6 Sit. Stay. Love.

Last week I volunteered to photograph a dog event at Anthropologie in Marlton, NJ. Anthropologie partnered with the Animal Orphanage of Voorhees for "Sit. Stay. Love.," a pet adoption event where a handful of adorable dogs ended up finding homes that day. I also shot photos of pets with their owners, which was a wonderful opportunity because it's not every day you get to photograph dogs with such lovely backdrops. Thanks to Anthropologie for the wonderful opportunity!

Sit. Stay. Love.

8 Puppy love

I was lucky enough to spend this past Saturday at the PSPCA photographing shelter dogs, as well as dogs that were previously adopted from the PSPCA and were attending training classes. I'm now comfortably using the manual setting on my camera, thank goodness. I must admit, photographing dogs is much different than roller derby girls or my husband playing video games. I really enjoy the challenge, though, and hope to visit the PSPCA again in the near future

One of my dreams is to pursue pet photography, and I would love to start building up my portfolio by offering complimentary sessions. If you know anyone in the Philadelphia-area who would like a free pet portrait session, please have them contact me! I haven't had the opportunity to shoot any cats yet, so I think that would be a great change of pace (apart from the fact that I'd probably sneeze all over my camera since I am super allergic to kitties). I think the only pet that I'd be a little hesitant about is a snake, because I am a total wuss when it comes to slithery reptiles. As long as the owner can promise me I won't be eaten like Jon Voight in Anaconda, then I think I'd be okay.

On a semi-related note, I will be at the Anthropologie in Marlton, NJ this Friday, October 9th, from 5 to 8pm photographing dogs with their owners. All across the country, Anthropologie stores are holding puppy-related events throughout the month of October, including pet adoptions, food drives and yappy hour parties. Feel free to stop by for wine & refreshments, or to just visit the adorable dogs that will be up for adoption!

Puppy love

0 Christmas in August?

I did a bad thing. I ordered a DSLR even though I am as broke as a joke (are jokes really broke? I don't get it...). I really want to teach myself how to use one of these bad boys so I can hopefully delve into pet photography and other future fantabulous endeavors.

I'm going to be raising money to pay the photography equipment off by (hopefully!) doing custom pet portraits and the like. I just recently received two commissioned portrait requests—one for a hilarious & sweet gal who wants a portrait of her pet rat named Hadrian Rodentdoodle (who unfortunately passed away), and another for a Weddingbee-reading bride who wanted some illustrations for her wedding invites of her and her fiance and their two adorable dogs. I am so lucky to have such amazing clients who are helping me pay the bills!

Now, without further ado, here are my new friends:



I wish I had these in time for Miss D'Orsay's wedding tomorrow, but alas, I just ordered this all today. I am super excited to meet a ton of bees at her bridal bash-o-rama, woot! Oh my gosh I just realized it's Project Runway night. My life is now complete.

Christmas in August?

1 Join me for the Summer Outdoor Screening Film Series tonight in Philadelphia!

For those of you who are local, come out and join me, the mister and our dog Betty White tonight at the Summer Outdoor Screenings Film Series at 2nd & Pine under the historic shambles in Philadelphia!

I'll be selling my prints, buttons and pocket mirrors, along with original work, along with Chic Petique and PAWS Animal Welfare Society! Bring the youngsters out to watch Beethoven at 8pm (I so secretly love that movie even though I'm 25). Adoptable retired racing greyhounds will also be prancing around, courtesy of the volunteers from Philadelphia Greyhound Connection! Plus, Betty White will be sporting a ridiculous dress and participating in the pet fashion show, which should be...interesting!

Join me for the Summer Outdoor Screening Film Series tonight in Philadelphia!

5 Animal tales!

I just finished my second shelter dog illustration for my upcoming children's book, "Gimme Shelter." This is Kamica, a dog that was rescued from the PSPCA.


I really like exaggerating certain features when working on pet portraits (thus the huge nearly Anime-esque sad eyes on Kamica). I've been communicating back and forth with the PSPCA about my children's book idea and they have been so supportive and helpful. They've put me in touch with a trainer who will be able to guide me around the facilities to take photos of the dogs and get to meet them to get a sense of their personalities (this way I can reference the photos for upcoming work).

In other doggy news, my friend Rakia invited me to exhibit my work next Wednesday evening (8pm) at 2nd & Pine under the historic shambles, where they will be holding a complimentary showing of the movie "Beethoven." Chic Petique will also be in attendance and giving out prizes to the best-dressed pets. I'm totally bringing Betty White in her lobster attire, so come out and hang with us!

Also, custom pet portraits are available at my Etsy shop, so if you are itchin' to get your favorite four-legged (or two-legged, or no-legged!) critter drawn, don't hesitate to stop by! I'm trying to save up for a refurbished Canon EOS 40d so I can eventually become well-versed in pet photography, so wish me luck!

Animal tales!

5 Makeover-o-matic!

For those of you were are kind enough to include me in your Google Reader, feel free to hop on over to my blog to check out the fantastic redesign by Kelly at Blush!nk. I realize I haven’t posted in like two months, so I apologize for my rude absence! I was getting tired of how fugly my blog was, so now that it’s all chipper and cute I think I will be more inclined to post, but I can’t promise I’ll be overwhelmingly interesting. As I type I’m wearing a foam crocodile hat (which I named M.C. Hammer), which I will have photographic evidence of later this week. Suspense!

I have a solo show lined up for December at MilkBoy Coffee in Bryn Mawr, which I am very excited about because, if you haven’t been there, it’s a great spot for artwork and live music (not to mention delicious frothy beverages).


I’m still waiting to hear back from the PSPCA regarding how I can go about taking photos of shelter dogs for my children’s book I’d like to write and illustrate, “Gimme Shelter.” One of the illustrations in the book will be of the adorable Dexter and Noodle, who were adopted by the lovely duo that is behind Philadelphia’s own “Something’s Hiding in Here.” I was able to give them the original at the Art Star Craft Bazaar, which made me happy since I adore them and like making fellow crafty folks smile.

More critter prints are back up on Shana Logic since they sold out, so be sure to grab them while you still can!

Last Saturday I woke up at 2am to take the train with my sleepy-eyed hubs to NYC and audition for Bravo’s upcoming show, “The Untitled Art Project.” I can’t help but desire to be the female artist equivalent of Santino (minus the rockin’ beard). After being abruptly shit on by pigeons not twice, but three times, I was certain that my chances were slim. Who wants to cast a girl with pigeon poo remains in her hair? Turns out my assumptions were correct. I probably shouldn’t have immediately rambled to the gentleman at casting about how I got defecated on during my wait on the line, but I can’t help but say inappropriate things during the so-called “pivotal moments” of my life. I may or may not have went on a tangent about Snoop Dogg and Paris Hilton. Le sigh.

Anyway, thanks for hanging in there and visiting my neck of the woods. Major props go out to Kelly for giving my blog a much-needed makeover. I pinky swear I’ll write more soon.

Makeover-o-matic!

3 You know you want a commissioned portrait of your pet hermit crab....

Hello everyone! I just wanted to make a few announcements about my Etsy shop. Button and mirror packs are now available, featuring my critter illustrations!

Due to the fact that the hubby's transmission just died and is going to cost nearly $2,000 to fix (goodbye honeymoon savings!), I have been inspired to offer custom pet portraits in several sizes.
If you or anyone you know would like a commissioned drawing of their adorable pet, I'm your gal! I am crossing my fingers I'll be able to help raise money to pay for the car repair so we can have the honeymoon we've always dreamed of. Also, the originals from my "say hello to my little friends" series are for sale in my shop, so be sure to check it out! Remember, all PSPCA members will receive 10% off any item!

My next illustration series will focus on rescue/shelter dogs, and I will be posting the first drawing of the bunch sometime next week. I would like to eventually write a children's book that includes my illustrations of dogs from local shelters, to help educate children about the benefits of adopting or fostering a pet. Ideally, proceeds would be donated to the PSPCA and other local shelters if all goes well!

I'm trying to remain positive despite having quite the depressing week so far (starting the week off with a way-too-early gyno appointment, having the hub's car die, the dog peeing in our bed at midnight last night, etc.). My prints seem to be selling like hotcakes on Shana Logic (they have already sold out!), which makes me as happy as a little lamb.

Thank goodness a long weekend is ahead of us and we have a visit to the beach in store for us (my parents just moved close to Rehoboth Beach, yay)! I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend!

You know you want a commissioned portrait of your pet hermit crab....