Fuji Time

Seriously thinking about moving from Nikon to Fuji. As much as I love Nikon gear, my camera bag is so heavy from the weight of the cameras and lenses. Lugging a heavy camera bag around has taken a toll on my back and shoulders.

In my continuing mode of downsizing and simplifying my life, I'm giving Fuji a go. I've been playing around with the Fujifilm X100F. I think it will be a great keep in your purse, travel, street, walk around, compact camera. It is small, lightweight and comes with a 23mm lens (35mm full frame equivalent). No interchangeable lenses. It's a great focal length for walking around and capturing those snippets of life whether it be at home or traveling.

Tested it out on my animals at home.  

Birdie & Dixie

Birdie & Dixie

Having fun with Rascal's ears and a mirror. There is a definite advantage to shooting with a small camera.

Having fun with Rascal's ears and a mirror. There is a definite advantage to shooting with a small camera.

Peg

Peg

Ernie

Ernie

Photography Tip - Lean in

When photographing people and their pets, have everyone lie down on their stomach including you, the photographer. It's a wonderful way to get personal with your subjects. I love portraits where faces are side by side and touching. It's a terrific way to show that special bond and connection people share with their pets.

Ask the person to lean into their pet, hug their pet, cradle their pet - whatever feels comfortable for them. Let the love flow and capture what they give you. 

Keep it simple, relaxed, have fun and make it memorable.

Photography Tip - Sweet Slumber

If your bedroom has good light, take photos of your pets on the bed.  Pets feel safe and relaxed on the bed - it's a great place to capture some very endearing and intimate moments.  Some of my favorite photos of my pets are of them sleeping.  I caught my cat, Peg, sleeping on the bed with one paw over the top of her head.  My camera was tucked away in a camera bag in another room. I didn’t want to lose the moment, so I grabbed my cell phone and took this photo of Peg.

As the saying goes - the best camera is the one you have with you, and often that will be your cell phone. Always seize the moment. You may never get a second chance.  

That doesn’t mean you can’t prepare or prep the space ahead of time. It really is all about the light. Avoid direct sunlight. Bright sunlight streaming through a window will be harsh and contrasty.  Make sure the bed is not being illuminated by direct sunlight but rather diffused light.  You can see and feel beautiful/diffused light in real time. It floats in and illuminates the space seamlessly. You can place sheers in front of a window to diffuse/soften the light. I have ivory colored sheers covering my bedroom window. The sheers turn the window into a giant soft box. Invest in some window sheers, work the light and be ready when your pet gives you something special.

Meet Monk

Meet Monk

March 26, 2017

" I am a hippopotamus Dog." - Monk

Every month Logan Ryan features an adoptable Pit Bull for his Ryans Monthly Rescue. Monk from  Mayday Pit Bull Rescue and Advocacy in Phoenix, AZ is the March pup. 

Monk was kept in a basement for two years while being used as a breeding dog. He missed out on the joys of going for walks and all the things dogs love to do. He has a lot of catching up to do and will be available for adoption soon with Mayday Pit Bull Rescue.

Marvin

March 24, 2017

The faces and stories of rescue will both break your heart and make your heart rejoice.

When AZ Happy Tails Animal Rescue pulled Marvin from Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, he was a mess. His skin was burning and full of open sores from a severe case of mange due to years of neglect. He was in severe pain and shut down.

AZ Happy Tails went into warrior team mode and fought for Marvin. He is a testament to how love and compassion can heal the spirit and medical care the body. 

Animal welfare organizations are working around the clock saving, loving and healing animals. Please support your local shelters and rescues by adopting your next pet. If you can't adopt, consider fostering. If you can't foster, consider making a donation. Animals need your help!

Marvin is looking for an exceptional human to trust and share his life. Might that be you? 

To meet, adopt and learn more about Marvin click here.