutus, please consider donating to his Go Fund Me campaign. Even a $5 donation can make a world of difference to a daunting bottom line. (See it’s not really that big of a favour after all!) If you already have donated, there is a special place in heaven waiting for you!

Thanks for reading this and please feel free to share the blog or directly from the Go Fund Me campaign to help raise awareness. Brutus says thank you from the bottom of his furry little heart. Yes really, that’s what the slobbery bubbles are all about. (well that, or the liver treats in my pocket!)

Brutus wants to say thank you
Barkjour: An out of this world pet photography adventure

Barkjour: An out of this world pet photography adventure

News, Travels

This is me, on fire

Ever since I was 6 years old I knew I wanted to work with animals in some way, shape or form. And yes, it would appear that I am a little slow, as it has taken me a lifetime to finally find a way to make that happen. This pet photography adventure was originally greeted by many as a lark and a hobby. Pfft I say, I’m happier than I’ve ever been and I’m going to live my wildest dreams.

My passion for pet photography gets stronger with each dog or cat I photograph… so too does my desire to hone my craft.

“The most important investment you can make is in yourself.” – Warren Buffet

A few months ago, I had desperately wanted to apply for a pet photography retreat I learned of through a group on Facebook. It wasn’t cheap though and I couldn’t see myself raising the money. One day I noticed a post in a facebook group I belong to: Only one space left. The retreat was only 5 weeks away. Shortly after, I saw a quote by Warren Buffet, “the most important investment you can make is in yourself”. It was an “aha” moment. I decided it was time to invest in myself, big time.

Barkjour: An out of this world pet photography adventure

I applied for and was accepted to join a group of phenomenal international pet photographers in the south of France. Yes the location is exciting, but the small number of participants – just 14 – from Australia, New Zealand, England, Germany and the US appealed. The caliber of the Instructors leading the retreat was the deciding factor for me. Kaylee Greer of Dog Breath Photography. Charlotte Reeves of Charlotte Reeves Photography. Nicole Begley (I had already done one workshop with Nicole last fall) from Nicole Begley Photography. A fire ignited inside! I didn’t have a lot of time to drum up the money, but it was clearly meant to be… because I succeeded.

The first week of September, I will be soaking up 5 glorious days of learning, inspiration, hands on photography, and likely a glass of wine or two talking “shop” at night at our chateau.

Stay tuned, as I run like I’m on fire towards my wildest dreams! Au revoir!

(here are links to all of the parts of the story:  Part I – when I go to “les chiens”  | Part II – How pet photographers roll  |  Part III – Out of this world, every single day

Winery Dogs of Ontario Calendar

Winery Dogs of Ontario Calendar

News, Wine Dogs

My “Winery Dogs of Ontario” 2018 calendar just swooshed to the printer.

OH. MY. DOG. This has been a labour of love! A test of my stick-to-itiveness and a barometer for my level of risk aversion. This celebration of dogs in wine country has been simmering on the back burner for more than ten years, sometimes the flame even went out. I was never quite ready to take the leap. But when I launched my pet photography business in 2014, the winery dogs calendar idea naturally came percolating back up to the surface, and there it has been, bubbling away ever since.

Why a winery dogs calendar? Three reasons:

  1. I adore spending time with fur-kids. It soothes my (occasionally) savage soul.
  2. I love wine and live in the heart of Niagara’s wine country.
  3. Ontario is the last significant wine region in the new world (that I’m aware of) that is without a calendar that celebrates their magnificent canine mascots! (I know! crazy eh?)

I have to admit that my process was painfully slow – I suspect I was still dancing the edge of a knife as to whether I should do it or not. It could be hugely successful! But it could also be an expensive flop. However, one recent January morning, I woke up and thought to myself, good god woman! get your butt in gear and get this done before someone scoops you.

Full steam ahead

Time to map out my path to calendar completion. I lined up a shooting schedule to photography dogs for months I needed, determined the calendar size, designed the layout, and got quotes in. I also planned a launch/preview event to gauge interest. At the event, I pre-sold enough calendars to believe that there is actually a big old net at the bottom of the cliff I just launched myself off. (Note: all of this was accomplished with a whole lot of help from my friends, especially the launching off cliff part.)

It’s not about getting a chance… it’s about taking a chance.

Proofs will be ready for review this coming week – until then I’m on pins and needles! Excited? (um, yes… that is a serious understatement.) Suffice it to say that today marks a significant milestone in my life.

That being said, no time to stop and smell the roses, I need to start shooting for the 2019 calendar! My goal is to feature dogs from every wine region in Ontario, Niagara on the Lake, Prince Edward Country, Pelee Island, Collingwood… if you know a winery dog that should be included, please let me know!

Details, details:

The calendars are 12″x12″ and their gorgeous, glossy pages feature stunning portraits showcasing winery dogs from Niagara’s Twenty Valley wine region. As always, rescue is near and dear to my heart and a portion of the sales will go to Beamsville 4Paw Rescue and Jack Russell Terrier Rescue Ontario (JRTRO).

Currently the 2018 calendars will be available for sale at the following wineries in mid-late May:

**********

EDITED JUNE 13, 2017: the calendar is also now available at the following locations

**********

A big thank you goes out to Louise Engle and Meg McGrath for fanning the flames, consistently. Laurie Nadeau for all your help at the event and Carole Tothe-Gurgol of Tothe Photography for the event imagery. And to all the wineries and individuals who believed in this project enough to support it and me. I couldn’t have done it without you. You are all awesome!

Niagara Pet Photography: Saying good-bye to our pets

Niagara Pet Photography: Saying good-bye to our pets

Farewells, News

It was a chilly Valentine’s weekend, this past weekend. One that held unexpected sadness for me. Early on Saturday morning I could see that my mountain lion of a cat Gus was definitely not feeling well. Since my vets at Grimsby Animal Hospital are open until noon on Saturdays, I quickly called to see if they could squeeze him in. They did and we went. (more…)