Then and Now

I’m feeling quite nostalgic this month. The last twelve months have been quite life-changing for me and this month I celebrated a professional one year milestone anniversary.

On September 18th I had my one-year anniversary of leaving a 23-year career in healthcare as an audiologist.   I won’t bore you with all the details of why it was a career choice that ultimately was just not who I wanted to be because that realization and evolution is always complicated right?!?  

Photography had been my side gig for three years.  In my free time I was taking local photography classes, joining national and state photography associations, attending seminars and webinars, learning from photographer mentors and honing my craft as they say.  The year of 2020 was transformational for so many in so many ways.  And despite a year of uncertainty in the world I was certain it was now or never that I make a full time go at my photography business!   So, 2021 has been my first full time year as a photographer.  I can honestly say I have not looked back to my “then” and have just focused on the “now” of how to continue to improve myself and my skills to ultimately better serve you!  I truly believe in providing a fun experience while creating photographic treasures that will live on for generations to come.  

Here’s a photo of my “then” taken unbeknownst to me by a colleague while I was testing my very last patient on my last day of work.  And a few “nows” of the new me.  What a difference a year makes!

How has 2021 changed you? I would love to hear your story of change and transformation!

Collaborations and the Dog Days of Summer

Now that the dust has settled and summer is (sadly) coming to an end I have to share with you what ended up being my most exhausting but most fun shoot this summer!  And BONUS – it was also for a good cause!

I was asked by the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of NH if I would be interested in being the photographer for an event to benefit them that was being hosted by Great North Aleworks (GNA) in Manchester, NH.  I was a little unsure about it at first, not because I didn’t want to help, but because it was a mini session event format, which I have never participated in for myself nor someone else.

Participants would register for a 10-minute time slot in which they could bring one or two dogs to be photographed.  The ticket price provided them a “doggie bag” with swag from ARL, GNA and Gunther’s Goodies (dog treats) as well as their choice of one digital image file from a choice of 2-4 shots I created from their mini session.  My goal was to capture at least one full body/scenery shot and one headshot style image of each dog.  

This would be a fast paced three-hour event with a total of 18 sessions (six with two dogs). Hmmm…Could I do this?? How could I not??  And I’m so glad that I did!!  As a long time supporter of the Animal Rescue League I was honored to have been asked to work with them.  Now, I have to give credit where credit is due.  Great North Aleworks, whom I did not know of prior to this, was a phenomenal business to work with. They are an awesome small brewery with a dog friendly patio (beer and dogs - it’s a win-win!). Their event planner Kerri was a dream to work with as she coordinated the scheduling, gathering participants’ contact information for me, and facilitated the logistics of the set up.  The Animal Rescue League had staff and volunteers on hand to work the check in table as well as usher participants from the patio to the shoot location.   And I must credit Mother Nature for coming through with the most perfect weather in a summer when rain has dominated the forecast!

As a solopreneur the days can be lonesome sometimes.  The opportunity to collaborate with others was a welcomed change.  I learned a lot about running such an event and feel better about moving forward with some future mini sessions in my own business.  

Now without further adieu I bring you the faces of the Dog Days of Summer!  

ONE is FUN!

 I love this milestone.  It is a huge accomplishment – for both baby AND Mom and Dad!  There are SO many changes and “firsts” in the first year that are definitely worth celebrating.

This sweet family had a vision in mind.  Their goals included:

1.     A rustic location. 

2.     Use of the tee-pee they bought their little one as a birthday gift.

3.     A few shots with them in it.

4.     Cake smash (with the cake on top of a large cookie saved from their wedding day)!

I think we checked all four boxes nicely.  Enjoy the cuteness overload of this family!

Is there a soon to be one year old in your life? Let’s create a memorable (and messy!) shoot for your little cutie!

Comfort Zones

Ahhh….comfort zones….we all have them.  Some of us like to stay in them more than others.  Raise your hand if you’re like me and prefer the nice warm, comfy, familiar to you space known as your comfort zone!  

The name of my business pretty accurately describes who/what I photograph.  Young Pups Photography is meant to communicate both pets and young kids as my primary photographic subjects.  Big people (aka adults) don’t interest me all that much unless they are Mom and Dad getting in on the fun for a family shoot! 

However, I was recently asked by someone near and dear to me if I would consider photographing her maternity shoot.  She was “on the fence” about doing any maternity photos and she prefaced her request with “I know you really work with kids and pets but….would you consider….”  In addition to that new to me request, the location of the shoot (or at least part of it) was to be at the beach at sunset.  Beautiful for sure, but also not somewhere I had previously photographed!  

I could have easily said thanks for asking but no thanks and directed her to another photographer (and I did consider that option) but something made me hesitate and I slept on it before answering that email.   My nerves about failing miserably tend to take over and cause me to run and hide, but this Mom-to-be that was hesitant to get in front of the camera trusted me enough to ask to photograph her so I decided to trust in me enough to go for it.   I was completely honest with her about my inexperience with maternity shoots and a sunset beach shoot.  She was completely honest with me about being unsure if she’d ultimately like any images enough to purchase anything after the time she knew I would spend preparing, traveling to the shoot, and editing her images.  So with both of us having trepidations, but an open conversation about it on our side, we scheduled it!  

The shoot began at her home so we could include her fur baby and ended at the beach for what was an evening of beautiful light.  With the exception of a very chilly wind at the shoreline that night it was perfect!  Now admittedly, the beach images are not 100% technically correct.  I can find several areas for improvement.  And yet, I am overall happy with the results (as is my client) for a first go at maternity and sunset!  She looked beautiful and I hope the images make her feel beautiful when she reflects on what she describes as this unique time in her life.  

Ultimately we are both glad we stepped out of our comfort zones.  She reports she is “obsessed” with her gallery and I am now going to be seriously considering searching for all the Moms-to-be out there and capturing the story of their baby bump and the “young pup” on the way!  

Pomp and Circumstance!

Hard to believe it’s that time of year again!  And what a year it has been for the Class of 2021.  Whether seniors attended school in person, remote or in some form of hybrid learning there is no doubt they worked hard and graduation is a momentous occasion to celebrate with much pomp and circumstance!

This photo session was a great way to commemorate the now and the next!  With two looks in one session we honored the “old” and then brought in the “new” with shots in both the cap and gown and then the college swag.

I’m offering just ten of these Cap and Gown & College Bound sessions that will include a mix of digital files, printed brag book and acrylic block (desk top décor) at a special bundled price.   So don’t miss your chance to book one of these fun limited edition sessions!  

Spring Has Sprung (and stirs unexpected feelings post shoot)!

Saturday March 20, 2021 was the first day of Spring and it did not disappoint!  I met up with a good friend and her mini for an impromptu visit and shoot.  

I chased this ham sandwich with my camera and loved every bit of how she did not have a care in the world (other than running and running and more running on this fine spring day!).  Toddler life at its best.  

It wasn’t until I began to edit the playground images that it really struck me that at two and a half this little one probably won’t remember much about how complicated life in 2020 was (and continues to be).  Someday she’ll look back at theses images and ask “Why the mask?”

The conversion of some of the images to black and white was intentional as I felt it gave these particular shots more of a documentary-like feel.  The contradiction of innocence of youth yet the mask use speaking to the undeniable complexity of life since this time last year.  

I did not go into this shoot nor the editing of it with any of this in mind yet those were the feelings stirred up once I sat down to them.  In my opinion the images shot in color have a whole different “lighter” feel to them than those in black and white do - funny how in one short shoot such a mix of feelings can be conveyed.  

I often wonder what is going through the minds of these little ones over the last twelve months and how they perceive life in 2020/2021.  The answers to that wondering may remain a mystery to me.  However, I can tell you it was NO mystery to me that on this particular day watching this cutie explore this park and playground she was certainly living her best life with not a care in the world!  There was nothing but pure joy for her on this awesome day and documenting it all brought nothing but pure joy to this photographer!  

A New Way to Connect!

Hello Young Pups Photography followers! Long time no post here but YPP has remained busy this winter with all things behind-the-scenes.   And with that said, I am SO excited to announce a new way to stay connected with YPP.  My about-to-be-launched Monthly Newsletter – Pupdate!  

This is where you will be able to keep up with the latest news, updates, events, and offerings from YPP.  Without giving too much away the April Pupdate will feature a group near and dear to me that is hosting their first ever virtual auction fundraising event from April 4th – 11th.  YPP has made a donation to the auction that you won’t want to miss!

 How do I start receiving this fabulous newsletter you ask (and I’m so glad you did!)????  

1.     Head to my website (lucky you - you’re already here!)

2.     Scroll to the bottom of just about any page to find the “Subscribe to Pupdate!” box

3.     Enter your name and email address and hit the subscribe button

That’s it! Easy peasy! Phew! No more FOMO - you will be in the know!

So don’t wait!  Go subscribe now - I can’t wait to officially welcome you to Pupdate!

And That's a Wrap!

As an outdoor photographer the summer and fall are my busy seasons.  I would like to include spring in this list but…here in New England spring is still typically too cold for this fair weather fan.  Oh and then there’s the mud.  So.Much.Mud.   So it is with sadness I write this post as my days of shooting outdoors are dwindling  for now; yet I also write with JOY as I share with you some of my favorite images from this summer and fall!

I will remain hard at work over the winter with plans to revamp my website, create more product and digital package offerings for next year, brainstorm some incentives for new and existing customers, and…

Wait for it….

With a little luck……start the building of my new home studio space!  

I’m choosing to think positively and be hopeful that by the mid to end of 2021 the space will be finished and Covid-19 concerns will dissipate allowing me to create an awesome indoor studio for photographing your family year round.  So stay tuned and I’ll keep you posted!

 I’m looking ahead and excited to see what 2021 will bring! 

Practice What You Preach

As a photographer I am obviously a fan of capturing others’ moments.  I routinely promote the importance of photographically documenting your kids and families’ milestones.  However, I must admit I am not a big fan of being in front of the camera!  In fact, all the photographers know much prefer being behind the camera –go figure!!  

That said I am here today to share a personal shoot with you.  In July my husband and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary!  A little back story first. In 2010 we celebrated our 10th anniversary with a little getaway to Virginia Beach.  As a gift to me, my husband had arranged and surprised me with a professional photo shoot.  We joked at the time that we would have to make this a “thing” and every ten years update our photos.   Well, time files and here we are celebrating 20 years!  

SO, in practicing what I preach about documenting those big moments in time here are a few favorites from my recent anniversary shoot.  Thank you Rick for having a big heart and creating this tradition for us.  And thank you Paula Swift of Paula Swift Photography for your talent and patience working with a fellow photographer and her hubby to capture our love story 20 years strong.  

Pretty In Print

I’m frequently asked, “Do you sell digitals?”  And my response is “Yes, I do.  However, I also sell some beautiful printed products.” Neither option is right or wrong, good or bad.  Perhaps it’s just a generational thing that the digital file has become the holy grail of photo sessions? 

I’m old school yet not so old that I don’t understand the allure and importance of the digital and socially media driven world we live in.  Yet, I’m still drawn to and like to provide my clients with product options beyond a digital file.  It is not uncommon to learn from clients that in past shoots they “bought the digitals” and then never did anything with them. They sat on a thumb drive with good intentions of printing only to have life get in the way and now they don’t even know where that stick is!

If you’ve gone to the effort of dressing up yourself and/or your kids, driving to a shoot location, spending an hour smiling until your face hurt why would you not want something to SHOW for all that effort.  

 Why not decorate your home with your favorite masterpieces? Your family.  Allow me to show you the ways.  

1.    Wall Art.  There are SO many options now!  For the traditionalist out there you can never go wrong with a beautiful framed (with or without a mat) print.  And frame choices have come a long way.  I have a multitude of samples to show you.  Also traditional but not as common these days is a canvas wrap.  This can be ordered the more typical way with wrapped edges or set inside a frame.  For those you looking for a more modern or contemporary look may I suggest a metal or acrylic print?  Or, for a style that falls somewhere in between the two and is great for grouping together how about something called a Standout?  

2.    Photographic Albums and Folio Boxes.  For those of you who prefer something more subtle than wall art but equally beautiful these two options are perfect.  I offer Photographic albums in 8x8 and 10x10 sizing.  Each is customized to your taste as far as cover material, with or without cameo photo and/or a printed quote.  I design an initial layout of images within the album and then send you a proof of the pages for your approval or request for swapping images, different page layout etc. before anything goes to print. Folio boxes are also a great way to display and share your images.  This wood built fabric wrapped box holds your choice of 10, 15, or 20 images (5x7) in a 8x10 mat.  This is easily displayed on a coffee table or bookshelf to be admired by you and your family.  And, for those of you who can’t decide between digital image or printed product, you’ve just hit the jackpot – the purchase of a folio box includes the digital file of each of the images chosen for the box!

3.    Gift prints and desktop décor.  Can’t forget about the grandparents, aunts, and uncles who equally adore your family!  Small gift print packages,  small framed prints as well as items such as an image cube or acrylic block are just the right size and price point to make for thoughtful gifts for extended family.  

So yes, digitals are great.  Posting social media files for the distant friends and family to keep up with your changing and perhaps growing family?  Yes. Cool.  BUT don’t rule out the tried and true old school method of sharing and admiring your family – PRINT!! 

Summer and Seniors

It’s no secret to anyone that knows me that summer is my favorite time of year.  Combine my favorite season with my camera and what has become one of my favorite subjects to work with and it’s a win-win-win!  

By late summer my calendar fills with excited teens about to enter their senior year of high school.  This year is no different.  Despite the start of the 2020/2021 school year maybe looking different (remote, hybrid, or in-person) the feeling of finally being the class that rules the school has not changed.   One way or another these “kids” are ready to hit the ground run’n and they bring it for the camera as they transform into young adults…..

 Here are a few favorites from a recent shoot with one who is sweet, fun, and part of the Class of 2021!

The Forgotten Milestone?

Throughout your child’s life there will be many milestones.  Some of them (ok, in my world ALL of them!) may even be deemed worthy of a professional photoshoot.  Most of us think about the newborn session, the one-year cake smash, then maybe there’s a family shoot at the toddler stage.  For sure, all worth capturing. 

As our kids get older we think about Sweet 16 and then of course senior high school portraits.  But what about that big gap of in between years - the sometimes dreaded “tween” years.  Let’s face it, sometimes it is an awkward stage.  Often it seems at this age the child starts to shy away from the camera hypercritical of their perceived “flaws.” But what if we made it a “thing” to really celebrate the milestone of reaching your teen years–the BIG 1-3. Thirteen!  Welcome to being a teenager! Show me something about you, your style, and your personality in all its awesomeness, because I know it’s there. 

That was this shoot.  I loved this shoot.  This new teen was encouraged to bring a prop or two – I had suggested a scarf or perhaps a fun hat.  She brought the hat. But, when she arrived and requested some shots with her much loved skateboard I knew I liked this “kid!”  YES!  Great idea!  And so, we took those shots with the hat (which she looks adorable in if I do say so myself) but I think my faves from this shoot are with that board.  As soon as we brought that into the frame she just naturally relaxed and posed like a pro with it.  

SO, what is YOUR new teenager’s “prop of the moment?”  Guitar?  Soccer Ball? Paint palette and brush?  Bring it on!

Another milestone hit; an amazing time of change and transition. Let’s not forget this unique stage and style of their journey! 

Why Kids and Pets?

“You realize you have chosen the two most difficult subjects to photograph, right?”

I’ve lost track of how many times this question (or some form of it) has been posed to me.  I know what they mean by it; kids and pets can be tricky to photograph, as they never sit still!  But the thrill of the chase with my camera is part of what makes each session memorable in its own way.  

Choice of subject matter is essentially endless and anyone choosing to photograph a specific genre will have their own reasons, tastes, and style for their subject of choosing.  I admire the incredibly talented landscape, food, architectural, real estate  (just to name a few) photographers out there and will never say never about learning and perfecting that craft but for me the meaning behind that “chase” for the family I am working with is real.   I can absolutely relate….

I LOVE that I have about a zillion old family photographs in my possession.  I know what my parents looked like as kids and what my grandparents and their siblings looked like as kids.  I know what type of cool cars they drove, what their holiday décor looked like and where they took their families on vacation. I laugh at the goofy images of my siblings and I in every horribly silly plastic Halloween costume, dance recital tutu and our finest BIG hair moments! I treasure the old family wedding photos and grandfathers’ military photos that were saved and passed down generation to generation.

The images document my family’s story through the years.   For better and yes sometimes for worse (we ALL have some of those awful awkward teen school photos kicking around!).  But, ultimately I wouldn’t trade them for the world and I bet you wouldn’t either.   

In happy times such as weddings doesn’t the display of old childhood photos of the bride and groom give everyone a good laugh, a nostalgic glimpse of the past and possibly a peek at what their future family might look like?  In times of tragedy with the loss of a property or worse a loved one (person or pet) what is the first thing we all go looking for? The old photos.  They become priceless to us in such times when we need to laugh (and sometimes cry) about days gone by. 

So don’t wait!  

The time is now! 

What is YOUR story?

Camera in hand – Sneaks on my feet – I’m ready for the CHASE!