Comments for Smile Like a Dog

Comment on A Basset Hound Finds Love After Puppy Mill Hell by Bill Cokas

Bill Cokas — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:54:21 +0000

First rate advice. Our first dog was a purebred (from a verified breeder), but our current dog is a rescue, who was far cheaper and no less of a joy to us. A lot of people who seek purebreds need to just put aside two preconceptions: 1. Purebreds are “better” because you’re paying more, and 2. Rescue dogs must have some kind of problem or they wouldn’t be in a shelter. If you’re even vaguely in the market for a dog, before you say “I simply must have a [insert designer breed here],” attend one rescue event (Petsmart, etc.) or take a walk through the kennels at your local shelter and prepare to be pleasantly surprised.

Comment on A Basset Hound Finds Love After Puppy Mill Hell by Mark

Mark — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:06:29 +0000

My pleasure, Addy. It’s wonderful to see a happy ending like this.

Comment on A Basset Hound Finds Love After Puppy Mill Hell by Addy Dawes

Addy Dawes — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:21:53 +0000

Fantastic write up on our South Fork Kennel intake and one particular hound… Claire… She had a wonderful foster home for nearly two years before her real savior appeared. Now she has the one on one attention that she really needs, and is beginning to feel safe in her new environment. Thank you to Mark, to Linda, and to her foster parents, who all love her enough to celebrate her life and the little steps she takes every day….

Comment on Angling for a Better Pet Photo by Betsy Dallas

Betsy Dallas — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:57:37 +0000

Funny Mark! Can’t wait for your post on ‘dog poop shoes’! I went to an indoor show about a year ago and there had been some ‘accidents’ on the show hall floor which I completely ignored and walked through….apparently. The fragrance during the 1-1/2 hour ride home was ridiculous! Those shoes went right into the utility sink with a STRONG detergent!

Comment on Angling for a Better Pet Photo by Mark

Mark — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:12:44 +0000

Hi, Nancy. Black dogs and cats are in a class by themselves when it comes to photography (some of us joke that they suck light) . Pure white animals can be equally tough for the opposite reason. I’m envisioning quite a few posts covering this in the future because, frankly, there’s not really one simple solution for it. I can tell you this, though. If you’re shooting in natural light it’s best to avoid direct sunlight (on your cat or dog) unless it’s first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon or early evening. The light’s a lot more forgiving when the sun’s at a low angle. Good, indirect light generally gives the best results. For inside shots if you can get your dog or cat in a well lit room near a window that you can cover with a thin curtain (white or neutral) that works well, too.

Comment on Angling for a Better Pet Photo by Mark

Mark — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:52:03 +0000

Thanks, Ivo

Comment on Angling for a Better Pet Photo by Mark

Mark — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:51:46 +0000

Thanks, Betsy. My version of business casual is a bit more casual than most. I actually started buying most of my shoot clothes at JC Penny. The jeans are decent and I get about 10 at a time. Cheap sweatshirts and tshirts are also key. And then there’s the dog poop shoes. But that’s a post in itself…

Comment on Angling for a Better Pet Photo by Nancy

Nancy — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:35:00 +0000

Mark
How do you get a great photo of a jet black dog (or cat). Mine don’t seem to show her face vey well.

Comment on Angling for a Better Pet Photo by Betsy Dallas

Betsy Dallas — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:25:46 +0000

Good tips and beautiful portrait. I am always apologizing for my appearance at photo shoots because I pretty much wear older stuff that can handle crawling on the ground and getting really dirty. I just washed a pair of jeans that was covered in muddy paw prints from a visit to the dog park! Love your work Mark!

Comment on Angling for a Better Pet Photo by Ivo

Ivo — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:42:11 +0000

I love your dog photos