VP Shoots Photography: Blog https://www.vpshoots.com/blog en-us (C) VP Shoots Photography (VP Shoots Photography) Thu, 10 Apr 2025 23:53:00 GMT Thu, 10 Apr 2025 23:53:00 GMT https://www.vpshoots.com/img/s/v-12/u72374969-o284808826-50.jpg VP Shoots Photography: Blog https://www.vpshoots.com/blog 120 101 Camping at Colt Creek State Park, Lakeland, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2025/3/camping-at-colt-creek-state-park-lakeland-florida At the end of February, we decided to take a couple of nights and go over to Colt Creek State Park, located at 16000 State Route 471, Lakeland, Florida.  But, don't let the fact that is says "Lakeland, Florida" make you think that it's in an area where there is well, great cell service?  (no, at least not with Verizon) or even a close by store or gas station (no - unless you think driving for 10 minutes or more is close).  This is probably not one of the most visited state parks but wow it's a great campground!  And the wildlife - well, it's there for sure.  

 

This park has a small campground of 33 campsites with water and electric.  There are 2 dump stations as you exit the campground, but no sewer hookups at the campsites themselves.  There is 1 bath house serving the campground which is a fairly new structure and well maintained with the help of volunteers.  They also have 1 washer & dryer should you need to do laundry.

There are a LOT of people from up north camping down here in Florida during the winter months.  When we did our reservations at the beginning of the year (January 2025) we were not able to get a campsite for 2 nights - so our first night was campsite #9 and our second night was campsite #29.  After we got there we noticed that campsite 33 was available the whole time, so next time I will probably check just to make sure someone hasn't cancelled.

Campsite #9

Campsite #29

Each campsite came with water hookup, electric hookup, picnic table, campfire ring, campsite grill.  All sites were gravel and all were fairly large in size.  Most of the sites were kinda an "L" shape so you have some privacy in most of the sites.  A few were pull through sites and they didn't have the privacy I saw in the back in sites.

Things I liked about the campground:

1) it's quiet

2) all sites are gravel

3) sites are surrounded by Florida natural plants and grass (yes, grass!)

4) bath house was clean, functional and well located

5) trash cans throughout the campground make it much easier to get the trash 'taken out' like at home (both of our sites were really close to a trash can)

6) wildlife is abundant

7) it's a fairly dark sky unless you're close to the bath house (which is lit up big time)

Things I didn't like about the campground:

Nothing! sorry, there wasn't anything I didn't like - we loved our couple of nights there!

 

There is a separate area towards the back of the campground that is for tent camping.  By the tent camping is a small parking area for about 6-8 vehicles.  This area looked to be pretty full also during our stay.

Wildlife

Shortly after we arrived (checkin time is 3pm) I took the dogs for a walk around the campground loop.  We (and the dogs) saw a gopher tortoise crossing someone's campsite.  Dogs went nuts barking.  Never saw another one while we were at the park.

Marsh rabbit(s) - campsite #9 has a little trail that goes back to the 'group camp circle'.  A marsh rabbit showed up for dinner (or maybe just to tease our dogs).

Deer - each day we drove around within the park and we saw a lot of deer when we were out at dawn and dusk.  Actually saw a young buck this time too.  Most of the time I see just the does.

This deer was just about outside my window when I took this photograph.  At first, I was using a Nikon 70-200 and photographing through the windshield of the truck because we saw them along side the road when coming back from the ranger station.  This one kept munching on food and walking right towards my side of the truck until I was almost looking straight at it.  I think that's when the deer realized the truck was between her and her buddies on the other side of the road, so she went and joined them.

Shortly after sunrise, we saw this young buck from the truck and stopped to get some photographs.

Alligator - the first day we went to visit one of the lakes off the dirt road near the entrance to the park - there were several large gators hanging out in the lake.

Birds - there are a lot of birds at this park.  It's the time for robins to be in our area.  Also saw other song birds and a few larger water birds (egret, ibis, heron).

Night Skies

During our time camping, there were several planets out that were 'aligned' so we took a few minutes to try and see them.  This is when we found out how much light the bath house actually shines into campsite #9 - so we didn't get the 'dark night skies' we had hoped for.

When we moved over to campsite #29, the bath house wasn't so much an issue - and we had found that the lakes off the dirt road would be a perfect place to go, but the clouds moved in and we couldn't really see the night skies.  So, we retired a little early and decided we would get up for the sunrise on our last morning there.

Trails

Trails - this park has a lot of them!  We walked 2 different trails while we were there.  The first trail that we walked appears to be a small portion of the 'red trail' based on viewing the map provided by the rangers.  This part of the red trail is just before you reach the family campground (if you were coming from the entrance to the park).  We enjoyed this part of the trail because it was shady and had lots of various types of plants - some were flowering.  

Please be aware that this park does allow for equestrain (horses) camping and many (if not all) of the trails could have horses and horse manure.  During our stay we didn't see any one camping with horses so we didn't have to concern ourselves with fresh horse manure. Our second day of hiking we were on trails down by the equestrain campground on the blue and red trails - we walked for about an hour, the dogs loved it. 

Florida State Flower - Tickseed (above) 

Blue Eyed Grass (below)

Sunsets/Sunrises

Sunset by Little Lake (near the butterfly garden where parking and a restroom is available).

Sunset by Little Lake

Ollie enjoying the sunset by Little Lake

The next morning, we were getting up while it was still pretty dark outside.  Here's the dogs thoughts on this! Rue is all snuggled up in the bed, under the blankets. 

Rue looks like she is saying, "What - you want to get up for sunrise? It's dark outside and I'm pretty comfy here."

Not so sure I want to do this, perhaps a little more sleep.

And on the other bed, Ollie looks like she is up and ready - her eyes are wide open.  Abby on the other hand, is still in a sleeping mode (just like Rue).

But, they all did get up once we were closer to getting ready and we did see the sunrise.

This is along the road between the family campground and the Equestrain Campground.  It was a little foggy and beautiful!

It's a wrap, heading home

Soon our stay at this beautiful park was ending and we would be heading home - but it was a great experience.  Hopefully, in the future we can return again since it is close to home. 

One thing to note, none of the family campground sites are shaded except when the sun is lower in the sky. Once the sun is higher in the sky, you will have full sun.  That might be pretty hot during the warmer months here in Florida.

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) biking camping colt Colt Creek State Park creek fishing Florida hiking horses lake Lakeland lakes outdoor park pine rural rv rv camping state tent camping trailer trails wildlife woods https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2025/3/camping-at-colt-creek-state-park-lakeland-florida Sat, 08 Mar 2025 09:00:00 GMT
Big Talbot State Park, where the 'boneyard' lies - Jacksonville, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2025/3/big-talbot-state-park-where-the-boneyard-lies---jacksonville-florida I've wanted to visit Big Talbot State Park since the time I found out about it (and that's been a long time!).  Finally, we are over in the Jacksonville Beach area camping (when we stayed at Hanna Park) and I'm getting that chance!  I saw several signs indicating that we were entering the "Florida keys area of the north" because all of these parks in this area are on little islands.  There are several different parks as you travel north on A1A and bridges that attach the different islands to each other.

Little Talbot State Park
 

Our first trip out this way we visited Little Talbot State Park - this park was nearly empty when we visited early on the week day.  Dogs are not allowed on the beach, so we took turns going out to see the water - a beach with no one on it.  Ever think you might see that?

 

Little Talbot State Park has several decking paths through the sand dunes to the beach.  They also have picnic shelters and bathrooms.  When I arrived at the beach, it was empty!  Something that you don't see to often here on the west coast.

Little Talbot State Park was more 'formal' with a ranger station to stop and pay as I have been accustomed to. 

Big Talbot State Park

But I really wanted to see the boneyard beach.  This was a little harder to figure out exactly where to go - we wanted to take a short hike, not the longer one which is several miles.  In reading on a website, I found that we were looking for a sign that said "The Bluffs" (scenic shoreline picnic area).  This was located on the right if you're coming from Jacksonville area.  It's not big, you could miss it.

When I saw the sign, we pulled in to the area and drove around a little bit trying to figure out what the next step was to get to the boneyard.  There is an overlook that you can see from the parking area - so I know I'm in the right area.

 I spotted another sign.  This one said "Shoreline Access Trail" and another brown sign with the details of the trail.

So, based on this sign, we can do the hike with the dogs but they are not supposed to be on the beach.  The trail itself was not a long hike, perhaps a half mile one way.  This is a hike in-hike out trail (not a loop).   We started the hike - the dogs loved going on trails, so they had no issue starting down this path. 

Before we got to to the beach, here's the girls waiting with me.

Abby choose to face the way Jim had gone to the beach.

Rue choose to guard the backpack with the goods! (water/snacks)

Ollie found herself a little patch of shade (and apparently has a wrinkled nose in this photo).

I've seen this tree in photos before, I suspect that it has been there a long time.
 

The beach was pretty wide, only a few other people wandering around (like 4) and it was a quiet atmosphere.  If the dogs were allowed on the beach, we probably would have stayed a lot longer, but we took turns each spending about 30 minutes on the beach while the other hung out at the end of the trail with the dogs.

Boneyard beach is all about the driftwood from trees laying along this part of the ocean.  This is how the beach is naturally, whereas the beach at Little Talbot State Park is clean of any driftwood.

We visited mid day, I'm sure this is beautiful at sunrise!  If you get a chance, drive on out to see this wonderful state park - Big Talbot State Park is located on State Road A1A North, Jacksonville, Florida 32226.  The location we stopped at did not appear to have any park rangers.  If it hadn't been for someone's review of "The Bluffs" online I'm not sure that I would have found it.

Fernandina Beach

We continued on State Road A1A all the way to Fernandina Beach.  Winding through the little islands that are attached by bridges (hate to see a hurricane evacuation for this area!).  Once we got into the downtown area of Fernandina Beach, we found a nice dog friendly place to grab some lunch.  If you're in the area, you might want to check this place out, Timoti's.

The 'twins' hanging out by the outside table with us (Abby was somewhere, but couldn't get a photo of her).

After lunch we headed back to the campground which was a good number of miles back on A1A.  And across that darn bridge that scares me!

I took a lot of photographs of this bridge because I can't stand bridges like this one (too high and reminds me of the Sunshine Skyway).  But when it was my turn to drive across it, that was worse!

That's it for this adventure.  Hope you enjoy following our travels.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) beach Big Big Talbot Big Talbot State Park bluffs boneyard boneyard beach dogs driftwood hiking Jacksonville Little Little Talbot Little Talbot State Park ocean park State Talbot water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2025/3/big-talbot-state-park-where-the-boneyard-lies---jacksonville-florida Wed, 05 Mar 2025 21:30:54 GMT
Camping at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Jacksonville, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2025/2/camping-at-kathryn-abbey-hanna-park-jacksonville-florida Our first trip in 2025!  This trip was a little different than some of the trips we took in the past as it was a chance for Jim to visit friends and family.  During Jim's younger years, he spent quite a few years living in Jacksonville.  So, we decided to take the camper over to Jacksonville, Florida and enjoy camping while visiting.

Since I last posted about an RV trip, I have joined several different facebook groups and I asked - Any one know good places to camp in Jacksonville, Florida?  A large number of the people mentioned "Hanna Park".  This park is on the east coast located very close to the military base located in Jacksonville.

When we arrived Sunday afternoon, we were greeted with a very nice park!  Our campsite had full hookups (water, electric and sewer).  This park does have a gate to enter the campground and you must have the code (you'll get it when you check in) for the gate in order for the gate to go up when you arrive.  The code changes on Tuesday's - you can get the new code at the front office or the camp store (it looked like a really nice camp store, but we never actually got a chance to visit).  We did find out that the code doesn't change real early, so make sure you don't lose the old code until it is changed.

The entire campground is shaded from what we saw (we didn't see the entire campground because it is large!).

We stayed near the back of the campground (and this is a really big campground). Our campsite, #167, was located on the last row of sites. 
 

The electric hookup includes 30 and 50 amps along with a few plugs if you need to plug in something else directly to the hookup.

 

Nothing glamourous about this, but it's nice to have!

 

Rue found her spot!

A short walk to the lake which we checked out just about every day! 

The dogs loved walking down to the lake as they had an open area that was good for taking the pups to explore and do what dogs need to do.

Shortly after sunrise...

There is a dock that goes over the water a short distance.  A sign indicates that it can be used for fishing but I never saw anyone actually fishing in this area.  There are signs for alligators, but didn't see one of those either.

A short trail goes off from this area which the dogs were all for checking it out.

We ended at another part of the campground.  It was a very short walk, but enjoyed it!

They have a lot of biking and hiking trails at this park - we didn't get to explore that much, but if you're into doing either of these - it's a good place to go.  

The beginning of a trail - you can always tell who got stuck with me because they are in the foreground of the photographs (in this case, Abby and Ollie).  Rue is busy running off on the trail with Jim (much to their dismay).

Rue and Abby took a few minutes to pose for me!

And Ollie did too!

Another great feature of this park is the Atlantic Ocean - yep, it's right here waiting to be explored!  After a couple of days we managed to get up early and head over to see the sun rise.  Since we were at the back of the campground, it was a bit more than I would walk when "in a hurry" to catch the sun - but I'm sure our dogs wouldn't have had an issue doing that walk.

Here's a few photographs from the sunrise.

There are a few areas where it says "No dogs allowed on the beach".  However, we did find other areas that just indicated the dogs had to be on a leash - so we checked out those places late one afternoon and let the dogs have some fun just enjoying being in the sand and checking out what the water was.  Abby has been to the beach a few times in the past, but I think this was the first time for our little girls, Rue and Ollie.

Abby didn't appear to really want to get wet, so as the waves came in, she came further onshore.

Rue and Ollie seemed to enjoy the beach sand, but unfortunately we couldn't let them run free.  

 

What I liked about the campground and park:

  1. It was shady!  Lots of beautiful Florida landscaping here
  2. The dogs had two areas to walk to when we were at the campground - the lake or the nearby playground areas could be easily reached from our campsite
  3. The trails! I wish we had more time to explore those
  4. The beach
  5. Full hookups

What I didn't like about the campground and park:

  1. Ticks - there were a lot of these and I'm sure it was because it was such a wooded area - We did see one armadillo and Jim saw one raccoon after dark (thankfully the dogs were already inside!) - either way, be prepared because they are plentiful and the freeze the week before didn't contain these little pests
  2. Low flying helicopters - the active military base provided for a lot of low flying helicopters over the campground and unfortunately the day we were coming home was the same day a military helicopter crashed into a plane in Washington, D.C. 

This park also has several full bath houses with showers and restrooms.  The heat was wonderful in them!  As it was a little chilly in the mornings and evenings.  There is also a laundry room and some visitor parking.

This park and campground is run by the City of Jacksonville.  They do accept reservations online.  Google "Hanna park campground" and you'll be able to find it.

 

Hope you enjoyed seeing a little about our camping trip to this part of Florida.  I will do another post soon on our visit to Big Talbot Island State Park.

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Abbey beach biking camper camping canine dog Florida Hanna Hanna Park hiking Jacksonville Jacksonville Florida Kathryn Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park ocean outdoor park RV trails https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2025/2/camping-at-kathryn-abbey-hanna-park-jacksonville-florida Fri, 07 Feb 2025 14:06:22 GMT
RV Camping Trip - Facts, Tips, Cost, etc from our trip https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/12/rv-camping-trip---facts-tips-cost-etc-from-our-trip As I wind down the blog posts from this particular RV trip, I wanted to share a few things that we learned, cost, etc.

We stayed at a total of 8 different RV Parks during this trip (direct links to blog post are at the bottom).

  1. Falling Waters State Park, Chipley, Florida - Campsite #15
  2. River's Edge Campground, Holt, Florida (private) - front of office
  3. Natchez State Park, Natchez, Mississippi - Campsite #39
  4. Magnolia Hill RV Park, Pleasant Hill, Louisiana (private) - they only have 6 total, we were in the middle
  5. Cloud 9 RV Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas (private) - Campsite #B4
  6. Whitewater RV Park, Mountain View, Arkansas (private) - Campsite #16
  7. William Bankhead National Forest, Corinth Recreation Area, Yellow Hammer, Double Springs, Alabama - Campsite #10
  8. Florence Marina State Park, Omaha, Georgia - Campsite #39

I learned that a campsite comes in many different forms.  Some have a concrete slab, some have small gravel, some have dirt - but they all seem to have electric and water.  Some have sewer connections, some don't.  I sometimes felt like Forest Gump and his box of chocolates - never know exactly what you're going to get, until you get there.

We travelled no more than 380 miles per day (and that was a rough stretch for us).  A more comfortable number of miles for us is probably 250-300 for future planning of our trips.  This would be especially important when we are not on daylight savings time because we might be more likely to arrive when it is just about dark at a given campground.

On our trip, we travelled over 2,500 miles total.

The cost for all reservations (made in advance) was $468.95 with an average of $33.50 per night.

We met several really nice people at many of these campsites.  The people you meet are what makes RVing the most fun - seeing new sights, doing things each day and talking with people from everywhere.

Tips/Things we learned along the way:

1) The dogs were all pretty good in the back seat of the truck without dog beds. They wanted water at almost every stop (every 2-3 hours) - and food was good too.

2) One person had a new Sonic 2023 RV and the black water tank on her RV was not secured well and it 'fell down'.  Jim checked the one our Bushwhacker and it is very well secured with brackets (thankfully).

3) Westlake tires will dry rot long before the tread will go bad.  Change those tires before 3 years or you are likely to have a blowout.

4) If you are planning to leave your RV for any period of time while camping, turn off the water to your RV before leaving.  This will prevent any chance of your RV flooding while you are away.

5) Having tools to fix issues while on the road is a great idea.  There are mobile RV businesses that will come fix your RV, but you may be waiting a while (not days, could be weeks).

6) Sometimes someone may be in your campsite even if you reserved a specific site (this happened for 2 of the 8 stops we made).  This isn't good in my opinion, but it was resolved by giving us another campsite - what happens if one isn't available?

7) The weight distribution system for our trailer definitely made a difference in a positive way on the bumping along of the trailer.  However, a friend mentioned that this does put more stress on the nose of the trailer, so be mindful of this.

8) Quiet times are ok - enjoy the sunrises and sunsets.

Sunrise, yellow river, Holt, Florida Sunrise on the Yellow River in Holt, Florida - River's Edge RV Campground (Jim's photo)

Sunrise, Natchez State Park, Mississippi (Jim's Photo)

Sunrise at Whitewater RV Park, Mountain View, Arkansas (Jim's Photo)

Sunset (Jim's photo)

Sunset, William Bankhead National Forest, Corinth Recreation Area, Double Springs, Alabama

 

 

Dog Friendly-our dogs, etc...

1) All of the things we did were dog friendly with one exception.  The cavern tour at Blanchard Springs Caverns.  For this, Jim bought a ticket to do the tour at noon, I bought a ticket to do the tour at 1:20 and we switched off on who had the dogs.

2) Only one campground, River's Edge in Holt, Florida, had restrictions on the dogs and this was specifically related to "dog breed".  Bully breeds were not allowed.  There may be other breeds not allowed, so definitely check before booking.  River's Edge also does not allow refunds so be sure before you book!

3) Our dogs, especially Rue and Ollie, prefer to be tied/leashed up outside our camper at the campgrounds.  Abby did sometimes but often prefer to hang out in the camper on the bed and catch a snooze.

4) Our dogs LOVE going on these trips - I think they love spending all the time with us and having the adventures.

The Mighty Mississippi River, Natchez, Mississippi - looking north (Jim's photo)

The Ritz Movie Theatre, downtown Natchez, Mississippi (Jim's Photo)

Would I go to any of these places again?

Yes, I might - but there are so many places to see - it's possible we may not.

One thing to note, Natchez, Mississippi has a Hot Air Balloon festival along with music the 3rd weekend of October every year.

Natchitoches, Louisiana has some wonderful Christmas light displays that are very pretty (so I hear from my cousin).

The cost host at Florence Marina State Park strongly encouraged Jim to come back - they had lots of stories to share, but not enough time!

Only time will tell if we go back to any of these places.

What Next?

 

Several people have asked, "Where will your next trip be to?".  

It is my hope that we can do some shorter trips in Florida while it is "winter" (at least cooler and not 90+ degrees).  

The next longer trip we are in very early stages of planning, and we are currently thinking of trying to head to North Carolina (not the mountains) and potentially into Virginia.  There are a few people we would like to visit in those areas - as well as new places!

No dates, no specifics, for our next longer trip, but it will be after concerns of freezing weather.

I have since joined a few facebook groups that are specific to RVing to learn tips from others such as winterizing our camper (should we be somewhere with freezing temps), favorite campgrounds for areas we are thinking of visiting, tools for planning trips and fun stuff like that.

I have also been exploring the possibility of trying to do more night photography with the hopes of getting some 'great shots'.

Last, Yes - we did love doing this trip!

Sunset - Almost home now

And down the sun goes....

And with this last sunset photograph just before we got off the interstate just 15 minutes away from home, we will close this blog post series and wait for more adventures to come soon.  It's been one month now that we have been home from this trip, can't wait to head out for some more adventures soon!

 

Blog Post Links (in order)

Falling Waters State Park, Chipley, Florida

River's Edge, Holt, Florida

Natchez, Mississippi

Pleasant Hill & Natchitoches, Louisiana

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Mountain View, Arkansas - Day 1

Mountain View, Arkansas - Day 2

William Bankhead National Forest, Corinth Recreation Area, Double Springs, Alabama

Florence Marina State Park

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Alabama Arkansas Bushwhacker camper camping dog-friendly facts Florida Georgia Louisiana Mississippi newbie rv rv rving sunrise sunset tips trailer travel blog https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/12/rv-camping-trip---facts-tips-cost-etc-from-our-trip Sun, 01 Dec 2024 09:00:00 GMT
Camping at Florence Marina State Park, Omaha, Georgia https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/camping-at-florence-marina-state-park-omaha-georgia Florence Marina State Park

This is our last stop on this trip – we arrived here at Florence Marina State Park on the west side of Georgia around 5pm (seems to be our arrival time most of the days).  We have travelled from northern Alabama to Georgia.  This park we visited about 10 years ago when we had Jimbo (and no other dogs).  We brought our cat, Torie, home from this park on that trip – this time we didn’t see any stray cats thank goodness!

This leg of our trip was 273 miles.

 

A good portion of it was on the interstate, but once we got off the interstate, seems like we were travelling a good amount of road that was in the ‘middle of nowhere’. 

Along the way we stopped for gas and I saw this big peach!

My concern was that we needed to ensure we had a full tank of gas when we arrived at this park because I didn’t recall there being much nearby.  Just before we crossed the water, going into Georgia we found a small store with a gas station (pumps from the 1970s!).  After getting gas and an ice cream sandwich, we cross the water into Georgia and back to Eastern time zone. After setting up our camp, we walked across the field to watch the sun set.

That night we searched for a ‘dark place’ in this park.  Needless to say, they have lights everywhere!  We did find a place that was somewhat dark, and I took some photographs of the night sky.  A quick Google search indicates that this is the milky way which is visible in Georgia in October from about 8pm till 10pm (the timeframe we were out there).

 

We stayed here for 2 nights – I wanted a day to go back and visit the Providence Canyon State Park which is about 8 miles up the road from Florence Marina.  Providence Canyon doesn’t have rv camping, so this is the place most people camp.  We had gone there our first trip to this park.

Early the next morning, I got up and started walking the dogs.  My original intent was to take them out in this field, but it was pretty early and I could see deer were over there (and the dogs started to notice also).  So, we walked around the campground area by the miniature golf course and back to our campsite instead.

The Campground

I really liked this campground.  It was nice to have the little golf course, but we didn’t get a chance to rent the clubs from the ranger station and play a round – hopefully we will get a chance to come back here and camp in the future – and maybe play that round.

Why I liked the campground:

  1. The entire campground has trees making it shady
  2. There are several big open areas to enjoy. Also great for walking the dogs
  3. They have electric, water and sewer hookups
  4. The campsites were well taken care of and we had a nice site with a picnic table (I think most of the campsites have a picnic table – especially state parks)
  5. Friendly neighbors and a friendly camp host
  6. Ranger station was nice as well as the staff
  7. The bath house was nice.  Appeared relatively new and included laundry area

Our campsite.  We were on the curve, so our campsite was a little different.  Very close to the people that were behind us (you see in this photo) but not so close to anyone on the left of the truck.


The big field was directly in front of our campsite.

The bath house is centrally located to most of the campsites in the campground.  This is looking from our campsite.  There is parking in front which I used when I was taking the laundry over there.

They have a fairly new gazabo nearby as well as benches where you can sit and see the sunset.

Providence Canyon State Park

The beginning of the hike is by the visitor center at this park.  It is a good walk down hill and probably isn't for those that aren't used to hiking.  We didn't have any issues with it but there are signs to caution people before starting out on the trail.

After a short hike, you will be at the canyon floor and can view several of the canyons from the bottom.  Abby and Ollie were with me while Jim had Rue.  The girls are looking out....so what's next?


I noticed that there appear to be a lot more signs telling people to stay off the canyons than I remembered from a number of years ago.  The entire canyon was created by bad farming practices back in the 1800s.  Over time, water has eroded a good portion of the stone and left the canyons behind.  This particular park has been referred to as "Little Grand Canyon" by many - I originally found this park when it was featured in a copy of the Outdoor Photographer magazine (which is no longer in publication).

I asked Abby to pose because I had asked Jimbo to do the same so many years ago.

Below we got all three of the girls to sit in front of the 'slot canyon' that you can walk inside and look up in.

Rue couldn't hold her pose anymore - she is almost always the first to break away and come running back!

We did another trail while we were there, the 3 mile white trail - this took you to some of the other canyons.  We walked that trail hoping to get another view of the canyons from the top.  Interesting enough, we did run into some old cars that were rusted out, but we didn't see another view of the canyons until we were back at the day use area.  In other words, if you just want to view the canyons from the top, stop at the day use area - don't take the hike with that expectation.

We returned back mid-afternoon after enjoying a day of hiking at Providence Canyon.

The next morning, the dogs and I took our final walk at this park and enjoyed the quiet of the early morning hours.  Soon, we would be heading home.  

For more photographs from our stay at Florence Marina State Park, click here.

I will have one more blog post from this trip which will show a few photographs from the drive home and give some insights into the trip overall.

I hope that those of you viewing the photographs and reading the posts have enjoyed them - there will be more as we are already planning some additional trips!

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) boating Bushwhacker camper camping canyon dog dog-friendly Florence Florence Marina Florence Marina State Park Georgia Georgia State Park Georgia State Parks: hiking lake marina night sky Park" Providence river rv State State Park water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/camping-at-florence-marina-state-park-omaha-georgia Thu, 28 Nov 2024 09:00:00 GMT
Camping at William Bankhead National Forest, Corinth Recreation Area, Double Springs, AL https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/camping-at-william-bankhead-national-forest-corinth-recreation-area-double-springs-al The drive from Mountain View, Arkansas to Double Springs, Alabama is a fairly long one in terms of travel time.  We headed out about 9am on Sunday morning to begin the drive.  We are finally starting to head home, heading southeast to eventually return to Florida. But we have a few more fun filled days before that happens!  The Google map says this drive is 352 miles to get to our campsite in William Bankhead National Forest outside of the town of Double Springs in Alabama.

We headed out taking Highway 14 east/25 north for a good number of miles - heading towards Memphis, Tennessee.  It's Sunday, so some of the smaller towns don't have anything open at this time.  We stopped for gas in a small town called Newport, population 4000.  The store wasn't open, but the gas pumps were on - so we took a quick potty break and continued on our path.

How did I find this place?  Honestly, I was looking at the route that Google was sending us to get home first.  Then I was looking at the number of miles we were driving.  I kind of appeared to be in the middle of nowhere. Go figure.  So, I started searching around and finally found a place that looked interesting.  Then checked out the campground and said that looks like a winner!

 

This was quite a drive to get from Arkansas back to northern Alabama.  What did I see along that path?

Cotton Fields.....

Farm equipment.....

Water towers (man, every town has one within viewing distance of the road we were on)

Detour sign ....hmmm, guess we are probably taking the long way to get across the Mississippi River.

Welcome to Tennessee? Um, Memphis? I guess I had no clue how we were getting from Arkansas back to Alabama.

Bass Pro has a big pyramid building by the interstate in Memphis.

Oh, and now we are in Alabama.  We should be getting closer to our destination now.

Eventually we got off the interstate system and had some more country roads getting to our destination.  One of those roads where you really don't know what's on the other side?  This doesn't happen much in Florida, so it's still weird to me to have the road appear to 'end'.

By this time in our trip, I had done no planning on what we might want to do while we stayed here.  This was totally not started because of all the hurricanes and loss of power the week prior to our trip.  We arrived and got our paperwork (there was no ranger at the check in station).  When we went to what was supposed to be our campsite, well, someone was in it.  Yes, this again (just like Cloud 9 in Hot Springs).  So luckily, we had cell service (We have Verizon) and I called the number posted at the ranger station.  She got a hold of the camp host.  And we ended up moving from campsite #6 to #10.  There were a lot of really nice campsites that were vacant, but we took the closest one to the one we had actually reserved.

I wanted to catch the sunset, so we did quick setup, let the dogs go potty and then tried to scramble to the lake view and catch the sunset.

Well, it was pretty!  But to many dog potty stops and we didn't make it before the sun went behind the trees.  Oh well, we have 2 more nights to try this again.

This area is really dark at night - and the stars were great.  But, the first night I was to tired to stay up and try to capture any photos, so I just looked at the skies and said "Wow"!

The next morning, we didn't have any real plans, so first we cooked breakfast while the dogs hung out outside.

Corinth Recreation Area

Our campsite is located in the Yellow Hammer area of the National Forest.  Within that, we are in the Corinth Recreation Area.  First up, let's take a look around the area that we are actually staying at just in case there might be something right here that we might want to check out today or tomorrow.  The trees were really beautiful - some were changing colors, others not yet.

We wondered down near where one of the boat ramps is located.

We noticed that the water levels area really low.  Later in our trip we found out from on of the other campers that they lower the level of this lake in the winter months - it is dam controlled.  It's a really large lake with lots of 'fingers' coming off of it.  The maple trees did have red leaves.

 

Just hanging out - sometimes we did stop to just lay around.

The dogs really liked the 'sandy beach' which is actually the bottom of the lake exposed due to low water levels.

 

Per the website for this area:

The Corinth Recreation Area is a state-of-the art campground located on the on the shores of the upper part of Lewis Smith Lake in Winston County. Initially built in the 1960s and renovated in 1998 it offers facilities for individual and group camping, picnicking, swimming, and boat launching. 

We stayed in the Yellow Hammer section of the campground.  After driving around and looking at the two areas, I found that the area we choose seems to be a little prettier.  Plus, this area is very close to the lake and some of the camp sites actually have a view of the lake.  Access to the lake requires you to walk or drive down to other areas to get to the water.

There are several bath houses in the campground.  The one that I used is nice, clean and everything (bathrooms and showers) were functional!  Always a plus.  I didn't do laundry here so not sure whether or not they have those facilities.  Some of the camp sites are drive through and some are really big!  To think we could have chosen one of those.....oh well.

 

Natural Bridge Recreation Area

So, next up I found an area that looked like it would have some hiking that we could do with the dogs.  It is within the National Forest and is called the Natural Bridge Recreation Area.

We are the only ones here - no other cars around.  So we parked, tried to find a map (nope).  They did have an outhouse (at least this one isn't on wheels!).

So, we found the trail and started walking.

It's pretty.  The trail is small stones or gravel - so at least we know that we are on the right path.

I have no idea what Jim is doing, but Ollie is looking straight at me - Rue is off somewhere else.  Abby is with me, so she isn't in this photo.

Ok - let's get goofy!  These leaves are in the area of a foot long!

Natural Bridge

Long ago, this area was a shallow sea that deposited sands and other sediments. These deposits formed the sandstone rocks you see around you and limestone and shale in other areas of the forest. During that time, the tectonic plates that comprise today’s North America and Africa collided, causing the formation of the Appalachian Mountains and the rise of the Appalachian Plateau.  Here in the Southern Appalachians, the plateau known as the Cumberland Plateau.

As precipitation fell and vegetation grew, the rocks broke down and formed soil. Because some stones weather faster than others, canyons, rock outcrops, overhangs (rockhouses), gladed, and natural bridges were formed. The result is the landscape you see today – the Black Warrior Mountains.  The ridges are the remaining flat plateau land, while the natural erosion of rock forms everything else.

Natural bridges are stone archways spanning an “erosion valley” like a stream bed. Water flowing through the feature erodes the rock creating a natural “bridge” over the erosion valley. While a water source forms natural bridges they do not always continue to have water flowing beneath them.

The above is from the sign outside of this area.

 

 

 

We eventually ended up back where we had parked the truck - so this trail is a loop.  It is a nice walk and isn't very long.  Probably took us about 30 minutes or so to walk, but it's nice and quiet here - nothing else around anywhere!

Longest Natural Bridge - East of the Rockies!

We noticed this particular 'attraction' while we were driving to our campsite the day before.  This park opened in 1954. Since we now knew what a natural bridge was, and it looked like a nice place to hike - we decided to back track to this place and see what it was all about.  First, since it is 'an attraction' it does have a fee to go do the hike.  Second, the attraction is dog friendly - so I paid the entrance fee and we started hiking.

We started off on the hike - and soon we got to the "Indian Face".

Then we continued a short walk and found this natural bridge.

Can you tell that Jim is standing just outside of the frame?  Abby is giving a side ways glance to see what exactly it is she should be doing.....

The old church

This old church is located very close to the campground area.  It appears to still be in use as I looked inside the windows, but unfortunately it was locked so I couldn't go inside and look around (take photos, whatever).

Night Skies

The night skies here do not have any issues with light pollution!  The only light pollution is from your neighbors camping in the various sites.  I decided to take the camera out and take a few photographs without leaving our campsite (it's really dark here and Jim wasn't up to going down to the lake).

Our little guy with some of the lights on.  The white lights are obviously from inside the camper.  The green light, wow, who knew it was 'so bright'.  It is coming from the gadget that we put on the electric hookup to make sure that all is good for the camper (meaning, no shorts, issues with the electric hookup).

Double Springs Veterinary Clinic

 This evening, Ollie started having 'potty troubles'.  At first, I just thought she needed to go potty - so I put the leash on her and took her out.  Thankfully there was no wildlife out at the time because that would have been a totally new and not so good experience.  A few hours later, Ollie did the potty dance again and woke me up.  This time I took a flashlight with me to see what might be going on.  Ugh, looks like Ollie has a UTI - we got to find a vet.

It was good that we had cell phone service - and actually Verizon service here was very good.  I looked up to find the closest vet - 20 minutes away in Double Springs (in the town, not the forest we were in).  We decided the next morning to drive over to the clinic and see if they could take Ollie in. 

Our luck, the decided to repave the main road into this campground and recreation area.  So we had to take a dirt road. We did get a little lost on the dirt roads.

The horses weren't about to tell us which way to go....and coming back was even trickier but we did finally make it back to our campsite.

It hasn't rained here in a while.  The dirt was dirty!  And my white truck was caked with dirt all over it - don't touch it, you'll be really dirty if you do.  They don't want you to wash your vehicle at the campground.... but I wonder if anyone would have really noticed - there isn't any staff there and the campground host was gone for the afternoon.... but we didn't.

The vet was not too busy (unlike here in Tampa) and within a few minutes they were able to take us in.  I've been through this before with other animals, so I knew to capture some of the doggie urine and bring the sample in with me.  Good to have 'throw away tupperware' containers with you :) The vet confirmed Ollie had a UTI, gave me the medication to make her get better.  Also, advised that Ollie might appreciate a 'day of rest'.  So we grabbed some fast food on the way back to the campground.  

The rest of the day we relaxed and then eventually did walk some of the trails at Corinth Recreation Area which was nice.  Abby got to play in the water a bit and we enjoyed the time not being too busy.

Ollie made a complete recovery by the time we got home.

 

The Sunset

So, each night I wanted to go try and capture the sunset over the lake.  The first day, we just missed the sun going behind the trees, but the colors from the clouds were good so we took photographs.  The second day, we started out a little earlier, but the darn dogs went potty to much and dang it if the sun didn't disappear behind the trees before we got there again!  Apparently, the people that had the campsite right next to the lake view noticed our attempts to get the sunset!  As we headed back to our campsite, we stopped to talk with them for a few minutes.  They said, you need to try and be there by 5pm.  So, the third day, we got there at 5pm and of course we had to wait for the sun to set - we were at least 15 minutes to early. But, unfortunately, there were not clouds for this sunset, so it wasn't as pretty.  Another group of people from another campsite showed up and we spent a good amount of time talking with them before heading back to our campsite.

Our Campsite

#10 in Yellow Hammer area of the campgrounds

The campgrounds - what I liked:

  1. The campground itself was very pretty - lots of trees, good size sites
  2. Water (that dripped a bit), electric, and sewer hookups at the site
  3. Trails within the campground
  4. Bath houses were clean and functional.  They have several bath houses in the yellow hammer section of the campground
  5. Very little light pollution
  6. Very little noise overall
  7. Remote from town(s)

The campgrounds - what I didn't like:

  1. One thing I did not like - we had to do the camp site shuffle again.  What would have happened if there wasn't another site available?
  2. The ranger was not there so you couldn't purchase any ice, firewood, etc nor could you ask about 'things to do' in the area

Overall, our experience was good, and I would return to this campground if I were in this area of the country in the future.

For more photographs from this campground stop, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Alabama Bankhead boating camper camping canoeing dog-friendly Double Springs fall forest hiking lake national forest natural bridge October rv water William William Bankhead William Bankhead Forest William Bankhead National Forest https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/camping-at-william-bankhead-national-forest-corinth-recreation-area-double-springs-al Mon, 25 Nov 2024 09:00:00 GMT
Camping at Whitewater RV Park, Mountain View, Arkansas - Day 2 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/camping-at-whitewater-rv-park-mountain-view-arkansas---day-2 Mountain View, Arkansas - Day 2

After we finished spending the majority of our day at Blanchard Springs Caverns, we came back to Whitewater RV Park and relaxed for a little while.  Once rest time was over, we took the dogs walking in the city park.  We found a stream that had enough water for the dogs to have a little fun.

This RV Park is surrounded by city park space.  Walking thru the campground to the back, we found the beautiful stone amphitheater.  It isn't used that much anymore, but it sure looked like a great place to spend some time with the dogs.  There is a trail back there, but we only walked a short distance since it was getting late, and we had no clue how long it would take us to hike (I know, the sign said 45 minutes).

City Park (to the west of RV park)

On Saturday morning, we decided to take the dogs walking over in the city park to the west of the RV park.  Mostly, I wanted to make sure they had a chance to do whatever they might need to before I took them into an area that probably wasn't the best dog bathroom areas.

Abby always wants to get into the water!

I looked at the number of trees....and then saw this sign...and wondered if my 'flying disc' would end up coming back at me every time I threw it?  But, if you wanted to play Disc Golf, hey go for it!

Ollie hanging out in the stream - I think she is munching on grass (maybe part cow).

 

42nd Annual Bean Festival

I was asked when I arrived to check in if I was coming to town to attend the "Bean Festival".  Having no clue what he was talking about, I asked about it.  It's a really big thing for this small town!  And since we were about 4 blocks away from downtown, I knew we would have some time on Saturday to go attend and check it out.  

Saturday, we went to the bean festival. First, what is a "Bean Festival"? This particular festival is about:

1) A cookoff of pinto beans - people enter the contest to cook the best recipe using pinto beans

2) Someone judges them to see who's the best is

3) Art vendors (like an arts and craft festival)

4) Live mountain music

5) Food vendors

All outdoors, all dog friendly.  So seemed like a good way to spend part of the day.

We walked around quite a bit of the area to see the various sights.

Mountain music played in front of the courthouse. Soon, we settled down in a nice spot to watch the "Outhouse races" (this I had to see just to find out exactly what it was!).  I think the dogs were ready to relax a bit, but I was told by others there at this festival that 20,000 people were there!  If that is the case, then there were a lot of people there.

Ollie says, "Did you say outhouse race?"


Ugh, I better get comfortable!

Many of these don't look much like outhouses to me - but they were much easier to push!  Outhouse races, "Go #2"This looks like an outhouse to me!Outhouse races, "Go #2"

These last two look like traditional outhouses to me!

The dogs enjoyed being in the crowd as much as a dog can!  Good thing is they were on their best behavior. Eventually, we stopped at a vendor to grab some corn dogs (Abby loves corn dogs).  There were a few people that were laughing because the dogs were so good at following the corn dogs.

On the walk back to the RV park, Abby spotted - What is it?  You can tell she isn't sure.

Abby started to figure out it wasn't real.  But still wasn't sure.

So that pretty much wraps up our time in Mountain View - the rest of the day was mostly relaxing time.
 

 

Whitewater RV Park

This is probably one of my favorite places we stayed along this trip.  Why?

  • The park had friendly neighbors
  • Electric, water, sewer hookups at the campsite
  • WiFi (all the private RV parks we visited had WiFi)
  • Green space on our campsite
  • Picnic table
  • Clean bathrooms, showers
  • Washer and dryer available (and I used them for 1 load of laundry)
  • Friendly RV staff
  • Close to town, walking distance if you don't have issues walking uphill a few blocks
  • Beautiful areas to walk our dogs adjoining the RV park (this park is surrounded by city park spaces)

For more photographs of Mountain View, Arkansas, click Here!

 

On Sunday morning we rose early and headed out about 9am to our next stop.  Taking highway 14 east and 25 north most of the way out towards Memphis, TN.  Stopped for gas in a small town called Newport with a population of 4000.

 

 

 

We are now starting our trek back home.  Our next stop will be in Alabama – join me for my next blog post coming soon!

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 42nd Annual Bean Festival Arkansas Bean Festival dog-friendly downtown festival Mountain mountain music Mountain View outdoor outhouse outhouse races park race View https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/camping-at-whitewater-rv-park-mountain-view-arkansas---day-2 Sat, 23 Nov 2024 18:42:58 GMT
Camping at Whitewater RV Park, Mountain View, Arkansas https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/camping-at-whitewater-rv-park-mountain-view-arkansas Mountain View, Arkansas

We arrived October 24th, stayed the nights of 24, 25 and 26.  Headed out on the 27th (Sunday).

On the morning of October 24th, we packed up and left Cloud 9 RV Park east of downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas.  Since we didn’t have a lot of miles to travel (about 140 miles), we decided to take a ‘longer’ path that would take us near Little Rock, Arkansas and then head on up to Mountain View.  Looking at the Google map, that seemed to be the way with the least little squiggly lines!

Wow, these interstate systems in both Louisiana and Arkansas have a lot of ‘fly overs’ (and I hate those!).

We arrived at Whitewater RV Park midafternoon Thursday.

After getting settled in, I took the dogs over to the city park next door.  It is very nice!  It has an old stone amphitheater build around 1969.  Lots of steps and very photographic.  That's our little patch of 'heaven' for the next 3 nights.  The dogs really liked having a little bit of green on the campsite as most all the others did not.

 

I had asked the RV park manager what things were good to do with dogs?  Where might we take them for some hiking?  He suggested Blanchard Springs Caverns and Mirror Lake.  I did some research and found that they had cavern tours here that were still open for the season.  I bought a ticket for Jim to take the tour at 12 noon when I would take the dogs, and we would go off hiking.  Then I bought a ticket for me at 1:20 so he could take the dogs while I went and did the tour.  That worked out great, so we both got to do the tour, and the dogs were happy too!

Blanchard Springs Caverns

When we arrived at Blanchard Springs Caverns, we were treated to some really nice fall colors on the trees along the entrance road.

We arrived early enough that we could do a little hiking and exploring before the cavern tour.  The path to the spring (waterfall) was very short and had been set up for people that might have physical disabilities. It was a short walk, but I think this is the only waterfall we saw this entire trip.  Arkansas is in a dry season – they had not had any rain at all for the entire month of October.

Blanchard Springs

This beautiful stone bridge is part of the parking area for Blanchard Springs.

The sign in front of the springs says:

Rainwater falling on the Ozarks has soaked into the ground for millions of years. As it moved thru cracks in the limestone bedrock, it dissolved the stone and slowly widened the cracks to form Blachard Springs Caverns. The water remained in the caverns until surface erosion curved valley now. As this valley cut deeper and deeper, lower sections of the cave were drained. New springs then developed below older dried-up springs. Blanchard Springs probably came out of the holes high on the bluff above us many years ago when the streambed lay 20-30 feet above it’s present level.

This stream flows thru bat sanctuaries on its way thru Blanchard Springs Caverns. The water is enriched because of bat wastes and the decaying remains of those that died. Although this does not affect the appearance the water, it does make it UNSAFE TO DRINK.

After seeing the springs, we took a short drive back up the road to take the trail and see Mirror Lake and the remnants of the old mill down by the water.

Mirror Lake and the Old Mill

The first few photographs are Mirror Lake and the dam associated with Mirror Lake.

Mirror Lake, a three-acre rainbow trout haven, is constantly fed by the 58-degree water flowing from Blanchard Springs Caverns, 14 miles north of Mountain View, off Ark. 14. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the stone and concrete dam that created the lake during the 1930s. The lake is restocked periodically. SOURCE: Mirror Lake | Mountain View, AR | Arkansas.com

 

 

Sign posted by this mill says: Mitchell mill, originally a two-story structure built of oak and walnut. With the mill, Steve Mitchell provided ground corn and ginned cotton from 1900 until 1928.  Mr. Mitchell died, and his family sold the property to the Forest Service. The rock foundation and walls were added by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1942. Exquisite rock work is the hallmark of the CCC, a post-Depression program to put young men to work.  Their plan was to restore the mill to an operational condition, but the work was interrupted when the CCC was disbanded at the onset of World War II.

Unfortunately we ran out of time to take the trail down to the bottom where the water is flowing over the stone dam and see a different view of the old mill stone work.  There is a trail that goes along the water if you are visiting and want to take the trail down.

 

Dripstone Trail tour, Caverns

I loved seeing the caverns.    The only tour that is open at this time of year is called the “Dripstone tour”. The cost per ticket was $16 and they request that you get your tickets in advance online. I don’t think I have actually seen any since we went out to Carlsbad Caverns back when Matthew was a teenager.  That’s a long time!  The tour starts at the visitor center. 

Anyway, we got into the elevator that takes you down about the depth of 22 stories (216 feet below the surface).  Pretty far down.  Once you arrive the elevator doors open and you’re in a very large room at 58 degrees and close to 100% humidity (didn't feel that cold to me).

"The first professional exploration was in 1960 by Hugh Shell and Hail Bryant. In 1971, scuba divers entered through the spring entrance and followed its course. The divers followed 4,000 feet of underwater passages and also mapped five caverns filled with air but inaccessible at that time. They photographed the awesome cave formations and noted forms of cave life. They estimated that it takes about twenty-four hours for water to flow through the cave, a journey of less than a mile." Blanchard History and Culture - Blanchard Springs Caverns


They did create a shaft (kind of like a mining shaft) that was blasted through the mountain to get to another room that was not accessible otherwise.  Once we emerged back into the daylight a bus (looks like a school bus) is waiting to take us back to the visitor's center.  We have walked about .4 miles underground.

The first photograph below is what you see when you first emerge from the elevator - this big room!  Here you will have the opportunity to sit down while the ranger gives you some information on what you are seeing.

The blue colored areas are exits from the cave (or entrance depending on how you view it).  Below, do you see the ship (boat) in the cave walls?

Oak Pine Woodlands Trail

While Jim was taking the caverns tour, the dogs and I hiked the Oak Pine Woodlands trail.  This trail can be reached from the visitor center parking lot which made it easy to get the dogs over to and get walking - plus they had some really pretty colors in the trees along the trail.  The trail has 2 loops - the inner loop is about .3 miles and the outer loop is about .67 miles.  We had plenty of time so we kind of mixed up the inner and outer loop and not exactly sure how much we walked but the plan was to wear the dogs out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

After spending a good portion of the day out we headed back to the campground to rest.  Since we spent multiple days here and did a lot while we were here, I will close this blog post and start another for the rest of our time in Mountain View, Arkans

 

 

 

To view more photographs from Mountain View, Arkansas and our time there, click Mountain View, Arkansas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Arkansas Blanchard Blanchard Springs Blanchard Springs Caverns camper camping caverns dog friendly dog-friendly hiking mill Mirror Lake mountain old mill Ozarks springs trails view water waterfall Whitewater Whitewater RV Whitewater RV Park https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/camping-at-whitewater-rv-park-mountain-view-arkansas Wed, 20 Nov 2024 13:59:19 GMT
Camping at Cloud 9 RV Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/camping-at-cloud-9-rv-park-hot-springs-arkansas It’s Monday, October 21st (Jim’s birthday) and we are now heading to Hot Springs, Arkansas.  This is my first time going to Arkansas – I have never been in this state before.  My cousin Jim said that we should stop in Hot Springs since we were planning to go to Arkansas.  I found out when we were visiting that this is where he was born.

We made it to Arkansas!

Our destination is the Cloud 9 Campground located east of Hot Springs downtown area.  This is a private campground that is part of the “Good Sam” campgrounds associated with Camping World which Jim joined earlier this year.  The drive to this camping stop is about 259 miles (from Pleasant Hill, Louisiana to Hot Springs, Arkansas).

 

What I liked about this campground:

  1. Water, electricity and dump stations at each campsite
  2. Nice club house which has a big screen tv, pool table, small gym area and plenty of room to hang out if you have a big group. Air conditioned as well
  3. Bath house – very nice with lots of homey touches to it
  4. Laundry area with several washers and dryers; quarters are available at the office – I have now found a new reason that one must have quarters!
  5. Trail to walk the dogs – there was a nice, wooded trail to take the dogs for a walk each day
  6. WiFi – this was welcome as we were able to get a few channels on our tv and also use the apps that we had downloaded like we do at home.  Keep in mind that before we left on this trip we had been without electricity for a week – so just being able to watch tv was a novelty

What I wasn’t crazy about:

  1. The campground was primarily rock, shells; Since it had not rain in over 3 weeks in Arkansas it was dry and very dusty
  2. Campsites were very close together without much privacy; not like what we were used to in the state parks

NOTE: later on in our trip we did learn that there are several really pretty campgrounds to the west of where we were staying.  Perhaps if we are in this area again, we might try one of those.   I don’t know the names of them but a Google search shows: Gulpha Gorge Campground or Lake Catherine State Park.  Of course, neither of these would have WiFi.  My experience thus far is that state parks don’t have WiFi at the campsites.  Private campgrounds do.

We arrived around 5pm at the campgrounds.  There was a mix up on our campsite and we had to get in touch with the office to see about getting a different campsite (someone had an RV in our spot already).  Once this was resolved, we were able to setup for the 3 nights that we were planning to stay.  I decided 3 nights was a good amount because if the weather was bad, then we would still have one day (hopefully) that we could explore the location.

It's Monday evening and with WiFi at the park, we decided to relax and watch the Bucs play on our small RV television.

On our first full day there in Hot Springs, we weren’t all that sure what to do.  Unfortunately, we booked our trip back in August, so I knew where we were going and how long we were going to be at each location.  But, I thought that I would have plenty of time to get some potential things to do at each location.  I had not banked on what we were dealt.

  • On Thursday, September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene was bearing down on us (and of course the week before we were busy getting ready).
  • For a few days after this, we had cleanup work to do from the storm and were without power for 18 hours.
  • So, in about 3 days we were back to normal (September 29th)
  • However, now Hurricane Milton was coming, and this one was going to be bad….so we now went into a bigger scrabble to get ready for the next storm because I knew we would lose power – but for how long?  (and hopefully that was the only thing that happened).
  • On Wednesday, October 9th we were finally hit by Milton (seems to me that storm was a little later than we originally thought, so we were in wait mode for getting slammed).
  • Our power went out that night and it didn’t come back before we left on the 15th to start our trip…so I had no time nor internet (except my phone) to do any research on things to do at each location…
  • So we winged it!

 

The funny thing was, I was trying to figure out exactly what the Hot Springs National Park was and where it was – but we finally found it!  And we also found the famous ‘bath houses’ and then we figured out where to spend the day.

This was a long day – first we drove around in circles (literally) because I was a poor navigator, and Jim was trying to do what Google was saying.  Anyway, we finally found one of those brown signs that says, “Hot Springs National Park” and pointed us in the correct direction!

Next challenge was, what do we do now?  Having little clue, we decided to head up a path that was a driving tour up to the top of the Hot Springs Mountain Tower.  When we arrived, the dogs wanted out for a walk – it was potty time and then let’s explore.

There is a fee to go up to the top of the tower, we decided not to do it - but it's an option if you want to.

After spending some time here and grabbing an ice cream at the shop, we headed back towards the downtown area.  We needed somewhere to park, so we found a place, fed the meter and started walking.  Found the bath house row – kinda cool. 

They had an area where you could see a ‘natural hot spring’ that was not changed.  We went to see that – Abby found out real quick this water wasn’t for swimming – she got up close and then backed off almost immediately – I believe that water is about 120 degrees.  Glad she is smart.

I went into the visitor center which is also a museum and got a map – and saw a little of the inside of the museum (free) and what the bath houses were like.

 

Now it was time for some food, lunch. I googled to find dog friendly places to eat.  The closest place to our current location was a burger place Bubbalu’s.  Jim went in to figure out whether they were indeed pet friendly and where did we go with the dogs.  Apparently, yes, they are pet friendly and sit anywhere you want (inside) – that’s a first.  We ordered our food at the counter, then found a table to sit down at. 

Abby

Rue (between my feet again! and under the table)

Ollie

The one thing I remember is that I thought the place was a lot larger than it is because they have the back wall as a mirror – so it looked that way, but it wasn’t (good joke – they said they have had a lot of people and kids run right into that mirror before they realize it!).

 

We are heading back to our car; it is about 3 in the afternoon.  Stopped in front of the wax museum and there was a woman asking if we wanted to take the ‘duck tour’ – the next one was at 4pm.  Dogs were allowed.  Ok – I will give it a try.  While we waited, she said we could buy a combo ticket to see the wax museum, or we could do a wine tasting.  Any idea what we did? Did you need 2 guesses?

Patience little girls, it's air conditioned in here - a narrow walkway to where the wine tasting was happening.

Wine tasting it is!  They said when remodeling they found a recipe for the “southern pour” and created it.  Then they created combinations added fruit (peach, blackberry, etc) for different flavors.  Jim bought several bottles.

That's the duck vehicle on the left - and the wax museum where we did the wine tasting.

We had to wait a little while before the next tour started, so here the dogs are either sacked out or at least resting for a bit.

Wow, she actually let the hat stay on long enough to get a quick photo!

Eventually it was time to start our duck tour.  The dogs hated it.  They were scared, freaked out and just plain couldn’t handle what I had gotten them into (they wanted off this duck bad).  Needless to say, I spent all my time with the dogs trying to keep them from jumping off and didn’t see much and didn’t take any photos.  Put that on the list of “do not do again!” with the dogs.

It's late now and we are heading back to the campground to chill.  We had a simple dinner, I don’t recall what though.  It had been a long day – remember that photo from the previous blog post of the dogs passed out? That same thing occurs just about every evening of this trip - the dogs were both physically and mentally maxed out.

 

The next day was a ‘chill day’.  I did a load of laundry after getting enough quarters from the office.  We went to a local place to grab some ice cream (Jim loves ice cream).  They told us about a local city park in Lonsdale, Arkansas (about 10 minutes from the campground) that had a stream the dogs could go play in – Abby loves to play in the water.  So we hung out at the park and let them play – no one else was around. 

Nice chill way to spend some time.   Eventually we headed back to the campground and relaxed.  Photos of the campground. Starting with the women's bath house (it was empty except me).

The club house

Our campsite and hookup (I didn't get the entire truck because the spaces were pretty much right next to each other).

For more photographs, click on the link Hot Springs, Arkansas

The next morning, we were headed to Mountain View, Arkansas.  Why you ask?  Because Jim saw some photographs that he thought were really nice and so I booked us 3 nights at a campground there.

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Arkansas bath bath house bath houses camper camping Cloud Cloud 9 Cloud 9 RV Park dog friendly dog-friendly duck tour duck tours Hot Springs National Path park RV Wax Museum wine tasting https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/camping-at-cloud-9-rv-park-hot-springs-arkansas Sat, 16 Nov 2024 09:00:00 GMT
Camping at Magnolia Park, Pleasant Hill, Louisiana & visiting Natchitoches, Louisiana https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/camping-at-magnolia-park-pleasant-hill-louisiana-visiting-natchitoches-louisiana Pleasant Hill, Louisiana - October 18, 19, 20 leaving on the 21st

Before leaving Natchez behind, Jim saw a small plane and wanted to grab a photo - so we stopped for a few minutes.

So we left behind Natchez, crossing the bridge over the Mississippi River and entering the state of Louisiana. 

 

No, we aren’t headed to New Orleans which is probably what most people think of when they hear “Louisiana” (or maybe you think of hurricanes or LSU?).  Anyway, my maternal grandmother grew up in a small community called Pelican, Louisiana (the middle of nowhere, trust me!).  I have a cousin who lives in another very small community called Pleasant Hill near Pelican.  This cousin, "Cousin Jim”, (yes another Jim), and his wife were instrumental in making this trip happen.  So, to my cousin Jim, thank you!  We enjoyed this trip and look forward to doing more in the coming year(s).

 

Cousin Jim told us about a small RV park that is owned by his friend, Ray – called Magnolia Hill RV Park.  This little RV park has about 6 hookups for RVs.  There is electric (50amp service), water and sewer – all the basic things that one needs for an RV. 

The normal fee for this RV park is $10 a night, but Ray said that he and cousin Jim were such good friends that we could stay for the 3 nights free.  Thank you Ray!!!

The RV Park is on the northeast corner of Highway 174 (Oak Street) and Main Street in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana.

The dogs were happy because there was a large open field to explore right behind where we parked the RV – just doesn’t take that much to make them happy!

This little community does not have much left except for:

  1. People – a small community of people living here
  2. Churches – every small community has churches
  3. Cemetery – every small community has at least one cemetery, often associated with the church
  4. Family Dollar – yeah! Finally, a store that is 1 block from my cousin’s house
  5. Small grocery store
  6. Post office that is open till noon

And maybe a few other things that I don’t actually recall.  Our view from this RV park wasn’t great, but hey it was all about spending time with Cousin Jim and his wife. If you like to look at old brick buildings that look like they came out of the early 1900s, then it’s perfect!

 

 I also got to meet his dogs – very friendly to us, but we kept our dogs separated.

I can always find his house because it’s right next to the water tower for the community.  And while I don’t often think about taking photographs of that water tower, Jim did.  Cousin Jim says “He will take a photograph of anything won’t he?” (probably).  I did take a couple of photos of that same water tower when I noticed the sunlight reflecting off the bottom of it (kinda cool).

We met up with Cousin Jim and his wife for dinner as Melinda was kind enough to cook up some spaghetti for all of us – enjoyed seeing each other because it’s been a LONG time (we had Dolly when we last visited). 

Our first full day in Louisiana, we headed down to Natchitoches, Louisiana and spent a good portion of the day.  For all of you that recall, this is where:

  1. Steel Magnolias (the movie was filmed)

Filming took place from July 12, 1988, to early September 1988 in Natchitoches, Louisiana,[1] with historian Robert DeBlieux, a former Natchitoches mayor, as the local advisor.[6] The house where much of the film was shot is now a six-suite bed and breakfast, available for rent.[

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steel_Magnolias#:~:text=Filming%20took%20place%20from%20July,and%20breakfast%2C%20available%20for%20rent.

  1. Jim Croce (a musician) died from an airplane accident

On the night of Thursday, September 20, 1973, during Croce's Life and Times tour, which had been scheduled for 45 dates, and the day before his ABC single "I Got a Name" was released, Croce and five others were killed when their chartered Beechcraft E18S crashed into a tree shortly after takeoff from the Natchitoches Regional Airport in Natchitoches, Louisiana.[25] Croce was 30 years old.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Croce#:~:text=On%20the%20night%20of%20Thursday,after%20takeoff%20from%20the%20Natchitoches

 

I am sure that a lot of movies have been filmed in this town.  It is a very nice historic area with lots of old homes, buildings, and scenery.

We took the dogs for a short walk on the east side of the “Cane river lake” since they had been in the truck for a bit driving down to Natchitoches.  After that, we headed back to the west side and did some walking around and finally found a nice place with a nice outdoor patio to eat lunch.

The food was extremely good - Jim loved his meal!  He got salmon.  I got a burger, but it wasn't just a plain ole burger - it was really good!  This was our first stop where we were staying several nights - so Jim got a break in driving so much - what better way to celebrate than to have a glass of wine (and the wine was so good, he bought the entire bottle!).

After lunch, we were walking back towards where the car was and decided to take an electric carriage ride through downtown Natchitoches.  She said the dogs were free, question was did the dogs want to do it?  With every bunch there has to be some that are more comfortable than others.

  • Abby – I got Abby in the front row with me.  She wasn’t very comfortable with this whole idea.  It took a good while before we got off the bumpy roads and onto smoother roads and finally she laid down and didn’t appear ready to back off and fall down a good 4 feet (which would have been a disaster!)
  • Rue – This girl is just all for adventure – she laid down on the seat and was enjoying the breeze going thru her ears and fur
  • Ollie – She was somewhere between Abby and Rue on the comfort scale but was in the back with Jim and did lay down on the floor and appeared to enjoy the ride.

 

We all managed to get loaded onto the electric carriage!

Abby laying between my feet on the carriage.

Rue sitting next to me on the seat of the carriage.  Ollie was behind me with Jim, so I couldn't manage to get a photograph of her.

This is now a bed and breakfast (above). Below from the east side of the waterway where we initially took the dogs for a little walk to potty.

After we got back from Natchitoches, we got together with Cousin Jim and did some family things.  We are both researching our family history and since it is in this area, we headed off to see where they moved the historical marker for our oldest ancestor in the Lafitte family.  It is now over at the Carmel Cemetery located in Carmel, Louisiana. 

After taking a few minutes to read the sign again, we wondered into the cemetery where Cousin Jim told me Alice had been buried.  I meet Alice back when we had family reunions out in Louisiana. She was a wealth of information for the Lafitte surname.

Our next stop was to the historic Rock Chapel which is maybe ½ mile (probably less) from where we currently were.  It was nice to visit again – I have visited it before, but don’t recall whether Jim had before or not. The road to the Rock Chapel was very pretty in the late afternoon.

If you want more information, I found this link: https://64parishes.org/chapel-in-the-woods - apparently people come from all over the world to visit this Rock Chapel per cousin Jim.

Linda, cousin Jim and Ollie relaxing at Rock Chapel, Carmel, Louisiana
 

After visiting these places, we decided to stop in Mansfield, Louisiana and grab some Pop eye’s fried chicken for dinner.  I think the dogs smelled it and decided they were really hungry!!!

Enjoyed visiting with my cousins and we headed back to the RV to crash for the night.

The next day, our last full day in Pleasant Hill, we decided to take an easier day.  I did a load of laundry at their house.  We went out and visited a couple more cemeteries where family is buried.  My great-grandparents are buried in a small community cemetery called “Wallace Cemetery”.  Several other relatives are also there.  One more cemetery visit and then we called in lunch at the local grocery store – fried catfish, a local food for sure.

The girls (Ollie, Rue and Abby) are happy as long as they are with us - doesn't seem to matter to them where we are.

After a big lunch, we headed back to the RV to take a nap – it’s been a long 6 days and we haven’t done much just chillin.  With the big lunch, there wasn’t any desire for dinner, so we went over and visited again – watching football for a while before saying our goodbyes.

Ever wonder what the dogs do when we get back to the RV?

Yep, pass out!  I think on this particular evening the dogs were passed out on the queen size bed and Jim and I were sharing the twin bed while watching some tv.

We will be headed to Arkansas for our next stop – neither Jim or I (and of course the girls) have ever been to this state.

For more photographs from Natchitoches, Louisiana - click Natchitoches, Louisiana

For photographs from Louisiana (general and cemetery) - click Louisiana photographs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) bridge camping carriage carriage rides cemeteries cemetery dog-friendly electric electric carriage ride Jim Croce Louisiana Magnolia Magnolia Hill RV Park Natchitoches Pleasant Hill Rock Chapel RV Steel Magnolias tombstone water tower https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/camping-at-magnolia-park-pleasant-hill-louisiana-visiting-natchitoches-louisiana Thu, 14 Nov 2024 09:00:00 GMT
Camping at Natchez Mississippi State Park, Natchez, Mississippi https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/camping-at-natchez-mississippi-state-park-natchez-mississippi This is our third day (October 17th) of travelling with the dogs and our camper.  We were headed to Natchez, Mississippi!

The dogs are loaded up and ready to go (whether they are happy about it, who knows....)

Along the way, when we stop - they dogs get a water break, along with a potty and sometimes food break.

Abby and Ollie got first dibs!

Then Abby let Rue in - I got bigger collapsible bowls for the next journey - but it's nice they that are willing to share.

The drive to Natchez took us through the rest of the pan handle of Florida, Alabama and the majority of Mississippi!  We drove a lot of miles on this particular day (after a short day the day before).  Per a Google map look, it appears this drive today was about 318 miles.  That of course doesn’t count the potty breaks, lunch break or gas breaks (we tried to lump as many of these things together as we could into a single stop).

 

Along the way I did take some photographs which I will include with this particular blog post since it was things we saw but didn’t stop in any of these given locations along the way.  Soon we will be leaving Florida - this is one of the bridges that is on Interstate 10 along the way (actually we stopped for gas, and this was the view from the gas station!).

 

So long Florida!  I can't tell you how much Florida has been beaten this year with Hurricane Debby, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.  The number of trees we saw down was incredible.  Since we were on the road just one week after Hurricane Milton came through, there were a lot of out-of-town electric trucks leaving Florida.  Also, some trucks carrying "portable lodging" (as shown in this photo).

After arriving in Alabama, we began to see some 'swampy' areas along Interstate 10.  Overall, a lot of Interstate 10 is a really boring drive!!

We stayed at a state park located outside of the city deep into the wooded areas (at least that is what I thought at first).  It seems that if you are arriving to this park from the south, that you will go down a pretty long road to get to the state park and there isn't much along that road except trees.  Hence the feeling that I thought we might have to drive a good way just to get to town - but just to the north of this park, less than 10 minutes away is a pretty major 4 lane highway that will take you into the downtown area of Natchez.
We arrived!  Thankfully we did make it around 5pm and it was about an hour before dark.

The entrance to this park is very nice - with a beautiful sign. I always take photographs of the signs to help separate all the photographs out when I finally start working on the photos when I return home.

Why did we stop here?

Well, if you recall earlier in the blog series our friends had all mentioned that you probably don't want to drive more than 350 miles in a given day, so I was looking for something that met some basic criteria:

1) Less than 350 miles from our previous stop

2) Nice looking campground based on internet searching

3) Something to do nearby that might be dog friendly, photographic and interesting

 

This stop here is definitely one that I would consider going to again - we did have a good time here and the campground was really nice!  One thing that I did find out, unfortunately a bit late in the game is that the 3rd weekend of October they have a big hot air balloon and music festival.  Since our trip was pretty much set, we didn't get to enjoy those festivities, but we did get to see some of the 'setup' that was happening downtown.

Stayed at Natchez Mississippi State Park

Immediately when we pulled into this campground area, it was very pretty!  I knew I had done a good job picking this campground out.
 

Things we liked about this campground:

  1. Lots of beautiful trees and shade
  2. A concrete slab for the RV
  3. Nice bath house including a laundry area
  4. Friendly neighbors in campsites (and friendly dogs!)
  5. Pet friendly
  6. Lake view (yep, we got a lake front campsite here)

Campsite #39 at Natchez State Park

Our dogs were ready to get out and check out this new stop - they saw some very interesting trees? Maybe they just had to go potty.  We did get there just in time to catch some beautiful late afternoon, sunset lighting on the lake so once we did the initial setup, it was time to check it out before it was gone.

I didn't take any photographs inside, but the bath house was a pretty nice looking building here too. They had a nice, clean facility and also had laundry area available.  I didn't check out the laundry since we had only been on the road a couple of days.

Sunrise the next morning found some beautiful scenes next to the lake with a crisp 42 degrees!  It was wonderful to have a nice, wooded area the dogs could enjoy just feet away from our camper.

We headed into downtown Natchez shortly after we had breakfast so we could enjoy a few of the sights along the Mississippi River before heading out to our next stop on our trip.  I had read that they had a nice riverwalk called Bluff Park (101 S. Broadway Natchez Mississippi, 39120) that was dog friendly to walk the kiddos.  We were able to park in a public, no fee, parking lot right by this area.  The view looking to the left shows the bridge over the Mississippi River.

Walkway over the street along the Mississippi River.

 

Grand Hotel - this particular photograph I turned to black and white - the hotel faces to the west, so in the morning hours I was shooting into the sun which is totally not ideal.  Since we were heading onward in a few hours it was shoot into the sun or don't do it at all.

Natchez Bandstand

Part of the festival setup I'm sure, but it makes for a nice photograph!

My goal on this particular walk was to get closer to the bridge crossing the Mississippi River which we went over later today and to get a bit closer to the paddle boat.  To get to this point, we had to walk down a bit of a hill and of course, eventually walk back up that hill!

The paddle boat on the Mississippi River.

The dogs hanging with Jim while he checks his phone.  We had several people that we were trying to send cell phone photographs to along our way as well as take photos with our digital cameras.  I suspect that the dogs were getting the hang of what was going on, but they did get worn out and slept really well whenever they got a chance.

This particular place is said to be where Mark Twain actually stayed for at least a night back during his lifetime.

Decorations for the Halloween season outside the stores near the Mark Twain place pictured above.

We spent some time driving around and looking at some of the old houses and buildings in downtown Natchez (click on the link to see those photographs).  Jim found a small local place for us to grab some lunch that allowed us to sit outside with the dogs.  Then we headed back to the campground to get ready and head out - moving on to our next stop on our trip.

Stay tuned to see the next blog post soon!  For additional photographs from this camping stop, click Photographs from Natchez, Mississippi

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(VP Shoots Photography) bluff Bluff Park Bob M. Dearing Bushwhacker camper camping campsite Dearing dog friendly dog-friendly historical history lake Mississippi Natchez Natchez Mississippi State Park Natchez State Park outdoor paddle boat river rv sunrise sunset https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/camping-at-natchez-mississippi-state-park-natchez-mississippi Tue, 12 Nov 2024 09:00:00 GMT
Camping at River's Edge Campground in Holt, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/camping-at-rivers-edge-campground-in-holt-florida Grimaldi's Pizzeria - Miramar Beach, Florida

Our second stop on our road trip took us to visit a friend from my teenage years.  We stopped in Miramar Beach to eat at a dog friendly restaurant called Grimaldi’s Pizzeria.  This particular restaurant is located at 780 Grand Blvd #100 in Miramar Beach.  We enjoyed our lunch, great company and great food.  The dogs loved it and were very good!  At first, it was a little chilly on the outside patio, but once we got to a table that was in the sun and some of the wind was blocked all was great.

Here is a quick Google Map of our travels thus far.

River's Edge Campground, Holt, Florida

The office of this campground.

River’s Edge Campground was a good stop from the perspective of driving time and is located on the beautiful banks of the Yellow River in Okaloosa County in Florida.  We arrived about 5pm and had time to setup our camping site before taking the dogs for a walk down to the river.  The river was low which created some nice beach areas for us to walk around on and the dogs loved rolling in the sand (thankfully, the sand falls off all of them since they are short haired).

Our campsite was across from the office of the River’s Edge campground.  Things we liked:

  1. Lots of beautiful trees to provide shade
  2. Water and electrical hookup
  3. Picnic table
  4. Pet friendly
  5. Wifi (yeah!!)

Other things to note:

  1. The site was dirt/sand
  2. Small bath house with shower and restroom
  3. No dump station

It should be noted that ALL of the campgrounds that we stayed at were pet friendly since we had our 3 dogs, Abby, Ollie and Rue travelling with us. That's our kids waiting for us to be ready - we always kept our dogs on harness and leash when outside 'tied up'.  I personally didn't want to spend my vacation trying to find my dog because they thought it was a good idea to chase that squirrel.

They did have a small bath house but we did not use it.  Instead used our little wet bath in the Bushwhacker.

This was our first experience camping in a privately owned campground.  Since we completed our trip, I found that all 3 of the private campgrounds did offer wifi whereas the state parks did not.

One thing I did not like, our site did not have a sewer hookup nor did they have a dump station.  I have now learned that if they indicate there is not sewer hookup at the campsite, I should ensure they have a dump station!

By the time we arrived at this location, we had driven approximately 474 miles.  In discussion with many of our friends that have done a good bit of RV travelling, they all indicated that we should not travel more than 350 miles per day.  After completing this trip, I know why they say that!  Because you

  1. don’t want to set up your campsite in the dark
  2. you probably don’t want to find the campground in the dark
  3. the offices close by 6pm
  4. you’ll get tired from riding or driving each day and want time to relax

Here's some photographs of the Yellow River that we enjoyed walking to the evening we arrived and the morning before we headed out on the road again.

The banks of the Yellow River reminded me of the Hillsborough River here by our home - cypress trees, cypress knees, and probably some wildlife (like gators) but we didn't see any (just squirrels).

OLLIE - 7 years old as of summer 2024.  She is a litter mate of Rue's.

RUE - for the curious, per Dog DNA, Rue and Ollie are mostly Australian Shepard, Miniature American Shepard, tiny bit of Chiwawa and the rest is 'terrier' (no specific breed).  She is Ollie's 'big sister' (they are litter mates).  Often people say "Look at the twins!"

ABBY - She is our oldest dog, at 8 1/2 years of age.  Abby went gray at a fairly young age as she has anxiety issues but loves being with us.  Abby is mostly beagle mixed with coon hound.  She does have a few other breeds, but nothing dominant.

 

Sunrise the next morning found the temperature at 41 degrees - very nice and cool.  I was loving it after the hot summer we had here in Tampa.

Overall, we enjoyed our stay here.  Most of the people camping at this campground appeared to be 'long termers' so we didn't have the opportunity to talk with any of them.

Here are a few general campground photographs to get a feel for this campground.

Look close and you can see our white truck and little camper at the last one in this line of RVs!

We are all packed up now and about ready to take off for our next stop!  Stay tuned to see the next blog post soon!  For additional photographs from this camping site, click Photographs from River's Edge Campground and on the road.
 

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(VP Shoots Photography) boat ramp Bushwhacker campground camping cypress dog-friendly fishing Florida outdoor pet-friendly river River's Edge RV travel travelling yellow river https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/camping-at-rivers-edge-campground-in-holt-florida Fri, 08 Nov 2024 09:00:00 GMT
Camping at Falling Waters State Park, Chipley, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/camping-at-falling-waters-state-park-chipley-florida Falling Waters State Park, Chipley, Florida

We left our house to begin our adventure shortly after 9am.

We left behind our house without power, the tree debris stacked high and hoped to have a small amount of normalcy in taking our first “long RV trip” with our 2024 Bushwhacker Plus camper.

After asking questions of our friends that have done this before, I had planned out a trip for us to take and our departure date was October 15th, less than 1 week since Hurricane Milton came through our area and caused a lot of damage.  Our friends said, don’t plan to drive more than 350 miles a day – you’ll be driving slower and you’ll want to set up camp in the daylight.  I tried hard to stay within those boundaries to see how we did with our first trip.

Our first stop was at Falling Waters State Park located in Chipley, Florida.  It’s west of Tallahassee which is probably the biggest town that many may have heard of.   This park is located 355 miles from our house.

We arrived around 5pm with enough time to set up camp, walk the dogs and eat before dark fell.

As I write this upon returning home, I realize just how much we have done since this first night of camping!

Campsite #15 at Falling Waters State Park

We were pleasantly surprised to see how lovely our campsite was.  Things we liked:

  1. Lots of beautiful trees to provide shade
  2. The site was gravel
  3. Water and electrical hookup
  4. Picnic table
  5. A friendly campsite neighbor
  6. Bathhouse close by – clean and functional

Our kids - Ollie (red harness), Abby (teal harness), Rue (blue/black harness)

Overall a great first experience as this was the 1st of many stops on our journey.  I found that these are the ‘normal’ things that I expect at a Florida state park.  I have not found that they have wifi at the state parks, and many do not have a dump connection at the campsite but rather have a dump station (and with our little camper, either is actually fine for us).

In the morning, we decided to take the dogs hiking.  There is a trail that starts in the campground just a few sites from where we were staying and the dogs were definitely ready to go!  The fall is not an active time for the swimming area that the park provides and on this cool morning (it was 41 degrees), there was no one else out yet on the trails or the swimming area.

I try to always take a photograph of the trails just in case we get messed up and are 'off trail'.  There were some flowers blooming at this time of year.

Our first look at the lake.  During the summer, I am sure that there are a lot of people swimming here, but today it's just peaceful!

There are lots of very tall, slender pine trees here at this park.  I have to say that I looked at trees a lot differently after seeing the destruction from Hurricane Milton at home.  They were gently swaying in the wind as we walked along the trail.

The bridge that takes you over to the lake side.

Jim took the dogs across a portion of the bridge and then told them to run back to me - can you see the pure joy in their hearts of freedom and having fun?  I am sure, just like us, they have been stressed by the last month of hurricane prep, hurricane storm, hurricane cleanup (twice!).

Like I said, lots of pine trees!!!

Apparently we didn't take the proper trail to get down to the bottom of this platform.  We took the way that we thought, but ended up with a 'road block' on the boardwalk.  This is what you'll see if you do this.  

A platform that you can't get to!  On our way out, I asked the ranger if you could get down to the bottom and he said yes.  That you have 2 choices.

1) You can park in the day use area and it's a very short walk to the waterfall (perhaps 10 minutes) and it is all paved

2) If we had taken the upper level trail when we got to the day use area near the lake we would have hooked up with the trail that would take us down to the waterfall.

As luck would have it, I asked Jim if we could go to the day use area and walk down to the waterfall - so we did even though it was putting us a little later on our plans for the rest of the day.

That's the waterfall!  At this time of year, it's just a little water falling over into the sinkhole.  This isn't a typical waterfall since this water does indeed fall down but it's into a sinkhole.  This is the highest waterfall in Florida - 73 feet.  The sign at this site says that over thousands of years, water containing a weak, natural acid seeped through cracks in the soft limestone.  Below the surface the rock dissolved, forming underground cavities.  Eventually the roof collapsed, and this sinkhole was created.

We are all packed up now and about ready to take off for our next stop!  Stay tuned to see the next blog post soon!  For additional photographs from this camping site, click Photographs from Falling Waters State Park.

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) campground camping campsite Chipley Falling Waters Falling Waters State Park Florida hiking lake outdoor rv rving sinkhole trail trails waterfall https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/camping-at-falling-waters-state-park-chipley-florida Wed, 06 Nov 2024 09:00:00 GMT
Hurricane Milton, October 9, 2024 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/hurricane-milton-october-9-2024 Hurricane Milton - My thoughts afterwards....

After many days of preparing for the impending hurricane, I wonder if we have done enough? Or maybe too much – but time has run out and the storm is coming in.  What will tomorrow look like? Only time will tell.

As the wind picks up, and the rain roars down we watch tv and Milton is coming.  The trusted meteorologist Denis Phillips and his team on ABC Action News.  I have previously downloaded their app to my phone for when we are away or no longer have electricity (power). As night falls, we wait, and wait and wait.  Surprised that the electricity is still on, but I have turned the air conditioner down to high 60s.  We know it’s coming, just when?

And eventually the power goes out and its dark. It’s quiet. It’s eerie.

Jim is in the family room; the dogs and I are in the hallway.  We had received the high winds alert earlier in the evening.  Denis had said to take it seriously – I did.  I grabbed all the dog beds and lined the hallway – closing all the doors to other rooms.

Our dog, Rue, shakes and trembles as the rain falls and the wind howls.  The other dogs and cats appear to be ok – not as affected by what’s happening outside.  Those are the only sounds as the house has grown so quiet – none of the normal sounds of a house with various things running.

I must have fallen asleep for a couple of hours. Eventually it grows quieter outside.  The rain isn’t as hard, the wind isn’t howling.

 It’s about 3am Thursday morning and it sounds like it is almost over.  We have been without power for 6 hours now, but it’s the beginning. 

The dogs and I venture out so they can go potty – just a quick out as we have no idea what state everything is in.  The house appears to be ok – no trees fallen on the roof – our biggest concern.

We go back to sleep.

When the sun rises, you begin to see how bad the debris is – it’s everywhere.  Much of it appears to be smaller leaves and branches.  It’s very quiet outside.  Most of our neighbors have not yet ventured outside.  It’s quiet, no sounds till the generators start.  It’s cool outside thankfully.

The rain has stopped.

 

Soon we and our neighbors start cleaning up all the moss and smaller debris.  It will take a while.

As the hours tick with no power, we begin to see how many trees in the neighborhood have fallen.  And more are falling due to all the rain.  They just can’t hold on, stressed from the storms this year.  They begin to uproot. 

The water pressure was low when I turned on the facet.  Apparently, we are now under a boil water notice until some time in the future.  Unfortunately, our little city, Temple Terrace, needs a better way to communicate this information as I was cut off from social media.  Every one was asked to stay home so I didn’t see the sign at the library until a few days later.  Fortunately a neighbor told us and we have plenty of water that we had put into containers before the storm.

We had over 12 inches of rain from Milton, maybe as much as 20 inches of rain.  No real idea.  Over ½ million people that have TECO (Tampa Electric Company) for electrical/power service are now dark.  This was in Hillsborough County.  We are in Hillsborough County.  It’s bad. 

The more we venture away from our property the more trees we see fell.  Pine trees did poorly – many have fallen.  Some of the big live oaks are down also.  We heard of some trees coming down on houses – thankful that didn’t happen to us.  We see power lines snapped and tangled with the trees.  It’s going to be a while.

As the days continue, we still have no power. 

We had to cut one of our beautiful oak trees down, it was too close to the patio and house now.  A victim of too much abuse over the years from storms.  I am very sad.  My heart is heavy.  The tree was here long before me, long before this house, having been here at least 130 years.   With each storm it got closer to our house.  It just couldn't hold on anymore.

This year alone we have had Hurricane Debby, Hurricane Helene and now Hurricane Milton.  The last 2 storms being 2 weeks apart.  $7500 dollars later and my beautiful oak tree is now a stump.  A huge pile of oak wood on the front lawn to die.  My gardens are a mess, my yard is largely trashed.  I have no heart or desire to fix it.  Why? It will never be the same.  All I see is beauty gone. Maybe in time that will change.

After a week with generators, no power, life is really tough. 

I am thankful that we have a generator. 

I am thankful that we have gas for the generator. 

I am thankful that we were actually pretty well prepared for this. 

I have learned a lot from all the storms we have endured.

I am thankful that we still have a home – but I am sad that mother nature is giving us so much grief.  I am sad for all those that are worse off than us – hopefully we will all rise again above this in time.

We have done all we can.  We have cleaned up a lot of yard debris, helped neighbors, talked with our neighbors daily and gotten to know each other much better.

On Tuesday, just 6 days after Milton came through, we decided to go ahead and take our planned long RV trip.  Why stay?  It’s a mess.   Maybe it will be better in a few weeks.  We emptied our fridge and freezer putting most of it into coolers.  Nothing left but water.

We will start over when we get home.

Tuesday late afternoon we arrived at Falling Waters State Park in Chipley, Florida.  We camped out for the night and enjoyed not being in the stress of all that was going on back home.  We immediately were greeted by our campsite neighbor, Jim (yes, same name as my partner).  Life will be simpler on the road and best of all we will have electricity and water.

This is the first of many blog posts that I will be writing over the next few weeks sharing our first long RV trip in our Bushwhacker Plus teardrop camper.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 2024 Florida hurricane Hurricane Milton milton storm Temple Terrace thoughts tree trees https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/11/hurricane-milton-october-9-2024 Mon, 04 Nov 2024 19:07:05 GMT
Growing microgreens the KIZA way https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/9/growing-microgreens-the-kiza-way We took a class at Grace's Garden Center located here in Temple Terrace, Florida to learn about growing microgreens.  Our teachers were Kirk and Zach who both work at Grace's Garden center and have expanded into the world of microgreens.  They have perfected a great simple process for growing these.  Along the way they created "KIZA". 

So, what is a Microgreen?

  • young vegetable greens that are approximately 1-3 inches in height (per a Google search) - ours were a bit taller when we did our first harvest
  • are considered baby plants that fall between a sprout and baby green
  • are also a great source of beneficial plant compounds like antioxidants

 

Kirk and Zach are "KIZA" and provided us with some great information and simple instructions on how to grow our own microgreens.  We happily paid for the class which provided us with all the supplies to give it a try.  The supplies we got are:

  • 3 different black trays
  • a special prepackaged blend of soil
  • seeds of our choice to plant (broccoli, radish, pea, or sunflower)
  • printed instructions 
  • a business card to reach them

 

Our first batch of microgreens was broccoli and radish.  Here's my break down of the steps we took to grow these microgreens (please note these are based on the KIZA steps, but broken down into more steps).

Step 1 - get the 'short' tray with holes in the bottom and fill it with the prepackaged soil.  Put the other short tray without holes, underneath the tray with the soil (you'll need it later in this process).

Step 2 - spread the soil out evenly in the tray

Step 3 - lightly press the soil down to ensure it is even with the top of the tray

Step 4 - spread you 'weighed' seeds across the tray.

Step 5 - gently press the soil and seeds down so that it is firm  
 

Step 6 - water (spray) the seeds to ensure they will be moist for sprouting

Step 7 - put the taller of the trays on top of all the seeds

Step 8 - move (if necessary) your tray to where you are planning to grow your microgreens

Step 9 - place 3 bricks in the top tray

Step 10 - leave the plants for about 3 days, we checked on ours every 24 hours (roughly) to ensure they were sprouting. Once you reach the 3 days, you will start a 'black out' period of 24 hours.  Remove the bricks and flip the tray over your plants to put them in darkness for 24 hours.  This forces the plants to stretch and grow taller (searching for light).

Step 11 - Uncover your plants!  The plants are a little 'yellow' as they haven't been exposed to light yet.  They have spent 4 days sprouting and then living in the dark.  Don't worry, they will green up fast (less than 24 hours for us).

Step 12 - give them light - whether that is window light, a grow light, some form of light (but keep them out of areas where rain can get to them).  You want them in a protected area.  In our case, since we already have a grow light setup, we placed them under a grow light (purchased from Grace's).

Step 13 - It's time to start watering.  This is why you have 2 short trays.  Lift up the tray your seedlings are planted in and pour water into the bottom tray.  The water will be absorbed from the lower tray into the top tray through the holes in the top tray.

Step 15 - Check the water levels for your plants daily.  Water each day if needed (we watered each day).  Ensure that the corners are getting water by touching the soil.  After 24 hours, you can see how much greener the broccoli plants on the right are.

Broccoli

Radish with a few broccoli mixed in (oops!).  The purple color plants are radish.

Harvest time!  They are getting a little leggy.  We planted these on a Wednesday mid-day.  Then 10 days later we have salad greens for the next week or so.

After the 10 days of watching our little seeds turn into little plants, we harvested a lot of microgreens.  (tired of that word yet???).  We are eating salad daily that is made with this and a few other ingredients.  The best part of this for us is:

1) We are getting some great nutrients by eating these

2) We know they are organic

3) We now have a way to grow some ingredients for salad during the summer months here in Florida!

4) It grows fast!

A quick Google search shows the following information related to nutrients in these two microgreens.

Broccoli microgreens provide:

  • vitamins A, B, C, E and K
  • large amounts of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus
  • small amounts of iron, copper and zinc

Radish microgreens provide:

  • high levels of vitamin A, B
  • calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, iron and manganese minerals

As we continue to explore growing microgreens, a few additional points to keep in mind.

1) You will need a large quantity of seeds in order to grow a lot of microgreens.  They sell packages of seeds at Graces to grow some microgreens.  I have also found a few places online that I will be trying.

2) When you group different types of seeds on the same tray, be aware of the number of days needed for the seeds to germinate.  Our second round of microgreens is a combination of broccoli and peas - guess what? Broccoli sprouts much faster than peas - so we are doing a little 'improvising' on how we are growing this batch.

There is a lot of information on the internet about growing microgreens and the benefits of eating these small plants.  After learning about them from KIZA, I started doing a lot more reading online at various sites to see how this all works.  If you'd like more information, and prefer to talk to a real human being, I definitely suggest heading over to Grace's Garden center and asking for Kirk or Zach.   I believe the microgreen world is primarily there adventure although all the staff at Grace's are wonderful and have been helping us grow our vegetable gardens for the last 10 years. 

KIZA

Located in Dover, Florida - they are Microgreens Grower Consulting.

Phone: 813 355 9757

Email: [email protected]

Here's the contact information for Grace's:

Grace's Hydro Organic Garden Center

Located at 8739 Temple Terrace Highway, Temple Terrace, Florida 33637

Phone: 813 - 514 - 9376

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(VP Shoots Photography) FL consulting container container gardening Dover garden gardening Graces Grace's grower consulting Kirk KIZA KIZA produce microgreens produce Temple Terrace Zach https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/9/growing-microgreens-the-kiza-way Mon, 02 Sep 2024 21:34:58 GMT
Lower Darnell Creek Falls, Rabun County, Georgia https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/8/lower-darnell-creek-falls-rabun-county-georgia Another day adventure with the dogs while vacationing in the mountains of North Carolina and northern Georgia.  Darnell Creek Falls is located in eastern Clayton (east of US23/441) in Rabun County, Georgia.  This adventure took us a little bit to find as we got to the area Google maps lead us to and then we were not sure which direction to go when the road split - hopefully these photographs (and words) will help you such that you don't have the same problem. We didn't have the clearly written directions in the book written by Mark Oleg Ozboyd yet (I bought that later this same day).

First, as you travel down the main road (Kelly's Creek Road), you'll eventually have to decide which fork in the road to take.

Here's your clue.  The right side goes up to "private property" as that's a subdivision called Chestnut Mountain Estates.  The left side looked a lot like it was a driveway to someone's house with the mailbox posted and a building almost out of view.  Take the left side!  It's actually a road and you can take it on past the house and continue onward.

I think Mark said it correctly "to a confusing fork with three roads" although we saw two and were confused.  You'll drive over Darnell Creek on a bridge in about .1 miles.  I am betting this area is stunning when the fall colors come...

So now we are sitting here - yet another fork in the road - which way?  Well, this was our Google map.

This doesn't show a fork in the road and we could hear water running, so we decided to park and explore.

This is a bad picture (hand held and the shutter speed was in the gutter).  But, I think you can get the idea that this sign is nailed to a tree, this is where we parked.

This is the road that we saw - after walking down this a short path, we realized that there is a small parking area at the end for a few cars.  But hey, the dogs were ready to get out of the car, so we parked and headed down this path.

Yes, that's Jim with the dogs out front, Rue, Abby and Ollie.  This is a short walk down to the Lower Darnell Creek waterfall - we were there during the week and not another soul was around - we had it all to ourselves.

So, now we have gotten to the actual parking lot, oh well - it was definitely less than a half mile to get to this point.  If you park here, then you probably only have a few hundred yards to the waterfall.

This is the lower Darnell Creek waterfall.  A huge log in front of it - well, thankfully it was an easy fix using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to remove that log (much easier than getting in the water and attempting to move it!).  However, this is what the waterfall looked like when we arrived (for the other photograph click on the link at the bottom of this post). This has an excellent swimming hole should you want to take a dip in this cool water.

As we started taking photographs, Abby, our big black dog was fine and then in distress over something with one of her paws.  We checked everywhere to see if there was anything that could have bit her and finally determined that she most likely was stung by a wasp, hornet - her paw bothered her for a little bit but did not swell up.  Thankfully she was fine within 15 minutes - but that cut this hike short.

We didn't know about the upper Darnell Creek falls which apparently was the other fork in the road to the left - so that will wait for us on another day.

A visit to the Rabun County visitor center gave us a bit more information on what this trail was all about as well as the book I mentioned in the previous post which has lots of wonderful information on waterfalls in this area.

To view all of the photographs from this hike, click here - Darnell Creek Falls, Rabun County, Georgia

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(VP Shoots Photography) Clayton County Creek Darnell Darnell Creek Dillard dog easy easy hike falls forest forest road friendly Georgia hike hiking Kelly's Creek Road less than 1 mile outside Rabun short hike US23 US441 water waterfall https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/8/lower-darnell-creek-falls-rabun-county-georgia Sun, 18 Aug 2024 09:00:00 GMT
Mud Creek Falls, Sky Valley, Georgia https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/8/mud-creek-falls-sky-valley-georgia Hiking this trail started at the Sky Valley overlook where I believed we viewed the path down Highway 23 which leads to Dillard, Georgia and Mountain City, Georgia.  It's a great view and shows how far up the mountain you have climbed in the car from the highway.  If you're using Alltrails.com, it looks like this particular trail is listed as "Mud Creek Trail from GA 246".  Alltrails lists this as being an elevation gain of 239 feet and a length of 2.3 miles.

Once we got situated and our friends arrived, we started the hike to Mud Creek Falls. At the beginning of this trail you are walking next to the main road separated by the guard rail (this soon changes).  It's approximately a mile each way (in and out trail). If you're using Alltrails.com, it looks like this particular trail is listed as "Mud Creek Trail from GA 246".  Alltrails lists this as being an elevation gain of 239 feet and a length of 2.3 miles.
 

For those that might not be able to do the hike, you can drive just about to this waterfall - with just a short walk down to the waterfall.  Interesting comment that one of our friends noticed is eventually you find that you are hiking uphill to get to a waterfall.  Seems most of the time you hike downhill to get to a waterfall.

The trail is dog friendly, we had 4 people and 4 dogs hiking on this particular hike. You will see the remains of a wooden bridge near the beginning of the hike as well.  When we visited at the end of July 2024, a good portion of the ground was washed out and while you can get to this bridge, you will need to scramble a bit to get there.

This hike is not difficult, but there is a slight incline along the way.  Lots of rain had recently created some puddles and muddy spots along the way but not to bad.  There is a small bridge that goes over a water way. Course you have the options to walk through the water or step on the stones across the water way.

A large portion of the trail looks like this.  Not a hard trail and eventually towards the end I did see a few benches for the weary.

A short distance before you reach the waterfall is an access point that allows you to walk to the water and see this little waterfall.  A refreshing break if you or your dog(s) want to get wet.  Abby loves the water, so she is all in whenever she gets a chance.

Abby sitting by the creek while we take photographs.

Mud Creek Falls - this is what the hike was all about!  

This water fall is about 85 feet in height and faces Northwest.  We arrived at the waterfall about 11:30am and the sun was just starting to come over the top of the trees.

For more photographs from this hike, please visit https://www.vpshoots.com/MudCreekFalls

If you use the internet you will get several different links that will tell you about this particular waterfall located in Rabun County, Georgia.  We visited the Chamber of Commerce for Rabun County while we were in the area on a hike and found that it has a good amount of information.  One item they mentioned is that a local young man, Mark Oleg Ozboyd, recently published a book called "Waterfalls of Georgia - A comprehensive guide with over 700 waterfalls".  I went to a store called Wander in downtown Clayton, Georgia and purchased this book.  While I have only used the sections that are for East Clayton and West Clayton - I did find it very helpful.  The most notable thing, Mark took the time to tell you which way the waterfall is facing - that's so helpful for those of you that want to photograph the waterfall without sunlight on the water!  I wanted to give a little shout out to Mark for working over the last 7 years to compile the information in this book.  I also found this website https://www.hikingtheappalachians.com/ very helpful which Mark is associated with. Thank you Mark!  (No, I don't get anything for this, just think it's a great resource).

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Clayton creek Dillard dog-friendly downtown Clayton easy Georgia hike hiking Mud Creek Mud Creek Falls outdoor outdoors overlook Rabun Rabun County roadside Sky Valley walk walking water waterfall https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/8/mud-creek-falls-sky-valley-georgia Mon, 12 Aug 2024 09:00:00 GMT
Kayaking at Great Smokey Mountain Fish Camp, Franklin, North Carolina https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/8/kayaking-at-great-smokey-mountain-fish-camp-franklin-north-carolina This year we decided (finally) to go kayaking - we have passed the sign for the Great Smokey Mountain Fish Camp just as the bridge crosses over the Little Tennessee River every trip we have made.  Finally, it's time to let the dogs stay at the house and try out kayaking.  

They are located at 81 Bennett Road, Franklin, North Carolina 28734.  We rented single kayaks (sit on top) and a double canoe.  They didn't have any double kayaks, hence the reason part of our group choose the double canoe.  This was the first time I have used a sit on top kayak and I think they are pretty nice (we have the sit inside kind).  Please note: You must pay in Cash or Check - they do not accept credit cards or other forms of payment at the time we visited (August 2024).  They are open from 9am till 4pm, 7 days a week, April 1st through November 1st.  The website is http://fishcamp.biz/  (please note this is not a secure website, aka http not https).

The building just outside this photograph on the right is where you will find the owners to get setup with your rentals.  They also rent tubes and do have a few double tubes as well.  The place has lots of beautiful landscaping, given enough time I would probably spend several hours taking photographs of plants, flowers, etc.

There are a few campsites for RVs or tents if you're interested, but I didn't get any details on them.  Lots of canoes, kayaks and tubes!!!  They also provided us with life jackets.

Once you arrive in your vehicle:
     1) Pay for your vessel of choice

     2) Driver of vehicle will follow their vehicle to the 'take out' point down river

     3) Drivers get a ride back to the launch point

This allows you to leave from the place you get out.  They request that you pull your vessel out of the water and call the phone number posted on the tree where you get out.  They will come get the vessels.

After getting our life jackets, we headed down to the launch point where our kayaks and canoe were waiting for us at the river's edge. Little bit of a walk down to the water's edge.  They assisted us in getting into our water vessel of choice.  (Note: This photograph was taken later in our vacation therefore there is not anything waiting at the water's edge).

The river is very scenic and we enjoyed our ride down the river.  We choose the approximately 1.5 hours of kayaking because the weather was expected to start raining in about 2 hours.

And we are ready to start....

The Little Tennessee River is a light brown color, assume that is because of the clay bottoms in this part of the country - but overall, in many places the river was pretty shallow.  At first, as this photo shows, it's smooth sailing....but what fun would that be?  Soon, it becomes more challenging and more fun!  Let's try to get through this without getting stuck - whether it's because the water was shallow (inches) or there are rocks - some visible and some just under the surface.

Well, I can say, that if you stop to take photographs like that above, you're going to most likely get stuck!  I highly recommend anything you want to take along you put in a dry bag (that big yellow thing is my dry bag with snacks, water, towels, keys).  We all had cell phone protectors as well - if you don't have one, they sell them at the shop where we rented the kayaks for a reasonable price.

I got stuck - so why not photograph everyone else trying to get through?  I suspect that this is much easier in a kayak than a double canoe.  The depth of the water where I am currently stuck is only inches, but the water is flowing through this area pretty fast which pinned me against a rock. Again, what fun would it have been if it was just floating down the river the entire time?

Eventually you will get past the rocks and the flow of the river is such that you could probably just steer and eventually get to the take out point.  Clouds are moving in....yes, I am already wet but do I want to be drenched? (No).

They told us that we are to be on the lookout for a couple of very nice wood houses on the right.  This is our clue that we are getting close to the take out point.  

Soon after the two nice wood houses (cabins), you should ensure you are on the right side of the river.  You will see a stop sign - this is where you exit the river.  Keep in mind that there is a good flow to this river, so paddling back up river if you miss this will definitely be harder.  This is a bit of a steep incline to get to these steps and get out - and pulling your vessel out can take some strength.  Kayaks are much easier than the double canoe.

Just as we managed to get to the take out point, it started to drizzle rain.  By the time our entire party got out of the water, it was starting to rain pretty hard!  They have a pavilion there to protect you from rain.  If you want to have a picnic or a bbq - there are grills.  You can stay in the river as long as you would like and enjoy the area for a picnic - next time we will be a little better prepared.

If you're curious, sure we would do this again.  It was a fun and cool way to spend the morning.


 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Bennett Bennett st Bennett st. Bennett Street camping canoe canoe rental canoeing Fish camp Franklin Great Smokey Mountain Fish Camp kayak kayak rental kayaking Little Tennessee River mountains North Carolina river RV camping Tennessee River tent camping tube tube rental tubing water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/8/kayaking-at-great-smokey-mountain-fish-camp-franklin-north-carolina Fri, 09 Aug 2024 21:00:00 GMT
Camping at Hillsborough River State Park, Thonotosassa, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/7/camping-at-hillsborough-river-state-park-thonotosassa-florida Recently we completed our third RV camping trip.  This time we headed a short distance up to Hillsborough River State Park located in Thonotosassa, Florida.  It has been a few months since we had our Bushwhacker Plus trailer out camping - one thing for sure - if you don't do this often enough and you're new, you just might need to give yourself a little refresher.  The purpose of our trip this time was two fold, one to get away for a few days and two to see how well the little A/C unit in the camper did with these hot temperatures!  Sneak peak - it did pretty well - in the daytime it ran a lot but was able to be comfortable.  Overnight it seems like it got down to about 65 degrees - cooler than we needed it to be.

We have been to this park many times, but never stayed over night because until recently we didn't have a camper and the thought of trying to tent camp with 3 dogs which are very scent driven was definitely not appealing.  Our campsite of choice was in the River section of the campground, campsite #60.  Plenty of shade in this campsite and in most all of the campground.  Warning - there are a few sites that are sunny! And I wouldn't recommend that you have one of those sites if you want to relax outside in nature's sauna.  Actually, I kinda thought it was going to rain and we would experience that in the camper for the first time - but nope, we had great weather all 3 days.

Our particular campsite had 30amp and 50amp service along with 'traditional' water hookups. For the curious, this is the electric hookup. 

Most of the time the breakers are off when we arrive, so first those have to be turned on, then I plug in our little gadget to check and make sure the power is safe before plugging in our camper.
 

We also use a water filter on the water hookup.  Hopefully that keeps all the little stuff out of our camper's water system - at least that is the point. I'm not actually trying to advertise for any of these products.  The power hookup came from Amazon and the water filter came from Walmart.  Seems to be the places we end up getting a lot of the smaller things.

Once we got things set up - we were good to go.  A screen room is always a good idea if you want some relief from bugs.  Fortunately for us the mosquitos were not bad - very surprised.  Little gnats did get bothersome at times, but at least they don't bite.  The campground wasn't full, in fact I suspect that only about a third of the sites were rented when we were there.  We checked in on Sunday and checked out on Tuesday.  One thing that I really liked is the check out time is 1pm - actually gives you plenty of time to enjoy your morning. Check in is 3pm which thus far has been the same at all of the Florida state parks.

This is our campsite - pretty big - in fact a lot of them are nice sizes such that you don't have people right next to you.  Our two smaller dogs (Ollie and Rue) prefer to spend the majority of their time outside.  They are inside the screen room.  Abby, well so is all for sleeping in the A/C on a bed given a choice.

River Rapids Trail

Since we were local (about 30 minutes from home) we actually had a lot of friends and family coming out while we were there to spend time with us.  As each of them came to visit we would do a different trail in the park.  First up was the River Rapids trail - probably the most popular trail in the park.  The Hillsborough River actually has some small rapids that you can view but not get down to any longer.  It's all fenced off now - I guess after years of people climbing down to the river (myself included) they now have a viewing area along with benches to sit and relax.  If you see this sign, you are at the River Rapids trail.

The rapids are pretty nice - usually I see them in the early morning hours, but this time we did it in the evening about 7pm.  The lighting is different at this time of day. I used the fence they provided as a stable surface to allow for slowing down the shutter speed on my camera and providing some nice blur to the water.


 

Baynard Trail

The next morning another friend came and spent a good portion of the day with us.  This time we did the Baynard trail.  In order to get to this trail, you must cross the suspension bridge.

It's pretty and the entire park was quiet - not a lot of people.  The temperatures have been pretty warm, guessing that is why it wasn't crowded.  Ollie, one of our small dogs, doesn't particularly like this bridge because it moves.  Do you know what this is?  If not, you should.

Poison Ivy - and the trails have quite a bit of this, so if you are one to itch from it - beware.

Overall, we didn't see a lot of wildlife.  Perhaps they are being affected by the higher temperatures also.  Usually there are turtles out sunning (maybe to early for them) and then the occasional gator.  I don't see a lot of water birds here - there are birds in the trees that you will hear but often don't see them.

We did see a good amount of mushrooms of various types.

And a golden orb spider....

We went back to the campsite for a while and the dogs laid around in the dirt.

All dogs are supposed to be restrained in some way - I see a lot of people that have little fences to keep their dogs in - we haven't yet invested in one of those.  We use a basic tie down for the dogs or put them in the screen room (and yes, they do know how to escape from it!).  In general our dogs are happy to hang with us and they have been really good with the whole idea of camping.

Seminole Trail

Our last morning at the campground we decided to go on the Seminole trail - back across the suspension bridge and then off on the other side of the river going away from the Baynard trail.  This hike required a little going over logs and what not - our dogs are use to this from our treks up to western North Carolina for the last 5 years.

This is the map you will see when you are starting out on the trail - we were trying to find the Primitive Campground area but I have to say we didn't find it.  I have no clue where we were because the trail was indicated to be blazed orange and the trail we were on was blazed yellow.  Eventually we just turned around and came back - there was no one else out there!

Ollie and Rue hanging in the tent room....this is where they spent a good portion of their time when we were in the campsite.

We did see one alligator sunning on a rock that could be viewed from the suspension bridge.  He wasn't a big guy, maybe 4-5 feet in size.

Overall our experience was very good.  Couple of things that I didn't mention earlier.

 

Other items to note

  • They do have a concession stand by the pool area in the day use area. Hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday - we didn't get a chance to visit due to the limited hours.
  • Firewood is available at the ranger station where you enter the park along with ice. You must pay cash and have exact change.  Ice is $4 a bag. That's pricey, but keep in mind that you are 9 miles away from any real 'civilization' regardless of whether you turn left or right on US 301.
  • Firewood can not be brought in from other areas and they don't want you to collect wood within the park to burn either
  • There are campground cats - I saw at least 3 different cats and our campsite was visited by the orange tabby.  After I saw the cat twice, I figured I would give it some food to keep it out of the area the dogs were in.  No issues, they don't really want to interact with you (or maybe it was the dogs).
  • They do have bath houses - they are functional, bathrooms and showers.  Since the campground loops are fairly large, the walk to the bath house was a little longer than the other parks we have stayed at thus far.  I did see sinks for washing dishes in addition to washing machines and dryers.  Although it appears from the notes on the dryers that they might not be working.  I hate to think about having an entire load of wet laundry and now I need to figure out how I am going to dry it.  I guess you could do the old clotheslines but I am not sure they want you to do that.
  • I didn't see much in terms of rangers driving through the campground - which we did at Manatee Springs.  We did see a police car, but it wasn't a big deal - not sure what was going on but it was several campsites away.
  • They do rent kayaks/canoes/bicycles but since we had the dogs we didn't partake.
  • The pool is closed indefinitely at this point due to funding.  Hurricanes are causing damage to state parks, which in turn has taken the funding that is available.
  • Maximum number of dogs per campsite is 3
  • The other bridge that was damaged during Hurricane Irma has not been repaired and is still closed.  You must use the suspension bridge.

     

More photographs
 

For more photographs from Hillsborough River State Park, please click here, Hillsborough River State Park.

Map of Park (handout from Ranger station)

Map of Campground (handout from Ranger station)

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Baynard trail bicycle bridge Bushwhacker camping campsite canoe dog friendly dog-friendly Florida hiking Hillsborough Hillsborough River State Park kayak nature outdoor park ranger river river rapids rv Seminole trail state park suspension bridge Thonotosassa trailer trails walking wildlife https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/7/camping-at-hillsborough-river-state-park-thonotosassa-florida Fri, 12 Jul 2024 21:39:20 GMT
Camping at Manatee Springs State Park, Chiefland, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/4/camping-at-manatee-springs-state-park-chiefland-florida Recently we completed our second RV camping trip.  This time we headed a little north to Chiefland, Florida taking our Bushwhacker Plus along with our dogs to enjoy a few days of nature.  Our destination? Manatee Springs State Park which is a beautiful park - the camp ground was great too!  This time we booked a campsite located in the Magnolia 2 loop.  These campsites include a 30amp electrical service, city water hookup and a picnic table.  Little warning? The 'cracks' between the boards on our picnic table were wide enough for our plastic ware to fall through - so be careful.  Next time, I will remember to put our picnic table cover over the table and avoid this little problem!

The Magnolia 2 loop is very shaded - we loved it.  As we began the process of setting up our RV and camp I noticed that in the empty campsite next to ours deer had wandered in.  Wow, forget camp, let's grab the camera.  Our dogs were tied to their 'dog post' and watched these deer probably in bewilderment that the deer were so close.  Jim kept saying, the dogs are thinking...."Don't they know we are dogs?"...I think the deer did, but they also knew that the dogs are not loose and couldn't get to them.

Deer at our campgroundDeer at our campgroundManatee Springs State park campground has deer visiting in mornings and evenings.

 

Our first campsite on the Magnolia 2 loop was #52.  This is considered to be an X-large campsite that allows for up to a 35' RV.  Since our Bushwhacker is about half that size, we had plenty of room which made it nice to have some space and not be right next to those camping in the next campsite.  Also, our dogs had a little more space to lay around while at camp.

Magnolia 2 Loop, campsite number 52Magnolia 2 Loop, campsite number 52Magnolia 2 Loop, campsite number 52 - our campsite

This time we had a piece of outdoor carpet by the door step - although, I saw a lot of other campers have a much larger one (maybe next time!).

Here's a map of the campground for those that might be interested - you will get a copy of this when you check in.  Important phone numbers are also provided for contacting the ranger should you have an issue requiring their attention (no water, no electricity, noisy neighbors).  Quiet hours at this campground are from 11pm - 7am.

We decided to stay an extra night, but had to move to another campsite within Magnolia 2 loop.  We moved to #46 because it allowed us to be at the end of the loop next to the 'swamp'.

Magnolia 2 - campsite #46Magnolia 2 - campsite #46Magnolia 2 - campsite #46

This campsite is 'large' but you can see it is still a nice size.  Just beyond our site is the swampy area that is currently holding water from the river flooding.  This campsite is a very short walk to the bath house (closer than our previous site).  We also had more deer visiting because it was at the end and quieter.

Just a note, in case you are curious.  We have Verizon for our cell phone service and we did have service through out most of the park and campground.  Using the internet was pretty slow but mostly worked for us.

The bath house for this loop was a short walk away and has 2 showers and 2 restrooms (at least in the women's side!).  

Magnolia 2 bath houseMagnolia 2 bath houseMagnolia 2 bath house  

One neat little thing they have that I really liked!  A "Pet hitchin post" - works great for when I was out walking the dogs and needed to make a stop. Rue and Abby hanging out while I took this photograph to show the hitchin post.

Dogs at the Pet Hitchin PostDogs at the Pet Hitchin PostDogs at the Pet Hitchin Post

I don't know what the cleaning schedule is for the bath houses at this park as they aren't posted like they were at Highlands Hammock State Park - but it appears to be in the afternoon hours because they had been cleaned when I stopped by in the early afternoon.  Considering the size of this campground and the size of the bath house I was surprised to find that it was not busy.  If you want to see a few photographs of the inside of the bath house make sure you click on the link at the end of the blog to see the additional photographs from our trip that aren't in this blog post.

If you are looking for a campsite that has it's own dump station, check out the Magnolia 1 loop.  When we took a quick look at those, they all appeared to have their own hookups.  There is a dump station that you can drive to (or take you portable holding tank) to between the campgrounds and the ranger station.  All of the dumpsters for other trash are located at the dump station.  If you want to take a short walk, head down the trail called "Deer Run" and it's a short cut, not along the road, to the dump station/trash bins.

Manatee Springs State Park - what is there to do?

  • Hiking on the trails
  • Biking on the trails
  • Swimming in the spring
  • rent a kayak
  • playground for the young at the day use area
  • Relax

As many of you know, we travel with our 3 dogs - Abby, Ollie and Rue so we didn't do some of the things that you can do.  We did hike the trails while Jim road his bicycle on the trails.  One thing to be careful of - there are ticks!  And they are small and plentiful at least at this time of year.  So beware, they warn you on the park information as well.

Hiking the trails

The dogs love walking on the trails - I think it ranks as their #1 thing to do when we go to the 'great outdoors'.  We drove a short distance to the "North End Trail" nature walk within the park.  There is a parking area off the main road at the trail head.  If you get the green brochure from the rangers office it shows you the various trails.  They have 8.5 miles of trails based on the trail map. 

 

The girls are ready to start their hike.

Rue, Ollie, Abby - Our DogsRue, Ollie, Abby - Our DogsOur dogs, ready to start their hike for the day.

We hiked about 2 miles on our first venture.  Our hike consisted of these trails, all connecting to each other to form a big loop.

  • Scenic Trail (.20 miles)
  • Loop Trail (.52 miles)
  • Scenic Trail (.42 miles)
  • Clay Trail (slightly over .21 miles)
  • Shacklefoot Trail (.86 miles) - make sure you turn left if you want to go back to the parking area

We didn't get a chance to do some of the other trails this trip, but hopefully we will be able to on a future trip.

Seminole Chickee HutSeminole Chickee HutSeminole Chickee Hut is a replica of a Seminole dwelling that is part of the park's history per the trail map.

We only saw a couple of people on the trails - so mostly it was us and nature.  We did find these little caterpillars in several different areas along the way.  A google search says this will become an echo moth.

The girls at the midpoint of our hike - ready for a break.  Please make sure you pack water for you and your pets as you may want it depending on how far you hike.

Abby, Rue and Ollie halfway through our hike.Abby, Rue and Ollie halfway through our hike.Abby, Rue and Ollie halfway through our hike.

Day use area and Manatee Springs swim area

The day use area is a very short walk from the Magnolia 2 campground (slightly further from Magnolia 1).  Within the day use area is a large parking lot.  Most days we were there, they didn't have many cars which meant we didn't have any large crowds.

The playground.....

Day use area playgroundDay use area playgroundDay use area playground

The springs were clear the first few days we were camping.  On the third day, the springs were closed due to 'brown out'.  Basically, this occurs when the Suwannee River is flooding (and it's still flooding now) and causes the murky, brown, water to come into the spring.  It's no longer clear and you can't see the fish and plant life.  Typically, it is 72 degrees and clear enough to see to the bottom.  The park indicated that they close the springs when it gets murky because the alligators will come into the spring and it becomes a safety issue.

The spring....

The steps to the spring are all under water at this point.  The flooding of the Suwannee river which is connected to the spring and not far away has caused the water to rise considerably.

The spring stepsThe springManatee spring at high water levels

Wildlife in the park

This park does have wildlife - with the most prominent being deer.  We saw deer passing through the area that we camped every day - usually in the morning hours - often early shortly after sunrise and then in the late afternoon.

 

We did see one very fat raccoon, but just once and it was running around near the bath house.  Thankfully for us, our dogs didn't see the racoon.

There is bird life - although many of the birds are small song birds, there are other birds as well.  I saw the large woodpecker in several areas and was able to get photographs of it.  The wood pecker that I saw is called a "Piliated woodpecker".  They appear to be about 10 inches or so being one of the largest (if not the largest) in our area of the country.  For those that are curious, I saw this woodpecker over in the 'dumpster/trash' areas when dumping our trash as well as along the swampy area that is near campsite #46.

woodpeckerwoodpeckerwoodpecker

Of course, there are the common gray squirrels hanging around - caught this one having a bite to eat by the spring.

Gray squirrel eating a nutGray squirrel eating a nutGray squirrel eating a nut

And the deer - we didn't see alligators, turtles or what not hanging at the spring but we didn't get a chance to swim in the spring as it went murky the day we planned to swim.

Other items to note

  • They do have a concession stand by the spring in the day use area. Typical hours are 10am - 4pm except during summer they are open slightly longer.  If you want ice, this is the only place within the park
  • Firewood is available at the ranger station (drive to it, short walk back to your car) or the concession stand (drive to the parking lot, have to carry the wood a good distance).
  • Firewood can not be brought in from other areas and they don't want you to collect wood within the park to burn either
  • Firewood is $10, must be exact change when we stayed here
  • Walmart is on US 19 just a little north of the street to turn for Manatee Springs State Park if you need just about anything else (Winn Dixie is there too)

More photographs
 

For more photographs from Manatee Springs State Park, please click here, Manatee Springs State Park.


 

 

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) biking Bushwhacker camping Chiefland deer Florida hiking manatee Manatee Springs Manatee Springs State Park nature outdoor park quiet RV spring state park vpshoots wildlife woodpecker https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/4/camping-at-manatee-springs-state-park-chiefland-florida Tue, 30 Apr 2024 19:11:09 GMT
Camping at Highlands Hammock State Park, Sebring, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/3/camping-at-highlands-hammock-state-park-sebring-florida Recently we joined the world of RVs!  Yep, we bought a small camper trailer - the Bushwhacker Plus 17FD.  It's a large teardrop style camper (pull behind trailer).  As you read through our blog posts on travels with our Bushwhacker, we will share experiences with you.  This blog post is about our first campground experience.  We travelled over to Sebring, Florida and camped for several days at Highlands Hammock State Park.  This is our RV.

The Bushwhacker Plus is 17 feet in length (https://www.braxtoncreek.com/model/bushwhacker-teardrop).  As you can see from the photograph, it is a single axle - but it has full size 'rugged' tires and travels well on the roads and thus far has done very well on the dirt roads we have travelled as well (most of the dirt roads in Florida have some lime based/shells are part of the mixture for the roads).  There is a single stair to enter and my dogs were having a little issue using it so I purchased a camco carpet cover for the stair and they are much more comfortable with it (instead of bare metal). https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Protects-Unwanted-Tracked-Electrical/dp/B001U7FT9E

We had a smaller RV campsite - but the wonderful shade of all the trees, mostly oaks with some pine, made it shady and much more comfortable.  For reference, we were in campsite #25 near the entrance to the campground.

This campsite comes with 30amp electrical service, city water hookup and a picnic table.  They have a dump station (for gray and black water) at the entrance to the campground.  Our campsite was large enough for our 17 foot camper, a 10x10 screen room, picnic table and full size pickup truck.  The ground is primarily leaves and dirt - since it is March, my guess is the leaves may not be there year round, but it was nice to have them covering some of the dirt.  Other areas of the campground are not as shady as our site - some are much larger for the bigger RVs and there are a lot of sites to choose from.  

In addition, they have several bath houses/restrooms through out the campground.  It's good to check where they are and the cleaning schedule so that you know which one to go to depending on the time of day.  Each of the buildings has a few restrooms and showers.  I never noticed that any of them were full with a line and there were very few campsites unoccupied.  The bath houses were clean and functional.  Some would be concerned about them being older, but for me it's all about whether it is clean and functional - which they were.

Highlands Hammock State Park - what is there to do?

  • Hiking on the trails
  • Biking on trails (the hiking and biking trails are NOT shared)
  • Take a tram tour (see parts of the park you can't otherwise or if it you aren't able to do a lot of walking)
  • Visit the CCC museum
  • Visit the campstore
  • Playground for the young
  • Relax!

We travel with our dogs, as such, several of the above options were not available to us but we did hike some of the trails.  All of the trails are short, most are .5 miles or less.  They were created back in the days of the CCC (think 1930s) and are still very nice and well maintained.  They are also shaded which is a plus as the temperatures get warmer - but remember bug spray as the temperatures rise.

Richard Lieber Memorial Trail

Our first hike we choose this trail.  We choose this trail based on the brochure description the park provided quote -  ".4 mile loop trail/25 minute walk. At the beginning of the trail is one of the largest Live Oaks. This oak shows remnants of a tree surgery done in the mid-1930s to preserve it.  This trail leads to a narrow boardwalk through Hardwood Swamp.  The dirt path connects to Fern Garden Trail."

This huge old tree trunk is at the entrance to this trail.  If you look at this closely, you will notice that some concrete pieces are embedded in the trunk.  They used to fill areas of the tree with concrete to help preserve it.

We started down the trail which contains a lot of natural Florida landscape, not much different than what we have near our home in west Florida.

A mixture of ferns, oaks, pine and various other natural plants for this area.  Many of the trails are dirt, watch you step to ensure you don't trip on roots.  In other areas, some of the trails have bridges over water areas or boardwalks over swampy areas.  Please note that dogs are not allowed on boardwalk trails and unfortunately the brochure provided by the park does not indicate which trails are boardwalks.

This trail hooks up with the Fern Garden trail.  Left or Right?  Jim and Ollie pointing to the possible directions we can take.

We choose right in case you're wondering.  Eventually we ended up back on the main road.  The Fern Garden trail has another section that is boardwalk and you guessed it "No Dogs"....so the dogs and I went another direction while Jim took in the Fern Garden trail that is boardwalk.

Wild Orange Grove Trail

Our second hike took us on this trail - per the brochure, this trail is .5 mile linear trail (aka not a loop) taking approximately 30 minutes to walk. Unfortunately, we didn't see any 'live' orange trees although I believe I saw several that were no longer alive.  This trail was before the drivable loop where many of the trails are located.  We started down this trail and continued through the woods, coming across a few bridges, a few muddy areas and eventually ended up behind the 'camp store' located in the park.  Ah, well since we are here, let's stop and get some ice cream.  Then Rue (one of the small dogs) and I walked back to get the truck while the others waited and talked with our campground neighbors who were also relaxing in front of the store.

If you take the tram tour, the camp store is where you catch it. (sorry, didn't take a photo of the camp store).


Cypress Swamp Trail

Our last day at the park, after talking with some other campers from Wisconsin, we decided this was a 'must see' before we headed out.  Who knows whether we will be back again and this is suppose to be the 'best trail' if you want to see a beautiful swamp.

Per the brochure, the beginning of an ADA accessible boardwalk through the Charlie Bowlegs Creek until the historic "catwalk" portion is reached.  For us, we were not able to do any of the catwalk portion of the trail because it is currently being renovated.

This little critter was the only thing I saw while I took my early walk down this trail (Jim and the dogs were waiting in the parking area).  I wasn't able to get this raccoon to look up, to busy looking for breakfast.

The famous catwalk - you can view it, but it is currently blocked off from walking.

For more photographs from Highlands Hammock State Park, please visit this link https://www.vpshoots.com/highlandshammock

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Bushwhacker camp camping dog dog-friendly Florida friendly Hammock Highlands Highlands Hammock State Park outdoor park RV Sebring State Park tear drop trailer https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2024/3/camping-at-highlands-hammock-state-park-sebring-florida Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:41:00 GMT
Waterrock Knob Overlook, Blue Ridge Parkway https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/9/waterrock-knob-overlook-blue-ridge-parkway Waterrock Knob is a mountain peak in the state of North Carolina, U. S. This peak must be reached by travelling on the Blue Ridge Parkway and is located at mile marker 451.2.

Waterrock Knob Overlook signWaterrock Knob Overlook signWaterrock Knob Overlook sign says elevation is 5820 feet. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Wikipedia states this is the highest peak in the Plott Balsams and is the 16th-highest mountain in the eastern United States. The Plott Balsams are a mountain range in western North Carolina, in the southeastern United States. They are part of the Blue Ridge Mountain Province of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

View from Waterrock knob overlookView from Waterrock knob overlookView from Waterrock knob overlook parking area.

 

We entered the Blue Ridge Parkway off of US 74 to the east of Sylva, North Carolina, just a short distance past Balsam, North Carolina.  This entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway will take you passed several different overlooks and many different trails for those looking to do some hiking. 

This location is dog friendly - please make sure you have your fur kids on leashes (or voice command) as there are others that are taking their dogs out too.  We saw quite a few dogs up there enjoying the view (or maybe it was just the smells).

Ollie, our dog, at the Waterrock Knob Overlook.Ollie, our dog, at the Waterrock Knob Overlook.Waterrock Knob Overlook is dog-friendly.

Here is Ollie taking a few minutes break from riding on the curvy roads up here!  (She was on a leash - removed in photoshop).

The girls (our dogs) at Waterrock Knob overlook.The girls (our dogs) at Waterrock Knob overlook.View from Waterrock knob overlook parking lot.

Yep - most people make their children pose, I make the dogs pose!  Ollie (left), Rue (her sister), Abby (adopted sister?).

One of the pull offs from the Blue Ridge Parkway is Glassmine Falls.  If you look across the mountains to the far side, you can see a small amount of water flowing down the mountain.  There is a small trail at this overlook for those looking for additional views or just a short walk to get outside the car.  Google lists the address as “Black Mountain, NC”. 

Glassmine Falls view from Blue Ridge ParkwayGlassmine Falls view from Blue Ridge ParkwayGlassmine Falls view from Blue Ridge Parkway

Once you drive up to the parking lot for this view, there is a ranger station and restrooms.  For those that are up to a hike, you can hike up a trail that is about 1.2 miles in length to view the actual ‘Waterrock knob’.  There is a steep climb that goes up 412 feet in elevation – but on a beautiful day, this hike is probably worth the effort.  The first ¼ mile of the trail is paved.

 

Since the clouds were moving in, the trail was a bit steep and the view limited, I decided that perhaps today wasn’t the best day to try this hike.  The elevation at the parking lot is 5820’.  There is a map that you can look at and it tells you about the various mountains that you are viewing. 

Map at Waterrock Knob OverlookMap at Waterrock Knob OverlookMap at Waterrock Knob Overlook

The hiking trail takes you up a little further in elevation, 6292’.

If you happen to have a clear view, the casino in Cherokee, North Carolina can be seen – that’s quite a way from where you’re currently standing.  The white 'spot' in the middle of this photograph is the casino.

Casino in Cherokee, NC from Waterrock Knob overlook.Casino in Cherokee, NC from Waterrock Knob overlook.Casino in Cherokee, NC from the Waterrock Knob parking lot.

For more photographs visit: https://www.vpshoots.com/waterrockknob
 

For more information and photographs visit:

https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/waterrock-knob-mp-451-2.htm

https://www.romanticasheville.com/waterrock_knob.htm

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) bathroom Blue Ridge Parkway dog friendly dog-friendly hiking mountain mountains North Carolina outdoor overlook parking parkway restroom scenic Water rock knob Waterrock Knob https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/9/waterrock-knob-overlook-blue-ridge-parkway Sun, 04 Sep 2022 21:12:46 GMT
Letting go, memories after your dog (pet) crosses the Rainbow Bridge https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/8/letting-go-memories-after-your-dog-pet-crosses-the-rainbow-bridge Every one knows eventually the day will come when you are saying good bye to your fur child.  That has always been the hardest day for me followed by days, weeks, months, maybe even years of quiet times, sulking, remembering, crying.   Times when you will be brought to tears for one reason or another because ...you feel that empty space..you feel that lost.

Like many, I have experienced this lost.  I've had many cats over my life time - my Mom loved cats.  But somehow I usually don't develop that same close bond with my cats that I have my dogs.  If you have known me (and Jim) for a long time - you remember Dolly.  Dolly came home with my step son so many years ago - wow, seems like an eternity now - Dolly was my soul mate - the perfect dog - everyone thought there was just something special about her - myself included.  She was my inspiration for getting started in pet photography.

First, Grieve.  Cry.  Remember.  Sulk.  Everyone is different, but you have lost a member of your family.

Cope with the loss of your pet by sharing your pet - photos, stories, memories on social media.  Let the world know about your beloved pet!

1) Share special moments

2) Share great memories

3) But first, you have to capture those special moments that will be great memories!

4) Make sure you print them (don't leave them in the digital world)

Here's a (much) younger version of me with my Dolly in her senior years.  Dolly always hung out close with me all those times that I would stop to take photographs of just about anything. Yep, I'm sharing!

Dog, Dolly, hanging with photographer ownerDog, Dolly, hanging with photographer ownerDog, Dolly, hanging with photographer owner

Share special memories Dolly was there for many of my early learning experiences of photographing a dog.  One of Jim's favorite memories is when I was having a tough time trying to get Dolly to do what I wanted in a posing session.  How did Dolly handle this?  I think the photo tells you all that you need to know.

My dog Dolly kissing me on the faceMy dog Dolly kissing me on the faceMy dog Dolly kissing me on the face My favorite portrait of Dolly in her later years is when she was laying in our backyard enjoying the sunshine. The soft glow around her face gives me wonderful memories of this ole girl.

Dog head portraitDog head portraitDolly, my dog, favorite head portrait

Losing your best friend - Find a support group

I have learned a lot during the last decade and that's other people understand. 

Another way to cope with pet loss - Find a support group - or friends/people that have pets or lost pets.

They will understand your grief.

They will understand your loss.

They will understand what it's all about.

Remember the good times

This is the first photograph we ever had taken with Jimbo - it was taken in the parking lot of the place where Jimbo was staying until we came and picked him up - so trusting, having made that long journey from the Bahamas via private plane.  Then traveling up to Tampa - saying good bye to Jim as he left with Jim's sister, then seeing us come back to get him just a couple of days later.

 

Loving our new dog, JimboLoving our new dog, JimboOur first family photo together - the evening we brought Jimbo home

Jimbo had the biggest heart.  We learned from him. He learned from us.  A beautiful story.  

Create a memorial, print photographs and put them on your wall

As a photographer, you would probably guess that I have photographs of my pets - current and past gracing walls within my home.  It's a wonderful feeling to look at those photographs and remember a special moment.  Whether you ask a professional photographer to take photographs or take them yourself - don't forget to PRINT some of those photographs.  That will allow you to look at them anytime - and it's harder to lose than a broken phone or a failed hard drive (and you don't have a backup).

Animal Communication - after you lose your pet

While you may not agree, I firmly believe that when our dogs leave us in the physical sense, they do indeed stay with us.  While they cross the rainbow bridge, there energy continues to surround us. 

When I lost Dolly, I was so, so happy that Jimbo had joined our lives - now I had time and love that I could dedicate to him.  But you know what? Jimbo was not Dolly - but very similar in many ways.  A few months after losing Dolly I reached out to my first ever animal communicator.  My goal was to try and learn why Jimbo had some issues and how best to work with him. 

My first animal communication session

This was my first and only in person session (the other sessions have been via phone).  As Laura communicated with Jimbo, she shared a lot of things we knew about Jimbo but I hadn't shared with Laura. 

We learned a lot about Jimbo. 

Laura looked at us and said, "One of you is thinking about getting a second dog.  Jimbo wants to be the only dog."  I was caught guilty but so relieved that Jimbo was happy being the only dog in our household. 

Our session continued, Laura told me there was another dog present but not in a physical form.  This other dog was extremely happy to see Laura and wanted Laura to ask "Did I do good?"

I didn't understand. 

Laura continued to tell us that Dolly had a big role in bringing Jimbo into our lives.  She reached out to find a dog that would fit into our lives.  A dog that had many of the same attributes that she had.

I began to cry (and I have tears now too).  Dolly - you helped bring Jimbo to us?  She did.  Her time was limited with us and she wanted to make sure that I would be ok so she found another dog that would be perfect.  Dolly was so right - Jimbo was perfect.

Recent animal communication

I've worked with another animal communicator recently to help with some of the issues that Abby faces. 

Anxiety, particularly separation anxiety. 

When we finished our session, she reached out to find some of our previous pets.  Jimbo was waiting.

Shay asked if Jimbo was a large tan dog, similar to a golden retriever.  Yes, that's him. 

Shay told us that Jimbo is still here with us (it's been over 2 years now since he left us - at least in the physical form). 

Jimbo is showing Shay an image of a red bird with a black face - she asked if we have a lot of them around in our yard or nearby.

Male red cardinal birdMale red cardinal birdMale red cardinal bird on tree branch

We do.

Jimbo sends a little energy to you with each of those red birds - he wants you to remember, remember the good times, remember him.

We do.  We love you Jimbo.  We will never forget you.  

What about kitties?

Most times (apparently) cats are pretty independent and will head on off to whatever might be next in their lives after leaving us. 

However, one sweet kitty was hanging out with Dolly.  Our little black and white tuxedo kitty, Angel. 

Angel had a special relationship with Dolly because Dolly found her at our local park.  Alone, sick and just a baby.  Without Dolly, little Angel might not have survived.  I guess that makes for a pretty special relationship.

 

Interested in Pet Photography Session? Special memory sessions for pets leaving soon

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Dallas dog photographer Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography writes about the origin of the term Rainbow Bridge and how it has helped people deal with the grief of losing a beloved pet.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) animal communication canine dog dog photography Florida outdoor pet pet end of life photography pet grief pet loss pet memory sessions pet photography pet photography blog rainbow bridge vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/8/letting-go-memories-after-your-dog-pet-crosses-the-rainbow-bridge Fri, 26 Aug 2022 08:00:00 GMT
Happiness is....spending time with your fur kids (aka, dogs) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/8/happiness-is-spending-time-with-your-fur-kids-aka-dogs Happiness is?

I totally believe that our dogs (and probably most dogs) are happiest when they are with their human family.  Sure they love the other fur members of the family - but it's different.

This first photo of Jimbo posing for a photo with me - one of the few of just the two of us up close (back when I first tried to do a selfie!).  We were out on one of our walks to a favorite local park just a short distance from our house.

 

Happiness is - well for our dogs it's simple.

Did you say Ride? Walk? Park? Snack? Starbucks? Mike (their best human friend that is our friend)?  The excitement can get a little overwhelming for them, but the joy is so pure, so simple and who can deny that it brings a smile to your face?

We have been blessed that ALL of our dogs have just loved to travel – travel short distances as well as long distances.  As such, we take our dogs to many dog friendly places locally including parks and restaurants. 

Not the best photo, but the expression on Abby's face is priceless.

By far, the best food places are a local place with an outdoor patio, Gaspars, located in Temple Terrace, Florida.  Often we will do an outside breakfast at Shamrocks, also located in Temple Terrace, Florida.  Of course, all of our dogs love drive-thru places, but for the most part (except for Starbucks and the Pup cups) drive-thru places are limited to when we are doing long distance travelling.  And yes, I know that Starbucks pup cup isn’t good for them but you try to ignore 6 brown eyes (I can sometimes).

Our dogs all love those car rides, but sometimes they realize that they ended up at an undesirable location (aka the vet) which is always fine until they either have to be separated from Mom (aka me) or go into the little room.  Rue and Ollie being smaller take refuge under the chairs…(so happy to be somewhere, but not so happy about this location!).

Happiness is going for our morning walks – although, every so often Abby thinks it’s going to be worthy of taking a favorite item with her (which eventually ends up being dropped and I am carrying another item).  I think Abby was having an 'unsecure' morning and bringing her cow gave her comfort.

Sometimes happiness is having a little cuddle with one of your fellow dog siblings….

Happiness is traveling to a nice park where nature runs abound whether it's in Florida close to home....

or in western North Carolina - a long way from home.

and for Ollie, who just loves her "Poppa" sometimes it's just hanging with him while he takes photographs of something other than her.


Happiness is....

  1. A car ride
  2. A walk
  3. Time with my humans
  4. Time with my fur siblings
  5. A snack (aka treat)

And I'm sure there are many other things that make our dogs lives so complete, but these things top the list.

It all boils down to "where is the next adventure going to be - close to home or miles away, as long as I have Mom and Pops, that's all that matters to me".

For now, Jimbo says I'll leave you with one of the only video's of me as I create a nice place to lay down and chill - hope you enjoyed this week's blog post featuring candid cell phone photographs of the Perdue-Vargas dog family.

 

Interested in Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Atlanta dog photographer CM Bryson takes you behind the scenes of creating an award winning image for Embark's Colorific challenge because happiness is Colorific!

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog happiness dog photography dog-friendly Florida happiness happiness is hiking nature outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog river Tampa vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/8/happiness-is-spending-time-with-your-fur-kids-aka-dogs Fri, 05 Aug 2022 08:00:00 GMT
What kind of dogs are they? https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/7/what-kind-of-dogs-are-they What Kind of dog do you have?

The most often question I have been asked when walking my dogs is "What kind of dogs are they?".  I have to admit, for a good while my answer was "One with four legs".  I was clueless what exactly my dogs were, other than "My dogs" - shared with 'Pop' also known as Jim.  All of our dogs came from the rescue we photograph the most for, Maxx and Me Pet Rescue - all of them are mutts.  They are mixed breed, who knows what they are - but they are our little fur kids.

Here's each one the day we met them as we were asked to photograph each of them for the Maxx and Me Pet Rescue.

Meet Abby
 

Abby was approximately 6 - 7 months of age.  She came into the rescue from Starke County, Florida. Known for the jail - a town located in central Florida that we have passed through many times travelling Highway 301.  She came to us because it was thought that she might have kennel cough, she didn't have a foster lined up and with the possibility of having kennel cough, she could not go to boarding.  Our sweet Jimbo was kind enough to let her come to our house and stay - but he made it clear - you have to train her, I'm not (and yes, this was Jimbo, our dog, telling us this).

Abby, hound dog, poses for the cameraAbby, hound dog, poses for the cameraAbby, hound dog, poses for the camera

Meet Ollie (formerly known as Irma) and Rue

A litter of 4 puppies came into the Maxx and Me Pet Rescue.  They were little - real little.  They came from northern Florida, areas where often a good number of dogs are not given an opportunity to live.  Maxx and Me Pet Rescue grabbed this little litter of puppies, having survived parvo and brought them to Tampa.  They didn't have a foster - they were all placed in a boarding facility.  In September (just after Hurricane Irma) we were asked to photograph these cuties.  As there were 4, and Hurricane Irma recently came to our area - Irma has 4 letters - each letter was used to come up with names for these puppies.  Ollie was first known as "Irma". Rue was named Rue (and stayed as Rue).  The other two puppies took the letters M and A (I don't recall their names).  I couldn't call a little puppy "Irma" so in time with various fosters - she was renamed to Ollie by someone else and oddly enough that is my father's middle name and the name my grandfather went by.  Strange circles.....

Rue - the toughest puppy of all 4 to photograph! 

Cute puppy in a basketCute puppy in a basketCute puppy in a basket

Ollie - the easiest of the puppies to photograph

Cute puppy in a basketCute puppy in a basketCute puppy in a basket

Growing up - Abby became a beautiful hound dog

Abby is definitely hound - look at those ears?  But what are the various breeds that make Abby "Abby"?  Well, everyone knows she has some form of hound(s) in her - her looks say that.  She loves the water, she is very good at tracking us and even better at tracking Jim!  She doesn't let her Pop get to far away and if he does, well it's nose to the ground.

So what is Abby's DNA telling us?  No surprises for the most part for me!

29% Beagle

10% Treeing Walker Coonhound

10% Rottweiler

9% Bluetick Coonhound

8% Chow Chow

What was a little more surprising is that Abby has a sister that has tested (also lives in Florida, sharing 55% of her DNA) named Madison.  She also has 2 other close relatives named Charlie and Utah!

Black hound dog among the yellow flowersBlack hound dog among the yellow flowersBlack hound dog among the yellow flowers

Growing up - Rue and Ollie remain very close

These two girls are from the same litter - and they look very similar.  People ask how we can tell which is which.  Here's the rundown of the differences.

1) Ollie has an extra dew claw on her hind foot

2) Rue appears to have broken her tail as a very young tike because the end of it has some little bends that aren't normal

3) Ollie is redder than Rue

4) Rue has white socks

5) Ollie is shorter and stocky; Rue has longer, thinner legs

Oh - and Ollie usually has a red collar on and Rue has a yellow green collar.  I as the "mom" can tell my twins apart just like any other parent can tell their twins apart - they each have slight differences.

Any guesses on what these girls are?  Everyone says they are unique - but no one guesses what their DNA hides....

33% Australian Shepherd

19% Miniature American Shephard

14% Chihuahua

11% Bichon Frise

5% Poodle (Toy or Miniature)

While Rue and Ollie did have a few relatives listed they did not have any close relatives :(

Just in case you are curious, the girls have one surviving brother who has fur similar to the shephard breeds they have in their DNA and they also have a sister that has piercing blue eyes!

DNA Results for my dogs

3 dogs pose for the camera while hiking in North Carolina3 dogs pose for the camera while hiking in North Carolina3 dogs pose for the camera while hiking in North Carolina

3 dogs on a hike in North Carolina3 dogs on a hike in North Carolina3 dogs on a hike in North Carolina

Vacation photos from our hikes in North Carolina!  The first group photograph is on a hike in the Nantahala Forest.  The second group photograph was taken at Dry Falls near Highlands, North Carolina.  (Yes, you take photographs of your kids on vacation - and we take photographs of our fur kids).

My dogs DNA was tested using the Wisdom Panel.  This is one of several companies that perform this particular type of test.  Another company, Embark, does DNA testing for dogs (and cats).  In the near future, I would like to try Embark to compare the results and determine how similar (or dissimilar) they might be.  Hopefully, the results will be similar, otherwise I might question exactly how the process is being performed and what the accuracy of the results is.


 

Interested in Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Massachusetts dog photographer Darlene Woodward of Pant the Town Photography shares the DNA ancestry results of her rescued mutt, Kota.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine DNA dog Dog DNA dog photography Florida nature outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog rescue vpshoots water wisdom Wisdom Panel https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/7/what-kind-of-dogs-are-they Fri, 29 Jul 2022 08:00:00 GMT
Tampa's Riverwalk is dog friendly! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/7/tampas-riverwalk-is-dog-friendly Tampa's Riverwalk was established in 1989 and has become an almost instant success!  People love walking along this 2.6 mile walk on the east side of the Hillsborough River through downtown Tampa.  It's not only for people, yep, you guessed it - the dogs love it too!  There are two dog parks that at least 2 small dog parks along the Riverwalk (one slightly off the main path, one right along the main path).  There are some dog friendly places to stop and eat like Ulele (1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602) which has outdoor sitting if your dog is with you.  Armature Works (1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602) also has outdoor seating that allows you to bring your dog(s) along.

Recently we took our little dog family to walk along part of the Riverwalk as the sun started to rise.  We parked at the Poe Parking Garage located at 800 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602.  Make sure you have your trusty smart phone with the Mobile Parking app as you'll need it to park in most places in downtown Tampa.

As we began our walk, I took a few photographs in the early morning light.  This is a bridge house next to one of several bridges that cross the Hillsborough River.

bridge tower on riverwalkbridge tower on riverwalkbridge tower on riverwalk

As the sun rises, the clouds pick up the beautiful colors.  The old railroad bridge stays in an upright position most of it's life.  While I have never seen it down, I hear that it does come down on a semi-regular schedule for a very short train line to deliver supplies into the downtown area.

bridge over Hillsborough River by riverwalkbridge over Hillsborough River by riverwalkbridge over Hillsborough River by riverwalk

The Tampa River Center is located on the west side of the Hillsborough River at 1001 North Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33606.  The University of Tampa keeps the boats for the rowing team in this building, but it can also be used for many different types of events.  To visit their website,
click here.

 

Tampa River Center along riverTampa River Center along riverTampa River Center along river

The Riverwalk goes under Interstate 275 which is one of the main interstates in our area.  There are a few free parking spots located here under the interstate - 4 hour parking if you're lucky to get one of these.

Tampa's riverwalk at sunriseTampa's riverwalk at sunriseTampa's riverwalk at sunrise

Well, after about an hour, perhaps a little more of being 'pulled through' the Tampa's Riverwalk by my three fur kids - I had them pose for a few photographs before we headed back to the garage to pick up the car.

As we were in a fairly busy area with respect to possible things to chase - I was careful to just let Abby be our first model for this photograph of downtown Tampa from the park along the Riverwalk.

Dog downtown Tampa riverwalkDog downtown Tampa riverwalkDog downtown Tampa riverwalk

Rue and Ollie were pretty interested in the treats that Abby was getting for sitting so nicely while I tried to get a few photographs - so they joined in.  These two girls, being siblings from the same litter, spend a lot of time posing close to each other naturally.

Dogs downtown Tampa riverwalkDogs downtown Tampa riverwalkDogs downtown Tampa riverwalk

In this last photograph, I realized that the kiddos were all facing in the same direction, east, as the sun was starting to come over the downtown buildings to the east of the river walk.

Dogs downtown Tampa RiverwalkDogs downtown Tampa RiverwalkDogs downtown Tampa Riverwalk

Rescue dogs enjoying a day out on the Tampa Riverwalk

Sometimes we take a dog out of the shelter or boarding facility to enjoy a little time outside - often we head to the river walk in downtown Tampa allowing them to experience some sunshine, smells, people and whatever else comes along during the few hours of 'freedom'.  Here's some dogs that we took out when they were looking for their forever home (they have since been adopted).

Dog downtown parkDog downtown parkDog downtown park Dog Tampa RiverwalkDog Tampa RiverwalkDog Tampa Riverwalk Dog Tampa RiverwalkDog Tampa RiverwalkDog at the Tampa riverwalk

Lola is enjoying the dog park near Armature works while posing for her photography session.

Dog at dog park near Tampa riverwalkDog at dog park near Tampa riverwalkDog at dog park near Tampa riverwalk

Dog at dog park near Tampa riverwalkDog at dog park near Tampa riverwalkDog at dog park near Tampa riverwalk

Interested in Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Carol Mudra of Apawture Studios in Milan, Italy "notes" one of her favorite locations nestled within Parco Formentano that makes a great backdrop for dog portraits.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography downtown downtown Tampa Florida outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog river river walk riverwalk sunrise Tampa vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/7/tampas-riverwalk-is-dog-friendly Fri, 22 Jul 2022 08:00:00 GMT
Photography session with a large dog named Buck https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/6/photography-session-with-a-large-dog-named-buck Often when photographing rescue dogs, we don’t have much information about the dog(s) we are going to photograph.  Sometimes we get a snapshot of the dog, or perhaps a few little personality traits - but we don't know what exactly to expect.  The most common thing we run into is ‘shy dogs’.  Or a dog that doesn’t do well with meeting new people (there are exceptions, but this is pretty normal).   Our latest rescue dog photography session is an owner surrender – the owner is sick and looking for a new home for her dog so that he is safe. 

Meet Buck.  Buck is about 2 years old, fully grown, weighing in at about 80 pounds and once he knows you, well let's just say you're a friend for life!

Buck, a large mixed breed male dogBuck, a large mixed breed male dogBuck, a large mixed breed male dog

Buck was shy at first, protective of the personal dog trainer who brought him to us.  We let Buck have his space – talked with his personal dog trainer and enjoyed the park where we meet.  Since we also have a dog that has some issues with new people, situations and other dogs - it's pretty easy for us to just chill and ignore the dog for a little bit while they figure out that we are 'good humans'.

We placed a small ball where we wanted Buck to sit, lay down, stand (really it didn't matter) - just hang out here somewhere big guy.  He laid right down, the ball in front and stuck the pose - wow, from being shy to doing this?

Dog laying behind a toy ballDog laying behind a toy ballDog laying behind a toy ball

Well, wasn’t long before Buck thought all the wonderful attention he was getting made up for anything else he might have been thinking. Buck looks like he has known us a long time now!  Truthfully, it's been about 30 minutes, but he warmed up to us pretty quickly.  Very happy, relaxed pose for the camera.

Dog standing by toy ballDog standing by toy ballDog standing by toy ball

You want me to sit here?  Sure – not a problem.
Dog sitting with tongue hanging outDog sitting with tongue hanging outDog sitting with tongue hanging out
Play with the ball – sure – oh and thank you for bringing it, that was kind of you.

Dog chasing toy ballDog chasing toy ballDog chasing toy ball Ah, I caught it!  Buck is saying I caught the ball - I am saying I caught Buck with the ball in his mouth (it didn't stay there very long so being quick is definitely a good part of the photography session game with animals).

Dog with toy ball in mouthDog with toy ball in mouthDog with toy ball in mouth

And after some treats, some attention and a little play time – well, what better can a dog give but some wonderful kisses!  Trust me when I say there were a lot of kisses - because my partner, Jim, was getting licked all over his face because he smelled like turkey.

Dog kissing a manDog kissing a manDog kissing a man

Buck is available thru Maxx and Me Pet Rescue located here in Tampa, Florida.

Buck's personal dog trainer, Dara Crystal, is available in the Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater area if you need some help with your dog(s). The website for Crystal Clear Dog Training is located here https://crystalcleardogtraining.com/
 

Interested in Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Seattle Pet Photographer Holly Cook highlights on of her most recent photo sessions with Mossy Wonder at the beach.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) ball canine Crystal Clear Crystal Clear dog training dog dog photography dog-friendly Florida large dog Maxx and Me Maxx and Me Pet Rescue nature outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog play rescue Tampa trail vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/6/photography-session-with-a-large-dog-named-buck Fri, 17 Jun 2022 08:00:00 GMT
Dog friendly lakes, Western North Carolina https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/5/dog-friendly-lakes-western-north-carolina Ah the joys of being able to go swimming in the water without fear of an alligator!  Recently we spent a couple of weeks up in Western North Carolina enjoying the mountains hiking, biking, swimming - outside with nature.

As many of you know, we live a few blocks from the Hillsborough River in Temple Terrace, Florida (a small city on the east side of Tampa).  But - the Hillsborough River has alligators.  And those alligators find dogs tasty - so our dogs have been trained that they are NOT allowed in the water - no swimming allowed.  That's mostly for their protection from these big alligators that many times aren't as afraid of people as we would like them to be (hint to those of you that think it might be fun to feed them - it's illegal).

But - when we head up to the mountains, there aren't any alligators.  Sure there are snakes, those are everywhere - but the likelihood of a snake biting our dog in the water is probably even less than an alligator attack.  So, once we scout the water, if it's clear - it's game on.  Abby absolutely loves the water.  Especially if she is hot (but that's probably true for all dogs).

These aren't portraits of dogs, these aren't fancy photographs this week - but they do show my girls Abby, Ollie and Rue enjoying being dogs!  When we arrive at one of these lakes with the 'Georgia red clay' bottoms, this is what I see - a beautiful scene with cool water (it was late April).

Finger Lake, Fontana, North CarolinaFinger Lake, Fontana, North CarolinaFinger Lake, Fontana, North Carolina

And this is what Abby sees. A Place to jump in and cool off.

Dog standing in lake, Jack Rabbit Trails, North CarolinaDog standing in lake, Jack Rabbit Trails, North CarolinaDog standing in lake, Jack Rabbit Trails, North Carolina None of our dogs are much for swimming, so I usually have zero worry that they are going to go very far.  They just love playing at the water's edge where there feet are still on solid ground.  Well, most of the time there feet are on the ground - except when its time to jump on your sister.

Dogs at lake shore, Tsali Trails, North CarolinaDogs at lake shore, Tsali Trails, North CarolinaDogs at lake shore playing, Tsali Trails, North Carolina

Abby splashing along the shoreline of the lake at Tsali bike trails, Whittier, North Carolina (near Fontana, North Carolina).

Dog running in lake, Jack Rabbit trails, North CarolinaDog running in lake, Jack Rabbit trails, North CarolinaDog running in lake, Jack Rabbit trails, near Haysville, North Carolina

Tsali Trailhead - Bike, Hiking, Horse Trails

So where exactly is Tsali bike trails?  It's near Fontana, North Carolina and is located near several different lakes.  In addition to biking trails, there are also plenty of trails to hike on (share them with the bikers or the horses) and also trails available for those with horses.  They alternate by day whether a given trail is for bicycles or horses - so you shouldn't meet both of them if you're hiking on foot.  Snipet from Google maps to help provide location information on these trails.

Tsali Bike Trails LocationTsali Bike Trails LocationGoogle snipet for location of Tsali Bike Trails

Jack rabbit Trailhead - Hiking and Bicycling

Jack Rabbit trails are located near Hayesville, North Carolina.  Several of the trails are located along the lake shoreline.  All trails are marked very well and blazed different colors.  Hikers share the same trails as those bicycling.  There is a 'restroom' on site in the parking lot (but nothing fancy).  Nearby they have camping grounds for those considering spending more than a day. 

Jack Rabbit Bicycle Trails locationJack Rabbit Bicycle Trails locationJack Rabbit Bicycle Trails location

Jackrabbit Bicycle Trails, Hayesville, North CarolinaJackrabbit Bicycle Trails, Hayesville, North CarolinaTrail map for Jack Rabbit Bicycle Trails This trail map is at the entrance to the trails which all start from a common location.  The "You are here" is clearly marked to help orient yourself before setting off on a trail.  For those that are hiking, there are many signs that help identify different types of vegetation providing for a learning experience if you're inclined.

 

Interested in Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Courtney of CM Bryson Photography loves spending Georgia summer mornings kayaking with her dogs. In this blog post she's sharing 3 Must Haves for Kayaking with Dogs.

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) bathrooms boat ramp camping canine dog dog photography Fontana Hayesville Jack Rabbit Jack Rabbit trailhead lake lakes MTB nature North Carolina outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog swimming Tsali Tsali Trailhead vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/5/dog-friendly-lakes-western-north-carolina Fri, 27 May 2022 08:00:00 GMT
A walk at dog-friendly Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/4/a-walk-at-dog-friendly-lettuce-lake-park-in-tampa-florida One of our favorite places to take our dog(s) for a walk is a local county park called "Lettuce Lake Park".  This park is enjoyed by a lot of people on a weekly basis.  Just a short distance from the metro areas of Tampa including University of South Florida, New Tampa, and a short drive off Interstate 75 this park is well located along the Hillsborough River.

paved walkway at Lettuce Lake Parkpaved walkway at Lettuce Lake ParkLettuce Lake Park - County Park in Hillsborough County, Florida

If you want to take your dog(s) for a nice, mostly shaded walk - whether you prefer a paved path or a more natural path - Lettuce Lake Park has got you covered!  The paved path is enjoyed by those walking, bicycling (slow speeds only) or skating - whether you have a furry friend or not - it's a beautiful park.

Handicapped accessible paved walkway at Lettuce Lake ParkHandicapped accessible paved walkway at Lettuce Lake ParkHandicapped accessible paved walkway at Lettuce Lake Park

There are several shelters through out the park to have a picnic, family gathering or perhaps just a quiet break with your furry friend.

Picnic shelter at Lettuce Lake ParkPicnic shelter at Lettuce Lake ParkPicnic shelter at Lettuce Lake Park

The visitor center has a 'dual' water fountain - one for us humans, but also one for the dogs along the pathway.

Dog water fountain at Lettuce Lake ParkDog water fountain at Lettuce Lake ParkDog water fountain at Lettuce Lake Park by the visitor center

If you're looking to do a few things without a furry companion - perhaps you'd like to rent a canoe or a kayak and paddle on the Hillsborough river where few motor boats travel.  Or the boardwalk is a great addition to walk along to see birds, turtles and alligators (no dogs are allowed, but it's for their safety).  

Take a little wooded trail that goes between the boat ramp (canoes/kayaks) and the paved trail for a wonderful, totally natural trail.  Just be advised, that if it has done a bit of raining recently, it is likely to have puddles and possibly muddy areas.
 

Natural trail at Lettuce Lake ParkNatural trail at Lettuce Lake ParkNatural trail at Lettuce Lake Park

And sometimes Jimbo just liked to be 'free' but he always stayed close and only when we were 'alone' on the trail. This is the natural trail after a heavy rainfall.  Here he is waiting for us to continue following.

Natural trail at Lettuce Lake ParkNatural trail at Lettuce Lake ParkNatural trail at Lettuce Lake Park

More about Lettuce Lake Park:

6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637

The park is 'officially' just outside the city limits of Tampa and opened in 1982.

In addition to the other amenities mentioned, there is a central location has a large playground, restrooms, field to play games and sand volleyball courts.  The boardwalk has lots of birds for those into bird watching!  There is also a tower you can climb to get a higher viewpoint of the river and it's wildlife.  

Official county link to this park: https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/locations/lettuce-lake-conservation-park


Interested in Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to 

A walk in the park in the St. Cloud MN area with About A Dog Photography!

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) barbeque bathrooms canine canoe canoeing County Park dog dog photography dog-friendly Florida grill handicap accessible hiking Hillsborough County Hillsborough River kayak kayaking lake lettace Lettuce Lake Park Maxx and Me Pet Rescue nature outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog picnic playground puppy restrooms river shaded shelters Tampa trail tree visitor center vpshoots walking water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/4/a-walk-at-dog-friendly-lettuce-lake-park-in-tampa-florida Fri, 01 Apr 2022 08:00:00 GMT
St. Patrick's day dress up for the dogs https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/3/st-patricks-day-dress-up-for-the-dogs Well, soon it will be the middle of March - yep - St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner.  As a child, I always said "I wasn't Irish, so I didn't need to wear green - at least, that's what I said when I forgot to wear green".  Years later, I did a DNA test and well, found out I was 11% Irish!  So I guess I should wear green to honor the Irish holiday.

I began a quick search to find a St. Patrick's day outfit that might fit my fur girls.  The first thing I found was that most of the different things that I could get in a short time period is made for smaller dogs not large dogs like Abby.  We ended up with 2 different types of outfits for the fur girls.

The most challenging outfit is the little hat/beard which required a dog that would allow this to be placed on their head.  Who would wear the little hat and beard?  I didn't think it would fit Abby...and Rue, well - she is "Rue (not a model)"...leaving me with Ollie.  Here's Ollie posing with her St. Patrick's day costume. I can hear her now - how many treats do I get for wearing this crazy hat and beard? 

 

St Patrick's Day - went to the dogsSt Patrick's Day - went to the dogsour dog, Ollie, sporting an Irish hat and beard

Often in order to get photographs of the smaller dogs (Ollie is about 32 pounds), I will place them up on something so they are not on the ground.  By placing them off the ground, it takes a little bit more for them to 'run away'.  If we are in an open space such as a park or the dog does not do well with the 'stay command' then a leash is used to help keep your dog in the area preferred for photographing.

Tricks for working with Abby and Ollie :

1) Very food motivated - ensure she knows I have 'snacks aka treats'

2) Both are good with the 'stay' command when food is involved

3) Ensure she is in a 'sit/stay' position

4) If no helper to ensure she stays, I will use a wider angle lens so I can stay close and keep her attention 

A fair amount of trade on the dog treats and Ollie was kind enough to look at the camera for another pose.  The little hat/beard was found at Pet Supermarket here in Tampa, FL.

Dog celebrating St. Patrick's dayDog celebrating St. Patrick's dayDog celebrating St. Patrick's day

This one has an interesting look because of the way the beard line is on her face (it's not photoshopped - it's really on her).  Abby is often my 'go to' on photographs - she will do just about anything I ask if there is food involved.

Finding a St. Patrick's day costume or accessory for a larger dog is not as easy as for a smaller dog.  Abby weighs in at about 65 pounds.  These little 'vest/bowties' actually have a simple collar to put them on your dog which works perfectly.  A different collar could be used as long as it fits in the slits that are provided on the costume which is about 1/2 inch in width.

Mixed breed dog celebrates St Patrick's DayMixed breed dog celebrates St Patrick's DayMixed breed dog celebrates St Patrick's Day

As I wanted a little more control over what was in the background of this photograph of Abby, I decided to try looking down on her and filling the frame with her - calling out the 'keyword' for all of my dogs "S N A C K".  If that doesn't get them looking at you, then it probably isn't going to happen.

Mixed breed dog celebrates St Patrick's DayMixed breed dog celebrates St Patrick's DayMixed breed dog celebrates St Patrick's Day

Last, but not least, is Rue.  Rue doesn't do the 'stay' or 'pose' very well - so she is the hardest of my dogs to photograph.  Tricks I used with Rue since she is not a good "stay/pose" dog include:

1) I put her off the ground - in this case she was sitting on a bench

2) I stay very close - using a wider angle lens allows me to be within 2 feet of her

3) I ensure she knows that I have 'snack' if she is good 

4) I will keep her in place by gently putting her back into place several times before I attempt to take photographs

5) Work QUICK!

Dog sporting a St Patrick's day bowtieDog sporting a St Patrick's day bowtieDog sporting a St Patrick's day bowtie

Hope you all have a wonderful St. Patrick's day!

 

Interested in Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Syracuse photographer shares the story of a lucky dog and his journey to a new home.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine costume dog dog photography Florida green Irish outdoor outfit pet pet photography pet photography blog portrait rescue St Patricks St. Patricks St. Patricks day Tampa vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/3/st-patricks-day-dress-up-for-the-dogs Fri, 11 Mar 2022 09:00:00 GMT
Photographing for local pet rescue https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/2/photographing-for-local-pet-rescue This week is about giving back to the local pet rescues in our area.  You would probably be surprised how many rescues there are!  There are many that are breed specific and others that are for a wider range of dogs or cats.  Definitely most rescues are either for cats or for dogs (I don't see many that cross this barrier).  For us here at VP Shoots Photography, we work with Maxx and Me Pet Rescue (www.maxxandme.org) located in the Westchase area of Tampa, Florida.  This rescue is entirely foster based.  We started doing photographs of rescue dogs back in 2015 for this rescue and last year we photographed over 80 dogs for them. 

Maxx and Me Pet Rescue is run by individuals that have full time jobs in many cases and do rescue work because of their love of animals.  Many of the dogs that come into Maxx and Me are mixed breeds and often are senior dogs or dogs that have come from a situation that is less than desirable for the dog.  My heart aches when I see how some of these dogs have been treated, but our specialty is to spend time with them and capture some images that will help them find a new home - one where they can be loved.

Thus far this year we have photographed a few golden retriever girls who were formerly with a breeder.  These girls have never actually been in a loving family.  It's interesting to see how different their personalities are.  The first one came out and was pretty happy just having 3 people (all photographers) giving her all of their attention and treats that she wanted.

The second golden retriever was quite the opposite - very uncertain of the whole situation and trying to stay away from us as much as possible.  So, what do we do?  Well for starters, we spend a bit of time just trying to get her comfortable.  Then there is time we may just ignore her and talk for a while as she gets the idea we aren't there to hurt her in any way.  Eventually, we realize that she has been through a lot and it's time to 'improvise' and get some photographs of her.

And by the end of our 45 minutes with her (yes, some take longer than others!) - she is happy to give us a few poses as long as we don't tell her what she must do.  

Sometimes we have dogs come into the rescue that are 'owner surrendered' - meaning for whatever reason the owner no longer wants the dog.  This is always sad because many times the dog is coming from a good situation that ended in divorce, death or some other reason the dog has found itself without a human.  Recently we photographed a few dogs that were in this situation and they were a joy to photograph because they had been loved, but perhaps were more adjusted than some that were abused (translate to 'easy to get photographs'!).

Teddy is a chocolate lab - and he was very good with posing!  I love the next photograph because I gave him a toy knowing full well this was the end of this little ball's life but the expression on Teddy's face says "Oops, I wasn't supposed to do that?"

Our next little guy was taught how to do a lot of tricks, so at some point he was given a lot of time and just loves being with humans.

This big boy grew up to be a wonderful dog - but he is a big guy coming in around 80 pounds!  Loves to play ball or frisbee and needs to have humans that want an active dog.

So there you have a sampling of the dogs at Maxx and Me Pet Rescue.  There are other rescues that we also do volunteer work with including Polka Dogz located in central Florida (Clermont, FL).  They work with a lot smaller dogs and often these dogs have health issues that are addressed once they come into the rescue.  If you are interested in a smaller dog, you might consider this rescue - polkadogz Dog Rescue.

We work with any rescue that is in need of our services.  If you are a local rescue that needs help with photographing dogs or cats (we haven't done other animals, but that doesn't mean you can't be the first!) feel free to reach out and providing our schedules allow us to assist we will!  

Interested in Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Darlene Woodward of Pant the Town Photography raises funds to help the animals of the MSPCA Nevins Farm in Methuen, MA.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography dog rescue Florida Maxx and Me Maxx and Me Pet Rescue Maxx and Me Rescue outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog Polka Dogs Polka Dogz Polka Dogz Rescue rescue Tampa vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/2/photographing-for-local-pet-rescue Fri, 11 Feb 2022 09:00:00 GMT
Number one reason to have photographs taken with your pet https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/1/number-one-reason-to-have-photographs-taken-with-your-pet Hi everyone! I want to share the single most important reason you should have photographs taken with your pet - it's very important.  I'd love to say that you should have this done by a professional photographer - someone like us here at VP Shoots Photography (or another professional in your area) but the fact remains - you need to do this!  Your pet's life could someday be totally dependent on it.  You may be totally dependent on it.  Are you curious?  What is that single most important reason that you should have a photograph taken with your pet? (the answer is below the photographs with our dogs)

Here's some family portraits with our dogs - these were taken to remember each of these wonderful creatures we share out lives with.  

Family portrait with our dogs,  Rue and OllieFamily portrait with our dogs, Rue and OllieFamily portrait with our dogs, Rue and Ollie Ollie (left) in front of Jim and Rue (right) sitting on my lap.  We officially adopted these girls from Maxx and Me Pet Rescue (maxxandme.org) and the rescue likes to have a 'family portrait' when you adopt dogs from the rescue.  We enlisted Jim's son to help us take this photograph so that we could both be in it with our new family members.

Family portrait with our dog, AbbyFamily portrait with our dog, AbbyFamily portrait with our dog, Abby

A young Abby - this family portrait was taken in our back yard with the help of the basic photography equipment - a tripod and self timer!  Lucky that we were able to get this photograph of Abby looking directly at the camera - she looks so young here - not a gray hair to be found on her face. 

Portrait with dogsPortrait with dogsPortrait of Linda with Abby and Jimbo, our dogs

Jimbo decided to join in on the photography session once we had the 'required' family portrait of our new family member from Maxx and Me Pet Rescue.  Jimbo was such a great sport allowing this loud, barking young girl into our family.

Family portrait with our dog, JimboFamily portrait with our dog, JimboFamily portrait with our dog, Jimbo

Family portrait with Jimbo taken in the fall of 2015 at Pine Mountain, Georgia where we were on our first vacation after officially retiring from Verizon.  Jim actually 'took' this photograph by setting the camera on a tripod and using the self timer.  Jimbo and I just sat there waiting for the perfect photograph to be taken.  This photograph went on to become our Christmas card for the year 2015 (another great reason to have portraits with your pets).

Casual portrait with dogCasual portrait with dogOutdoor casual portrait with dog

Jimbo and I stop for a moment for Jim to capture our photograph while hiking in the mountains one year.

#1 Reason to have a photograph with your pets

So are you curious? 

What is the number one reason you MUST get photographs with your pets? 

Especially your dogs since they go outside?

Here's the answer:

If your dog gets lost or worse, gets stolen - if you have a photograph of your dog and you're not in that photograph - how can you prove that it's your dog?  Yes - it's great to have photographs of your pets, but if you truly want to ensure that people know it's your pet - be in that photograph with your pet.  Take that extra step to be in that photograph with your pet.  Make sure there is a connection between you and your pet - something that isn't easily changed in post processing (which is so easily done in today's world).

So there you have it - that's the number one reason you should always have photographs taken with your pet.  Even better is to have professional photographs taken with your pet because those photographs will be sharp, crisp and allow for seeing a lot of details on your pet should they be a breed that might not have a lot of unique characteristics.

Interested in Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Elaine Tweedy of I Got the Shot Photography in Northeastern PA, talks about a New Years resolution that should be on every pet owners' agenda.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Brandon canine dog dog photography dog-friendly Family portrait with pets Florida Lutz Maxx and Me Pet Rescue nature outdoor park pet Pet photo shoot pet photography pet photography blog Plant City portrait rescue river Tampa Tampa Bay Area Temple Terrace tree vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2022/1/number-one-reason-to-have-photographs-taken-with-your-pet Fri, 07 Jan 2022 09:00:00 GMT
Dog Photography, People Photography, Wedding Photography - a look back at the year 2021 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/12/dog-photography-people-photography-wedding-photography---a-look-back-at-the-year-2021 Wow - the year has flown by and a lot of photography has happened for us here at VP Shoots Photography!  While many of you may know that I am the main photographer behind our photography - I have 2 partners that work with me - one is my lifelong partner, Jim Vargas.  The other partner started helping with rescue dog photography back when my little twin girls were just mere pups - Greg Turner.  A shout out thank you to both of them!

This year we have photographed over 80 rescue dogs, some dogs we photographed more than once making the number of photography sessions go over 100 this year.  We love each and every dog we meet whether they are looking for their forever home or they already have their forever home. 

As 2022 begins in a few days, one goal I have for 2022 is helping people with 'end of life' photography sessions.  This is a tough thing to do, but the rewards are so big and having lost our Jimbo in 2020, it's very fresh in my mind. 

It's been almost a year now when a litter of puppies was born into the Maxx and Me Pet rescue and one little puppy wasn't as fortunate as the others.  Her name was Honey and she was being fostered by a very special person who was also a vet tech.  I stayed positive during the whole photography session, but in my heart I could only pray that I would be able to capture this small puppy's personality. Honey did great and within a few weeks was no longer with us.  I often wonder if she was just waiting for us to capture some great memories that touched every one that met her.

Meet Honey

More Photography

A good portion of our photography is 'for the dogs'.  We have photographed a lot of dogs!  We also photograph people (family portraits, senior photographs) and photographed a wedding for friends.  In addition to doing pet photography, I do stock photography for an agency and sold one of my 'biggest' name authors cover this year - Lisa Jackson's book "The Third Grave" features my photograph (and the book was really good too!).

A look back at 2021 has given me time to reflect where I might want my photography to go in the next year.  Definitely I will continue to help the rescue dogs with my photography.  It's a very rewarding project.  As I mentioned earlier, I would like to help with "end of life" sessions and have recently joined The Tilly Project and I am currently looking into additional avenues related to this particular type of photography.  Having said this, I am happy to continue to photograph my furry kids (Abby, Ollie and Rue) and other pets of all ages.

Interested in Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Toronto based pet photographer, Terri J Photography, shares her first ever client photo awards for 2021.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography dog-friendly end of life Florida Maxx and Me Pet Rescue nature outdoor park pet pet end of life photography pet photography pet photography blog portrait puppy rescue senior portraits Tampa vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/12/dog-photography-people-photography-wedding-photography---a-look-back-at-the-year-2021 Fri, 31 Dec 2021 09:00:00 GMT
Holiday Pet Portraits with dogs https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/12/holiday-pet-portraits-with-dogs This week our pet photography blog circle is celebrating the holiday season with 'green and red'.  It's a busy time of the year and we took our dogs to the local park and photographed them among the green ferns.  As we are in central Florida, winter has not changed our scenery much and we still have lots of green trees, grass and plants with our temperatures being pretty warm this week (we are getting highs into the low 80s).

As many of you know, we have three rescue dogs adopted from Maxx and Me Pet Rescue.  Abby is our oldest at almost 6 years now and is my best model.  Abby will do whatever you want for food - so take along a few treats and you're just about guaranteed to get some great photographs.  The idea of putting a scarf around their necks was new to them and they all seemed very happy to sport this new item (whew, they were not trying to eat it or yank it off!).

This photography setup has worked for several years now and always provides beautiful photographs.  Late afternoon on a mostly overcast day, we went into the woods near our home and set up in a quiet area.  My photography equipment is fairly simple - a Nikon D750 camera with a trigger for the off camera light.  For lighting, I use a soft box and the AD200 flash unit on a light stand.

Black and white hound dog Christmas portraitBlack and white hound dog Christmas portraitBlack and white hound dog Christmas portrait

Abby stood watching those treats while we set up the lighting and got everything in place.  Next, my partner, Jim is working to get our twins into the photograph with Abby.  Ollie (green and red stripe scarf) is a good model and sits fairly well - however her sister, Rue doesn't have a clue what 'stay' means - making this a tricky job to get all three lined up.

Three dogs pose with holiday scarfsThree dogs pose with holiday scarfsThree dogs pose with holiday scarfs Ah, well everyone is lined up, but Abby has a pretty serious look there.  Let's try again for a little more relaxed smile.

Three cute dogs pose for Christmas portraitThree cute dogs pose for Christmas portraitThree cute dogs pose for Christmas portrait

Ah, now we got a great photo of our three fur kids (Rue, Ollie and Abby).  Thank you to my partner, Jim Vargas, for helping to corral those dogs into a wonderful photograph.

Abby has a hound dog nose and she knows there are still some treats in that little bag, and she hangs out waiting for another treat - so I captured another beautiful portrait of her.

Black and white hound dog Christmas portraitBlack and white hound dog Christmas portraitBlack and white hound dog Christmas portrait

Interested in Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Jemma Martin of JM Photography looks at all things festive and shares some festive dog photography.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography dog scarf Florida green ferns holiday dog portrait holiday pet portrait holiday portrait leaves mulch outdoor pet photography scarf Tampa Temple Terrace vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/12/holiday-pet-portraits-with-dogs Fri, 10 Dec 2021 09:00:00 GMT
Fall Pet Photographs with two special dogs looking for their forever home https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/10/fall-pet-photographs-with-two-special-dogs-looking-for-their-forever-home In recent weeks we have photographed a couple of dogs that have been looking for that special home that will become theirs.  Each of these dogs was photographed using a fall theme (even though in this part of Florida, we don't see fall - we just feel a drop in temperatures and humidity).  Maxx and Me Pet Rescue is known for taking in dogs that often have a tough past yet the dogs have a great outlook on life and deserve a chance to have a wonderful life.  This week I am featuring two very different dogs that are with Maxx and Me (www.maxxandme.org).

Salem

Salem is a husky mix and is a sweet, yet high energy dog.  She is easy going, but needs an active family - perhaps one that likes to go hiking so she can go along and get some exercise with them.  Salem came into the rescue and had a litter of puppies.  All the puppies are growing up in their forever homes, and now it's Salem's turn.  We took her over to a local park close to her foster home and she did wonderful.  Modelling just like a pro.

Husky mix dog laying among hay and pumpkinsHusky mix dog laying among hay and pumpkinsHusky mix dog laying among hay and pumpkins Salem has beautiful light blue eyes, a short fur coat and is a medium size gal.  If you are looking for a dog to go hiking (or maybe jogging) with you, consider checking this gal out!

Dog portrait in fall sceneDog portrait in fall sceneHusky mix dog portrait with hay and pumpkins for the fall.

Smokey

Our second dog, Smokey, came into the rescue as an owner surrender after being hit by a car.  Poor Smokey has lost both of his eyes due to his early life not being exactly what one would like - but this guy was great at the park with lots of activity going on around him.  It appears that the other senses have taken over a good bit and Smokey relies on his keen sense of smell and hearing.  He was a very good model considering that he was probably a bit confused over what this new job (modeling) was all about....but, once he found those little dog treats - it was like magic in getting him to pose.  Smokey is a full blooded German Shepard looking for his forever home.

Blind German Shephard relaxing with a fall sceneBlind German Shephard relaxing with a fall sceneBlind German Shephard laying down with pumpkins and hay. Head portrait of blind German ShepardHead portrait of blind German ShepardSmokey, a blind German Shepard poses for the camera.

 

 

Interested in Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Canberra Pet Photographer Ina J Photography shares how you can display your images after your pet photography session

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) blind canine dog dog photography fall scene fall theme Florida German Shepard hay hiking husky mix nature outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog portrait pumpkin rescue Tampa vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/10/fall-pet-photographs-with-two-special-dogs-looking-for-their-forever-home Fri, 29 Oct 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Silhouettes in dog photography https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/10/silhouettes-in-dog-photography This week's blog post is about creating silhouettes of your dog (or any dog).  It's all about the shape, form of the object you're photographing.  Late afternoon, just before sunset provides a brighter background allowing for creating a silhouette.  In order to create these, meter the sky behind your subject and then lock those values in (I used manual mode on my camera).  Then frame up your subject against the brighter sky letting the dog go to black.

Check these silhouettes out.

The first one actually shows a little 'rim' lighting around the dog's face showing little bits of fur in a few places while the overall face is dark and without much detail.

Dog head silhouetteDog head silhouetteDog head portrait at sunset using silhouette techniques

The second photo (below) shows more of the dog's body along with some shape to the overall head and face.  In this photograph, the dog was on a bench and I was down below her using a wide angle lens.

Dog silhouette at sunset on benchDog silhouette at sunset on benchDog silhouette at sunset on bench

This young dog is striking the pose as a little dog treat is held above her head.

Dog standing - silhouette at sunsetDog standing - silhouette at sunsetDog standing - silhouette at sunset

The last photograph shows a silhouette of owner and dog - in this photo, the dog is being asked to hold a stay pose on the bench (hence the raised finger to tell her to stay).

Silhouette Photography with dogsSilhouette Photography with dogsTrainer and dog - silhouette

That's it for this week's blog post - if you have some time, go out and try doing some silhouettes of different objects - whether it's your pet or some other object that can be easily identified with form alone.  

Interested in Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Nicole Hrustyk of Pawtraits by Nicole shares a few silhouettes

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography Florida form nature outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog shape silhouette vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/10/silhouettes-in-dog-photography Fri, 15 Oct 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Memories of your pet - whether it be when they are young or a senior https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/10/memories-of-your-pet---whether-it-be-when-they-are-young-or-a-senior  

Memory in its technical terminology refers to the processes that are used to acquire, store, retain and then later retrieve information (https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-memory-2795006#:~:text=Memory%20refers%20to%20the%20processes,encoding%2C%20storage%2C%20and%20retrieval.).

This week’s blog post is about memories – first creating those memories by taking photographs of our loved pets – whether it’s a dog, cat, hamster, mouse, bird – doesn’t matter

It’s sad that our pets have a shorter life span then us humans, but the joy our pets give us during their lifetime make it worth it.  “Memory” can be referred to as the ‘sum total of what we remember’ and the more photographs you have the more memories you have created allowing you to look back and remember those great times.  We want to remember them in photographs so that we can look at them and remember them.

MAGGIE

Memory sessions with your pet are very important – I’ve done a few for people I know in the past and it has brought them joy to have those special photographs to provide memories of their pet.  Maggie, an older dog, used to go to the dog park with several others and when her health started failing, I took this photograph of her and gave it to her owner – such a wonderful moment to share – a wonderful memory and tribute to Maggie. 

Maggie, a senior black dogMaggie, a senior black dogMaggie was a dog that was adopted as a senior.

Along the way a few others have asked for short memory sessions.  I always take the time to provide these – they are important to you and me.

DOLLY

I’m blessed that I have so many wonderful memories in photographs with my dogs.  My photography has grown leaps and bounds from these initial photographs many years ago - I am honored that Dolly played a big part in allowing me to begin my journey in dog (pet) photography.

Memories of our dog, DollyMemories of our dog, DollyA collage of photos with memories of our dog, Dolly.

 

JIMBO

By the time Jimbo was entering our lives, I had completed several online photography courses that helped me improve greatly into the photographer that I am today along with several years of rescue dog photography provided mostly by Maxx and Me dogs.

Dog boating on Hillsborough RiverDog boating on Hillsborough RiverJimbo, dog, boating on the Hillsborough River

Floating down the Hillsborough river - Jimbo grew to enjoy boating on the river after a few initial trips.  Late afternoon sun, showing Jimbo and what he is seeing became a style I adopted for boat trips with our dogs.

Taken by my partner, Jim Vargas, on one of our vacations in the Carolinas.  Jimbo was a wonderful boy - he was easy to please and always stayed close by giving him the freedom to pose without a leash (no photoshop removal here!).  

Jimbo's trip to come live with us was special and Jim Vargas, my partner, created this video of his first year with us (it's a little long, but tells Jimbo's story) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPtZUPGU30Q . We also did a blog post when Jimbo's fifth anniversary with us came several years ago. https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/celebrating-5-years-with-jimbo-our-potcake-dog-from-the-voiceless-dogs-of-nassau

We continue to make new memories with our current dogs, Abby, Rue and Ollie. 

Twin puppy sistersTwin puppy sistersLitter mate little girls, Rue and Ollie Rue (left) and Ollie (right) as puppies shortly after they came to our house as foster puppies.  Little did I know that a year later they would still be in our foster care and we eventually adopted these twins (siblings).

Abby lounging on the 'dog' sofaAbby lounging on the 'dog' sofaDog snoozing on the sofa Abby sleeping on the loveseat in our office that our dogs seem to think it belongs to them.  Course, now it does - we got Abby as a young adult about 7 months old, but these photograph shows her beautiful face before any gray hairs started coming to her face.

 

Have you thought of having a memory session with your dog?  What are those little things about your dog you want to remember?  Make sure you capture those before you don’t have an opportunity to.  Memory don’t have to be ‘sad occasions’ – perhaps you want some great photographs of your dog while they are still a puppy – these are also wonderful memories to capture – and we can make this happen for you at VP Shoots Photography.

So – what are YOUR special memories?

 

Interested in a Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Canberra Pet Photographer Ina Jalil of Ina J Photography shares why she started her business in pet photography in loving memory of the loss of her dog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography Florida hike hiking Maxx and Me Pet Rescue nature outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog portrait puppy rescue river Tampa vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/10/memories-of-your-pet---whether-it-be-when-they-are-young-or-a-senior Fri, 08 Oct 2021 08:00:00 GMT
A walk in Eureka Springs Park, Tampa, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/10/a-walk-in-eureka-springs-park-tampa-florida Eureka Springs Park is located in a little known area of greater Tampa, Florida.  I am sure it is well known by photographers as it is a beautiful location to photograph - whether you love flowers, nature or maybe you prefer to photograph people - or maybe even your pet dog?  Yes, this is a beautiful place to take your dog(s) for a walk!  This week our little pack of dogs (Abby, Ollie and Rue) decided to visit on an early morning just after they opened - we had the place to ourselves on this beautiful cool weekday.

This was land donated several years ago by the owners in the condition that it remained a beautiful garden for all to enjoy.  For $2 you can visit this park, take a walk through the gardens or perhaps you prefer the more natural woodlands along the boardwalk.  They have bathrooms, water fountains, picnic tables, shade and the perfect place to enjoy some quiet time.  

Our dogs will take you on a walk through Eureka Springs Park located at 6400 Eureka Springs Rd, Tampa, FL 33610. Rue and Ollie are leading the way on the boardwalk which is a nice walk through the wooded areas with lots of tall cypress trees growing as well as other plants.

 

I suspect from their height of just over a foot, they don't see a lot except the sides of the boardwalk - but they definitely lead the way along this part of our walk.  Sometimes Abby will join them in front but most of the time she is 'bringing up the rear on our walks'.

Eureka Springs Park walkwayEureka Springs Park walkwayWalking the boardwalk at Eureka Springs Park. Now that we have completed the boardwalk, let's go through some of the other areas.  Abby posing by the 'entrance' of the park as we enter the gardens.

Eureka Springs Park walkwayEureka Springs Park walkway

Covered walkway over the area where all the water lilies are growing. They are blooming now (September) and blooming several months of the year.

Eureka Springs Park walkwayEureka Springs Park walkwayEureka Springs Park walkway over the water lily pond area located in Tampa, Florida.

This little sitting area is near the entrance of the park - the flowers in this area vary based on the time of year.  Right now, they are purple and really beautiful.

Eureka Springs Park benchEureka Springs Park benchEureka Springs Park sitting area with bench.

Couldn't resist - let's get Ollie on the bench for a photograph. It seems that my dogs are 'over it' on the posing - none of them really like looking at the camera when I ask them to pose for a photograph.  So a nice - looking off is what I often get of my gals.

Eureka Springs ParkEureka Springs Park

In one area a beautiful sweeping oak tree comes low over the walkway.

Eureka Springs ParkEureka Springs ParkPathway at Eureka Springs Park in September - large oaks, lots of shade and many flowering plants.  

I think one of the most used area is the arbor in the rose garden - I see a lot of people being photographed here.  The rose garden photo is from April of this year.  Different things are blooming at different times of year, so keep this in mind as you wander through this park.

Eureka Springs Park arborEureka Springs Park arborEureka Springs Park arbor

The green house area has an arbor structure as well as plants that are sensitive to cold. 

Eureka Springs ParkEureka Springs Park

In the picnic area is a tree stump about 3 feet high - perhaps for putting small dogs up on for a photograph with some greenery in the background.

Tree stump at Eureka Springs ParkTree stump at Eureka Springs ParkTree stump for photographing smaller dogs.

Rue is my worse 'model' at staying put - her idea of staying is touching you....so she is always harder to photograph and in this photo is ready to jump down off the tree stump as soon as possible!

This concludes our walk through Eureka Springs Park....I wonder if our dogs will ever figure out that the faster you walk, the sooner the walk ends?

The Hillsborough County Website for Eureka Springs Park is located here.

To see more photographs taken at Eureka Springs Park, click here.

Interested in a Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography serving Grapevine and the greater Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex, shares images from a recent senior pet session at Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) botanical canine dog dog photography dog-friendly eureka Eureka Springs Eureka Springs Park Florida garden gardens nature outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog portrait Tampa trail tree trees vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/10/a-walk-in-eureka-springs-park-tampa-florida Fri, 01 Oct 2021 08:00:00 GMT
What to expect at your Pet Photography session https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/8/what-to-expect-at-your-pet-photography-session What should you expect if you are doing a pet photography session with VP Shoots Photography?  Well, for sure, it should be fun!  That's probably one of the most frequent comments we get from people when we do a pet photography session.  If it's not fun for all involved, then the photographs probably will not show your pet's best side.   Other comments I have heard include "I had no idea what all was involved!" or "I truly gained an appreciation of what you do and the patience you have. Amazing!"

In order to make writing this blog post easier, I will refer to your fur baby (babies) as dogs - but they might be some other type of animal.  Most of the time it is a dog, but not always! I always ask for an hour of time to work with you and your fur baby.
 

Step 1 - Introductions

The first step is a little meet and greet.  Often times it is the first time that we have met face to face especially if we are photographing a rescue dog for one of the local rescues.  We typically get out a little bit of our camera gear and come meet you and your dog.  If your dog is shy or timid, then at first we will focus our attention on you - the humans - and let your dog get more comfortable with us and all that stuff we have!

Step 2 - Dog meets camera

Once we have completed the meet and greet, it's time for us to get an idea of how your dog reacts to a camera.  First, I will take a few photographs of the area to see how it looks on camera.  Gives the dog a few minutes to see what is going on, but still not be a part of the action. 

Early in my pet photographing years with rescue dogs I had a beagle that was afraid of the camera.  I sat down, put my camera down - and with permission from the foster parent, I put a dog treat on my camera and waited for the beagle to come check it out.  This went on for a good 5 minutes.  At this point, the beagle trusted me enough to allow for photographs to be taken.  For this senior girl, I used open shade - I already knew that this dog wasn't going to handle any fancy lighting.

Sweetie - a senior beagleSweetie - a senior beagleSweetie a senior beagle poses for the camera

In some cases, I will use natural light and in others I will bring in artificial lighting - this depends on a number of things including your dog, what your dog can handle and what the lighting looks like.  Overall, these are determining factors that will help to make great portraits of your dog.
 

Step 3 - Dog becomes model

An important step as we begin is to confirm what motivates your dog - food, toys, noises? If it's food, confirming there are no allergies or using your treats. The next step after the dog has gotten some time to settle in and we have got our location (or at least the first location) chosen - it's time to get your dog into the location for photographs.  In the case of dogs, they are much like young children.  Short attention span, work fast and then change things up a bit.  Giving the dog a break every 10 minutes or so to do what dogs do (sometimes potty, sometimes love, others just take a break and move around).

Then we will continue to work with your dog over the course of about 30 minutes to capture various different photographs and show them off.  

Trooper was a rescue dog with Maxx and Me Pet Rescue back in 2019 - he was adopted a few weeks after we completed his photographs.  This young dog had been hit by a car and was taken in by Maxx and Me Pet Rescue, given the care he needed and healed.  He was named Trooper by the rescue because that name fit him so well - he was a 'Trooper' and did wonderful with his photo session with us.  Trooper's foster mom had this wonderful bench on the back patio area - we setup the bench in hopes that Trooper would be willing to sit on it for us.

Setting for dog photography sessionSetting for dog photography sessionPhotography setting for a dog portrait

As it was, Trooper had zero issues sitting up on the bench and hanging out while we took photographs of him!

Dog sitting on a benchDog sitting on a benchDog sitting on a bench for photography session

As the sun got lower in the sky, we decided to change things up and let Trooper stand up for a few photographs.

Dog standing by lakeDog standing by lakeDog posing in a stand position by lake

After this beautiful photograph, we called it a wrap and just played with Trooper for a little bit while talking with his foster mom.  What a great personality this boy had considering all that he had been through in his young life!

A couple of key points to keep in mind

1) Your dog will be a dog - don't worry if they aren't the best behaved, tend to wander off, have to go potty, whatever might be the case

2) Human parents need to relax and enjoy this whole process - your fur child will know if you're anything but that

3) We have patience - and we don't book sessions close together so time is not typically an issue, if your dog needs more time - we have the time to give them

Don't forget to check out the previous week's blog post about getting prepared to for your dog photography session.  Here's the link. We also put together this little cheat sheet on our website that might help if you're considering getting professional pet photographs. Click here

Interested in a Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Elaine Tweedy of I Got the Shot Photography explains the nuances of a pet photography session in the beautiful Endless Mountains of PA.

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography Florida nature outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog Pet Photography Session portrait Process of Pet Photography rescue Tampa vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/8/what-to-expect-at-your-pet-photography-session Fri, 13 Aug 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Thinking about professional pet photographs? https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/8/thinking-about-professional-pet-photographs This week's blog post discusses the early stages when you may be thinking "I'd like to get some great photographs of my pet(s)".  Often times you may think that you'd love to have some great photographs of your dog (cat, rabbit, etc) but you haven't yet taken the first step.  So what's that first step all about?

If you're thinking about having some photographs taken, the first step is to reach out to a potential pet photographer in your area.  At VP Shoots Photography we serve the Tampa Bay area.  This area is pretty broad including Hillsborough County as well as some areas in Pinellas County, Pasco County and Polk County.   We have photographed a lot of different dog personalities with several years of rescue work. 

Initial Inquiry

The initial inquiry is to find out what you want photographed and involves discussion about your pet(s).  I know this list looks like a lot of questions, but many of these are very simple!  If we were to meet while walking our dogs, I'd probably know a lot of the answers immediately.  This is all about 'getting to know you' and your pet. 

1. What type of pet(s) do you have?

2. How many pet(s) do you want to have photographed?

3. Pet name

4. Pet size (approximate weight - just trying to determine if we have a small dog like a chihuahua, medium dog such as a border collie, large dog such as Collie)

5. Pet breed (if you know - just trying to determine a little bit about your dog particularly if they are pure breed)

6. Pet fur colors

7. Pet age (or approximate - specifically asking to determine if your pet is a youngster, adult, senior)

8. Any special considerations such as blind, deaf, 3 legs, immobile, etc

9. Do you or any other family members want to be in the photograph with your pet?

If your pet is a cat, rabbit, or most likely anything except a dog - the photographs will be taken at your home.  My experience is they prefer this location since we do not have a studio location.  We do have mobile studio equipment we can setup at your home.

Dogs

1. Do you want to have photographs taken outside or inside?  If outside, do you have a particular location in mind? (backyard, park, beach, etc)

2. If you have multiple dogs, do you want photographs of your dogs together? separate? both?

3. Do you have any specific type of photograph or look that you want captured?

4. What commands (if any) does your pet know? (Sit, down, stay, etc)

5. What motivates your pet? (noise, treats, attention)

The primary goal of this initial inquiry is for us to get to know each other.  It's important that we discuss what you are looking for as well as what we, as pet photographers, can provide.  If after initial discussion, it's sounds like you would like to pursue setting up a session, we will discuss details related to your specific session and cost associated with your session.  Our primary goal is to provide you with wonderful memories from a fun, enjoyable experience as we capture special moments with your pet.

Inquiry and Consultation Example

Potential clients like to reach out to us using various methods.  A text message is often the beginning of our discussion.  I'm happy to text and get some ideas of what you're looking for, but ultimately I want to talk with you to ensure that we have a common understanding of what you're looking for and what we can provide.  A few years ago, I was approached by one of the many dog fosters we meet each year who wanted a special photography session.  She asked about having a photograph of her grandson with the Christmas decorations they put in their yard every year.  More importantly, she wanted to include her daughter's aging dog with her grandson - as she was concerned that this might be the last Christmas they would have together.  I asked about her grandson (how old was he, did he like to have his photo taken, general questions).  Then I asked about their dog - many of the same questions listed above.  It turned out the dog is a Corgi and had been with their grandson all of his life as well as a part of the family for a number of years.  Our conversation was light, nothing difficult - just like having a conversation with a friend.  That's what makes this process so much easier for you and us.

Grandson and family dog posing among all the decorations.

Christmas Portrait of young boy and dogChristmas Portrait of young boy and dogChristmas portrait of young boy and his dog in the yard.

Corgi dog portraitCorgi dog portraitPortrait of senior Corgi dog

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Darlene Woodward of MA, owner of Pant the Town Photography, shares how simple it is to get you started with your dog photo session experience.

 

Interested in a Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine Christmas Corgi decorations dog dog photography Florida Hillsborough County outdoor Pasco County pet pet photography pet photography blog Pinellas County Polk County Tampa vpshoots yard https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/8/thinking-about-professional-pet-photographs Fri, 06 Aug 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Photographing big mutts (those large mixed breed dogs we all love) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/7/photographing-big-mutts-those-large-mixed-breed-dogs-we-all-love I love all dogs, but I often find that the majority of the dogs I photograph are mixed breed (aka mutts).  All of my dogs have been mutts and the dominant breed we photograph in the rescue dog world is "mutt".  Why are we all so in love with our mutts?  Is it because they are unique?  No other dog looks like them right?  Or is it because of the variety?  Or maybe it's because we ourselves could be considered "mutts"? My DNA from Ancestry says I a mix of English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh along with some heritage.

Often the large dogs have a harder time finding a home.  Larger dogs eat more, cost more for vet care in some cases and sadly don't live as long. If you allow the dogs on your furniture, they might need their own couch!  But, then perhaps they are more likely to be gentle giants.  I remember when we first got Jimbo - I thought, wow he is a big dog!  Jimbo is the largest dog I ever had topping out at about 70 pounds.  At first, I will admit that his size alone was a little scary to me.  But once we got to know each other, we became fast buddies and spent a lot of time together! 

The largest mutt I have photographed is Flash.  He was a large mix breed mutt who lived with one of our friends once he was rescued.  Flash was among those I considered to be a 'gentle giant'.  I suspect that Flash had some mastiff mixed in with some other dog breeds creating a wonderful combination of mutt.

Course, when you see just his face portrait, it's hard to see how big a boy Flash is - so his little buddy Jackson decided he would pose with him to help get some perspective.  Jackson is probably around 20 pounds just in case you're curious.

The most important point for photographing large dogs is to ensure they look comfortable in the space - whether it's outside or inside.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography just photographed what might be the biggest dog in Coppell, meet Navy the Great Dane

 

Interested in a Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography Florida large dog large dogs large mixed breed large mutt mutt outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog portrait rescue Tampa vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/7/photographing-big-mutts-those-large-mixed-breed-dogs-we-all-love Fri, 30 Jul 2021 08:00:00 GMT
How I pick a location to photograph dogs https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/7/how-i-pick-a-location-to-photograph-dogs This week we explore some of the key points I use to pick a location for photographing dogs.  As many of you know, a good portion of our photography of dogs is currently related to photographing rescue dogs.  We love to photograph dogs that already have their forever home too!  This week we will discuss several of the things I look for when picking a location to photograph dogs.

First, unless I am practicing photographing dogs in action, I do not photograph at a dog park unless I can be guaranteed that we will be the only dog(s) in the dog park.  This is not an ideal situation as there are to many other dogs as well as distractions that will have the dog looking everywhere but where you want them to look.

I've shared photographs of Riverhills Park and Scout Park (aka Boy Scout Park) in other blog posts and this is the featured location for this week.  A few things to be aware of (especially for dogs) are this park has wildlife - there are a lot of birds (including ducks), squirrels as well as the water critters which usually are not an issue as they stay in the water.

 

So, how do I pick a location?

Key Point #1 - The location must be dog friendly!

Any location where a dog is going to be photographed must allow dogs - that simple.

When you're models are ready but you haven't figured out if this is where you want to shoot or go someplace else - they tend to get a little bit bored and start well - looking around or hanging their heads low as if to say "Not again"!  (Thank you Abby and Jimbo for letting me take this candid photograph of you both!).

Dog friendly Riverhills ParkDog friendly Riverhills ParkRiverhills Park is dog friendly

 

Key Point #2 - Accessibility

What are the hours the location is available?  Is the location available from sunrise to sunset?  Or are the hours more limited to less desirable hours (say 10am - 4pm as this is a fairly common time frame I see at areas locally to us here in the Tampa, Florida area). This photo was taken in summer, early morning.  Keep in mind things change depending on the time of year as well as the time of day.

Early morning near the Gazebo at Riverhills ParkEarly morning near the Gazebo at Riverhills ParkEarly morning near the Gazebo at Riverhills Park

Key Point #3 - Shaded areas

I look for areas where I can get away from the bright sun.  Contrary to what many people think, the bright sunlight can create harsh shadows that don't always make the best photographs.  Yes, there are photographers that shoot in the middle of bright sun - and I've done that too - especially with black dogs.  But is this my favorite place?  No.  It's hot in central Florida and the dogs typically are looking for shade within 15 minutes and we are too.  This is typically all year except winter (defined by when the trees lose their leaves, not the temperatures).

Large oak trees near riverLarge oak trees near riverLarge oak trees near the Hillsborough River at Riverhills Park

Key Point #4 - Variety

Does this location have more than one option for photographing the dog(s)?  Or is there just one location and all the photographs will look very similar?

Scenes at Riverhills ParkScenes at Riverhills ParkVarious scenes from Riverhills Park, Temple Terrace, Florida

In the early morning hours (particularly non-weekend/holidays) the boat ramp is quiet and shaded.  In late afternoon, often there is a beautiful sunset that can be used in the photographs on or near this boat dock by the boat ramp.  This was taken in June.

Early morning near the Gazebo at Riverhills ParkEarly morning near the Gazebo at Riverhills ParkEarly morning near the Gazebo at Riverhills Park

Key Point #5 - How busy is this location?

Are there going to be a lot of distractions - whether it's people, dogs, cars, etc.  Working with a well rounded and socialize dog this may not be an issue - in fact, often times you can get some people walking by that will give you just what you're looking for - the dog is alert and actively looking in your direction.  However, with rescue dogs, often times they are not as comfortable as they have been through a lot in recent weeks and are trying to find someplace they feel 'safe'.

Late afternoon during certain times of the year (this was taken in January), the sun will shine through and light this area up beautifully.

Entrance to Boy Scout Park trailsEntrance to Boy Scout Park trailsAt sunset on a beautiful day the entrance to the trails at Boy Scout Park is lit up.

So there you have it - these are the key points that I look for when I pick a location to photograph dogs.  This week's dogs was photographed at one of my favorite locations, Boy Scout Park, located just a couple of blocks from our home.  I will admit that Dolly was a great sport in posing for these photographs - but we decided to cut this photograph session a little short as the mosquitoes were a bit on the vicious side in the early evening hours.  In case you're curious, both Dolly and Lola have loving homes (they are not rescue dogs).

Boy Scout Park meets all the criteria listed above.  We went to a shaded area in the late afternoon where we could get away from everyone and any distractions that might be area (except of course those darn mosquitoes!)

Dolly, female dog, posing for the cameraDolly, female dog, posing for the cameraDolly is a mix of blue heeler and hanging tree breeds creating a beautiful blend.

We headed to the area where lots of ferns grow with little trails through out the ferns.  It's all natural back here - no man made things and definitely a dog treat here in Florida.

Black and white dog in the woodsBlack and white dog in the woodsBlack and white dog in the woods

The soft greens in the background provide just the right amount of color and blur for a pleasing background without distracting from the beautiful young dog - Dolly - a blue heeler and hangin tree hound mix.

Beautiful black and white dog face portraitBeautiful black and white dog face portraitBeautiful black and white dog face portrait

These photographs were taken about 2 hours before sunset.  It's shaded and a little on the dark side since it is very wooded.  Dolly was a little scared each time the flash (Adorama AD200) went off inside the softbox.  I think this was her first official modeling job.

Dolly's cousin, Lola, has grown a little bit since I last photographed her - she is now almost 5 months old.  They got the pleasure of spending a week together.

Blue heeler face portraitBlue heeler face portraitBlue heeler face portrait

This last photograph, we decided to let Dolly climb an oak tree that was at a great angle to allow a dog to climb up a few feet.  This is one of a couple of trees that have a portion of the trunk that travels at a low angle making it an ideal location for dogs and people to be photographed.

Black and white dog sitting in treeBlack and white dog sitting in treeBlack and white dog sitting in tree

 

 

This week's post is primarily about how I pick locations to photograph dogs - why?  Well, I photograph cats on occasion too, but cats tell you where they are going to allow their photographs to be captured - so there isn't as much input coming from us as photographers.  I always photograph cats at their home where they are most comfortable.
 

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Nicole Hrustyk shares her 3 tips for finding the perfect session locations in Mount Charleston, Nevada

 

Interested in a Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog location criteria dog photography dog photography location dog-friendly ferns Florida hiking location nature outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog pick a location portrait rescue shade Tampa trail tree trees vpshoots water wood https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/7/how-i-pick-a-location-to-photograph-dogs Fri, 23 Jul 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Dogs in the flower field https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/7/dogs-in-the-flower-field Ah, a few weeks ago we heard about a wonderful flower field not far from our house through a family member on Facebook.  I have to say, I was excited never having actually seen a field of zinnia and sunflower plants - and the thoughts of photographing them.  For those of you that might be local, this was located on McIntosh Road just south of Highway 92.  I suspect that all the flowers are gone now as these images were captured a few weeks ago - but I am hoping that they do this again!

As I looked at all the beautiful flowers, I unloaded one dog at a time and put them in the flower field.  My Abby was definitely the best model of the three dogs I have.  She is a beautiful black and white hound dog.

Abby - Beagle/Coonhound mix

Abby, hound dog, sitting among the flowersAbby, hound dog, sitting among the flowersBlack and white hound dog sitting in the flower field

 

Up close portrait of Abby sitting among the zinnias.

 

Dog portrait among the flowersDog portrait among the flowersDog portrait among the flowers

 

Ollie - shorter of the two 'twins' (Australian & Miniature American Shepherd, Chihuahua mix)

 

Many of you know that we have two little (about 30 pound) dogs that are siblings.  Ollie is my better model by far than her sister Rue.  After some thought I was trying to determine if I should use a stool or what to keep Ollie from being 'buried' among the zinnia flowers that were a good foot taller than her.  Here's little Ollie flower field photos.
 

 

Dog face portrait among the flowersDog face portrait among the flowersDog face portrait among the flowers

 

Ollie, a smaller dog (about 30 pounds), sitting on a stool in the middle of the flowers.

 

Rue - the one that thinks 'stay' is 'by your side'

 

And last, but not least, is Rue.  Rue is pretty much my 'velcro' dog.  She wants to be touching you at night when it's bed time.  She is the worse of my three when it comes to "stay".  "Stay" to Rue means sit at your feet.  That makes taking photographs in a flower field rather difficult, so this is my attempts to get photographs of Rue in the flower field.

 

Rue, small dog, running through the zinniasRue, small dog, running through the zinniasRue, small dog, running through the zinnias

 

Yep, Rue is running back to me as I tried to get her to stay in the flower patch.  She stopped when she reached my feet - this would have ended better if I had Jim (Dad) along with me - but flying solo didn't work with Rue!

 

 

 

Dog looking up at the cameraDog looking up at the cameraLittle dog looking up at the camera

 

And there you have it - my three kids out for an adventure in the flower field on McIntosh Road, Seffner, Florida.

 

Blogging with Pet Photographers

 

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Courtney at CM Bryson visits dog friendly Roswell, Georgia to find unexpected blooms in the city during Jamie's pet photography session.

 

Interested in a Pet Photography Session

 

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography Florida flower flower field nature outdoor pet pet photography pet photography blog portrait rescue Tampa vpshoots zinnia zinnias https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/7/dogs-in-the-flower-field Fri, 16 Jul 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Collars I recommend for your dog's photography session? https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/7/collar-i-recommend-for-your-dogs-photography-session This week let's talk about what your dog should be wearing for their photography session.  There are so many different options, let's start with the most common options which includes my recommended collar.

Collars

Most of the dogs I photograph have collars.  In fact, I think a good portion of the people I meet keep collars on their dogs all the time except perhaps bath time.  I fall into this category with my girls - all wear collars with the required tag and an id tag.  Photographing a dog with a collar is the most common scenario.  My favorite collars are simple, solid color collars.  Nothing fancy, you want the focus on your dog not their collar.  Sure, right now you might have a very trendy collar on them, but will you still have and like that trendy collar in 5 years?

The best collars for a photography session are:

1) Solid color collar 

2) Blends or contrasts nicely with your dogs fur

3) Doesn't have excess collar length (if it has a buckle as opposed to snap lock)

Here's an example of a basic collar by AMAGOOD found on Amazon.com

AMAGood blue dog collarAMAGood blue dog collarAMAGood blue dog collar

Here's an example of an aqua collar on a black dog - good color combination to provide some color on a dark dog.

Dog with basic collarDog with basic collarDog wearing a basic aqua collar

While we are discussing collars, let's think about a few points to consider:

1) Collar with no tags for the photography session

2) What tags are on the collar? (nothing that will take attention from your dog's beautiful face)

3) Minimize the tags on the collar for the photography session

4) Non reflective collars if they will reflect back at the camera when we photographers use lights in our photography sessions (we don't want the collar to pick up that light)

5) No martingale collars because it makes it harder to make the collar look like a leash is not attached in final photographs

Here's an example of the martingale collar which has 'chain' for the slip portion of the collar.  The leash is laying on the ground in front of the dog, this is a challenging photographic technique that would need to be corrected on all photographs or the collar/leash has to be positioned such that this doesn't show.  Hence the reason I prefer not use these collars in a photography session.

Dog wearing a martingale collarDog wearing a martingale collarDog wearing a martingale collar with chain


Having said all this, I will photograph your dog with whatever collar you have or want the dog photographed in.  These are things I have picked up over the years and realize what makes the color less a prominent part of the portrait.

Naked

Yep, no collar, no harness, just the dog as nature intended.  This often is not a choice in the outdoors depending on your dog's training, but some people don't have their dogs wearing collars except when outside the home.  If that's the case, then certainly it's an option - but there are some things to consider.

1) Is your dog in a safe environment?  Perhaps indoors at their home?

2) Will your dog stay if there is something interesting going on outside of the photography session? (did a squirrel just run down the tree?)

3) Does your dog have very good recall ? (you call them, they stop and come back immediately)

 

Harness

A dog harness is a great option for walking your dog.   I highly recommend the "Easy Walk harness".  All of my dog's have an "Easy Walk" harness and when we are out walking, that's what the sport on their bodies.  They all have a bit of pull and I think it gives me more control over them without choking. Abby, my largest dog, has more pull when she is 'going after something', so with the Easy Walk harness I actually put the center where the leash attaches on her chest.  She pulls hard, I pull her and she is pulled away from whatever that something is.  My smaller dogs have the Easy Walk harness with the leash attached on the back as one would normally expect.

However, a harness is not the best looking idea for a photograph.  If once we complete a little walk for your dog to explore and we are now ready to photograph, I refer to take off the harness.  I can attach a lead if they don't have a collar or there is still a 'flight risk'.  Using a lead the dog doesn't have the ability to easily slip out providing it is kept snug. Many rescue dogs wear leads when we photograph them. I use basic slip leads not show leads.  Small leads for smaller dogs, big leads for bigger dogs. Show leads are great, but I have to many dogs chewing throw in a minute and then singing "I'm Free"!

Blaze is wearing a slip lead in the photograph below - the portion around his neck was left as a 'collar' and the leash part of the lead was removed in post processing.

Dog wearing a leadDog wearing a leadDog wearing a lead leash

Typically if your dog must wear a harness, then I photograph with the harness but it's in the final photograph a good majority of the time.  It's best to remove the collar if they are going to be wearing a harness in the photograph.  This rescue dog was at risk of taking off and this was a big open area for him to run, so we had both a collar and a harness on him for his photography session to ensure he didn't sing "I'm Free".

Dog with collar and harnessDog with collar and harnessDog with collar and harness

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Jemma from JM Photography in Suffolk, looks at the different collars and accessories she likes her client's dogs to wear for a photoshoot.

 

Interested in a Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) basic collar canine collar dog easy walk harness Florida harness martingale martingale collar nature outdoor pet photography pet photography blog rescue vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/7/collar-i-recommend-for-your-dogs-photography-session Fri, 09 Jul 2021 08:00:00 GMT
My dog won't look at the camera - how do I fix this? https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/7/my-dog-wont-look-at-the-camera---how-do-i-fix-this As a pet photographer and even more a ‘dog photographer’ I’ve heard a lot of various things from people about their dogs.  One of the most common things I hear are “My dog won’t look at the camera”.  Another one is “My dog can’t be off leash”.  We work with a lot of dogs that come from the rescue world and as such, we have been exposed to a lot of dogs that know nothing (no commands, and maybe not even the name we are calling them).  So we might have a case where our photography session starts like this.

Dog facing away from cameraDog facing away from cameraDog facing away from camera

 

When we started working with little Sundae, she didn't like being put up on a swing nor bench.  So the looks we got were scared and I am outta here.  Not good for any dog photographs, much less adoption photographs.  The next step was to find something that she was more comfortable with.  The nice furry blanket worked.  Course, now she isn't looking at the camera.  One step at a time.....patience.....

Sundae was agreeable to being moved into position, so we gently turned her the direction we wanted, found out she loves chicken jerky and now we were on the way to some great photographs.

Dog face portrait looking up at the cameraDog face portrait looking up at the cameraDog face portrait looking up at the camera

 

There are simple things that we try in order to overcome each of these scenarios.

My dog won't look at the camera

That’s the more difficult of these two things that often we come across as dog photographers.  I’ll be honest, I don’t want to see a video of us working to get a dog to look at least towards the camera.  It might be pretty embarrassing but hey, if that’s what it takes.

There are a variety of things that can be done to help overcome the “My dog won’t look at the camera” situation.

  1. Use a longer lens on your camera allowing the dog to be more comfortable and ‘be a dog’.
  2. Sometimes it is the flash or lighting equipment that makes the dog look elsewhere – go with natural lighting.

What motivates your dog?

If these two things don’t get you anywhere – well, there are other techniques to overcome “My dog won’t look at the camera”.  Let’s find out what motivates your dog.  Usually, we find that one of a few things will motivate a dog – and this helps us to achieve our goal.

  1. Noise – I’ve learned to make a lot of different noises with my voice.  Sometimes my partner brings a harmonica and plays different notes on it.  Squeakers help with some dogs.  However, noises only work if they are noises the dog is curious about, and more importantly hasn’t heard before or has heard infrequently
  2. Food – Does your dog have a strong food (treat/snack) drive?  I know all 3 of mine do and the keyword for them is usually “snack” – Do you want a snack?
  3. Movement – Does your dog follow movement?  Hey, we have been known to do jumping jacks, peek a boo, open doors, close doors, run across the area behind the photographer – I’m sure it’s a comedy show to watch.

At the beginning of our photo session with another rescue named "Charlie Moon Pie" - we took him our of the boarding kennel for a few hours at the University of Tampa - the beginning?  Well, he is 'big eyed' over everything he was seeing - just being out in town was making his day, but not the best photographs yet.  And yes, he was on a leash in all photographs which is removed in post processing - so your dog doesn't have to be the "best dog in the world" and doesn't have to look at the camera.

Dog wide eyed with wonderDog wide eyed with wonderDog wide eyed with wonder at the University of Tampa

 

After giving Charlie Moon Pie a little time to explore, go potty, and relax - we got him to sit on a bench and look at the camera!

Dog sitting on a benchDog sitting on a benchDog sitting on a bench at the University of Tampa

Course Charlie Moon Pie is just like any other dog - sometimes he will look, sometimes he won't.   Looking into the camera may not always be the best captured image - sometimes personality is more important (or in the case, the other dog that was playing fetch and having fun).

Dog looking away from the cameraDog looking away from the cameraDog looking away from the camera

My dog still won't look at the camera

If none of these things work, then the next thing to do is just take a break.  Maybe getting a little time where your dog can just relax is the ticket.  Often times they are taken to a new place or location, sat down and expected to model – what about checking out the area with all these new smells?  Usually by this time, we can get the dog to at least look close to where the camera is.  Maybe just don’t hide your face with the camera.  It can be quite intimidating and perhaps using “live view” is a better option.  Think about it – all those cell phones photographs aren’t covering up your face – perhaps that is the answer?

If after all these various things have been tried and your dog still won't look at the camera, then it might be time to consider that your dog just isn't going to look at the camera - however, that doesn't mean you can't get great images of your dog, just means you might have to change what you're trying to capture.

In this photograph, Charlie Moon Pie, is looking slightly to the side of the camera, because, well that was more interesting!

Black dog face portraitBlack dog face portraitBlack rescue dog face portrait

Still not exactly looking into the camera, but getting close!

Black dog face portraitBlack dog face portraitBlack dog face portrait with soft green blur behind

We continued to move around the area of our location shoot and found different places that Charlie Moon Pie could hang out and as he got to know us better, realized we had food and water - well, he began to trust us and just plain enjoy the time hanging with us.

Dog sitting and looking directly at the cameraDog sitting and looking directly at the cameraDog sitting and looking directly at the camera

And Yes, he did look directly at the camera for many of the photographs that we captured in this mid-morning outing.  If you're interested in adopting Charlie Moon Pie, please go to Maxx and Me Pet Rescue and fill out an application.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Jemma Martin of JM Photography shares her top secret tips on getting dogs to look at the camera.

 

Interested in a Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) campus canine dog dog photography dog-friendly Florida nature outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog portrait rescue river Tampa University of Tampa vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/7/my-dog-wont-look-at-the-camera---how-do-i-fix-this Fri, 02 Jul 2021 08:00:00 GMT
My favorite neighborhood walk with my dog in Temple Terrace, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/6/my-favorite-neighborhood-walk-with-my-dog-in-temple-terrace-florida We are blessed here in our little residential city with a good number of parks.  My favorite neighborhood park is actually a combination of Riverhills Park and Boy Scout Park.  Both of these wonderful parks are great places to take your dog for a walk - not leash free - but still a beautiful place to take the pup.  Riverhills Park is located along the Hillsborough River and is on the Florida Birding Trail.  What is there to do in Riverhills Park?

Boat ramp - want to enjoy nature in a canoe, kayak or power boat? or perhaps go fresh water fishing? - It's available at this neighborhood park

Play ground - want to take your children to the playground? - It's available at this neighborhood park

Fishing on river bank - want to go fresh water fishing? - perhaps your children want to experience fishing? - It's available at this neighborhood park

Are you starting to get the picture?

Other activities include a picnic at one of the many tables available under the trees, a party or get together at the gazebo, a nice walk along the river on the boardwalk, pickle ball on the courts or perhaps gardening at the Community garden.  There are a large variety of things to do.

If you're more into nature and want a little bit of a get away, check out Boy Scout Park - you might not notice that you changed parks unless you see the sign as they are right next to each other.  Boy Scout Park offers a trail system in natural Florida.  It's a nice place to wander with your dogs among the trees, ferns and other vegetation.  Just watch out during alligator mating season (April/May) - yes, they are here!  Watch out for the spiders and mosquitoes.  If you're lucky you might spot a barred owl or perhaps a red shoulder hawk.

I must admit, that we walk our dogs through this park almost every day.  We might skip a day due to weather or being away but just about every other day we will walk through this park and the dogs love it.

Our first walk with Jimbo so many years ago (2012) was to the trails at Boy Scout Park.

Happy dog among the fernsHappy dog among the fernsJimbo, our dog, happy to be out among the ferns at Boy Scout Park.

After walking among the ferns, Jimbo just sat down in the middle of them.  I think he was looking for our other dog, Dolly, who was the 'senior' of this pair.

I am in the middle of ferns!I am in the middle of ferns!

Recently some new paths through the ferns have been cut - the dogs are enjoying going through those to see where they lead.  These ferns are a couple of feet in height, so I'm sure they are just following the path without any idea where exactly it is going.

Sometimes (not often) when "Dad" comes along, if it's hot, and we are careful...we get to play in the water at the boat ramp.  Never when it's busy, always watching for gators only for a very short period of time (I do not recommend this by the way).

Dog playing in waterDog playing in waterDog playing in the water

Water coming out of Abby's mouth in various directions (she was having a lot of fun).

Dog playing in the waterDog playing in the waterDog playing in the water

Only Abby loves the water - and when we are up in the mountains, we let her play as much as she wants (no threat of gators) - but here at home, doesn't happen very much.

Sometimes, its just a few minutes sitting on the boat ramp dock with Dad relaxing and taking in the view.  In the early morning these trees look like they have been toilet papered. There are so many white birds (mostly Ibis) that flock to this island of trees each evening and each morning they leave for the day.

Man relaxing with dogs on boat dockMan relaxing with dogs on boat dockMan relaxing with dogs on boat dock

So what does this park actually look like?

The boat ramp and playground

Approaching by boat the boat ramp at Riverhills Park and the playground in beyond in the distance.

Riverhills boat ramp and playgroundRiverhills boat ramp and playgroundView of the boat ramp and playground at Riverhills Park from the water.

The Sunsets

The sunsets can be very beautiful!  Especially in the cooler months of the year - sometimes during the summer after a thunderstorm the sunsets are spectacular also.

Sunset at Riverhills ParkSunset at Riverhills ParkBeautiful sunsets at Riverhills Park

The trees

Beautiful oak trees are among the park providing shade from the Florida heat.

Beautiful oak trees at Riverhills ParkBeautiful oak trees at Riverhills ParkThe oak trees are big, old and beautiful at Riverhills Park. The boardwalk

The boardwalk is a nice walk along the river's edge.  Watch for birds, turtles and the occasional alligator.  And please do NOT feed the alligators.  NOTE: The boardwalk was redone a few years ago with plastic wood which is not shown in this photograph.

Boardwalk at Riverhills ParkBoardwalk at Riverhills ParkThe boardwalk at Riverhills Park goes along part of the river.
Fall Color along the water's edge

The cypress trees turning to a beautiful color as fall approaches.

Fall color at Riverhills ParkFall color at Riverhills ParkThe cypress trees turn color at Riverhills Park along the boardwalk.

Entrance to Boy Scout Park

The trail system within Boy Scout Park can be a fun get away from the 'city'.  At sunset, if timed right for the sun to shine through, the trees light up beautifully.

Entrance to Boy Scout Park trailsEntrance to Boy Scout Park trailsAt sunset on a beautiful day the entrance to the trails at Boy Scout Park is lit up.

Dog Photography at Riverhills Park

In case you are curious, yes - there are some great places to take your dog and get some great photographs too.  Many of the photographs that I have shared of our dogs (Abby, Ollie, Rue and Jimbo) were taken at this park.  Here's a few photographs taken at Riverhills Park.

Dog portrait taken at Riverhills Park (Leash was removed in post processing)

Dog portrait at Riverhills ParkDog portrait at Riverhills ParkEarly morning dog portrait taken at Riverhills Park.

Full body - this dog had a great time during our photo shoot at Riverhills park near the Gazebo. Leashes were removed from the photograph in post processing.

Full body dog portrait at Riverhills ParkFull body dog portrait at Riverhills ParkMaxx and Me Pet Rescue dog portrait taken at Riverhills Park.

Jimbo among the roots of what was at one time the most iconic tree at the park.  Unfortunately, it was removed a few years ago because it was dying and branches were falling down.  We loved our Jimbo - we loved this tree - now both are memories.


Address

Riverhills Park - 401 South Riverhills Drive, Temple Terrace Florida

Located behind Riverhills Elementary School

Boy Scout Park - located off West River Drive (west of this street) and Broxburn Avenue.  Please note - Google indicated that this park is closed, however it can be accessed from the parking lot located to the west of the intersection of West River Drive and Broxburn Avenue in Temple Terrace.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Pawtraits by Nicole, photographing pets for their people in and around Las Vegas, Nevada

 

Interested in a Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) boardwalk Boy Scout Park canine dog dog photography dog-friendly Florida nature outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog play playground river Riverhills Park Temple Terrace trail tree vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/6/my-favorite-neighborhood-walk-with-my-dog-in-temple-terrace-florida Fri, 25 Jun 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Why I shoot in early to mid-morning - my favorite time for pet photography https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/6/best-time-for-outdoor-pet-photography---early-morning---my-favorite-time Here in Florida, the majority of the year - it's hot.  No way around it.  So, this leaves us with a few choices on when to do outdoor pet photography - either early morning or early evening.  Well, in Florida - at least on the west coast, it rains a lot in the late afternoon so it's hard to predict if the weather will cooperate so it's best to do a lot of the outdoor pet photography in the early to mid-morning.  Another plus is - a lot of people are heading to work or still in bed. 

Neighborhood park

I am fortunate - I live a couple of blocks from a beautiful park.  The park includes trees, boardwalk, gazebo, playground, boat dock, and river.  In the early morning, especially during the week, it's pretty quiet.  There might be a few dog walkers or boaters heading out but often times we might be the only ones in the park.  This is my favorite time to photograph our dogs (or your dog(s) ) in this park.  It's beautiful at this time of day.  Usually, the sun doesn't reach into these trees and park until about 2 hours after the sun rises which often works better with the human schedules.

Oh, did I mention the weather here in Florida? Well, we may be known as the "Sunshine State" but I will tell you that we have a lot of overcast days.  And while I wanted to capture some of that beautiful golden hour either in early morning or late evening, it's been a choice of rain or overcast skies.  So, the golden hour wasn't golden.

Overcast Skies

There is a special place for those overcast skies - you won't have harsh shadows, you won't have the dogs over heating as fast - but you'll have some beautiful even light to photograph.  My best tip if the sky is overcast - enjoy it and if you can eliminate the sky from your photographs they will come out very nice.

Dark eyes - both Rue and Ollie (Rue is in this photograph) have very dark eyes - if you can't catch light in their eyes, it looks pretty dark in there! Whether you have something white that reflects in their eyes (overcast sky, flash, or perhaps a white object of some size), it's going to look a little lifeless.  In post processing, I was able to get a little life in those dark eyes (next time I need to use some artificial light).

Dog standing on a large rockDog standing on a large rockLook at me! I balanced on this rock - Rue, our Maxx and Me dog.

Abby hanging out on the boat ramp - due to the drought, early morning hour and recent rains - there was only one other person in the park.  So, Abby had the boat ramp to herself to hang and wait for a few photographs to be taken.  The curious look - I missed what she saw, but she was nice enough to stay posed.

Curious dog lookCurious dog lookWhat is that - curious look for our hound mix dog

These photographs were taken with 'just a camera'.  Notice how the overcast skies provide a catch light in Abby's eyes.  The blur of the background allows Abby to stand out from all the things in the park.  I will say, that in 2020 my Abby definitely went 'gray'.  She celebrated her 5th birthday in February - but now seems to have the facial characteristics of a much older dog.  Perhaps this is proof that COVID was hard on the animals as well.

black and white dog face portraitblack and white dog face portraitDog relaxing - face portrait

Having a mostly black dog has taught me some basic things about how to photograph black dogs.  First, you have to make sure they don't become black blobs - you want to be able to see those beautiful details and texture.  Second, I often reduce the saturation or at least the blue saturation to remove the blue cast that is very common on black fur when photographing outdoors.  The empty boardwalk at this early hour of 7:20am is just about 30 minutes after sunrise.

Hound dog standing on boardwalkHound dog standing on boardwalkHound dog mix standing on the boardwalk at Riverhills Park.

So there you have it - early morning is my favorite time to photograph.  It's my favorite time to be out walking the dogs.  It's peaceful before the day really gets started rolling.  But - when those beautiful sunsets are available, I will never turn one down if I have the opportunity to photograph a beautiful bundle of fur!

Jimbo - watching the sunset

Dog silhouette at sunsetDog silhouette at sunsetDog at Riverhills Park watching the sunset.

In memory of Jimbo - he loved this park and walked there almost every day of his life - watching the sunset - they can be beautiful at this park if you're looking for a great place to watch the sun set.

 

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Angela of Big White Dog Photography, creating light for great dog portraits in Spokane, WA.

 

Interested in a Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dock dog dog photography Florida outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog portrait rescue river tree vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/6/best-time-for-outdoor-pet-photography---early-morning---my-favorite-time Fri, 18 Jun 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Creating an easy and delicious dog treat https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/6/creating-an-easy-and-delicious-dog-treat This past week I asked for suggestions on what other pet owners give their dogs as a treat - I got some really interesting ideas!  The suggestions ranged from very easy - carrots, beans, blueberries, banana - all great things to feed your dog - in moderation of course.  A couple of the suggestions were not something I prefer such as raw chicken necks (yuck). My dogs are not to picky and will eat a large range of fruits and vegetables.  

Carrots

I have three rescue girls - they all love carrots - I usually give them the 'baby carrots' because that's what we like.  Carrots do have some naturally occurring sugar, so don't over feed these - but as a small treat every so often - it's easy and no work involved.

Beans

Another common and often well liked treat.  Often times we are able to give these to our dogs straight out of our garden (organic garden, no chemicals).  Some studies have been done that indicate beans may not be safe for dogs in large quantities - so use this as a limited treat.

Bananas

I didn't know about this delicious treat until recently and I gave it to each of my girls one at a time.  Abby said - Yes, I like this.  Rue said - Yes, I like this.  Ollie said - "Yuck what is this?"  (no go for Ollie - tried more than a few times).

Making your own treats

I've made several different types of treats along the way for my dogs.  Baking a combination of pumpkin and peanut butter is a big hit here - but that takes a little more work - especially if you want them to look like cute little doggie bones.

In asking several facebook friends - I found that many of the recipes had similar ingredients - plain greek yogurt, blueberries, and peanut butter.  Some people throw in bananas, chicken broth (low sodium) and pumpkin.  However, in reviewing all these great ideas - I decided to try a simple recipe and see how my dogs liked it.

Here's what you need.

Blueberries

Peanut Butter and Plain Greek Yogurt

Mix up the yogurt and peanut butter - I mixed enough peanut butter to make it taste more like peanut butter than yogurt.  I also choose to use smaller individual containers so that I didn't have to make to many at a time (worked out good for me).  Mix it up real good so that it almost looks like a marble of peanut butter and yogurt.

Throw some blueberries (if your dog likes them) into it and mix it up.  Then find a suitable container to freeze it.  In my case, I used an ice tray.  Several people indicated in my query that a bpa free mold is best.

Nothing fancy, yep some of them have been eaten!

No dog photos this blog post although if you could have seen Abby sitting there wondering what I was doing with all these great ingredients in front of the camera instead of heading to her mouth it might have been an interesting photo!

 

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Jessica Wasik of Bark & Gold Photography, celebrating National Donut Day all month long with Hunter's favorite treat recipe

 

Interested in a Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) blueberries canine dog dog photography dog treat easy dog treat easy frozen dog treat frozen dog treat greek yogurt peanut butter pet photography pet photography blog vpshoots yogurt https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/6/creating-an-easy-and-delicious-dog-treat Fri, 11 Jun 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Alarka Falls, Bryson City, North Carolina https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/6/alarka-falls-bryson-city-north-carolina Looking for a beautiful trail to hike near Bryson City?  Check this one out - Alarka Falls (or Alarka Creek Falls) located outside of Bryson City, North Carolina.  This trail is located in the Nantahala National Forest and I can not say enough about how beautiful this trail is.  The entire trail follows along the water which has numerous cascades along the way - just stop and enjoy nature.

We were the only ones on this trail with our 3 dogs on this weekday in May 2021.  To find this trail and see this wonderful nature take US-74 west from Bryson City (or in our case, we came from Franklin off NC 28, so we turned right on Highway 74) - take exit 64 for Alarka Road.  You will be driving through the Alarka Community for several miles - one website said about 10 miles.  It's a nice paved road for most of this distance and no need to worry about hard curves and up down hill along a mountain side.  Take Alarka Road from Highway 74 and keep driving till you get to the end where there is a small parking area (looks more like a turn around or cul de sac).  

The trail is on the east side, don't go the forest service road (gated).  Not very exciting looking, but this is where a small camping area is and the entrance to the trail.

Photo of the Trail head

I must confess, that as we approached towards the end of this trail it appeared to be getting very rocky and steeper - so on this trip, we didn't make it to the end but maybe next time as everyone on google says it is worth it!

You'll see the water flowing to the right of the trail - very soon - if you don't you're probably not on the trail we took.

Some trees to climb over

The trail itself is pretty easy, well worn and not hard to follow.  Dirt with some rocks along the way. There are a few places where trees have fallen across the trail - so you will have to either climb over or find a way around them if they are still there when you arrive.  We climbed over, but found our smaller dogs preferred to go under - so we dropped the leashes so they could find the way that worked best for them.

Cascades, water falling

Beautiful water flowing through the rocks.

The trees in May were beautiful with the green leaves.  The sounds of the water falling down over the rocks was relaxing - don't forget to take the time to enjoy this hike.  The entire hike is about 1 mile (perhaps a little further in some other blog entries).  Still an easy and great hike.

A glimpse of the trail

Some of the trees have been cut to allow the trail to go through, but in some places the trees are still across the trail.

Near to the end of the area that we hiked to, this beautiful setting with trees, water and fallen branches/trees across the water.

Our dogs along the trail

The rocks can be slippery near the water, so be careful.  I scrambled up a little way but soon decided that the little girls were having a bit of issues and perhaps we should try another day.  Abby being larger was roaming around on the rocks. I was past this rock at one point, it wasn't that easy to come back down with a camera - so be careful, especially if it's wet.

A good portion of this trail is in the shade - that makes it nice too as it didn't get as hot.

The twins tied off to keep them from going to far from us.

Yep, now they are all waiting on us.  Kept them tied up a good portion of the time to keep the wandering to a minimum just in case someone else wanted to join us on the trail and perhaps had their canine(s) with them.  Another photo of the trail to get an idea of the terrain.

A couple of different websites have information on this particular trail.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/alarka-creek-falls  and another website is https://www.hikewnc.info/ (hopefully these links will be live for a long time into the future).

Google Maps provides this information for a google search "Alarka Creek Falls Trailhead"


That's it for this trip - enjoy the hike if you decide to check it out.


 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Alarka Alarka Creek Alarka Creek Falls Alarka Falls Alarka Trailhead Bryson Bryson City cascades dog-friendly easy flowing hike hiking Nantahala Nantahala National Forest National Forest North Carolina water waterfall https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/6/alarka-falls-bryson-city-north-carolina Sun, 06 Jun 2021 21:00:00 GMT
Top 3 must have photographs for your dog's portrait session https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/6/top-3-must-have-photographs-for-your-dogs-portrait-session This week I am sharing with you my top 3 must have photographs for your pet's photography session.  Of course, I realize that my top 3 photographs might not be yours, nor might they be your pets.  That's why I have a top 3 - that leaves wiggle room for your top photographs too. Having said that, these are the ones that I try to always capture whether it is a rescue dog (cat), a friend's pet or a client.  I treat all equally - I want all of these photography sessions to be fun and capture your pet's personality.  That's what this is all about - so what are my top 3 must have photographs? I was fortunate enough to get little Lola, a blue heeler puppy, to do a modeling session for this week's blog post - so here's little Lola showing off her talents.

1. Full body - I always want to capture a full body photograph of your pet - let's show off those beautiful colors and markings - your pet 'stood in line' to get them!  Our first pose is Lola sitting - her beautiful markings and those ears!

Next she decided to lay down and we captured her tail along with the freckles all over her body.

 

2. Looking directly at the camera - yes, I want that connection between your pet and the camera and I think that is best conveyed by having your pet look directly at the camera - at their level - not shooting down at them.  I like to be at the same level as them - see the world from their perspective.

Sometimes it's the cute laying their head on the front paws (other times its a dead stare to see who wins).

A slight head tilt while still showing a good portion of her body.

3. A face/head shot - if your pet (talking dogs here as I have not seen cats do this much) will give that cute little head tilt or a playful look - that's what I want - something that shows their face up close with all the beautiful markings.

A tilt to the right?

Or a tilt to the left?

Little Lola gave us both!  That doesn't often happen and when it does, it takes a bit of fast clicking to capture both of them.  So there you have my top three must have photographs.

Now, having said these are my top three must have photographs doesn't mean that's all I will shoot.  I will shoot until your dog has decided that it doesn't want to participate or until I think we have captured enough photographs that we have a good selection of choices.  Some dogs love to play, some like to play catch, or perhaps a bit of tug a war - we will capture those moment too if that's what you're looking for.  Our end goal is to capture their personality is what we always try to do - along with showing a happy dog (cat) in as many cases as possible.

Here Lola has decided to relax, I think she decided that was enough for this photography session, but a casual outdoor, natural light photograph shows a different side of Lola.  It's also showing her with a slightly open mouth, a little smile perhaps?

When we are photographing rescue dogs, it's a matter of what the dog is willing to share - some are much more willing to enjoy the whole process while others find it very intimidating and challenging to get great photos - but with almost 6 years of experience in the world of rescue dogs, we have learned a lot along the way!  If we are photographing an animal (dog, puppy, cat, kitten) I always try to get these top photographs:

1. A photograph of the entire body - sitting, laying down and/or standing

2. At least one facial portrait - let them see those eyes - and get a connection between the viewer and the animal looking for a home.

3. Photograph(s) at the animal's level

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit BARKography by Kim Hollis and her 7 Must Have Poses at each photo shoot in Charlotte NC

 

Interested in a Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) blue heeler canine dog dog photography Florida indoor pet photography pet photography blog puppy purebred purebreed studio vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/6/top-3-must-have-photographs-for-your-dogs-portrait-session Fri, 04 Jun 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Tellico Gap - Appalachian Trail - Franklin, North Carolina https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/5/tellico-gap---appalachian-trail---franklin-north-carolina We hiked a small piece of the Appalachian Trail - according to a local, we hiked about 1.4 miles of it.  Recently, we decided to head out to find Tellico Gap which is located in Franklin, North Carolina.  As we were in the Franklin area, Google Maps told us to take NC Highway 28 (Bryson City Road) north to Tellico Gap road.  If you haven't been lucky enough to find another website with information about this road and hike - please be aware that this is a dirt road - and it's a dirt road for a bit of a distance - couple of miles of narrow, dirt and winding road.  Passing another car is a bit scary - and you definitely don't want to pass anyone going any speed because one of you will be on the 'outside' of the road and there are steep drop offs.  We did manage to take this little winding dirt road up to the parking lot.  And nope, there are no photos of that winding road because I was to busy hanging on as we snaked up slowly and I watched Google maps slowly say the distance was getting shorter to our destination.

The parking area


The parking lot is well setup and holds about 10-12 cars - all nicely sectioned off into little areas that allow a little privacy should you need that.  Keep in mind that there are no bathrooms except the great outdoors - no food, water, etc unless you brought that with you - so plan ahead.  It's easy to see why this particular area was named 'Tellico Gap' as there are large electrical towers coming up through the mountains here.  This one is right next to the parking area.

Gives you an idea, there are several little areas that are well marked for parking.

As we parked and got our little group of 3 dogs leashed up and ready to go, the next step was to find the trail. While we like to hike, I wouldn't consider us experts on the 'way of the land' when it comes to hiking.  If you look here, you will see a trail that is on the left and then another trail that is behind the 'road closed' sign.  These are pretty important to be aware of and we did miss this on the way up on our hike.  The trail on the left is actually the Appalachian Trail - blazed white - and you're in for a nice hike that steadily climbs in elevation.  The hike itself is well marked and not to challenging - but it is 1.4 miles in length.  There are some areas that have drop offs or are pretty narrow - so keep those dogs close as well as any human children you might have with you.  Plenty of places to stop and take a break - and we did.

If you take the trail to the right, the one behind the 'road closed' sign - that's an old forest road (I'd love to see a vehicle travel it) - it's is .6 miles in length (a lot shorter!) and based on what others have said it is steeper than the AT although, I'm not totally sure I agree it was that much steeper.

If I was to do this again, I would choose the trail on the right - it's shorter and I can handle a little steeper if it's that much shorter to the same wonderful view.  But, we didn't see that at first, so we headed off on the AT, the trail on the left.

Tellico Gap

Shortly after we started our hike on the Appalachian Trail, we saw this sign confirming where we were.  I am sure that this is very helpful to those that have been on the trail for many days and are wondering exactly where they might be now.

We continued hiking on up the trail - here's a few photographs to give you an idea of what parts of the trail are like.  In many areas the clay and dirt is very well packed down and there are very few rocks on the actual trail.

This area of the trail is fairly wide - enough to comfortably hike without seeing any drop off that is close. Along the way you will get some glimpses of the overall scenery - but for the most part, until you get to Wesser Bald, there aren't any real open views that don't have trees, branches or some other obstacle blocking part of the view.

Along the way we saw several people that were carrying their smaller dogs back down the mountain.  The smaller dogs one can carry - but ours aren't that small - the smallest being about 30 pounds.  Having said that, we took breaks! And right in the middle of the trail we did.  The elevation changes and having been under the weather the previous few days forced me to take more breaks than I would have liked - but then we did continue.

If you pay attention, you'll see this log with the marker "AT" carved into it.  I suppose this is a fairly common thing, but it's the only log we noticed was carved on this section of the trail.

We stopped for a little while at the campground and fire pit as we got closer to Wesser Bald.

The Fire Tower

And finally - we made it to the top. 

The dogs are all for taking a relaxing break - we all did.  It's much cooler up on top of the mountain and there was a nice breeze coming through to help make it nicer.

These are our mixed breed 'twins' (they are little mates).  Rue on the left, Ollie (short for Olive) on the right.  They were champs on getting to the top of this mountain climb.  Probably totally having the time of their lives. Abby, while grayer, is only 5 years of age, and much bigger than our twins.  She took to resting just fine - enjoying the time.

Let me tell you - this hike was well worth it.  360 degrees of beautiful mountain top views.  To see all 360 degrees, you must climb the fire tower.  Yes, you may be tired, but take that break at the mountain top and when you're ready climb that fire tower.  You won't regret it.

The View

Here's a few photographs that probably don't do this view justice - but you want some clue what you will see when you get there right?  And it's so pretty!  You'll want to do this on a nice day where you can see for miles - don't do it on a rainy bad day if you have any choice (I wouldn't have done this drive on that dirt road).  But, what can I say, it's beautiful.

The trek down

Eventually, after talking with a couple of men that were hiking on the Appalachian Trail - one was pretty young and had been on the trail about 8 days now.  The other was a little older (maybe closer to our ages) and had been on the trail for about 10-11 days (not sure I recall exactly how many).  But they were both having fun doing the multi-day hike.  The younger hiker said he hoped to do the entire trail and end up in Maine most likely in October time period (It's mid May when I am writing this).  Looks like a trail to me, wondering how it could be a 'forest road' - but I guess if they have to get to the top, maybe they use a four wheeler.

A quick look shows that the other trail (forest road) doesn't look to bad and within an hour we were back at the parking lot.

Heading back

Jim talked to many of the people that drove up to Tellico Gap and wondered how they got there without any 4 wheel drive - so having said that we decided to take the 'other road'. The one that went down the other side of the mountain and soon we found out that road was a much better road to travel on then the one we came up.  If you come in from the other side, you'll travel on Wayah Road and turn on Otter Creek to head up to Tellico Gap.  For us, this made for a longer drive back - but it was almost all paved roads and another adventure!

 

I also found this link that is helpful with information about this particular hike should you be interested.  Hopefully it will stay alive and not become a dead link. https://www.hikethesouth.com/hikes/wesser-bald-via-tellico-gap
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Appalachian Appalachian Trail bald dog friendly dog-friendly fire tower Franklin gap hike hiking Macon County mountain view mountain views nature North Carolina Otter Creek outdoors Smokies Tellico Tellico Gap trail Wayah Wesser Wesser Bald White blazed https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/5/tellico-gap---appalachian-trail---franklin-north-carolina Sun, 30 May 2021 21:00:00 GMT
Red Nose Pitbull, Blue Nose Pitbull - which one? https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/5/red-nose-pitbull-blue-nose-pitbull---which-one In central Florida, a popular breed of dog is the American Pitbull Terrier also known as the Pitbull (Pit Bull).   This breed of animal is recognized as the American Staffordshire terrier by the AKC (American Kennel Club) and as the American Pitbull terrier by the UKC (United Kennel Club).

Researching the internet shows that there are two common varieties of the pitbull breed.  The red nose pitbull and the blue nose pitbull.  These two dogs are very similar, the end of the nose is different colors and often the fur will be different based on the nose color.

Both the red nose and the blue nose pits are intelligent, loyal, loving and full of fun.  They are medium sized dogs that can weigh up to 60 pounds, standing about 20 inches tall.  Males generally weigh a little more than females.

Sadly, the pitbull is often considered to be a dog known for fighting or bullying.  Training, socialization are extremely important with this breed to help ensure they are friendly and make great pets. 

The difference between these two types of pitbulls is primarily the color of their noses.  A red nose pitbull will often have different fur colors that blend well with the red nose (light brown, reddish color, etc). 

The blue nose pitbull may have different fur colors.  The blue nose pitbull is created by a gene that ‘dilutes the color black’ thus causing the dog to have a grey or dark color coat of fur.

Recently, we had the opportunity to meet two very friendly and loving pitbulls.  They came into the rescue because their owner died and they had no place else to go.  Every effort will be made to find these two a home together since they came into the rescue together and have been in foster care together.

Red Nose Pitbull

So, let’s meet Chubbs.  Chubbs is a male red nose pitbull.  He has a cute little underbite which makes for an interesting look while we photographed him.  He was a bit unsure what was expected of him, but he was all for getting attention and treats.  Chubbs is giving us his ear to ear grin.  I'm sure after hanging with us for almost an hour he might have been getting a little warm (it was still in the 70s and we gave them water).  But, then again, he might just be a happy boy.

Red nose pit bull - Maxx and Me Pet RescueRed nose pit bull - Maxx and Me Pet RescueRed nose pit bull - Maxx and Me Pet Rescue

Here's a photograph that shows Chubbs with his underbite along with a cute little row of teeth.  This was at the beginning of our shoot and we had to work hard with getting ears to come forward - they just didn't want to perk up a good portion of the time.

Chubbs, red nose pit bullChubbs, red nose pit bullMale red nose pit bull

Blue Nose Pitbull

Sadie is Chubbs companion.  Sadie is a female blue nose pitbull.  She was a little more timid when it came to the flashes from our lighting equipment but totally in to all the attention and treats.  Strangely neither of them really cared about any strange noises we made, so we did resort to bribery with food and love.

Blue nose pit bull - Maxx and Me Pet RescueBlue nose pit bull - Maxx and Me Pet RescuePortrait of blue nose pit bull

Sadie was having a little more trouble with this whole modeling idea.  I asked if she liked blankets, the response was yes - so we got a little furry blanket out and let Sadie check it out.  It was definitely a hit and we started getting some great photos of her.

Maxx and Me Pet RescueMaxx and Me Pet Rescueblue nose pit bull, Sadie

These two dogs did very well on a leash so we were able to take them to a local park and take photographs of them (we had the park to ourselves on this work/school day).

Sadie and Chubbs, bonded pair of pit bullsSadie and Chubbs, bonded pair of pit bullsMaxx and Me Pet Rescue - bonded pair of pit bulls looking for a home after owner dies. Pit bull dogsPit bull dogsPit bull dog buddies That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Terri J Photography, Toronto dog and family photographer.

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) adult American staffordshire American Staffordshire terrier blue nose blue nose pitbull bully breed canine dog dog photography energetic Florida fun loving outdoor pet photography pitbull red nose red nose pitbull staffordshire terrier vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/5/red-nose-pitbull-blue-nose-pitbull---which-one Fri, 28 May 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Dog Parks near Temple Terrace, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/5/dog-parks-near-temple-terrace-florida If you have a dog, they like to play with other dogs - well, the area of Temple Terrace - or more broadly Tampa located in central Florida has a lot of options.  Does you dog just want to run?  Or perhaps your dog loves the water?  Within less than an hour you and your dog can do either.

1) Harney Dog Park (officially known as the Temple Terrace Hilltop Park) is located at 9420 Harney Rd, Tampa, FL 33637.

This dog park offers an area for smaller dogs as well as a larger area for the large dogs.  Each area has a water hookup to provide water to your pup and unless it's changed recently - there is usually a small plastic pool for the dogs to cool off in.  There is lots of room to run, but not a lot of shade to hang out in - so during the summer months it can get hot.  Also, just a note, the large dog area can be prone to flooding when we get a lot of rain.

Abby hanging in the 'baby' pool at the park - it's a great way for the dogs to cool off if they like water.

Dog in kid swimming poolDog in kid swimming poolHarney dog park in Temple Terrace Florida - enjoying the swimming pool.

The entire park has a high chain link fence surrounding it.  In addition, there is a 'holding' area - double gate to prevent dogs from escaping.  Jimbo runs with another dog in his younger years.

Dogs running at dog parkDogs running at dog parkTemple Terrace Hilltop Dog Park

The Harney Bypass canal is just to the east of this park outside of the fenced in areas.  Lots of grass and area to run in.  Plenty of trash cans for pickup of dog waste.  A small shelter with a picnic table for the humans.

Rescue dog having fun at dog parkRescue dog having fun at dog parkDog playing at the dog park

2) Rowlett Dog Park is located at 8401-8549 N Rowlett Park Dr, Tampa, FL 33604. 

The website says it is open every day from 8am - 6pm.  There are a few holidays like Christmas that the Rowlett Park is closed.  This dog park offers an area for smaller dogs as well as a larger area for the large dogs.  This dog park has lots of shade trees along with picnic tables for the humans.  There is a water hookup to provide water to your pup.

This park is fenced in with a chain link fence.  There is ample parking for those visiting the park.  In addition to the area for the dogs to run free, there are several sidewalk paths that can be enjoyed while you walk your dog on a leash.  Abby playing with one of the other dogs in her younger years.

Dog playing at Rowlett Dog ParkDog playing at Rowlett Dog ParkTwo dogs playing at the dog park.

Plenty of shaded areas provided by the oak trees.  There is also a few pine trees within the dog park.

Dog running free on sidewalkDog running free on sidewalkDog running along the sidewalk at Rowlett Dog Park.

The large dog area includes an agility area with a few things to allow your dog to climb if this is a sport they like.

Dog hanging out at Rowlett Dog ParkDog hanging out at Rowlett Dog ParkShade trees behind, as dog stands in the sun watching other dogs at Rowlett Dog Park. 3) Davis Island Dog Park /Beach - this is located at 1002 Severn Ave, Tampa, FL, US, 33606

There are 2 different areas at the Davis Island dog park - one, shared by dogs of all sizes is along the water.  Dogs are allowed to swim in the waters of Tampa Bay.  There is a bathing area to wash off your dog at the entrance.  In addition to this dog park, there is another area for the dogs that is not including the 'dog beach'.  If your dog doesn't care for the water and would prefer to run in the grass, there is a small dog park area as well as a large dog park area for everyone to play.  There is some shade available around the outside edges of the dog park.

4) Picnic Island Dog Park is located at 7409 Picnic Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33616

This park is open from 6:30am till 7pm at this time of year.  The hours are longer during daylight savings time.  The dogs have a long narrow strip of land to run up and down on the beach as desired.  In addition, they have access to the water.  Note, like Davis Island, this is salt water.  Several years ago when we visited, we had the park to ourselves.

Picnic Island Dog ParkPicnic Island Dog ParkPlaying in the water at Picnic Island Dog Park

Running along the beach at Picnic Island Dog ParkRunning along the beach at Picnic Island Dog Parklone dog running along the shore line at Picnic Island Dog Park 'My favorite photograph from this visit is this one of Jimbo and Abby playing - but it looks like they are dancing.  The look on Abby's face!

Dogs playing at Picnic Island Dog ParkDogs playing at Picnic Island Dog ParkTwo dogs playing on the sandy beach at Picnic Island Dog Park.

5) Ft. DeSoto Dog Park / Beach located within Fort DeSoto Park is located in St. Petersburg.

They are open at this time of year from 7am till 8pm.  There is plenty of sand for your dog to run in and go swimming in the salt water if they like to swim.

Abby loves the water - here she is taking a breather on the sandy beach after getting wet.

Black and white dog at Ft DeSoto Dog BeachBlack and white dog at Ft DeSoto Dog BeachBeautiful beach and water at the Ft DeSoto Dog Beach area - a dog park on the water.

Jimbo has longer fur and looks like a 'wet dog'.  His idea of being in the water doesn't stack up against Abby's.

Jimbo, rescue dog on the dog beachJimbo, rescue dog on the dog beachBeautiful beach and water at the Ft DeSoto Dog Beach area - a dog park on the water. Of course, humans can go swimming too!  And Abby watched Jim (Dad) going swimming and wanted to follow until she realized.....I need to turn around and go back - Dad can save himself!

Dog swimming at Ft DeSoto Dog Beach/ParkDog swimming at Ft DeSoto Dog Beach/ParkDog swims with her human at the Ft DeSoto Dog Park - complete with sand and plenty of sea water. That's some of the MANY dog parks in the area of Tampa - a Google search will include several that are in the downtown Tampa area as well as others through out the area.  We have a lot of them!

If you take your dog to a dog park - please be careful.  Dogs can get hurt at dog parks just like children can get hurt at the playground.  Always pick up after your dog. Know your dog and whether they are good with other dogs - and always keep an eye on them - especially those that have water.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Dog photographer Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography reviews three great dog parks in Coppell and Carrollton Texas.

 

Interested in a Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) beach canine Davis Island Dog Park dog dog park dog photography Florida Ft. DeSoto Dog Park Harney Dog Park nature outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog Picnic Island Dog Park Rowlett Dog Park sandy beach swim swimming Tampa Temple Terrace Temple Terrace Hilltop Dog Park vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/5/dog-parks-near-temple-terrace-florida Fri, 14 May 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Rescue dogs of Tampa, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/5/rescue-dogs-of-tampa-florida This week's blog post features rescue dogs of Tampa, Florida (and surrounding areas which includes all of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties).  A google search reveals the top 3 rescues in Tampa (not dog specific) are:

Heidi's Legacy Dog Rescue, Society of Tampa Bay and St. Francis Society.  This was an interesting search to see who was the top responses from Google based on doing a simple search of "Rescues in Tampa".

I've 2 different quotes that I have seen while writing this blog post.  The first one, is from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay "Leading the way because every life counts".  The second one is from Maxx and Me Pet Rescue, "It matters to that one" ....which is so true.  That one animal is depending on us (humans) to care about that one life.

As many of you know, we, VP Shoots Photography, volunteer to photograph rescue dogs (and sometimes kittens/cats if we receive a request) in the Tampa Bay area.  We have travelled as far east as Lakeland to photograph a beagle for the Beagle rescue, as far south as South Tampa and South St. Petersburg, as far west as the water's edge of Tampa Bay (Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, etc) and as far north as Spring Hill.  That's quite a large area that we have covered - and we have met so many dogs along the way.

I'd like to take a few minutes of your time to share with you the primary organizations that we volunteer with.

1) Maxx and Me Pet Rescue - this is the primary rescue that we provide photography services to in the Tampa Bay area.  Per the website for Maxx and Me, the "About Us" says: "Maxx & Me Pet Rescue is a Non-Profit founded in 2014 by Lea Haverstock in memory of her beloved rescue Golden Retriever, Maxx."  Their website is: https://www.maxxandme.org/

On September 18, 2017 we met "Irma" and her litter mates.  This little puppy just seemed to know exactly how to pose for the camera.  She was so small, about 10 weeks of age and the entire litter had been turned into a shelter without any parents.  Eventually, this little cutie ended up in our household along with her sister, Rue - and she is now known as Ollie.  (Irma was because Hurricane Irma was coming through our area at the time she was coming into the Maxx and Me Pet Rescue.)

Colt - a beautiful husky - needs someone to adopt him that understands the whole mindset of a husky.  He has been looking for a home for a while and hopefully will find that perfect match soon.

 

2) Polka Dogz - They are located in central Florida (Winter Garden/Clermont Florida areas).  We volunteer to provide photography services for special events like the Christmas pose with Santa Claus and home checks within the Tampa areas for dogs that are potentially being adopted in our area. Their website is https://polkadogz.org/ and they feature mostly smaller dogs and specialize in seniors, special needs and shy dogs.

In addition we have done photographs for other rescues including:

1) Heidi's Legacy Dog Rescue

2) Rescue Teamsters

and 3) Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Marika Moffitt of Dirtie Dog Photography shines the light on harder-to-adopt pets with The Limelight Pet Project in Seattle, Washington.

 

Interested in a Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography Florida outdoor pet pet photography pet photography blog portrait puppy rescue Rescue dogs of Tampa Tampa vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/5/rescue-dogs-of-tampa-florida Fri, 07 May 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Beau, a former racing greyhound here in Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/4/beau-a-former-racing-greyhound-here-in-florida Meet Beau!  Beau is an excellent example of how great a pet a former racing greyhound can be.  Yes, Beau's previous life was a dog used in the world of gambling at the Derby Lane located in St. Petersburg, Florida.  In 2018, Florida voted and passed Amendment 13 which phased out all live dog racing by 2021.

Derby Lane, St. Petersburg

The Derby Lane in St. Petersburg opened by the family of Alexis Winning in 1925.  Now, after almost a century, dog racing has ceased at the Derby lane.  The final live greyhound racing was held on Christmas Eve and the weekend following in 2020.  The Derby Lane Greyhound Track located in St. Petersburg, Florida was the oldest continuously operating greyhound track in the country until it officially closed on December 27, 2020.  The Derby Lane does remain open (as of this writing) for simulcasting and has a poker room.

"After the races ended on Sunday, some of the greyhounds will continue to race at tracks outside of Florida, some will live on a farm with other former racers, and others will be adopted" said Winning.  Derby Lane worked with a group called "Greyhound pets of America" that has a 98% adoption rate for the former racing greyhounds.

Greyhound Pets of America (Tampa Bay)

This organization lists it's mission as "to find homes for ex-racing Greyhounds and to educate the public about this wonderful breed."  They are an all-volunteer, nonprofit chapter of the Greyhound Pets of America.

Beau

We photographed Beau at his 'retirement home' in St. Petersburg, Florida.  He was (is) the foster brother of another dog named Brie who is with the Maxx and Me Pet Rescue (www.maxxandme.org).  Beau enjoyed hanging out on the front porch on what appears to be the "dog relaxing couch".

Beau is a beautiful brindle greyhound with long legs and a slender body.

Greyhound - Former Derby Lane racerGreyhound - Former Derby Lane racerRetirement for a former Derby Lane, St. Petersburg, racing greyhound. Painterly portrait of Greyhound.

What's that you said?  As Beau perks up to see what is going on.

Greyhound - Former Derby Lane racerGreyhound - Former Derby Lane racerHead portrait of former racing greyhound from the Derby Lane in St. Petersburg, Florida

Beau with one of his favorite toys.

Greyhound - Former Derby Lane racerGreyhound - Former Derby Lane racerRetirement for a former Derby Lane, St. Petersburg, racing greyhound.

A painterly effect added to this head portrait of Beau - Beau was moving a little fast for the camera settings, but the cute look wins and we decided to share this photo.

Greyhound - Former Derby Lane racerGreyhound - Former Derby Lane racerHead shot of a brindle greyhound, a retired racer from the Derby Lane in St. Petersburg, Florida

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Tammy Snyder Photography, photographing dogs and the people they love in Southeastern Pennsylvania and the tri-state region

 

Interested in a Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine Derby Derby Lane dog photography dog racing Florida former racing former racing greyhound Greyhound track outdoor pet photography pet photography blog racing relaxing retired greyhound rescue retirement St. Petersburg vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/4/beau-a-former-racing-greyhound-here-in-florida Fri, 30 Apr 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Happy dogs are the best kind of dog! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/4/happy-dogs-are-the-best-kind-of-dog This week's pet blog theme is 'happy'.  Happy dogs are always the best kind of dog.  If they are happy, then they are better friends to us humans, less destructive and a whole lot more fun!   Why is it that dogs almost always seem happy when we come home from where ever we have been?  They seem happy just to see you walking up to the door - the happy starts to take over as they wait for you to unlock and open the door.  There is nothing like being greeted by your happy dog(s)!

What makes them happy?  Is it because they feel secure?  They know that they are safe?  Or maybe it's as simple as they live 'in the now'.  They don't think about what happened 5 minutes ago and they are not worried about what might happen in 5 minutes - it's all about what is happening now.

Did they just get my leash?

Did they just say the word "walk"? (do you have to spell that word when you are talking to someone other than your dogs?)

Did they just say the word "ride"? (oh boy, the tails start wagging, they start trying to herd us up like cows to get to that door - oh and which car are we taking? Do we go to the front door? or the garage?)

Did they just say "snack"?  which is anything other than the normal dry dog kibble (dog treats, carrots, beans, strawberry, banana, apple, cheese, the list goes on).

Well, just about any of these things will make our dogs go into a 'happy mode' of trying to figure out exactly what is going to happen next.  Each word invokes different actions with our dogs - and I'm sure the same is true for any dog owner.

Dogs playing and running

Audrey (available for adoption from Maxx and Me Pet Rescue, Tampa, Florida) enjoys running in the back yard of her foster home.

Pitbull mix puppy runningPitbull mix puppy runningMaxx and Me Pet Rescue puppy playing and running

Audrey got the prize, her ball that was just thrown for her to run and catch.

Pitbull mix puppy catches ballPitbull mix puppy catches ballFemale pitbull mix puppy playing with her ball

Jimbo playing at the dog park in his younger years.

Jimbo playing at the dog parkJimbo playing at the dog parkJimbo running and playing at the dog park

A big pit bull smile

Chubbs, a red nose pitbull, giving a big smile for the camera.  Chubbs and his sister, Sadie, lost their owner and are now looking for a new home - but in the mean time - they love attention and were wonderful in posing for the camera.

big pitbull smilebig pitbull smileHappy red nose pitbull portrait

Exploring with us - hiking

In North Carolina at Mingo Falls near Cherokee, we decided to hike to the waterfall.  When we got there, I noticed there were a lot of stairs (I knew there was some, but this was a good number of stairs).  Little Ollie has short legs and wasn't sure about this idea at all - her preference is solid ground and she just about said "NO" .....our idea of her walking up the stair railing didn't work - but we took a quick photograph with her smiling.

Happy dog standing on stairwayHappy dog standing on stairway

This was more of what the dogs were thinking....water, flatter terrain, yes this is good hiking.

Abby plus water = Happy

Of all the dogs that I have owned (and that's only a few), Abby loves the water. Our first vacation trip with Abby to the Fort Payne, Alabama area.  This is when we found out Abby had a love for water (something she can't do in fresh water here at home because of alligators).

Abby in the waterAbby in the waterAbby loves water - we allow her to play in safe water areas

Happy is having a good (safe) pond to hang out in during the hot summer months.

Happy Abby sitting in the waterHappy Abby sitting in the waterAbby hanging in the water in a small pond

A comfortable place to sleep = happy

Whether it's a hard day of hiking in North Carolina or a lazy day at home - having a good comfy place to sleep always seems to make our dogs happy.

Abby sleeping with her blanketsAbby sleeping with her blanketsdog sleeping

So there you have it - the happy dogs that are either in our lives now or have been in our lives at some time.  But most of all, I think happy dogs are dogs that are with people that care about them, the dogs care about the humans and feel comfortable with.

Blogging with Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Pawtraits by Nicole, photographing pets for their people in and around Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

Interested in a Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog park dog photography happy Mingo Falls nature North Carolina outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog play rescue river running smile vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/4/happy-dogs-are-the-best-kind-of-dog Fri, 23 Apr 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Using color in your pet photographs https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/4/using-color-in-your-pet-photographs This week its all about color!  Let's share some different types of color while featuring a dog within the photograph.  We have color in the background using painterly like textures, colors in the Florida landscape and color in different types of backgrounds.

Color in the background using textures

Our first example features Abby sitting with crayons and a coloring book - no, she didn't have a clue what to do so she just sat there doing her 'puppy sit' and looked pretty!

This photograph uses a colorful texture as the background added in post processing.

Beautiful colors with dog portraitBeautiful colors with dog portraitRainbow colors with dog portrait

Ok, let's sit like an adult dog and not on our butt - here's another one of Abby posing with lots of color.

Color surrounding dog in portraitColor surrounding dog in portraitUsing color with dog photography

 

Dog photography using colorful Florida landscape

When photographing a black dog, it helps to include some color in the image to help make the dog stand out from it's surroundings.  In this photograph, Gunner, a tripod (3 legged dog) enjoyed the Florida landscaping of our backyard.  While a good portion of our yard is primarily green, we do have a few plants with pink and red shades to add color.  Not to mention the colorful collar Gunner is sporting!

Maxx and Me Pet RescueMaxx and Me Pet RescueBlack lab mix posing for the camera

Gunner had so much fun running through our yard that he picked up some of the water along the way from the plants.  We had about 5 inches of rain the previous day - so the plants were happy along with Gunner.  Here Gunner stopped next to one of the more colorful (not just green) plants in our yard.

Color at the USF Botanical Gardens in Tampa

This morning it was a beautiful sunny morning in Florida - more specifically in Tampa.  We decided to take our dogs for a special treat to visit the gardens and enjoy the nice weather.  We found several different pieces of colorful artwork through out the garden.  A beautiful sunny day doesn't really make for the best photographs because the camera does not do well with the sun/shade combinations (splotchy light) like the human eyes do.  However, having said that and knowing that our pet photography blog this week is all about color - we had our girls pose for us in a few places to share with you.

Our first color blast came from the large white cow that has lots of brightly painted flowers on it.  Ollie is posing under this cow.  To give you perspective on how big the white cow is....Ollie is about 30 pounds (so not a large dog - but very small compared to this cow).

Dog sitting by large white cowDog sitting by large white cowOllie, our little dog, sitting under the large white cow at USF Botanical Gardens.

Next, we walked over to the butterfly garden area.  Lots of butterflies - some bees - but none staying still long enough to capture great images.  Capturing good photographs of butterflies requires a lot of skill or them settling down for a minute to capture as they grab nectar from the flowers.  This is Rue - she has a hard time staying in a sit-stay command.  She will sit and then as soon as you stop telling her to stay she is coming back to you slowly because she didn't want to stay.

Dog sitting by butterfly garden artworkDog sitting by butterfly garden artworkRue, our little dog, sitting by the butterfly garden at USF Botanical Gardens.

Last up is the outdoor patio area where all the chairs and table are brightly painted in colors.  At first, we thought, let's just put Ollie in a chair and see if we can get a photograph before a kitty walks by or something else and they are wanting to start off running!  But - well, let's just push our luck and see if we can get all three girls.  We promised them a snack - so they decided to be good for us.  Here's our girls (chubby and now all dieting!).  Rue (left), Ollie (center) and Abby (right).

Colorful outdoor furniture at USF Botanical GardensColorful outdoor furniture at USF Botanical GardensOur dogs sitting at the table full of color at the USF Botanical Gardens.

Blogging with other Pet Photographers

This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible).  This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world.  Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way.  Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography fetching pet and family portraits in Coppell, Carrollton and the greater Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex.

 

Interested in a Pet Photography Session?

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine color dog dog photography Florida landscape nature outdoor pet pet photography pet photography blog portrait rescue texture vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/4/using-color-in-your-pet-photographs Fri, 16 Apr 2021 08:00:00 GMT
It's not all about the face in dog photography https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/4/its-not-all-about-the-face-in-dog-photography Dog photography is not all about the face - think about the other possibilities for sharing beautiful photographs that will make wonderful memories of your pet. Let's think about some of the possible photographic opportunities in this area of pet photography (as it will apply to other animals as well in most, if not all, cases).

Dogs facing away from the camera

Beautiful portraits can be created as your pet enjoys looking away from the camera - capture your pet as they admire something in our wonderful world. This blue nose pit bull wasn't crazy about any of our 'flashing lights' and decided to look away - something over that fence sounds more interesting!  If I hadn't taken this photograph I would not have noticed the usual markings on the back of her head.  Look at those little mountain peaks along with the big spot and a few small freckle spots - all things that make this girl, Sadie, unique in this world of dogs.

Back of blue nose pit bull on benchBack of blue nose pit bull on benchBlue nose pit bull facing away

This rescue dog, Bonnie, is thought to be a black lab mix but no one is certain.  She is very timid as she is meeting new people and they have big black things covering a good portion of their faces.  In addition, a new park with all kinds of things going on - birds, ducks, a few people all wandering around.  She took a few minutes away from the camera to see who was walking by on the nearby boardwalk at Riverhills Park in Temple Terrace, Florida.  For those not familiar, a dog that has it's tail down is usually scared or uncertain about their environment.  Bonnie is super friendly, just a bit shy with new things.

Timid black lab mix dogTimid black lab mix dogBlack lab mix dog standing at park

How about those beautiful ears? 

Often times when we are looking at a dog from the front, we focus on the nose or maybe the eyes - but the ears only standout when they are big or unusual.  This dog took a moment to see what was going on behind him in the middle of our photography session - the portrait is simple - just showing the shape of his head and the beautiful pointed ears.  The park environment shows a beautiful bokeh (blur) in the background.

Back of dog head with straight earsBack of dog head with straight earsBack of reddish brown dog head with straight ears

I always laugh when people tell me about the big white spot that Abby (our beagle/coon hound mix dog) has on the back of her head.  When they comment, I say "It's so I can pick my girl out from all the rest of the mostly black dogs!".

White spot on black dog headWhite spot on black dog headBack of dog head showing white spot

Dog boating down the Suwannee River

Early morning we took the boat out and floated up the Suwannee river towards the Santa Fe river.  The water was smooth as glass and it's the start of a beautiful day.  Since it was smooth, quiet and we were the only ones on the river, Jimbo was allowed to stand up in the bow of our little bow rider (never allowed when going fast or other traffic is around).
 

How about Dog Tails?

Have you ever thought about all the different types of tails dogs have?  Long tails, short tails, cropped tails, long fur tails, short fur tails, solid color tails, there are a lot of possibilities here. A number of years ago I decided to take photographs of different 'pieces/parts' and it's nice to go back and see that wonderful curly tail of Jimbo's since the photographs my memories of this wonderful boy.

Curled brown dog tailCurled brown dog tailJimbo's brown dog tail curling

 

How about those dog feet?

Big feet, little feet, extra dew claws, freckles, solid color, there are many different looking feet on dogs.  Abby has a small black freckle on her toe of her front foot.

White dog paw with freckleWhite dog paw with freckleAbby's white dog paw

Or Dog Legs?

The soft curl of a dog's leg laying down.  The various scars where fur doesn't grow come from a lifetime that began with hardships before he came into our lives and learned love and compassion and the comforts of a soft bed.

This list could probably go on for several more different 'none face' dog photographs, but that will have to wait for some future blog post!

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Pawtraits by Nicole, photographing pets for their people in and around Las Vegas, Nevada

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) boat boating canine dog dog photography Florida foot leg no face outdoor pet photography pet photography blog rescue river Suwannee Suwannee River tail toe vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/4/its-not-all-about-the-face-in-dog-photography Fri, 09 Apr 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Using composition guideline 'frames' with pet photography https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/4/using-composition-guideline-of-frames-with-pet-photography Frames – that’s the pet photography theme for this week’s blog circle.   If we think of frames in the most common sense, perhaps you think of something like this? 

 

Antique Frame

Maxx and Me Pet Rescue - SydneyMaxx and Me Pet Rescue - SydneyDog, Sydney, photo in an antique frame

If you want to hang a photograph on the wall or have it on display the only way it was done until more recent times is with a frame - whether it is wood, metal or even plastic.  Antique frames tended to be painted with 'gold' and were much more decorative than many of today's frames.  If you're interested in fostering or adopting this girl, please go to www.maxxandme.org to learn more about her and her needs as she has a special background and is looking for the right human to trust.

 

Frame/Frames - A Photography Perspective

As we think about ‘Frames’ (or Frame or Framing) from a photography perspective we are thinking about exactly what do we want in the photograph?  What do we want to include? What do we want to exclude?  The truth is that many people today take a lot of photographs and they probably don’t think about these things – but it can make a difference with the impact of your photos.

There are many different rules (or guidelines) for composition within a photograph.  Framing is all about what elements of a scene that you are currently viewing are going to be within your frame.  Many different things can be used for this composition guideline.  In nature, it can be branches, leaves, flowers.  If you’re thinking about buildings – doorways, fences, windows – all make for framing your subject.  This also helps to provide a place for the viewer’s eyes to rest, a focal point helping guide you on exactly where to look – where the photographer wants you to look.

Let’s look at some examples that use this composition guideline while incorporating a pet.

Frames using the camera viewer 

If you frame just your subject and there is nothing else in the photo – everyone knows what you are taking a photo of right?  This photo is clearly about Abby – there is nothing else of any interest in the photo.  I am betting this is what Abby would like life to be “All about Abby” but it isn’t the world she nor we live in.

Dog face portrait framed with grass backgroundDog face portrait framed with grass backgroundAbby, hound dog, facial portrait in outdoor setting.

Frames using objects 

I remember a number of years ago we drove over to central Florida and we saw a dog park empty (no dogs! – the perfect kind).  Back in these days, we were a single dog family and Jimbo was the center of our dog life.  Jim had this wonderful idea to get Jimbo to stand at the end of this ‘tube’ so that I could frame him within the circular object – Jimbo didn’t get it and while it’s not perfect, we remember the story behind it with good memories.  Using a frame within your photograph can help to keep the viewer’s eye in the photograph and prevent it from travelling outside the image.

Dog framed by red circular play tubeDog framed by red circular play tubeJimbo, large dog, framed by a red circular play tube at dog park.

Here’s a photograph of Rue sleeping while she is framed in my yellow sweatshirt – all cozy and happy.

Dog framed in yellow sweatshirtDog framed in yellow sweatshirtDog sleeping wrapped and framed in yellow sweatshirt

In most of the above examples, the frame is surrounding the subject.  But does it have to?  No.  The frame can be a wall, a door or perhaps even a shelf?  This little rescue puppy is sitting inside a child’s playhouse. 

Puppy in child playhousePuppy in child playhouseSoccer ball with brown puppy

Another type of framing using a palm branch across the top of the photograph.

Puppy on black backgroundPuppy on black backgroundCute puppy in black saucer chair

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Terri J Photography, specializing in photographing pets and their families in the Toronto area.

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography frame frames framing nature outdoor pet pet photography pet photography blog puppy rescue vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/4/using-composition-guideline-of-frames-with-pet-photography Fri, 02 Apr 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Dog Friendly - Veterans Memorial Park, Tampa, FL https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/3/dog-friendly---veterans-memorial-park-tampa-fl This week the dogs, Jim and I decided to go explore the Veterans Memorial Park in Tampa, FL.  Dogs are allowed providing they are on a 6 foot leash (and you're holding the other end of that leash).  It was early on a Monday morning, the only other people we saw were the maintenance crews doing the yard work (bad timing on my part).  As we wondered around, I can't help but think about 2 very different things.  The first is that this park appears to have changed quite a bit since we last visited although I probably drive by once a month.  The second is how much information is available about the various wars and people from our area that were involved in all those wars. 

A lot of beautiful artwork exists in this park - whether it is the bronze statues or the plaques done so nicely in black marble with engravings of artwork and words.  This alone was quite amazing to view.  So what does this have to do with pet or dog photography?  Not so much, but often people that are interested in dog photography are also interested in places where they can take their furry kids with them.  Hence, the purpose of this particular blog post.

Here's a few photographs of our dogs enjoying spending time with us as they check out a new spot to potentially hang out.

We started looking at the helicopters that were in the park, but decided to move along since the maintenance crews were closing in on us.   I wanted to share our dogs, Ollie and Rue, having a moment with their favorite part of this park - care to guess?

War Dogs

Ah, this bronze statue of the war dog got both Ollie and Rue's attention!  I am not sure they knew exactly what to do with it.

Dogs with War Dog statueDogs with War Dog statue

It doesn't smell like a dog - but it looks like a dog.  What's it doing up there? 

Eventually Rue decided to move on a bit, but Ollie - she wanted a closer look.

Dogs with War Dog statueDogs with War Dog statue

What exactly is this?  It was interesting to see them react so strongly to what looks like a dog but doesn't move nor smell like a dog.

We continued to wander around and look at the various exhibits. 

In Flanders Fields

We stopped at a structure that has a large bronze statue of a soldier standing on top - the dogs sounded the alert.  It must be dangerous - we must bark.  No?  They eventually figured out it wasn't moving either. By now, they have to be thinking what kind of place is this?

Here's the soldier that caused a bit of concern - all 3 girls are sitting in front (and looking at Jim).

Dogs with Flanders Field exhibitDogs with Flanders Field exhibit

This exhibit is for World War I Veterans - 1914 - 1918 and also contains a well known poem engraved called "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

    That mark our place; and in the sky

    The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

 

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

    Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

        In Flanders fields.

 

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

    The torch; be yours to hold it high.

    If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

        In Flanders fields.

 

This reminds me of my own grandfather who served in World War I - although he was from North Carolina and fortunately survived or I would not be here today.

Most of the park they didn't have any real interest except to smell and see what else came before them - but the last piece of military equipment drew a little attention US M1 57mm Anti Tank gun.  

Dogs with military tank gunDogs with military tank gun

And that's our little road trip to visit a nearby dog-friendly park.  Leashes were left in the photographs since dogs must be on leashes in the park.

Interesting enough, and I'm sure that I gave permission somehow in the fine print of "Google" world but when I used google to find the exact name of this park after returning home, I saw this:

Address: 3602 US-301, Tampa, FL 33619

You visited today

(Oh, good when I click the little symbol this phrase shows up: Visible only to you)

Hours

Open ⋅ Closes 5PM

 

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Jemma Martin pet photographer from JM Photography based in Suffolk, UK.

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography dog-friendly Florida nature outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog Tampa tree Veterans Veterans Memorial Park vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/3/dog-friendly---veterans-memorial-park-tampa-fl Fri, 26 Mar 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Self Portrait with Abby, my black and white mixed breed dog https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/3/self-portrait-with-abby-my-black-and-white-mixed-breed-dog This week I am being presented a challenge to take a self portrait and include a dog - well, Abby being my oldest model at five years of age is my first go to girl.  She has been modeling for me since I first saw her.  We do a lot of rescue dog photography and this is how we met Abby.  Now, don't get me wrong - when I first met her she wasn't a good model.  In fact, she was a challenging girl of about 6 months old and really had no idea what was being asked of her.  Eventually, we did manage to get some 'okay' photographs of her but nothing like what I get of her now after a few years of modeling school (ha ha).  

Selfie's are not my thing.

  While I will allow photographs to be taken of me - they are taken by others, not me.  I don't hold my phone out in front of me and take photos like so many do - and I see some wonderful selfies out there.  Hence the challenge....get a selfie with one of my dogs.

How to do this? Self Timer, Remote ?

There are many different ways that I could do this - the obvious one is to put my camera on a tripod, get Abby situated and in a 'stay' mode (hopefully she will stay), then set the self timer and hope that I can get into a good position next to Abby in front of the camera before the shutter clicks.  That's probably the most difficult way.  So, as I had a few days to work with before the photographs had to be taken I went to Amazon and got myself a little wireless remote - made sure it worked with my camera and now I am planning to try doing this challenge using the little wireless remote.  This is one of those times that one likes having Amazon prime ....and living on the west coast of Florida we have several distribution warehouses that are less than 1 hour from my house - it arrived the next day.

Time to try a selfie

I will say, this was a test of my ability to achieve this week's pet photography blog.  Abby and I went down to the local park (it's spring break here and there are more people than normal).  We finally found a place that didn't have a lot of people and I asked Abby to stay and she was very willing since I had goodies in my pocket.  Now to get this wireless remote to work (which I don't recommend this brand at this time).  I worked fine if it was behind the camera, but forget it if I was in front of the camera.

Great.

So now we are down to using the self timer on the camera - and well,  that's not exactly the fun thing to run at a dog to get into the photo and hope that she is still there - remember she is off leash.

I won't post those that show Abby trying to run away from me, me trying to get into some kind of position before the camera fired and all the other bloopers!

Selfie 1 - I feel like I am that family 'photo' at the beginning of Young Sheldon where the entire family is looking away from the approaching cow.

Selfie #2 - I guess this one is a little better but Abby is not paying any attention to the camera and is definitely not interested in looking at it since there is no one there making funny faces, sounds or potentially bribing her with food.

Selfie #3 - Abby showing her tender side - she is a gentle dog that is sensitive and really just wants to be loved back.  No loud noises, no loud yelling, just a simple life where everything is nice and easy going - that's her ideal world.  

So there you have it - I have done a few selfies with Abby - I need to work on this skill I can see.  And I need to find a better way to do this because this certainly wasn't ideal - and if none of that works, maybe I just need to get Jim in on it and have him take photographs of me with the girls.

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Elaine Tweedy of I Got the Shot Photography, staying true to photographing reality in Northeastern Pennsylvania and surrounding areas

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Abby canine dog dog photography Florida nature outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog remote rescue river selfie self-timer tripod vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/3/self-portrait-with-abby-my-black-and-white-mixed-breed-dog Fri, 19 Mar 2021 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography with cute props https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/2/pet-photography-with-cute-props This week's blog post is all about the Photographer’s Choice (that's me!)– this week we are focusing on using props when photographing puppies.  It’s now the middle of February and we have been busy photographing about 16 puppies thus far for a local pet rescue (maxxandme.org).  These puppies came from two different momma’s who had pretty large litters!

We wanted to create some creative and fun images for these puppies – some props we brought with us.  These include the common things of a wooden crate painted a beautiful aqua blue, a basket, a couple of blankets or fleece materials and a white ‘furry’ piece of fabric.  All of these things were purchased at Joann’s fabrics with the exception of the paint for the crate.

Here’s some sample photographs using these various props for each of the puppies.

Wooden Crate

Sitting in the crate with white furry material and a few brightly colored toys.  She has been adopted!

Sitting in the same crate, outside using the house as a background.  COVID has presented it's challenges and most all of our photography sessions with the rescues are done outside now.  The fleece material was purchased at Joann's Fabrics several years ago.  Another tip is to get smaller dogs off the ground - they are less likely to jump and leave your studio setup.

Basket

This outdoor shoot was photographed with the backyard fence blocking the sunlight and creating a simple background.  The black saucer chair was used to place the basket along with a nice fluffy blanket.

All of these puppies were being raised by foster parents in the Tampa Bay area.  Each foster parent had various things at their homes that made for some great props. 

Child Playhouse (#1)

At one home, they had a playhouse on their patio for the children.  We ask – may we use the playhouse for photographs with these puppies?  With permission, we decided to utilize the windows in the playhouse to have the puppies peering out looking at us.  Cute?  We think so!
 

The puppy poked his head out the window while an assistant was hiding inside the playhouse with the puppy to ensure it was safe.

Child Playhouse (#2)

This playhouse was outside in the backyard.  An assistant was inside the playhouse with the puppy to hopefully ensure they didn't jump out.  A large window opening provided the perfect place for the puppy to pop their head up and pose for the waiting photographer!

Flexible flyer red wagon


Another foster household had an antique red wagon.  This wagon is called a ‘flexible flyer’ (I googled this and found that it is similar to the radio flyer that I remembered from me child hood.)  Now the challenge is to get the puppy to stay in the little wagon allowing us to capture a few photographs. 

This beautiful antique was perfect for our little girl - the issue was keeping her in the wagon long enough to capture her portrait since the wagon was sitting on the ground.  The little brindle girl was willing to sit there for us – great, we captured another wonderful photograph.

Barbie Jeep
 

As we drove up to the last foster household, we spotted the little Barbie car played with by so many children.  We asked, "Can we use the car to create a photograph of the puppies?"  She said yes, but it was a little dirty – no problem, we grabbed the water hose, got a towel from our vehicle and it was cleaned up pretty nice for a photo session.  Now, can we teach Melba to drive?  Yep! 

Watch out - here comes a new driver!  Jim, my partner, managed to get Melba to stay in the jeep long enough for a few photographs (this was after several attempts - she kept jumping out).  Finally, Melba was attracted by things happening outside the jeep, she put her paws in the perfect positions and click! Just have to be quick.

Saucer Chair
 

One prop that I had bought but not yet had a chance to use until these puppies came along is a ‘saucer chair’ (Amazon – “Urban Shop Super Soft Faux Fur Saucer Chair with Folding Metal Frame”).  This is a super lightweight chair that folds and is easy to transport.  I purchased it in black – and the effects of the black with the puppies is beautiful.  For each of the puppies, getting them off the ground and into something they thought was comfortable was the ticket to capturing some wonderful images with a little Photoshop (or your favorite photo editor) this became a beautiful setting.

The head tilt - typically created by making a sound that the puppy hasn't heard before (I've gotten pretty good about making sounds and ignoring what I might look or sound like!).

The dead stare ahead with those beautiful blue eyes!

For this last photograph, we added a little dead palm branch that was laying on the ground at the foster's home for some texture and added interest to the photograph.

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Kirsten Hough of Wort & Flea Pet Photography, capturing the love, the fun, the adventure and the spirit of your pet in Pokeno, New Zealand.

If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida).  We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) basket blanket canine crate dog dog photography fabric fur fleece Florida large puppies large puppy mixed breed mutt outdoor outdoors outside pet photography pet photography blog props puppy rescue saucer chair vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/2/pet-photography-with-cute-props Fri, 26 Feb 2021 09:00:00 GMT
Using depth of field with Pet Photography https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/2/using-depth-of-field-with-pet-photography Ever wonder why some photographs you can see everything in the background crystal clear and others it’s just a creamy blur?  Well, that’s what this week’s pet photography blog is about.  In this particular case, we are looking for a 'deep depth of field'.  What does this mean? Well, it means a lot of the photograph is in focus.  This long boardwalk and the trees in the background are all in focus - this gives a greater amount of depth of field.  I know, there's no dog in this photo - it was almost freezing and they were hanging in the truck.  If you're curious, this is near Cedar Key, Florida and is called Shell Mound.

Background blur is an excellent tool that will separate your subject from the surroundings and is often used to make the subject pop out.  The photographic term for this is called ‘depth of field’.  Most people think of the ‘depth of field’ as being controlled by the aperture or f-stop for the old timers.  The larger aperture number on the lens, the better chance of getting some great details in the background of your image.  However, there is one other factor that also comes into play and that’s the ‘focal length’ of the lens used to capture that photograph.  Let’s explore these two concepts and see how they impact a portrait of your favorite animal.

 

Aperture

This is one of the three parts of the ‘exposure triangle’ that a camera uses to create ‘proper’ exposure.  For this blog post, we are only discussing how the aperture impacts your photo.  Photography Life defines aperture as follows: “Aperture can be defined as the opening in a lens through which light passes to enter the camera. It is an easy concept to understand if you just think about how your eyes work. As you move between bright and dark environments, the iris in your eyes either expands or shrinks, controlling the size of your pupil.  In photography, the ‘pupil’ of your lens is called aperture. You can shrink or enlarge the size of the aperture to allow more or less light to reach your camera sensor.” (https://photographylife.com/what-is-aperture-in-photography)

In newer lenses this is not as common to see, but with older lenses (or perhaps a lensbaby lens) you can see how the hole in the camera lens gets larger or smaller.

Before the world of digital cameras came on the horizon, apertures were a set of numbers such as 1.4, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, etc usually the highest value is at least 22.  If you look at these aperture numbers, you will see a pattern.  The first number is 1.4, the second is 2.  The third is 1.4 x 2 = 2.8. The fourth is 2 x 2 = 4. Do you see the pattern?  Now with digital cameras, each aperture can be split into thirds – so we can increase the aperture a third of a stop or decrease the aperture a third of a stop.  This gives a finer degree of control, but probably makes very little difference in the amount of blur in the resulting photograph.

So, now you know the formula for remembering the various ‘true’ apertures on a camera.  But how do you remember which is ‘wide-open’ giving a beautiful blur or ‘closed down/stopped down’ giving details in the background?  For me, I always think of the aperture numbers as fractions and then think about a pie!  If I am getting ½ of the pie that’s a whole lot bigger than getting 1/16 of the pie – right?  Apply this little technique to your aperture and you’ll remember without any issue.

Background blur is an excellent composition tool to set your subject apart from their surrounding areas. It’s another way of saying “minimum depth of field”.  Sometimes you want everything in focus, if that's the case - then you need to think about using larger aperture numbers which translates to having a smaller piece of that pie I mentioned earlier.

Jimbo was a great hiking buddy as he could be trusted to stay with us regardless of whether he was on leash or just hanging out when we were photographing the sights.  In this case, Jimbo is watching Jim who is just outside of the area the camera is capturing.  A wide angle lens (14mm F/9.0), a smaller aperture and the scene all comes into focus.

Yep - it's Jimbo at another waterfall in North Carolina.  A wide angle lens allowed for getting him as well as the waterfall in the background all in the same photograph (27mm, F/8.0).

 

Focal Length

The second part of this is all about the focal length of your lens.  The human eye sees things in the world at approximately 50mm focal length.  Hence, the reason that the nifty 50mm lens used to be the standard lens that everyone started using when they purchased a new camera.  Now, people usually get a zoom lens that has a range of focal lengths and most of the time 50mm is somewhere in that range.

A lens that is smaller than 45mm is considered to be wide-angle.  Although, most wide-angle lenses are actually thought of as 35mm or 24mm.  Anything smaller is probably more commonly considered to be a ‘super wide’.  

A lens that is larger than 60mm is considered to be a telephoto, although 60mm is a very short telephoto – and the more common zoom lenses are 70-200mm in focal length.

A lens with a shorter focal length, let’s say, 24mm allows more things to be in focus in your photo overall and also decreases the ability to have the creamy blur background.  A lens with a longer focal length will work much better than one with a shorter focal length.

Most of my photographs of dogs are taken with a longer focal length.  The most common is between 70mm and 200mm.  Here's some samples of different photographs and the aperture/focal lengths associated with each.  On the shorter side for the focal length, using a 'super wide focal length' just about everything will be in focus.

Ollie - 10mm, F/9.5 Superwide focal lengths can give a very unique and different perspective.  It also gives you a deeper depth of field as just about everything regardless of the distance from the lens will be in focus.

Maximo - 35mm, f/4.5 - wide angle, has little blur in the background - but still a fairly good amount of depth as we in Florida know that tree behind Maximo is a Brazilian Pepper plant (invasive and everywhere).

Nana, 35mm f/18 - A smaller aperture was used because it was bright sunshine and the background is iconic in the Tampa (University of Tampa).

 

Salem - 42mm, F/5.0 - Using a shorter focal length and an aperture that provides some depth of field gives a little softness in the background but still able to determine all the plants in the photograph.

Now, let's start using longer focal lengths and see how to create some background blur.  

Abby - 80mm, F/13

Abby - 80mm, F/6.3 (nothing changed except the aperture - look at the difference in the ferns behind Abby)

Abby - 170mm, F/11 - Changing the focal length (Abby nor I moved between these photos and the ones at 80mm) creates a lot more blur in the grass and ferns behind her.

Abby - 170mm, F/4.5 - the blur has increased enough to create creamy blur without being able to determine the plants (ferns) in the background.

Abby - 200mm, F/8 - very similar in overall appearance to photograph at 170mm/F4.5 above.

Deep Depth of Field:

A shorter focal length

A smaller aperture (think higher number here and less of the pie)

Most of the photograph in focus

Shallow Depth of Field:

A longer focal length

A wider aperture (think more pie here)

Most of the photograph outside of your focus point will be blurred to varying degrees

 

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Elaine Tweedy of I Got the Shot Photography, serving pets and their people in Northeastern PA and surrounding areas.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) aperture blur boardwalk bokeh canine Cedar Key deep depth of field depth of field dog dog photography Florida focal length nature outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog rescue Shell Mound sunset vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/2/using-depth-of-field-with-pet-photography Fri, 19 Feb 2021 09:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography with puppy love https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/2/pet-photography-with-puppy-love Our last few weeks have been filled with puppies!  Maxx and Me Pet Rescue has rescued several momma dogs and taken their little ones into foster care as well.  We have been touring the Tampa Bay area photographing these puppies - and it's all about love with these little ones.  Lot of puppy love going around here as we saw many different puppies and a surprising number of them with blue eyes - or one blue eye and another eye a different color. 

All of these puppies belong to momma "Brie" who was not able to nurse them herself due to health issues.  As such, a call went out for fosters to help feed these little babies from the beginning of their life - and they were paired up with two in each foster.  Eight of those puppies have grown into wonderful little fur bundles waiting for their forever home (a few have potential furever homes, some still waiting to find one).

Here's two 11 week old siblings sharing a toy together as they run and play with a little red valentine monkey across the yard.

 These two siblings allowed us to place them in a wooden crate for a few cute photographs together. Sometimes during puppy shoots, well - perhaps one shows a little love through a snuggle and the other shows what they might be thinking about it (by sticking out their tongue?).

  Our last puppy, for a red love portrait - Blackberry, an 12 week old puppy with Maxx and Me Pet Rescue.

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Pet Love Photography, sharing the love with Greater Cincinnati, the San Francisco Bay Area, and destinations nationwide.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography Florida love Maxx and Me Maxx and Me Pet Rescue outdoor pet photography pet photography blog puppy red rescue Tampa vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/2/pet-photography-with-puppy-love Fri, 12 Feb 2021 13:08:28 GMT
Using Symmetry in Pet Photography https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/2/using-symmetry-in-pet-photography Symmetry - what is it?  In simple terms, this is where the two sides of a photograph are equally balanced if you split it down the middle.  Or perhaps it is when there is a balance achieved because both sides of the image hold equal weight.  Wondering what this actually means?  Well - maybe it's as simple as looking at these two birds - both staring at each other.  Actually, this is a mirror image of the same bird but using photoshop it was 'flipped' so the bird is now looking at itself.  Symmetry - draw a line down the middle of this photo of the birds and you will have a mirror image on each half of the photograph.

Nature's symmetric dog face

Let's look at this with respect to a pet photograph.  In the world of dogs - some have very symmetric faces as they are primarily one color.  But for those that aren't, such as this husky - nature provided Colt with a pretty symmetric face. If you're looking for a husky, he may still be available through Maxx and Me Pet Rescue (www.maxxandme.org) in Tampa, Florida.

Creating a symmetrical dog face

What happens if we take a dog's face that has very distinctive markings and create a symmetrical face? Does it look natural? A little eerie? or perhaps a little off?  Well - that's for you to decide.  This dog had a very distinctive white mark on one side of it's face. Using Photoshop, I created another copy of the dogs face, flipped it and then created a duplicate (or mirror) image on the other half of the dog's face.  Hence, we created a symmetrical face for this dog in an imaginary world.

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography fetching pet and family portraits in Coppell, Carrollton and the greater Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) balanced bird canine dog dog photography Florida husky line mirror mirror image monochrome outdoor pet photography pet photography blog photography rescue symmetric symmetry vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/2/using-symmetry-in-pet-photography Fri, 05 Feb 2021 09:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Using Lensbaby Sweet 50 for dog portraits https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/1/pet-photography---using-lensbaby-sweet-50-for-dog-portraits This week our pet photography theme is "center" and as I thought about this - I thought, what better time to give the Lensbaby Sweet 50 a try with Abby, one of our rescue dogs.  The Sweet 50 optic is used with the Lensbaby Composer which is a manual focus lens - making this a much more challenging process - to highlight Abby in the center of a sharp sweet spot of focus that is surrounded by dreamy blur.  As we have very gloomy weather outside today, I decided to use this with the optic wide open on the aperture giving a lot of dreamy blur around a small center of focus.  

Background Image - Lensbaby Sweet 50

First, here's an overall image that has the sharper areas focus in the center of this photograph of the ferns at our local park.  This is where I requested Abby sit down and thankfully she agreed.

Abby's portrait using Lensbaby Sweet 50

All images were taken with a Nikon D750 full frame camera and the lensbaby composer with the sweet 50 optic.

This particular portrait has the focus on Abby's right eye (furthest from the camera) which probably is not the best option.  Focusing on the eye closest to the camera is the preferred option but hey, getting used to a new lens, manual focus, and a moving subject.

This portrait has the focus on the eye closest to the camera which is a better sweet spot.  I've noticed that Abby has taken to "not looking at the camera" which she did very well when she was a few years younger.  I also noticed that 2020 was the year that Abby decided to 'go gray' - she will be 5 in February - but apparently is going gray already!

This one is probably my favorite pose from this photo shoot but  the sweet spot appears to be more towards the eye furthest from the camera.  

This portrait of Abby has good focus on her eye closest to the camera creating a sweet spot on this side of her face.  The center of the focused spot is her eye.

Lensbaby Lineup

The lensbaby lineup of various lenses and optics are interesting tools to work with.  A throw back to the time where focus is manual - many may not have ever used manual focus but there was a time that cameras didn't auto focus (for those of you that are younger and don't know that world).

Oh, for all of these photographs I tried to use 'no tilt' of the Lensbaby composer because it often makes it harder to focus.  However, it can be a really nice feature when you want to change where the center of focus for the sweet spot is located.  Also, if you're curious - the Sweet 50 is a 50mm lens.  They also have a Sweet 35 (a 35mm lens) and a Sweet 80 (an 80mm lens).  These are the focal lengths for a full frame camera.  You can also control the 'sweet spot' size by using different apertures - all of those above were shot wide open, but if you use a smaller aperture, the sweet spot will be larger.

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Kylee Doyle Photography, serving pet parents in the greater Sacramento area.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography dreamy fern ferns Florida Lensbaby nature outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog portrait rescue river soft sweet 50 Tampa tilt vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2021/1/pet-photography---using-lensbaby-sweet-50-for-dog-portraits Fri, 15 Jan 2021 09:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Gift https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/12/pet-photography---theme-gift This week's pet photography theme is "Gift" - and as I write this blog post I think of a couple of ways to interpret this particular theme.  First, I was given a gift when I first received a camera so many years ago.  Now, I am using my gift of photography to help dogs looking for homes.  The last several weeks have been a bit of a blur between taking photographs for dogs looking for homes and doing home visits to meet people interested in adopting a dog.  The second gift, is telling the story of each dog as we meet and greet to get some portraits in hopes of helping them find their homes.  I think more importantly though, the biggest gift is spending time with each of the dogs I meet and enjoying each dog as we learn a bit about them.  Of course, the dogs are being generous with their time too - by letting us get photographs of them (always a two way street).

This week we photographed Phoebe for the second time.  Phoebe is a young female dog looking for a foster home or even better a permanent home.  She has been with Maxx and Me Pet Rescue for over a year now.  How do I know? Well, I met Phoebe for the first time on the day before Christmas Eve last year. Yes, it was December 23, 2019 - and this poor gal is still looking for a home that isn't a boarding facility.  She is a little timid with people at first, and she doesn't like every dog she meets.  But then, do you like every person you meet?   Today, she wandered around in the room as we set up our cameras, lights and got everything situated to start today's shoot.  We let her do her own thing, giving her some time and space of her own.  I know that being in front of cameras is a bit scary as I have done it myself.  Here's Phoebe - perhaps she will find her home this year.

Our second dog is Roy.  Roy's story is a little sketchy but he is a sweet boy.  A medium size hound dog (look at those ears!) who came into Maxx and Me Pet Rescue after being tied up in a back yard - without a name.  They called him "Boy".  Anyway, I am not sure, but perhaps he flunked out of hunting and then was resigned to spend time in the back yard.  During our photography session, Roy was the perfect gentleman.  He was attentive, willing to pose, curious but not destructive and loves playing with the other dogs in the play areas.  Roy didn't mind being petted, he enjoyed the attention and hopefully he will find a forever home soon.

Our last dog is Colt.  A purebred Husky - big and beautiful.  Colt came into Maxx and Me Pet Rescue after starting his journey at the local county shelter here in Hillsborough County, Florida.  Apparently Colt had a little run in that left him needing surgery on his face.  If you look close, you'll see a little scar - but he is all healed up now.  A young man had Colt and was unable to keep him. He asked for help on social media when the rescue stepped in to help.  Huskys are beautiful - but they do like to roam based on my experience (jumping fences is probably within the realm of the breed as well).

If you or someone you know might be able to help any of these dogs - please let them know to check with Maxx and Me Pet Rescue (https://www.maxxandme.org/) or check out their Facebook page.  All of these dogs are currently in boarding at Mutt Meetup in Odessa, Florida (https://themuttmeetup.com/)

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Kylee Doyle Photography, serving pet parents in the greater Sacramento area.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography Maxx and Me Maxx and Me Pet Rescue Mutt Meetup pet photography pet photography blog rescue studio vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/12/pet-photography---theme-gift Fri, 04 Dec 2020 09:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Shelter https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/11/pet-photography---shelter This week's pet photography theme is 'shelter' and while I take a lot of photographs of dogs that are being sheltered by local rescues from the life they previously experienced - I decided to share a story about Jimbo from several years ago.

Jimbo was in our lives for just over 7 years - and we had many adventures together during that time.  When Jimbo arrived to live with us he was very afraid of thunder and while he got better over the years, he never really did like thunder.  I can't say that I blame him, he probably lived outdoors for the first 7 years of his life.  

One year we were off on a trip to Cashiers, North Carolina - and we took Jimbo with us to do the hiking and photographing with us.  It was a beautiful day (or so I thought).  Jim and I are taking photographs, Jimbo is keeping watch over us while we take photos.

And less than 7 minutes later - after a single rumble of thunder, Jimbo has taken shelter under a large rock and looks totally different (not sure if this is annoyed, scared or a bit of both).  Of course, I went over to comfort him and we left shortly there after because there is nothing I dislike more than making Jimbo uncomfortable with about the only thing he was truly afraid.

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography fetching pet and family portraits in Coppell, Carrollton and the greater Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine Cashiers dog dog photography North Carolina outdoor pet photography rock shelter vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/11/pet-photography---shelter Fri, 06 Nov 2020 09:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Photographing your pet from above https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/10/pet-photography---photographing-your-pet-from-above This week's pet photography theme is "shoot from above".  For many of us (unless we have really big pets and are very short/small), we look down at our pets - thus we see them from above a good majority of the time.  Your pet looks up at you, you look down at them.  Typically when I do a photo session with any animal or child I will get down to their level - I don't shoot from above.  It's just not my style - I like having the eye contact looking straight into the camera.  However, there are times when taking a photograph from above is just the right thing to do.  Let's take a couple of examples of where I think this works very well.

First, with this little kitten (long since grown up now) - in order to keep the kitten from running away and playing I used a very large bean bag.  This bean bag was used by my dog on our boat, so a good bit of the 'beans' were removed to make it lower to the ground.  Then using a colorful blanket over the bean bag, I created a crevice that would make it challenging for the kitten to climb out and placed the kitten in the middle.  Now, looking directly down at the kitten, I snapped several photographs.  Here's one of those photographs.

Using this same technique, I photographed a sibling of this kitten and she now has a place on a book published in Italian and the kitten is named "Tally" (here's the link if you're curious: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tally-gatta-regalare-amore-Italian-ebook/dp/B077PXBPWS )

We do a lot of rescue dog photography, primarily for Maxx and Me Pet Rescue (www.maxxandme.org) but we also do it for other rescues on occasion.  Many of these dogs are in foster homes with several different dogs in the household.  While this dog was a resident dog living with his foster Mom - I decided to take a photo as I was being watched while working with the other dogs.  As an older senior dog, the eyes were full of so much soul, I just couldn't resist.  This photograph was taken indoors using natural light from the nearby window.  The dog was laying on the floor looking up at me as I was standing very close.

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Elaine Tweedy of I Got the Shot Photography, capturing pets and their people, from all angles, in Northeastern PA and surrounding areas.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) above blanket canine cat dog dog photography feline kitten looking up Maxx and Me nature pet photography pet photography blog rescue up vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/10/pet-photography---photographing-your-pet-from-above Fri, 16 Oct 2020 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Reflections https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/9/pet-photography---reflections This week's pet photography blog theme is 'reflections'.  As I thought about this over the course of the last several weeks - my initial thought since we had been having rain every day, which meant we had puddles everywhere that I would try to do a photo where the reflection of one of our dogs is in the water puddle.  Well, it hasn't rained in so many days now that I need to water everything - go figure.  My next thought was perhaps a mirror, glass or some other way to create a reflection - but none of those have happened this week as I've been busy with other projects.  So - what about what a dog sees? Have you ever thought about what the dog is seeing when you are photographing them?

Here's a look into the eye of Rue while she watches me take a photograph of her.  My initial thought is, no wonder dogs can sometimes be scared of the camera - they see a big black blob in front of your eyes.

I will say, that by far my favorite 'eye reflection' photograph is not of me aiming a camera into the eyes of a dog (mine or anyone else's).  It's several years ago when I had my 70-200 mm lens camera, Jimbo on a 6 foot leash and he decided it was time to take a break while sitting in the parking lot at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN which wasn't open this early.  As I am sitting there wondering how long this break might be, I decided that with Jimbo being so close I should try looking into his eyes - what did he see?

Well, I can see me sitting in front of him, but the more dominant part of the reflection is the sky and trees.

If you'd like to capture a photograph similar to this, you'll need to have the dog outside somewhere that creates a reflection.  No artificial light, just natural sunlight works great and allows for seeing the reflection.

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Pet Love Photography, photographing Cincinnati pets for "Tails of Cincinnati", a coffee table book project for charity.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine close dog dog photography eye outdoor pet photography pet photography blog reflection reflections rescue vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/9/pet-photography---reflections Fri, 25 Sep 2020 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Action! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/9/pet-photography---action This week's pet photography theme is "Action" and I have decided to use Abby as our showcase model.  Abby loves the water - she will play in it for a good while - but prefers it to be shallow enough that she isn't forced into swimming - at least not over much distance.  We recently decided to take the dogs over to Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, Florida.  This particular state park has an area that allows dogs on the beach - with a leash.  When we arrived and started walking the trail to the beach, we found that the tide had left a small 'pond' that had to be crossed.  For us humans, it was probably just above our knees - but to deep for the dogs to walk across.  We had camera gear that couldn't get wet either, so what's the best way to cross this?  One dog at a time!  Abby loved it and ran across no issues.  Rue decided to do it without much issue although she was not happy about it (come on we are talking about walking/swimming for 10 feet over water?).  Ollie - well, it's not an action shot, but this was her idea of how to handle it.

Yep - Ollie walked far enough to get the water to the top of her legs, belly wet and STOPPED.  So I had to walk across, give my camera to Jim, walk back and pick up the little kid.  Ollie is not into swimming - I suppose she would if her life depended on it, but as long as there is another option she will choose that one every time.

Since Abby liked running and playing in the water so much, we decided to have her do several runs across as we photographed her having fun. And she is off running across (leash dragging through the water/mud).

And then hitting the bottom as she continued across the water. Yep, she is pretty much covered with all the water and much harder to see - but she is still coming across the little water way.

I took several photographs as she ran across this little area from Jim (Dad) to me as happy as she could be - free to run! The entire sequence this is the only one that I captured her ears flying up in the air - one of my favorites.

Abby running through the waterAbby running through the waterAbby enjoying a little water crossing

At last she has just about finished crossing the waterway and ready to shake off all the water.

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Terri J Photography, photographing your pets and family in and around the Toronto area.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) action beach canine dog dog friendly beach dog photography dog-friendly Dunedin Florida Honeymoon Island Honeymoon Island State Park nature outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog trail vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/9/pet-photography---action Fri, 11 Sep 2020 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Rainbow Bridge Day https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/8/pet-photography---rainbow-bridge This week's pet photography theme is Rainbow Bridge Day.  My fellow pet photographer's that are part of this pet photography blog circle were kind enough to alert me that August 28th is officially "Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day".  How fitting that this happens to be the day before my birthday?  In doing a google search (what we all do now, right?) I find that a woman named Deborah lost her beloved cat, Mr. Jazz, on this date in 2013.  Deborah published an emotional book that detailed her journey of letting go of Mr. Jazz.  The book had an overwhelming experience as so many of us each experience similar emotions when letting go of our pet.  In 2015, Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, became an official day to remember your furry friends.  

As a child, we had a lot of cats - my Mom loved cats and cats were always a part of my growing up.  I'm not sure that I can remember all of them but I'll see if I can give a quick rundown! Tom, Yachi, Grey, Sam, Momma, Chocolate, Smokey and Bobbi.  Hopefully I didn't miss any of them.  Course, all these kitties were in the pre-digital images days so while I have photographs of them somewhere, none are digital and easy to put into this blog post.

Also, as a child, my first dog - Buddy came into our lives.  All of us children talked my father into one of the puppies that our neighbor's dog had and well we had Buddy a long time!  Buddy was born in 1969 and seems that he was there all of my childhood, then into my college days and maybe even into the beginning of my working career.  We loved that dog so much that when he was going off to obedience school he flunked because we didn't let him finish (back in the days when they actually went away for a few days to learn the skills of life).  Photos weren't to good in this time period - all those little instamatics that kodak came out with - I'd say it was the photographer, but nothing is sharp, so think it's the world of instamatics.

After I was an adult and moved out on my own - I had cats for a number of years. 

Simon - my only long haired cat, a brown tabby

Cleo - I got her from the local grocery store - a family giving out kittens from a cardboard box

Marvin - By far, I would have to say that Marvin was the best kitty I had as an adult.  Marvin didn't believe that you should over sleep for work - if the alarm went off and you didn't get up, well - let's just say Marvin made sure you did.  Marvin would play with the weather alarm and darn if you were awake!!

Cody - a tuxedo cat, came from a litter that one of Jim's cats had before we moved into the same household  He was a good little kitty. 

In time, Jim moved in and his kitties came with him. So Milo and Mindy moved in.  Then we began our family of animals together.

Dillon (1) - a gray tabby

Angel - a tuxedo cat that Dolly found at Riverhills park by our house (found as a very small kitten)

Late in the list of cats, came Dolly.  Dolly followed my step-son around while he was skateboarding and they didn't know what to do when it was time to leave.  She had no collar, no name tag, nor any evidence that she had a good home - so she came here.  We couldn't find a microchip, she wasn't spayed, and eventually Dolly became our dog.  And a wonderful dog she was!  She went boating, canoeing, hiking, fishing, scalloping, walking, running and travelling - through out Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi and Louisiana.  The memories we created with this girl are wonderful, never to be forgotten.  On her first road trip to Blairsville, Georgia - Dolly took a sunset boat ride with us on the lake.

Many years later, Jim and Dolly sitting on top of the highest mountain peak near where we were staying in North Carolina.  We had been hiking for a good while and eventually made it to the top.  As the sun was setting we now have to get back down to the beginning of the trail before it is dark - so the trip up the mountain was leisurely, but the trip down was much faster.

Thank you Dolly for being the wonderful soul mate that you were and for spending your life with us.  We will never forget you!

I remember the song I put to your photos after you left us, Please Remember Me .....written by Rodney Crowel.

All our tears have reached the sea
Part of you will live in me
Way down deep inside my heart
The days keep coming without fail
New wind is gonna find your sail
That's where your journey starts

........

Please Remember Me!

Since losing Dolly, we have experienced this lost twice more.  Angel, our blind little tuxedo kitty that Dolly found, left us several years after Dolly.  And most recently, Jimbo.  Again, the tears will flow as I write this blog post - the hurt is still strong, the love is strong, and definitely we will "Remember You"!  And not only on this special day that Deborah created for all of us just five years ago.

Our dogs by far we have created the strongest bonds with as they do so much with us.  We have been fortunate that our dogs all love to travel and be with us - by far, what they want most is to be with us.  I share one of my favorite face portraits of Jimbo - one I see almost every day in our home.

I'll share the sunset photograph I took of Jimbo at our favorite place - Riverhills Park, just blocks away from our home.  The sun has set on his physically being here with us - but the memories will live on forever.  As the lyrics of "Please Remember Me" say, ...."Part of you will live in me".

Dog silhouette at sunsetDog silhouette at sunsetDog at Riverhills Park watching the sunset.

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Angela of Noses & Toes Pet Photography in Spokane, WA, remembering Dexter on his last day on Earth.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) animal animals canine dog dog photography Florida grief lost National Rainbow Day nature outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog pets Rainbow Bridge remembrance vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/8/pet-photography---rainbow-bridge Fri, 28 Aug 2020 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme "BFF" (Best Friends Forever) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/8/pet-photography---theme-bff-best-friends-forever This week's theme is "BFF" and in this case, it means "Best Friends Forever" as I have noticed on google that this can have another meaning.   As I think of my dogs, I realize that when you have a single dog perhaps you get more attached to them? Or maybe it's just about the personality of the dog and how you and the dog get along.  I've read that if you are taking a walk with your dog - if you allow the dog to choose the route for your walk, then you are 'companions' (perhaps BFF?) but if you always tell your dog(s) which way to go then you are not truly companions.  I guess for the most part, my dogs are companions - as Dolly had her walks that went different ways depending on the time of day.

Either way, I know for sure that when Dolly entered my world many years ago, I did not intend her to be my "BFF" but I will say she definitely did!  Everyone always told me what a special dog she was - I was so happy that she choose us to spend her dog years with once she found us.  Never to be forgotten.  Dolly was my first dog as an adult, and fortunately for me, she was my first model and she allowed me to learn more over time in the world of pet photography.

Shortly before Dolly left us, Jimbo came into our lives.  I am sure that Dolly probably special ordered him when we weren't around to notice because - well he became my new BFF once I no longer had Dolly in the physical form and the similarities between Dolly and Jimbo were like wow!  This blog post is centered around Jimbo although I have several dogs now that are working there way strongly into become additional BFFs - with Rue trying the hardest!

Jimbo was unique because he was a great hiking & photography buddy.  Many of these photographs were taken by my partner, Jim Vargas since Jimbo and I are in the photos.  One thing Jimbo was great about - if you dropped his leash, it meant stay put and in most cases he did just that.  Depending on the amount of time we had been on the road/trail, he might take advantage and curl up for a nap - but he would always stay close by.  Here he hangs out while I am taking photographs at the Historic Hagood Mill located in Pickens, South Carolina.

Hanging out on the rocks now that we have hiked to one of the areas we want to photograph.  This area is called "Sliding Rock" although I have heard that there are a lot of areas called "Sliding Rock" - this one is in the Pickens, South Carolina area close to where we were staying.

I am clueless at this point as to what we were looking at, but notice that we are both looking the same way!  Jimbo was good at letting me know if there was something that I should be aware of by simply perking up and looking - a fringe benefit for those with good hearing (Jimbo) and those with not so good hearing (me).

On our way to Brevard, North Carolina - we stopped for a dog potty break at a covered bridge park (Campbell's Covered Bridge).  Who am I kidding? A covered bridge? Let's STOP!  Jimbo and Abby were wondering why they are tied to a pole.....to many people around to let Jimbo free and Abby, well she was pretty young at this time and wasn't to be trusted off leash even if it is allowed, so I have heard from other hound dog owners.

Off walking in South Carolina at the "Ninety six National Historic Site".  In my family history research I have seen references to this particular area of South Carolina and decided that I needed to visit.  This was a very nice park to visit and the scenery is beautiful and peaceful.  Most of all this is a dog friendly location were the entire family can enjoy.  The "Old Ninety Six" is located about 60 miles south of Greenville, South Carolina.
 

Jimbo took 'walking' to a new level - talking about companion vs dog.  Jimbo knew which way he was going to walk each time we left the house (I got more control if we were away from home).  If you attempted to go a different direction than Jimbo wanted to go, he would stop and at almost 70 pounds so did I!  I am sure that I looked rather funny as I tried to figure out which direction Jimbo wanted to go at some intersections not to mention that sometimes I was in mid step when he decided to go another direction.  He was definitely in charge!

As the girl dogs step into their new role, it appears that little Ollie is the direction decider although she will allow you to change the direction if you insist. 

Ah, the life of dogs as your best friends....

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography fetching pet and family portraits in Coppell, Carrollton and the greater Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) antique bridge Campbell Campbell's Campbell's Covered Bridge canine covered covered bridge creek dog dog photography Greenville County Hagood Hagood Mill historic Historic Hagood Mill Landrum old outdoor pet photography Pickens red rescue river rocks Sliding Rock South Carolina vpshoots water waterfall wood https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/8/pet-photography---theme-bff-best-friends-forever Fri, 21 Aug 2020 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Filling the Frame https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/7/pet-photography---filling-the-frame This week's pet photography theme is "Fill the Frame".  One of the things that make photographs interesting and compelling is filling the frame with your subject.  In this case, it's filling the frame with your pet - whether it's a dog, cat, rabbit, turtle (or maybe a fish?).  This is one of my favorite ways to photograph - nothing in the photo but the animal I want you to focus on.  Filling the frame is all about getting close and making the subject a large portion of your overall photograph - filling the frame with dog (in this case).  It's about making it such that there is no question as to what your subject is.  Have you ever looked at a photograph and asked "What is this a photo of?" Many photographs are taken that suffer from exactly this issue.  If you look at the next two photographs of Fauci, the dog, do you have any question what this is a photograph of? I suspect not.

This particular rescue dog was a very easy model (it's so nice to get one of them every so often!).

These are simple, well lit, composed portraits of this dog.  The dog is filling the frame. 

An example photograph for not filling the frame by comparison is shown below.  The below photograph has our subject (the hound dog) in the front of the photograph and is the primary focus - but this photograph also shows other things providing context of where the dog is - in this case, downtown Tampa.  This photograph doesn't fill the frame, but the dog is still a very prominent part of the photograph with additional elements to showcase more than just this beautiful hound dog.

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Pet Love Photography, photographing dogs in Greater Cincinnati for Tails of Cincinnati, a charity book project.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography downtown Tampa Florida outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog portrait rescue riverwalk Tampa Tampa vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/7/pet-photography---filling-the-frame Fri, 31 Jul 2020 08:00:00 GMT
Mingo Falls, near Cherokee, North Carolina https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/7/mingo-falls-near-cherokee-north-carolina Our first hike on our recent trip to North Carolina was to Mingo Falls located near Cherokee, North Carolina.  Mingo Falls is a pretty high waterfall being 120 feet in height.  The nearest town is Cherokee, North Carolina although the waterfall is actually located east of this town.  This was by far the busiest waterfall in terms of traffic that we visited while in North Carolina.  The trail starts out with a lot of stairs - yes - stairs, so if you cannot do stairs this is not the hike for you.  There are 161 stairs at the beginning - plenty of time to stop for a breather if you need one.  We had our dogs with us on their leashes. 

This is the first time we had our smaller dogs with us and this particular trail presented a bit of a mind twister for little Ollie (short in the leg department). It is interesting to see how our dogs think things through and decide what they want to do when presented with a given situation. Here is the beginning of the trail to Mingo Falls - Abby and Rue were preceding up the stairs.  Ollie went up several stairs (2 or 3).  She stopped, looked behind her, then looked back up all these stairs and turned around.  We could see her saying "Nope, no doing this".

Having smaller dogs is a relatively new thing for us - this never even occurred to me as a potential issue.  Ollie is weighing in at a good solid 30 pounds or maybe a little more - carrying her is not an option.  What is?  Hmmmm, well maybe she will walk up the hand rail?

Apparently Ollie has done a bit to much of modeling because she posed just great!  But she wasn't planning on moving.  Next option?  Hmmm, well there is enough room for her to run along side the stairs on the other side of the railing - we can keep her on the leash and let her run along side it.  That worked for a short distance, then Ollie figured out we were doing the stairs and decided to do them with us.  (whew - something to keep in mind!).

Since this waterfall was pretty crowded, we decided to wait a bit for the traffic to let up as we are still in the middle of the COVID-19 and a lot of places are wearing masks and just about everyone is trying to avoid large numbers of people (myself included).

Mingo Falls - it is a beautiful waterfall with a long drop down.  The waterfall itself faces mostly a northern direction and the sun is getting pretty high in the sky now as it is shortly after 11am and the sun has been coming up around 6am.

There is a wooden viewing bridge that allows for viewing the waterfall.  Many people were actually up in the water coming down (I am sure it was pretty cool/cold).  Given the current times, we decided to take a few photographs and get out of the immediate area since it was fairly crowded.

The hike to this waterfall is short once you complete the stairs - so if you are looking for a short hike, this might fit into your schedule and is definitely a beautiful sight.

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine Cherokee dog dog-friendly hike hiking Mingo Mingo Falls North Carolina outdoor outdoors river stair stairs tree trees vpshoots water waterfall https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/7/mingo-falls-near-cherokee-north-carolina Sun, 19 Jul 2020 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme "Noses" https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/7/pet-photography---theme-noses This week's pet photography theme is "Noses". We all know when we are walking our dogs and they catch a scent that they will go nose to the ground, zigzag back and forth and just go nuts following that scent.  Well, there is a reason for that.  Dogs 'see' a good portion of the world through their noses.   In general, a dog's brain is smaller than the human brain - the area in a dog's brain that is devoted to smell is 40 times larger than in humans!  If this is the case, why does my dog think things I find smell horrible are great smelling?  Like that dead whatever laying near the river's edge? Apparently, we have different taste in what we think smells good.

“One of the main functions of the nose is to warm the air,” Dr. Dorman says. Warming inspired air so that it’s closer to body temperature makes it easier for the lungs to function. “In many ways, the dog’s nose is similar to a car radiator to achieve this function. It achieves this by having multiple folds that increase the surface area. Because dogs rely so much more on their noses, more of the air they breathe comes in contact with the olfactory neurons that detect odors.” website link: https://www.thefarmersdog.com/digest/how-your-dogs-nose-works-and-how-to-take-care-of-it/  This is a very interesting article for more information about the dog's nose.

Have you ever wondered how your dog knows you are about to come home from work?  Well, it's all about the scent and nose.  In the morning, you change your clothes, leave your scent around the house.  As the day progresses, your scent become less dominant.  When the scent gets to a specific level, the dog knows it's time for you to come home.  Pretty clever huh?  This was a story I read many years ago (source unknown) where the husband came home at the same time everyday.  The dog was always waiting by the door for him to come home.  So, they decided that his wife would take clothes out to her husband shortly before he was to arrive home, have him change his clothes and bring in the 'freshly scented' clothes.  Guess what?  The dog's clock was reset and wasn't waiting by the door!  Try it - I'd love to know if this works with your dogs (my schedule is so varied, it's not possible for us to try this).
 

So, onwards with some nose photographs!

A dark nose with a big smile!

A slender black tip graying nose.

A short pug nose..

A light colored nose...

A strong nose for a boy....

A side view (I've been playing in the sand)....this photo includes the eye which adds a different perspective to the overall dog nose photograph.

Or maybe a senior dog going white side view....

A short face nose.....

A longer nose with lots of fur color variations....

And maybe you just want to see what one of these dogs looks like?

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Angela Schneider of Noses & Toes Pet Photography, finding snoots to boop on dogs of Spokane.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine closeup dog dog nose dog photography Florida nose outdoor pet photography pet photography blog rescue vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/7/pet-photography---theme-noses Fri, 17 Jul 2020 08:00:00 GMT
Rufus Morgan Trail, Franklin, North Carolina https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/7/rufus-morgan-trail-franklin-north-carolina Rufus Morgan Trail is located in western Franklin, North Carolina.  We drove about an hour to get to the trail head – many years ago we did this trail with our first dog, Dolly, in the fall of 2010, so it’s been almost a decade since we have hiked this trail.  Franklin is experiencing a good amount of rain this year and we did encounter some muddy spots along the trail. These photographs were taken in late June 2020.

The entire loop trail is approximately 1 mile in length.  We hiked to the waterfall and then turned around and went back the same direction we came in.  The entire trail was ours for the duration we were there, so plan to potentially be the solo hiker(s).

Dogs are allowed on this trail, we kept ours on leashes.  There were several places they picked up scents and would have been gone otherwise (and not sure we would have found them with all the foliage).

The first photograph shows the gravel road (well maintained) with the tree canopy over the road.

FS 388 - Gravel roadGravel road to Rufus Morgan Trail

As we start off on the trail, I snapped a quick photograph of Abby looking down the trail – for now, I am handling Abby (she is on a leash – removed in photoshop from the photograph) and Jim has the twins.

It’s not long before we see the truck a good ways down from our location – this trail has a total altitude gain of 288 feet.

Jim stopped for a photograph with the dogs near the beginning of the trail – sitting on a fallen log. 

There is a lot of small life in this area of the Nantahala National Forest.  A lot of trees and forest - it's quiet except for the water flowing and noise that we are making along the trail.  I'm sure there are lot of animals living here - we didn't see any wildlife during our hike.

Eventually we begin to see the water flowing down the rocks.  The water is fast moving with a few areas for the dogs to drink if they need some hydration.  In one location it does require walking over rocks to get through the water.  The water is flowing from the south towards the north - no sunlight on the flowing water.

At the waterfall itself, there is several rocks to relax on if you’re inclined to do so.  Many branches are at the bottom of the waterfall.  This waterfall faces north, but by the time we arrived (9:23am), portions of the waterfall were in sunlight.

Abby standing on the rock in front of the main waterfall.

 

Driving Directions

(https://www.wncwaterfalls.info/waterfall/1068/Rufus_Morgan_Falls)

Take US 64 West from Franklin for 3.7 miles. Turn right on Old Murphy Rd, go 0.1 mi, and then turn left on Wayah Rd (SR 1310). Go 6.3 miles and turn left on FS 388, which is gravel. Go 2 miles to the parking area on the right, which is signed. (FS 388 may be gated in winter, and - although a bit long - makes a nice added hike to get to the trailhead).

Our experience in driving to this was pretty easy except it is important to pay attention to your mileage because this is the best indication of where to turn left on FS 388.

Rufus Morgan - who was he?

Using Google to search and find out, Rufus Morgan was born in Franklin, North Carolina in 1885 (he died in 1983).  He was a naturalist, author and explorer. In addition, he was one of the early pioneers for the founding and development of the Appalachian Trail which is nearby in North Carolina. If you're interested in more information, check the entry on findagrave.com for Rufus which contains a short biography. (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/35182964/albert-rufus-morgan

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) dog-friendly forest Franklin hike hiking Nantahala Nantahala National Forest National Forest North Carolina remote river Rufus Morgan Rufus Morgan Trail Rufus Morgan waterfall stream trail tree trees water waterfall https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/7/rufus-morgan-trail-franklin-north-carolina Sun, 12 Jul 2020 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/6/pet-photography---theme-water This week's pet photography theme is 'water'  - as a family that has done boating, hiking to waterfalls and just hanging out in nature - our dogs have had opportunities to be around water for most of their lives.  We live about 2 blocks from the river that winds through a good portion of our county - so the dogs see the river daily.  Here's Rue, my worse model of the pack sitting by the river - I am sure this was hard for her to just 'sit' and stay put! For this photograph, the water I made a little bluer (we don't have blue water in our river - it's dark and brown/gray color) and then I used Topaz Impression to create a painterly effect.

A few other photographs from the past showing our dogs and 'water'. Jimbo hanging out on the front of our bow rider boat while we idle around. This always make me nervous - but for a quick photo I let him be up front by himself.

Here's Abby at the dog park at Ft. DeSoto Park in Pinellas County, Florida.  She is my only true 'water dog' - loves to play in the water - none of the others do.

This next photograph will always have special memories - we went to the mountains in North Carolina and rented a cabin in the area of Cashiers, North Carolina.  This particular day we traveled to Gorges State Park in Sapphire, North Carolina.  We decided to hike the Rainbow Falls Trail which is 1.5 miles one way and this hike was listed as "strenuous hike".  That being said, this was when we were all several years younger so we decided to go because the view at the end made it worth it!  Jimbo never did like thunder.  The clouds were building, rain was coming - it was just a matter of time.  We hiked all the way to the waterfall and took quite a few photographs.  Then it happened, a loud thunder and Jimbo was at full attention.  No longer happy to be at the waterfall - Jimbo was ready to leave.  I can honestly say, that I have NEVER traveled 1.5 miles scrambling along a trail so fast but Jimbo had a mission (get out of the bad weather).  Jimbo and I didn't get wet on this trail getting back to the truck but I was dripping sweat like I had been soaked.  When it finally stopped raining, we ventured back out and found Jim just finishing the trail (he enjoyed the walk back).  Not every photograph has this kind of story, but many do have stories behind them.  I suppose part of Jimbo's dislike for bad weather is because he spent the first several years of his life primarily outside with the elements and learned to 'take cover'.

Just in case you are interested in seeing a photograph of the waterfall (which faces mostly south).

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit  Angela of Noses & Toes Pet Photography in Spokane, WA, hitting Spokane River for a dog photo session.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) beach boat boating canine dog dog park dog photography Florida forest gorge gorges Gorges State Park hike hiking Hillsborough River nature North Carolina outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog portrait Rainbow Falls rescue river sand Tampa Topaz Impression tree vpshoots water waterfall wood woods https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/6/pet-photography---theme-water Fri, 12 Jun 2020 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Landscape and your pets https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/6/pet-photography---landscape-and-your-pets This week's pet photography theme is 'landscape' and we are showing some of Florida's green summer weather (right before we are getting 5 days of  forecast for rain!).  Our adventure this week is more about 'memories' than posing our dog(s) and getting great photographs.  As we continue to stay home more, our dogs are just waiting for any adventure to come along and this morning they saw all the signs they have been waiting for.  Up early, cooler packed, cameras by the door, oh and most importantly - they are getting our leashes!  Abby was sitting by the door waiting - surely they won't go outside without letting me go too.  I told her to wait, I needed to do a few things - you could see the disappointment.  I left the doors to our truck open - when I came back I said "Go to the truck" - they ran so fast and jumped in - like little children ready for an adventure.  We are off to the Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve in Plant City, Florida.  This is a tricky place to find - it's almost next to the Alderman's Ford Conservation Park - but not - look for the ball field complex and pull in - on the north end is the entrance to the preserve trails.

It's a cloudy, overcast day - rain forecast for early afternoon - so when we arrived and met our friends it was time to hit the trail.  Our goal - find the river - we walked quite a while, came across a smoldering fire (time out for a 911 call to get the fire department - Jim handled that while we continued on to hike).  Finally - it's here!

Here's the Alafia River - we crossed it on the metal bridge shown in the photograph below.

The boys spotted the river - now it's time to figure out how to get down to the water.  We continued walking along the edge of the river and found a spot - Abby took a dunk to cool off once we ensured there were no big creatures (like snakes or alligators).  Then they were tied to a cypress knee much to their dismay.

After a little 'fishing', food and drink we eventually head on back towards the beginning of the trail but not before Abby had some fun running along the trail and in the meadow with a new young friend!

Come on Abby - let's go into the meadow.  Abby is being a great sport, but it's a bit warm now here in Florida, high humidity and a lot more walking than she is used to.

Let's run!

Finally caught the hound dog ears flying!

The end of a 'day out' is always considered a success when the dogs all fall asleep in the back seat before we get home!  They have the entire back seat, yet Abby (the largest dog) is on the bottom, Rue has straddled across the top of Abby and Ollie is resting her head on the door arm rest handle (I think the other 1/3 of the seat was empty).

Three sleeping dogs in a truckThree sleeping dogs in a truckOur three dogs sleeping on top of each other in the back seat of the truck

This is the end of this week's adventure sharing Florida's landscape.

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Pawparazzi Pet and Animal Photography presented by Shae Pepper Photograph.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Alafia Alafia River Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve Alafia River Nature Preserve canine dog dog photography dog-friendly Florida hike hiking natural nature outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog river run trail tree vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/6/pet-photography---landscape-and-your-pets Fri, 05 Jun 2020 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Photographer's Choice - Get those end of life portraits while you can https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/5/pet-photography---photographers-choice---get-those-end-of-life-portraits-while-you-can This week's pet photography theme is "Photographer's Choice" and I'm touching on a subject that many do not want to.  Thus far, the year 2020 has not been a great year - it's a year which several friends have lost their furry companion(s) - I ask myself why so many in such a short span of time that I personally knew? I wonder if the animals know something about the world that we humans have not recognized?

Either way, I wanted to write this particular blog because I know a great many of us are very attached to our furry children.  As such, we should do our best to have great photographs of them.  Short home videos are great too.  Each of these photographs doesn't have to be something special, it can be just a moment in time at home.  Capture those moments that you want to remember - capture their personality. 

Many of you know that we lost our beloved Jimbo just over two months ago - I haven't written to the general public about our loss as it has been hard for us.  It's a deep and personal loss as Jimbo was my shadow, my buddy, always willing to go wherever I wanted to go.  We hiked, boated, played, walked, laughed, smiled, cried - you name it, we did it together.  We even took our first road trip - just Jimbo and I from Tampa, Florida to Nashville, Tennessee.  That's when Jimbo learned about drive-thru restaurants.  I always joked that he must have thought - "Mom drive somewhere, talks to someone, then a hand comes out with all that good food".  He loved 'snacks' (which could be anything besides dog food - dog treats or human food). Not a day doesn't go by that I don't think of him.  In time, perhaps that will change as it did when we lost Dolly - but we always remember and I have hundreds of wonderful photographs of him during the time period he was all ours.

Jimbo

Jimbo came to us from the Bahamas - he flew in a private airplane to come to Florida (very brave!).  It was not our thought that we were going to adopt a second dog - but apparently it was Jimbo's and he won!  Here he is on his 'freedom flight' to Florida - loaded on the plane and heading our way.

Feeling much better thank youFeeling much better thank you

Here's our first photograph together - this is when we went to pick up Jimbo and begin our lives together. It was October 17, 2012 (a Wednesday - maybe I was taking off a few days or working from home - I can't imagine that I went to the office those next few days).

Loving our new dog, JimboLoving our new dog, JimboOur first family photo together - the evening we brought Jimbo home

This beautiful smiling face - I will always remember.

If you're curious about Jimbo's first year of life starting with his roots in the Bahamas through the end of his first year, we put together a photo video (a bit long) of his travels. It is on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPtZUPGU30Q - Jimbo's first anniversary.

In the last couple of weeks, these dogs left us for the rainbow bridge and this blog is to remember each of them.

Nalli

The photographs I captured of her several years ago are when the dogs were playing at a local dog park.  This photograph was taken many years ago before I started photographing dogs almost weekly - I can tell how much my photography has changed (for the better!).

Little bit of cleanup on the background to make it a nicer photograph - she was playing, so she has a little bit of dirt here and there - but still a wonderful girl who lived with many dogs and her Mom & Dad.

Spooki

These photographs were captured during social distancing near the height of the current COVID-19 pandemic.  The photographs were spur of the moment as Spooki and his owner were walking by our house this particular evening.  I grabbed my camera (70-200mm lens) and we had Spooki stand in front of our fence with a little distance between to ensure the fence had a nice blur.

Fred

These photographs were captured when Fred came into the Maxx and Me Pet Rescue as a timid and frightened dog who learned love while in foster care.  This particular photograph was captured of Fred who was so timid that his tail was tucked underneath.  Fred was attacked prior to his coming into the rescue and his ears were 'trimmed' as a result of the damage (so he had cute fluffy ears instead of hound ears). He was a good sport once he realized that we were not going to hurt him and eventually we got some great photographs (now in the hands of his owner).  This particular photograph was captured outside, the background was replaced with a texture and then Topaz Impression was used to create a painting effect.

We got Fred to do a little run across the front yard - he was on leash (removed in photoshop) and my partner was running with him.  When the sunlight hit his eyes, that was the moment to click.

For each of these beautiful dog souls that came from a bad place in this world and entered into the world of rescue - we will miss you. 

For each of the beautiful human souls that work in this tireless profession, thank you.

For each of the human parents that have not captured great photographs of your furry companion - don't wait - do it now.  If you find yourself in a 'end of life crisis' and you haven't done this task, do not hesitate to email, text or call as I will do this as an act of kindness to you and your pet providing my schedule allows even if you can not afford to pay a photographer.

Bless each of you - remember your furry children.

 

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Elaine Tweedy of I Got the Shot Photography, making choices in Northeastern PA and the Endless Mountains.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) airplane canine dog dog park dog photography Florida Fred Jimbo Maxx and Me Pet Rescue Nalli outdoor pet pet photography pet photography blog portrait rescue senior senior dogs Spooki Tampa texture texture replacement Topaz Topaz Impression vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/5/pet-photography---photographers-choice---get-those-end-of-life-portraits-while-you-can Fri, 29 May 2020 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Black and white photographs https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/5/pet-photography---black-and-white-photographs This week's pet photography theme is black and white - and most of the time when this kind of theme comes around, I'll look to my beautiful Abby who is a black and white dog and has no issue going along for a modeling job especially if there are any kind of food involved (she loves food, what can I say?).  This past week our dogs got to have some fun and run around - and well, be dogs.  A friend has a horse farm outside of the busy city and lots of fenced in areas to run.  And run they did....and when Abby found the little fishing pond, well I think she was thrilled.  A break from the Florida heat!  

What? No swimming?

Abby spent a good amount of the first hour sitting in the pond.  I did learn that she can hold her breath because she had a good portion of her face under water trying to figure out what the boys were catching (her first experience with fishing).

Abby cooling off in the waterAbby cooling off in the waterAbby is sitting in a small pond

Standing on shore

Ok, I'm out of the water now - did you want or need something?  The boys were very patient with her swimming around while they were fishing in a stocked pond.  And when they caught something - we had to keep Abby away from the catch!

All the girls....

Yes, the smaller sisters (our twins) were there, but they just got in the water enough to cool off.  Abby was all about running around this pond and then jumping in!

What's this? A horse you say?

It wasn't long before the dogs decided this place has more to offer than a pond.  Since these girls are a little smaller, it was easier for them to run under the gates that horses can't go under.  This particular horse is older and very gentle - no care in the world that the dogs were checking it out.  Notice that Ollie is big and brave on the opposite side of the fence from the horse.  Rue on the other hand has always been the one that has to get into everything and while I'm praying that the horse doesn't care - Rue walks right up to it.  The horse didn't care (apparently our friends knew this horse was no issue for the dogs or they would have been leashed).

small dogs meet horsesmall dogs meet horseSmall dogs meet horse in field

A hike at Little Manatee River State Park

All of us, dogs included (on leashes), went for a walk in the state park nearby and it was getting pretty warm by the end of the hour long trek to another pond for some fishing.  When we returned to the safety of the horse farm, the first thing Abby did? You guessed it - ran to the pond and sat down.

Happy Abby sitting in the waterHappy Abby sitting in the waterAbby hanging in the water in a small pond

So that was our little adventure this past week - two different trips to the horse farm to let the dogs have some fun and have a little social distancing with a few friends.  Eventually, slowly, the world will return to a new normal - but until then stay safe!

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Pawparazzi Pet and Animal Photography presented by Shae Pepper Photography.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Abby canine dog dog photography Florida fun Maxx and Me Pet Rescue nature outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog pond rescue Tampa trail vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/5/pet-photography---black-and-white-photographs Fri, 22 May 2020 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Early morning 'golden' hour https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/5/pet-photography---early-morning-golden-hour This week's pet photography theme is "Golden Hour" and I've noticed several things about Florida's "sunshine state" weather.  The first thing I noticed is how many cloudy and overcast days we have - well, we may have 'sunshine' but it's not here many days of the year.  Overall, that doesn't really matter except when you're trying to do photographs of your dogs with a theme of 'golden hour' which is the hour of daylight shortly after sunrise or before sunset.  The light is usually redder, more golden color because the sun travels through more of the earth's atmosphere than when the sun is higher in the sky.  The second thing I noticed is how early the sun is now rising here - it's just after 6:30am - which is pretty early to be out walking the dogs!  Last, one of my favorite places to do golden sunlight in the morning is over at the Harney bypass off US 301 - however, I'm not sure that's open right now with the COVID-19 - so we stuck to walking our normal areas here near home.

Earlier this week showed some promise of being 'sunny' (although the light still wasn't great golden color).  The clouds were sitting on the east horizon - but I got the girls to do a little posing for this week's post.  Often we walk around Biltmore Park which is very popular for the dogs as we sometimes have to navigate around it based on the direction other dogs & owners are walking.

I decided it might be easier to get the twins (Ollie & Rue) to be more willing if they were off the ground - so up on the park bench each was placed.  Abby who is much larger looks up at them and has a special moment with Ollie (Ha ha, it's your turn, I get to relax!).  It's a cute moment between them.

A gentle moment between dog siblingsA gentle moment between dog siblings

Onward, Abby - let's get the girls looking the same direction.

The twins, sisters on a benchThe twins, sisters on a bench

Ollie on the left, Rue on the right - these girls will be three this summer - often called the twins - they are litter mates adopted from Maxx and Me Pet Rescue here in Tampa, Florida.  Rue wasn't much for being up on the bench and quickly jumped down leaving Ollie to pose.

Ollie shortly after sunriseOllie shortly after sunrise

Ollie Portrait - Golden Hour morningOllie Portrait - Golden Hour morning

Here's a photograph of our first dog, Dolly, during the golden hour at Harney Bypass Canal where there is a boat ramp and some open fields for the dogs to walk around and enjoy.  They also have a few 'hills' that allow you to photograph shooting down or up at your subject.

That's it for this week's pet photography blog.  For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit  Darlene Woodward with Pant the Town Photography serving MA and NH.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) bench Biltmore Park canine dog dog photography Florida home nature neighborhood outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog rescue Temple Terrace twins vpshoots walk wood https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/5/pet-photography---early-morning-golden-hour Fri, 15 May 2020 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - before and after photos https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/4/pet-photography---before-and-after-photos This week's photography blog for pets is "before and after".  There are many photographs that I just do very simple and minor edits (exposure, shadows, highlights, cropping).  Those are the easy ones! Then there are some that the location is less than ideal and to get a better photograph a lot of cleanup work on the background/location is done.  Sometimes if the background is not favorable to the dog with respect to a photograph, the background is replaced.   Let's take a look at a few examples that show the before and after photograph of these rescue dogs looking for their foster or forever homes.  All photographed were modified using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.

Example 1: Removing a leash

Here's an example of a easy, simple photograph of a rescue dog - BEFORE

AFTER leash removal.

This senior dog spent her life not being socialized, but stuck in a back yard.  Her owner passed away and she was turned in to the shelter and then brought to Maxx and Me Pet Rescue.

Example 2: Leash removal, back ground cleanup

This is the before photograph. The mom is on the right - Athena and her son on the left, Roscoe.  They are both pretty young and these rescues were very strong and pretty full of energy.  It was a while before they stayed put this long to grab a photograph of them (each dog leash being held by a different person).  While the overall hanging out next to each other was nice - the background was a little messy.  Both of these young dogs are up for adoption - they are strong, but they were very affectionate towards us while we were there photographing them.

Here is the after photograph.  The leashes have been removed, the background cleaned up to be less distracting.

Example 3: Background replacement

In the next example, the background was pretty much a blown out white color - mostly because the white fencing was getting sun, the dog was under a shade canopy and darker in fur color. Here's the original photograph with his leash.

Here's the after photograph (we had a little fun with the background texture).

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Angela and Bella of Noses & Toes Pet Photography hiking Spokane during stay-home orders.
 

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).
 

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(VP Shoots Photography) after before canine dog dog photography Florida outdoor pet photography pet photography blog rescue vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/4/pet-photography---before-and-after-photos Fri, 24 Apr 2020 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Senior, older dogs in wide open spaces https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/4/pet-photography---senior-older-dogs-in-wide-open-spaces Wow, I have got to say that I need to figure out how to find some 'normalcy' our of the crazy world that we are living in now.  Wondering where the next roll of toilet paper is coming from (oops, did I really say that?).  So this week's pet photography blog featured an elderly senior dog that has been diagnosed with cancer, but seems to be doing pretty good thus far.  His name is Spooki and I have known him for a number of years.  Before we got the latest orders last week that we were "safer at home" and needed to stay home except for essentials - which included walking dogs, I was able to capture these photos.  Truth be known, our friend was walking Spooki, we stopped outside and I got my long lens out and took some photographs of him.  These photographs were captured with natural light only, nothing fancy, in the late afternoon.

And one last photograph that I used Topaz Impression to create a painting of Spooki.

As the state of Florida is getting even tighter enforcement to stop the spread of the coronavirus, I expect that any photographs I take in the near future will either be one of my own dogs or older photographs from photography sessions before we knew what this virus was.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Colleen of Simply Col Photography - for the love of photography and pound pups.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine closeup dog dog photography end of life fence Florida nature outdoor pet photography pet photography blog rescue senior Tampa vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/4/pet-photography---senior-older-dogs-in-wide-open-spaces Fri, 03 Apr 2020 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography using shallow depth of field https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/3/pet-photography-using-shallow-depth-of-field This week's pet photography theme is 'shallow depth of field'.  As we continue to stay at home, and away from most all people while the world has slowly come to a new world...we decided to use the social distancing by taking the boat out on the river.  Our dogs have been out of the boat several times this week and are now getting pretty used to it.  Today's ride was longer and when we got home, they all ate and crashed!  Little Ollie has learned how to recognize the boat ramp dock from a distance and will start to jump around on the seat as we approach - the first time she did this, I thought she had to go potty.  But turned out that wasn't really the case.

Today's model is Abby - we learned some exciting news about Abby this week - her DNA sample results were in!  Yes, this adorable little face is 25% beagle (the only one I guessed), 25% tree walker coon hound (well, I guessed hound because of her beautiful ears) and then pretty much a mix of 'mutt'.

This photo of Abby was taken as we cruised down the river with a 70-200mm lens (145mm, f/4, ISO 800) - she looked back at me from the bow of the boat and I snapped this photograph with the beautiful greens of the cypress and oak trees behind her.

Happy dog AbbyHappy dog AbbyAbby, our hound mix, is a happy dog when she is outside and with her people

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Bella and Angela of Noses & Toes Pet Photography get some fresh air for dog photos with shallow depth of field in Spokane Valley, WA.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) blur canine dog dog photography Florida nature outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog portrait rescue river shallow depth of field Tampa tree vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/3/pet-photography-using-shallow-depth-of-field Fri, 27 Mar 2020 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Colorful - Abby in front of mural https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/3/pet-photography---theme-colorful---abby-in-front-of-mural This week's pet photography theme is colorful.  Last year a local painter decided to paint the building where the restrooms are at our local park - Riverhills Park.  He did a wonderful job - it is dedicated to his wife.  I had the opportunity to listen to him tell me all the wonderful stories of his life and how he came to be a mural painter.  It was wonderful to hear what a great life he had and about his wife's passing a few years ago.

This week's dog is Abby - with the virus issues going through Florida and all the areas starting to look like an abandoned ghost town - it's time to get my girl to do what she does best - pose for the camera!

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Darlene Woodward with Pant the Town Photography serving MA and NH and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) bathroom canine dog dog photography Florida mural nature outdoor painting park pet photography pet photography blog rescue river Riverhills Park Tampa vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/3/pet-photography---theme-colorful---abby-in-front-of-mural Fri, 20 Mar 2020 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - using the rule of thirds to create great images https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/3/pet-photography---using-the-rule-of-thirds-to-create-great-images This week's pet photography theme is about a basic guideline/rule of photography called "the rule of thirds".  This is a concept that has been used a lot by photographers throughout the decades - it's easy to google and find more information about it.  But first, let's take a look at what it means - and  this composition guideline applies to all types of photography - not just pet photography.

When you look through your view finder (or at your phone, tablet, whatever device you have) - mentally divide the image up by using 2 horizontal lines and 2 vertical lines.  When you apply this concept, then the most important elements of your photograph should be along those lines or at the points where the lines meet (intersect).  

"With this grid in mind, the ‘rule of thirds’ now identifies four important parts of the image that you should consider placing points of interest in as you frame your image. Not only this – but it also gives you four ‘lines’ that are also useful positions for elements in your photo. The theory is that if you place points of interest in the intersections or along the lines that your photo becomes more balanced and will enable a viewer of the image to interact with it more naturally.  Studies have shown that when viewing images that people’s eyes usually go to one of the intersection points most naturally rather than the center of the shot – using the rule of thirds works with this natural way of viewing an image rather than working against it." For more information, refer to this URL: https://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds/?fbclid=IwAR2TsL81mu789lLISaneKwzD13V_eo9b4qEKw2JGE4DL8OSCtVdcFuFpJUM

Here's an example of a photograph taken of Elizabeth (aka Lola).  Elizabeth is available for adoption from Maxx and Me Pet Rescue (www.maxxandme.org) if you're looking for a dog in the Tampa Bay area.  First, the photograph without a rule of thirds grid.

Now, let's look at this photograph with an approximate rule of thirds grid added in Photoshop.  In this photograph her eyes are on the line for the top third of the frame.  The placement of her eyes is not in the intersection of the lines, but is on the imaginary line dividing the photograph into 9 areas.  Keep in mind, this is a guideline, not an absolute rule of photography composition.
 

Another example showing the face of Elizabeth is in the left third of this photograph.

Here's a few more examples. Elizabeth has been given the nick name of "Lola" which seems a little more fitting - and shorter! They say that dog names should be one or two syllables at most (probably because in a hurry how fast can you say "Elizabeth"?).  Elizabeth was very interested in seeing what every other dog was doing, so keeping her attention for photographs took a little work.  She is definitely interested in playing with any dog wanting to play!

Of course, the rule of thirds is a composition guideline - it's a great concept to learn, but then once you know and understand it, don't be afraid to break this rule.  I often don't consider the rule of thirds for a face portrait.  In this case, it's most important to consider getting the dog looking at the camera and staying put long enough to get a great portrait.

Or when the dog is leaving the posing place and moving directly towards you.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography fetching portraits in Coppell and surrounding communities in the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) bench canine compositon dog dog park dog photography downtown downtown Tampa female Florida guideline Maxx and Me Maxx and Me Pet Rescue nature outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog portrait rescue river rock rocks rule of thirds sidewalk Tampa vpshoots water water works https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/3/pet-photography---using-the-rule-of-thirds-to-create-great-images Fri, 06 Mar 2020 09:00:00 GMT
Shades of Gray - black and white pet photography https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/2/shades-of-gray---black-and-white-pet-photography This week's theme for pet photography is 'shades of gray' - I decided to use Abby for this week's photographs.  What better colors of a dog (black and white) to use for this theme?  Abby was recently hanging out in the yard and I took these photographs of her.

The first one is black and white - I used an 'infrared' setting which makes the green grass almost white (very light color) and gives a different effect than traditional black and white.

The second one is not black and white, but instead has all colors desaturated and the greens and reds are still there, but also desaturated.  By 'official' definition, desaturation of a photograph means that more black and white is added thus making the colors less vibrant.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) black and white canine desaturate desaturated dog dog photography female Florida grass hound outdoor pet photography pet photography blog rescue vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/2/shades-of-gray---black-and-white-pet-photography Fri, 07 Feb 2020 09:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography with texture https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/1/pet-photography-with-texture Texture - it's all about the light on your subject, in this case Tracker - a black dog with golden eyes. The lighting in this photograph was provided by two AD200 lights in 24" softboxes at approximately 45 degree angles in front of Tracker.  Since black dogs can often come across as 'dark blobs' it is important to have some type of lighting (the sun works too) on them to light up the fur and show the texture.  "For most subjects side lighting works well to bring out texture. If using natural light, this would mean shooting shortly after sunrise or before sunset. If you are using artificial lighting, it just means placing your lighting off to one side from the subject." (https://www.discoverdigitalphotography.com/2012/the-importance-of-texture-in-photography/?fbclid=IwAR1Mk32oPTUQ-21M7ka9vF68cMFRRVitTf8IuEf1ajZGl1Ibkn0pjnNtLGE)
 

Another example of texture can be seen in the background of this dog - Charity is a beautiful brindle young dog (less than 1 year).  The teal colored blanket shows texture based on the nap of the blanket and how the light is bouncing off it.

I often use this off white blanket just because of the wonderful texture - it photographs very nicely and the dogs seem to love snuggling with it.  Please note this cutie has already been adopted and is no longer available!

And sometimes it just the senior dogs that bring out all that wonderful texture.  He is black with a lot of white mixed in showing so much character in his face.

That's our look at some different options in lighting - For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Elaine Tweedy of I Got the Shot Photography, capturing special times in the lives of pets and their people in Northeastern PA and surrounding areas and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) black canine dog dog photography fur pet photography pet photography blog rescue studio texture vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/1/pet-photography-with-texture Fri, 31 Jan 2020 09:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography in an urban setting https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/1/pet-photography-in-an-urban-setting This week's blog features Nana, a hound dog previously used for breeding who is now with the Maxx and Me Pet Rescue.  She is a very sweet hound dog who spent a couple of hours modeling for us in downtown Tampa along the Riverwalk.  Of course, she was paid (chicken jerkey and other dog treats), chance to smell, investigate and walk - no dog should work and not get some rewards.  Course, she got a lot of attention too.

Each time we photograph a new rescue dog (or any animal), we don't know them before starting our photography session.  The animal might be seeing a camera for the first time - they might be scared, timid or hey, sometimes they are a total surprise and just know how to work the camera.  However, most often that's not the case.

As we photograph more and more rescue dogs, we have learned skills that allow us to photograph dogs that have zero training.  Some have not been pets before and some have been outside with little human attention.  They might be great on a leash, they might be scared or pull.  We don’t expect that any rescue will know how to sit, some do, but many do not.  They don’t speak our language and probably don’t know any specific words. That’s ok. 

Every dog is different, every dog needs patience, every dog will get great photographs, but they will be different based on the dog - my partners and I have lots of patience to get some great photographs – all pet owners need patience while we work with the dog and get those great photographs.  Yes, we do private pet photography sessions too!

This week's featured dog, Nana.  Nana has a little boo boo on my forehead, but it will heal just give her a little time.

Nana is standing in the grassy area next to the Children's Museum on Ashley Street in downtown Tampa.  The whole urban experience is all new to her as she came from a rural area.

They have a lot of high buildings here!  It's a beautiful day, clear skies and in the upper 40's (it's a bit cold for all of us here in Florida).

Here's the river walk - the University of Tampa is just across the river - built by Henry Plant in 1931.  Seems like most people take time to get a photograph with the minarets.

Along the river on the river walk (University of Tampa is across the river).

The 'beer can' building - it's a round building near the river in downtown Tampa.  Everyone knows this building by it's nickname.

That's all we did - everyone got hungry and we went over to a local pizza place and had lunch before I (Nana) went back to my temporary home at Urban Tailz in South Tampa.  That's where Nana is staying until she finds a foster home or a furever home.  We found out a lot of things about this girl on our journey through part of the river walk in downtown Tampa.  She is sweet and gentle.  Never barked or had any issues with cars, people, noises, dogs, or anything else we came across during our stroll.  Gentle enough that we could pick her up and put her into the various places we wanted to photograph her. She apparently didn't have much 'car' experience - we picked her up to put her in the car - but she was great during her ride in the car.  If you're interested in Nana, please contact Maxx and Me Pet Rescue at maxxandme.org

That's our look at some different options in lighting - For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Jo Lyons Photography, the down-to-earth dog-loving photographer for cherished dogs of the Great Lakes NSW and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography downtown female Florida girl Hillsborough hound Maxx and Me Maxx and Me Pet Rescue outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog Pet Rescue portrait rescue river riverwalk Tampa vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/1/pet-photography-in-an-urban-setting Fri, 24 Jan 2020 09:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Light it up! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/1/pet-photography---light-it-up This week it's all about light - 'get lit' is the theme!  There are all different types of light that can be used for pet photography and they all have different looks.  When I first started doing most of my pet photography I used natural light - that which comes from above - the sun.  I still use that, especially if I am photographing a dog that is shy, timid and/or scared.  It's a wonderful source of light and one that all animals are used to.  Knowing how to use that light source is the key and mix that with the various colors of fur - you'll see (black fur isn't the best in bright sunlight). A bright sunny day in the sun isn't the best light, but sometimes it is what you have.

Another option for shooting outdoors is to have an off camera portable flash unit and a trigger on camera to fire the flash.  In this case, we looked for shade (even lighting), and used the portable flash unit with a 7" reflector and sock to help soften the light from the flash.  Oh, and yes the dog on the left is on a diet now that she came into the rescue!

The standard portable studio setup we take onsite to boarding facilities - a background (in this case a large blanket) lit with two octagon 24" softboxes, each having an AD200.  In this photograph of Buster Bo, we had a third light against the background to make it lighter in color. This works really well providing the dog is not afraid of flash - if they are, then we revert to LED lights with higher ISO which hopefully they can handle.

Having said that, sometimes we just have to 'wing it' because in the world of rescue, you just don't know what you're going to get until you meet the dog. This is the same dog, Sawyer, that didn't do so well on his first try with a studio setup (but he blossomed when we took him out on the town!).


That's our look at some different options in lighting - For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit  Lynda Mowat from Heartstrings Photography, capturing people and their pets around the Waikato and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) AD200 canine dog dog photography downtown Florida light Maxx and Me Maxx and Me Pet Rescue natural light outdoor outside pet photography pet photography blog Pet Rescue playground rescue Tampa vpshoots window window light https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/1/pet-photography---light-it-up Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Telling a story, find a way around the obstacles, just follow me https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/1/pet-photography---telling-a-story-find-a-way-around-the-obstacles-just-follow-me We recently have been blessed (at least my viewpoint) with some cooler weather!  Yay - wearing pants and not sweating!  That's prime weather for going out for a walk in the woods.  Just one catch, cooler air usually means that we recently had a downpour of rain leaving water puddles and muck to deal with on trails.  However, I have been promising Jimbo (my senior well behaved guy) a walk in the woods - so off we went to Lettace Lake Park.  After turning off the concrete path and onto the nature trail area - I see this.

My first reaction is to turn back, if there is all this water at the beginning, it's probably going to be worse as we walk along.  Jimbo's first reaction is "Nope, we are going this way - and I'll show you how".

A younger dog might have either considered going through the middle of this or looking back at me to ask how one should proceed - but Jimbo is experienced, he knows what to do.

Are you coming?

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Darlene Woodward with Pant the Town Photography serving MA and NH and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Bahamas canine dog dog photography Florida Jimbo lead leave leaves Lettace Lake Park muck mud nature outdoor park path pet photography pet photography blog puddle rain reflection reflections rescue river trail tree vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2020/1/pet-photography---telling-a-story-find-a-way-around-the-obstacles-just-follow-me Fri, 10 Jan 2020 09:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Out takes https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/12/pet-photography---out-takes This week's pet photography theme gives a 'behind the scenes' look at what happens when rescue dogs have different ideas than we do.  I recently reviewed our photos from this year, 2019.  We have shared almost 600 photographs of over 45 dogs and 20 puppies this year alone!  That's definitely a lot of future pets being photographed.  My partners, Jim Vargas and Greg Turner, have helped with each shoot along this way and without them, I would not be able to have such great success - thank you.

Now let's look at some of the out takes.

When the dog doesn't want to have their photo taken and you now realize how strong they are!

Then they get into position - you know they are looking at something over your shoulder - but are they about to spring into action? Somehow, everything looks good except the legs just don't look right!

I know I am a big dog, but maybe if I hide behind Jim he can protect me from those things aimed at me!

You think you have just about everything right - and something gets their attention that you don't see because you're looking through the camera lens...

Ok, maybe the bubbles idea is not going to work - but it was worth a try!

I'm tired - are you guys done yet?

When you're trying to get a litter of puppies to stay put - they were all tired and almost asleep before we moved them into the chest....go figure.

This rescue dog was so scared, I think he was figuring if I slide out of here on my belly.....maybe it will work.

but all he really wanted was...so people time with Jim.

This little girl wanted nothing but to sit right next to me - and I was told to kiss her - not sure if she liked that or not.

And sometimes we just enjoy our moments with the rescue dogs.

Just in case you're curious, they all came around and we got great photographs of each.

Each dog is unique.

Each dog has different experiences in previous home

Each dog might have preferences on female vs male (we have both on our team)

Their stories are unique, their past is unique and their future is hopefully brighter than it was before they joined the rescue world.

Thank you for the opportunity to meet each of you and have fun while we created beautiful photographs of you!

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit  Pet Love Photography, serving Greater Cincinnati, the San Francisco Bay Area, and destinations nationwide and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) adopt adoption background bloop blooper canine dog indoors inside Maxx and Me out take outtake pet photography rescue studio vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/12/pet-photography---out-takes Fri, 20 Dec 2019 09:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Monochrome - black and white https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/11/pet-photography---monochrome---black-and-white This week has been busy - we photographed 9 dogs on Monday for the rescue (Maxx and Me Pet Rescue - www.maxxandme.org).  What a wonderful group of dogs - all with different personalities.  Some outgoing and wanting to play, some timid and wondering what the whole photo session was about.  Then others that just wanted to snuggle - it was a fulfilling, tiring day.

Here's a few photographs turned to monochrome - black and white (turning them to some other color - blue, red, green, etc just didn't seem right).

First, it's Dippy - a little worried about the whole modeling job - but eventually rose to the occasion and gave us a few great photographs.

Next is Hershel - he is beautiful.  They say he is part border collie - he loves his treats.  He was the first of 9 we photographed - easy one - but some were much tougher!

Last, is Oreo - with his dark brown fur giving him patch work over the eyes, he is full of energy and ready to go.  This guy loved to play ball - so we used that as a way to get some energy out before we started with photographs - it worked!

After finishing the photographs of all these wonderful dogs - we realized the variety of things that we had to come up with in order to get what we wanted.  All they wanted was to play or have human attention - but they knew we wanted more.  Some we played with, some we snuggled with, others we made weird noises and some we pretended to bark.  Along the way, we also realized that sometimes it was just sitting down and hanging out until they were ready.  A wonderful day and hoping that each finds it's foster home or forever home so they can enjoy home life instead of just a boarding facility with lots of dogs to play with during day care (which they really seemed to like, so maybe that's not so bad after all).

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Terri J Photography, photographing pets and their people in Toronto and Ontario and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) black and white canine dog dog photography Maxx and Me Pet Rescue pet photography pet photography blog rescue studio vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/11/pet-photography---monochrome---black-and-white Fri, 01 Nov 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Paint it black https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/10/pet-photography This week's pet photography blog theme is "Paint it black" - and for me, this is a look inside what happens when we go to photograph a rescue dog.  As we started our setting up to photograph Trooper, his foster was busy taking photographs of us and was kind enough to share them with me so I can in turn share with you our experience.  Just in case you were curious - it seems that many of the people we meet and take photograph of their foster dogs really enjoy watching and being a part of the entire experience.

So, without further discussion, let's get a look at how this all happens for us.  First, let me introduce our model for this photograph session, Trooper.  Trooper came to us from the Pasco County Animal Shelter (hope I got this correct) after being hit by a car.  Unfortunately for Trooper, he took the majority of that hit in his face and more specifically his mouth area.  Lucky for Trooper, Maxx and Me Pet Rescue stepped in to help save his life (for more information on Maxx and Me visit their facebook page or maxxandme.org).  When we met Trooper we had all these great ideas as we stepped into his backyard and saw the possibilities - of course, it was up to Trooper, was he willing?

Most all the shoots start with a little bit of attention, loving, and letting the dog(s) greet us.  It's always better if they have a little time to get to know us before we start trying to work with them.  Trooper getting ready to give Jim some love!

Here we are setting up our gear.  Greg is setting up the softbox and lighting.  I'm getting my camera ready and Jim is getting our model ready (Trooper).

Depending on the dog and their personality, we may choose different lighting.  In this case, Trooper was being very good so we set up a softbox beauty dish on a light stand with the Flashpoint AD200.  This provided some nice lighting for Trooper since the background was much lighter than where Trooper was sitting.  That's Linda (me) holding the camera taking photos of Trooper.

Greg is shooting photographs of Trooper while Jim is holding a squeaky toy (little alligator) to get Trooper's attention.  I'm hidden behind the guys, but still there!

Just in case, we always look at the photos after we have done a good group to make sure that we are leaving the shoot with several good ones to help the rescue dog find their forever homes.  Here I am showing the foster mom one of the photographs - blow it up to make sure it is sharp on the face.

Hanging out with our model, everyone gets to take a short break!

And here's a few of the final photographs that are helping Trooper to find his forever home.  UPDATE: Trooper has a new family! He was adopted just over two weeks after we photographed him.

And with that, our photo session is wrapping up, one last photo with all of us for Trooper's foster mom.

Trooper, Linda (sitting with Trooper), Jim on the left, Greg on the right.  That's a wrap for this session - it was a pleasure meeting and working with Trooper and his foster mom - he was such a great dog and has been through a lot in his short life.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Elaine Tweedy of I Got the Shot Photography, capturing pets and their people in Northeastern PA and surrounding areas and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) AD200 behind the scenes bench canine dog dog photography dslr Florida nature outdoor pet pet photography pet photography blog portrait rescue sitting sneak peek softbox standing tree vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/10/pet-photography Fri, 18 Oct 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Into the Woods https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/10/pet-photography---into-the-woods This week's pet photography blog circle theme is "Into the Woods".  For us, that's a wonderful way to spend our time - we love it, the dogs love it and we have spent time up on the Suwannee River in the 'woods' for a couple of decades.  Here Abby is posing on the property just above where the cove is that leads down to the river (the cove is actually where the river floods when the water is high).  A rare luxury that she is allowed to run free without a leash - but she finally earned it and now is allowed providing she has a parental chaperone to keep a watchful eye and make sure she doesn't go running after some form of wildlife she just saw.  Everyone tells me that is the hound in dogs like her and to be careful, but she is definitely bonded and very good at listening now (course, we didn't see a deer or other wild animal so she didn't get tested).

We let the grass grow high, and Ollie almost disappeared in the high grass when they were running around and playing in it.  Here she took a short break to sun herself.

That's it for this week - two gals enjoying the woods at the river.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Pet Love Photography, serving Greater Cincinnati, the San Francisco Bay Area, and destinations nationwide and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography Florida grass nature outdoor pet pet photography pet photography blog rescue river sun Suwannee tree vpshoots water woods https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/10/pet-photography---into-the-woods Fri, 11 Oct 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme "Orange" https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/10/pet-photography---theme-orange This week's pet photography theme is "orange" - oranges (hey, it's Florida!), Gators (hey, it's Florida), or perhaps a pumpkin - it's fall.  Well, I decided on getting a pumpkin and I had this wonderful idea that maybe I could get little Ollie to stand behind the pumpkin, put her front legs on the pumpkin and stand up a little bit taller.  Dreaming...yep, I was dreaming (maybe tomorrow, but not today).  First asking Ollie to come out by herself without her sister must have made her think she was in trouble.  So, I took her out by the pumpkin (I bought a large one, that may have been my first mistake.

Ollie looked at the pumpkin and wanted to run and hide.  Not much for new things apparently.  Eventually she figured out it wasn't going to hurt her, but the pumpkin was to close to her size and well, she wasn't sure.  Maybe I should have taken her with me to the pumpkin patch?

Needless to say, I realized that I wasn't going to get the photo I had in mind and the deadline for turning in my photography blog was looming....so at this point, I figured I had to settle for a little less than what I was hoping for and perhaps try another day with Ollie (but that would probably be after the deadline).

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Pet Love Photography, serving Greater Cincinnati, the San Francisco Bay Area, and destinations nationwide and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog female fence grass laying mix mutt orange pumpkin rescue sitting small wood https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/10/pet-photography---theme-orange Fri, 04 Oct 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Season Change https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/9/pet-photography---season-change This week the theme is Season Change for our Pet Photography blog - and well, since I live in central Florida, the only change we are seeing is more activity in the tropics making us watch the weather more to ensure we don't need to go into storm watch mode.  Very rarely do we see a season change here - it's hot, hotter or nice - we don't hardly have freezes anymore - maybe its climate change, but I am mowing the lawn in December and I didn't as a child (and I live in the same 3 block area!).

Any way, I injured my hand over the weekend and haven't been able to do much photography.  Abby was kind enough to pose for this one shot that was my idea for 'season change' and it's all I managed to do before this little mishap.  Hopefully I'll be shooting again next week.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Darlene Woodward with Pant the Town Photography serving MA and NH and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Abby autumn canine color dog fall fall color indoors leaf leaves lighting Maxx and Me Pet Rescue Maxx and Me Rescue pet photography pet photography blog rescue studio vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/9/pet-photography---season-change Fri, 20 Sep 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/9/pet-photography---water This week the theme for our pet photography blog circle is "water" so I went back into the archives to find one of the photographs of Jimbo hanging out when we are busy taking photographs - Jimbo is probably among the best behaved dogs I've seen - and certainly the best behaved, gentle boy I've ever had.  As we remember the recent destruction of the Bahamas with Hurricane Dorian, I can't tell you how many times I hugged Jimbo and told him how happy I was that he was with us and not still in the Bahamas.  Jimbo is a 'potcake' which is a common name for the street dogs in the Bahamas - it is not a particular breed, but rather a name they were given because they were 'scraping' for whatever the people scraped from the bottom of the pans after cooking.  (That's what I believe I have been told anyway).  So in celebration of Jimbo, here's our sweet boy enjoying his vacation in North Carolina mountains a couple of years ago.

If I recall correctly, Jim was standing on a rock above Jimbo in the direction that he is currently looking.  He enjoyed walking about the various rocks as we were the only one there at the time and since he will stay when told - it's not an issue to have him standing close by.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Pet Love Photography, serving Greater Cincinnati, the San Francisco Bay Area, and destinations nationwide and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) boulder boulders canine dog flow North Carolina outdoor park pet pet photography river rock shallow stream vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/9/pet-photography---water Fri, 13 Sep 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Digital Photos....are you preserving them? https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/9/digital-photos-are-you-preserving-them This week I am writing a short blog to ask you a question - think about this - with all the digital photographs, how are you preserving them for future generations?  In the 'old days' we printed photographs.  Today, we have them as a digital form - whether that is social media, website, instagram, cloud, your hard drive - and I'm sure I have missed a few.  But, will they be around when you want to see them in 20 years?  or even 10 years?  This particular topic came up recently in a weekly photography meeting that I attend most weeks with fellow photographers.  

After thinking about the discussion that we had on how we are creating photographs and what we are doing with them, I decided that the suggestion I like the best is to start creating books that contain photographs that I want to keep - those that are family, vacations, etc - not so much about what is my best 'photography' work - but the ones that will mean something to me or someone else in the future.

What are you thinking?  How will you share your photographs?  Are you getting them printed? or are they simply stored on some electronic device somewhere with hopes that we will always have access to them?

In writing this blog post, I decided to do what everyone seems to do today - Ask Google.  What are some of the places to get the best photo books in 2019?  Among the entries that came back from that search are: Shutterfly, Snapfish, Amazon prints, Picaboo and Mixbook.  In looking at the details of the information in the reviews, this one little part caught my eye. "This way you’ll be 100% sure that your book won’t fade or get damaged due to bad ink or poor print quality."  And guess what, this company was writing about "Mixbook".  Mixbook was the last company listed for the photo books, but it is a well known website for designing photo books. Mixbook is one of the best but definitely not one of the cheapest. However, if you want excellent quality and vivid images, you could save some money and choose Mixbook.  Since I personally want to be sure that the images aren't going to fade due to poor print quality - I will be creating my second book with some of my images using Mixbook (hopefully the quality is the same as it was 2 years ago when I did a book to see how the quality was - I'll let you know what I think after I get my book created and printed!  In case you're curious, here's the link for Mixbook - https://www.mixbook.com  and it looks like they are having a sale, so I'll have to get moving on this if I want to catch this sale!

 

Linda

VPShoots Photography


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) book digital Mixbook photo photo book photos picaboo print self publish shutterfly snapfish https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/9/digital-photos-are-you-preserving-them Thu, 12 Sep 2019 00:28:28 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Soft https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/8/pet-photography---theme-soft This week's pet photography theme is "soft" - and our models this week are 'soft young girls' about 5 months of age - meet Opal and Odette - sisters looking for their forever home (preferably together if that's possible).  These two girls were a lot of fun to photograph and just loved playing in the blanket and hammock during our photo session.

Meet Opal taking a short break hanging in the hammock.

Meet Odette hanging out from the hammock (they were playing pretty hard and having a blast!).

Oh where you trying to get our attention?

After a good amount of playing and having fun, the girls posed on the soft blanket. I'm sure the next thing they did was curl up and take a nap after all that hard playing.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography fetching portraits in Coppell and surrounding communities in the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) adopt adoption blanket canine dog dog photography female hammock Maxx and Me outdoor pet photography pet photography blog pet rescue puppies puppy rescue siblings sisters vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/8/pet-photography---theme-soft Fri, 30 Aug 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Poe Springs Park, High Springs, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/8/poe-springs-park-highlands-florida Poe Springs Park is located in High Springs, Florida not to far from the well known Ginnie Springs on Highway 340 west of Gainesville.  The official address is 28800 NW 182nd Ave, High Springs, FL 32643. The park has an entrance fee of $5.00 (as of this writing, August 2019) and if the spring reaches a capacity of 100 people the park may close to limit the number of people in the spring.  The park is open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk - with the spring and boat ramp closing about 30 minutes before.

Have you heard of it? It is a beautiful county park, well maintained and a great way to spend several hours - whether you want to have a picnic, walk your dog, play on the playground, do a little walking or enjoy the beautiful spring.  On a Saturday morning we stopped in to check out this park and see what the spring located on the Santa Fe River offered.  We were pleasantly surprised - this is a beautiful spring and not to crowded at the time we visited.  

When we arrived, our little pack all leashed up and water with us, we headed from the parking lot to see what was nearby (picnic tables, restrooms, playground) and eventually we found this path.  Please note that dogs are allowed in the park, but must be kept out of the springs to preserve this natural Florida resource - please respect this so we can preserve it for future visitors.

The dogs are familiar with this, and off down the little pathway we went.  Eventually, we noticed more people and the walkway changed to boardwalk. There were many people carry their supplies along this well maintained boardwalk to the spring in a wagon - some with coolers on wheels. If you're taking any amount of things, definitely plan to have some method to carry it all as the walk to the spring does involve a bit of walking.

After a fair amount of walking (about 1000 feet on the boardwalk).  Dogs are not allowed in the spring area, so we stopped short of that and sat in a small area that allows a view of the spring. This is the area the families were carrying all their belongings to.

The spring is a good size and the water was clear - I could see a turtle swimming around in the water below.  This spring has a lot of shallow areas that make it ideal for small children.  You can see several people standing in the water and it's knee high on adults in some areas.  The spring is accessible from the Santa Fe River if you have a boat - the photograph below is facing to the west and just beyond the trees the Santa Fe River flows.  We did not swim in this spring, but there is an area that appears to be where the water flows out of the vent which is about 2' by 3' with a cave about 13 feet long (per another website).  Poe Springs pumps an average of 45 million gallons of cool, refreshing water daily.
 

They have a map that shows the many different springs located along the Santa Fe river - this map has the famous "You Are Here" that we have all become used to seeing - the map was a bit large for a single photograph ( if you want to be able to read it ), so here's a portion of the map. On the far left of the map is the Suwannee River which the Santa Fe River flows into.

If you're in the area, or perhaps Ginnie Springs is full, this might be a nice alternative - no scuba diving, just snorkeling and swimming.

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Alachua Alachua County canine children dog Florida High Springs nature outdoor park Poe Poe Springs Poe Springs Park river Santa Fe snorkel spring springs swim swimming water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/8/poe-springs-park-highlands-florida Sun, 18 Aug 2019 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme "Wood" https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/8/pet-photography---theme-wood This week's photography blog has us joining our pack at Poe Springs Park located in High Springs, Florida.  The dogs and I are all thinking, well that's Dad's nickname, 'Poe' that is - so we should check out this park.  First, I will say the park itself (entrance fee required) is very nice.  The dogs all enjoyed walking around, smelling mostly and taking care of business.  Then we found a trail and started walking on it to see where it lead (didn't see any maps to help us).

After a short asphalt walk, it switch over to a nice wooden boardwalk - we watched other people go down the path, most with wagons of swimming gear and food - so this must be the way to the spring.  It had been raining earlier in the morning, the boardwalk was wet and slippery - so caution was definitely necessary.  Here we all are with one human in tow behind us - Ollie, Rue, Abby and Jimbo.  All being good and staying on the path.  Leashes are required in the park.

The whole dog family hikingThe whole dog family hikingHiking in north Florida with our 4 dogs

Dogs are not allowed in the spring area to help protect this natural resource and keep the water clean.  There is a nice little area that we can sit and watch people swimming in the spring without being to close.  All the dogs are on leashes (removed in photoshop).  Jimbo has become camera shy and declined to have a photo taken.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit https://www.terrijphotography.com/toronto-dog-pet-photographer-blog/tips-for-photographing-small-dogs?fbclid=IwAR1SBSEMyvCaVyf3btnq0Irc1mV7tQwPr1j6vqPADLXKI7IcH_NtXetExSE and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) boardwalk canine deck dog dog photography Florida leash nature outdoor pack park pet photography pet photography blog river spring tree vpshoots water wood https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/8/pet-photography---theme-wood Fri, 16 Aug 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Fill the Frame (with dog!) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/7/pet-photography---fill-the-frame-with-dog This week's theme is 'Fill the Frame' for our pet photography blog circle.  We met Axle this week - he is a rescue that is looking for a new home - and the only issue I saw Axle has is he is a big fella!  This big fella looks a lot like a brown labradoodle - probably weighing in around 100-120 pounds - but it's all fur and love!  He was very happy to see us and was happy to have attention - and did very well with instruction when it came time to model for his photographs.  I am thinking that Axle is probably the biggest dog I have photographed thus far, but he is perfect for 'filling the frame'.  Often when I do my pet photography, I like to fill the frame with the pet - no  other distractions, just look at your beautiful pet.

Meet Axle - available for adoption with Maxx and Me Pet Rescue in Tampa Bay, Florida - he is currently looking for a foster and/or a forever home.

Sitting tall with those beautiful light brown eyes.

Laying down was a challenge for Axle - he would lay down and then almost immediately roll over.  This time we were able to get him to lay down and look over his shoulder.

And in case you wanted to see his entire body he did a great job of sitting for us.  It's hot here in Florida and Axle was hanging his tongue out for more of our photo session. 

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Floppy Ears Photography is the home of cheeky and cheerful Sydney pet photography by Lyndall Hord and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Axle brown canine dog dog photography Florida labradoodle large male Maxx and Me Maxx and Me Pet Rescue outdoor pet pet photography pet photography blog portrait rescue studio Tampa vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/7/pet-photography---fill-the-frame-with-dog Fri, 19 Jul 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Doors https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/6/pet-photography---doors This week's Pet Photography theme is "Doors" and I took a little different approach than I originally planned.  While visiting a friend that is currently fostering a dog, one of her dogs came out and is shy around new people.  She almost immediately ran out the doggie door - hence these photographs are Valerie looking at us from outside the doggie door.  The frame of the doggie door is showing in this photograph as Valerie stands outside wondering exactly what that is aimed at her (the camera scared her almost as much as people she didn't know in her house).

Eventually Valerie got a little closer to the doggie door (and came in after I put the camera down).

So this is Valerie - a rescue that was adopted by her foster parents - she is now a Maxx and Me Pet Rescue alumni. (www.maxxandme.org) . A little more cropping and we have a wonderful portrait of Valerie that was taken through the doggie door of her home.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Floppy Ears Photography by Lyndall Hord is the home of cheeky and cheerful pet photography in Sydney and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) adopted brown canine dog dog photography doggie door door female outdoor pet photography pet photography blog pit pit bull rescue vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/6/pet-photography---doors Fri, 28 Jun 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Blue sky https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/6/pet-photography---blue-sky This week's pet photography theme is "Blue Sky" and it comes when we here in central Florida have had a ton of rain.  No kidding, we have had enough rain to fill a 5 gallon bucket in about 10 days - that's probably about 15 inches of rain - and no idea when it's going to rain - not like the normal late afternoon rains we usually have.  Of course that came on the end of a month long dry spell - so we needed it.  But, with rain, there is no blue sky.  It's either gray, overcast, stormy or anything you can imagine but blue sky!

Since it rained most of the night, we managed to get some sunny skies that gave us a little blue sky mixed with clouds.  A lot of places are under water, or at least mud which don't make for good photographs particularly if you want a mud free dog.  I took Ollie and Rue to the playground in the middle of the day when the children are not out playing and got a few photographs of them with blue skies.

Rue decided that she would join Ollie - so we got a little sister photograph here of the 'twins' as all the people seeing us walk together have started calling them (we call them the 'puppies' because they are smaller than our big dogs even thought they are fast closing in on their 2nd birthday).

Ollie laying on top of a picnic table while I got low to the ground to include blue skies behind her.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography fetching portraits in Coppell and surrounding communities in the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) blue skies canine cloudy skies dog dog photography Florida low angle outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog playground rescue tree vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/6/pet-photography---blue-sky Fri, 21 Jun 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Operation War Dog at Advantage Pet Center, Largo, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/6/operation-war-dog-at-advantage-pet-center-largo-florida On Saturday, Jim and I had the pleasure of photographing this event at a local pet center, Advantage Pet Center.  We met MWD Damon - he is a retired German Shepherd who served several tours before retiring after being injured (he was not injured in the line of duty).  Damon was born on 15 August 2009 and began active duty on 10 August 2011.  His specialty while serving is Detection.  Oh, in case you're wondering, Damon was in the Air Force.  He has been retired for a couple of years and now lives with his human, "Dog".

Damon received a number of medals during his service, but only wore one to this event because it would have been to hot and heavy to wear all of them.  He saved many human lives by sniffing out explosives during his service.

Damon loves his ball, he found it at the event in the play yard and was very protective keeping it close by.

Another member of the K9 Heroes is this young lady poodle.  She visited and represented the K9 Heroes.

 

Thank you for serving our country Damon - we appreciate it!

Thank you Dog for adopting Damon after he completed his years of service.

Thank you Barbara and your supporters at the event for supporting the war dogs through K9 Rescue.

If you're interested in more information about these organizations please take a few minutes to look at these links.

 

http://www.uswardogs.org/ <-- US War Dog Association

http://www.k9wardogadvocates.com/ <-- K-9 War Dog Advocates - Bring them home too!

or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/k9wardogadvocates/
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) advantage Advantage Pet Center Air Force canine Damon dog event german german shephard K9 K9 War Dog Advocates operation Operation War Dog pet retire retired shepherd war https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/6/operation-war-dog-at-advantage-pet-center-largo-florida Sun, 02 Jun 2019 23:30:08 GMT
Pet Photography with the color Yellow https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/5/pet-photography-with-the-color-yellow Wow, we have been busy doing a lot of dog photography lately as we head into the 'dog days of summer' when a lot of outdoors in hot and we watch the temperatures for our furry friends to make sure they don't overheat.   This week, I had Rue snuggle with my yellow hoodie sweatshirt and she actually stayed put!  That's an accomplishment for Rue - she is the one that always says "Nope, not staying!".

We started out with a simple, let's snuggle in the color yellow....it's the middle of a hot Florida afternoon, all the dogs are into snoozing inside in the air conditioning.  Rue appears to be wondering what I am doing and why she is snuggled with my hoodie.

Rolling over, she is getting sleepy in the middle of my photo shoot....

Well, she's asleep - I guess the middle of the afternoon is NOT the time to ask my dogs to do anything other than snooze.

Dog framed in yellow sweatshirtDog framed in yellow sweatshirtDog sleeping wrapped and framed in yellow sweatshirt

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Pawparazzi Pet and Animal Photography presented by Shae Pepper Photography and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography jacket medium pet photography Pet Photography blog rescue Rue sleep sleepy snuggle tired vpshoots yellow young https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/5/pet-photography-with-the-color-yellow Fri, 31 May 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Photographer's Choice https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/5/pet-photography---photographers-choice This past week we hosted our first fundraiser for Maxx and Me Pet Rescue (https://www.maxxandme.org) at Advantage Pet Center in Largo, Florida (http://advantagepetcenter.com) and it was a wonderful experience meeting so many dogs - all different - and all fun bundles of fur to photograph. 

Today, we photographed another group of dogs for Maxx and Me Pet Rescue - and we met some wonderful dogs.  This sweet little girl is a medium size dog, very friendly and very interested in food - I told her we like to work with one simple rule.  In exchange for a little modelling, we will give you some yummy food (and if you don't like that, we can give you a bunch of attention!).

As you can tell from her photographs, she was very willing to do a little modeling for us.  Over the years of photographing dogs, I have learned several different sounds that often times will give the 'head tilt' that so many people find cute.

Most of the time when I make the 'weird noises' it's just the dog and us photographers - there aren't foster parents, teachers, and others watching - but this time I had a few watching us work with the dogs.  One person actually asked what class taught all the noises to attract the dogs - that's the point when you realize that you're really working with the dog and not really paying attention to those around you!

If you're interested in adopting Coco, contact Maxx and Me Pet Rescue at maxxandme.org - you never know if a share on facebook or on some other social media might just be the ticket for a dog getting their forever home.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) brown canine Coco cute dog dog photography female head tilt indoor medium pet photography rescue school vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/5/pet-photography---photographers-choice Fri, 10 May 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Dogs with People - behind the scenes of a photo shoot https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/5/pet-photography---dogs-with-people---behind-the-scenes-of-a-photo-shoot This week's theme for Pet Photography is "Dogs with People".  In my blog this week, I took a different approach than many people might take - I am showing photographs that show how a person (in this case, my other half) handles the dog while I am doing the photographs.  I'll admit that he is much better at handling our dogs for photos than I am - so it works better this way - they just listen to him better (or maybe they just know they can't get away with as much).  Either way, here's some photographs that show you the before (with a person) and the after (without the person).

Initially out of the camera, Abby is standing on the bottom of a slide with leash and Jim hanging onto her.  We pull the leash up and away from the body to make it easier to remove the leash.  Often times I also take a photograph of the scene without anything in it to make an easier removal job of objects not wanted in the final photograph.

Without a person.

The final photograph cropped in and final adjustments have been made.

Now Abby is the best when it comes to doing various things for photographs - it's like she knew that was going to be her role in our dog family.  We have several other dogs as well - Ollie is the next best model.  Rue is definitely the one that just doesn't want to do it - it shows in her 'dog with person' photographs.

It's a rainy week day up on the Suwannee River - no one is around.  Let's see if we can get Rue to do a "Sit - Stay" command (Rue has a mind of her own and doesn't want to work for the treats).  Jim is simply bending over Rue and Rue is sitting there like she has been disciplined.

Jim steps away just outside the frame.  Well, she still doesn't look relaxed, but at least we got something!

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Darlene Woodward with Pant the Town Photography serving MA and NH and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog playground rescue sand slide vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/5/pet-photography---dogs-with-people---behind-the-scenes-of-a-photo-shoot Fri, 03 May 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Play Time https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/4/pet-photography---happy-time This week the theme is "play time" and with that said, these types of photographs are typically snapshots when I take them.  They are the times that perhaps you want to remember, but they aren't the posed portrait type photographs.  I believe that for our dogs, happy time is anytime that they are with us - it doesn't matter if they are laying at my feet on the floor while I am on the computer, snuggled up with us in the bed or out playing - just being with us makes them happy.  Having said that, there are a few other times I know they are happy!  Play time is when they are free to run around and do what they want.

Jimbo is my senior dog and as a former Bahamas street dog trying to survive, he didn't learn a lot of 'play' skills.  He still will run some with other dogs, but now just prefers to hang with the humans.  Jimbo when he was a bit younger and still loved running with other dogs.

Jimbo playing at the dog parkJimbo playing at the dog parkJimbo running and playing at the dog park

A game of chase is always fun.

When Abby was younger, she played well with other dogs - now, as she matured she mostly plays with her pack at home.  Loved the pool at the dog park, but can't get her to play in one at home!

If you tell Abby it's time to go before she is ready.....

Abby loves running (with her 'cousin' Korra).

Most recently, I think they all find 'play time' when we go up to the Suwannee river property and they can run free on the acre of property.  Jimbo has had that privilege for a number of years having shown that he is a responsible senior dog.  Abby, Ollie and Rue just got this privilege earlier this year after having shown they will stay close and return immediately when called.  What does this amount to? Play time without leashes, fences, etc.

So there you have it, happy time with the 'Perdue-Vargas' clan of dogs!

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Darlene Woodward with Pant the Town Photography serving MA and NH and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) boat canine car dog dog photography drive explore Florida happy nature outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog play play time rescue ride river vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/4/pet-photography---happy-time Fri, 26 Apr 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Sugar Sand Festival - Clearwater Beach (Pier 60) 2019 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/4/sugar-sand-festival---clearwater-beach-pier-60-2019 The Sugar Sand Festival is currently happening at Clearwater Beach!  The sculptures created by a talented team of artists are quite amazing - the event ends on April 28th - so you still have time to go - but beware that the traffic getting to Clearwater beach will make for a slow ride and a search for parking.  The sculptures themselves are under a tent (protected from wind, rain, and sun).  It's bright out there - sunglasses will make the trek on the beach more enjoyable for sure (I forgot mine) - once under the tent, no issues.

Clearwater Beach has soft, sugary and white sand, hence the name "Sugar Sand" - the festival is officially called the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival.  The sand is made primarily of quartz crystal and contains minimal shells and/or coral which gives the sugary feel to the sand.  The sand sculptors are varied - some coming from Clearwater/Tampa while others come from Russia and Belguim.  The sign at the event indicates 17 artists created these sculptures (minus those on 'college wall').

As you enter the covered tent, you begin to see sculptures that are larger than you!  The amazing detail, the hours put into their creation, its a bit overwhelming.

A portion of the Australia sculpture.
 

Closeup of the penguins in the Antarctica sculpture.

A huge alligator! The head alone is probably 2-3 feet long.

 

Tribute to Notre Dame.

Near the end of all the sculpture, this sculpture artist (looks like the one that lives in Clearwater, Florida) is quietly working with the sand.  Tools include brushes, dry wall tools, dental tools - things for the large details as well as the small details.

That's it for this blog post. For more photos, click this link to view the gallery. Sand Festival Photo Gallery

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 2019 60 art artist beach Clearwater Clearwater beach festival Florida pier Pier 60 Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival sand sand festival sculpture sugar sand Sugar Sand Festival tent https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/4/sugar-sand-festival---clearwater-beach-pier-60-2019 Sun, 21 Apr 2019 13:25:37 GMT
Paying the model - Snack time in Pet Photography https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/4/paying-the-model---using-snacks-in-pet-photography This week's theme is 'snack time' which can be rather fun at my household of four dogs.  I've taught them all they must sit - but they all know the door those snacks are hiding behind.  Sometimes Jimbo will go to the cabinet door and look at you, other times you sit in the chair closest to the snack cabinet and he tries to get you to give him a snack - and heaven forbid you use the words "Do you want a snack?" and they all four come running!  Abby is the best, sits right away, the girls will sit as long as it takes to get a snack and they are off running with their stack - Jimbo waits for his, gently takes it and goes to his spot - Abby has inhaled hers and is trying to see if she can get seconds!  Without photos, that's what the snack time routine is at our house - but what about a dog photo session?

I almost always carry some snacks (dog snacks) with me when photographing dogs.  One time I actually forgot them and stopped on the way to the shoot to buy some.  I used to keep them in my camera backpack all the time, that way either my dog (Jimbo) or the dog being photographed would have snacks when out shooting.  Then along came Abby with her hound nose and that habit had to stop for fear of having my camera backpack chewed up while she happily got the dog snacks.

While some dogs are not food motivated, I have found that they like rewards for their part of the hard work.  My little Ollie started modeling at the age of about 10 weeks and now she is so good at it that when I set up the studio, she is waiting to jump in and be the perfect model (Abby is willing, but you gotta ask - with snacks of course!).

I met Landon this past week - he is a beautiful dog, but has a lot of energy, loves to jump 4' fences and in general is a great dog but he keeps trying to get a senior dog involved in activities, and well - it's not going that good, so he is looking for a new home.  Landon was very happy to be at a new park with lots of smells - at first, he was all ready to walk that trail, check out the park, but not much interest in having photos taken.  One glance at the camera and Landon backed away - not sure what to think of this whole thing.  Out come the snacks. Landon was won over by putting a snack on the lens hood of my camera.  He at least thought that the camera was ok, while still leary, after getting a couple of snacks off it.

Now for a head tilt, it required a noise, snacks didn't work - yep, those really goofy noises we learn to make to attract dogs.

Now, after I get the head tilt photo, I give the snack. And the next photo he almost looks like he is about to say something and got stopped? Or maybe he just didn't expect what was happening and it caught him off guard.

It didn't take long before Landon's desire to check out his surroundings over powered any snacks or noises I could make and we called it a wrap on this photo shoot - but he was a great boy and loved the little jerky snacks while posing.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography fetching portraits in Coppell and surrounding communities in the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine cookie dog dog photography fern ferns Florida leaf leaves nature oak oaks outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog portrait rescue river snack Tampa trail treat tree vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/4/paying-the-model---using-snacks-in-pet-photography Fri, 19 Apr 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Bluebirds at the community garden https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/4/bluebirds-at-the-community-garden Bluebirds are a common site in our neighborhood now - I don't recall seeing them a decade ago, but in the last few years they are everywhere - you just have to take the time to look.  Our community garden seems to be a favorite for them - perhaps the vegetables help to provide a source of critters they like to eat.  I had a couple of baby bluebirds in my bird house and the parents were busy feeding them on a 10-15 minute schedule - perfect time to set up the camera and hang out waiting for them to return with the goods for the little ones.

It was interesting that the female bird (not as bright blue as the male) would come in from the east side, kept an eye on me, then flew into the birdhouse.  While the male (brighter blue) would come in from the west side, more leary of me than she was, and flew into the birdhouse.  Perhaps they had different areas they went to find food, but for the time period I watched (about 2 hours), they were pretty consistent.  It was interesting to see what kinds of animals they brought back - each time appeared to be something different - the female brought back a spider the first time.

Flying into the bird house purchased at Wild birds unlimited on Dale Mabry in Carrollwood (suburb of Tampa, Florida).

The male came in next landing on top of the bird house and eyeing me to see if that camera was a issue or not.  Looks like he brought back a cricket.

In the house we go to drop off the food for the hungry little ones (there were two in the house).

Time to go back out again and find another insect.

Missed the female coming back (got distracted) so I caught the male coming back again.  He again landed on top of the bird house, this time with a caterpillar of some type.  Circled around to the front of the house.

A quick stop to look at where the noise was coming from (the camera shutter).  

And then into the house to feed the little ones.  This goes on for hours when the young are just about to leave the nest.  I was there watching for the better part of two hours.  These little birds have now left the nest and I'll have to wait for this cycle to start again.  Usually they build about 2 to 3 nests each season and this is the first one this year - so I'll see when they return to start it over again - in the mean time I'll clean it up nicely so they can start again with a new nest as that's what I hear they prefer (no used nests for these birds).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) bird bird house birdhouse blue blue bird bluebird caterpillar cricket female garden house male park spider Wild Birds Unlimited https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/4/bluebirds-at-the-community-garden Mon, 15 Apr 2019 13:05:19 GMT
Pet Photography - Removing the Leash https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/4/pet-photography---removing-the-leash This week's pet photography theme is about removing the leash from the final photograph.  As a good portion of my dog photography is with rescue dogs, often they are on leashes - either to keep them from running away or to help keep them in a specific area for purposes of photographing.  I always try to have an assistant when the dogs are leashed as it helps to have the leash held such that it does not cross the dog's body.  My preference is to have the leash held above the head away from the body, not tight such that it pulls on the collar - and if possible, no harness (more to remove and sometimes left on the dog in the final photograph).

These two handsome dogs were fostered by a friend of ours and eventually became part of their household.  Finding someone to adopt a 'bonded pair' is not an easy task and in this case, Nic and Cord were bonded.

Here's the original photograph with leashes.  The dog on the left has his leash pretty tight, pulling the little metal ring straight out.  Notice that the leashes are away from the dog's body and does not cross the body or legs/feet.

Here's the final photograph. Notice that the leash and the metal ring were removed from the photo.

Here's another example. First, the photograph as it was taken.

The final photograph.

In order to make these post processing changes, I use Adobe Photoshop.  Within Photoshop, I use the 'content aware' to remove a good portion of the leash and then some of the clone stamp to remove the remainder portions that are close to the dog.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) adobe Adobe Photoshop after before canine content aware dog Florida leash outdoor park pet photography photoshop remove vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/4/pet-photography---removing-the-leash Fri, 12 Apr 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Bridge https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/4/pet-photography---theme-bridge This week's post is a little late - we have been away in rural Florida where internet isn't very 'available'.  Go figure - yes, there are places you can go and except for your phone, you don't have internet and even then - well, it's sketchy as to whether or not you will have cell phone service.  Sometimes that's just what you need - get away!  Needless to say, I was able to take the photographs for this post, but I wasn't able to write the blog and share them with anyone - so, I'm late and didn't make the 'blog circle' this week.

We visited Ivey Memorial Park in Brandford, Florida on a rainy, overcast day - but we were all itching to get out and do something - so off we went.  This bridge in the background is Highway 27 going over the Suwannee River in Branford, Florida.

The entire 'pack' was with us travelling and each took a turn.  First up was Abby.  Abby is definitely pretty good at the whole modelling thing of sitting where you want and paying attention - but of course, there is a little snack (treat/cookie) that I am holding just above the camera lens.  It always helps to 'pay' your models!

Next up was Rue.  This isn't my favorite photograph of her - but I have to say that she is difficult!  I have more photos of her trying to sneak away, walk away, crawl away (thankfully not run away) but not any that really do this little girl who is always of the mindset "I am going to do what I want to do".  As a result, we will be working a lot more on the "Sit - Stay" commands as that's something she definitely fails at.  Nipped her paw off, but it's the best I was able to get of her.

Our easiest model is Ollie - some how, she just gets it.  If you ask her to 'stand here' it's like "Ok, right here?".  Of these three dogs, I had to clone out the leash on Abby and Rue.  Ollie, well, she is good and there was no leash on her (we also had this park to ourselves on this rainy week day).

Our senior dog, Jimbo, was there as well but he wasn't about to go out on the rock.  He did however take a minute to look at the camera for me - here's a headshot of Jimbo.  He doesn't seem to like his photo taken anymore - so I couldn't get him to perk up his ears but at least I can remember that he sat there patiently waiting while we got photos of the rest of the gang.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Lynda Mowat from Heartstrings Photography, based in Hamilton New Zealand and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Brandford bridge canine dog face Florida Ivey Memorial Park outdoor outdoors park pet pet photography portrait river rural sit Suwannee vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/4/pet-photography---theme-bridge Fri, 05 Apr 2019 15:56:58 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Portraits https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/3/pet-photography---theme-portraits This week's theme for Pet Photography is 'portraits'.  If I google the 'official' definition of the word portrait, this is what it says: "a painting, drawing, photograph, or engraving of a person, especially one depicting only the face or head and shoulders".  A portrait is defined as essentially being the head and shoulders.  A head portrait for a dog will usually include to just below the collar or maybe a little more/less depending on your individual preference.

For the 'techies' out there here's a little information on the studio setup used for this portrait.  The background is a fluffy white blanket hanging from a couple of background stands.  The lighting on my left (the dog's right) is provided by an AD200 strobe inside of a 34" beauty dish (both purchased at Adorama).  I also have a gold/silver reflector on my right (the dog's left) to fill in some of the shadows by bouncing some of the light back into the dog.

Same lighting as above, just allowing the left side of Ollie's face to be more in shadow.

In my household, when Ollie decides she will do the modeling job, Rue (her sister) always gets jealous.  Rue is a hard one to get good photographs of - she was like that the day I met her at about 10 weeks old and she is just a few months shy of 2 years old now - same little girl with a mind of her own.  Rue did finally listen and 'stay' allowing this photograph to be captured.  This isn't true to the definition of a 'portrait'.

However, cropping this photograph to be 'just a head portrait' doesn't look as good (to me) because her hind legs are still partially in the photograph. Perhaps you have some thoughts?

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Terri J Photography, Creating images that capture the unique spirit and personality of your pets and the people that love them, serving Toronto and Southeast Florida and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography Maxx Maxx and Me Maxx and Me Pet Rescue mutt pet pet photography pet photography blog pets portrait portraits rescue studio terrier vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/3/pet-photography---theme-portraits Fri, 22 Mar 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme 'Green' https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/3/pet-photography---theme-green As we approach St. Patrick's Day, this week's Pet Photography theme is "Green".  This weekend they will do the annual 'river of green' in downtown Tampa - it's a sight to see for sure (but will occur to late for this blog post).  We have a nearby park that is a sea of green ferns growing wild.  It was the perfect opportunity to let Abby pose and show off her many different 'dog faces'.

Here's a few photographs from this shoot - I've since learned that Abby has a lot of different faces to share, just look at her ears and you'll see a wonder of expressions of which a few are captured here.

 

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography fetching portraits in Coppell and surrounding communities in the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Abby black and white canine dog dog photography expression fern ferns Florida hound outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog rescue vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/3/pet-photography---theme-green Fri, 15 Mar 2019 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Depth of Field - to blur or not to blur the background https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/3/pet-photography---depth-of-field---to-blur-or-not-to-blur-the-background This week's Pet Photography theme is "Depth of Field".  That's a photography term, not necessarily a term that everyone is familiar with.  You know that wonderful soft blur of color that is behind your subject? That's created by choosing the correct 'depth of field'.  Wikipedia defines 'depth of field' as "the distance between the nearest and the furthest objects that are in acceptably sharp focus in an image".

The depth of field is determined several different factors - the focal length, the distance to your subject, and aperture (f-stop).  Let's take a quick look at each of these.  The focal length is determined by the lens on your camera.  The wider the angle (say 12mm) the more depth of field - in the case of 12mm, just about everything will be in focus regardless of your aperture.  The more telephoto the angle (say 200mm) the less depth of field - in the case of 200mm, a small percentage of everything in your viewfinder (or lcd) will be in focus regardless of your aperture. 

ISO 200, 56mm, f/5.6, 1/160s - Fergie with Maxx and Me Pet Rescue

The distance to your subject - the closer you are to your subject, the more blur will occur outside of your focal point.  This is why often it is hard to get the entire flower in focus if you are filling the frame with the flower.  The same holds true if you are filling the frame with your pet's face - you'll have to decide - do I focus on the eye? or the nose? because they won't both be in focus. 

ISO 200, 32mm, f/5.6, 1/160s  - really close! shooting down on a fairly large dog and I'm only 5'5" - Fergie with Maxx and Me Pet Rescue


The last part of this triangle is the aperture (f-stop).  If the background behind your subject is a soft blur, then a shallow (wide open) depth of field was used by the photographer.  If everything is in focus - subject and background - that's usually an indication of a large (stop down) depth of field.  Now, this particular concept often throws new photographers into a confused state.  If I use a depth of field of 2.8, that's a wide open (shallow) depth of field - right?  And if I use a depth of field of 8, that's 'average' and a depth of field of 22, that's called 'stopping down' for a large depth of field - right?  That seems backwards....2.8 is wide open? but 22 is stopped down?

Dog bows headDog bows headQuiet moment while Snow bows her head ISO 100, 36mm f/16, 1/160s - Snow with Maxx and Me Pet Rescue - wide angle on focal length and small depth of field (f/16)

I always like to think of the numbers related to depth of field as a piece of pie (or a fraction).  If I have 1/8 of the pie, then I have more of the pie than if I get 1/22 of the pie right?  So, if the aperture is set to 8, then more light is coming into the camera lens than if the aperture is set to 22.  But, enough of the technical stuff - you can read about this all over the internet and there are many great articles out there that explain this.  In fact, you might have others in this Pet Photography blog circle that will give great information on what depth of field is all about.  What does it really mean when you take a photograph? It all comes down to - what's in focus or not in your photograph.  Historically, the cameras on phones have not been able to do this (or not well), but I see that they are making strides in this area - so soon.....

Let's say you're ready to take some photographs of your dog - some decisions need to be considered as you approach this.  How much of the dog do I want in focus? How sharp (or blurred) do I want the background?  And the last decision is probably how close will you be to your dog?

This week I met several dogs looking for their forever homes.  Chip was the first of four dogs we photographed.

Chip is a high energy, possibly Australian shepherd mix who was absolutely a joy to spend time photographing.   This photograph was taken at f/8, 62mm - with Chip about 10-12 feet from the fence behind him and I am standing a few feet from Chip.  See that wonderful blur behind Chip? That's all about depth of field.

In the next photograph, Chip is much closer to the fence, I am further away from Chip to get his entire body. This photograph taken at f/10, 70mm does not have the same soft blur because the aperture is in the 'average' range (f/8-f/14) and Chip is sitting closer to the fence (4-5 feet) - less distance between dog and fence coupled with an average aperture gives us more details behind the dog.

When taking action photographs, I find it is best to have at least an average depth of field because this helps to ensure that if you are slightly off on the focus spot, hopefully I'll still have a sharp dog.  Also, action photos of animals require a faster shutter speed and often I don't get to close but rather crop in on the final photograph to give more depth of field by not being close to the subject.  This photo was taken at 70mm, f/7.1, 1/2000s and was cropped.

Our second dog, is Perdita - a short legged momma dog who was a little shy during her photography session. Perdita didn't know what to make of all these people in the play yard with her (4 people, 3 new ones with cameras!).  This shy lady gave us some wonderful expressions, but many were all about "Who are these people?" and what exactly is going on.  Her portrait shows a wonderful blur of grass in the background (no blades are sharp, just a sea of blurry green).  Getting in close using your feet,  the camera lens set at 52mm, f/10 (average aperture, but getting close to the subject is another way to create a blurry background).  

This photograph is at f/14 - showing a lot more detail in the grass surrounding Perdita as she poses for her photo.

Our third dog is Prince - Prince is a purebreed Pit Bull - and we won him over with snacks (treats/cookies).  Once Prince knew all the new people had goodies, it was all about - what do you want me to do?  I often see people shoot down on dogs like this image - while not my favorite pose, it's often done since that is how people 'see' their dogs. 56mm, f/5.6, 1/250s - this is a slightly shallower depth of field than some of the other photographs - you can see that Prince's head (eyes) are in focus, yet his nose and body are softer and the ground around him is a gentle blur of grass and leaves.  Since I am pointing the camera down at Prince, the camera to subject distance is pretty close (a couple of feet at best) causing less of the overall subject to be in focus.  Poor Prince was dropped off for boarding and his family never came back for him - that was 2 years ago - he has been looking for a new home for a long time.  In the meantime, the wonderful people at Advantage Pet Center in Largo, Florida have given him a home at their facility - hopefully soon, Prince will find that perfect person to bring him home!

Our last dog, Cindy, is a muscular, playful bull dog mix - all white with pink ears - she was full of energy to share with us.  This photograph shows Cindy running along the steps with beautiful blurred grass behind her created by a combination of focal length and average aperture.  82mm (short telephoto), f/6.7 and to stop the action, 1/1500s shutter speed.  Cindy is available from Advantage Pet Center in Largo, Florida.  Hopefully this beautiful girl will find a home soon!

That's it for this week's depth of field blog - keep in mind these basics when photographing your dog (cat, or pet).

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Colleen of Simply Col Photography - for the love of photography and pound pups and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) abandoned action Action Pet Action Pet Photography Advantage Advantage Pet Center aperture blur canine depth of field distance to subject distance to your subject dog dog day care doggie day care Florida focal length f-stop homeless Largo Maxx and Me Maxx and Me Pet Rescue outdoor pet action Pet Center pet photography pet photography blog Pet Rescue play playing portrait rescue running vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/3/pet-photography---depth-of-field---to-blur-or-not-to-blur-the-background Fri, 08 Mar 2019 09:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - No Place Like Home https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/3/pet-photography---home This week's Pet Photography is "No Place Like Home".  Now, I personally believe it was Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz who made this phrase so famous for me - what do you think?

I'm going to share a few 'snapshots' this week in our pet blog because that's typically what shows what home is all about.  It's been a crazy week for us - a lot of things going on in our little world here...computer issues, losing friends, dogs having a few little disagreements, and who knows what the two days of solid rain will bring.  Our household consists of 4 dogs and 2 cats.  One cat is primarily outdoors, so he is hanging out on the patio because he doesn't want to come in and it's raining (but not cold or thunderstorms).  Thunderstorms - inside in a flash!

I have noticed that when we return from a vacation, our dog Jimbo, is the last thing out of the truck or car.  He doesn't want to be home.  Why is that?  I'm not totally sure, but I am beginning to think that when we are on vacation he is with us just about 24x7 and when we return home, well - that's not usually the case.  So perhaps being home for Jimbo isn't all it's cracked up to be?

Now, Jimbo does love being home - he just likes going places a lot too and there isn't anything like going somewhere with his people.  He doesn't care that any of the other dogs go with - in fact, he would just prefer they stayed home (we have had Jimbo the longest as an 'only child').

Our pets do their fair share of sleeping - and that can be another challenge in our house.  Jimbo only likes the bed if he has it to himself.  However, the others, well, they will do what it takes to all get on the bed at the same time. Looks like we only have half of this full bed....let's line up and see if we can all fit (just before I went to get the camera, they were all snoozing).

Sometimes they have to share with the indoor cat, Torie because she got there first. In this snapshot, I can't say that either of them look particularly happy - but Rue (dog) is one for taking what she wants in hopes that you get annoyed enough to move first.

When the puppies were younger (just a year ago), the older dogs - Abby is 1 year older - had to sometimes teach them a few things about household rules.

And Jimbo had to share the bed (sometimes when they were playing).

And sometimes being home is just about waiting at the front door for Dad to come home.

Dog looking out the windowDog looking out the windowWhen are they coming home?

Lot of our furniture now has blankets (easy to wash), but the dogs love blankets so they don't care - maybe they prefer it?  So there you have it - a peek into our home shared with lots of furry children. 

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Angela Schneider of Noses & Toes Pet Photography in Spokane, WA, and North Idaho puts your pet in focus for your family portraits and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) bed blanket canine car cat dog dog photography feline home house indoor pet pet photography pet photography blog puppy rescue sofa vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/3/pet-photography---home Fri, 01 Mar 2019 09:00:00 GMT
Caboose transformation https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/2/caboose-transformation While wondering around in rural towns near the Suwannee River, I came across this old caboose in Fort White.  It was outside of a train museum sitting on old railroad tracks.  Course, it looks a bit out of place with a gas station behind it, electrical wires running across the sky and all the other modern conveniences.  Here's my original photograph.

After removing a good portion of the modern things, transforming the photograph into an old time caboose photo - here's the final version.

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(VP Shoots Photography) antique caboose cleanup Florida Fort White Ft. White museum old time photoshop railroad rural track train https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/2/caboose-transformation Sun, 24 Feb 2019 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Road Warrior https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/2/pet-photography---road-warrior This week's theme, Road Warrior, features Abby who loves to hit the road (actually, all the dogs do).  I'm blessed that all of our dogs (including our beloved Dolly who is no longer with us) LOVE to go places in the car.  We don't have issues with car sickness, barking, winning or other potential common dog car travelling issues.  They are all just wonderful road warriors.  Abby's preference has always been to sit in the front seat and she will look at you like "Why not?".  I tell her, no - you just set off the alarm for the seat belt not being fastened (she doesn't understand).  Abby is the most attentive of the various things flying by in the car windows - it takes her the longest to figure out, this is a road trip - it's going to be a while, you might want to get comfortable.

A short road trip has us packing the dogs in like people do with a bunch of kids!  I now have a better understanding of what it is like to have a large family with lots of little ones for sure.  The big dogs are always in the back -- so before we go someplace, they have to scramble into the back seat.  A long road trip has us making the entire back seat a bed for the dogs. I seem to remember my parents doing that for us when we were little - before the days of video games, movies and whatever else people are doing on those little electronic devices today.

We get to our road stop and Abby hangs out on the dirt road - at this point, we have posed her to 'own this road' - no one can get past until we move (but there wasn't anyone there, so we didn't have any issues).

After we get to pose for the camera, she decided to come trotting to get her treat.  For photos like these, I try to ensure I capture the tail whether it is swinging to the side or up high - it adds to the overall completeness of a dog (unless they don't have a tail).

Until our next road trip, signing off....

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Kim with BARKography based in Charlotte NC and traveling the US and Canada and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine car car seat dirt dirt road dog dog photography outdoor park pet pet photography blog rescue ride road road warrior seat vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/2/pet-photography---road-warrior Fri, 22 Feb 2019 09:00:00 GMT
Sunset at Shell Mound, Cedar Key https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/2/sunset-at-shell-mound-cedar-key While away from home, we decided to catch a sunset - the question was, where?  Well, we did what everyone else does these days and asked Google.  We needed to find a place that wasn't to far, perhaps no more than an hour from where we currently were, but yet provided us a view of the Gulf of Mexico.  My immediate thoughts were Steinhatchee, Florida or Cedar Key, Florida - each were about an hour in different directions.  While the sunset in Steinhatchee is beautiful, we have been going to this little fishing town for a couple of decades.  Cedar Key, on the other hand, we hadn't been to in years, nor had we seen and photographed a sunset there.  Upon consulting Google, there was a very high recommendation to go to "Shell Mound" for the sunset in Cedar Key - stated to be the 'best place' in Cedar Key to catch the sunset.  We weren't disappointed.  It was a crisp day with temperatures failing into the 40's and I am sure they were headed to the 30's once the sun set.

Shell Mound is popular enough that there are brown markers helping to show you the way - perhaps another day I will find out what Shell Mound is all about.  But for now, I will share a beautiful sunset with you!  We arrived at the end of the dirt road that said "Shell Mound".  We jumped out of the truck, leashed up the dogs and walked to the edge of the water - wow, someone left a little rowboat on the shoreline - how sweet!  A beautiful boardwalk to the left,, a little rowboat in front, the swamp areas covered with those razor sharp plants that you don't want to touch (but fine for photographing!).

Tire tracks lead to the little rowboat - photograph taken shortly before the sunset. This photograph was taken at 5:48pm.

When you see these clouds, you need to stay and watch the light show AFTER the actual sunset because it is going to be beautiful! This photograph was taken at 6:08pm. Sunset was at 6:09pm in Cedar Key on this day.

This photograph was taken at 6:12pm.

Shortly after this photograph, we noticed that the temperatures were starting to drop more and it was time to head back as we had just over an hour to drive to get back to where we were staying.  But, wow - this was worth it!  Thank you Google!!!

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) boardwalk boat boat ramp Cedar Key cloud clouds color Florida nature outdoor rowboat Shell Mound sunset swamp tracks tree trees view water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/2/sunset-at-shell-mound-cedar-key Sun, 17 Feb 2019 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Tale of Tails https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/2/pet-photography---tails This week's pet photography theme is "Tale of Tails".  Interesting things about those little dog tails (tales?)  Jimbo, my oldest dog, gives me a lot of information through his tail - he actually gives me various stories (tales) just through that one body part.  If his tail is curled up on his back when he is out walking, he is enjoying himself and happy.  If his tail drops down, then I know he isn't happy or perhaps upset about something.  Now, the real stories are told with using a single word and looking to see - how fast is his tail moving?  If I say "Do you want food?" (if I guessed right, his tail goes into a full swinging motion.  If I am wrong - no tail wag.  If I am half right - I get a little tail wag.  Ok, "Do you need to pee?" Did the tail wag faster than when I asked about food? If yes, then he needs to go outside - if not, then he wants food.  Really simple huh?  Just check the tail meter to see what he wants (and if you don't want to go in the car somewhere never say "ride" because he doesn't give in!

Close up tail curl - Jimbo is happy, relaxed and enjoying himself when his tail is like this.

Curled brown dog tailCurled brown dog tailJimbo's brown dog tail curling

Jimbo's tail is curled, but not up high on his back - so he is happy (we are out and having fun) but we are making him pose - so his tail is at half-mast.

Here's a classic case of "not so happy" - after all, he went swimming and is now all wet.  For an island dog, Jimbo does not seem to be real fond of swimming unless it is to cool off or get from the boat to land.

Of all my dogs, Jimbo's tale is the most expressive of them all.  Abby has a long straight black tail (not a whole lot of cute in that).  Rue's tail is similar to Abby's but it's brown.  Ollie has a curled tail much like Jimbo's but it seems to be curled all the time - so I don't get very many tales from it!

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Darlene Woodward with Pant the Town Photography serving MA and NH and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) beach canine dog dog photography expression expressive Florida nature outdoor park pet pet photography portrait rescue sand stair stairs stone tail vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/2/pet-photography---tails Fri, 15 Feb 2019 09:00:00 GMT
Ichetucknee Springs State Park - in the winter.... https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/2/ichetucknee-springs-state-park---in-the-winter Recently we took a few days to get away with our dogs and explore some more of Florida along the Suwannee River and surrounding areas.  Needless to say, we arrived at Ichetucknee Springs State Park in the early morning when it was near freezing temperatures (no, really, it was just above 30 degrees).  I am not sure if we were the only ones in the park or not - but we decided that it might be better to return a little later in the day and see if the temperatures got a little warmer and the sun was able to shine into the spring water.  With all the rain we have been having this winter, the water levels are high on the rivers in this area (Suwannee, Santa Fe, Ichetucknee) - and that often makes the spring water 'dirty' because the darker water is intruding into the area where the spring is located.

The first stop was at the south gate which is located on Highway 27.  That's where all the tubers get out of the water.  The water is over most of the stairway - and there is no one around but us and the dogs.  Maybe this gives you and idea, it's cold, dark, and lonely at this time of year!  The tubing season is closed in the winter but you can still rent kayaks and canoes.

Next stop was to drive around to the North Gate - which is probably a 10 minute or so drive from the south gate (maybe longer, I wasn't watching the clock on this one).  We took the trail that leads to this particular spring in the front - they had several people getting ready for a dive into the springs - lot of cave diving in this area.  These divers were wearing 'dry suits' - I guess that way you don't get wet at all - I've not googled to see exactly what the difference between a 'wet suit' and a 'dry suit' is - but they almost look like a person when hanging (have feet and all).

In some areas, the water is still clear and you can see through it - but in general it's just a chilly winter day.

If it had been warmer, we might have hiked a bit (dogs aren't allowed in the spring areas) and perhaps watched for more fish and turtles in the water.  We didn't see any alligators, but then if they were there, the water was warmer than the air - so I don't think they would have been coming out to sun themselves as much as they do in the summer time.

The atmosphere here in the winter is totally different than the summer - so if you're looking to get away from it all, this park might be an option in the winter!

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(VP Shoots Photography) canoe clear cold hiking kayak nature outdoor river tube vpshoots water winter Ichectucknee Ichetcucknee springs ichetucknee Ichetucknee Springs State Park park spring springs state state park tubing https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/2/ichetucknee-springs-state-park---in-the-winter Sun, 10 Feb 2019 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Composites https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/2/pet-photography---composites This week's theme is "composites" - enter the wonderful world of digital photography and the software that makes composites possible!  A composite is simply compilation of several (two or more) photographs being pulled together to create a single photograph.  This can be accomplished using a number of different software packages, but for me, it is usually Adobe Photoshop or in some cases On1 Layers.  I have used composites quite often to replace a background surrounding the dog.  Often when doing rescue dog photography the environment the photographs are taken in is not the best - chain link fence is the most common element that isn't particularly flattering.  However, sometimes I just like to create things that didn't really happen - you know those types of photographs, the ones that 'are not real'.  There are a lot of things to consider when creating a composite and that includes making sure the colors from the various photographs match (or make it a black and white - that always works too!).  Often, when you plan to create a composite it is easier to make it more believable because the various pieces of a given photograph are planned.  If not planned, then sometimes it's harder.  Planning can help to ensure the lighting is the same, the camera angle is the same, and all those little technical details that make the photograph more believable!

Here are a few composites I have created - the first one includes a photograph of Abby on red (I missed last week's theme of "Red").  Valentine's day is coming up in the next week, so what better photograph than this?

Here's another favorite that I did in the past, but this is not real - keep that in mind - it is a combination of three photographs - the airplane, the bridge and Abby.  One thing that is not quite correct is the lighting in all three photographs if you look closely - but sometime in the future I hope to have just the right mixture to make this photo really work!

I mentioned that I often replace backgrounds on rescue dog photographs - this photo of Nick has a background replacement.  The most challenging part of this background replacement is preserving the whiskers - and I'm sure there are many ways to do this, I did this using the On1 Layers product and some trial and error to make sure his whiskers remained in the photograph (this photograph helped get him a foster home, he is still looking for his forever home).

Cute small black dog faceCute small black dog faceNick, a long legged, small body, black and white dog looking for his forever home.

My most recent (and difficult) composite has been shared before, but for those that may not have seen it I will include it here as it is definitely a favorite of mine.  Please know that Abby is fine, she was just a willing model for the photograph.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography fetching portraits in Coppell and surrounding communities in the Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Abby airplane bridge canine composite dog dog photography door heart heaven outdoor pet photography pet photography blog portrait red rescue sky stairway valentine Valentines Valentine's vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/2/pet-photography---composites Fri, 08 Feb 2019 09:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme 'The Eyes have it' https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/1/pet-photography---theme-the-eyes-have-it It's been a while since I have done the pet photography blog circle, but working to get back into the swing as 2019 is now just about a month gone!  This week's theme is "The Eyes Have it" - the overall concept of this week is to focus on the eyes of your subject, in our case - a pet.  In general, any subject that has eyes, providing the eyes are in the photograph, should be the focus point - if the eyes are not sharp, then the connection is not necessarily made as the photographer intends.

I photograph rescue dogs quite often and I'm always trying to make a connection with the viewer. An important part of my volunteer job is to help find homes for all these wonderful dogs that have somehow not been fortunate enough to find and stay in their forever homes.  Specifically, my job is to try and capture the personality of the dog in hopes that it will help the dog to find a foster home or better yet a permanent home.

Meet Nick.  When Nick first came out for us to photograph, I immediately noticed this dog has very long legs!  Like wow, he has legs that are long and slender and then a small body.  I can't say that I have noticed this with any other dog thus far but it was definitely a striking feature for this young dog.  Nick is about one year of age and was shy when he first came out.  Each dog is unique, some have had better lives than others and it takes some time to determine exactly what the rescue dog will allow us to do with respect to photographing them.  It was pretty obvious that Nick wasn't sure about us either - so he stayed a fair distance away, I grabbed a camera with a longer lens and started slowing photographing Nick.  Well, by the end of our photo shoot, Nick figured out we were 'good people' and he came up to me and let me pet him - perhaps that was his way of saying 'Thank you'.

Cute small black dog faceCute small black dog faceNick, a long legged, small body, black and white dog looking for his forever home.

Meet Snow - an almost pure white dog who is looking for a foster home, or even better a forever home.  Snow came out into the play yard and didn't want to sit still - I'm sure she was enjoying having several people that were all interested in spending time with her.  The challenge was how to get her to settle down such that we could get some good photographs and share them to find her a new family.  I got out a baby blue blanket to use as the background for our photograph, but Snow had other ideas.  She immediately curled up on the blanket - that was our 'ah ha' moment when we realized that she loved blankets.  We put the blanket over a chair, she snuggled up and that gave us the winning photos to help her find a home.  Her beautiful light brown eyes looking directly into the camera "The Eyes have it!".

White pit bull head shotWhite pit bull head shotSnow, a female white pit bull, snuggles with her blanket

Dogs have quiet moments just like us and other creatures. During our time with Snow I captured this quiet moment where she bowed her head and appeared to being praying.  She is still looking for a foster home and forever home - hopefully that day will come for her soon.

Dog bows headDog bows headQuiet moment while Snow bows her head

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Angela Schneider of Noses & Toes Pet Photography in Spokane, WA, has started a project to spotlight rescues in her area and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) adoption canine dog dog photography eye eyes Maxx and Me Maxx and Me Pet Rescue outdoor pet photography pet photography blog rescue vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/1/pet-photography---theme-the-eyes-have-it Fri, 25 Jan 2019 09:00:00 GMT
Kite Festival, Treasure Island, Florida - 2019 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/1/kite-festival-treasure-island-florida---2019 This past weekend the annual Kite Festival was held behind the Thunder Bird Resort on Treasure Island.  Saturday was beautiful, sunny, windy and nice temperatures - the perfect winter day for the beach.  The variety of kites flying in the sky was plentiful - not like the old kites of my childhood.  Parking was scarce, but eventually after waiting a while, a place was found.  First glimpse of the kites flying from the beach (you could see them as you drove along Gulf Blvd).

Here's a few of the kites picked out from the overall group of kites. A giant lizard.....

I assume these are dragons....

A creature of some sort (anyone know?) - in this photograph the tails temporarily joined at the bottom

fish....

A series of six kites flying in a line together (a continuous string).

A more classic design kite.

And a pirate ship!

It was an interesting sight to see - and many of the kites were flying without being attended to.  They were attached to a post in the sand on the beach.  If you like kites, this is definitely something you should consider doing - or go hang out on the beach for a while and enjoy watching all the colorful kites flying in the sky.  I think this year Saturday was the better day - Sunday was very gusty, cloudy skies as well as dropping temperatures.

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(VP Shoots Photography) annual beach event festival Florida free island kite Kite Festival outdoor outdoors sand St. Petersburg treasure Treasure Island water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2019/1/kite-festival-treasure-island-florida---2019 Mon, 21 Jan 2019 15:52:45 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme "In a chair" https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/12/pet-photography---theme-in-a-chair As we get close to the end of the year, it's becoming a busy time - but the last month I have been working with some photographers on indoor studio/lighting setups so the theme of "in a chair" works perfectly!.  We have several dogs, of which three are very eager to model for our sessions as it always involves a little incentive - food!  The first week we did a session the dogs didn't totally understand what we wanted from them - but now, they are becoming 'old pros' (and they are less than 3 years of age).

I setup a white blanket in a chair, then setup my new eVOLV AD200 light with a 25" beauty dish as the main light.  I used an LED panel against the background to help fill in some of the shadows which seemed to work pretty well as a fill light.  Here's a photograph of my lighting setup for those of you that might have an interest (taken after I was done shooting photos of my sleepy dogs).  There are many different lighting setups, but I'm working with new lighting and also working to have it all 'battery powered' in case there is not electricity available.

Once the lighting was setup, I placed my stand by dog (a life size stuffed dog) in the chair - worked out the arrangement of lights - then picked up little Ollie and placed her in the chair - half asleep, so this part was easy!  Her sister, Rue, saw what was going on (I'm sure she saw food!) and jumped into the chair with her.

A few months ago, we found out that the dogs have a great reaction to my husband playing the harmonica. Since that time, we have used this little trick with these dogs and tried it on some other dogs - it's works great with these two - some dogs like it, some are scared (go figure).

Do you want us to head tilt with our ears together?

Or would you prefer that we head tilt the same direction?

It was instant head tilt when they heard the notes coming from the harmonica (just in case other pet photographers out there haven't tried this!).  After the food break, the girls took turns so they could each get a solo portrait.

 

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Elaine Tweedy of I Got the Shot Photography, serving Northeastern PA and surrounding areas and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) AD200 background canine chair dog dog photography home studio in a chair indoor LED lighting lights medium pet pet photography pet photography blog rescue studio vpshoots white https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/12/pet-photography---theme-in-a-chair Fri, 14 Dec 2018 09:00:00 GMT
Butterfly Rainforest - University of Florida (Gainesville) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/12/butterfly-rainforest---university-of-florida-gainesville If you drive along interstate 75, you're bound to see the billboards that advertise the "Butterfly Rain forest".  I've seen those signs for over a decade (at least it seems that long) and I've wanted to visit for as long as I knew about this rain forest.  I finally got the opportunity to go last month and it was a photographer's delight!  This exhibit is part of the Natural History Museum and is near the west side of the campus.  We must have spent a good 3 hours just hanging out with the butterflies and taking photographs.  Photographers - no tripods allowed - so be prepared to hand hold your camera and take minimal gear as they take great precautions to make sure none of the flying insects leave the rain forest.

One of the most common butterflies the day we visited was the 'tree nymph'.  This is a white butterfly with black markings - it almost looks like an albino monarch - but it's not.  When I first got there and we were in the rain forest, it's very hard to keep from being excited with all the prospects flying around - the photo opportunities are everywhere.  Here's one of the first photos I got of this type of butterfly. 

After getting a few, I now began to look for a less distracting background.

No bright white sky - but there is still a lot of bright colors in the background that most likely take your eye away from this beautiful flying insect. This butterfly likes the white begonia plants growing in the rain forest.

And my last photo of the tree nymph.

These butterflies are often in various exhibits here in the United States, but you should never see one in the wild.  They are not from our country, but instead their normal dispersal area extends over South East Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan) and the north of Australia.  The lifespan is this butterfly is normally between 19 days and 104 days.

The University of Florida has a published website that helps to identify the various butterflies you'll see when you visit.  The URL is https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/exhibits/butterfly-rainforest/id-guide/

 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) black butterflies butterfly butterfly rainforest fly flying flying insect Gainesville insect museum natural Natural History Museum nature rainforest tree nymph vpshoots white https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/12/butterfly-rainforest---university-of-florida-gainesville Sun, 02 Dec 2018 17:15:28 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme "Get Low" https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/11/pet-photography---theme-get-low This week’s pet photography theme is “Get Low” – week 48 of the year 2018! Last week I got up on top of a slide and photographed down on Abby (I think she enjoyed the time at the playground).  This week, during a photo session, I got ‘low’ with Ollie up on an ottoman.  Ollie is the shortest of our dogs, so putting her up higher is important, otherwise, I might have had to get in a hole below ground because she is pretty low!


And then I'll share (again) a recent 'hero' shot I took of Ollie just in case you missed it on one of my previous blogs.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Pet Love Photography, serving Greater Cincinnati, the San Francisco Bay Area, and destinations nationwide and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography Florida get low indoor low angle pet pet photography pet photography blog portrait studio vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/11/pet-photography---theme-get-low Fri, 30 Nov 2018 09:00:00 GMT
Royal Springs near Live Oak, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/11/royal-springs-near-live-oak-florida Royal Springs Park is one of many different parks featuring a spring in North Florida.  This is a county park officially known as "Hugh Bryon Hollingsworth, Sr." park - free to all who come to visit.  The day we visited was a nice quiet somewhat rainy day and the only others there at the park were a couple of divers.  Please note - like all spring parks in this area - No dogs are allowed.

After parking the car, I walked over to the spring and saw a beautiful turquoise pool of water - wow.  It was like looking into a dark blue hole where the bottom cannot be seen.  The stairs are not actually 'circular' but this photograph was taken with a super wide lens (16mm on full frame camera) and it will distort things a little bit when they are closer to the lens.

After viewing from this platform (above), I headed to the next platform further east.  This photograph below shows the platform that the first two photographs were taken from.

You can see the turquoise colored water - it's big pool - and at this time, the water level appears to be a little low.

Travelling further again around the spring, this photograph below shows the platform the first couple of photographs were taken from.

This photograph shows the staircase down to the spring on the left.  The water way going through this picture leads to the Suwannee River.

This is a beautiful county park with nice cool, clear water.  Great for cooling off, access from the Suwannee River if you're boating.

 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Bryon County Park free Hollingsworth Hugh Hugh Bryon Hollingsworth Sr. Live Oak outdoor park parking river Royal Spring Royal Springs spring springs Suwannee water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/11/royal-springs-near-live-oak-florida Sun, 25 Nov 2018 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme "Get High" (so we went to the playground!) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/11/pet-photography---theme-get-high-so-we-went-to-the-playground This week's theme is "Get High" - essentially get higher than your subject - look down at your subject.  The dogs and I walk past a couple of playgrounds several days a week - so I thought, what if I climb up the slide and my dog is at the bottom?  That would definitely meet the criteria of 'getting high' above my subject.  With Jim helping to handle Abby (my dog of choice since she is a great model) - we gave it a try.  Now, I initially thought that Abby would sit at the bottom of the slide - but Abby had a different idea. She jumped up on the slide and was trying to run up to join me at the top - which of course didn't work - but it was fun trying!

After a few rounds of trying to run up to the top to join me, we managed to get her to settle down at the bottom of the slide.

The last photograph Abby is sitting at the bottom of the stairs that would lead her up to me - we didn't give her the opportunity to climb up the stairs (that might have been a bad idea!).

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Pet Love Photography, serving Greater Cincinnati, the San Francisco Bay Area, and destinations nationwide and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Abby black canine dog dog photography outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog playground rescue slide stair stairs vpshoots white https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/11/pet-photography---theme-get-high-so-we-went-to-the-playground Fri, 23 Nov 2018 09:00:00 GMT
Little River Springs near Branford, Florida (off the Suwannee River) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/11/little-river-springs-near-branford-florida-off-the-suwannee-river The rural areas near Branford, Florida have many wonderful springs.  I know that many people have heard of Ginnie Springs as it is a very popular spring and is known well even down here in central Florida - but did you know about all these other wonderful and beautiful springs?  On our 'spring' adventure, our next stop was at 'Little River Springs' near Branford (you might need to get out your google maps).

This county park does not have a fee to enter and is a wonderful swimming area.  The Suwannee River is not blocked, so I assume you can arrive by car or boat and spend some time enjoying this cool place.  There is a sign for 'no dogs allowed' so keep this in mind if you're travelling with your furry family members - and there is no lifeguard at this spring.

Using a wide angle lens (16mm for those of you in the photography world) here's a 'circular' view of the spring.  Based on the rocky areas around the water edge, it's obvious that the water levels are low.

On the left of this photograph is the Suwannee River.  Coming down across the bottom of this photograph and to the right, is the entrance to Little River Springs.

Looking from the other side (near the parking lot) out towards the Suwannee River.  The spring itself is at the bottom of this photograph.  I'm sure on a sunny day the water is even more beautiful - but we had an overcast, somewhat rainy day for our travels to this spring.

Here's the beautiful, crystal clear water pumping out of the spring.

Little River Springs is about 22 miles south of Live Oak, Florida.  The closest town is Branford where you can find 2 community grocery stores, several restaurants, gas, and other supplies.
 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) boat Branford county county park free Little River Spring Little River Springs park parking picnic river spring springs Suwannee Suwannee county swim swimming https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/11/little-river-springs-near-branford-florida-off-the-suwannee-river Sun, 18 Nov 2018 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme 'Bokeh' https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/11/pet-photography---theme-bokeh This week’s Pet Photography theme is “Bokeh”.  This term comes from the Japanese language, which literally translates as “blur”.  In the world of photography, bokeh is defined as “the aesthetic quality of the blur produced in the out-of-focus parts of an image”.  This varies based on the lens used for the photograph and the number of ‘blades’ in the lens.  This is all technical photography terminology – but the bottom line is this.  If you look at a photograph and you like the way your subject stands out from the background because the background is all softly blurred – that softly blurred background is ‘bokeh’.  Pretty simple when you think of it in these terms.

For those of you that are interested in the photography aspects, it’s important to think about the aperture you are using as well as the lens mm (or magnification).  A wide angle lens has a lot more in focus and will produce less bokeh because of this.  A telephoto lens will have less in focus (as well as a macro lens used for closeup photography) will produce a lot more bokeh.  There’s a lot more to getting that blurred background than just pointing your camera at the subject.

In this photograph of Saint, all those beautiful little circular spots in the background are the bokeh produced by the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens.  The soft focus of the overall photograph makes Saint pop out from the busy background at this park.

In the photograph below of Bristol, the morning light is coming through the trees on the left.  A shallow aperture, having the trees in the distance behind the subject combine to provide nice out of focus sparkles instead of well defined trees and leaves.

Julius, this little puppy, is sitting in front of an oak tree - can you tell?  The soft muted brown colors don't show detail in the bark - but instead provide a nice background to allow focusing on this cute puppy!

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Kim with BARKography based in Charlotte NC and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) blur bokeh canine dog dog photography Maxx and Me Maxx and Me Pet Rescue outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog rescue soft background Tampa vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/11/pet-photography---theme-bokeh Fri, 16 Nov 2018 09:00:00 GMT
Troy Spring State Park, Branford, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/11/troy-spring-state-park-branford-florida We went exploring some areas up on the Suwannee River and nearby for a week recently.  The next several weeks will feature some of our travels along the week of exploration and adventure.  One of many places we visited was Troy Spring State Park located about 6 miles to the west of Branford, Florida.  The park features a beautiful spring for diving, snorkeling and swimming - since we were exploring, we were checking out various locations for future adventures - this particular trip was a photo stop along our way (we didn't jump into that 72 degree spring water).  I know it's touristy to take photographs of the signs (notice I didn't make anyone stand in front of it)....however, it does help to divide up the photographs on the camera such that we know when we have traveled to a new place.

Our trip it had recently finished raining, so we had wet roads, saturated colors and the park to ourselves until just before we left.  The roads leading back to the spring are a little hilly and quite beautiful.  I imagine that if Florida had a 'fall season' this would be gorgeous.

There is a ramp (not pet friendly) down to the spring.  Once you get to the end of the ramp, there are a few stairs to get down into the water or since the water was low, walk around the edges.

This is a 'first magnitude' spring pumping a lot of water into the Suwannee River daily. The official Florida State Park website says the spring is 70 feet deep!  That's pretty deep to me for a spring (but I'm not a diver, so I may not know).  Just walking up to the spring with my camera (and wishing I had brought a polarizer down that long ramp with me), I saw several turtles swimming below the surface along with fish.  The water was very clear - it was a nice quiet place to enjoy and reflect without any others around.

In the top of the photograph below, you can see the spring is blocked off from the Suwannee to prevent people from bringing in boats.  There is a fee of $5.00 to enter the state park but if you like springs, this is worth the stop to dive, snorkel, swim or just take a look to see the beautiful clear water.  Note that the park is closed when the spring is not clear (based on the state park website).

Until next week, when we continue our adventure in this area of Florida.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Branford dive diving Florida Mayo park river snorkel snorkeling spring springs Suwannee swim swimming Troy Troy Spring Troy Spring Park Troy Springs Troy Springs Park https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/11/troy-spring-state-park-branford-florida Sun, 11 Nov 2018 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Rescue puppies from the Bahamas https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/10/pet-photography---rescue-puppies-from-the-bahamas This week Jim and I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph and play with three really friendly and wonderful puppies.  These puppies came from the same organization that brought us Jimbo - so we know they have got a great start.  We played and photographed these three puppies (2 boys, 1 girl) for almost two hours - who says 'working' isn't fun?

Bristol is the young girl of the group - she is super friendly and really enjoyed hanging with us (I will say, they got even happier once we gave them treats - but they were very gentle, loving puppies).

Red - a young boy, he was probably the quiet one of the group and was very loving to me.  I loved hugging him, but it's really hard to photograph the puppy when they are in your lap!  Red is super friendly, we picked him up and he was a bundle of fur with no issues being picked up and placed where we wanted to photograph him. Eventually, we got Red to be the perfect model.

Magnum - This one is full of personality - he gave us the most variety of options to photograph him - he laid on the doggie bed, he ran around the play yard, climbed up the different playground equipment - and sometimes seemed to be the big brother of the puppies.  Magnum has a little more black in his fur than the other dogs - but he is super sweet too.

If you or anyone you know is looking for a young, playful and loyal friend - please check out one of these great puppies.  They are about 6 months old (end of October) and medium size dogs - not sure how big they are going to get, but they are fun.  Available for adoption through Maxx and Me Pet Rescue - maxxandme.org

Until next time....

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(VP Shoots Photography) Bahamas canine dog dog photography Florida outdoor pet photography pet photography blog potcake potcakes puppies puppy rescue tree vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/10/pet-photography---rescue-puppies-from-the-bahamas Sat, 27 Oct 2018 21:09:28 GMT
Hillsborough River State Park - Early to rise, you see the deer! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/10/hillsborough-river-state-park---early-to-rise-you-see-the-deer This past week Jimbo and I took off for a quiet morning just the two of us.  As I drove north on Highway 301 the fog began to get dense - I didn't really want to drive in dense fog on a two lane road - so I decided to turn off into Hillsborough River State Park.  Normally, I would head over to the River Rapids trail, but today I noticed all the different flowers blooming, so we took a different trail.  With the window down, the breeze coming in, Jimbo poked his head out the window and enjoyed the time riding around in the park.  Eventually, we got around to the last parking lot just before we were back at the exit.  We got out and started walking down this trail (which appears to also be a road in the park for the staff).  We were the only car in the parking area, it was quiet.  Eventually, way up ahead, wow - there is a deer!

I know there are deer in a lot of places, people that live up in the Wesley Chapel area see them all the time - but they aren't here near where I live - so I still really enjoy seeing them out in the wild.

The deer is a good distance from us, not aware at first of us walking quietly - but eventually she looks up as she saw us.

We were to far away, not a threat to her - she went back to eating for a while.

And then as quickly as she appeared, she disappeared!  But that made the walk worth it for me - seeing nature out in the wild.  I've seen deer at this park one other time and it was when I was the first to enter the park soon after they opened (maybe if I camped out here someday - the campgrounds look really nice - but until then, it's early mornings!).

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(VP Shoots Photography) deer Hillsborough Hillsborough River Park Hillsborough River State Park morning outdoor park state state park trail walk https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/10/hillsborough-river-state-park---early-to-rise-you-see-the-deer Sun, 21 Oct 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme "Photographer's Choice" https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/10/pet-photography---theme-photographers-choice This week the Pet Photography theme is "Photographer's Choice".  This week has been Jimbo's sixth anniversary - so we have been doing various 'celebrations' with Jimbo.  We don't have a good birth date for our Jimbo, so we have always celebrated the day he came to live with us.

Our first adventure was to take everyone (that's 2 humans with 4 dogs) over to Edward Medard in Plant City, Florida.  We decided to hike one of the first trails as you enter the park as we heard that the Vikings were there on Saturday mornings - and eventually we heard sounds that definitely perked the dogs and could have become a bad experience - either way, the dogs enjoyed this early morning hike to new smells along the way.

Jimbo paused for a photograph - but I will say, Jimbo just about refuses to look into the camera - especially if you're close to him.  He looks at you, sees the camera and turns his head some other direction - I don't know why, but I don't push it.  Thus, he is looking up at something in this photograph. Perhaps there was a bird, squirrel or something running around up in the trees - but either way, that's where his attention was glued.

Our next adventure a few days later was - a dog party at Gaspars.  Yep, this time it was 4 humans and 6 dogs!  Course we picked a time where we were just about the only ones sitting out on the patio and we all enjoyed a good lunch.  The dogs had grilled chicken and the humans got their choice from the menu.

After finishing off the chicken, Jimbo relaxed on the deck.

And then he figured out we were going to be here a while....so still alert (remember there are 5 other dogs with us), but definitely taking advantage of the time to rest up.

Our last adventure was this morning when Jimbo and I took off and went hiking for a bit on one of the local park trails.  I could see him looking at me and he knew I was taking photographs, but I gave him a break and didn't make him the subject on our morning walk today.

Many of you know Jimbo came from living out on the streets with no one really to call his own to the luxury of having lunch at the neighborhood hangout, going walking on trails and enjoying life.

We love you Jimbo - thank you so much for making the journey from the Bahamas to Florida!

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Pawparazzi Pet and Animal Photography presented by Shae Pepper Photography and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography Edward Medard Edward Medard park Florida gaspar Gaspars Gaspar's Medard Medard park nature outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog rescue trail vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/10/pet-photography---theme-photographers-choice Fri, 19 Oct 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme 'Under' https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/10/pet-photography---theme-under This week's theme for Pet Photography is "Under" - and it presented it's own challenges.  This week we have been sick, not only us humans, but 2 of the dogs have had a few bad days with issues.  We are lucky, but Hurricane Michael presented us with a few small rain showers at the wrong time (they came in quick and left almost as fast).  I'm not complaining as we aren't getting much of anything from the hurricane, but the pan handle of Florida will have been slammed hard by the time you read this.

We took the entire family for a walk at a local park in hopes of getting a 'family portrait' for this week's blog.  A wonderful fallen tree is on this particular trail and the dogs would fit perfectly under this log!  Jim took the time to get the dogs lined up while I did some snapshots of the dogs as he moved each one into the area.  Then, out of nowhere, it's pouring rain!  Needless to say, this photo shoot is over because I have 4 soaked dogs and all us humans were soaked too.  We finished walking the trail in the rain, found a shelter and hung out until it stopped raining.

I think if the rain hadn't come in, we had a chance of getting a great family photo - but at least we got a snapshot of all the dogs together.  (I could have gotten more depth of field, we could have removed the jumble of leashes and maybe harnesses - perhaps another time!)

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography fetching portraits in Coppell and surrounding communities in Dallas - Fort Worth, Texas and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) big canine dog Florida harness leash leashed log mulitple nature oak outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog small tree under vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/10/pet-photography---theme-under Fri, 12 Oct 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Halloween is coming soon! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/10/halloween-is-coming-soon It's that time of year - Halloween is coming. A google search said this about the upcoming holiday. "Halloween has its roots in the ancient, pre-Christian Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated on the night of October 31. The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, believed that the dead returned to earth on Samhain."  I recall many years ago that as a child we went around the neighborhood trick or treating.  Some memories never fade.....the house at the end of our block required each child to walk through a scary haunted house before arriving at the door for the possibility of a treat....not me, forget it - I didn't do that walk!  One year I remember a couple of older children walking through the neighborhood - one was being held with chains, the other had the other end of the chains - we went the other way fast!

How many of you remember those days of trick or treating?  What memories from your childhood do you remember?

As an adult, one of our neighbors would decorate their house with a lot of scary things - some of those things were motion activated.  My first dog as an adult, Dolly, didn't want to go down that road after being spooked by those scary things.

It's all perspective - are you ready?

The ghosts are out there waiting....


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) alive All Hallows' Day childhood dead decoration ghost hallow Halloween haunted house October scary trick or treat https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/10/halloween-is-coming-soon Sun, 07 Oct 2018 20:23:36 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Isolation https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/10/pet-photography---theme-isolation As we enter the last quarter of 2018, the beginning of October, our Pet Photography theme is "Isolation".  My immediate thought for this word was a pet that was isolated from the others because of illness, temperament or something along these lines.  However, none of those are good photography options (at least not what I pictured).  So, I thought a little more and decided that I would go for a different take on the word "Isolation".  First, I isolated Ollie from the rest of our dogs - much to the dismay of the other dogs, Ollie was thrilled to be going somewhere by herself!  I didn't however tell her that she was going to work - model that is.  I decided to try another viewpoint in photography after watching Kaylee Greer on her new show on Puparazzi on Nat Geo Wild channel.

We have a fallen pine tree in our neighborhood park - and even though Ollie's front legs are probably only about 7 or 8 inches in length, she can jump over this log.  This time, I asked her to stop on top of it - she was a little confused but stayed.  Food helps, but she is pretty good either way.  I got down low with my super wide angle set to 10mm on my crop sensor camera and started taking photographs with the sky in the background.  After some post processing, here's Ollie!

Later on the same day, we went back down to the park (by now the rest of the dogs are really wondering what's going on!).  This time it was late afternoon and we took an LED light along to help light up Ollie against the sky.  It was a little more challenging, we asked Ollie to stand, sit, whatever - but stay put on top of a log (stump).  Ollie choose to 'puppy sit' on the log and look down at me as I lay on the ground below her.  This time we also had snacks, so I was able to get her to look down.

Well, after working on these photographs of Ollie, I do like this look as another angle to photograph pets.  Question is - will any of the rest of my dogs model for me? I haven't yet tried, but I would like to soon just in case they cut up my pine tree and I no longer have it as a prop for dog photographs.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit  Elaine Tweedy of I Got The Shot Photography, serving Northeastern PA and surrounding areas with fine pet portraits and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) alone canine dog dog photography fallen tree Florida log low angle Maxx and Me Pet Rescue nature outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog rescue sky stump vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/10/pet-photography---theme-isolation Fri, 05 Oct 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme 'Natural Light' https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/9/pet-photography---theme-natural-light This week's Pet Photography theme is "Natural Light".  I've been busy with a few other things the last few weeks and haven't had a chance to join in on the Pet Photography circle, but I'm back this week!  Natural light is often my 'go to' when working with rescue dogs.  Often times they aren't ready for someone to put a camera in their faces, much less bring in any type of lighting to help light up their faces and more importantly their eyes.  This can be a wonderful and easy way to photograph, just need to make sure you keep a few things in mind.  I first look around for someplace I can photograph the pet where the lighting is even - by this I mean, there isn't sun on part of the pet and shade on part of the pet - your eyes tend to ignore this, however the camera will not - and it usually doesn't come out looking to good.  Second, I look for a way to put some light into the faces, especially the eyes of the dog.  The sky can often do this for you, but you need to make sure there is some 'life' in the eyes for the best photograph.

There are many other things to watch for, but definitely these are at the top of my list. With some rescue dogs, I am trying to get a good photograph that is sharp - as they are full of energy.  This can be happy energy because someone is paying attention to them or it can be fear (scared) energy because they have learned that not all humans are nice.  Either way, it's a challenge each time to get some great photographs.

Meet some of the rescues with Maxx and Me Pet Rescue (https://www.maxxandme.org/) here in the Tampa Bay area.

First up is Kane, a young male with a cropped tail - he is a beautiful boy! In this photograph of a black dog, you can see a little sunlight coming through on Kane's fur - this is subtle and adds a little interest to a pure black dog.

Charley is Kane's sister - she doesn't have a cropped tail (no idea why one does and the other doesn't).  Charley is a sweet young girl, and loves her brother.

Here's Charlie (a boy) who was rescued from a hoarding situation - he's a really cool young boy - medium size, so perfect for those wanting a dog that has some size but not real big.

Here's Charlie with his buddy Sam.  These two boys are not considered a 'bonded pair' (meaning the rescue wants they to stay together) but they definitely spent a good amount of time hanging close to each other (this was not posed, they sat together naturally).  They came from the same hoarding situation and are currently looking for a foster and forever home.  Sam was pretty shy, but loved the attention of being petted!

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography fetching portraits in Coppell and surrounding communities in Dallas - Fort Worth, Texas and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) adoption boarding canine dog dog photography foster natural light outdoor pet pet photography pet photography blog portrait rescue Tampa vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/9/pet-photography---theme-natural-light Fri, 28 Sep 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Heritage Village, Largo, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/9/heritage-village-largo-florida This week we did a quick visit to Heritage Village in Largo, Florida - I did not get a chance to visit all the buildings this trip, but hopefully I will be able to get back again soon to see more.  Heritage Village is located next door to the Florida Botanical Gardens - both of these are excellent places to visit if you haven't been yet.  They are situated such that you can walk between them along the many pathways - so if you like walking, this is an excellent way to have a different kind of walk.

Our first building is the train depot. 

When I walked inside the office area of the train depot, the communications started tapping out Morse code - now I don't know if that is on a timer or a motion sensor but being as I was the only one in the building, it was a little unsettling at first. There are several rooms to this building - the loading dock (above), the office and the passenger waiting area.

Our next stop was over to the garage and grocery store - the grocery store is air conditioned and has soda bottles and water for sale kept cold in an old fashioned refrigerator. Outside the garage is the gas pump - Mobilgas.

This building was originally built in 1915 and resided on the southeast corner of 6th Avenue and 5th Street South in St.Petersburg.  It was sold to the City of St. Petersburg and eventually moved here to the Heritage Village.  The building has been restored to it's original condition and contains a barber shop, post office as well as a garage.  Next time, I'll have to take photographs of the entire store!  However, you can see those if you visit the website for the Heritage Village.

A lone glass coke bottle sits empty in the old wooden carton.

Perhaps you are up to an old fashion game of checkers?

The grocery store has a small area containing material, thread and other sewing items.  I have to admit, I remember this particular item from my childhood - only they were tan in color, not black (that's getting a little scary!).

The garage has a couple of Ford Motel T vehicles.

The parts area in the garage doesn't need to be as large if the only car available is a Model T!

This 'Cracker' style Florida home is the oldest structure in Pinellas County. It was built about the year 1852 by Captain James Parramore McMullen near Clearwater, Florida.

The downstairs bedroom contained a full size bed (shown in the photograph) as well as another bed that perhaps was used by children.

The family dining area is across the breezeway from the bedroom.  It is separated by an open walkway that allows air to flow between these two parts of the log cabin.  This log cabin does have an upstairs, however it is not open to the public.

This concluded our tour of the Heritage Village for today - it's been almost four years since I visited, I will need to visit more often!

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) antique antiques building buildings cracker dog-friendly Florida free garage general store heritage Heritage Village Largo park store train depot village walk https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/9/heritage-village-largo-florida Sun, 23 Sep 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Hillsborough River State Park - River Rapids Trail https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/9/hillsborough-river-state-park---river-rapids-trail Recently we visited the Hillsborough River State Park.  It's been a rainy summer here and as I pulled up to the ranger station, they asked "Have you been here before?" - Yes, I have but it was my niece's first time visiting.  The ranger then tells us that many of the trails are under water in sections, some of the water levels could be up to our knees.  Hmmm, I wasn't prepared for this, nor did I want to wallow around in water that deep.  This was my niece's first time out photographing with a 'real camera' (not a phone camera).  We decided to hike the River Rapids trail, this was my intent and was apparently the driest of the trails.

As we parked, we see the "Prayer of the Woods" sign. I have always wondered why this is located on this particular trail, but the trail looked dry - and I thought we could hopefully at least get to the river without getting all muddy, or worse, all wet!

Along the way, I noticed a variety of mushrooms and fungi growing on the old dead trees that had fallen along the walkway.

I spotted a spider web and we spent a little time trying to find the right lighting to light it up for the camera to capture.

We arrived at the river and the water was high, so none of the rocks were showing but I wanted to work on showing how shutter speed impacts a photograph - the slower shutter speed blurs the water while a faster one stops all motion.  This is often one place new photographers can have a 'non-moving' subject that will allow for practicing this technique.

I notice a few things while we stood by the river banks.  The cypress knees.

The sun shining through a maple leaf that is starting to turn brown.

We continued down the path and stopped at another overlook.

The sky had some clouds, reflecting white on the water.

Soon we continued over the boardwalks over the river, but the sun was getting higher and it was getting warmer.  As we walked back to the car, we found the muddy areas - muck I should say, but thankfully none of it was actually 'under water'.  

We ventured through the rest of the park as we headed on out to head home.

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(VP Shoots Photography) dog-friendly Florida fungi fungus hike Hillsborough County Hillsborough River State Park Hillsborough State Park muck mud muddy mushroom mushrooms oak park rapid rapids river state park trail tree trees walk water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/9/hillsborough-river-state-park---river-rapids-trail Sun, 16 Sep 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Little Red Caboose at Lake Wales Museum https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/9/little-red-caboose-at-lake-wales-museum This week the road trip was to Lake Wales, Florida to visit the museum and train.  The amount of history in this one building is amazing!  They are soon upgrading so you won't have to read each of the boards as you walk through, but can instead use your phone to scan the exhibit - but for now, plan to read - not sure how soon this new feature will be available - but hopefully this year.

The museum has train related items as well as information on the city of Lake Wales - it is a good escape from the summer heat.  This blog post is featuring the 'red caboose' that sits outside the main museum as trains are always fun to explore.

This caboose is part of the Seaboard Railroad and is a 1926 rail car.  It sits next to the train track that runs on the east side of the museum

Step on up into the caboose for a short tour.

I was the only one there on this afternoon, which is a wonderful thing for a photographer as no one is waiting on you and you can take your time.

As I stood there at the entrance to the caboose, I image what it was like almost a century ago (yes, another 8 years and it's a century old!). Caboose's were first introduced in the 1830's (that's almost a century before this caboose was built).

There are two benches on either side as you walk in (the black cushions on each side).

Just beyond this doorway are two areas (one on each side) that you can climb up and see where the railroad employees most likely sat while the train was underway. Windows on all 3 sides to view what is in front, back and on the side - across the center of the railroad car is another area just like this one, so you can actually see all 4 sides of the train.

The stove is used by the railroad men for cooking as well as to provide heat during the cold months.

The caboose has a primary function to house the train crew during the trip. The train crew included a brakeman and a flagman - both stationed in the caboose. The brakeman would turn the breaks on the train cars when the engineer signaled the train was going to stop.  The flagman would like lanterns and use signal flags so other trains would not run into the caboose.

The museum is contained within the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot in Lake Wales, Florida. It is located at 325 South Scenic Highway. On August 31, 1990, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

If you find yourself looking for something to do, maybe you'll consider stopping in and checking out the museum and the red caboose.
 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Atlantic Atlantic Coast Line brakeman caboose cultural museum depot donation engineer exhibit exhibits flagman free indoor Lake Wales museum railroad Scenic Highway Seaboard track train train museum https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/9/little-red-caboose-at-lake-wales-museum Sun, 09 Sep 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Puppies go boating - who liked it the best? https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/9/puppies-go-boating---who-liked-it-the-best We took all of the dogs (and puppies) out on our boat for a short river cruise recently.  The young ones I kept with harness & leashes on to ensure they stayed put.  Shortly after we got moving more than a minimum wake ride, it became apparent which one likes boating and which one doesn't.  Can you tell?

Here's Ollie under the passenger side dash (the dogs like it here because it is cozy and in the shade).

Here's Rue under the dash on the driver's side, hanging out where Jimbo normally lays down.

After a short cruise up the river at a faster speed, it became apparent to us that Rue loves boating!  Her preference is to sit up in the bow area on my lap.  Ollie, on the other hand preferred to stay under the dash regardless of the speed until she saw that we were barely moving and there was land in front of the boat a few feet away.

Perhaps Ollie would prefer the larger boat with a cabin so she can take a more cozy nap - who knows, otherwise, we know who wants to go boating and who doesn't really care for it.

Until next time!

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(VP Shoots Photography) boat canine dog Florida fresh Hillsborough River Ollie puppies puppy river Rue snapshot VPShoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/9/puppies-go-boating---who-liked-it-the-best Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:30:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme 'Brown' https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/8/pet-photography---theme-brown This week's pet photography theme is 'brown'.  At first I thought of a 'brown dog', then 'brown eyes', then 'brown background' and as I thought about it, I settled on 'brown dog'.  I was hoping to photograph one of my friend's chocolate lab - course, this handsome boy is also friends with all of our dogs and they love to play together.  Well, unfortunately, the weather was anything but good - it's been raining, thundering and lightning pretty bad every afternoon and evening.  So, I didn't get to photograph him yet, but I'll do that as soon as the weather decides it doesn't want to follow a typical summer day in Florida.

I went back in time since I didn't get good weather to photograph this week.  My first dog, known as Lucky, was among the first dogs that I photographed for the rescue.  He was also one of Abby's first playmates since she wasn't able to go to visit to many dogs as a foster.  Lucky found his home shortly after these photographs were taken and I am hoping that he is having a wonderful life!  Here he is having a deep thoughtful moment sitting in the window at an adoption event.

My next photograph is a big, beautiful, chocolate lab and weimaraner  - which makes Cody a Labmaramer.  He is a beautiful boy and has been looking for his forever home for a while - currently he is living in a foster home.  If you are that person, please contact Maxx and Me Pet Rescue at maxxandme.org.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Nancy at Nancy Kieffer Photography serving Central New York, the Adirondacks, and beyond and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Animal Photography brown brown dog canine Cat Photography Chocolate lab dog Labmaramer Maxx and Me Maxx and Me Pet Rescue MaxxandMe pet blog Pet Photography Pet Photography blog rescue vpshoots Weimaraner https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/8/pet-photography---theme-brown Fri, 31 Aug 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Mushrooms - an exercise in photography https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/8/mushrooms---an-exercise-in-photography A couple of weeks ago, at our weekly photography meeting one of the photographers posed a challenge to each of us.  The challenge we were given is to not use a lot of the technology that is available to us when creating a photograph.  For example, no making any changes in any computer software.  We were also to find our subject, guess at what we thought the proper camera settings were (ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, White Balance) and set the camera to those settings.  Then take a photograph of our subject ignoring the camera's light meter telling you whether or not your guess was correct (or at least close!).

I thought about this for a while - what did I want to use as my subject and then what might I be able to guess for the photograph to come out - at least partially - and not totally black (way under exposed) or totally white (way over exposed).  As I thought about it, I remembered one of the old rules for how to expose properly is the 'Sunny 16' rule.  This goes back to the days of film - back to when I was a teenager....course today you can google 'Sunny 16' and it will tell you what this rule is.  I went outside, not venturing far for this exercise, and found a few small mushrooms.  I grabbed my macro lens (Nikon 105mm for those of you that are curious) and a towel.  The towel has no real photography meaning, I just wanted to lay down on the ground to get this shot and it was wet and dirty.  The sun was beginning to shine through these little mushrooms - this could be a great photograph!  I set the camera to ISO 200, f/16, 1/200 of a second and click.

Here's the small mushrooms sitting in a bunch of leaves and mulch.  The photo came out almost black and white, there wasn't a lot of color in the mushrooms to begin with, but I love the contrast between the different things in this photograph - hopefully you see something nice as well - the photography group declared my photograph a success.  So, the sunny 16 rule still works in the digital world!

While I was laying down on the ground I noticed this additional photograph of the same group of mushrooms.  This one also looks pretty interesting with the background being almost totally dark since no sunlight was hitting that area.  The exposure was for the mushrooms, and they are pretty much the only identifiable objects.

If you're a photographer, maybe this is an exercise you'd like to give a try - share you experience with this idea.

Until next time....

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(VP Shoots Photography) backyard black and white contrast exercise exposure home leaf leaves mulch mushroom Sunny 16 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/8/mushrooms---an-exercise-in-photography Sun, 26 Aug 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme 'Golden Hour' https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/8/pet-photography---theme-golden-hour This week's pet photography blog is about the 'golden hour'.  I guess technically, there are two golden hours each day.  In the world of photography, the golden hour is the period of daytime shortly after sunrise (the hour after sunrise) and the period of daytime before sunset (the hour before sunset).  This is a time when the sun is lower in the sky and passes through more of the earth's atmosphere causing daylight which is redder and softer than when the sun is higher in the sky.  In photography, this provides nice 'golden light', hence the term 'golden hour'.  There are many outdoor photographers that only shoot during the 'golden' hours of the day.  However, a golden hour doesn't occur every day - there are cloudy, overcast, rainy, snowy, other types of days.  To limit photography to only the golden hours means you severely limit when you do photography.  Well, this week we have had a lot of those other types of days - with zero golden hour.  Or worse yet, the day we finally have a golden hour (and I am up, awake and functioning), I'm busy and can't do photography.

Last night we finally had a nice golden hour.  I met a young dog named Bella who is finding herself in need of a great forever home - I'm hoping she can find that perfect home that can handle a young, energetic dog.  She's a beautiful dog, but like many rescues, needs someone to work with her to help her learn how to be a great dog.

After our initial greeting from shy, scared, Bella - she began to settle down in her back yard - free to run around and have fun.  For this series of photographs, we did put her on a leash (removed by photoshop).  This is often how some of the photography sessions start, and it's fun to see the personality of each dog as it is captured.

Bella says - "So you want to take my photo? How about this?"

We look at Bella, I have to tell her that's not her best side to show - we need something better.  What else can you do for us Bella?

Bella? That's not nice - let's keep the tongue in and try for a big smile!

And there you have it, a beautiful big smile from Bella!  I knew she could do it - just a matter of my doing the correct sounds and having enough treats to keep her attention.

Here's a few more golden hour photographs of young Bella.

If you live locally and know someone that might be interested in Bella, please contact maxxandme.org to inquire about her!

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Pawparazzi Pet and Animal Photography presented by Shae Pepper Photography and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) adoption Animal Photography canine dog Dog Photography female Golden hour grass Maxx and Me medium outdoor Pet blog Pet Photography Pet Photography blog puppy rescue sunset Tampa vpshoots young https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/8/pet-photography---theme-golden-hour Fri, 24 Aug 2018 19:48:25 GMT
Tampa Firefighters Museum, Downtown Tampa https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/8/tampa-firefighters-museum-downtown-tampa This week we visited the Tampa Firefighters Museum in downtown Tampa located at 720 East Zack Street.  As we approached the building, we saw a beautiful mural painted on the wall for the museum.

This mural is painted on the north side of the building.  The building is the first actual fire department building built as a fire station in 1911.  It's made of brick and sits across the street from the new fire station.  As we entered the building, I first notice this small fire engine.  This is not a real fire engine, it appears to be a piece of artwork created sometime ago and is now spending it's days welcoming people into the museum.

Jim looked up and noticed this flag created out of old fire hoses.

The next thing we noticed (Jim more than I) is that there appears to be a lot of noise coming from inside the museum.  Well, guess they are busy this Saturday morning.  A young man came out of the museum store next to where we were standing and let us know they have a child's birthday party this morning (open on Saturday from 10-2).  As we went around the brick wall, there were a lot of young children having a lot of fun!  For those of you looking for somewhere to have a birthday party - air conditioned! - this could just be that place.  The children were having a lot of fun playing 'fire fighters'.

The first exhibit we viewed is the communication system for notifying fire fighters of an emergency.

This is a pretty complex system for it's time named the 'Gamewell' after the person that invented the system.  Each box has a number (in this photo #41) and if this box is used to make the call for a fire or emergency, it sets off the appropriate alarms and they know where box 41 is located to know where the emergency is located.  If you're looking for the more technical answer on how this works you might want to visit the museum which is self guided but information is posted on a lot of signs for what the various items are.  For the Gamewell system, here's some additional information and photographs for how it works.

"Each box had a unique number assigned to it, such as this box, 548. A gear-like wheel inside has a series of five then four then eight teeth. When the alarm was pulled, the wheel rotates and the gear teeth break the direct current five then four then eight times. This signal was sent to the fire department’s Signal Division where it was received as a series of gongs on a bell and was also punched on a paper tape. The fire department dispatched equipment from the station nearest box 548."

All the switches, gears, etc that are behind the scenes for when a call box is used.  The light bulbs were used to burn off excess energy.  On the back side of the above board is all the wiring for each of the lines - this is a closeup of the wiring for line 11.

These fire boxes resided in Tampa until 1981 - and grew to 300 boxes in total before being replaced with newer technology.

They have two fire engines on display in the museum, the oldest is the "Mack" shown below - very well polished and cared for.

The other fire engine is more recent in time.

They have exhibits of some of the earlier fire equipment before fire trucks (hose & reel) - but for some things, you should make a visit to the museum and enjoy what has been made available for all to see.

If you go upstairs, it is where the fire fighters dorms were located.  Today, it is primarily open space with no exhibits but does show that there were 5 fire poles from what I could see and one is still set up so you can see how it worked.  This photo was taken from the second floor looking down to the first floor. If you look close in the photo above, you can see the 'fire fighter' coming down the pole.

As we are getting close to the 17th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 incident, it is remembered at this museum.  This exhibit includes a fire fighter helmet that was gifted to the Tampa Fire Department.  For those that were part of NYFD, they visited Tampa shortly after the disaster and donated the helmet.  This was one (if not the first) place that several of these fire fighters visited after they completed the rescue.

As for Tampa, it had several large fires back in the early days of fire fighting.  A catastrophic Ybor City fire occurred on March 1, 1908 that made news in every major newspaper across the country with mass devastation of Ybor City.  Over 300 buildings lay in ruin after this fire and thousands of people were homeless and unemployed as a result of this fire.

A small newspaper is available at the museum called "Florida Burns 1890-1920" providing several different articles about early fires in Florida.  

This is a great museum to learn about the history of fire and fire fighters.  The museum is free, but they do accept donations.  If you have some time, and an interest in history, take an hour or two and visit this well done museum at 720 East Zack street - I think you'll enjoy it!

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) downtown Tampa fire fire box fire engine fire truck firefighter firefighters free indoor indoors museum Tampa Tampa Firefighters Tampa Firefighters Museum things to do Zack https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/8/tampa-firefighters-museum-downtown-tampa Sun, 19 Aug 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Manatee Village Historical Park, Bradenton, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/8/manatee-village-historical-park-bradenton-florida This week I visited the Manatee Village Historical Park located in Brandenton, Florida.  It was a rainy day, but I thought it would keep most people away and I could duck into the buildings while it was raining.  My plan worked well and I enjoyed visiting the various buildings at this location.  I visited the train first as I figured it was about to rain and not yet raining - known as "Old Cabbage Head".  Interesting old steam engine, a quick snap photo, with the thunder rolling in the background!  Old Cabbage Head was built in 1913 by Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The engine was originally built for the Taylor County Lumber Company in North Florida and used to haul timber.

My next stop was at the Stephens House.  A nice cracker gothic style home built in 1912 by Will Stephens family from pine trees on the family homestead, established in 1894 in what was Manatee County, but has since become Hardee County.  This particular house I did not get exterior photographs as it was raining.  The room to the immediate right has an organ among the furnishings.  As for the little cow on the organ, I forgot to ask what the story is behind this because they appear to be in every building - just a matter of finding them.

The rain let up, I headed over to the old court house building quickly before the next rain set in.  This building is Manatee County's first Courthouse, built in 1860.  It is the oldest building in the park and the oldest remaining building built as a courthouse in the entire state of Florida!

As I entered the small courthouse, I realize that is is not a large building - the benches are just inside the doorway and behind the judge's desk is a room on the left and another one on the right. The interior of the courthouse (taken with a wide angle lens to try and get most of the interior in the photograph).  The doorway on the right appears to be a 'law room' as it has several books.  The room on the left has desk/table and chair.

This courthouse was built for $700.  In today's world, I am wondering if we could get a small shed built for that price?  I spent a good amount of time in the courthouse as it was raining very hard along with thunder and lighting.  Eventually, it let up and I ran over to the old school house building which was closest to the courthouse.

This school house, the Bunker Hill School, was built in 1908.  Bunker Hill is located in northeast Manatee County.  Children attended school from first through eighth grades.  At the time this school was built, school days were from 8am to 4:30pm and the school year was from August through December.  Eventually, the school year increased to ten months.  The interior of the school house.

As I watched the rain fall, I looked out through the windows and the doorway to determine where I wanted to dash to next.  There were several buildings nearby, but none appeared to have shelter where I could get indoors (I didn't get to visit any of those).  My next stop was the church also known as the "old Meeting House".  This is a view of the church from the doorway of the school house.

A view of the church from the doorway of the court house.  You can see that everything is wet, and at this point I think I was the only visitor at the park.  Eventually a few families did come to visit as they are open 2 Saturday's a month (2nd and 4th Saturdays).

The interior of the church is simple, yet functional.  The church is available for weddings if you're interested!  The grounds of this park are beautiful with all the large old oak trees and brick walkways.

This concludes my tour of this historical park.  Another trip sometime in the future will potentially allow for visiting the other buildings as well as the old cemetery I eyed through the rain. The old cemetery appears to be the "1850 Manatee Burying Ground" and is associated with the village.  If you want to explore it, you must ask for the key at the gift shop or the park office located on the second floor of the Wiggins Store - so it is locked and secured.

A donation is asked to help support this historical park, but no fee is required.  The historical park is pet friendly, but with the impending bad weather and no animals in the buildings themselves, I left all my furry friends at home in the air conditioning.

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(VP Shoots Photography) antique buildings building church court house Florida historical historical village history Manatee Manatee County Manatee Village Manatee Village Historical Park Old Cabbage Head schoolhouse train village Wiggins Wiggins house https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/8/manatee-village-historical-park-bradenton-florida Sun, 12 Aug 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme 'Wide Open' https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/8/pet-photography---theme-wide-open This week's theme for pet photography is 'Wide Open'.  At first you may wonder what exactly this means.  In the world of photography, this means that the camera is set up to have a shallow depth of field, a larger aperture (or f-stop).  The easiest way for me to remember when explaining whether an aperture is small (f/22) or large (f/2) is to think about the aperture as a fraction.  For example if you are given 1/2 of a pie - wouldn't that slice of pie be much larger than if you got 1/22 of a pie? The widest aperture is dependent on the lens used on the camera.  For these photographs, a Nikon 70-200, f/4 lens was utilized - with f/4 being the widest aperture.

Typically, this long haired orange tabby has long fur.  The owner gives her a 'lion fur cut' during the summer months as she seems to prefer having a lighter fur coat during the hot summer days (even though she is an indoor kitty).  The focal point is on the eye closest to the camera - always the best place to focus if the subject has eyes.  The background and body of the cat goes into a soft blur.  For the photography people out there, the focal length was set to 160mm on the 70-200 lens. f/4.

The next photograph, taken at 200mm, f/4 using the same lens. Natural light used for the photograph with a large window source coming from the left of the photo (the cat's right side).

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit   Elaine Tweedy, I Got the Shot Pet Photography, serving Northeastern PA and surrounding areas and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) Animal Photography aperture cat Cat Photography depth of field feline indoor lion orange pet Pet Photography Pet Photography Blog tabby vpshoots wide open https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/8/pet-photography---theme-wide-open Fri, 10 Aug 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Wild Wonders at Citrus Park Mall https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/8/wild-wonders-at-citrus-park-mall The Wild Wonders exhibit featured several different animals created with plants (not real). The animals are quite large sitting in the mall just outside of Macy's.  Children enjoyed seeing the animals as well as the petting zoo that was there the day we visited.

I personally was looking for a more 'Wild' wonder, but then again, I need to remember we are in a mall.

Have a great week!

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) animal citrus citrus park citrus park mall mall park plant wild wild wonders wonder wonders https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/8/wild-wonders-at-citrus-park-mall Sun, 05 Aug 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme 'Negative Space' https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/8/pet-photography---theme-negative-space As we begin the month of August, our weekly blog for pets is 'Negative Space'.  I will have to say, this is not a concept that it natural for my photographs.  I have spent so many years making sure that I "Fill the Frame" that I don't typically leave a lot of negative space.  I want you, as the viewer, to focus on my subject and ensure that my subject is big enough in the photograph such that there is no question of what the photograph is about. 

In addition to Pet Photography, I do other types of photography including stock photography.  In my work as a stock photographer, I have learned that I don't always need to fill the frame - leaving negative space within the photograph can be great if they are planning to add some text or other things to the photograph.

So what exactly is negative space?  This is space around your subject in your photograph.  Negative space provides 'breathing room' around your subject giving your eyes somewhere to 'rest' and also helps to prevent your image from being cluttered with stuff that isn't your intended subject.

Here's a very simple example. A small frog floating in a swimming pool (and a few little spots of dirt).  All negative space around this little frog - he was taking a break from swimming at the moment this photo was taken.

This week I wanted to feature our foster puppy, Rue.  However, Rue is pretty much a velcro dog to me, so it's hard for me to get great photographs of her because she is almost always touching me when she is not out playing or walking.  I'm still working on that, but after a few attempts to get some good photographs (I was willing to settle for good, not great) - I decided Ollie (her sister) might be my better model.

Unlike Rue, who has been the outgoing, "I am going to do what I want to do" from the moment we met her in September 2017 at the age of about 8 weeks - Ollie, is a pretty good model!  She did what we wanted when she was only 8 weeks old and she has always been much easier to get photographs.

I brought Ollie out to our front yard because the grass is growing such a beautiful green with the almost daily rain that we are having.  At first, I kept her leash on just to make sure she wasn't planning any escapes to run around the neighbors yards.  If you look closely, you can see a dark spot in the window behind Ollie - where she is looking.  That's Rue, she has parted the blinds and is busy barking away because she isn't out and her sister is!

Ollie (dog) looking away from the cameraOllie (dog) looking away from the cameraWhat is that behind me?

After a little while, Ollie figured out what I wanted her to do - although, I can say that I am not sure I like having dog photographs with a lot of negative space.  First, let's sit facing this way.....

Now, let's lay down showing my other side....

Ok - I'll turn my head a little bit more towards you.

And by the time I managed to click off about 50 photographs, Ollie says she is done and decides to wonder off.  Such is the life of a pet photographer - when your subject is done, so are you.

The next day, we loaded up the family (now that there are two large dogs, and two little dogs, the car is pretty full) and went to a close by park for another potential photography session.  First, I took Abby, our sweet hound mix that has some issues, but she is a great model.  The only problem is the contrast was pretty high for a black dog on this sunny morning - here's Abby in a black and white photograph which works really well since she is black and white - allowing the sky to blow out provided for a simple white background of negative space along with a little scenery.  This photograph is very high contrast, a little more so that I typically use in my photos.

Next I took Ollie up the little hill for a potential photograph.  She was very alert to the small airport across the waterway that had a number of small planes coming in for landings in the 15 minutes we were photographing (she kept looking over her shoulder). For this photograph, I used the small flash on my camera to help provide some fill light on her.  To leary to take off her harness, this is what a dog considers to be 'beautiful run free - maybe "born free" space'.

Since Ollie is low to the ground, she can be a bit difficult to catch when she runs off - and as soon as I picked up her leash to put it back on, she ran off - over to her sister and then we started the 'come' command but these two little girls were over whelmed with the potential opportunity to run and play!  After a minute or two, they came to us - life with young dogs!

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit  Kim with BARKography based in Charlotte NC and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog Dog Photography grass negative space Ollie outdoor Pet Photography Pet Photography blog puppy red rescue small summer vpshoots yard https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/8/pet-photography---theme-negative-space Fri, 03 Aug 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Getaway from it all.... https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/7/getaway-from-it-all I've got to say that things have definitely changed over the years. I remember when I used to go to small out of the way places just to make sure I didn't have cell phone service.  A few decades ago, we started going to the Suwannee River - first it was a friend's place with no amenities - just a place along the river to pitch your tent.  Then to another friend's place where he actually built an outhouse, showers, etc for all the friends that came up to camp out.  Now, we go to another place along the Suwannee with family - and it's just a wonderful place to get away from it all.  

We had the opportunity to run up there for a brief visit recently - for Jimbo it was a return to a place he hadn't been to in a couple of years.  For Abby, Ollie and Rue - it was their first visit.  Jimbo remembered it - I found him snoozing on the bed in the room we used to sleep in.  Our dog family has gotten a little big for that room now - but for Jimbo, it was a place to 'get away from the girls'.

Here's the view from our balcony just after sunrise.  Course, it's summer, so everything is green.  It's a nice time to relax and remember all the good times we have had over the last couple of decades - most often I am the first one up, this morning was no exception - only I was out numbered by the dogs.  When I first came here it was Dolly and I getting up early.  Then Jimbo and I going out for the early walk. And now well, it's Jimbo, Abby, Ollie and Rue!  I'll have to capture some photographs of the girls up here on the next visit, it was pretty busy during the 24 hours we were there and I didn't make that happen this trip.

A previous visit shortly after the sunrise.....

And in the winter (January), their is often fog on the river banks....

For as long as I can remember, this white gazebo with a green roof has been the landmark to find their place when on the water.  This place is now up for sale, a beautiful piece of property with a good number of acres for those with some cash.

If I reach back in time, our first dog, Dolly, loved going up to the river because it was a great dog place - no leashes while on the property and plenty of space to run and have fun.  Course, we were always careful because there are gators and other critters out - so definitely be mindful!

And Dolly having fun (I'm not sure if any of our dogs we have now would do this, but the dune buggy has long since been retired and is now gone) catching a ride with Jim.

So much for memories, I hope that you too have a great place to get away from it all.  Cell phone service is pretty good here now - but you can ignore it if you want to.  You're still a good distance from any store and definitely on your own once you go to the remote areas where the Suwannee River flows...

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) backwoods canine dog lonely nature outdoor relax relaxing river secluded sunrise Suwannee Suwannee river water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/7/getaway-from-it-all Sun, 29 Jul 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme 'Big Sky' https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/7/pet-photography---theme-big-sky Big Sky - well, to me this means something really nice in the sky whether that is a great sunrise, sunset or just a pretty nice set of clouds.  However, this is just not the week that it will be easy to get anything like that - it's raining, gray, overcast most of this week.  Worse yet, it's sunny and then within five minutes it's raining!  Sometimes in the middle of our walks - but as long as it is just rain with no thunder, we just keep walking as it is a welcome break from the hot summers here in Florida.

I'm amazed that Florida is the sunshine state - as I've paid more attention to what the sky looks like because I am looking for specific types of lighting for my photography I have come to realize that we actually have a LOT of gray, overcast days.  Don't get me wrong, I like overcast skies for a lot of my photography - but just where does the 'sunshine' part come in?

This is what our 'big sky' looks like right now - gray, clouds and about to rain.

Here's a photo of Abby watching a sunset on a better 'sun' evening but still wasn't our best as the weather is not cooperating.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Elaine Tweedy, I Got The Shot Photography, Northeastern PA Pet Photographer and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Abby Animal Photography blog boat ramp canine cypress dock dog Dog Photography nature outdoor Pet Pet Photography Photography river sky sunset tree trees water wood https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/7/pet-photography---theme-big-sky Fri, 27 Jul 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Gamble Plantation Historic State Park, Ellenton, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/7/gamble-plantation-historic-state-park-ellenton-florida This week I traveled down to Ellenton and visited the Gamble Plantation Historic State Park.  The Gamble Plantation is located on U.S. 301 just west of Interstate 75 in Ellenton, Florida.  This is the same exit as the Ellenton Outlet Mall (just turn right instead of left if you're headed southbound on I-75).  I've driven past this old stately home for many years and have always wanted to stop and check it out - so on this hot, muggy morning - I finally had the opportunity.  I am glad that I headed down early as the visitor center has a sign that says the mansion is not climate controlled and temperatures can rise to the 90s.  

If you like history, then this is well worth a stop to see the historic mansion.  This is the site of the oldest building in Manatee County, Florida.  It is close to the Manatee River which played a role in Robert Gamble stopping here to claim the land after the Second Seminole War ended in 1842.  The park ranger providing us with a guided tour indicated that this land was chosen because Robert and others on the boat got stuck and thus decided this was far enough and should be where they stay.

The view in the photo above shows the front and east sides of the mansion.  "The two story (93 x 43 feet) mansion has ten rooms. The outer walls are nearly two feet thick. Eighteen columns support the roof and upper verandas, which extend around three sides of the building." per information from the state park brochure.

The west wall has benches to sit and relax.  The windows in the house are primarily on the east and west sides to catch the breeze.  Since the walls are almost two feet thick with tabby brick (made from shells local to the area), a photograph railing was created around the top of all the walls to allow for hanging of photographs.  A hook was placed at the top of the railing and string was used to allow the photo to hang down to the location desired.

All of the furnishings in this house are from the time period that Robert Gamble lived in the home, however none of the furniture is actually his.  As the park ranger, Robert, tells us the story of Robert Gamble, I learned that he had some bad luck along the way.  His plantation was growing sugar cane and when the first crop was ready for harvest, a hurricane came through and flooded the crop.  Robert continued to grow sugar cane, and when the second crop was ready for harvest, a hurricane came through and flooded the crop.  I personally think perhaps I would begin to think "Maybe I am not suppose to grow sugar cane".  Eventually, Robert Gamble was forced to sell the property to pay off debt and he moved all his belongings up to Tallahassee, Florida where his father, John Gratton Gamble and all of Robert's family lived (Robert himself was a bachelor).  Unfortunately for Robert, the storage building that contained all his belongings caught fire and all was lost.  Hence, Robert had no belongings left to be placed in the home he built in Ellenton, Florida.

The next bedroom had a four poster bed with rope ties.  Robert, the park ranger, explains that every several days, the ropes had to be tightened in order to keep the bed from sagging.  The old saying "sleep tight" came from these old beds that had to be tightened up back in the 1800s.

This bedroom containing this bed, had a bathroom!

Yep, that's it.  A little porta potty on wheels.  No indoor plumbing in this house.

The hallway on the left side of the mansion is a long hallway with windows and very large window sills that can be used for seating.  Remember, the walls are two feet thick, that makes for a fairly nice place to sit and relax.

The next room we entered had a very unique clock on the mantel.  Look closely and you'll see that the hands on the clock have a "T" for the hour and an "S" for the minute.  

The Gamble mansion was built in three phases.  The photograph below is from the first phase of the house.  It has the original flooring which has a stone look but is most likely the same material the house is made of (this I am not certain, as I was focusing on taking photographs and missed some of the commentary as Robert told us about the house and family that lived there).

The east side of the house.

"The land and house was sold to Major George Patten for $3000 in 1872.  In 1895, the Pattens abandoned the mansion to avoid the high cost of maintaining the aging and decaying house." per information at the visitors center for this state park.

The grounds and picnic areas are open each day from 8:00am until sunset.  The mansion is open Thursday through Monday for scheduled tours at various times.   Note that Robert is the park ranger at this state park.  When Robert is giving tours of the Gamble mansion, the visitor center is closed (something to keep in mind).  The visitor center is air conditioned.  You are allowed to take all the photographs you want, but if you're taking a tour of the mansion, you need to stay with the group so as not to annoy the others on the tour.  Check their website as these may change over time as well as the nominal fee.  The address is 3708 Patten Avenue, Ellenton, Florida - enjoy a trip back into the past!

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) cane Ellenton Florida Gamble Gamble Plantation Gamble Plantation Historic State Park Gamble Plantation State Park historic history Manatee Manatee County park plantation state park sugar sugarcane https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/7/gamble-plantation-historic-state-park-ellenton-florida Sun, 22 Jul 2018 15:38:48 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme 'Doorway' https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/7/pet-photography---theme-doorway This week's pet photography theme is "Doorway".  It's been so hot here (and I am hearing it is elsewhere in the United States too) that I am being very careful when I take my dogs outside for their walk and play time.  As such, we aren't doing as much exploring as we do when the weather is a 'feels like 99 degrees' with high humidity and muggy before the sun comes up.

I'm sure all of you remember when you went to places as a child with your parents, you were often posed in front of whatever it was you were visiting - whether that was a "I was here" sign or just some scene at the place you were visiting.  Well, since I don't have children, I make one of the dogs do this in a lot of the places we visit.

Here's Jimbo sitting at the doorway of an building in the Ninety Six National Historic site in Ninety Six, South Carolina.

This particular area is probably not well known, but I do a lot of family history research and along that path, I kept running into "Ninety Six" district and "Abbeville" District within South Carolina.  As a result, I wanted to visit and see what exactly this particular part of South Carolina was.  This park is dog friendly (except for going into the buildings) so it was ideal for us travelling with Jimbo.

My second doorway photograph is more of a fun photograph - Abby was a good model, but she is alive and healthy (in case you are concerned).  This photograph is a take on 'Stairway to Heaven'.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Sandra McCarthy Photography serving NH and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) building canine dog dog photography door doorway heaven historic iron Jimbo nature ninety six old outdoor pet pet photography pet photography blog revoluntionary revolution Savannah Valley SC site sky South Carolina stairway trail wood https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/7/pet-photography---theme-doorway Fri, 20 Jul 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Canoeing the Little Manatee River with Canoe Outpost https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/7/canoeing-the-little-manatee-river-with-canoe-outpost This past week a girlfriend and I along with her two children (one teenager, one middle schooler) took a canoeing trip down the Little Manatee River.  Yes, canoeing (not kayaking) after a little bit of debate as to whether this was really a good idea.  Anyway, the teenager took a single person kayak and the rest of us went in the canoe.  Let's put this into perspective - I cannot steer a canoe - I can paddle.  The middle schooler, a young girl, is afraid of spiders.....and well, let's just say we had an exciting adventure on this trip.

Brian gave us the information we needed for what we would be travelling.  Now, having done this not to far in the past, I know you need to pay attention.  And not only that, it helps to take notes!

As you can see, I took a couple of photos of the photos that Brian was showing us.  Who will remember all this? (not me).  Then the map.

So, do you know what all the little circles mean?  That's when I said, "Can you label that?".  I do know that the last time I did this trip it was dark from stormy clouds, then it started thundering, lighting and well, we got wet and we didn't fall into the river.  We also took a detour and it wasn't intentional so I knew I needed to pay more attention this time! We elected to go with the 2:30 pickup time because it was now 10 and we weren't sure if we could make the 1:15.

It started out fine, we didn't fall into the water - which was dark, flowing high and fast.  Since I can't steer, I loaded into the front of the canoe.  After we all got loaded, this was the view.

The water is high, there is a current and I think you could probably float down a good portion of this without doing much except steering.  Remember, I said I can't steer!  Brian said the first part of this trip, actually the first half of this trip was going to be challenging.  Hmmm, I didn't know what that meant - but I do now.

We started coming up to things that looked like this.

There was a tree across a good portion of the river.  The water is flowing pretty good, you can see that going around the tree branches in the river.  In order to get around this, you have to get over to the right side of the river and pass through an area that in this case was probably about 6 feet wide - maybe a little more.  And the adventure begins.  I didn't get the opportunity to take photographs along the way before I was to busy trying to get out of the branches that I was going through, get around the next tree, branch, whatever that was blocking half the passage way - you name it, there just wasn't time to keep putting the paddle down.

Halfway through, we stopped at the pavilion and had our lunch purchased at Publix.  That sandwich tasted really good - not sure if it was all the paddling or what - but it was nice to stop and have a little relaxing lunch.  Just about the time we finished, we found out whose belongings were in the pavilion with us - here came a few adults and at least 30 young children all wearing matching tie dye shirts - we finished up and headed back to our trip on the river.

We made it and we scrambled out of the watercraft. We retrieved our cell phones - guess what time it was? I kid you not, it was 1:15, the first pickup time that we didn't think we could make it was exactly 1:15.  We all noticed the sign about alligators - we didn't see any, we did see a good number of turtles and the rest of the time we saw a lot of leaves, branches, etc (we actually had a good layer of debris in the bottom of our canoe when we reached the halfway point).  Oh, did I mention - we had spiders....lots of spiders...remember I mentioned at the beginning of the blog post that the young middle schooler didn't like spiders?  She was right up there with Ronald Weasley from Harry Potter on her fear and sharing it with us.  She kept wanting to quit - like, did you want to swim back?  Sorry kiddo, you're stuck in this little canoe for a few more hours, start killing them!

Well, that was our adventure and it was fun, just got a bit annoying that we kept seeing all the branches up so close.

Kayak next time!!!

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canoe Canoe Outpost canoeing current dark flow high kayak little manatee river Moran outpost outpost' river VPShoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/7/canoeing-the-little-manatee-river-with-canoe-outpost Sun, 15 Jul 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme "Head Tilt" https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/7/pet-photography---theme-head-tilt This week's pet photography theme is the 'head tilt' - you know when your pet gives you that curious? questioning? and in many cases just downright adorable look! As a pet photographer, I have learned over the last few years that often times this is the most adorable head portrait I can capture of a rescue dog.  Not all dogs will do the head tilt, but for those that do - it can be such a cool photograph.  Almost two weeks ago, I met Danny.  Danny is a sweet, quiet, rescue dog - a sharpei mix - and almost immediately he did the head tilt.  Course, I've also learned to make a few rather interesting noises that often seems to provide the dogs into that totally 'What are you doing?' (at least I hope it's that as opposed to 'This human has an issue, what's wrong with her?')

As a pet photographer, and even more as a rescue dog photographer, I've learned quite a bit in the last couple of years.  First, there are lots of dogs out there looking for homes - they all have different personalities and most are not scared of the camera (a couple have been).  What do I look for when I am doing a photography session for a rescue dog?  There are several things, but I spend a few minutes to see how the dog is acting before jumping into photographs.  Sometimes the dog doesn't get a lot of attention and that's all they want from you - so it's important to give that attention - they need it and you'll enjoy it!

The next thing I almost always try to capture is at least one good head portrait - I love it when they will look directly at the camera, but not all dogs do - so a nice portrait either way is always something I will patiently wait for (sometimes up to an hour and over 100 photos later).  The other things are at least one full body photograph - whether that is sitting, standing, running, laying down - it's all depending on the dog - but if it's a rescue dog, they want to see what the entire dog looks like - not just their faces.

So, what do I do when the dog is camera shy? Well, the first thing I do is put the camera down.  Then spend more time with the dog, just talking or walking them, petting, you know - dog things.  After a little while, this can be 10 minutes or 30 minutes, I will pick up my camera again.  If they are still not comfortable, then I will set the camera down and see if they will sniff it.  If they don't, I put a small treat on the lens hood - yes, on the lens hood, on the camera.  I've never had one eat or attack the camera, they just want the treat - and sometimes they want it badly and are quick to take it - but other times they are slow as they are still scared. 

I know there are other people out there in this big world capturing photographs of pets, what tricks do you do to get great photographs of your pet?

Here's a few more head tilt photographs for you to enjoy!

Amore - male adoptedAmore - male adopted

Amore (above) adopted very soon after this great photography session!

AdoptedAdopted

This cute dog was adopted shortly after he posed for the camera - the head tilt does make a difference!

AdoptedAdopted

And this little one was adopted too - so if you're dog (I haven't really tried this with cats) does a head tilt - make sure you capture that adorable moment in time!

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Pet Love Photography, serving Greater Cincinnati, the San Francisco Bay Area, and destinations nationwide and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine Danny dog dog photography male medium pet pet photography Pet Photography blog rescue Rescue Teamsters sharpei VPShoots white https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/7/pet-photography---theme-head-tilt Fri, 13 Jul 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Swallowtail Caterpillars https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/7/swallowtail-caterpillars The black swallowtail caterpillars were busy eating the forgotten fennel herb plants in a garden - there were several good size plants and a small cluster of a dozen caterpillars happily eating away.  The smallest caterpillars I saw (looking very closely) are mostly dark in color with a white 'saddle' in the middle and spiny. This caterpillar was probably between 1/4 and 1/2 inch - very small. While I was working on photographing these small caterpillars, I was also busy shooing away a wasp that appeared to want my subject for breakfast!

As the caterpillars grow up, they change some in coloration.

Then when they are nearing full size and will soon begin the pupae stage of life, they look similar to a monarch caterpillar with some variations.

I haven't yet found the pupae stage to photograph, so that's on my bucket list! But once they complete this stage they become a beautiful black swallowtail butterfly.

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) black butterfly caterpillar fennel garden herb insect swallowtail vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/7/swallowtail-caterpillars Sun, 08 Jul 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme "By a Nose" https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/7/pet-photography---theme-by-a-nose This week's theme is "By a Nose" as we have now crossed the halfway point for the year 2018! It's hard to believe that half the year has passed as we begin July and for those of us in the United States and celebrate the fourth of July this week.  This week I want to take a moment to remember Charley who crossed the rainbow with a 'nose photograph'.  Here's Charley looking up into the camera - he was one of my first dogs I photographed besides my own.

I decided to feature several different dogs this week and focus on the differences in their noses - and if you look at various breeds of dogs, you'll see that there can be a lot of different types - some long, narrow, short, wrinkles, squishy - let's take a look at some of those noses! 

Squishy soft nose (Sharpei) - I love giving these a gentle squeeze if the dog allows it.  Both of these Sharpei mixes are looking for a home if you in the Tampa Bay area and interested!  These dogs are with Rescue Teamsters - Max (brindle) is a good size dog and appears to love men - although he wasn't to picky and likes me too.  Danny a medium size dog, seem like he had a lot of deep thought during our photography session - very sweet boy.

Hound dog - gotta have a long nose to smell out all those wonderful things!

Short noses - often wondered why they are so short (other than genetics).

Short and wrinkled....oops, with a tongue curl!

or not....

slender nose...


And the end of a nose!

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Darlene with Pant the Town Pet Photography serving MA and NH
 and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) boxer canine Charley closeup dog dog photography hound nose pet photography Pet Photography blog rescue sharpei short vpshoots wrinkle https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/7/pet-photography---theme-by-a-nose Fri, 06 Jul 2018 08:00:00 GMT
USF Botanical Gardens - Summer https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/7/usf-botanical-gardens---summer Last weekend we attended the summer plant sale at the USF Botanical Gardens.  I noticed that they had quite a few flowers through out the garden blooming as well as lots of butterflies flying around.  So, we went back this week after the plant sale ended and spent some time walking through the gardens and taking photographs.  Jimbo and Abby came along for the walk but soon found out it was a photography trip and they would be doing a bit of waiting on us (instead of the other way around).  Afterwards they got a treat from the local pet store, Pet Wize while we ate lunch at the Windmill here in Temple Terrace.

So what's blooming?  Quite a few plants (I know most of them, but those I don't - maybe you can drop me a comment and let me know if you know).  The blanket flower is a beautiful flower - especially in numbers!  I see them in the road medians and they are so pretty as a large group.

Firecracker plant - with a lizard hanging out watching us!

Help! What is this beautiful purple flower nestled in all the green? (I suppose I could google it, but it's more fun to ask you!)

Hibiscus - they have several different colors of these flowers blooming in the garden - this one was a very pretty deep pink color.

Purslane - these are such small flowers that most people don't notice how beautiful and delicate they are up close.

Begonia - the beautiful soft colors of the pink flowers against the green was to much for me to pass up.

In the orchid area, this lizard was hanging out watching us.  I wanted him to open up his neck area, but I didn't have all day and he was pushing my patience as I was getting eaten by a good number of mosquitoes in the orchid area.  We learned a good bit about the orchids here at this garden that are cared for by the Tampa Bay Orchid Society.  Several people from this group were busy tending to the orchids and putting out new orchids that were blooming while taking those no longer blooming back to the green house where they have a LOT of orchids!

White rose - they have several different types of roses here at the garden.

That's all for this week - the USF Botanical Gardens are open to the public.  The entrance fee is $5 and parking is free - can't beat that for a nice walk in the garden.

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(VP Shoots Photography) begonia blanket blanket flower Botanical fee flower garden garden' hibiscus lizard orchid plant public rose USF USF Botanical Garden https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/7/usf-botanical-gardens---summer Sun, 01 Jul 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme 'Landmark' https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/6/pet-photography---theme-landmark This week’s theme is “Landmarks” and I decided to return to a small memorial park that is a landmark in our city of Temple Terrace.  I am sure that most everyone has heard of the man this memorial park is named for, but few know that he started his career here in Hillsborough County, back in January 1937 when he transferred to the Florida Bible Institute.  The Florida Bible Institute occupied a Spanish style building originally the Temple Terrace County Club clubhouse on the banks of the Hillsborough River in Temple Terrace.  This man, William Franklin Graham, Jr., was born on November 7, 1918 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Most know him as “Rev. Billy Graham” who just recently passed earlier this year (February 21, 2018 in Montreat, North Carolina).

Billy came to Temple Terrace as a skinny, tall, 18 year old.  He was here in Hillsborough County for 3 ½ years.  In his autobiography he says that he would paddle his canoe across the river to the little island and practice his sermons on the creatures of the river.  All the creatures – from the birds to the alligators that resided on the island.  Billy’s fellow students teased “How many converts did you get today, Billy?”

In Billy’s autobiography (Just as I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham), he says that he received his calling from God on the 18th green of the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club which was across the street from the Florida Bible Institute.  Today, just to the east side of North Riverhills, east of the 18th green, is a small memorial park to remember Billy Graham.

We set out early Sunday morning to take a few moments and remember him, as well as read the historic sign placed in 2011 in hopes that all will remember his early beginnings before the world knew him.

Dogs looking at the Billy Graham Historical SignDogs looking at the Billy Graham Historical SignOur twin dogs reading the Billy Graham Historical sign at the park.

Our little puppies, now almost grown up, sat and 'read the sign'.

Rue says "Oops, I think someone is watching us!" Ollie says "I am not done reading yet."

They sat and read the sign and it says "Near here in 1937, world-recognized evangelist Billy Graham would paddle his canoe across the river to the little island. There he would practice his sermons on the creatures of the river great and small, from alligators to birds. Dr. Graham, one of the 20’s century’s best known spiritual leaders and advisor to ten United States Presidents, acknowledged he was called to serve the ministry while living in this city.  In his autobiography Dr. Graham refers to Temple Terrace as “the moonlight, the moss, the breeze, the greet, the golf course… in my spirit I knew I had been called to the ministry”.  Dr. Graham attended nearly Florida Bible Institute (later to become Trinity College of Florida) from 1937 to his graduation in 1940."

After we finished visiting the Billy Graham Memorial Park, we went up the hill to the Woodmont Clubhouse originally build in 1928.  Historically, the clubhouse initially served as a horse stable for winter visitors and full time residents.  Later, it was converted into a one room school, then a multi-room schoolhouse.  In 1955, when a large portion of Temple Terrace began a building boom, Temple Terrace Elementary School opened it's doors to serve the children in the city.  At this time Woodmont was left vacant.  After a period of time, it was taken over by the Temple Terrace Garden Club and is now maintained by the club.  The building is used for special occasions, events in the city and has been remodeled since the early days.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Pawparazzi Pet and Animal Photography presented by Shae Pepper Photography  and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 1937 Billy Billy Graham Billy Graham Memorial Park canine clubhouse dog Graham green marker historical memorial outdoor pet puppies puppy read Reverend Billy Graham siblings sisters sit Temple Terrace Woodmont https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/6/pet-photography---theme-landmark Fri, 29 Jun 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Withlacoochee State Forest https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/6/withlacoochee-state-forest This past week I went up towards the Bushnell, Florida area - about an hour north of Temple Terrace up I-75.  I will say, that I am happy that I was going north this particular day because south bound was a mess and everyone was getting off the interstate and flooding the side streets trying to get where ever they were going (most of them to work some place).  I got off at the same exit as the Florida National Cemetery, exit 309, from I-75.  Just a little west of the interstate is a sign that indicates the Withlacoochee State Forest starts "here".  I've always wanted to explore this forest and by no means did I make a dent in it on this little trip, but it was a start.  Jimbo was in the back seat of the truck and as soon as we started going slower and bumping along the pot holed shell road - he stood up to see "Where are we?".

I was glad I was in the truck as this road had a good number of pot holes filled with water and in a few places the road was almost covered with water and I only hoped that there was hard ground under the water and the puddles were not to deep since I was on this venture with a dog and no other human.

Eventually we found the Withlacoochee River - there was a nice place to stop and view the river, but that place appeared to be claimed by a lone fisherman and his dog.  The dog was very alert to the fact that I had just driven up and I didn't want to see whether or not he liked other dogs, so Jimbo and I drove on - that stop will be for another day now that I know it exists.

We drove to another area and stopped and took a walk.  I think we both enjoyed the peace of nature and being the only ones around this area.  I grabbed a camera with one lens, travelled light and we started walking.  I soon realized that there were flowers blooming that I had never noticed before - no idea what they are (but if you know, please let me know!).

I'm not sure if this is a morning glory with holes eaten in it or some other type of flower but I liked the unique look with the holes.

I realized that it was starting to get dark and it was just after 9am, that can only mean one thing - clouds are moving in and it's potentially going to be raining soon.  Time to turn around and head back to the car.

We didn't stay around to find out if it started raining because Jimbo is not fond of thunder.  On the way out, we saw no one - however I think a deer ran across the dirt road in front of us a little bit (something ran across - I like to think it was a deer instead of a coyote or something).

Until our next adventure, 'Please Protect Your Forest' (remember not to throw out anything that might start a forest fire).

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) alone dirt dirt road flower forest leading lines morning glory outdoor river solitude tree trees wildflowers withlacoochee Withlacoochee State Forest https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/6/withlacoochee-state-forest Sun, 24 Jun 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Outdoor Kitty https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/6/outdoor-kitty Our neighborhood has a great number of feral cats that I can only assume started because people dumped cats at the park two blocks away and eventually they started having families.  I know many years ago our dog found a very small kitten that was very sick at the park and we had her for many years before having to say good bye earlier this year.  Now, another tuxedo kitty is hanging out in our yard a good bit although he is actually more our neighbors cat.  Early one morning this past week he was curled up next to a tree in our yard and I had my camera so I started taking photographs of him.  It wasn't until I got the photographs on the computer that I noticed what LONG whiskers this cat has!

This particular cat is long haired and has a 'fluffy tail' - it's not a traditional tail, but just a little fluff ball which reminds me of a rabbit tail.  Unfortunately, you can't see that in either of these photographs - but look at all those whiskers!

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) black and white cat feline feral grass long haired longhaired male outdoor tree tudexo young https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/6/outdoor-kitty Fri, 22 Jun 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Deer hunting https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/6/deer-hunting I am sure the title of this particular blog post is going to bring one thing to mind for many - but when I say "Deer hunting" I am using a camera (not any form of ammunition).  On our deer hunting rides, I did find several deer hiding out in the Cloudland Canyon State Park - but if you're driving the speed limit and not really hunting, you probably will never see them!  This particular photography was more a let's see what this camera can do and I am happy to say that the Nikon D750 is truly very good is extremely low light.  Some of these photographs were taken in such dark light that I was amazed it could actually focus as I could barely see the deer with my eyes.  I hope you enjoy deer hunting with us as I found it a lot of fun to watch them in their native habitats.

This last one was using the "hi 1" ISO setting that indicates as 51,200 when the photograph is loaded into Lightroom.  It was pretty dark when I took this photo, I could barely make out the deer with my own eyes.  Quite impressive what this camera can do (Nikon D750 with 70-200 f/4 lens).

Also while we were out shooting, this little bluebird came and sat outside the car window - I love these birds, they are such a vivid blue (especially the males).

That's all for this week - hopefully as we roll into this next week the cold I have been fighting for a few weeks will 'find another home' (ha ha) and I'll be out doing more shooting that I have been the last couple of weeks.

Enjoy and have a great week!

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(VP Shoots Photography) bird bluebird cloudland canyon state park d750 deer georgia low light nikon twilight https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/6/deer-hunting Sun, 17 Jun 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Wildflowers https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/6/wildflowers Often times I return to my 'roots' in photography - flower photography.  I've always had a love for shooting up close, and flowers are often the subject when I am shooting up close.  On our recent trip to Cloudland Canyon State Park, we spent an afternoon hanging out at one of the playgrounds just chilling while the park ranger was at our cabin with the air conditioning company replacing the entire air conditioning system (if that's news to you, you might want to go back a few Sunday blog posts).  Anyway, it was a relaxing afternoon and not long before Jim and I starting looking at the various flowers growing wild and taking some photographs.  

Most of the time people photograph dandelion flowers when they are finished flowering and have all the little seeds still intact.  That looks more like what you see below.

But, sometimes you see a dandelion that has already lost a good number of the seeds and has a "bald spot".  Since this is the less often version seen, I think it has more interest.

One other wild flower caught my eye as we relaxed around a picnic table.

For all of these images, looking closely at what is behind the flower and using a shallow depth of field, allowed for a nice blur of color without any actual objects being included in the photograph.  This is a preferred way to photograph flowers to have them stand out.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) closeup dandelion flower georgia partial pink wild wildflower https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/6/wildflowers Sun, 10 Jun 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme 'Blue' https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/6/pet-photography---theme-blue It is interesting that this week's theme for pet photography is "Blue" and I've been down with a pretty good cold since the weekend - feeling rather Blue myself.  The weather here has been really raining, I am starting to think we live in Washington state not Florida as the rains have been coming so much almost every day with no real rhyme or reason as to when it is going to rain.  I managed to get a few photographs of Martin just before it started raining late last week.  Martin is a middle age (probably 6-7 years old) and is currently looking for a foster or forever home.  When I returned home to load the photographs of Martin on my computer, I was sad to see that Martin actually has a very 'blue', sad frown on one of the photographs.  I don't know that I have actually captured this particular look on a dog.

Martin did have a happy face for us too, but I was definitely struck by his frown and sad eyes in this photograph - if only Martin could tell us what he has seen in his life thus far.

What a big difference just having his mouth open with his tongue hanging out a little bit! His whole face lit up and he looks like a different dog.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Ursula M. Garrison is a freelance photographer based on the South Shore of Lake Superior in Northern Wisconsin and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) and animal photography blue canine dog dog photography frown head shot maxx maxx and me maxx and me pet rescue me outdoor pet pet photography pet photography blog portrait rescue rescue' sad vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/6/pet-photography---theme-blue Fri, 08 Jun 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Point Park, Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tennessee https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/6/point-park-lookout-mountain-chattanooga-tennessee Point Park is located on Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  There are wonderful views of the city of Chattanooga from this military park which overlooks the Lookout Mountain Battlefield and the city below.  There is a paved walking path around the park and several areas that can be explored by going down small sections of stairs.  Historically known for the battles fought in the Civil War over 150 years ago.

We arrived with a threat of rain nearby, but parked in front of the park and fed the meter so we could see what it was about.  The stonework is very different than anything I have seen before, but immediately reminded me of the rook (castle) in the game of chess. This park is not staffed and pay is requested via credit or debit card. 

The overlooks are beautiful - and probably even more impressive if we couldn't see the rain coming across from the north over the city of Chattanooga.

The cannons are situated at the edge of the mountain so they can fire down into Chattanooga. November 25, 1863 - no Union troops reached the top of the mountain during the Battle of Lookout.  During the battle which was from November 23rd through November 27th, 1863 - the Union troops lost 684 men killed in action.  Many more were missing or wounded bringing the Union total of casualties to 5,824.  The Confederate troops lost 361 men killed in action with a total of 6,667 killed, missing or wounded.

On a slight hill, in the center of the park is a large monument.

This monument is the "New York Peace Memorial" erected by the state of New York as a tribute to peace and reconciliation between Union and Confederate veterans after the war (per the nps.gov website for this park).

As you can see from the sky in this photograph, the clouds were dark and the thunder let out a rumble and Jimbo does what Mom always told you to do as a child - "Seek Shelter" - Jimbo had one thing on his mind and that was get to the truck ASAP - so I didn't get to see the rest of this park, but I did make it to the truck just before the skies opened up.  Best weather dog I know!

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) chattanooga lookout mountain park point park tennessee tn https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/6/point-park-lookout-mountain-chattanooga-tennessee Sun, 03 Jun 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme 'Black and White' https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/6/pet-photography---theme-black-and-white This week's pet photography theme is black and white.  I personally think pets (cats, dogs, etc) that have strong contrast in their fur look the best in black and white photographs.  Most often I find that the brown and red color dogs become gray and don't have the striking contrast in their fur.  It's been raining here a lot and opportunities for going out and photographing dogs has been severely limited - in fact, I was having to time dog walks based on the weather so it was a bit trying!

Here's a couple of kitty photographs taken inside.  The first one the kitty is sitting inside on the window sill with bright light coming in the window.

This kitty is a solid gray beauty who loves to run out the door when he is suppose to be an 'indoor cat'. Does he look a little annoyed?

Next up, a senior boxer with lots of character. One of his favorite things to do is lay down with his head between front paws.

Sometimes he perks up, just a matter of saying the right words!

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Nancy E Kieffer  serving Central New York, the Adirondacks and beyond and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) animal photography black and white boxer canine cat dog feline grass gray outdoor pet photography pet photography blog silhouette vpshoots window https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/6/pet-photography---theme-black-and-white Fri, 01 Jun 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Cherokee Falls, Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/5/cherokee-falls-cloudland-canyon-state-park-georgia I love to shoot waterfalls.  Something about the variety of waterfalls, the fact that we don't have any in my area (there is one in northern Florida) - who knows, but I love to shoot them.  Within Cloudland Canyon State Park they have two different waterfalls - Cherokee Waterfall and Hemlock Waterfall.  At the beginning of our visit, we talked with the rangers when we checked in and I found out that the waterfalls for this particular park are accessed by stairs.  And when I say stairs, the ranger said about 600 stairs to the first waterfall (Cherokee) and about 1000 stairs to the second waterfall (Hemlock).  Now, I'm not sure that I could do this number of stairs in a short period of time, but I am sure that given enough time I could do them.  However, Jimbo (dog) cannot.  He has hip and/or knee issues due to being a little older and that's not an option for him.  In addition, the ranger said the stairs are 'grated metal' - that's not good for the dog's paws and some won't walk on it anyway.

So, my dilemma was, do I pass on seeing the waterfalls? Or do we figure out another way?  On our second full day at the park, when we returned to our cabin we found that a park ranger and another vehicle were there.  Hmmm, why?  On closer look, Jim said it looks like they are replacing the air conditioner (which we didn't really need being that the temperatures were nice and we are from Florida so we don't like it real cold anyway).  After our morning hike, I personally wanted to take a nap before we headed out late afternoon for more fun.  That didn't look like it was going to happen...but, with a ranger at our cabin and most likely very knowledgeable - we asked him about whether there was another way to get to the waterfalls - one without 600 stairs!

He told us of another way that would eliminate a good number of the stairs (yay!)  The next day we set out to hike part of the West Rim Trail (not on the loop part we did earlier in the week) and go to a waterfall.  The first waterfall on the trail is Cherokee Falls.  We managed to navigate the first set of about 20 stairs without much issue.  Then we came to the 'final' set of stairs that took us to the bottom of the canyon where the waterfall is located.

Here's the stairs.  Let's look over the edge...

I wonder how many stairs there are?  As the dogs were not going to make this trek, I decided to go down the stairs to see the waterfall while Jim stayed up top with the dogs - they had a nice log bench there to sit and relax.  We agreed I would come back in about 30 minutes as I wasn't able to get cell service so deep in the canyon.  Down the stairs I went.  Eventually after about 100 stairs, I saw the waterfall.

This photograph was taken about 8:30 am - the sun starts to hit the waterfall between 10am and 11am (per the park ranger that was at our cabin).  This particular waterfall appears to be facing north (so my camera is pointed towards the south in this photograph).

The locals mentioned that this is a popular swimming place during the summer months.  We visited on a weekday in early May and there was no one in the water at this time.  Looking to see where the water flows to after the water fall, lots of beautiful trees along the water way.

A small waterfall and flowering rhododendron along the water.

After I returned to the top, I waited for Jim to go down and view the waterfall.  Sometimes when you're sitting there all by yourself, 30 - 45 minutes can seem like a LONG time!  I played with my camera and the surroundings for a little while - made this image below (one of about 50 - but probably one of a very few I actually like).  This is made by moving the camera up and down while using a long shutter speed.

And the dogs, Jimbo and Abby, hung out with me - but they were more content to lay around as Abby settled down pretty quickly and Jimbo wasn't to far behind (but I had to untie him so he could pick a spot).

That's all for this adventure.  We have a couple more before this vacation will come to a close - so tune in next week!

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) boulder canyon cherokee cherokee falls cloudland cloudland canyon cloudland canyon state park dog-friendly georgia grated hike outdoor river rock rocks stair stairs state park steel stream trail water waterfall https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/5/cherokee-falls-cloudland-canyon-state-park-georgia Sun, 27 May 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Meet Nina https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/5/pet-photography---meet-nina This week's pet photography blog features Nina who is looking for her forever home.  She is a very sweet dog, loves her humans and gets along fine with all her current foster siblings of the feline type (several cats).  As soon as I met her, I knew we would have a fairly easy photography session to capture images - she is very laid back, yet curious on what exactly we wanted her to do. 

Meet Nina - if you're interested in fostering her or adopting her, please contact Maxx and Me Pet Rescue at maxxandme.org

Maxx and Me is a small rescue here in Hillsborough County that tries to keep all dogs within the rescue in foster homes.  We have been volunteering our time for over 18 months now to help take great photographs and hopefully find these dogs homes.  Sometimes we have more dogs than fosters and they spend some time in a boarding facility (not our preference, but it does take them out of harms way). If you would like to help, like all rescues, they definitely will be thankful.  Monetary donations are accepted as well if you prefer (no amount is to small!).

Until next week...hopefully it won't be raining every day (but I know it is suppose to be) and we will be able to do more pet photography!

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog foster maxx and me maxx and me pet rescue mutt outdoor pet pet photography pet photography blog rescue vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/5/pet-photography---meet-nina Fri, 25 May 2018 08:00:00 GMT
See Rock City - finally we did! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/5/see-rock-city---finally-we-did For decades I remember driving along the interstate and seeing signs on barn roofs, on billboards, and a few others places - they all said "See Rock City".  You know, the traditional red barn, and on the roof the words "See Rock City" were painted.  While we were staying at Cloudland Canyon State Park, we drove around and I saw little arrows (not barns) that pointed the way to "Rock City".  So what the heck, we had our dogs with us, but let's go see what it's about and then decide, should we go see Rock City?

I saw a young man leaving the park that looked like he just finished his shift - Jim, ask him what it's about (please).  So he did and the big question was, "Are you dog friendly? We have our dogs with us right now." - Wow - he said, did I hear that correctly - Yes!  So for all you people out there that might be travelling with a canine, this is a place you can enjoy and your dog will too.

I'll have to say, Jimbo and Abby were probably the only dogs there this late afternoon and there were more than one group of people asking if they could either pet our dogs or have a photograph taken with them.  Guess they were a bit of a rare occasion.  The entire park is a 3/4 mile loop through gardens, rocks, caverns, and fun things that make for an interesting time.

As we walked through the park, they have signs that provide some information.  This one told us how the area was initially discovered back on August 28, 1823, (that's they day before my birthday - a different year of course!).  "In 1823, Two Missionaries named David Butrick and William Chamberlain came to the Lookout Mountain area to minister to the Native Americans. On August 28, 1823, Reverend Butrick made an entry in his dairy stating, 'In company with Mr. Chamberlain, I ascended Lookout Mountain to visit a citadel of rocks.' He went on to describe the immense size of the boulders, which seemed to be situated in such a way 'as to afford streets and lanes.'" (that's the entire verbiage quoted from the sign at the park).

The owners opened "Rock City Gardens" to the public on May 21, 1932, during the Depression.  Here's a few photographs from our walk through Rock City.  As we entered, we see a water wheel on one side (below) and lots of rocks with some small waterfalls on the other side.  This looks like a nice peaceful late afternoon time to visit - not a lot of people and all the school children have gone back to school and/or home.

Frieda Utermoehlen Carter incorporated gnome statues into her gardens within Rock City. Later they were moved to their own area in Fairyland Caverns, and now you can see dozens of them throughout the park. See how many you can count here at Gnome Valley and all along the Enchanted Trail!  (we didn't count, you will have to do that) Jim took a photograph of the gnome that was flying a plane - I think that was his favorite of the gnomes.  They say the gnome life expectancy is 400 years!  I guess they will be here for some time to come.

Goblins Pass was the first underpass (or tight squeeze) I remember on the enchanted trail.  Before us where several people and one of them looked to be at least 6'5" if not 7' - I'm sure he had fun.  I'm 5'5", so I didn't have any issues.

Needle's Eye - a small opening between some very large boulders.

Narrow passage way and I was very happy that our dogs trusted us enough to follow us through on the enchanted trail.  Here's Jimbo and Abby waiting while Jim took a photograph.

Fat Man's Squeeze - yes, be careful, I had to take off my backpack and then try to figure out how to squeeze through sideways while carrying my camera gear.  A nice girl asked if she could help - I gave her my tripod - otherwise it was going to be 'slow going' trying to get all the gear through this little crevice!  Strangely enough, the dogs didn't seem to have any issues with going through.  Not that they are fat, but they didn't mind being totally surrounded by rocks with a small pathway.

There is a swinging bridge (ugh) but you can take the safe route across the stone bridge too - either one, but to continue on the walk, you must cross one of these.  The dogs and I took the swinging bridge - I don't like heights - hence there are ZERO photographs of Jim crossing on the stone bridge because I was too scared to do anything but look directly in front of feet!

Lover's leap has a beautiful scenic overlook.  From this area, you can view portions of 7 states on a clear day!

High Falls is just under Lover's leap - where water falls a fairly good distance down into a pool of water.

One of the coolest places is Fairyland Caverns.  Now, this is actually a cavern of quite some size and it is cool inside (a nice break from any potential heat that might be happening outside).  When we visited, outside temperature was probably close to 80.  Inside the Fairyland Caverns, it was a nice cool temperature - very pleasant (I assume around high 60's or low 70's).

It's dark inside this cavern and it's wonderfully decorated inside.  Be careful, portions are wet due to water still dripping through the rocks as you see all the wonderful displays that have been created.  You must be able to navigate through low light as well as some stairs to go through this part of the park.  Here's Snow White and they are very vibrant - minimal enhancements were done to this photograph.

Or perhaps Cinderella?

 

They have many different wonderful displays - some are fairy tales, some mother goose, enjoy all the wonderful scenes.  There are areas where they have lights within the cavern as you walk along an area that is long and narrow (but not real narrow).  You can see some of the steps within the cavern in this photograph.

All kinds of fun things like that that are natural for the adults and kids alike to enjoy.  Just in case you're hungry, they do have several different places you can purchase food and enjoy your stay longer.  They also have a gift shop at the end of the enchanted trail.

While most of the areas you see in our photographs are not "ADA", they do have an ADA/Limited Access trail for wheelchair and/or strollers.  To enjoy all the enchanted trail, you need to have the ability to walk as well as do some stairs (up/down), and either go around fat man's squeeze or not to to large such that you can't make it through!

I have to say "Thank You" to Rock City Gardens was created by Frieda Utermoehlen Carter – a German immigrant with a love for German folklore.

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 1932 attraction botanical boulder bridge cavern caverns chattanooga dog-friendly food georgia gnome gnomes lookout lookout mountain mountain rock rock city scenic view scenic views stone bridge swinging bridge tourist trail walk https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/5/see-rock-city---finally-we-did Sun, 20 May 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme "Humor" https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/5/pet-photography---theme-humor This week's pet photography theme is "Humor" and I find that there are several different types of humor within the canine world.  Often times it is just the bloopers from a photographic shoot that are the humorous photographs (which often I don't keep - but perhaps I should!).  The most often bloopers that I catch in a photo session are when the dog blinks (and that happens a lot) or when the dog has his/her tongue out.  In my first photograph, we were at an adoption event and I got the impression that Tristan wasn't to happy about the whole event!

On another photography session with Pogo, well he looks like his tongue is busy - a little close to the nose?

This dog has beautiful fur (hair) - but where are the eyes?  nose? just a little bit of a tongue showing to indicate there really is a dog hiding behind here! 

It's not often that Abby (on left) is able to get Jimbo to play such that it looks like they are dancing together.  I love the eyes on this photograph!

Dog diving in a competition -- this dog is a great jumper and is bracing for the impact!  Catching this at the right moment as the water sprays in all directions - I wonder if humans have that same expression when they are about to hit the water?

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit About A Dog Photography in Anoka MN and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) animal photography animal photography blog beach canine dog humor pet photography pet photography blog playing rescue swimming tongue water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/5/pet-photography---theme-humor Fri, 18 May 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Cloudland Canyon State Park - West Rim Trail https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/5/cloudland-canyon-state-park---west-rim-trail We just returned from several days up in the cooler weather of north west Georgia.  The next few weeks will take you on a tour of our trip sharing adventures along the way.  Cloudland Canyon State Park is located about 20 miles south of Chattanooga along highway 136.  The park is located in Georgia, but is close to the Alabama state line as well as the Tennessee state line.  They have lots of camping areas for tents, campers and rvs.  In addition, they have several 'cottages/cabins' (2 are dog friendly) and a small yurt village.  They have bike rentals, disc golf course, playgrounds, waterfalls and a lot of trails and views.  We hiked several trails during our 4 day stay and enjoyed a camp fire as we pretty much had the areas to ourself since it was during the week. We arrived Sunday evening and started back home on Friday morning.

Our dogs, Abby and Jimbo, travelled along with us and appeared to have a wonderful time!  Our first day we decided to hike the West Rim Trail - this trail consists of a loop which is approximately 2 miles - there is a short connector trail to the West Rim from each of the cottages - we stayed in cottage 7 which is pet friendly.  Cabin 7 has been recently renovated as all the appliances look new.  They had most everything we needed - fire wood was available at the visitor center as well as a few other essentials.  The closest town is Trenton, Georgia which has all the main stores should you need to pick up something you may need during your stay.

Our trip began at the 'official' parking lot for this trail as we came from the visitor's center.  As we began our hike, I spotted an eastern box turtle.

At this time of year, the black berry plants are loaded with blooms - unfortunately, you have to come in the summer to get the black berries and judging from the blooms, there are plenty to eat along the trails.

The trail was fairly easy with rocks, roots and a little bit of up and down along the way.

The mountain laurel is blooming as well as the rhododendron bushes. The smaller bloom of the mountain laurel is delicate white color.  The rhododendron bushes were all pink and at various stages of the bloom cycle.  We missed the dogwoods, as they had just finished flowering.

Jim was taking photographs of the flowers when he noticed a little itty bitty critter on his lens...good thing he noticed before he ended up losing it's life in the camera lens.

We saw some pileated woodpeckers while driving along the roads in this park - not sure if this is their previous homes or from another woodpecker but the holes in the tree were pretty large.

The west rim trail does provide views of the canyon although it was a bit late to get beautiful views with the sun low in the skies.

Abby at one of the overlooks along the trail - she has no problem being a model and posing for the camera.

Jimbo is happy until you pick up the camera and then he either closes his eyes or turns his head - I guess this guy is going to need telephoto lenses to get great photos of (or maybe treats) as every time he would turn his head away from the camera!

I was quite impressed with our Jimbo doing the two mile hike over a period of four hours (we were stopping taking photographs). Abby did great also - so next week we will continue our adventure - be sure to check next Sunday's blog post.

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canyon cloudland cloudland canyon cloudland canyon park cloudland canyon state park dog friendly dog-friendly georgia hike hiking mountain nature outdoor park rising fawn state park trail trenton west rim west rim trail https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/5/cloudland-canyon-state-park---west-rim-trail Sun, 13 May 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Riverhills Park - A beautiful sunset over the river https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/5/riverhills-park---a-beautiful-sunset-over-the-river I am fortunate that I have a beautiful park near my house with the Hillsborough River running through it.  There are a lot of different types of birds that call this park 'home' - we have song birds (mockingbird, cardinals, bluebirds, etc), we have hawks (red shoulder hawk), we have owls (barred owl), we have water birds (ibis, heron, egret, limpkin, woodstork) - it's part of the Florida birding trail.  Sometimes you have to take a little time out to enjoy what is right in front of you.  Jimbo, my senior dog, and I went down to the park and watched the sunset.  At first, I didn't think it was going to be all that spectacular.  We had a lot of clouds, but the layer looked like it was going to be to thick to let the sun shine through.

Jimbo and I decided to start walking back down the boardwalk a little closer to the route home.  But as I was walking, I noticed that something after the sun set was starting to light up the sky with beautiful reds....

The reflection on the water was just as beautiful as the sky! Both of these photographs were taken after the sun officially set, just 10 minutes afterwards.

Sometimes it pays to stay after the sun has set just to see what happens shortly afterwards - keep that in mind next time you stop to watch the sun set - the best might be just after the sunset.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) birding trail clouds color hillsborough hillsborough river red river riverhills park sunset temple terrace tree trees https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/5/riverhills-park---a-beautiful-sunset-over-the-river Sun, 06 May 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Colorful https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/5/pet-photography---theme-colorful This week's pet photography theme is colorful.  A google search indicates this word means "having much or varied color; bright" or "full of interest; lively and exciting".  Typically, when I photograph animals I prefer a background that is quite the opposite as it will distract from the subject - in my case a dog.  The world surrounds us with color - color of fur, color of background, color of everything - can you imagine the world in black and white?  What a different place it would be - but then, if we didn't know about color - maybe it wouldn't be an issue.

I had great ideas of getting one of the rescue dogs I photographed this past week to pose in front of a very colorful blanket.  However, many of these dogs were a bit timid and that plan didn't work out.  

This week I met Cesar and he is a senior who lost his owner and entered the Maxx and Me Pet Rescue.  Cesar was fairly easy to photograph - but we were at a busy adoption event with a lot of people, cars and not pretty areas.  The noise didn't bother Cesar, he is quite easy going.  At first we did a simple head photograph with his colorful fur against a plain background.

Our next photo we put Cesar on a orange table and a more colorful background. It's a little bright outside, so Cesar looks like he is squinting a little bit.

I visited our local fabric store searching for a piece of fabric to replace the one our foster puppies decided was fun to shread on the bottom of an antique rocking chair - I found that fabric, but it put me into the area where they have fleece fabrics and they had some really pretty patterns.  My first thought was to put the fabric over a chair and get little Miss Rue to pose, however it quickly became apparent that she didn't really want to model for me.  It was cute because Ollie was sitting on the floor patiently waiting because she is very good at modeling and will almost always step in when Rue doesn't want to!

Here's Ollie against a cute paw footprint - heart pattern (not real bright, but definitely having pastel colors).

Now, if I can only get Rue to be a model for just a few minutes!  She was the hardest of the litter when I met her in September and perhaps that's always going to be a trait for her - "I will not sit still!".  Here's one of her the day I first met her many months ago against a colorful blanket.  She was just over 2 months old in this photograph and is now approaching 10 months of age but still has the same sweet face, just more mature.

My last photo of the week was probably one of the most challenging rescue dogs to photograph, Tyson.  Tyson was afraid of the camera - no doubt about that.  He ran everywhere he could to get away from me and after running under a deck (which of course I didn't follow) he finally ran and hid in this blanket. I had to use flash on this and since I was planning for outdoor portraits, it wasn't the lighting I preferred, but I did learn so rescue dogs are challenging!

Tyson - adoptedTyson - adopted

That's all for this week!

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Cahlean of About A Dog Photography in MN and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) adoption canine dog dog photography event maxx and me maxx and me pet rescue outdoor pet pet photography pet photography blog pomeranian rescue senior vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/5/pet-photography---theme-colorful Fri, 04 May 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Nature's Classroom - Open to the Public Day, 2018 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/4/natures-classroom---open-to-the-public-day-2018 This past Saturday Nature's Classroom was open to the public.  They do this one day a year - and if you miss that day, you have to wait until the next year!  If you grew up in this area, and you attended 6th grade here, you probably went to Nature's Classroom.  If I remember correctly, we went for a week - and what a wonderful fun filled week it was.  Today, they still send 6th grade children here, but I hear that it is only for a couple of days (too bad).  This is probably one of the few times and for many maybe the first time that children get in touch with nature - that world away from computers, video games, internet and all those things of today's modern world.

Nature's Classroom opened in 1969 - it has been with us for many decades now - I hope that it continues to be here for the children for many decades.  After talking with many of the people at the various booths, we headed over to see animals that were rescued from a bad situation (hit by a car, a nuisance, various reasons).

This eagle was hit by a car and has a bad wing.  Today, it spends the day within a enclosure to protect it from the wild creatures.

A red tailed hawk, missing an eye - he now spends his life here at Nature's Classroom.  The red tailed hawk is larger than the red shoulder hawk.

No animal exhibit in Florida is complete without an alligator - this one was brought here because it was a 'nuisance'.

A yellow bellied turtle sunning on a log.  This is very common along the fresh water ways within our area (the other is the red eared slider).

A curious deer approached the edge of the enclosure - there are several deer that make their home here.

A black vulture - these are living here by choice, they have a lot of them in the area within Nature's classroom.  This vulture and the turkey vulture are very plentiful in our area.

Three toed box turtle is one of three different types of box turtles living at Nature's classroom.

This Florida panther is outside in an enclosure surrounded by chain link fence.  There are several black vultures with the panther.

Here's a closeup of a Florida panther - dead stare right at you!  This one is not alive, but is a very life like panther!

One of the activities is a bird walk with a guide who really knows a lot about birding!  This little bird was flying around and we found it on a small tree - yes, he is hanging upside down!

If you don't find birds while you're looking, you might find butterflies....all it takes is patience and a good eye to watch for something moving in the environment.

That's all for this years' adventure to Nature's classroom.  If you like nature, perhaps you should try to join in on the fun next year when they do their open house day.  Remember, only 1 day a year - this year it was $10 to park and everything else is free unless you purchase food, drink or raffle tickets.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 2018 alligator bird butterfly classroom deer eagle gator hawk nature nature's classroom panther red tail hawk turtle vulture yellow bellied turtle https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/4/natures-classroom---open-to-the-public-day-2018 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme "Patterns" https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/4/pet-photography---theme-patterns This week's Pet Photography theme is "Patterns".  As I think about this particular theme, I think of cats - tabby cats with tiger stripes - of course, a brindle color dog has a random pattern and several other things came to mind as well.  For this week's theme, I choose to use the background of the photograph as the pattern.  For the first image, a young puppy is sitting in a basket and a pattern on the light and dark wood in the background.

This past week we visited several different parks looking for new and interesting things to photograph.  We came across a horse shoe course (I have never seen one before!) and the first thing I was struck by is the PATTERNS!  Yes, this is loaded with patterns.  The grass and concrete stripes going across the scene and the white poles going along the sides - this screams for a great photograph.  This photograph features Abby on the grass strip.

That's all for this week!

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Gott Dog Photography, Raleigh NC and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography dog photography blog pattern pet photography pet photography blog puppy vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/4/pet-photography---theme-patterns Fri, 27 Apr 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Ulele - Fairy Land (similar to Lowry Park Fairy Land) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/4/ulele---fairy-land-similar-to-lowry-park-fairy-land Recently I visited the Tampa River Walk - this time starting on the northern most tip which is north of downtown Tampa and the interstate.  As we approached Ulele restaurant, I noticed Humpty Dumpty! There he was sitting on top of the brick wall of Ulele on a wall similar to what he did so many years ago in Lowry Park Fairy land.

I remembered when we toured this exhibit at the Tampa History Museum that several of these characters had been purchased and were being refurbished to be on display at Ulele - I just didn't expect it to be a miniature Fairy land - it's very nicely done!  Humpty Dumpty can be seen from the river walk - if you walk up close to him, you'll see the little book stand that was with each of the characters back in the day at Lowry Park.

The other characters that are on display are on the east side of the building near the road, but tucked away in a secluded place.

Warnings are posted - TOUCH ONLY WITH YOUR EYES!  Security cameras are watching over the little fairy land.

Three little pigs....and the house.

Cinderella and her characters.

Hickory Dickory Dock

 

And Jack and the Beanstalk

If you remember the old Lowry Park Fairy land, this is a wonderful tribute to what once was an iconic place in Tampa - stop by and visit.  Have a drink at Ulele (the patio area is pet friendly) or perhaps have a meal.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) cinderella dickory display dock dumpty fairy fairyland hickory hickory dickory dock house humpty humpty dumpty iconic jack jack and the beanstalk lowry lowry park mouse park pet-friendly pig three little pigs ulele https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/4/ulele---fairy-land-similar-to-lowry-park-fairy-land Sun, 22 Apr 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme 'Head shots' https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/4/pet-photography---theme-head-shots As we enter the middle of April, we are showcasing 'head shots' of pets.  I doubt they are using them to apply for an acting job, but some may be using them to apply for a forever home.  Here's Norman, a young male coon hound who is very active, high energy and a sweet boy.

AdoptedAdopted

AdoptedAdopted

And little Bailey is coming in at about 35-40 pounds, a black cur mix and sweet little girl!

Tristian, a male chow mix posing for the photographer.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography fetching family portraits in Coppell, Texas and surrounding communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine closeup coon hound dog dog photography dog photography blog dogs head maxx and me maxx and me pet rescue pet photography pet photography blog portrait rescue vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/4/pet-photography---theme-head-shots Fri, 20 Apr 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Tampa Armature Works on the Hillsborough River https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/4/tampa-armature-works-on-the-hillsborough-river Many years ago when we first started boating I noticed this old brick building along the east side of the river sitting empty.  I had no idea about it's past, just that the writing said "Tampa Armature Works".  The building sat on a curve of the river just past Rick's on the River if you're coming from Lowry Park ...or just a bit north of downtown Tampa.  One time I recall seeing they had a sunken boat in the water just a short distance from this old red brick building.

A google search gives some additional information as to the history of this old brick building - it's actually over 100 years old.  It dates back to 1910 when there were electrical street cars in this area for transportation. TECO (Tampa Electric) used this building to store and maintain the old street cars.  Eventually in 1946, the street cars faded from the landscape of Tampa in favor of the automobile and this building no longer had a purpose in life.  The building remained, it was then purchased from TECO in 1960 by a phosphate machinery manufacturer.  They used this building for a number of years.

The building sits very close to the river - these photographs were taken while boating along the river in September 2016.

To the left (west) of the building the space is open, waiting for it's next purpose (not sure almost 2 years later what this will be).

Construction is beginning in this area now as the chain link fence has blocked off access.

Now, this is a busy place again - with lots of food places inside as well as a bar or two.  The outside has a dog friendly patio area where you can sit along the river and enjoy the scenery. The east side of the building features the Heights Public Market.

This is the side of the building that faces the river taken from the beginning of the River Walk which begins/ends here (depending on where you started).

 

Many of the old features of the building have been preserved with the repurposing of this building.  It's very popular especially with some of the younger generations - expect it to be loud and crowded - but it's a great addition to things to visit in Tampa!

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) armature bar dog-friendly downtown downtown tampa food hillsborough river restaurant river tampa tampa armature works water works https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/4/tampa-armature-works-on-the-hillsborough-river Sun, 15 Apr 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme "Get Close" https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/4/pet-photography---theme-close-up This week's pet photography theme is 'get close' so I decided to grab my macro lens and take some close up photographs showing just part of a dog. I started looking at Jimbo - he's my old soul in a dog body - I've always thought that way about him.  He came to us about 5 1/2 years ago and both Jim and I looked at him soon after he was settled in and thought the same thing.  A rough life before he came to us, but now he has it much easier - just has to put up with all the critters I keep bringing into our home.  Anyway, here's a few closeups of Jimbo.

The nose, it went white many years ago - a good portion of his face is white now - but regardless of all the white fur that now covers most of his face - he is still our big gentle boy.

The eye lashes - Jimbo has always had very visible eye lashes and often we were asked if he was a girl.  He has a nick just below this eye, he came to us with several 'battle wounds' that had healed - I'm sure there is a story behind each of them that only he knows.

The tail - on Jimbo's tail there is a little bit of black fur - no where else does he have black - should he ever get separated from us, that is definitely one of his identifying traits.  If Jimbo is 'happy', his tail will curl - it's one of the ways I can tell what his mood is.  When I talk with him if I say the right word(s), the amount of tail wag I get tells me when I have said the correct word.  Course, when I say snack (others call it cookie or treat), Jimbo will go into a happy dance - a lot more is moving than his tail.

Curled brown dog tailCurled brown dog tailJimbo's brown dog tail curling

If your curious what a 'dead stare' looks like from Jimbo - here it is!  This close up was taken focusing on his eyes with a shallow depth of field.  He does have a long nose - and it's long enough to be blurred in this portrait.

As for Abby, she is a cute hound mix and has spots in various places - here she is gazing off while I am working on getting closeup photographs of the dogs.

I think one of Abby's most unique features (other than the big white spot on the back of her head) are the little black spots on her paws.  I have to say, I have never really looked at the detail in a dog's toe pads until I took this photograph.

Dog pawDog pawDog paw - a close up

In this photo of Abby's eye, I see two little specs of darker color on the bottom right of her left eye.  I've never noticed it looking at her, but it definitely shows up in this close up.

My thoughts to you are - what makes your pet unique such that if you had to pick them from a lineup of similar looking dogs - would you be able to do it?  Have you noticed the little details on your dog, cat, rabbit, etc that make them unique from every other animal?  Take a few minutes to do that - you never know when you may need that information.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography fetching family portraits in Coppell, Texas and surrounding communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) abby animal photography canine dog dog photography dog photography blog eye face jimbo nose outdoor pad paw pet photography blog profile senior vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/4/pet-photography---theme-close-up Fri, 13 Apr 2018 08:00:00 GMT
A dog photo session with Bailey https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/4/a-dog-photo-session-with-bailey This week's blog post is about a dog photograph session.  Sometimes we arrive to photograph a pet aka dog and find that they aren't really up to the task of being a model.  Part of working with animals is to realize that we as humans are trying to get photographs of the pet - but your pet didn't have any input as to whether they wanted to be a part of it or not.  It's totally a human decision.  As such, when we go to photograph a pet, it's much like a young child - you go with the flow and capture the best photographs possible keeping in mind the 'model' may have other ideas.  There is never any reason for you as the owner (or foster) to apologized for your dog - they are what they are and we allow time for each dog to figure out what's potentially going to happen - some are easier than others.  In most cases, we have been able to capture beautiful photographs. 

Bailey, whom we met on Thursday, is a sweet dog currently in foster and available through the Maxx and Me Pet Rescue.  Her expressions through out the photographs almost seemed funny as we reviewed them and I thought you might enjoy hearing more about how our pet photograph sessions are done.

First, we talked a little bit with Bailey's foster mom.  Bailey really listens to her and tries hard to please.  Next Bailey sees the camera and isn't quite sure what to make of it. "What are they doing?"

Bailey is listening to what her foster Mom has to say - "So, you want me to pose for these people and let them take my photograph?"

Here's the next photograph of Bailey.  "Ok, I'll show them my funny face - maybe that will make them go away".

"Hummm, I must not be doing this correctly.  Mom is talking to me again about what I am suppose to be doing."

"Ok, I think I have figured out what exactly this modeling is all about. I will give them a classic sitting pose - I think I saw 'Old Yeller' do something like this."

"Or maybe a sitting pose where I'm looking directly at the person with the camera, a slight head tilt - she is making funny noises!" 

"I stood up, I thought maybe they were done - but nope, now they want some of me standing!"

The last photograph of Bailey is showing her beautiful face to the world.  If you're interested in a female dog, about 30-35 pounds - this one looks like a great one!

Hopefully, this gives you an idea of a 'single location' photography session with your furry friend.  Let Maxx and Me Pet Rescue know if you would like to adopt Bailey - they are always looking for fosters as well.

If you're interested in a photograph session for your pet, now you have an idea of the photographs we capture of your furry friend.

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) bailey black cur black cur mix canine dog dog photography dog photography blog female florida foster greenery outdoor pet photography rescue https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/4/a-dog-photo-session-with-bailey Sun, 08 Apr 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Leading Lines.... https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/4/pet-photography---theme-leading-lines As we continue our weekly pet photography blog, this week is the 14th week of 2018!  Can you believe how fast this year is going by?  It's already the beginning of April - some places in the United States are still getting snow and we are topping out very close to 90 degrees.  This week's theme is "Leading Lines" which is a photographic concept used to lead the viewer's eye to the subject.  Often this is a road, path, stairway or something along these lines.  I decided to take a slightly different approach this time for my leading line.  Our small city has several gazebo's and this one has rails leading up the stairway.  Placing Jimbo near the end of the railing, something caught his attention, and I took this photograph. 

Here is the color version.

This one has more leading lines going to my subject, Jimbo, but his expression is not one of my favorites.  Jimbo just doesn't care to be a model - he would prefer do his own thing and not what I am asking of him!

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Kim with BARKography serving the greater Charlotte NC area and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) brick canine dog dog photography gazebo leading lines line lines outdoor pet pet photography pet photography blog stair rail stair railing stairway temple terrace vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/4/pet-photography---theme-leading-lines Fri, 06 Apr 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Happy Easter - 2018 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/4/happy-easter---2018 This Sunday is Easter - wishing all of you a happy Easter!  Here's photographs from the Sacred Heart Church in downtown Tampa.  This church is located at 509 N. Florida Avenue and was built in 1905.  It is one of the oldest churches in the city of Tampa built with Romanesque structure predominantly.  It is open to the public except during services (church, weddings, funerals).  If you visit, please be respectful of those that may be praying at the time you visit.

Have a Happy Easter!

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(VP Shoots Photography) alter catholic church cross downtown tampa easter jesus lily religion sacred heart sacred heart catholic church sacred heart church tampa https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/4/happy-easter---2018 Sun, 01 Apr 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme "Day in the Life" https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/3/pet-photography---theme-day-in-the-life This week's pet photography theme is "Day in the Life" of a pet.  I'll have to say that there are days where I see our pets sleeping and that seems to be about the only thing they do.  It's there way of passing the time as there isn't much else to do.  However, when I start walking around the house - it seems like they follow me everywhere!  Sometimes I am lucky and they don't, but seems that they are always wondering if I am going to do something 'good'.  There are several words our dogs really respond to and two of them are "Ride" as in, "Do you want to go for a ride?" They are very smart and know this means we are going someplace in the car.  They start to get excited and they really don't care where they are going.  The other word is "Walk" and all they need is that word or the sound of their leash and they are ready to go.  

So what's a day in the life of one of our pets?  Well, it's changed somewhat now that we have more than one dog, but if you ask Jimbo, a good day is one where he gets to go somewhere whether that is a walk, a ride - or better yet - both! Course, it's always better if it's just him and I that are heading somewhere and I do that with him now that all the 'puppies' (first Abby, then Rue and Ollie) have grown up a bit.  This particular day, we went over to Wilderness Park - and with the help of Jim - we managed to take the WHOLE family.  Here's us at the beginning of the Nature Trail.

We found a fallen tree and let the kids climb around a bit.

Ollie jumped up on this log all by herself and Abby is standing on the ground. You can see size difference here! .

Ollie says "Watching birds is always fun."

And when we get home from an adventure, it's time to nap.  Jimbo jumps up on our bed. 

The puppies often curl up together, especially when they are real tired and not just taking a light nap.

Abby prefers to sleep on our bed providing Jimbo isn't there - otherwise she just find anything around the house that seems comfy!

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Nancy Kieffer Photography serving Central New York, the Adirondacks and Beyond and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography hike multiple nature nature trail outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog sleep trail walk wilderness park wonder woods https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/3/pet-photography---theme-day-in-the-life Fri, 30 Mar 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Beauty of trees... https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/3/beauty-of-trees I recently read an article in one of my magazines that arrived - the article was about trees.  Specifically, it was about a forest ranger in Germany who wrote a book about the "Hidden World of Trees".  After a couple of weeks of this single title continuing to come back to me as I walk through our neighborhood with all the large old oak trees - I decided I needed to purchase this book and see what this was all about.  Hence this week's blog post and probably a few more in the future will include photographs showing the beauty of trees.  I'll share little tidbits about this book - I don't think I will ever think of trees in the same way.  They will have a new respect that perhaps we should all have - but for now, let me share.

I asked "What's the difference between woods and forest?" - Do you know?  Don't google it - do you know without asking some one (including technical gadgets!).  "A wood is an area covered in trees, larger than a grove or a copse. A forest is also an area covered in trees, but it is larger than a wood. The trees in woods and forests grow thickly, and the space between them is overgrown with grasses, shrubs and underbrush."  Source: https://sciencing.com/differences-woods-forests-jungles-8377449.html  Of course, if you want to get even more technical about the difference between these words, there are other articles on the internet found with a google search.  This one indicates the difference has more to do with the language the term originated from.  The article states that the English language is a combination of two language branches: Germanic and Italic and the difference in these words is because of that - if you're really interested, here's the link to that article Read more: Differences Between Woods and Forest | Difference Between http://www.differencebetween.net/language/differences-between-woods-and-forest/#ixzz5AhjblK7U

Bottom line is 'Woods' is a group of trees that is smaller than a 'Forest'.  The next google search I performed is to see what "National Forests" exist in Florida - and this returns three forests, Ocala National Forest, Osceola National Forest and Apalachicola National Forest of which I can say I have spent a little time in the Ocala National Forest but I can't say that I have visited the others (perhaps I need to add that to my bucket list).  I have been to a very beautiful place located north of Atlanta called the Big Trees Forest Preserve and this place is beautiful.  I've been here a few times now, never in fall (hopefully sometime soon!) and I love the beauty of it.

I wish we had this kind of trees and stuff here in Florida - but if we do, it's not near the Tampa Bay area! 

Now reading the book about the "Hidden World of Trees" I want to visit places like this more just to be able to visually see things that are discussed in the words on the pages within.  As for places within an hour of us, here's some of the trees (woods) that we have.  This photograph of the large old oak tree with resurrection ferns growing along the big limbs and moss/fungi growing on the trunk in the foreground has it's own beauty.  This tree is part of the The Withlacoochee River Park located in Dade City.  

Coming closer to home, along the Hillsborough River at Wilderness Park are cypress trees growing in a forest like environment.  They have a trail that goes along the water and if the water is low enough, you can cross over to a deck that is nice to watch wildlife.  If the water is high, either wade through or turn back and take another trail to this view.

At Blackwater Hammock Nature Park just about sunrise there are oaks and other trees along the water.  This is on the west side of the Hillsborough River a small park with a few trails - but at this time of day, it's pretty much just you and nature.

That's all the trees for this blog post, look for more in coming weeks!

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) big trees big trees forest preserve blackwater blackwater hammock nature park cypress cypress tree dog-friendly florida forest georgia hammock hike hiking hillsborough river nature oak oak tree park path preserve sunrise trail trails tree trees water wilderness park withlacoochee river park wood woods https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/3/beauty-of-trees Sun, 25 Mar 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme "Re-Processing of older images" https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/3/pet-photography---theme-re-processing-of-older-images This week's pet photography theme is looking back at older photographs and reprocess them using new and/or different techniques than you might have done in the past.  As I began to think about how my pet photography has changed over the last 5-7 years I realized that a lot has changed.  I photograph dogs more frequently than cats and I've learned a lot about the body language dogs are providing during a photo session.  Pet photography is about creating a connection with the animal(s) such that they are comfortable with you and the energy you are providing.  As such, I've learned to keep my energy levels calm - provide a 'happy energy' where the animal will feel comfortable and not anxious. If the dog is outgoing and immediately wants to greet me - and I've had some come at me with tails wagging and tongues ready for kisses - then I focus my attention on them immediately (without the camera).  They get a good bit of love, petting, scratching - let's have fun.  If the pet is shy or a little less outgoing, then I spend a few minutes talking with the owner/handler and let them pet get used to my presence.   I watch the dogs ears, their tails, and whether they are happy or perhaps panting or yawning when it's not hot (a sure sign they aren't comfortable).  Cats for sure need their space in most cases, so I let them come to me on their terms providing of course it doesn't look like it's going to take all day.  All these things have added to my having a better end product when the photograph session is completed.

After the photo session has ended, more 'magic' happens on the computer.  Most all photographs I process have several steps (not in a specific order):

  • lighten and sharpen the eyes
  • clean up the eyes if needed 
  • color checks (white should be white, black should be black - the most challenging fur colors but also applies to the overall photo)
  • removal bright spots that distract from the subject(s)
  • removal of the leash
  • depending on the photograph, add a slight vignette

There may be other things that I will do to a given photograph, but these are the key things I look for when I am processing a pet photograph.  In some cases, I will do a 'composite' where I will replace a background or remove a large amount of what may have been in the original photograph - however, this is not a 'typical' post processing photograph.

Here's a photograph of a white "Tom" cat - while his fur is white, he was not a clean white as he is an outdoor tom cat.

In the below photograph, the eyes are lighten to be a brighter yellow, the fur a little whiter and provides a better overall photograph of the cat.

For the below photograph of my first dog, Dolly I made several changes.  Here's the original taken of Dolly back in 2011 with older equipment and intended to just be a 'snapshot' not a full blown photo session.  She was my first "pet model" and I'm blessed that she was so willing - I only wish my pet photography was a great as it is now back when she was young!  We lost our beloved Dolly almost 5 years ago shortly after our boy, Jimbo, came into our lives.

Here's the post processed photograph. I'm sure you can see the difference - I cropped the photograph to remove some of the lighter background colors, I increased the overall exposure of the entire photo, lightened and sharpened her eyes.

For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to visit Elayne Massaini - Pet Photos - Sao Paulo - Brazil and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) animal photography canine cat cat photography dog dog photography dolly feline green older outdoor pet photography pet photography blog post-processing senior tom cat tree vpshoots white cat woods https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/3/pet-photography---theme-re-processing-of-older-images Fri, 23 Mar 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Lithia Springs Park on a cool spring day https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/3/lithia-springs-park-on-a-cool-spring-day Continuing on our trek to do the Hillsborough County Hiking Spree, we headed over to Lithia Springs Park this week.  First, we visited the spring - it's beautiful - crystal clear water - a cool day (very few people in the water) - although the water levels appeared pretty low.  We walked around a portion of the fenced swimming area.  There is a major portion of the swimming area to the right of this photograph - but the sun was coming straight at the camera (late afternoon) so I aimed the camera down river.

This spring is the major attraction for this park.  The natural spring flows year round with cool, clean water into the Alafia River. Wikipedia states "The spring, officially known as Lithia Spring Major, is located 500 feet from the Alafia River, into which it discharges an average of 35 million gallons of water per day."  As with most all springs in Florida, the water is a refreshing 72 degrees year round.

At this time of year, the water is shallow, clear and a green tint.  On weekends (particularly during the summer), the swimming area is filled to capacity. There is a rope across this ends the swimming area just behind the sign shown below.

At the end of the area is a fenced off spring - you can see the hole where the water comes up near the bottom of this photograph.

Here's a better view of the actual spring where the water comes up and the fish are all hanging out. Several varieties of fish are swimming around.

This park does have a campground that is available on a first come basis (no reservations).  The entrance fee is $2.00 (similar to many other parks in Hillsborough County).

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(VP Shoots Photography) cold dog hike hiking lithia lithia springs lithia springs park park playground river spring springs swim swimming trail vpshoots walk water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/3/lithia-springs-park-on-a-cool-spring-day Sun, 18 Mar 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme "favorite song" https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/3/pet-photography---theme-favorite-song This week's pet photography theme is "favorite song".  I've thought a lot about this and gone through lots of songs that are my favorites - starting back in the days of my childhood where songs like "Black and White", "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", "Though the Years", 'Yesterday", "If" were songs I really love and still do - and when the song comes on whether the radio or live music - funny how all those words you memorized decades ago come back with such ease. 

Next, I thought about songs that I pulled together more recently as I loved the lyrics, music and these songs are "Circle of Life", "Home", "I Love You This Big", "Please Remember Me"....and as I think about all these songs, I realize that each of them has lyrics that mean something to me...whether that is some little part of the song or the entire song, or maybe even just the song title.

I also realized, I don't have a single favorite song, so this blog post is featuring some of my "favorite songs". I'm going to give you a throwback song, by a well known country artist, I hear the song in my head...."On the road again"...and here is Ollie guest starring for this song!

 

All of us that love and care for our pets, know that they have a shorter life than we do and there are many great memories along the way, but then one day no more new memories are created.  This is the case for a friend a while back and I captured this moment in time because I've never experienced such a moment as we completed the good bye for one furry friend, another takes a few moments to pay his respects.

Alaska came to my friend as a senior rescue dog who was expected to have a short time before he crossed the rainbow.  He flourished at her home with all the canine buddies and had many happy moments as a senior.  We remember all those that cross our paths, "Please Remember Me".  This song has been recorded by Tim McGraw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA9Z2teKB0A) and Scotty McCreery (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvRN4NZdzGM).  Here are the links to their songs on You Tube. 

All our tears have reached the sea,Part of you will live in me, Way down deep inside my heart, The days keep coming without fail
New wind is gonna find your sail, That's where your journey starts

You'll find better love, Strong as it ever was, Deep as the river runs, Warm as the morning sun, Please remember me

......

Remember me when you're out walking, When snow falls high outside your door, Late at night when you're not sleeping, And moonlight falls across your floor, And I can't hurt you anymore

.....

Please remember me

Songwriters: Rodney Crowell / Will Jennings

Please Remember Me lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

For more 'Favorite Song' pet photographs head over to visit Ursula M. Garrison Photography, serving Northern Wisconsin and the Chequamegon Bay Area and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) alaska animal photography burial canine car death died dog dog photography dog photography blog grave ollie passed pet photography pet photography blog sad senior song vpshoots window https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/3/pet-photography---theme-favorite-song Fri, 16 Mar 2018 08:00:00 GMT
Spring at Trout Creek, Wilderness Park https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/3/spring-at-trout-creek-wilderness-park We all loaded up in the car this week on a beautiful spring day and took our little family over to Trout Creek - one of several areas associated with Wilderness Park here in Hillsborough County.  Jimbo and Abby are just about always ready to go for a car ride and wait to see where we stop.  Rue jumps right into the car with the big dogs and is ready to go.  Ollie, being the smallest of the group (although heavier than Rue), always hesitates.  I've taken to just picking her up and putting her in the car - she seems fine with that. Probably a habit I don't want long term - but haven't figured out why she doesn't care to jump in when she can jump on our bed which is a lot higher!

As we pile out of the car (I'm sure it's a sight to see) with all four dogs - we headed over to the river and saw this beautiful overlook.  It was a cool, lovely morning and very few were here.

We walked on over to the area where the boat launch is - lurking on the other side of the river was an alligator - so no stopping there nor getting close to the water.  Time to cross over the parking lot to the other side away from the water.  We decided to take the nature trail.  It was light and airy with all the oak trees covering the walkway for the trail.  The dogs loved it - we were the only ones on the trail at this time.

Here's another darker version of the same photo, I prefer the darker image - what about you?  Feel free to leave a comment and let us know.

So our trail started with palmettos and oak trees (which are very heavy on pollen right now). Jim had the little dogs, I had the big dogs.  Ollie and Rue didn't stop as much for smells as Jimbo and Abby - so they got a little bit ahead of us.

Here's our crew stopped at the sign leading the direction for the nature trail - a jumble of leashes!

As we continued along the walk, the palmettos disappear and are replaced with ferns.  The trees are more diverse, not just the scrub oak trees.

We came upon a dead tree, but didn't find any woodpeckers there.  Then we saw the downed pine tree, and Ollie thought it was the perfect perch to see what the big dogs can see!

Rue didn't seem to have the same sense of adventure to jump up on the tree log.

And Jimbo, well - he's the only boy of the group and the elder for sure - so he just waited patiently but didn't care to have any photos taken.  Get out in nature while it's beautiful weather and Let your mind wander as you walk down this trail and enjoy nature!

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(VP Shoots Photography) bicycling dog dog-friendly dogs fern hiking hillsborough nature oak park path river trail' tree trout creek vpshoots walking water wilderness park https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/3/spring-at-trout-creek-wilderness-park Sun, 11 Mar 2018 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Minimalist https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/3/pet-photography---theme-simplicity This past weekend I noticed another photographer at our local park - it's two blocks from my house and just about every day (as long as I am in town), one of my dogs will take me down the road to this park.  As I walked my little foster puppies around this park, I watched this photographer as he posed the two adults with a medium sized white dog.  The adults were lying down on the ground with their dog in the middle.  This all looked interesting, but I smiled as I saw the photographer trying to get the dog's attention by throwing some of the oak pollen pieces into the air (I couldn't tell that it was working - but who knows).  I did notice that the dog was very interested in my little girls even as we stayed a good distance - I decided that if I was going to help them at all, I needed to be directly behind the photographer even though I was probably at least 50 feet away.  Oh well, hopefully he got the photographs.

As we move into this week's theme for pet photography, the theme is simplicity.  I often think that the less 'busy' a photograph is, the easier it is for the viewer to stay focused on the subject.  A simplistic photograph, in the general sense, can be a difficult task - I looked at many different links as I googled through trying to come up with ideas for this week.  I realized that in some ways, I prefer the simple photographs but wasn't sure that I necessarily applied that to my pet photography.  Photographing pets is something that I love to do - each pet is different - each animal is different - whether it will be a photograph that fits into this theme - well, that's another question isn't it?

Here's an image from a while back, I used one of the watercolor options within the Topaz Impression software to create a simple yet beautiful image of this little dachshund.

The next photograph is one of my favorites of a young puppy at one of the adoption events that finally laid down with it's head on paws, tired from a long day of attending the outdoor event.

For more 'Minimalist' pet photographs head over to visit Ashley Blacker Photography Photographing throughout Scotland and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) animal photography canine dachshund dog dog photography dog photography blog maxx and me minimal minimalism minimalist outdoor pet photography pet photography blog portrait portraits puppy rescue simple vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/3/pet-photography---theme-simplicity Fri, 09 Mar 2018 09:00:00 GMT
Circle of Life - Spring has sprung here early https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/3/circle-of-life---spring-has-sprung-here-early It's now the beginning of March - hard to believe that two months have gone by this year already and we will soon be on daylight savings time.  It's very obvious that it's been spring here for several weeks - it doesn't matter that the calendar says "February" (and now March).  The oak trees have been dropping leaves like crazy - mine still are not done yet.  The azaleas have been blooming for weeks and it's kinda crazy that they will be done before true spring starts. 

Our milkweed plants survived the freeze we had - those in pots were moved to warm locations, those in the ground were covered carefully to protect them.  It's a good thing we did that, we have caterpillars all over the place and we are quickly getting to bare branches on the milkweed.  The monarch caterpillars are eating away very fast - definitely spring in the air.  

This caterpillar is munching away at the branch itself - they do eat those after the leaves are gone.

If I stretch, can I get across to the next milkweed branch? (seems like it would be much easier than walking down one branch and then over to the next branch).

Another photo where the caterpillar is hanging off the branch trying to determine where to go next. I'm sure the caterpillar knows, but I don't.

Here's the milkweed flower cluster on another plant that is a good distance away from those that are currently loaded with caterpillars.  We don't often see the flowers because the plant doesn't get a chance to flower before it is eaten by the caterpillars.

Milkweed flowerMilkweed flowercommon milkweed flower, host plant for the monarch caterpillar

Here's another plant that has just a single bloom left.  These are fairly small flowers, so the bottom photograph is a potentially showing bigger than life size if you're viewing this blog on anything other than your phone.

single milkweed flower up closesingle milkweed flower up closeA single milkweed flower bud up close

Soon I expect that the caterpillars will move off the milkweed to start the next journey in life as they wait to become beautiful butterflies.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) butterfly caterpillar caterpillars circle of life close-up florida flower life macro milkweed monarch nature outdoor spring vpshoots warm https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/3/circle-of-life---spring-has-sprung-here-early Sun, 04 Mar 2018 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Wide Angle https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/3/pet-photography---theme-wide-angle This week's theme is "wide angle" which allows the camera to capture a large amount of the overall scene.  One factor to keep in mind - is what is a wide angle on a full frame camera vs a crop sensor camera?  Any lens with a focal length of 35mm or wider on a full frame camera is considered to be a wide angle lens.  If it is 24mm and wider, it is considered an ultra-wide angle (speaking full frame again).  For a crop sensor camera, this changes a little bit.  The angle of view is 65 degrees (28mm on a full frame camera), but the lens mm is dependent on the digital multiplier factor.  For Nikon/Sony/Pentax cameras, this is 1.5x, for Canon cameras, this is 1.6x.  A 35mm lens will give 23.3 on a Nikon camera (which is what I shoot).

I often shoot pets close to the wide angle if I am working by myself and need to be able to handle the dog as well as the camera - but if not, then I will use a longer focal length to allow for blurring out the background. 

In general, using a wide-angle lens for any type of photography requires some consideration to what your subject is - it must have depth and you need to get real close to the foreground object in your frame.  Sometimes, real close, like on top of it.  One of my favorite (non-pet) wide angle photographs is this one taken at Cypress Point park.

This photograph was taken with a Nikon D7100, 22mm, f/16, 1/60 sec, ISO 200.  I found this scene very interesting and put the camera up to my eye and kept walking slowly until this foreground rock was right at the bottom of the frame.  How close was it? I was just inches away from it - literally on top of it by the time I got this photograph composed.  There are several factors that come into play to have a well composed wide-angle photograph.

1) Have a clear, dominant subject in the image, particularly in the foreground

2) Get as close as possible to your subject 

3) Use leading lines in your composition to draw the viewer into your photograph

Keeping all these factors in mind, how does this apply to pet photography?  One thing to consider is the longer noses on some dogs will look very distorted if it's to close to a wide angle lens.  But, if you have the dog turn their head a little bit and then take the photograph, some of that distortion goes away. Jasper, a rescue dog (now adopted), is actually not a large dog (about 30-35 pounds), but with him up high, using a wider angle (24mm on APS-C) he looks much larger than the trees behind him.

Jasper - male- adoptedJasper - male- adopted

This photograph of Ollie was taken with a full frame camera, 38mm - just shy of being considered a 'wide angle' photograph.  It's sometimes harder for me to get that close to the dog to fill the frame if using a wide angle.  Ollie is a smaller dog weighing in at about 21 pounds but her face is very dominant in the photograph because the camera is so close to her.

For more 'wide angle' pet photographs head over to visit Darlene with Pant the Town Pet Photography serving MA and NH and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) animal photography beach canine cypress park dog dog photography dog photography blog jasper ollie park pet photography pet photography blog puppy rescue riverhills riverhills park rock rocks tampa vpshoots water wide angle https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/3/pet-photography---theme-wide-angle Fri, 02 Mar 2018 09:00:00 GMT
Fog in the country https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/2/fog-in-the-country This week, we go back to the country - rural counties up in the pan handle area of Florida where life seems to be slower than here in the busy metropolitan area of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater (Hillsborough and Pinellas counties).  Each week I have strived to create a blog entry that contains some photographs that I like - some are amazing to me, some are letting you know what we have been up to, some are what I love to shoot - either way - I appreciate you as the reader taking a few minutes of your time to read and take a look at the photographs - Thank you!

I came across a quote recently by John Grisham on someone else's blog - it's about writing..."Write a page a day or you’re not serious.” So, I wonder - does this also apply to photography?  I can honestly say, that I do shoot photographs of something every week - whether it is a dog, landscape or something else - I'm always looking to photograph my world.  But, I will say, that I do not take photographs every day - should I?  Good question - but some days are for post processing - maybe that counts?  

Sometimes I go back and look at photographs I took a while back - it's enlightening to see what you did and whether you still like the photograph or not.  In this particular case, I went back to look at photos taken on a foggy morning in rural Florida.  Have you ever gone out on a walk early on a foggy morning and taken the time to look at all the artwork spiders have created? If you look close, you'll find the artwork of spiders everywhere with dew making them more visible than normal.

If you're out in the country, then cows are usually out milling around in the pasture.  You can see the hint of pine trees in the background.  Pine trees are grown in many areas in this part of Florida for the timber.

Early morning fog on this day was pretty heavy - here's a grove of trees along the country road.

A few old homesteads, barns, buildings along the country road.

This is my favorite photo from this group showing the old building that may not even be standing anymore nestled among the trees, vines and fog.

Thanks for stopping by!

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(VP Shoots Photography) barn building country dew florida fog foggy morning road rural spider tree trees web https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/2/fog-in-the-country Sun, 25 Feb 2018 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Silhouettes https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/2/pet-photography---theme-silhouettes As February comes to a close, our pet photography theme this week is "silhouettes".  This is a type of photography where the details are lost, just the outline of your subject (hopefully a recognizable subject by shape) is depicted.  Wikipedia states the following about silhouettes: "A silhouette is the image of a person, animal, object or scene represented as a solid shape of a single color, usually black, with its edges matching the outline of the subject. The interior of a silhouette is featureless, and the whole is typically presented on a light background, usually white, or none at all. The silhouette differs from an outline, which depicts the edge of an object in a linear form, while a silhouette appears as a solid shape."

I very much wanted to head someplace a capture a beautiful sunset (I'm not getting up and moving fast enough for the sunrise at the moment) and do my silhouette photos for this week's blog.  Unfortunately, reality came into the schedule and I realized that probably wasn't going to happen - either I wasn't free to do it or the weather wasn't a beautiful sunset.  Either way, it wasn't going to happen in the few days I had available.  I can usually go to the neighborhood park and capture some photographs.  As I headed down to the park, I realized that this park is empty when I walk in the morning (perhaps everyone else is heading to school or work) but there are a LOT of people there in the evenings!  Typically, Abby and Jimbo are pretty good and I can either drop the leash or take it off and keep them under voice command providing no other dog comes into the overall scene.  The volume of people at the playground, boat ramp and park gave me a little concern this time - would Jimbo and Abby stay put?  Bottom line, once I put the camera to my face, I'm not actually able to see what is happening around me - I have to depend on the dogs to alert me if something interesting is happening - and that can be a bird, squirrel, dog, person and probably a few things I missed.

I decided to trust them and one at a time, drop their leash and give them the 'stay' command.  It worked!  I'm sure there were a few people that watched from afar, as I had just let go of the leash for a 60+ pound dog. First, Abby - I got down low to put the sky behind Abby and get a few photographs - I stayed close using a 35mm lens.  This is Abby, she is actually wearing her collar and harness, but neither appear in the photo as I have used Adobe Lightroom to increase the blacks and shadows to remove all details of Abby.

Next up, Jimbo - this silhouette is of Jimbo.  Jimbo is wearing his collar, plus a flea collar and the shape of his head is definitely different than Abby's.  Course, I knew that, but it's more obvious in this silhouette photograph.

In the next silhouette, I positioned the sun with Jimbo's head and sun flares over his head.  This photograph isn't a true silhouette as you can see some details of Jimbo.

Dog silhouette at sunsetDog silhouette at sunsetDog at Riverhills Park watching the sunset.

I'm actually noticing all the fur details on each of my dogs faces and heads.  In this photograph, Abby is actually turned away from me and looking at the sunset.  When the subject turns away as Abby has done in this case, the overall shape of her changes dramatically and is not showing much of her actual shape.  It's important to have the subject lined up such that you can see the overall shape and it is easily recognizable.

This photograph of Abby reminds me of a comic where the character is talking - I think this is because of her mouth being open and the sunset shows through.

For more 'silhouette' pet photographs head over to visit Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography, fetching family portraits in Coppell, Texas and surrounding communities in North Texas and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) abby animal photography boat canine cloud clouds dock dog florida jimbo outdoor park pet photography pet photography blog ramp riverhills silhouette sky sunset temple terrace vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/2/pet-photography---theme-silhouettes Fri, 23 Feb 2018 09:00:00 GMT
Golden Lion Tamarin - Lowry Park Zoo https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/2/golden-lion-tamarin---lowry-park-zoo I love these little "golden lions" - they are small, active, bright colored and a joy to watch at the zoo.  They are a small primate found in a very small range in Eastern Brazil.  They live about 10 - 15 years and form a life long breeding pair.  Their diet consists primary of fruit, flowers, tree sap, insects and reptiles (I'm assuming small reptiles)!

They have a small 'cave like' area they can duck into when they aren't feeling up to the crowds.

Early morning sunshine...

Coming out to see what I am doing, notice the long tail on these little guys (they are small, their head will fit in the palm of my hand).

Beautiful orange fur with red tint.  They were curious when I was hanging out there for a while and gave me a variety of options to photograph them.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) golden golden lion golden lion tamarin lion lowry lowry park lowry park zoo monkey orange tamarin tampa vpshoots zoo https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/2/golden-lion-tamarin---lowry-park-zoo Sun, 18 Feb 2018 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme "Year of the Dog" https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/2/pet-photography---theme-year-of-the-dog This week's theme is "Year of the Dog" to coincide with the Chinese New Year...."The Dog is the eleventh of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. Monkey, Rooster and Dog were in another country, helping a god defeat evil spirits. After, they set off to the party together. Because they arrived at the same time, the Jade Emperor went by the order they met the god in the other country. Thus, Dog became eleventh." Info from the website Chinese New Year 2018: https://chinesenewyear2018.com/zodiac/dog/

This past weekend Jim and I had an opportunity to push our pet photography into a new realm of "extreme action" - we went to visit a dog disc competition.  This blog post is including just a few of the photographs from that event - at the time of this writing, I'm still working to get this down to a manageable number of photographs.  This event (we went on Sunday) was the USDDN Qualifier hosted by Central Florida Dog & Disc Club in Spring Hill, Florida at Veterans Memorial Park.  These dogs were fantastic performers on a warm Sunday.

The events consisted of several rounds of "freestyle" where the dogs did amazing things with their owners - I've never seen anything like it - next time I will try to capture some video of freestyle as photographs just won't do it justice.  The other rounds consisted of the handler throwing the dog disc (looks like a frisbee) and the dog running to catch it (or at least retrieve it).  Above is a photograph of the dog after it has retrieved the disc.

This is a cattle hound dog mix.  It's not all the Aussie's and Border Collies that are doing this!  I did find that many of these dogs were pulled from shelters and rescued into a life they seem to love with all the exercise.  A perfect fit for the very active dogs to allow them run time and have such a strong bond with their handlers.

And here's one of the catch - up in the air!

More photographs will be posted in the gallery for this event, click here http://www.vpshoots.com/centralfloridadogdisc

For more 'Year of the Dog' pet photographs head over to visit Nancy Kieffer Photography serving Central New York, the Adirondacks and beyond and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) action canine central florida disc dogs central florida dog & disc club competition disc dog dog photography field florida frisbee outdoor pet blog pet photography pet photography blog spring hill usddn veterans memorial park vpshoots year of the dog https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/2/pet-photography---theme-year-of-the-dog Fri, 16 Feb 2018 09:00:00 GMT
Koala Bear at Lowry Park Zoo https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/2/koala-bear-at-lowry-park-zoo Over the years, I've gone back and forth different years with being a member of Lowry Park Zoo.  I don't recall who, but someone came across our path and mentioned that they had Koala bears at the zoo.  I've been there many times to do photography and never seen them - so I went this week and had to look at the zoo map and sure enough, they have them.  Guess what? It's in the children 'petting zoo' area and I typically don't go into that area.  So this time I walked in and looked for the cute little Koala Bears.  They have two different ones in their habitats.  The first one was sleeping and you couldn't see their head, so not much of a photography opportunity there.  The second one was eating breakfast - much better chance here!

These photographs were taken through glass using a 70-200mm lens.  I used the flash on the camera to put a small catchlight in the eyes of the koala bear.  The secret to getting a good photograph when photographing through glass is to put yourself at an angle to the glass.  This way, the flash will go through the glass to your subject, but bounce back at an angle and not at your camera.

This little bear seemed quite content to eat the leaves of this plant which I am not certain what it is but it looks like Eucalyptus leaves which is one of the main tree leaves on the diet of a Koala bear.  They consume 200 to 500 grams of leaves a day - that sounds like a lot, but I don't know how many grams are in a given leaf.

And my photoshoot ended shortly after that because the koala bear decided to ignore me!

That's it for this week!

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(VP Shoots Photography) animal animal photography australia australian bear eucalyptus eucalyptus leaf eucalyptus tree koala bear lowry lowry park pet photography pet photography blog tree vpshoots zoo https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/2/koala-bear-at-lowry-park-zoo Sun, 11 Feb 2018 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Fantasy https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/2/pet-photography---theme-fantasy Wow, it's already week 6 of the new year, 2018!  January flew by and we are well into February now.  This week's theme is "Fantasy" and this is definitely a new area for me.  I knew immediately that if I was going to try anything in this theme, it would require that I do some work in the world of compositing to bring several different images together.  So, I've given this my best shot being that I haven't done any 'fantasy' type photographs before...and here are the two images I came up with.

Please take a few minutes to comment and tell me what you like or don't like about these fantasy photographs as I delve into this new world.  It might help me create better images in the future!

My first image is a take on 'Prince Charming' a bit of fantasy for Abby and Jimbo.  I started with an image I created some time ago with the bridge and the trees with a golden touch and blur.  I scanned through the images I have of Abby and found one where she is facing away from me to put her looking over the bridge.  Then I found a photograph of Jimbo where he is standing nice and tall.  Here's the image.

The second image is a composite of three different images - 1) the broken bridge, 2) the airplane, and 3) Abby looking up.  After I brought the images together into a single image, I used On1 Effects to create the final image. 

Which one is your favorite?  Leave me a comment and let me know.

For more 'fantasy' pet photographs head over to visit Courtney from CM Bryson, offering pet photography east of Atlanta Georgia and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) abby airplane bridge broken butterfly canine dog fantasy jimbo nature outdoor overhead park runway street unreal walkway water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/2/pet-photography---theme-fantasy Fri, 09 Feb 2018 09:00:00 GMT
Alafia River Rendezvous, 2018 - Florida Frontiersmen https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/2/alafia-river-rendezvous-2018---florida-frontiersmen Last weekend the Florida Frontiersmen completed their annual "Alafia River Rendezvous" just south of Bartow, Florida.  We asked why it is called the "Alafia River Rendezvous" and found that many years ago this event was held near (or on) property by the Alafia River.  Eventually, the Florida Frontiersmen purchased their own property at 1000 Old Fort Meade Road, Homeland, Florida (some places list this with a city of "Bartow") and the event moved to this location - however, everyone knew the name "Alafia River Rendezvous" and it stuck even after the event moved.

This event pulls in people from all over who participate in a week or more of living life as "Florida Frontiers".  We arrived to find that hundreds of white canvas tents of various sizes had been set up creating a small town.  All modern devices either were not allowed or had to be hidden from view.  I saw several very creative wooden boxes crafted around coolers.  The portable bathrooms were hidden behind picket fences (which we had passed but until we asked, never realized that is where they were hidden).

Upon entering, this is what we see.  The main area in front - which is a grass 'street' between a long row of tents where many of the vendors are located.  After a bit of walking around, we decided a bison burger sounded like something to try (it was similar to beef, but dryer).  Jim had some of the old time root beer (made like it was back in the 1840s - not today's style).  There were several different things to eat, many choices all cooked the old fashion way and much of it made the same way too.

This was the 47th annual event - this means the event started back in 1971!  I'm sure the frontier has not changed in those 47 years, but this is a big event and I'm guessing that it has grown over the years.  They have four governors - one for each 'section' of the frontier.  The governors are there to maintain peace - I'm sure they don't have to many issues to deal with, but if they are needed - they are available!

As we entered, to our left there was country mountain music being played by several people.  As we walked around, we found several other areas with mountain music being played live.  Some played guitar, banjo and other instruments that I don't have the knowledge to know what these mountain instruments are.

The vendors were many, but root beer was a 'staple' drink available in many of the tents.

There were several blacksmiths on the frontier, one is Henry (near the entrance to town, a little to the right).  Henry was working on tent stakes for several of the frontier families as it had been very windy and many found themselves needing new tent stakes.

A frontier family with a small covered wagon to carry the small children.

Cooking food over an open fire pit, outside from the tent homes.

Many of the tents had heat inside with the vent coming out of the tent.  These were ovens as well.

Different flags flew depending on where we looked.

Here's a frontier man near the 'shooting' area - they were having a competition at the shooting 'range'.

And another one....

And another one (they were all over!)

Let's not forget the clever disguise for the shower - the rectangle canvas area on the back of this tent.  They had various ways to heat the water for the shower depending on the frontier home.

Various types of wagons and wheelbarrows were used to carry heavy items from one place to another.

 

After wandering around for several hours in the land of Florida's Frontiermen, we headed back to the current world of 2018!

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 1840 2018 76 alafia alafia river alafia river rendezvous bartow blacksmith british covered wagon fire fire pit flag florida florida frontiersmen frontier frontier family frontiermen governor gun henry homeland iron old fort meade outdoor cooking pot primitive lifestyle primitive lifestyles rendezvous rifle river root beer shoot tent vpshoots wagon https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/2/alafia-river-rendezvous-2018---florida-frontiersmen Sun, 04 Feb 2018 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Depth of Field https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/2/pet-photography---theme-depth-of-field This week's theme for Pet Photography is "Depth of Field" - this is a concept that is used within photography to control how much of your photograph is in 'sharp' focus.  If you're a photographer (whether amateur or professional) you have probably heard this term but for those of you that love photographs and aren't concerned with how it's created, 'depth of field' is how 'blurry' the background is behind the subject.  Have you ever seen a photograph that has a beautiful blur behind the dog? Or maybe it has a beautiful scene behind the dog?  This is the idea behind 'depth of field'.

I photographed Abby against a few bushes and a painted brick wall.  This background was chosen specifically to show how the depth of field changes based on changing the aperture.  The lens used is a Nikon 70-200 set to 190mm.  Abby moved her head through out the sequence of photographs, but she remained in a sit position.  I told Abby to sit about 6 feet from the brick wall.  The first photograph was taken at f/4. The shallow depth of field renders the brick wall as a blurred gray and the bushes are patches of green and yellow.  No real 'definition' in either of the background objects.

For those of you that are interested in the details of photography, let's talk about depth of field.  There are specific points to keep in mind.  The first, and most important, is the 'depth of field' is controlled by the aperture of the lens (sometimes referred to as the f-stop).  In the 'old days' before the world of digital - apertures values were fewer - f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, etc up to a maximum of 32 but many lenses stopped at about f/22.  An easy way to remember the apertures is to remember f/2 and f/2.8 - then from that point on, double the number - so double f/2 and it's f/4. Double f/2.8 and it's f/5.6 (and so on).  Now, with the world of digital there are more aperture values available but often times they don't make a lot of difference in the overall photograph unless you have several 'stops' in between the apertures used (for example, there is not much difference between f/7.1 and f/8).  Please note that some lenses actually have f/1.4 or f/1.8 but these are typically only on a 'prime' lens (not a zoom lens).

The second photograph was taken at f/8. The depth of field renders the brick wall as a blurred gray and the bushes are patches of green and yellow but you can make out some of the lines in the brick wall and the leaves on the bush are a little more defined.

The third photograph was taken at f/13. The depth of field renders the brick wall and bushes as soft blur, but more detail is beginning to show in the background.  Abby changed her head position a little bit so my camera angle has change slightly, but we both maintained the same distance from each other.

The fourth photograph was taken at f/20. The depth of field renders the brick wall and bushes with some blur, but there is enough definition in the background that the plant can be identified as well as detail in the brick wall.

The fourth photograph was taken at f/32. The depth of field renders the brick wall and bushes with a small amount of blur but there is now significant detail in the brick wall and plant.

Hopefully, Abby was able to show you how the depth of field affects the background areas of the photograph.  For all of the above photographs, the focus was on Abby's eye.

Point one, the aperture is important to the depth of field for your photograph.  Next, the closer you are to your subject, the less depth of field you'll be able to capture.  It really does matter how close you are to your subject (think macro or close-up vs being a little further away).  In this photograph, the focus is on Jimbo's eyes.  Aperture f/3.3, 35mm lens, focus on his right eye (left side of the photograph) - but really close to him when this photograph was taken - only a small portion of his face is in focus.

"If you want way less depth of field, and you've opened your aperture as wide as you can, get closer. Vice versa - if you want more depth of field at a given aperture, step back a little." David Duchemin states in his book "The Visual Toolbox".

This photograph of Jimbo was taken at 35mm, f/5.6 - I've moved much further away from Jimbo to include his entire body and surroundings.  A much larger area is in focus.

Point two, the closer you are to your subject, the less depth of field you will have regardless of the aperture.

Point three, a wide angle lens (such as as 12mm (cropped sensor) or 24mm (full frame sensor) will appear to have more depth of field than a telephoto (such as 200mm (cropped/full frame)).  The reason longer lenses appear to produce a shallower depth of field is because they provide a narrow angle of view compared to a wide angle lens.  A telephoto lens will fill the frame with a much smaller area of the background, so any blur (or camera shake) will be magnified too.

Point four, the more distance there is between your subject and the background, the more blur can be achieved with various apertures.  This is why I asked Abby to sit approximately six feet away from the brick wall in the first series of photographs.  If I placed Abby next to the wall, I would not have been able to create the same amount of blur in the background.

That's enough technical information for the photographers - how do I photograph dogs?  I've found that my Nikon 24-70mm lens is my go to lens.  Why? It allows me to stay close to my subject, keep them engaged and provides a sharp photograph.  I can get close to the dog and blur the background using a shallow depth of field such as f/2.8 if the dog is not moving a lot.  If however, the dog is moving a good bit, then I will use a 'medium' aperture such as f/8.  If I have an assistant to work with me or the dog is good off leash, then I can use a longer lens such as a 70-200mm and get some beautiful blurry backgrounds.  My primary goal is to get a sharp photograph with some blur in the background to help separate my subject from the background but also provide a creamy background.  By the way, every lens will create different 'bokeh' or background blur - so if that's important to you, make sure you look at reviews before purchasing a lens.

Using the Nikon 24-70 lens, set at 70mm, f/7.1, 1/60s with fill flash Abby posed while waiting for the promised 'snack'.

Using the Nikon 24-70 lens, set at 62mm, f/18, 1/60s with fill flash - this photograph has more detail in the boardwalk as well as the background and is not a typical aperture unless I wanted to feature the background as well as Abby.

For more 'depth of field' pet photographs head over to visit Kelly Garin Photography, Columbia, SC and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) abby aperture canine depth of field dog dog photography fstop f-stop jimbo maxx and me pet photography pet photography blog rescue voiceless dogs of nassau vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/2/pet-photography---theme-depth-of-field Fri, 02 Feb 2018 09:00:00 GMT
Brooksville Raid, 2018 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/1/brooksville-raid-2018 The annual Brooksville Raid was held the weekend of January 20-21, 2018.  It was very nice weather - not to hot, not to cold!  Seems lately we don't know whether to grab a jacket or put on shorts.  This was my first time visiting the Brooksville Raid re-enactment.  One of the vendors told me that this far south, Florida really didn't have concerns with fighting any battles - however, they did have raids.  The raids were typically to get food for the soldiers.  Florida was known for it's cattle and that was the primary good seeked out during the raids - beef.  However, for the purposes of the re-enactment, they actually performed a 'battle' with cannons, gunfire and soldiers.  For the number of people arriving at this event, the parking was a breeze - they had that down very well.  I was lucky and got a parking place very near one of the entrances to the area.

After providing a $10 donation (technically a donation....) I walked inside and took a look at this map of where things are.

For the first hour or so, I wondered around in the sulters, and then to the Union and Conference camp areas. One of the first people I came across is 'the free woman of color'.  She was talking to several people so I captured her photograph as she talked with them.

This soldier was happy to show me his gun and then shoot it off so I could get a couple of photographs.

As I wandered around, I came across the 'church setting' and spent a few minutes talking (listening) to the pastor.  He told me this old cross was made by a prisoner who was held at Anderson (a well known prison camp during the war but not one a lot of people survived).

Several horses were tied to a tree in the union area.  One soldier asked if we were 'horse savvy' - and cautioned us not to walk behind the horses so they would not kick us.

At 2:30 the battle began.  Just before the battle began, the troops walked past us.

Some people lay on the field as the battle continued (but not any where as many as I thought should have been).  It was interesting to see, but it did not invoke the bone chills that I remembered from when I watched the battle held several years ago in Mansfield, Louisiana (that one gave me goose bumps!).

The raid happens every year if this interests you - check it out!

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(VP Shoots Photography) 2018 brooksville brooksville raid cannon civil war confederate fight fire gun horse january raid uniform union vpshoots yankee yankees https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/1/brooksville-raid-2018 Sun, 28 Jan 2018 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Catch lights https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/1/pet-photography---theme-catch-lights This week's theme for Pet Photography is "Catch lights".  For those of you that might not be familiar with this term, that's the reflection of light in the eyes of your subject.  In much of my photography, the catch lights are provided by the sky as this is the primary source when outside and shooting on location.  I have used a small LED panel to provide additional light on my subjects as well as a catch light in the animal's eye.  This is especially helpful in providing some 'life' into the eyes of the subject.

If the animal has very dark eyes, they may appear as 'black holes' with no life.  This does not provide a connection between you as the viewer and the dog (or subject).  It's always best to have some 'life' in the eyes.  The eyes are the window to the soul - how many times have you heard this phrase? 

The eyes of your subject, regardless of whether it is a person or animal, are what we look at first if they are in the photograph.  They need to be in focus if shown in the photograph.  If they aren't then the primary subject you are photographing needs to be in focus and hopefully the eyes are very soft - if not, the photograph may prove to be frustrating for the viewer.

Here's a closeup of the eyes.  The lighted areas of the dog's eyes from the sky (this is an outdoor portrait on location) is the catchlights that provide life to the dog's eyes.

Here's the entire photograph. Notice how the dog's eyes are lit up from the sky outdoors - no special lighting was used, just the outdoor sun and open sky (the photograph was taken in full shade).

Catch lights will look different in the dog's eyes depending on the type of light used to create the catch light.  Some of my portraits use a small LED panel to create a constant light - the purpose is to create a catch light in the eyes. The small rectangle in the dog's eyes are the LED panel held by an assistant (since the dogs move around a bit when photographing on location).  This photograph was captured close to dusk and the sun was no longer providing catch lights.

Here's the entire photograph.

This is a photograph of 'Cord' who is currently in foster care with his brother - Cord and his brother Nic, are available for adoption as a bonded pair (they are brothers and the rescue would like to keep these border collie mixes together).  If you're interested, please contact Maxx and Me at maxxandme.org.  Just in case you're curious, this is the two boys together.

Nic (on left) has a blue speck on his right eye (that is not a catch light).

For more 'catch lights' pet photographs head over to visit Elayne Massaini Pet Photographer, serving Sao Paulo, Brazil and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) adopted brown canine catch light cute dog fur location maxx and me outdoor puppy rescue small https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/1/pet-photography---theme-catch-lights Fri, 26 Jan 2018 09:00:00 GMT
The Clydesdales are in town for Gasperilla, with guess appearance in Palm Harbor https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/1/the-clydesdales-are-in-town-for-gasperilla-with-guess-appearance-in-palm-harbor This past Wednesday (the coldest day of the year thus far), the Clydesdales came to the historic district of Palm Harbor.  Temperatures started in the low 50's, dipping into the 40's before the night was over.  I'm sure the Clydesdales loved the cool temperatures and all us humans were bundled up! 

The area was packed with cars and people all converged on a small four block radius - the Clydesdales were coming to make their first official delivery to Fin's (per google search).  They also stopped outside of Peggy O's Kitchen and Taps before we headed out to get warm.

Per the Pepin Distribution website, the Budweiser Clydesdales make hundreds of appearances each year and are an American icon.  They are one of the world's most recognized corporate symbols.  "To qualify for a hitch, a Clydesdale must be a gelding at least four years of age, stand 72 inches at the shoulder when fully mature, weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds, have a bay coat, a blaze of white on the face, four white legs, and a black mane and tail." per Pepin Distribution website (http://www.pepindistributing.com/the-legendary-clydesdales-are-coming-to-tampa-bay/).  Please note the information on this website (at the moment) appears to be incorrect.  Per a contact with Pepin Distribution, the following are the locations for the Clydesdales:

  • TUESDAY (3pm-5pm)Total Wine at 1720 N Dale Mabry Hwy
  • WEDNESDAY (1pm-4pm) Walmart at Big Bend and 301 (10327 Big Bend Rd, Riverview, FL 33578)
  • Day uncertain THURSDAY or FRIDAY (1pm to 4pm)? Circle K Highway 54 in Lutz
  • SATURDAY for the Gasperilla parade

Information provided by using the "Contact Us" Link above and getting an email response - the response was quick, but not extremely clear - providing what I was able to gather from the email - if further details are received, I will update this blog post.

If you missed them in Palm Harbor, you still have a few more opportunities in Hillsborough County to see them - either at the Gasperilla Parade, or one of several other locations.

Three large semi-trucks were parked near the White Chapel in historic Palm Harbor.  We arrived just before 5:30pm, many looked like they had been there for a while - the Clydesdales were just starting to unload from one of the semi tractor trailers.

As the horses were just starting to come out, the crowds were not yet thick - but soon people began to gather as these beautiful horses came out one by one.  Four horses were in another trailer waiting for their turn to come out, here's one hanging out in the trailer.

They are 'dressed' in red with white and red roses along their manes. Meanwhile, each horse was escorted over to the trailer containing all the harnesses, eye covering, etc. (I am not strong in 'horse world').

The first horse is attached to the carriage.

As time went on, the other Clydesdales were attached to the carriage - one by one. This Clydesdale waiting for the tour to start,  turned it head to look at me as I was passing by to get some photos.

The last horse is getting the finishing touches - soon all six Clydesdales will begin their tour of downtown historic Palm Harbor.

After about 30 minutes to get the horses ready, it's time to go.

As the 'men in green' passed by and started out of the parking lot down the street - what should I see but a Dalmatian!  Oh what a beauty this dog is - "Weiser" the beautiful white dog with black spots sat proudly next to the men in green. The beloved dalmatian sitting up there in the 48 degree weather, never making a sound but turning to look at all the people down below - many of them taking photographs and some with flash as it got darker.

A first stop waiting for all the people to get their views and 'complete the delivery'.

This photo says it all - many took photographs with their cell phones - others with big cameras, but all taking memories of the same moments in time.

As night falls, we take a few last photographs before heading out.

That's all for this week!

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) beer budweiser canine clydesdale clydesdales corporate symbol dalmation distribution dog gasperilla historic horse palm harbor pepin weiser https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/1/the-clydesdales-are-in-town-for-gasperilla-with-guess-appearance-in-palm-harbor Sun, 21 Jan 2018 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Fill the Frame! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/1/pet-photography---theme-fill-the-frame Pet Photography can be fun and rewarding and I love 'filling the frame' with the pet.  I'm often getting really close to the pet either physically or with a longer telephoto zoom lens.  I want you to see the eyes, the texture of the fur, the color of their eyes - experience your pet fully in photographs!

Often when photographers are new to taking photographs, you look at the photo and wonder - What are they photographing?  What do they want me to see in this photo?  This is where filling the frame with your subject comes into play.  Whether you take the photograph filling the frame by getting close, cropping the photo after taking it or using a zoom lens - it all comes down to filling the frame with what you want everyone to see.

I think it's easier to fill the frame when you're not necessarily trying to photograph the entire animal - but, sometimes it's not filling the entire frame with your subject - but instead making sure your subject is the only identifiable object.  For example, you could take a close up of the animal - or you could take a photograph that is a little further away, but the rest of your photograph has beautiful blur created by a shallow depth of field (small F-stop number) or created in post processing.

Here's some examples of this week's theme "Fill the Frame".  Meet Flash, he was rescued and is now in his forever home with a wonderful couple and several canine buddies.  Flash is about 80 pounds or so and is a Mastiff mix.  This photograph has a combination of 'fill the frame' and 'negative space'.  Flash is sharp while the rest of the photo has a darker soft blur keeping the eye on Flash.

Here's another photograph where Flash is very dominant in the frame with soft brown and green blurred background.

This photograph is a little further back showing some of Flash's large size, but only the eyes and immediate area are in focus, the rest is allowed to softly blur using a shallow depth of field.

And talk about 'Fill the Frame' -- this is what happens when a rather large dog gets to close to you and then lays down - you just get a very small portion of their face - truly filling the frame with Flash.

Filling the frame is not for every photograph you might take.  Using this process to explore photographic possibilities and experiment with composition can be challenging.  There are many situations where your photographs of pets can be greatly improved by getting closer, moving in towards your subject and by filling the frame.  If you keep this possibility in the back of your mind while you are shooting (whether it is pets or some other subject), you may find your photographs are greatly improved.  It will help those viewing your photographs to answer this question "What is this a photograph of?"

For more 'fill the frame' pet photographs head over to visit Cahlean of About A Dog Photography in St. Cloud, St. Paul, Minneapolis and central MN. and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) adopted brown canine closeup dog dog photography eye face flash fur mastiff mastiff mix mutt outdoor pet photography pet photography blog portrait rescue tampa tampa bay vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/1/pet-photography---theme-fill-the-frame Fri, 19 Jan 2018 09:00:00 GMT
Perfecto Garcia - abandoned Cigar Factory, 1914 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/1/perfecto-garcia---abandoned-cigar-factory-1914 The Tampa Times had an article not to long ago about the various cigar factories that once were very prominent in the Ybor and Tampa areas.  Today, many of the buildings still exist - the Tampa Times reported about 25.  Of the buildings that still exist, some are abandoned, others have been re-purposed into apartments or other uses. 

Today's blog post features the "Perfecto Garcia" building located at 2808 16th Street in the Seminole Heights area of Tampa.  Seminole Heights is a little north of Ybor and is full of history and historic buildings and homes.  Several of the homes across the street from this old Cigar Factory have been renovated having originally been built in the 1920s (traditional bungalow style).  Several people stopped by and asked if we were taking photographs for "historical purposes" and definitely we were.  One gentleman stopped and talked with us for a little while - he renovated a home across the street which was formerly one of the homes for people working in the cigar factory (management employees).  In fact, most all the homes that are in this general area were at one time occupied by people that worked at this cigar factory.

During the peak period of the cigar industry, Perfecto Garcia and his brothers employed over 1,000 people  - in the fields, stores and in the red brick factory.  The factory closed in 1982 a victim of the Cuban embargo among other things.  

This building has the water tower that I've seen for years and is noticeable from Interstate 4 - now after decades, I have actually seen where this water towel resides - yeah!  

It is stated that this 47,000 square foot building has recently sold and hopefully will start to see new life as it begins another journey.

This is the entrance located at 2808 16th street. 

The building currently has a chain link fence surrounding it, but it has not stopped vandalism.

 

The weeds grow along the stairway to the doors....a sign of neglect and better times (It's been over 30 years since the doors shut).

Cracks in the brick wall can be seen.  Amazing that the building is still in such good shape from the outside as it is now over 100 years old.

Time will tell what will become of 2808 16th Street....

If you're interested in the Cigar Factories of Tampa and those that helped to run them check out this link: http://cigarsoftampa.com/portraits.html

There are several different articles on this cigar factory and others found by a "Google Search".  

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 16th 2808 16th street abandoned brick broken window building chain link cigar cigar factory factory history old red seminole heights tampa vandalism window https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/1/perfecto-garcia---abandoned-cigar-factory-1914 Sun, 14 Jan 2018 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Rule of Thirds https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/1/pet-photography---theme-rule-of-thirds As we begin to get into the swing of the new year, our Pet Photography blog theme this week is "rule of thirds".  Let's begin with discussing what exactly the "rule of thirds" is before jumping into this blog post to far.  This is a basic composition rule that can be followed when creating photographs.  Keeping in mind, that it is a guideline for composition within photographs that can be applied but is not required.  All guidelines (or rules) can be broken within photography and still provide for wonderful photographs.  So here goes, "The rule of thirds involves mentally dividing up your image using 2 horizontal lines and 2 vertical lines. Divide the photo into three equal areas by drawing two horizonal lines, then divide the photo into three equal areas by drawing two vertical lines. You then position the important elements in your scene along those lines, or at the points where they meet."  Take a photograph, draw these imaginary lines - take a look at a photograph, and see what is in each of the areas, particularly those areas where the lines on your imaginary photograph intersect.

Meet Amore, a beautiful black and white male rescue dog!  Wow, when he greeted us it was like he had just met up with old friends (and we had never met before!).  This photograph has Amore's head and eyes close to the top left corner where the lines will intersect.  Amore is looking into the

frame as his eyes are looking towards the right and two thirds of the photograph is to the right of Amore's head and eyes.

 

Amore - male adoptedAmore - male adopted

In the next photograph of Amore, his face is in the top third of the photograph while his legs and feet are in the bottom third of the photograph (of course his body is in the middle).  This photograph was taken with intent to have Amore's beautiful eyes draw you into the photo - for some people they might glance at his long legs and follow them all the way up the photograph to his eyes (using a leading line concept).

 

Amore - male adoptedAmore - male adopted

In the next photograph, Amore is laying down on the ground and I'm laying down in front of him. 

This isn't quite the 'rule of thirds' as Amore is filling a large portion of the frame - but his right eye is close to the intersection point of the rule of thirds lines.  Also, note that Amore is not in the center of the photograph but a little to the left of center.  

Amore - male adoptedAmore - male adopted

Here's Amore laying down with his head in the miniature mondo grass - I laid down in front of him, used a shallow depth of field and focus directly on his eyes.  This gives the viewer perspective to what Amore is seeing and draws you into his world.  I love the dark soft greens surrounding Amore in this photograph.  While the rule of thirds is not applied in this particular photograph, it shows that sometimes putting your subject in the middle does work!

Amore - male adoptedAmore - male adopted

Amore is available through Maxx and Me Pet Rescue (maxxandme.org) if you're interested in meeting him and potentially adopting him.  He is approximately 55 pounds and 5 years of age. For more 'rule of thirds' pet photographs head over to visit KME Photography in Minneapolis, MN 

and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) amore canine composition dog dog photography maxx and me pet blog pet photography pet photography blog rescue rule of thirds vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/1/pet-photography---theme-rule-of-thirds Fri, 12 Jan 2018 15:04:03 GMT
Ybor City - it's cold tonight! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/1/ybor-city---its-cold-tonight Ybor City is a very popular place within the Tampa Bay area.  Our photo club did an early evening shoot there on the coldest night of the season (coldest this year, 2018, too).  You know it's cold when there are very few people there - we did see several skateboarders, and there were a few people here and there, but overall - Thursday night is slow and a temperature in the low 40's makes it even more deserted.  By the way, that red jacket is Jim - he was talking to a man who had some interesting stories for sure - but bottom line, he wanted some money.

This isn't a long time exposure that blurred out the people walking by - there were no people walking by!

We did walk by this really cool store....I took this photo by leaning my camera against the glass to avoid reflections of what was behind me.

The American flag was hanging in one of the windows along 7th Avenue.

I also saw other flags flying, showing the diversity of Ybor City (It's not just cigar shops) - although there were several of them and some had people making cigars this evening.

And more empty areas along 7th Avenue.

Maybe we are on to something here - go on a cold night, during the week and you'll have the place to yourself!

On the weekend, this is a very busy place - and there would be no opportunity for doing the 'empty, lonely' photographs.  Decide what is best for you, but it's definitely worth a trip to visit if you're in the area.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) american building cigar city cold empty flag lonely night old rainbow tampa vpshoots wood ybor ybor city https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/1/ybor-city---its-cold-tonight Sun, 07 Jan 2018 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Blank Slate https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/1/pet-photography---theme-blank-slatex As we begin a new year (2018), our theme for Pet Photography this week is "Blank Slate". As many of you know, I volunteer to photograph dogs for a local dog rescue, Maxx and Me (maxxandme.org).  As we ramp up another year of saving dogs and working to find them their forever homes - I photographed "Gabe".  Gabe is a wonderful dog that appreciates being saved.  He is a very happy middle aged lab mix.

He loves to pose!  Gabe was a wonderful model during our session and he is a very sweet and loving boy.  If you or anyone you know might be interested please contact the Maxx and Me Pet Rescue either through their website or facebook page.

Gabe has a cute run that is different than most dogs - but he loves to come running to you!

We would love to find Gabe his forever home - he is a great dog just waiting for the right person, couple or family to adopt him.

For more 'blank slate' pet photographs head over to visit Darlene with Pant the Town Pet Photography serving MA and NH and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) animal blank slate canine dog dog photography lab lab mix male maxx and me mutt pet photography rescue vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2018/1/pet-photography---theme-blank-slatex Fri, 05 Jan 2018 09:00:00 GMT
Ybor City State Museum, Ybor City/Tampa, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/ybor-city-state-museum-ybor-city/tampa-florida This week we traveled down to Ybor City to check out the museum.  Ybor City has a very rich history that most know because of the cigar industry. 

As we entered the museum on 9th street, we sat down to watch a 20 minute historical video about Ybor City.  It was almost like going to a friend's house, sitting down on the couch and watching television.  The Christmas tree was decorated (although the sun was bright coming through the window).

After watching the video, we went outside the museum taking a short walk to one of the manufactured homes that were built for those working in the cigar factories. 

These homes were set up such that they could be built in a matter of days and they were all the same floor plans.  The house we visited was one of the smaller homes with two bedrooms.  Upon entry, we entered the 'living room'.  The houses are not the original wood, but have been rebuilt to the original specifications.

Continue down the hallway a short distance (just behind the wall you are seeing in this photograph), is the master bedroom.  This is the only room that is painted in the house.

The next room is the children's room.  The bed is actually a little crooked, it's not your imagination.

The last room in the house is the kitchen before exiting out the back door to the garden and outhouse.  After the tour of the house, we went back into the museum to look at the exhibits.  The museum is in one of the early bakery buildings from the early 1900s.  There is a historical marker outside of the bakery indicating this building was built after a fire destroyed the original building.  The old red brick ovens survived the fire and this building was built in 1922 around the brick ovens.

Cigars is what Ybor City is known for, and they have several exhibits providing information on the cigar industry.

If you like history, take an hour or two and visit this local museum.  The admission price is $4.00 and they are currently open from Wednesday thru Sunday, 9am - 5pm.  (please check facebook or their website before heading down to Ybor City to confirm!).

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(VP Shoots Photography) bakery cigar cigar factory cuban factory ferlita history house indoor industry museum oven tampa ybor ybor city ybor city museum ybor city state museum https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/ybor-city-state-museum-ybor-city/tampa-florida Sun, 31 Dec 2017 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Favorite Things! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/pet-photography---theme-favorite-things This week's Pet Photography theme is "Favorite Things".  As I thought about this for my pets, I realized that this topic could be viewed from a couple of different view points.  One of my favorite things is to spend time with my dogs (yes, I have cats - but they just want to be petted and fed).  My dogs may be spoiled - I guess it depends on your views, but they love it when we say "Let's go for a ride" and they don't care where the ride is to ...it's a chance to go somewhere in the car or truck.

Jimbo loves to go boating - particularly when the water is smooth.  Course, it wasn't love at first sight, but once he got the hang of it and realized it was a way to spend more time with his humans - well, he has no issues with it now.  There is nothing like an early morning ride down the Suwannee River when the sun is barely up, the water is still and you're the only ones out at this time!  Jimbo loves riding in the bow area but it's only allowed when it is minimum wake and smooth (otherwise, he comes back to join us in the main portion of the boat).

Jimbo, dog, boating on the riverJimbo, dog, boating on the riverDog on the bow of a boat idling down the Suwannee river

Jimbo loves hanging on the property at the Suwannee, as he knows it is all 'leash free' providing he stays on the property. No leash to photoshop out in this photograph!

Abby, well she loves to ride -but for some reason also thinks its great to sit in the driver's seat.  She has done this since we got her over a year ago - but still hasn't passed the test to be able to drive :(

Dog in driver seat of carDog in driver seat of car

So to the back seat she goes and she watches everything pass by in the window - I've often wondered what she is thinking as she watches things pass by...

We found out recently that Ollie loves to play in Mondo Grass - perhaps this is one of her favorite things? We let her play for a little while, but finally had to pull her out so we could continue our walk.

Ollie and Rue on their first field trip to a local park.  Both of these little girls seem fascinated by shells and it continues to be a favorite toy (we gave them large ones to carry around).  They have played with shells for months and here they just found out that the entire walkway is SHELLS! 

,For more 'favorite things' pet photographs head over to visit Darlene with Pant the Town Pet Photography serving MA and NH and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) blog' boat canine dog dog photography eureka eureka springs eureka springs park favorite favorite things mondo grass outdoor park pet pet photography pet photography blog play puppy river shell shells suwannee vpshoots walk water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/pet-photography---theme-favorite-things Fri, 29 Dec 2017 09:00:00 GMT
The Christmas Trail, Plant City, Florida - 2017 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/the-christmas-trail-plant-city-florida---2017 This year we visited the "Christmas Trail" located on S. Frontage Street in Plant City, Florida.  This is a free event held annually and is a great time for the young children.  Lots of families were arriving at the early start time of 5:30.  In order to attend the event, you must 'purchase' a ticket for a given day and time slot - 5:30 is the earliest time available which is popular for the young pre-school children.  I say, 'purchase' because the event is free, but it's a way to regulate the number of people coming and also to spread the people attending through out the evening.

Since I arrived for the first time slot, darkness has not yet settled upon us.  Upon entering, I wandered around a bit and then started on the trail - Tales of Christmas.  This is the entrance and you can see that the sun has set, but it is still light outside.

The Tales of Christmas is an event that tells a story along the walk.  Each year the story is changed (per their website) and a new story is told through out the walk.  This is the beginning of the story on the lighted board.

As I continued along the walk, it slowly became dark and more people were starting to walk the trail.  I walked slowly, set up my camera on a tripod and took photographs along the way allowing people to pass as they came across my path. Please note that I am not showing every part of the story in these photographs (if you want to entire story, you'll need to visit!).  The below photograph shows the barn as part of the trail.

Eventually, we came to the church (this building actually was leaning a bit - as shown in this photograph).

Towards the end of the trail we came across the gingerbread house.

Upon exiting the trail, you'll find the tall lighted Christmas tree - this is at the center of the main area.

Jack Frost house - they have a short show for everyone to watch every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour.

A table allows the children to write letters to Santa and then put them in the post office box.

The snowman house is just inside the entrance and a nice place to take a family photograph.

As it is Christmas Eve, Enjoy your holiday!!!

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 2017 christmas christmas trail decorate decorated dog friendly family friendly free jack frost light lighted trail lights outdoor santa snowman trail https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/the-christmas-trail-plant-city-florida---2017 Sun, 24 Dec 2017 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Ugly Sweaters https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/pet-photography---theme-ugly-sweaters This week's Pet Photography theme is "Ugly Sweaters".  I'm not sure about everyone else, but I don't tend to keep things I consider ugly - they either get donated in hopes someone else doesn't consider the sweater (or other item) ugly or if it's really bad, it might go to the trash - just depends on what the item is.  So, when the theme of "Ugly Sweaters" came up, well - first being in Florida with no real cold weather, I don't have many sweaters to begin with much less one I consider "Ugly".  My first thought was to pass on this week's theme and photograph something different but then I decided to find a sweater (not ugly) and use it to for this week's theme.

Our foster puppies are back with us again after finding out that apartment living probably wasn't the best idea for them - so they are hanging out on our loveseat with the only Christmas sweater I own.

Rue is on the left and perhaps she isn't sure about the whole idea of a sweater being placed on top of them. Ollie on the right is very content!

For more 'ugly sweater' pet photographs head over to visit Darlene with Pant the Town Pet Photography serving MA and NH and then head around the rest of the blog circle.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) blanket canine christmas dog dog photography ollie pet photography puppy rue sleep snooze sweater vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/pet-photography---theme-ugly-sweaters Fri, 22 Dec 2017 09:00:00 GMT
Christmas in the Wild, Lowry Park Zoo 2017 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/christmas-in-the-wild-lowry-park-zoo-2017 It's the holiday season and many different Christmas events are occurring in the Tampa Bay area.  Last night we joined a lot of people and visited the "Christmas in the Wild" event at Lowry Park Zoo. It's been a number of years since we have attended this event and it has changed quite a bit!  Christmas in the Wild now allows you to visit many of the animals at night time. I have no idea what the monkeys and other animals were thinking about all the people wandering around in the dark with colorful lights.  We parked in the overflow area across the street in Lowry Park before walking over to the zoo at dusk.

Upon entering, we see the large decorated Christmas tree.  It's not yet dark when this photograph was taken but all the lights are glowing on the tree.

We headed over towards the right.  Just outside the merry go round, the lighted deer are featured.

Upon entering the children's area, we see lots of beautiful lights covering many of the trees.

The children's train ride exit is featuring green and white lights.  In order to capture the photographs with minimal people I used a wide angle lens to get close to my subjects.  In addition, for the below photograph, patience on waiting for people to clear out before clicking the shutter.

As we headed over to the Safari area, one of my favorite places to check out for photographs is the 'tunnel' that leads to the entrance to this area.  Tonight, blue lights are lighting the tunnel with large presents along the middle section.  Using my tripod, wide angle lens and slow shutter speed (20 seconds), I captured several different photographs allowing the people walking by to blur.  If the object moves through your photograph and does not stop it will be a 'ghost' effect if it appears at all.  The only people that appear in this photograph are at the far end of the tunnel - they didn't move through the tunnel while the shutter was open, so they are captured as 'ghosts' in the image.  So, yes, there were people constantly walking through this tunnel while I was photographing (in case you were curious).

After walking through this area, we decided to head over to "Santa's Village" which is on the other side of the zoo.  As we approached, the lights are pointed on the large oaks giving them a cold winter look.  Here's a photograph just before we entered Santa's Village.

The pathway is lit by lights along the way on either side as well as a string of lights in the middle up high.  A star effect on the lights above is created by using a small aperture (f/16) - this effect will vary based on the lens used to capture the photograph.

We stopped to get some hot cocoa and cookies next to this building in Santa's Village - it was good, but not cheap

More trees with a winter look utilizing lighting on the trees.  Several areas in Santa's Village had 'snow' which is flying around (it appeared to be some type of 'soap suds').

A colorful Christmas tree decorated with a yellow star on top.

Wishing everyone a happy holiday season!

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 2017 animal animals children christmas christmas in the wild color colorful decorate decorated florida fun light lights lowry lowry park lowry park zoo lowry zoo night nighttime park tampa tree vpshoots wild zoo https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/christmas-in-the-wild-lowry-park-zoo-2017 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Relaxing https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/pet-photography---theme-relaxing This week's them for our "Project 52" Pet Photography is 'relaxing'.  This particular theme brings thoughts of dogs laying in the sun or perhaps sleeping as that is when most of my dogs are most relaxed.  Our featured dog this week is Cody and he is a beautiful hound dog who loves his stuff animals.  In these portraits, he is laying down with one of his stuff animals tucked under his chin.

For more 'relaxing' pet photographs head over to visit I Got the Shot Photography, serving Northeastern PA and surrounding areas and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine cody couch cuddle cute dog dog photography dog photography blog hound indoor laying down male pet photography pet photography blog relax relaxing soft stuff animal theme vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/pet-photography---theme-relaxing Fri, 15 Dec 2017 09:00:00 GMT
Courthouse Falls, Brevard, North Carolina (back to the waterfalls) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/courthouse-falls-brevard-north-carolina-back-to-the-waterfalls Courthouse Falls is probably one of the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen.  It's not visited by many judging on the fact that we were the only ones there in the middle of a gorgeous day! This waterfall is tucked into a cove and protected from the sun even though it is late in the morning for taking photographs.  It was peaceful - I took photographs, but I am not sure they do the beauty of the waterfall justice.

After driving up a gravel road for quite some time, we arrived at a flat area where a few cars can park.  We gathered up our gear and started on the trail to the waterfall.  We had a couple of experienced friends with us this day for the hike.  Abby is leading the way for me - her trademark white spot on the back of her head.

Soon, I realize that we are dropping behind a bit and need to pick up the pace if we are going to keep track of where they have trekked.  Course, Abby has a very strong hound nose, so she is able to keep track of where they went.  We arrived at this sign.

Abby turns her head indicating they went this way (to the left) - of course, the way the sign is saying "danger".  We continued on down the 'dangerous' hike - if you're not paying attention, it definitely could be an issue.  The sight of this waterfall was enough to say "Wow"!

 

The GPS coordinates for this particular waterfall (where I took these photographs) is 35°16'19" N 82°53'37" W -Map insert is from Google Maps.  The altitude is 4320.9 ft per the GPS unit on my camera.

When we visited in October 2017, they were working on the bridge that is very close to the turnoff for this road leading to the waterfall.  The best source of information for waterfalls in North Carolina, including this one appeared to be http://www.ncwaterfalls.com.  Many (if not all) of the waterfalls are listed including Courthouse Falls.  These directions were taken from this website.

Directions: From the Blue Ridge Parkway, head south down Hwy 215 for 6.5 miles. Look for the 2nd sign indicting 'narrow bridge ahead', and turn left on FR140 just after the bridge. From Hwy 64, turn north on NC215 at Headwaters Outfitters. Drive 10.2 miles up 215 (passing the waterfalls at Living Waters) and turn right on FR140 just before the bridge. Drive up the gravel road for 3.0 miles - crossing 4 bridges along the way - and park in the wider area just after the bridge across Courthouse Creek. The trail head is on the left.

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(VP Shoots Photography) 215 beauty brevard courthouse cove fall falls gravel hike hiking north carolina offroad outdoor outdoors waterfall https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/courthouse-falls-brevard-north-carolina-back-to-the-waterfalls Sun, 10 Dec 2017 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Architecture https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/pet-photography---theme-architecture This week's Pet Photography theme is 'Architecture'.  This particular photograph was taken a couple of years ago on our travels near Savannah, Georgia.  We stopped at old mill ruins we spotted along the roadway.  These have been here for over 100 years and this is what remains of the old building - just the shell of the original architecture.  It is built from shell like materials called coquina which means "tiny shell" in Spanish and it contains mollusk shell fragments and quartz sand bound together by calcium carbonate (so, google says). 

This particular ruin is located at McIntosh Sugar Mill Park in St. Mary's, Georgia. Jimbo was along for this ride and he enjoyed hanging out while we took photographs of the ruins.  Mid-day, there was not anyone else visiting here and we had the place to ourselves.

A more modern type of architecture, Jimbo hangs out in the town center in Temple Terrace.  It's a beautiful structure that was built in 2011 as we worked towards the re-creation of a new 'town square' for our small town.  Unfortunately, that hasn't yet come to being, but the town center has a beautiful place to create photographs and is used often for that purpose.

For more 'architecture' pet photographs head over to visit Kim with BARKography based in Charlotte NC and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) architecture canine column columns dog dog photography dog photography blog georgia jimbo mcintosh sugar mill park old pet photography pet photography blog ruin st. mary sugar mill sugar mill ruin temple terrace town center vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/pet-photography---theme-architecture Fri, 08 Dec 2017 09:00:00 GMT
The making of a creepy photograph https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/the-making-of-a-creepy-photograph This week I've been working to create a creepy photograph - actually, I started another project but this idea came to mind while working on that project and here is the final result.

So how was this photograph created? If you're curious - then keep reading.  And for those that might be wondering, yes it is supposed to be creepy!

A trip to one of the local cemeteries to find older stones was the beginning of this creation.

Next, using On1 2017 Effects, created this version of the photograph. Effect Holga B&W.

Next take a photograph of a girl with a blank stare to the camera.

Using On1 Effects 2017, convert this photograph to have this effect.

Next, using Photoshop, open the tombstone photograph.  Then open the photograph of the girl.  Change her eye color to red.

Create another layer in Photoshop in the tombstone photo.

Change the blend mode to Luminosity and decrease the opacity to about 50-60 percent so the cross on the tombstone shows through the girl's face.

Create another layer to blend these layers together.

Final result is created - one creepy photograph for a horror movie or book!

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/the-making-of-a-creepy-photograph Sun, 03 Dec 2017 10:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Emotion https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/pet-photography---theme-emotion This week's Pet Photography theme is 'Emotion'.  Dogs show emotion in many different ways from the ears, tail, mouth and other body parts.  As I've done more photography of dogs for the rescue, I'm become more familiar with the types of emotions that I don't want to capture and share with hopes of finding a rescue dog it's future home.  If a dog has it's tail tucked under instead of a relaxed state, it often means they are scared which isn't what I prefer to portray.  Another important cue, is the ears - are they perked up? back against the head? Depending on what the ears are doing, can make a big difference on how the dog comes across in a photograph.

In this photograph of Rue, she is curious - we have someone actually playing with her below the chair bottom and she is trying to determine what it is.  Her nose is pushed into the cushion in hopes of getting a good scent.

In this photograph, Flower is all about happy and joy!  She managed to get away from our assistant for just a minute and run around in a circle when this photograph was captured. I'm happy to report that Flower was adopted shortly after we took her into our home as a foster and is enjoying life with her new family.

Flower - female - AdoptedFlower - female - Adopted

Curious and caring - Rue and her little mate, Ollie (short for Olive) share a tender moment together during our photography session.

This little dog was very fearful of the camera and eventually hid entirely within it's blanket with just the face poking out.  Often these are the more challenging dogs to capture photographs of but time and patience are often your best options while working with a pet to capture a photograph.

Tyson - adoptedTyson - adopted

A sign of stress or anxiety is yawning or licking their mouth with their tongue - either one can tell you they are not comfortable with the current environment or situation.  Sometimes the camera itself is the source of stress and I have on occasion put my camera down, put a treat on the camera lens and waited for the dog to come over and take it.  After doing this a few times, they seem a little more comfortable and we continue our photography session.

Just remember - when you are photographing any animal, they will pick up on your energy.  If you are nervous, upset, hiped up, calm, relaxed - whatever your are feeling, they will know and if you're calm and relaxed you'll have much greater success in getting some great photographs of your animal or pet.

For more 'emotion' pet photographs head over to visit Kim with BARKography based in Charlotte NC and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine care caring curious dog dog photography dog photography blog emotion happy hide joy pet photography pet photography blog project 52 scared vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/12/pet-photography---theme-emotion Fri, 01 Dec 2017 09:00:00 GMT
Festival of Trees, 2017 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/11/festival-of-trees-2017 As we complete the celebration of Thanksgiving and head on to Christmas (I noticed some stores skipped Thanksgiving!), we took our first visit to the Festival of Trees in Clearwater, Florida.  This was a wonderful exhibit of fully decorated Christmas trees and wreaths.  As we walked into the area at the Long Center for this exhibit, I quickly realized we could spend all day here!  First glance, how to capture the wonderful beauty of these trees?  There must be close to 100 trees, some small as 2 feet, others over 8 feet - it's all different themes - find one you like!

We arrived on Friday morning, all the trees and wreaths are for sale - as this is the first day of the event, just a few hours into the beginning of the event, several trees were already sold!  That's a great start as this is a benefit for ARC.  I saw several trees decorated with a patriotic theme - here's one of them.

Then as I began to think, how best to capture some of these details of the trees, I started focusing on the various ornaments on these trees that were so wonderful decorated with various themes.  Yes - there was one that had the 'smiley face' and different ornaments on that theme.

Some that were more victorian, some that featured Santa like below - many people may not have noticed the smaller details as we settled down to photograph them.

I think some of my favorites are the elves, they are cute and remind me of my childhood when we had a few little elf decorations.

Above all, we wish each of you....(Happy Holidays as the sign says below)

For more photos from the Festival of Trees, check out our gallery for this event, http://www.vpshoots.com/festivaloftrees

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) florida 2017 arc cheer christmas clearwater decorated elf festival festival of trees holiday long center ornament santa smile smiley theme tree https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/11/festival-of-trees-2017 Sun, 26 Nov 2017 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Birds View https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/11/pet-photography---theme-birds-view This week's theme is "Bird's Eye View" and I'll admit between pet sitting this week and having a holiday, I've been pretty busy doing other things and this just happened to be a rather challenging week to try and determine what type of photographs I wanted to create for this particular theme.  While this is a little different than I wanted to create, at least I was able to incorporate feathers. Our foster puppies are growing up, but I went back to find some that we had taken while they were "in the feathers" for this week's blog post.

Rue got caught trying to eat some of the feathers...

And Ollie, she is surrounded by feathers and appears to be wondering what to do next.

Rue cleaned up the feathers from her mouth and took a moment to pose just before she jumped out of the basket and started running around again.

For those of you that might be curious, this is how our Thanksgiving morning started rather early (poor Jimbo got a rude awaking) as the puppies are a little larger and getting into a lot more things now.  Just before this photograph, Jimbo was telling them what he thought of the rude jumping on him, hence neither Ollie nor Rue were looking pleased!

Shortly after this, the puppies ran out to the computer room, started playing and eventually Abby decided it was time to settle down and put her paw on Rue as if to pin her down (course, she stopped but soon started running again!).

That's all for this week's theme and hopefully I will be able to get back into the blog circle with Pet Photography photographs next week but if you want to join into the circle, here's the link Susannah with Pet Love Photography, serving Greater Cincinnati and the San Francisco Bay Area.

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) antique bed basket bed blue canine dog dog photography blog feather feathers pet photography blog poster bed puppies puppy https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/11/pet-photography---theme-birds-view Fri, 24 Nov 2017 09:00:00 GMT
Dupont State Forest, High Falls and Triple Falls https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/11/dupont-national-forest-high-falls-and-hooker-falls Our next stop was an afternoon hike at Dupont State Forest - a very popular place this particular weekday!  We arrived at the parking lot where the visitor center is located and drove around that parking lot for many rounds before finally we found someone leaving and could park.  It was a beautiful day, sunny and not to hot but never realized that so many people would be out hiking at noon.  We met up with some friends, making our group 4 adults and 3 rather large dogs.  Off we go down the trail to visit High Falls.

We arrived after walking about .6 miles (which took us a while with dogs checking out all the smells) at the vantage point to view High Falls - it's a very big waterfall!   This waterfall is about 100 feet and has several short falls and some long cascades.  The sun was high when we arrived early afternoon, so definitely not the best time of day to photograph - but a great time to hike and enjoy the view. There were a few trees having yellow colors, but there was no orange or red.  GPS location is 35°11'36" N 82°36'54" W with an altitude of 2723.1 feet.

This is a busy place as people stop to enjoy the view and take photographs.  We set up our tripods to take a few photographs of this waterfall even though this is probably my least favorite time of day to take landscape photographs - particularly on a sunny day.   It was interesting to see how each of our dogs responded to this little break in the walk (we were probably there for 30 minutes).  Abby, our young dog, just under 2 years stayed alert and watched everything that was going on.

Jimbo is probably about 11 years old now - in great shape for a larger dog but he is more seasoned at this than Abby.  Jimbo has learned, the humans have stopped to do something, this is a great time to catch a nap in the sunshine!  He curled up and took a break enjoying the warm sun (it was probably in the 70's by now).

After a little while, we continued on down the trail and caught a view of the next grouping of water falls known as Triple falls.  This is another large water fall that has three tiered series of falls and cascades.   The river flowing through here is Little River and was featured in the film, The Last of the Mohicans. We have all been to this particular waterfall before and remembered there are quite a few stairs to get down to another vantage point.  Two of the dogs hiking with us (Jimbo and Jackie) are older dogs and stairs are hard for them (and us), so we didn't climb down the stairs this time.

Triple Falls is at GPS coordinates 35°12'1" N 82°37'2" W and an altitude of 2677.2 feet. There are many other waterfalls in the Dupont State Forest as well as many different trails  and that you can hike on.  These trails are very well maintained and traveled a lot by many each day.  If you like doing either of these outdoor activities, take some time to stop in this area and enjoy!

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) autumn brevard dupont dupont state forest fall falling water forest landscape river rock rocks state forest stone stones travel blog tree trees vpshoots water waterfall https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/11/dupont-national-forest-high-falls-and-hooker-falls Sun, 19 Nov 2017 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/11/pet-photography---theme-water This week's pet photography theme is water.  As we are in Florida and surrounded by water, the challenge I faced was what should I do?  I could take the dog photographs at the beach, in a pool, getting a bath - so many options - it's still sunny and warm here - not much hint of winter.  I've actually done photographs of my own dogs doing all these things including going off on our boats - and some of my favorites are when we are out boating on the water.  However, the last few weeks in my neighborhood have presented what may be a very limited opportunity - we have had two different water mains in our area break!  Yep, break and one of them was today.  So, when I saw all that fresh water flowing out of the water hydrant, I immediately thought - "Let's go get Abby, she will love it!".  And so she played in the fresh water running at a pretty good pace out of the fire hydrant and I took some photographs of her.  Are these my best photographs of her? No - but it does show her having fun and sometimes maybe that's more of a story.

Here is one of the fire hydrants free flowing water, they were releasing pressure so they could work on the broken water main. This wasn't that exciting from Abby's perspective.

Fire hydrant flushFire hydrant flushFlushing the fire hydrant is a perfect splash for a dog!

I showed Abby the water coming out, no real reaction other than "Is there where you want me to stand?".  So, we moved on to where the water was a bit deeper...by now she has run down the entire area of the water gutters with clean water and is a bit wet.  I left her leash and harness on....they got drenched.

Running back and forth this stretch of water - it's now several inches deep.  Time to shake a bit of the water off.

You can see the water is pretty deep here, paws are wet for a good three inches - it's almost up to her heals and she isn't a small dog!  She loves to scoop up water with her mouth which is what she was doing just before I snapped this photograph.

Water dripping from her mouth and whiskers, she was having a great time.

...then the man came and shut off the fire hydrant and the river of water dried up pretty quickly so we jumped back in the car (covered in towels) and went around the corner.  Look, another fire hydrant free flowing!!!  We stopped again and she enjoyed running through the field flooded with fresh water.

Dog finds water puddleDog finds water puddleAbby walking in a water puddle after a hard rain

Then the men came and shut off this water flowing out of the fire hydrant and the fun was over.

Now the good thing about Abby's fun being over is that we once again had water at home after being pretty much without for several hours.  Then about 3 hours later, the water went down to a dribble again and reports through the neighborhood said that another break has occurred but it's dark now so no playing for Abby this time.  Hopefully the water will be on again and this will not happen again soon.

For more 'water' pet photographs head over to visit Danyel from Wag to my Heart Portrait Studio. Serving the Portland, OR Area and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) abby canine dog dog photography dog photography blog female fire hydrant flood flowing hydrant outdoor pet photography pet photography blog river temple terrace water water hydrant water main https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/11/pet-photography---theme-water Fri, 17 Nov 2017 09:00:00 GMT
Moore Cove, Brevard, North Carolina https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/11/moore-cove-brevard-north-carolina After stopping at Looking Glass Falls, we continued on US-276 a short distance and found our next stop, Moore Cove.  There is a small parking area by a stone bridge on US-276 that allows for a few cars to stop and enjoy this trek through the Pisgah National Forest.  They also have an information board there indicating that you have indeed found Moore Cove.  This is a nice hike, being 3/4 mile one way - a total of 1.5 miles round trip.  The dogs were looking for some walking time and this was perfect.  Early morning, still a bit on the chilly side - great hiking weather.  This is dog-friendly, but please keep your dog on a leash and pick up after them.

Of all the photographs I think my favorite is of the stone bridge before we started our hike.

Depending on the direction you are travelling on US 276, the parking area is before this bridge (if coming from the Looking Glass Falls area) or just after this bridge.  This sign is the main clue that you have found Moore Cove.

At the beginning of the trail, there are several large boulders, but eventually it will become little streams going through here and there.  This is a relatively easy hike without many rough spots in the trail.

Small bridges have been built over some areas, all look relatively new and well maintained.

The rain has not been plentiful in this area and if Hurricane Nate hadn't dropped water the week before, I don't know if Moore Cove would have had much water flowing.  The hike is very nice - easy for families, children and dogs to complete.  We had our 11 year old dog and 1 1/2 year old dog and neither had any issues hiking along with us.  The stairs were minimal (they do have a few at the beginning).

By the time we arrived at this waterfall, the sun was already hitting this area - not making it the best photographic opportunity.  If we do this hike again in the future, I think we will opt for doing it in the late afternoon with the sun being blocked by the mountains by this time.

That's it for this particular hike - there are many beautiful waterfalls to see in Transylvania County and this is one of those should you be looking for a nice hike on a beautiful day!

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/11/moore-cove-brevard-north-carolina Sun, 12 Nov 2017 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Sun Flare https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/11/pet-photography---theme-sun-flare This week’s pet theme is “Sun Flare”, a unique technique where the subject has the sun behind them and the camera is pointing into the sun.  This is a technique I have used within my landscape photography, but not with pet photography.  The technical aspect of creating sun flare is based on controlling the aperture of your camera lens.  Use a narrow aperture such as f/22 (or one of the smallest apertures your camera lens allows).  The blades inside your lens will close down to create a very small opening for the light to pass through.  Lenses have different numbers of blades, so this effect will be different depending on the number of blades your lens has - the more blades the lens has, the higher the number of points on the sun flare.  If you're using the sun (as opposed to another light source such as a light), consider using a UV filter on your lens to protect the camera sensor.

For this weeks pet photography, I choose to use the sun and shoot in the later afternoon - just a couple of hours before sunset.  The sun is lower in the sky and not as bright at this time.  It's not 'winter' here in Florida, but being mid November, the sun is lower in the sky than in summer time.

These photographs of Petie were taken with a Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G.  This particular lens has 7 blades (referring to the sun flare/star burst as mentioned above).  I choose this lens because Petie is a small dog and I did not have an assistant for this photo shoot.  It allowed me to stay close to Petie while still getting some great photographs of him.

The first photograph I took using the sun flare effect is using f/19, ISO 200, 1/180 sec (and 35mm since it is a prime lens with only one focal length). In this photograph, the sun is positioned just above Petie's ear and has the star burst and sun flare coming across his face and body.

In the next photograph, the sun is positioned directly above Petie providing some nice back lighting against his fur.  The photograph is almost a silhouette as Petie is deep in the shadows.  A small sun flare spot shows in front of Petie caused by the bending of the light in the camera.  ISO 200, f/4.8, 1/8000.  The star burst effect on the sun is almost non-existent due to the shallow aperture.

Moving a little further away from Petie, changing the camera settings to f/22, 1/250 sec - the sun star burst comes more alive and still have the sun flare spots of rainbow colors just in front of Petie.

The last photograph of Petie shows the sun's rays shining through the sky towards his head.

When I finally told Petie that we were done for the day he gave me a cute look - I guess he enjoyed his 'alone' time from the larger dogs he shares his home with.

There are many different ways this type of photography can be done.  In some cases, placing the sun itself behind an object and having just the sun burst showing can create an interesting effect.  Another option is to have the sun at the edge of a building/tree/object and have it partially obsured. We didn't have the opportunity to try some of the other ideas but perhaps in the future.

For more 'sun flare' pet photographs head over to visit Kim with BARKography at a dog photography retreat in southern California and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) aperture canine dog nature outdoor park pet pet photography petie portrait star burst sun flare vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/11/pet-photography---theme-sun-flare Fri, 10 Nov 2017 09:00:00 GMT
Looking Glass Falls, Brevard, North Carolina https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/11/looking-glass-falls-brevard-north-carolina Whenever I get a chance to go someplace that has waterfalls - I'm in!  I love photographing them as well as just enjoying the sounds of the water falling.  We recently went back to a waterfall that we had visited for a few minutes in summer 2016.  This time, it was 'autumn' although not the beautiful colorful autumn that I would have loved to have - it was a different season which always makes photographs look different.  We arrived early to this waterfall - it's popular since it is right along the roadway and you need to get there early or there could be quite a line just to park.  I don't recall exactly how cold it was - but I'm thinking it was about 36 degrees out - COLD.  Very few people were there, but we weren't totally alone on this brisk cold autumn morning.

This photograph shows the stairway down towards the bottom of the waterfall.  Probably the most photographed place for this waterfall and it's very popular so there are many of these around the world by various tourist and photographers.  For the photographers in order to blur the water of a waterfall, you must use a 'slower shutter speed' - this is often based on the size of the waterfall as much as how fast the water is flowing.  My photographs are typically around 1/2 second, sometimes 1/3.  I did use a polarizer and we were there early before the sun came over the mountain area to put any sun on the waterfall or rocks.

If you go on down from the top of the waterfall (go down the stairs), this photograph can be taken from the landing point.

Continue on down and find yourself a place on the rocks and you see another vantage point of the waterfall.

In case you're curious, if you look down river from the waterfall - this is the view.

In case you want to visit this waterfall, it is located on U.S. 276 - roadside.  There are signs to guide you to the waterfall - it's popular, so you'll most likely have others there with you.  The water falls a good 60 feet, so it's a bit loud with the roaring water - but a great view especially for those that cannot go hiking to see a waterfall.

More waterfalls will be shared in the coming blogs, stay tuned!

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 276 autumn brevard fall forest glass looking looking glass creek looking glass falls north carolina pisgah pisgah national forest river shining rock stair stairway stone transylvania u. s. 276 us 276 water waterfall https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/11/looking-glass-falls-brevard-north-carolina Sun, 05 Nov 2017 22:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Bold Colors https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/11/pet-photography---theme-bold-colors This week’s pet theme is “Bold Colors” so I began my quest with a few google searches to get some ideas on what ‘bold colors’ actual means.  Capturing bold colors can be an especially powerful way to create mood in a photo.  Capture pet photography with strong, bold colors they should be deep, saturated colors.  The composition should be simple, potentially using several blocks of bold color or let one color dominate the photograph.  The effect of a bold color is stronger when the dominant color is a primary color – red, yellow or blue.

Blue is a cool, relaxing color.  A clear blue sky is a great example.  Blue can also be a cold, frigid color – as in a dark, wintry scene with snow and ice.

Red is a warm color but often thought of with danger (blood) or anger.

Yellow is a warm color representing fun, joy and sunshine – often thought of with happy feelings.

Green is an earth color, fresh and vibrant like plants and trees in the spring.

After doing my searches, it’s time to create some photographs for this week’s blog.  Abby is usually my 'go to' dog when I need a specific type of photograph and she was a great model against some bold blue backgrounds.

And each of the foster puppies were happy to stop running around for a few seconds (yes, seconds - either they are running around or sound asleep).  They are about 15 weeks of age - little girls - 9 pounds (Rue) and 11 pounds (Ollie - short for Olive).  They are very bonded and looking for their forever home.  They belong to Maxx and Me Pet Rescue - maxxandme.org if you are interested.

Rue - taller and more slender than her sister, Ollie - she is the outgoing adventure seeking puppy - but also very sweet and loves to curl up in your lap.

Ollie - the more solid built puppy, she is fast to figure out what you want (i.e., Sit) and happy to stop for a photograph a little longer than her sister, Rue.  Coming in at 11 pounds, she is a small bundle of energy and joy.  She is looking to have a forever home with her sister, Rue (if possible) as they sleep together, play together and spend all their time together. They belong to Maxx and Me Pet Rescue - maxxandme.org if you are interested.

 

For more 'unusual' pet photographs head over to visit  Cahlean Klenke serving the Twin Cities and St. Cloud areas - About A Dog Photography and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) abby animal photography canine dog maxx and me ollie pet pet photography portrait puppy rescue rue vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/11/pet-photography---theme-bold-colors Fri, 03 Nov 2017 08:00:00 GMT
Campbell's Covered Bridge, Landrum, South Carolina https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/campbells-covered-bridge-landrum-south-carolina I've always loved covered bridges.  It's from a time period long ago, but they are a favorite to photograph - so I'll seek them out when I get a chance.  This one was painted 'classic red' - always a great way to add color to the photograph (and bridge).  We took a side road a bit off our path to visit this covered bridge called "Campbell's Covered Bridge" located in Landrum, South Carolina (the official address is  171 Campbell Covered Bridge Rd, Landrum, SC 29356).  Campbell's Covered Bridge is a wooden covered bridge in northeastern Greenville County, South Carolina, near the small town of Gowensville, and crosses Beaverdam Creek off Pleasant Hill Road.

This was our first glimpse of the bridge as we got out of the car and walked a very short distance.

A quick google search indicates the bridge was first opened in 1909 and is 38 feet in length (much shorter than the bridge in last week's blog). The bridge is open to foot traffic only now and runs over a river.  It is mid-October, but not much in terms of fall color has started in the trees here near the mountains in South Carolina.  As we walked up the walkway towards the bridge, they have a well and an open field available for walking and enjoying the view.  I suppose you could also have picnics, play games (although it's a hill) and do other things - we sat down on the closest bench and enjoyed the view.

Campbell's Covered Bridge is named for Alexander Lafayette Campbell (1836-1920), owner of a nearby grist mill who allowed his property to be used for the bridge's construction.  The bridge was built by Charles Irwin Willis (1878-1966).  There is a historical marker on the other side of the bridge. In case you're curious about the construction of the bridge on the inside, here's a photo showing how the interior is built.

The bridge looks like it is leaning a bit, but was definitely safe for pedestrians to walk across.

I walked down the little slope on the far side of the bridge to see what the view was and how the bottom portion of the bridge looks.  Not much of the bridge itself is visible with all the trees, but it does show the stones holding up the end of the bridge.

The leaves in the creek flowing under the bridge show small hints that autumn is coming as the leaves are different colors (not all brown and green), but still several weeks away.

If you're a covered bridge seeker, this is a nice place to stop and photograph.

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(VP Shoots Photography) alexander lafayette campbell autumn bridge campbell charles irwin willis covered covered bridge creek fall greenville county grist landrum mill red south carolina water well willis wishing well https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/campbells-covered-bridge-landrum-south-carolina Sun, 29 Oct 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Unusual https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/pet-photography---theme-unusual This week's pet photography theme is 'Unusual' and several ideas come to mind when I think about this but being able to get a dog or puppy to do it is quite another challenge.  After returning from a trip, we are now fostering our little girl puppies again until they find their forever home (or another foster home happens to open up).

One of the puppies is more likely to help me out (the other one is more investigative) - so I set up one of our decorative crab traps by the boat trailer - giving a 'boat yard' appearance - then to keep little Irma there long enough to get a few photos I had to give her a little puppy kibble.

She is a cute little girl with lots of energy - about 13 weeks old and the size of a full grown chiwawa.

For more 'unusual' pet photographs head over to visit Kim with BARKography based in Charlotte NC and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) animal animal photography boat canine crab trap dog mix mutt pet photography puppy rescue vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/pet-photography---theme-unusual Fri, 27 Oct 2017 08:00:00 GMT
Watson Mill Bridge State Park - Comer, Georgia https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/watson-mill-bridge-state-park---covered-bridge-comer-georgia The next several weeks will feature places we visited on our most recent trip up to the mountains - I hope you enjoy our adventure!  Our first photographic stop was Watson Mill Bridge State Park.  Our focus during our stop is the old covered bridge across the river.  This bridge is located in a small town known as Comer, Georgia - although our GPS seemed to think it was in Colbert, Georgia.  Either way, it is a rural part of Georgia located a short distance from Athens, Georgia in Madison County.  Hopefully some day in the future we can spend more than a few hours as this park has some beautiful areas to hike, have a picnic and during the summer I am sure there are many swimming in the river.

This is the longest covered bridge in the state of Georgia, spanning 229 feet across the South Fork River.  The original bridge was built in 1885.  The son of a freed slave and famous covered bridge builder (Horace King) this bridge was built by Washington (W.W.) King.  The bridge has a 'town lattice truss system' that is held together firmly with wooden pins.  This is a single lane bridge and continues to be used today - we drove across it slowly.

Based on information for this state park provided by the Georgia Parks systems, this is one of less than 20 covered bridges that still remain out of over 200 back in the day.  NOTE: There is a $5 daily parking fee for this state park at the time of our visit.

The actual address of the park is listed as 650 Watson Mill Road, Comer, Georgia 30629 in Madison County.  GPS Coordinates are: N 34.025000 | W -083.074983

Upon entry into the park, we found the covered bridge quickly.  Here is our first look after we got our dogs and gear out of the car.

Unfortunately, even though it is the middle of October, fall really hasn't started here in the middle of Georgia.  For the photographer folks out there, this particular photograph was taken at 9:16 am and the sun isn't to high yet giving us a chance to get some good lighting.

Looking directly into the bridge - it was safe as we seemed to be the only ones here at this time - the parking lot was empty except for our truck.

I always take photographs like this to help remember what we were photographing at the time.  This historical marker gives you some information on the bridge.  The bridge was restored in 1973 by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Taking a moment to look at what is to the right of the bridge down river.

At one time there was a functional mill located here.  One historical site found on Google says that the bridge was built to allow access to the mill built by Gabriel Watson in 1798.  This was about 300 feet south of the present location of the bridge on the south fork of the Broad River.  "A sluice extended past the shoals now below the bridge and provided water to power both a sawmill and grist mill. There were other shops in the small community that developed around the mill.  In 1900 the mill fell victim to technology. In place of the sluice, a raceway was built to deliver water from the dam to the turbine that generated electricity for Jefferson Mills (a textile mill) in nearby Crawford.  With the rise of electricity in rural areas in Georgia during the 1950's it was no longer economical to create power from the dam, and after stripping the site of everything of value the company let it sit until it donated the land to the state of Georgia in 1971." http://roadsidegeorgia.com/site/watson_mill.html

The paddle boats have a small area that is 'stoned' off from the flowing river allowing a leasure paddle for those that might be interested.

If you walk down the path a little bit, you'll see the stone wall here that separates the paddle boats from the fast flowing water.

After crossing the river via the covered bridge, you can walk down on to the rocks and get into the water or just relax.

Until next week.

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 1885 bridge comer covered bridge georgia hike hiking nature outdoor river rock state park swim waterfall watson watson mill bridge state park wood wooden https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/watson-mill-bridge-state-park---covered-bridge-comer-georgia Sun, 22 Oct 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Brick https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/pet-photography---brick This week's pet photography theme is "Brick".  In recent blog entries I have used brick as the background for my pet photographs.  If using brick or anything with lines as the background, the trick is to either blur the background enough to make it abstract, or make sure you have the camera level to ensure the bricks look straight.  As this particular theme has been featured in several blogs recently, I decided to find an old building that has bricks as part of the background.

Here's Abby sitting in front of an old building from the turn of the century with bricks as part of the background. Abby is sporting her "Easy Walk" harness as the road nearby was a little busy and we needed to be able to leash her up quickly.

My next challenge with brick is to find one of the old brick streets in town and see if I can get a photograph using brick as the 'ground' for a photograph with one of the dogs.

This week I am not in the pet photography blog as I wasn't able to complete the blog by the deadlines.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/pet-photography---brick Fri, 20 Oct 2017 08:00:00 GMT
Celebrating 5 years with Jimbo, our potcake dog from the Voiceless Dogs of Nassau https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/celebrating-5-years-with-jimbo-our-potcake-dog-from-the-voiceless-dogs-of-nassau As October 16th rolls around, I recall the evening that Jim and I drove over to St. Petersburg to pick up Jimbo - he was coming home to us after having spent time with Chella in Nassau, Bahamas and making the long trip via private airplane to Florida.  They arrived here at our house late in the night and with another dog.  We never intended to have a second dog, as our Dolly was sick and needed a lot of attention and care.  It appeared that Jimbo had bonded with Jim by the time they made that flight and drive home - I wasn't prepared to take a dog in at 10 pm when I had to go to work the next day.  We decided to let Jimbo go to St. Petersburg as planned, give us a day or two and we would go get him to begin the next part of his life.  That was 5 years ago!

Jimbo's home prior to coming to the United States - photo courtesy of Chella, Voiceless Dogs of Nassau

My old dirty homeMy old dirty home

Heading to the airplane for the ride to Florida - probably a very scary time for Jimbo - it is good that he had Jim to help him along. photo courtesy of Chella, Voiceless Dogs of Nassau

I met this man....I met this man....

Loaded into the crate for the plane ride. photo courtesy of Chella, Voiceless Dogs of Nassau

What did I get into ?What did I get into ?

With us - our first family photograph taken five years ago before we brought him home.

Loving our new dog, JimboLoving our new dog, JimboOur first family photo together - the evening we brought Jimbo home

His new bed consisted of a large doggy bed along with a comforter.  He sleeps in our bedroom every night.

And sometimes sneeks into our bed after we have gotten up for the day.....

Jimbo just under five years ago - one of his first outings with us.  Dolly was with us in November 2012.  Jimbo had a little white on his face and was definitely thinner than he is today.

And five years later, he isn't as fond of having his photograph taken, but he still loves to travel and we love to take him!

It's been a wonderful learning experience having our potcake dog, Jimbo with us.  We love this guy and he has been a wonderful addition to our family. Here's to you Jimbo - and thank you to Chella for letting him come to us.

If you missed the video we created after Jimbo's first year with us, here's the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPtZUPGU30Q

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(VP Shoots Photography) bahamas adopted adoption anniversary canine dog jimbo male nassau potcake rescue voiceless dogs of nassau https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/celebrating-5-years-with-jimbo-our-potcake-dog-from-the-voiceless-dogs-of-nassau Sun, 15 Oct 2017 09:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme High Contrast - Black and White https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/pet-photography---theme-high-contrast---black-and-white This week's pet photography theme is 'High Contrast' and I decided to share black and white images of dogs.  Our guest dog this week is "Korra" who belongs to Jim's son.  Korra is a black and white King Charles if I recall correctly and she spent several days with us this summer along with during the Hurricane Irma days.

Initially when I took these photographs of Korra, they seemed to 'busy' with all the various colors around her in the garden and on the bench. A black and white dog really shows off much better with the photograph being in black and white without the distractions of all the various colors.

Abby, another black and white dog photographed at the dog park while she is running with a ball in her mouth.  Once Abby finds a ball, it's often hard to get her to let go unless you have something better than the ball (like food).

Here's a photograph of Jimbo, he is a brown/gold colored dog - the black and white has a totally different effect on this color of fur.

For more 'high contrast' pet photographs head over to visit  Kim with BARKography on location in Hilton Head SC and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) abby black and white canine dog dog photography high contrast jimbo korra outdoor pet pet photography photography vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/pet-photography---theme-high-contrast---black-and-white Fri, 13 Oct 2017 08:00:00 GMT
Pumpkin Patch in Hyde Park, Tampa, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/pumpkin-patch-in-hyde-park-tampa-florida Tis the season for the pumpkin patches - we have several around town but I think the closest is Hyde Park for us.  They have plenty of pumpkins if you're in the market!

They created a 'scare pumpkin' riding a bicycle.

Looks cute until you look closer at the face and it looks a bit more scary.

Most of the pumpkins are orange, but they do have some white ones too.

They have created a nice display for the pumpkin patch - lots of 'dead corn stalks' and some scare crows (or scare pumpkins).

The pumpkin patch is open Monday through Friday from 12pm till 8pm and from 9am till 9pm on Saturday and Sunday.  Last day open is Halloween!

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(VP Shoots Photography) 2017 hyde park orange patch pumpkin pumpkins tampa https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/pumpkin-patch-in-hyde-park-tampa-florida Sun, 08 Oct 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Theme Orange https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/pet-photography---theme-orange Week 40 of the Pet Photography Blog Circle - this week's theme is "Orange".  I have to admit, my first thought was pumpkins! I guess it is because it is now the beginning of October and it has been a bit breezy and cooler!  Wow, maybe it is actually becoming a little bit like fall although I know we will not see any fall colors in our trees.  I found a pumpkin patch in Hyde Park, so we went there to capture some pumpkin photographs.  This experience was definitely interesting as the traffic was a mess trying to get there (I have to wonder how anyone gets to work in our city).  Then we arrived to find that Hyde Park is getting a very big makeover and there is a ton of construction going on down there.  Lastly, we were mid-morning and delivery trucks were dropping off things and well, it didn't make for capturing the attention of either of our dogs - to many loud noises and things going on.

Here's Abby with the pumpkins.

Dog sitting with bunch of pumpkinsDog sitting with bunch of pumpkinsA dog sitting in front of a bunch of pumpkins. As we walked around Hyde Park I noticed that a large number of the bricks were orange - time for a few more photos!  Abby jumped up on the bench, but then getting her to stay there became another bit of a push-pull relationship between us as I tried to get her to stay and she figured there wasn't anything to see, so why?

We did take Jimbo with us, but the more I try to 'force photograph' him, the more I realize he just doesn't want to be a model.  It is starting to remind me of my photo sessions with Dolly so many years ago when I was first starting with pet photography - she didn't want to do it anymore and wanted me to find other models!

As I thought more about this week's theme, I also remembered that cats come in the color Orange....but why they are called "Red Tabby" I don't know.  This is a friend's cat and she is beautiful with her bright orange fur and green eyes.

For more 'orange' pet photographs head over to visit Rochelle from Dark Sapphire Pet Photography, Nelson, New Zealand and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) autumn blog brick canine cat cat photography dog dog photography fall feline fur hyde park orange pet pet photography pumpkin vpshoots wall https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/pet-photography---theme-orange Fri, 06 Oct 2017 08:00:00 GMT
Dragonfly - up close https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/dragonfly---up-close While walking the dogs one evening, I noticed a green dragonfly sitting in the gutter being taken away by ants.  I picked up the dragonfly and brought it home to photograph the details of the dragonfly.  As I setup my little studio to photograph the dragonfly, I also had to pluck off a few ants that I didn't want in the photo.  It was at this time, that I noticed the dragonfly was still alive.  I put a small brush with bristles under it's legs and it grabbed them.  Hmmm, so as I looked closer, I realized that one of the wings was damaged as well as a leg.

For those of you that might not have seen a dragonfly up close - this was taken with the Nikon 60mm macro lens - the detail and sharpness of this little dragonflies face is amazing!

The brush the dragonfly grabs onto.

Side view of the dragonfly.

One of the many wonders of our world....

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(VP Shoots Photography) dragonfly green insect macro nature outdoor vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/10/dragonfly---up-close Sun, 01 Oct 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Dog Photography - using textures in your photographs https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/9/dog-photography---using-textures-in-your-photographs Week 39 of the Pet Photography Blog Circle - this week's theme is "Textures".  I can't believe that it is already the 39th week of 2017 - this year is flying by rather quickly!  Using textures on photographs is something that I have done in the past with flowers and other subjects, but not specifically pets.  This past weekend, Jim and I fostered two of the little puppies that we had photographed earlier in the week for a couple of days.  Now, I have an appreciation for the amount of time one will spend when you have two little darling puppies about 11 weeks of age.  They are full of energy!  My personal goal while having these little bundles was to capture some more photographs.  I think the little puppies had a personal goal of having as much fun and run around time as possible since they had new territory and a bit more freedom than previously.

A good portion of our time was spent outside on our patio where the little puppies were introduced to cats.  They did well but my poor blind kitty had no clue what they were just that she didn't want them bothering her!

Onward to puppy photographs using texture.  The first one is of "two" (nicknamed "two" because she was the second puppy we photographed and they are waiting for the forever homes who will give them real names).  Two finally wore out enough to allow capturing her photograph - the texture in our wood decking provides a simple and non-distracting background for this little puppy photo.  "Two" is a very outgoing puppy who seeks out new opportunities to investigate just about anything within her reach.  She was the more outgoing of the puppies.

Next up is "Three" but we eventually started calling her "Red" as she has a beautiful golden, slightly red color fur.  "Red" is a bit shorter and more solidly built than her sister.  She loved to sit in my lap while watching her sister run around - but she was also the easier of the puppies to capture portraits.  The photograph below shows the texture in our concrete patio as well as the texture in the little chew toy.

The next two photographs show the soft texture of a blanket with the little puppies.  A quiet, thinking moment for "Two" as she rested nestled in the blanket.

This last puppy photograph took the longest to capture - how to get the young, playful and energetic puppies to pose in a single photograph.  It was not easy, but eventually after taking a large number of 'bloopers' we got one!  Two is on the left, Red (Three) on the right.

Twin puppy sistersTwin puppy sistersTwin puppy sisters, Rue and Ollie, laying in a chair.

And for our closing photograph, our two puppies watching what is happening inside the house. Red on the left, Two on the right.

For more 'texture' pet photographs head over to visit Darlene with Pant the Town Pet Photography serving MA and NH and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).  Special discount if you're looking for an 'end of life' portrait.

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(VP Shoots Photography) adoption canine concrete cute dog photography female girl maxx maxx and me puppy puppy photography red rescue sheltie sheltie mix texture three two vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/9/dog-photography---using-textures-in-your-photographs Fri, 29 Sep 2017 08:00:00 GMT
Nature's Classroom https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/9/natures-classroom It's been many years since I was a 6th grader, but I still remember our week at Nature's Classroom.  It is a really cool place where we got to go fishing for shrimp, target practice with bow & arrow, learn about the various things in our outdoor classroom.  A while back, there was an open to the public day at Nature's Classroom and I wanted to recall those childhood memories.  I don't really remember all the details from childhood, but I did enjoy the walk through the woods on a newly built boardwalk as well as viewing of the various wildlife.

I love owls, so having the opportunity to photograph these was fun.  Here's the great horned owl.

And little screech owls...

They also had several different types of raptors.  This one is missing an eye which is why it resides here.

And they have deer....

There are many things for the children to do so if you see an opportunity to visit on a public access day - it may be a wonderful outing for you and your children.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) boardwalk deer florida great horned owl nature nature's classroom outing owl screech owl tampa trail wildlife https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/9/natures-classroom Sun, 24 Sep 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Dog Photography - it's all in the eyes https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/9/dog-photography---its-all-in-the-eyes This week’s Pet Photography theme is “Eyes” which in the world of dogs, are typically some shade of brown but there are occasions, when you run into a blue eyed puppy!  Yes - I got the opportunity to photograph some darling puppies this week and this little girl has blue eyes.

Many of you know, I do a lot of dog rescue photography for a local dog rescue.  This litter of puppies is among those that are within the care of our dog rescue.  Photographing them was a total fun event - but it was obvious that these little pups really just wanted to be held.  Course, we did a lot of that, but that wasn't our goal in getting great photographs to find them homes.  Eventually, we put this little girl in a little basket and covered it with a blue blanket.  She has a lot of different expressions as we tried to capture her personality.  Many of the photos show her fear, uncertainty and other emotions that must come when she is separated from her siblings.

Ear back, eyes piercing - she is afraid.  This was at the beginning of our shoot.

Little bit of talking and a side ways glance at the camera as she still isn't sure about this whole event she has been signed up for.

She is getting a little more comfortable now, but still giving us a look (she is precious and never did anything but give us the look).

Is this closer to what you people are looking for?  There were three of us photographing her and working with her while she was the only puppy out at the moment. Course, staying still wasn't her best attribute and she quickly learned how to move faster than I could get the focus locked on her eyes.

Finally she learned how to get out of the basket and it was tipped over so she sat on the blanket with a little encouragement.  In case you're curious, here's her sister.  This sister learned how to get out of the basket in record time making it very challenging for us.

And her other sister who has a bit more red to her fur than her sister siblings.  This little sister was an absolute ham for the camera and very happy to sit there letting us photograph her!

And last, their brother who looks nothing like her sisters!

For more 'eyes' pet photographs head over to visit Cahlean of About A Dog Photography and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).  Special discount if you're looking for an 'end of life' portrait.

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(VP Shoots Photography) blue eye blue eyes canine dog dog photography maxx and me maxx and me pet rescue pet photography photograph photography puppy rescue sheltie vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/9/dog-photography---its-all-in-the-eyes Fri, 22 Sep 2017 08:00:00 GMT
Hurricane Irma - getting through the lost of electricity for over 4 days! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/9/hurricane-irma---getting-through-the-lost-of-electricity-for-over-4-days Hurricane Irma threatened us all in Florida - the entire state - over the last weekend.  As we spent the week prior getting ready - it definitely changed my plans for the week after returning from scalloping and fishing in Steinhatchee, Florida.  A nice, peaceful weekend - we returned home with little food in the refrigerator and just about no gas in our truck.  Little did I know that the entire town of Tampa was in panic - we have to get hurricane supplies!  I just needed food to get through until the storm came on Sunday night.

We picked up things, we froze large containers with ice, we made ice non-stop all week, we wore ourselves out.  As our crew of three humans, three dogs, three cats all waited.  The cats in their crates to make sure they didn't run away, the 'storm' rescue dog from Maxx and Me (Flower), our 2 dogs all waited.  We watched the big screen television non-stop with hurricane Irma coverages (we did walk away as it was repeating itself).  We ate dinner early - scallops and pasta - it was very good - no left overs please - it can't go to waste.

It's getting dark outside....get the flashlights, get the candles, get the matches, get the generators close by, make sure we can get to the gasoline containers.  And wait....  Thump, Thump - it's only 5 pm and we hear the thump on our roof - it's raining - has been most all day - it's windy - what is that?  Ugh, the branches on our live oak are hitting the roof - so soon?  Jim and his son, Matt - climb up on the roof and start using a hand bow saw to cut the limbs and throw them to the ground.  Hopefully, we will get lucky and nothing else will happen.

The power flickers as nightfall comes. We grab the flashlights each time, and breathe a sign of relief as it came back on.  The television FiOS (cable) could not recycle fast enough for us to get it back on before we went to darkness again.  We turned it off.  Now what?

So that was the beginning of our power outage - it went out at 10:40 pm on Sunday night and we wait for it to come back. It's now Thursday afternoon and we see the glimmer of hope at the TECO (Tampa Electric) trucks are close.  Just as our generator sputtered as the rain storm put water in the gas...and it died... I yell to Jim "The Power is ON!".  A miracle - all in the same 60 seconds this occurred.

I've been through this before, back in 2004 and 2005 - lost of power for up to 7 days.  How do you get through it?  Here's some things I learned.

1) Fill your freezer - I mean STUFF your freezer with frozen containers - STUFF it so that things will fall out or almost fall out when you open the door.  The more stuff you have, the longer it will last without any assistance.

2) Fill your refrigerator - even water bottles help, the more it has in it, the better off it will be in the long run in keeping the food good.

3) Get flashlights - big ones are great to read, eat, cook, etc by - here's one of the ones we have.  It takes a lot of D cell batteries but it is a great flashlight we got when Sports Authority was becoming a part of history and selling all of it's inventory.

4) Your better get those batteries in APRIL, before the season starts - especially "D" batteries as they are gone very quickly.

5) Be prepared with some way to charge your cell phone - it's not going to make it very long with all the text flying back and forth.  I have a small battery pack with a USB port - it uses 6 AA batteries - that worked this time - but solar would be even better - maybe next time.  You can also use your car if you have the adapter.

6) A high grade cooler - you know, those expensive ones - they are expensive because they stay cold longer.  We got a Craftsman which has wheels and holds things cold for 5 days - so they say.  I think at least 4 days it does - not sure about 5.

7) It's going to be quiet and boring if you don't have something to do - especially when it is dark.  Grab a deck of cards - play those old games - Go Fish, Rummy, Gin Rummy, Poker, Crazy 8 - whatever works for you.  We played cards - and then broke out the Scrabble board game.  Yes - those old fashion games that don't require batteries.

8) For those of you that like your drinks - make sure you have wine, beer, alcohol, etc.  You may want it when the world seems to be coming to an end.

9) GET A GENERATOR and a high grade extension cord (get a spliter too so you can plug in several things on 1 cord).  You'll never regret that - we have a small portable one that we got many years ago for camping and it is wonderful.  Our little Coleman Powermate can be carried if needed although it is heavy.  It will run our refrigerator, a lamp, a fan and our fish aquarium.

11) Get fuel tanks - we got a few years ago - they typically stay good for decades so it's not something you have to replace very often.  You'll want these if you have a generator or if you decide to leave the state and traffic is backed up badly.  They are in high demand and disappear quickly from the shelves.

12) Get a fan - yes, remember those old things that your parents or grandparents had? You'll want one of those!!!  Since we didn't have air conditioning, I used this little battery powered fan and put it on the night stand by my face as it blew air all night long.  It uses 2 D cell batteries - ran for 8 hours each night.

13) Consider a Coleman stove or some other type of stove and the propane gas so that you can cook some of the food that will otherwise go bad if you can't keep it cold.

Things to remember - ICE will become a VERY valuable item and a very hard item to find.  Fill your gas tanks!  Those also will become very valuable.

We have 2 months left this year for hurricane season - make sure you're ready! and come next year - when they say Hurricane Season is starting....you should start your preparations then - not the week the storm is about to hit you! 

Two important things:

1) Start stocking food you like at least in May if not April! Yes - start to purchase a few things each week or each time you go to the store.  Put it in a safe place you won't raid when you're hungry.  Do this for water also!  It beats having to fight the crowd, because you're already ready when it comes.

2) GET OUT YOUR GENERATOR! If you don't run it to ensure that it is working properly.  I saw way to many generators (not ours) come here to be fixed either right before the storm (like Saturday and the storm was coming on Sunday) or right after the storm.  Your generator needs to be 'winterized' - don't leave fuel in it sitting until the next season - that will gunk up the carburetor.  Make sure this little item that can make or break you after the storm goes through is READY long before the storm is coming to you.

So what did I miss?  Cool air - yes, I can do without the television, I can do without a lot of things but having cool air sure would help.  So, for our next piece of "Hurricane equipment" I think one of those portable rolling room air conditioners will be perfect.

 

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) batteries battery candle card cooler flashlight food game generator hurricane hurricane irma irma lost of power power scrabble survival https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/9/hurricane-irma---getting-through-the-lost-of-electricity-for-over-4-days Sun, 17 Sep 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Cat Photography - It's night time! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/9/cat-photography---its-night-time This week’s Pet Photography theme is “Night” and I have a different perspective of this word after having lost electrical power on Sunday night from Hurricane Irma and as I write this it is Wednesday afternoon and we still have “Night” as soon as the sun sets (yes, that means over 3 days without electricity now).   I decided to feature one of my cats, Torie, after seeing how she curled up for her “night night” time.

Four  years ago, we went on vacation in western Georgia to see “Providence Canyon State Park” – a mini Grand Canyon and if you haven’t seen it, and can’t get to the big one – this is a great option!  We stayed at a state park close by and were outside one evening taking night photographs of the stars.  Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a small animal walking beneath our truck.  This is how we met the one we now know as “Torie”.  A kitten,  abandoned at the park, the last one of the litter.  This little kitten was very friendly and not afraid of our Jimbo - 70 pound dog vs 3 pound kitten?

For more 'street' pet photographs head over to visit Rochelle with Dark Sapphire Pet Photography, Nelson, New Zealand and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).  Special discount if you're looking for an 'end of life' portrait.

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) animal bed cat cat photography cozy dog photography feline manx night pet pet photography pets photography sleep torie tortoise shell vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/9/cat-photography---its-night-time Fri, 15 Sep 2017 08:00:00 GMT
Salt Marsh, Steinhatchee, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/9/salt-marsh-steinhatchee-florida We went up to Steinhatchee, Florida to go scalloping for a few days.  While we were there, I got a chance to take the 'road to nowhere' and see the salt marshes.  The dogs and I headed down a two lane road to nowhere...and when we got to the end, well, we had to turn around as it was surrounded by salt marsh area that was mostly dried.  Later I learned that it rarely has water at the end of this road.  I almost felt like Forrest Gump - remember when he ran across the country, when he got to the edge he turned around and kept going?

I stopped at a little clearing to take a few photographs as well as a bridge that crosses over the water and flows on out to the gulf capturing some wonderful photographs.

There were lots of crabs along this lonely road - blue crabs, good eating so I hear but I didn't have anything to catch the crabs with.

This photograph was taken at the Rocky Creek Boat Ramp.  This particular boat ramp is used by some of the smaller boats as well as air boats - boats that do not need a lot of depth in the water.  The water flows out to the gulf near Rocky Creek where we went scalloping.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) florida fish fishing grass gulf gulf of mexico marsh marshes palm palm tree salt salt marsh scallop scalloping steinhatchee tree trees trout water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/9/salt-marsh-steinhatchee-florida Sun, 10 Sep 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Dog Portraits - it's all in the details https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/9/dog-portraits---its-all-in-the-details I'll admit that this week has been a bit of a whirlwind as we returned from a long weekend away and we had Hurricane Irma facing down on it's way to Florida.  At the time of this writing, I have no clue what the next few days will hold for us and I pray that everyone will be safe and we will not face a similar situation as what Houston, Texas and surrounding towns and cities are currently trying to begin the recovery process.

So this week's theme for our Pet Photography blog is "Details".  Now, I don't know about you, but when I think about this particular word in relation to pets, it's all about the details.  What are the special things for this particular pet?  I know my first dog, I remember had these cute little fur swirls on the backs of her legs - I'll remember those forever - it's a detail.

As for Abby, I'll probably always remember the white spot she has on the back of her neck.  It's a special marking that a lot of dogs don't have, and when we look at her, often don't see, but sure enough - there is a white spot!

As for Jimbo, I'll always remember this guy coming to us with the small scars of previous wounds. As a street dog in the Bahamas, I'm sure he had to spent a lot of time trying to find food and survive - and right now, he is very happy to be inside a cozy home.  His elbows have places the fur never grew back along with the little nicks from scapes of a previous life.  I like the detail of his fur and curves in this photograph that show a piece of Jimbo.

Or maybe it's all about the paws - as Abby lays down on top of her leash.

White dog paw with freckleWhite dog paw with freckleAbby's white dog paw

Or maybe the endless curiosity of a young dog as she see something for the first time. 

Up close, this is what Abby has spotted.

That's it for details as we wait for the latest on Hurricane Irma - by the time this blog post goes live on Friday morning, we may know what Irma thinks she is doing!

For more 'detail' pet photographs head over to visit Elaine Tweedy with I Got The Shot Photography, Northeastern PA Pet Photographer and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).  Special discount if you're looking for an 'end of life' portrait.

Best of luck to all my Florida friends!

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) abby black canine closeup crab detail details dog jimbo paw shadow spot vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/9/dog-portraits---its-all-in-the-details Fri, 08 Sep 2017 08:00:00 GMT
Life cycle of the Gulf Fritillary butterfly https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/9/life-cycle-of-the-gulf-fritillary-butterfly This week's blog will share some of the backyard wonders we have here at home.  While I haven't yet spotted one of these butterflies laying the eggs (therefore I haven't found any eggs), we have several caterpillars that have gone through the life cycle in our backyard.   The host plant for this butterfly is the purple passion flower vine.  These views have beautiful complex flowers that are really nice.  A close up of the inner portion of the purple passion flower.

center of passion flowercenter of passion flowerpassion flower up close

This plant is necessary for the little caterpillars to eat and live on during the first stage of their life.  Our backyard is a haven for several types of butterflies including this one.  When the caterpillars are close to full grown, they look like this - orange with black spikes all over their bodies.

 

Once the caterpillar is about to create a pupae, they will hang upside down in a "J" and turn a little white in color.

The next step is to create the pupae which is brown in color.  Keep in mind, these are very small - the pupae is probably a little longer than 1 inch in length.  The pupae looks almost like a dead leaf hanging on the plant.

After about 10-12 days, the butterfly will emerge from the pupae.

And the beautiful bright orange butterfly on the top of the wings will emerge.  The bottom side of the wings looks quite different than the top.  This is a newly emerged butterfly - the underside of the wings are shown in this photograph.

The top side of the wings look bright orange as shown in this photograph.

 

Family: Brush-footed Butterfly (Nymphalidae)

Subfamily: Longwing (Heliconiinae)

Average Wingspan: 2 1/2" - 3 3/4"

Habitat: Gardens, open woodlands

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(VP Shoots Photography) butterfly caterpillar chrysalis flower fritillary gulf gulf fritillary host host plant life nature outdoor passion vine pupae purple science wildlife https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/9/life-cycle-of-the-gulf-fritillary-butterfly Sun, 03 Sep 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Dog Photography - The dog's go street smart https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/9/dog-photography---the-dogs-go-street-smart This week's Pet Photography blog theme is 'Street'.  As I thought of where I might like to do a location shoot with our dogs for this theme, I came up with some places like Ybor City, downtown Tampa, or even perhaps a trip over to the downtown area of Dunedin (which is really a nice little downtown area if you haven't been there!).  Then, I looked at the weather for this particular 7 day stretch and realized that it wasn't going to be much opportunity - 60% rain, 70%, 100%, 90% ....it's raining when I go to bed, it's wet when we get up...I managed to squeeze in a short trip to a local area here close to home and even then it rained while we were out shooting.  Jimbo is one of those dogs that listens to what your Mom always told you growing up "If you hear thunder, get inside".  He wasn't the happiest camper but Abby was game as long as we stayed out with her - it didn't thunder on us, just rained some.  So here's our photographs from our attempt at 'Street' (perhaps I can try this again when the weather is better).

The classic photograph is to have a boy dog going potty on a fire hydrant.  Jimbo either didn't have to go or had no desire to participate in this photo opportunity - so Abby stepped in and looked at the fire hydrant - but said "I am a girl, I don't pee on fire hydrants".

Our next photo was Abby checking out a culvert pipe.  (For those worried, Abby did have a leash on - she wasn't going in that pipe - but the finished photo has the leash removed).  It was a quick glance in the pipe and nothing of interest, so we moved on.

Dog by drain pipeDog by drain pipeDog checking out a water drain pipe
Abby is waiting for the school bus.  I wonder if the door had been open would she have gotten on and checked it out?

Abby sitting patiently at the front door of the "Street Academy".  It's the visitor entrance as well as the main entrance, if I sit here long enough someone is bound to notice how cute I am and give me a nice pet or if I am real lucky a snack!  (After we got the photo - she got a snack)

Jimbo is hanging out in the parking lot - I am betting he heard that the school was a good place to get food - kids always have food and they aren't that careful about keeping it out of the reach of a dog - Jimbo is gentle, he just gives you those soulful brown eyes and you're melting in no time.

Jimbo is running away from school.  Maybe he had a bad experience and decided it was best to leave school behind.

For more 'street' pet photographs head over to visit Elaine Tweedy with I Got The Shot Photography, Northeastern PA Pet Photographer and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).  Special discount if you're looking for an 'end of life' portrait.

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(VP Shoots Photography) bus canine culvert culvert pipe dog dog photography door entrance fire hydrant hydrant parking parking lot pet photography pipe rain road running school school bus street street academy street photography temple terrace vpshoots wet https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/9/dog-photography---the-dogs-go-street-smart Fri, 01 Sep 2017 08:00:00 GMT
Lowry Park Zoo - Dino Exhibit (going extinct soon) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/8/lowry-park-zoo---dino-exhibit-going-extinct-soon Lowry Park Zoo has signs all over Tampa letting us know that the Dinosaurs are going extinct over Labor Day weekend (just a week away).  I decided to check out the exhibit before the dinosaurs left town.  They have an area in the south east corner of the zoo that they use for a lot of the special exhibits and this is where the dinosaurs are living.  Check out some of the dinosaurs that are there.  I liked this one because of the colors and hair along it's back.  It's one of the first ones coming into this exhibit.

Here's one that has feathers - its called a Utahraptor. It's overall size is about 6 feet tall at the hips (not including the head), 2,000 pounds and a length of 23 feet.

This is the Protohadros, over 9 feet tall, 20 feet long and about 2,000 pounds.  It's a herbivore, so we are safe from it - it only wants plants.

Check out the eye on this one, it's not as large as some of the others but still has enough size that it could do some serious damage. It's about 9 foot in length, 3 foot in height but weighing in at 50-100 pounds.

Here's a view of the entire dinosaur.

If you or your children are into dinosaurs then it's probably worth it for you to head on over and see them before they leave town - otherwise, you'll have to take them to Dinosaur World to view the dinosaurs.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) children dino dinosaur exhibit lowry lowry park lowry park zoo park tampa zoo https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/8/lowry-park-zoo---dino-exhibit-going-extinct-soon Sun, 27 Aug 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Dog Portraits and Reflection https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/8/dog-portraits-and-reflections This week's pet photography theme is "Reflection". What comes to your mind when you think of this word?  Several thoughts came to mind for me - reflection in water, reflection in mirror, reflection in glass, hmmm - how hard is this week's theme going to be?  Then I thought of a photograph I took of Jimbo several years ago on our first road trip - we went to Nashville, Tennessee. Yep, took us 2 days to get there and we both had a wonderful time meeting a cousin that I had found doing my family history.  I remember one morning I took Jimbo out for his walk as we walked around the grounds of the Grand Ole Opry.  Eventually, Jimbo decided to lay down and take a break - so here I am hanging on to Jimbo with a six foot leash, a long camera lens and wondering what to do while he enjoys the sunshine.  I aimed the camera at Jimbo, I couldn't get much of him as the lens was to long, but I caught a wonderful closeup of part of his head and his eye - the cool thing?  You can see the reflection in his eye of what he is seeing!  Blue sky, trees - I'd never have thought about this until I looked close.

Here's another one.  In this one you see the sky, trees and me aiming a camera at him.

Dog eye up closeDog eye up close

For those of you that love your pets and treat them as a part of the family - make sure you capture those special moments as one day, they will be your treasure to remember you friend.  For more 'reflection' pet photographs head over to visit Pet Love Photography, author of "Rescue Dogs: Portraits and Stories" and pet photographer serving Greater Cincinnati and the San Francisco Bay area and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to Linda at [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).  Special discount if you're looking for an 'end of life' portrait.

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(VP Shoots Photography) brown canine dog dog photography dog portraits eye jimbo pet photography pet portraits reflection reflections senior sky tree vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/8/dog-portraits-and-reflections Fri, 25 Aug 2017 08:00:00 GMT
Philippe Park, Safety Harbor, Florida located in Pinellas County https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/8/philippe-park-safety-harbor-florida-located-in-pinellas-county This week we got up early and braved the traffic to visit Philippe Park in Safety Harbor, Florida.  This park is along the shoreline of the bay nestled among beautiful oak trees.  We arrived about 8am, and it was already climbing into the mid-80's in temperature and muggy.  The park offers a lot of shade which helps to make it more pleasant during these steamy hot summer days.  We headed to the area where the Indian mound is located - it has beautiful stonework and walkways (or stairs) leading to the top.  As we exited the car, the first thing I noticed was this beautiful old live oak tree.

We had our dogs walking around with us, so we kinda let them lead the way for a little bit.  We came across what from a distance looked like a bunch of stones (kinda like stone hedge).  As we got closer we realized it was a playground for the children.

Empty - it is a school day.  Looks like a unique playground - never seen this type before.  As we walked around, across the road from the memorial for Odet Philippe, I see the entrance sign to the park.  Perhaps there was another entrance in the past, because this doesn't seem to be facing the right way to get noticed.

We continued along a path that lead us to the water and to the east side of the Indian mound.  Here's one of the walkways up to the top with the winding rows of stairs and stonework.

If you missed my pet photography blog, check that out for some photographs of the dogs on this stairway. Click Here

After taking several dog portraits, we wandered around to the other areas near the water.  Then started up this stairway to the top of the mound.

Halfway up these stairs, this is one of the views of the bay area.

The view from the top of the mound is nice, but not very photographic so maybe another time when the sun is rising or there is some beautiful light.  Perhaps if you make the trek to this park, you can see the view in person.  They do have a nice walkway along the water.

And some wildlife (lot of squirrels) but we saw an anhinga sunning itself along the edge of the water.

As it got close to 10 am, it was now getting closer to 90 degrees and we decided it was time to head on out.  This is a great park to check out for owls at the right time of year - we have seen, heard and photographed them in the past - so keep your eyes and ears open!

A short drive to downtown Safety Harbor and we stopped at a dog friendly restaurant called Athens Restaurant to have a bite to eat.  The dogs enjoyed it and sitting in the shade with a little breeze, we began to cool off just a bit before heading back across the bay to home here in Temple Terrace.

For more photographs of Philippe Park, click here. 

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(VP Shoots Photography) bird birds boat boat ramp crab crabs dog friendly dog-friendly fishing indian indian mound mound nature oak owl park philippe philippe park phillipe phillippe playground safety harbor stair stairs stone stonework water water birds https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/8/philippe-park-safety-harbor-florida-located-in-pinellas-county Sun, 20 Aug 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Dog Portraits from multiple perspectives https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/8/dog-portraits-from-multiple-perspectives This week's pet photography theme is "Multiple Perspectives".  Great thought went into all the wonderful photographs that I saw for suggestions on how to achieve this particular week's theme.  There were many great ideas, and even some that were really cool - but the reality for me was right now is it's very hot and muggy here in Florida and my dogs are panting after about 20 minutes outside most days.  Then within those same 20 minutes, I'm busy trying to get the sweat to stop enough such that my eyes aren't burning.  (Oops, women perspire, men sweat).  The other thing I realized is we have pretty well trained dogs from the perspective of don't get on that table, don't jump up, etc which eliminated several ideas.  One idea was to get Abby to climb up on the picnic table and I would get down low and shoot a photograph of her but the expression on her face was "I am not suppose to be up here, so can I get down please?" (I didn't keep those photographs).

I thought about it and figured that I could get either of my large dogs to sit on top of a hill while I shot from a low perspective.  Then of course, one has to figure out where there might be a hill nearby as west central Florida is rather flat.  My first choice was to find a hill, second choice was an outside stairway.  So here's my collection of photographs from different perspectives.  After reviewing these photographs, I realized how much I like some of these different angles and I will continue to explore this particular theme in coming months.

My first location is the park area known as the Harney Bypass here in Tampa.  They have several small hills (about 5-6 feet).  I took Abby to the top of the small hill, gave her the 'stay' command and walked back down the hill.  I laid down on the ground to include more sky and less grass in this photograph.   I noticed that Abby isn't the most graceful dog when she sits down - and she wasn't going to look down towards me either.  Those are two things we will have to try working on!

The next photograph was from the side while Abby appears to be watching a dragon fly (there were probably a dozen flying around close by).  This photograph was taken by getting down to Abby's level.

Jimbo was there too, although he stopped when he found a shady spot and refused to go on top of the sunny little hill that I had found.  The dark stormy clouds were off in the distance providing a more interesting sky for the background.  This was taken by sitting down next to Jimbo (you can see the hill behind Jimbo that I had Abby sit on).

For the next photograph, I got more behind Jimbo and down to the ground so I could shoot the photograph showing only sky in the background.

In the last photograph from this location shoot, I got behind Jimbo, including most of his body from the back and showed the perspective of what Jimbo is looking at from close to his level. Back of a dogBack of a dogViewing the back of Jimbo, our Bahamas' dog

Our next location, we traveled over to Safety Harbor, Florida and visited Philippe Park.  This is a very nice park to spend the day, but today it was 85 degrees and it wasn't 9:00 am yet.  They have an Indian mound with lots of stone stairs that I thought would provide some great perspectives to the dog portraits.  Here's Jimbo standing on some of the stone stairs that lead to the memorial for Odet Philippe whom the park is named after.  I stayed down below to shoot this photograph of him from below.

Abby sitting on the stone stairs that lead to the top of the Indian mound at the park.  I noticed that Abby seemed to settle on two steps this time instead of putting all four feet on the same stair (whatever works to keep her in a stay position!).

Here's another one on the stone stairs where I changed my angle and moved in a bit closer.

The last one, Jimbo had laid down on the stone steps to relax and I got down in front of him to photograph his face gently resting on his paw.

For those of you that love your pets and treat them as a part of the family - make sure you capture those special moments as one day, they will be your treasure to remember you friend.  For more 'multiple perspective' pet photographs head over to visit Pet Love Photography, serving Greater Cincinnati and the San Francisco Bay Area.  and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to Linda at [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).  Special discount if you're looking for an 'end of life' portrait.

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine clouds dog dog photography dog portraits grass harney bypass hill pet photography pet portraits philippe park photography safety harbor stair stairs stone stones stonework storm vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/8/dog-portraits-from-multiple-perspectives Fri, 18 Aug 2017 08:00:00 GMT
Oak Trees in Florida - rural Dade City https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/8/oak-trees It was a rainy, overcast, stormy day as I recently drove out to the country areas of Dade City, Florida about an hour north of the busy metro area of Tampa.  I'll admit, as I turned off the busy Interstate and slowly proceeded east out into the country, I felt like perhaps I had left Florida.  There were hills! Not ant hills, but hills like I remembered when I was driving country roads near where my father grew up in Henderson, North Carolina.  The streets were two lanes, and the went up and down and the rolling green pastures, well I loved it.  Here's some of the trees I saw along the way.

Overcast skies and recent rains (just an hour or so before), made the resurrection fern along the tree limbs come alive.  If you're not familiar with the resurrection fern which grows along the limbs of many oak trees it's the green leafy plant growing on the tops of the horizontal tree limbs in the photograph below.  Resurrection fern can lose up to 75 percent of its water content and shrivel up to a grayish brown clump of leaves.  When the plant is exposed to water again it will literally look like it comes back to life and be green and healthy (the plant didn't actually die).  The beautiful lush greens caused me to stop on the side of this road and take a photograph as it was beautiful.

As I continued along this road, I saw live oak trees standing out in the pasture land.  I kept telling myself - come back and catch the light at a great time of day....come back....come back...(and I will for sure!!!).  The storms were off in the distance, the rain would come again soon.

The wood and wire fences along the different pastures divided the land between owners. I arrived at my destination, Laurel Gardens.  A friend is getting married here soon and the oaks are beautiful.  Lighting can make a lot of difference in how a given subject appears in a photography.  For the photos below, by the time these photographs were taken, the rain storms had come through and provided yet another short burst of pouring rain followed by the sun shining in late afternoon.  This group of trees reminds me of those I have seen at Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and Worm sloe Plantation in Savannah, Georgia.

The photographic opportunities among these beautiful old oaks are probably endless depending on how creative you are.  The toughest part is to decide what exactly to photograph and what to put in the photograph.

If you're curious about where you might have a wedding ceremony here, check out this beautiful setting.

They have a walkway of brick pavers for the wedding party to walk down and a few chairs just before reaching the final area for the ceremony.

That's all for this weeks blog post!

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(VP Shoots Photography) country dade city florida garden gardens hills laurel laurel gardens live oak oak oak tree paver rural tree walkway wedding https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/8/oak-trees Sun, 13 Aug 2017 21:00:00 GMT
VPShoots Happy Dogs - Action photographs of dogs having fun https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/8/happy-dogs-photography---dogs-having-fun This week's word pet photography theme is "Happy".  I googled to see what "Happy Dog Photographs" look like and I found that the most universal photograph is a dog with a wide open mouth and panting.  Some of the dog photographs show dogs that appear to be grinning, other dogs actually appear to be smiling but the overall reaction most people have is that they appear to be "Happy".  My approach this week for the weekly pet photography blog is to show dogs playing with other dogs and running free.  At it's simplest level dogs having a good time. 

The first photograph shows my dog, Jimbo, with ears flying, dogs around him and he almost appears to be prancing as he is in the middle of running and playing.  This is a pet photograph with all the action stopped in a single moment in time.  A fast shutter speed is required to stop the action without blur with the Jimbo running across the frame.

Jimbo playing at dog parkJimbo playing at dog park

I believe that dogs love to run free.  In our society, if you live in the city, a lot of dogs might not get the opportunity to run free as much as they would like.  I'm sure country dogs get to enjoy running free the majority of the time.  I take my dogs to dog parks to allow them time to run free and socialize with other dogs.  I've noticed that one of the most common ways for dogs to be happy is running freely and chasing each other.  Who doesn't love a great action shot of their dog running or playing?

Dogs playing chaseDogs playing chase

This next photograph utilizes a technique called 'panning'.  Panning is where the shutter speed is slowed down and you follow a given object to create a sense of motion, but also show your subject sharp enough to be able to view and understand what your subject actually is.  The slower the shutter speed is, the greater the illusion of speed will be.  The tricky part of this type of photography is to match the speed of the running dog with the speed of panning the camera.  The dogs love to run along side the fence at the dog park that is shared with the small dog area.  I decided this was a good opportunity to try this type of photography (cars are probably easier - they are bigger and more predictable).  Panning requires slowing down the shutter speed, in my case to 1/30th of a second. Next, wait for the dogs to start running, lock the focus on Jimbo (the brown dog) and move the camera to follow Jimbo running along the fence until the shutter closes.  In today's digital world, take a look at the photograph on your camera and see what you've captured.  You may need to adjust the shutter speed or how fast you pan the camera.  It takes practice.  I took over a hundred photographs to get just a couple that were acceptable.

Panning Dog PhotographyPanning Dog Photography

The last photograph is of a daschund named "Happy".  Happy was laying on his blanket and I laid down in front of him and took this photograph - I'm sure he was wondering what this was all about as not that many people laid down in front of him and pointed a camera his way.  I did however, find him a good model (he didn't run away).

For those of you that love your pets and treat them as a part of the family - make sure you capture those special moments as one day, they will be your treasure to remember you friend.  For more 'happy' pet photographs head over to visit Pet Love Photography, serving Greater Cincinnati and the San Francisco Bay Area.  and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to Linda at [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).  Special discount if you're looking for an 'end of life' portrait.

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) blur canine chase daschund dog dog park dog photography grass happy harney harney dog park leash free motion panning park pet action photograph pet action photography pet photography pet portrait play playing portrait run running vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/8/happy-dogs-photography---dogs-having-fun Fri, 11 Aug 2017 08:00:00 GMT
Scary airport runway https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/8/scary-airport-runway This past week I was going through some old images to see what I might want to create (warning - this is not a real photograph, but was created from 2 separate photographs).  Anyone out there remember the Stephen King book/movie called Langoliers?  If you do, remember how the airport runway was breaking apart as the airplane took off?  This completed photograph reminds me of that movie (I didn't read the book).

It's true that we can create a lot of unique photographs that really never happened!  We have a local park called Cypress Point that is located on the water on the path of the planes to Tampa International.  It's a great place to see planes coming in or leaving the airport for anyone that is into watching planes.  The first photograph is a plane coming in for a landing.  I darken the plane to remove any information that tells what airline it is.

Next, an old bridge that is no longer in use but provides the ability to take photographs "for a runway".  I added a little blue tones to the overall image as it was taken at dusk.

The last step was to take these photographs into On1 Layers (you can use Photoshop too).  The bottom layer is for the runway (the old bridge).  The top layer is for the plane.  Mask out everything in the plane photograph except the plane and then place the plane such that it looks like it just took off from this old runway (bridge).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) bridge broken composite dusk fake jet plane runway travel water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/8/scary-airport-runway Sun, 06 Aug 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Dog Photography with the universal 'toy' a wooden stick https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/8/dog-photography-with-the-universal-toy-a-wooden-stick This week's word for our Pet Photography blog is "Wood".  I asked several different people what comes to mind when you think "Pets" (or more specifically dogs) and "Wood".  For me, the most obvious response was a deck, boat dock or perhaps a fence.  To my surprise, the first word they thought of was "stick".  I should have thought of it!  Our dog Abby is often finding sticks on our walks and bless her heart, she picks them up and carries them all the way home.  Sometimes that distance is a good block or two, but she will stop if she needs to adjust the stick - otherwise, she continues on carrying her stick.  Here's a photograph of Abby chewing on one of her favorites (free) toys, a stick.

Our next guest dog has crossed over the rainbow, but still remains very dear to many of us.  Hayden was one of those special dogs that becomes a soul mate with his owner.  Always there when you need him and just a great companion and dog his entire life.  Although he was not my dog, I still miss him and I'm very happy that I captured him and some of his personality in photographs.  Hayden loved to play with sticks and in the water - so here's our special guest having fun running from the shoreline of the river with a rather long wood stick!

A short pause to check what he is hearing (his ear is twitched back). My all time favorite of Hayden - this one reminds me of the "Here's looking at you kid" expression.

For those of you that love your pets and treat them as a part of the family - make sure you capture those special moments as one day, they will be your treasure to remember you friend.  For more 'wood' photographs head over to visit Terri J Photography capturing photos of your pets in and around Toronto, celebrating the joy and love between Pittsburgh pets and their people.  and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to Linda at [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).  Special discount if you're looking for an 'end of life' portrait.

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine dog dog photography florida nature outdoors pet photography play playing stick wood woods https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/8/dog-photography-with-the-universal-toy-a-wooden-stick Fri, 04 Aug 2017 08:00:00 GMT
Portraits by Amber of A. U. Professional Photography https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/7/portraits-by-amber-of-a-u-professional-photography I've heard several times that if you take photographs of people, you should always get in front of the camera and see what it's like to be in front of the camera posing.  It doesn't come natural for everyone and some of us just don't like being in front of the camera.  I'm one of those - much more comfortable behind the camera.  Anyway, a good friend of mine, Amber, with A. U. Professional Photography offered to do a photo session for me.  The photographs are wonderful - so if you're looking to have bondoir photographs created - I highly recommend you look up Amber.  We had a great time as she coached me through poses and took many photographs.  That was after having my hair and makeup done - so here goes for those of you that know me!

Amber has her own studio where she takes her photographs in Valrico, Florida.  This photograph was taken in her studio and is probably my favorite of the entire session.  Here's another one.

And a casual photograph taken in Amber's outdoor studio where she has a gazebo.

That's it for this week - simple, and beautiful photographs - if you're interested in having this type of photographs taken - please contact Amber at A. U. Professional Photography - she is on Facebook and also has her own website, http://www.auprophotography.com/

Until next time...

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(VP Shoots Photography) a. u. professional photography amber bondoir photographer portrait studio valrico https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/7/portraits-by-amber-of-a-u-professional-photography Sun, 30 Jul 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Shadows in Pet Photography https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/7/shadows-in-pet-photography This week's word for pet photography is 'shadows' and I've given this one a good bit of thought to see what I wanted to blog about this week.  I've decided to share several different approaches to this particular theme this week.  For those of you that take photographs for fun, one thing that you need to watch when photographing your pets (children, family, etc) is how the light falls on your subject.  Your eyes are much better at looking at something that is in the sun & shade than the camera.  Sure, we can do some changes with software and make the photograph much better - but not everyone wants to do that - and sometimes it's just easier to get it the way you want to begin with.  

Getting a better photograph can be as simple as changing your position, changing your dog's position or a little of both.  After taking several photographs of Mary Kate, I knew the camera wasn't capturing the golden color of her fur and her deep brown eyes.  The shadows were making it a little difficult.  So, I moved and taking a little treat along with me to get her to move her head, I captured this photograph. A beautiful golden color across her entire face as she looks into the area the light is coming from. For those of you that are local - Mary Kate is looking for a home (just in case you might be interested or know someone that might be).

Mary KateMary Kate

Here's a classic example of photographing a dog with some sun on her face and some of her face in shadow.  This clearly demonstrates the 'shadow' on the side of her face that does not have the sunshine hitting it from the window.  This type of lighting is similar to what is called "rembrandt lighting" but doesn't have the classic triangle this type of lighting is known for.  There is a small catch light in the eye in shadow, but the shadows are really deep and dark.

Using a few little tricks with software, I can bring up the light on the shadowed version of Mary Kate's face.  In this case, bring up the shadows so they aren't so dark, decrease the highlights so the sunny side of her face is not so bright and try to get it a little more equal lighting.  The shadows are still there, but much less harsh.

Of course, this is one way to think about shadows but there are others - here's a few more examples.  This past week Abby went to the beach with us for some swimming and playing.  Notice that the sun is coming from the side as it is early morning.  Her shadow is falling to the right on the sand - and it also puts the left side of Abby's face in a bit more shadow as the sun is not hitting that side of her face.  In this photograph, I increased the detail in the shadows (using Adobe Lightroom software) so that her eye is more visible. Abby having black fur, you can see the difference between what black fur looks like in the sunshine and the shade by looking at the difference on her face.

The last type of shadows are what most people probably think of when they hear the word "shadow".  The morning sun was shining and cast a shadow on the sand (dirt?) at the dog park.

Have you thought about the shape of the shadow? Depending on how the dog is standing and where the sun is coming from - it might not look like a dog at all.  This photo shows just a little bit of Jimbo and then the shadow his body cast on the ground.  If I want a really great shadow, I need to try and get the leg spaces such that we see each one, the head up and the tail out - that I think would make the best dog shadow!  My dogs however, didn't really care to take part in that exercise - so I don't have one of those.

For more shadow photographs head over to visit Darlene with Pant the Town Pet Photography serving MA and NH and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to Linda at [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) beach canine dog dog photography grass hound ocean park pet photography pet portrait pet portraits photography sand shadow vpshoots water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/7/shadows-in-pet-photography Fri, 28 Jul 2017 08:00:00 GMT
The word is "Climb" https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/7/the-word-is-climb This week's photographs feature stairs as a way of conveying the word 'climb'.  Definitely something that many of us did when we were young children, we climbed trees, jungle gyms, stairs and probably a lot of other things.  As I get older, I can't say that I have climbed a tree in a good while, but stairs are still something that I do on the trails, gym and buildings.  

This stairway is at a local building and has been digitally processed - what does it make you think of?

The next stairway we were climbing down and with a dog and a backpack, I wasn't sure I was going to fit by the time we got to the bottom.  I took the backpack off and made it through.  This is at Ceasar's Head park in South Carolina.

The last stair photograph is stairs made of stone that we came across as we were hiking.  There comes a time when we begin to groan as this is not the first time we find steps on the trail.  Our older dog, Jimbo, was having some issues with steps - so eventually we turned back because I don't think it was fair to Jimbo nor did I want to try and figure out how to carry a seventy pound dog.  We have since put him on a new supplement that has helped him greatly and he likes it too!

So that's what I think of now when I see the word "Climb" but I am sure there are many different things that can make people think of this word.  What comes to mind for you?

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) building ceasar ceasars ceasars head ceasar's head park climb head hiking invite inviting mystery outdoor park scary south carolina stair stairs stone trail https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/7/the-word-is-climb Sun, 23 Jul 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography with Florida Summer Skies https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/7/pet-photography-with-florida-summer-skies This week's word for pet photography is 'sky'.  As many of you know, I live in the "Sunshine State", yep - Florida.  If you live in Florida too, take a few moments to think about how many sunny days you have seen in recent weeks.  Sure, it starts off with the nice sunny morning most days here on the west coast, but within a few hours those big white fluffy clouds usually start to show up.  By mid-day, it can often look really stormy and sometimes it's darn scary!  Since we are a prime location for thunderstorms and lighting, eventually it just comes to be expected.

So, I take my dogs out to try and get photographs with something other than a white overcast (boring) sky.  Don't get me wrong, a white overcast sky is great - but not if you want to include it in the photograph.  My next thought was to try and capture one of those beautiful sunsets following the afternoon storm - but I only have a week to accomplish these photographs for the blog entry, and well - it's white overcast skies or pouring rain thus far.

After much thought, I decided that the magic of On1 software and Photoshop will have to help this week.  Since the lighting is not sunny, I decided to take a dramatic storm sky and put it in place of my beautiful white overcast sky.  Here's the final photograph of Abby sitting on the boat ramp dock.

Well, yet another thunderstorm struck when I had hopes of having a sunset!  So, instead of taking more photographs I created another one with Abby.  This one is a black and white with thunderstorm clouds behind her.

Then I started thinking, how far could I carry this out?  Could I put a fantasy into her sky? I know this must be how Abby envisions the birds....

For more sky photographs head over to visit Rochelle with Dark Sapphire Pet Photography. Nelson, New Zealand and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to Linda at [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) abby bird black and white canine chicken composite dark dock dog hound ibis leg moody sky storm thunderstorm https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/7/pet-photography-with-florida-summer-skies Fri, 21 Jul 2017 08:00:00 GMT
Art of the Brick, Tampa https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/7/art-of-the-brick-tampa This week we took a trip to downtown Tampa and visited the new art exhibit, "Art of the Brick".  In this case, the brick is a Lego piece.  It's really incredible what can be created out of Lego - I don't know that I could do this, but this guy is fantastic!  Nathan Sawaya has taken the use of LEGO bricks as an art medium to a new level - something you may never see again.  If you haven't had an opportunity to visit this exhibit you still have time - it's here in Tampa until 4 September 2017. 

When we arrived, there was a line (when we left no one was waiting - go figure).  They take a group of people into the gallery at a time and the first step is to watch a video where the artist talks about his craft - short and very interesting (don't skip it!).  After that, you are free to view everything in the gallery at your leisure.  We wandered around to see all the exhibits and it seems like we must have gone through about 8-10 different areas looking at this incredible detailed work created all from Lego.

Remember - it all starts with a single brick!  That's what this symbolizes - a hand holding a single red brick.

The artist gets his inspiration from many different sources - sometimes it is from a famous painting, or something that he sees along the way while walking out on the street.  Regardless of where the inspiration comes from - it's a work of art when he is done.  The largest Lego exhibit is a dinosaur - yes - probably near life size if not life size - over 80,000 Lego to put that together.  It's definitely something to view - so take some time and go see the exhibit that Vinik Family Foundation has paid for people in the Tampa Bay area to view.

The photograph below shows the "Swimmer".  This is a life size version of a person 'swimming' in a pool.  It's depicted as if you are viewing the person from the top side.

You'll see life size versions of a few famous statues. Life size versions of other humanoid figures.  This particular person is made from gray Lego bricks and represents a human with hands covering his eyes.  The same thing children do when they are upset, if I cover my eyes, no one can see me.

These few photographs give you and idea of what you'll see.  If you want to see more photographs, here's the link to some of the others I photographed - but there is more.  I didn't take a photo of many of the various Lego creations - you'll have to go visit or find another website that has some photographs.

http://www.vpshoots.com/artofthebrick

Have a great week!!!

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/7/art-of-the-brick-tampa Sun, 16 Jul 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Comic Pet Portrait Moments https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/7/comic-pet-portrait-moments Pet Project 52 - A group of pet photographers are given a photo theme each week to incorporate into our pet photographs. Many of us around the world are participating, at the end of my blog post there is a link to another photographer's blog. Click on the links in each one and you'll eventually complete the circle and come back here to my blog.

This week is "Comic".  According to google, one of the definitions of this word is "causing or meant to cause laughter".   This photo brings a smile to everyone's face and some of my friends find it amusing so I'm sharing it with all of my blog friends.  As we look at this photo, remember that the summers in Florida are very hot - very humid and not so good for your dog.  A friend almost lost their dog due to heat exhaustion recently and a few dogs have not been so lucky in recent months.  Keep your furry friend safe and provide ways for them to cool off.  Abby has this one down pretty good!

Each time I see this photograph of Abby, it makes me laugh.  I'm not sure if she is telling me what she thinks about doing another pet photography session or has something totally different on her mind.

Truthfully, I'm sure she was caught with her tongue out by the camera, but it makes for a cute comedy moment. This next photograph is of a dog that was having an absolute ball playing in the mud.  We were all laughing as the dog was having so much fun - but then again, it wasn't our dog!

The last photograph it appears as if the dog is saying "You meany" and stuck it's tongue out at another dog while at one of the local dog parks. 

Do you have a favorite photograph from this blog?  If so, take a few minutes to let us know!

For more 'comic' photographs head over to visit Pet Love Photography, serving Greater Cincinnati and the San Francisco Bay Area and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to Linda at [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine canines comedy comic dog dog park dogs funny kiddie pool laugh pet photography pet portraits plastic pool pool portrait portraits tongue vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/7/comic-pet-portrait-moments Fri, 14 Jul 2017 08:00:00 GMT
Dead River Park, Hillsborough County, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/7/dead-river-park-hillsborough-county-florida The last two weeks we have been on the road showing beautiful scenes where roads are oak lined.  We have something close, a Florida version, here in our 'backyard' located at Dead River Park. Lighting can make a BIG difference on how a photograph looks.  For example, this photograph was taken on an overcast day with little bright sunlight coming through the trees.  This is the road that takes you to 'Dead River Park'.  It's a long dirt road lined by oak trees and other Florida natives.

On a sunny day, this same road has a different look.  The trees are light in color and the sunlight is filtering through the trees.

Or through the magic of digital photography and the software that is available now, we can make a dark scene of this same line of trees and leave a bicycle at the bottom of the photograph for some potential mystery...

Keep in mind, this is Florida and it is dense trees with near by water - dead water - non-moving water....yes, you guess it - bugs - mosquitoes! But it can be a nice, lonely park to visit if you're equipped with the correct gear.  At the end of the road is a small parking area.  This bridge goes across the water which is actually a part of the river that has been 'cut off'.

There are lush green plants growing during many parts of the year.

  And little flying insects...

And no fresh Florida water is complete without these - the alligator.

I'm sure there is potential for fishing as well as photography, walking your dog or just having a nice walk with nature.  Summertime is probably the hottest, fight off the critters time but that's when you have beautiful lush greens.  It's all a matter of your taste and what you can handle in terms of temperatures.

Dead River Park is located at 15098 Dead River Rd, Thonotosassa, FL 33592.  As of this writing, the hours are 8am - 5:30pm for bicycle and pedestrian access. Vehicle access allowed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Dead River Dead River Park Dead River Road Florida Thonotosassa alligator bicycle dirt road dragonfly hiking nature outdoor park pedestrian river tree trees walking https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/7/dead-river-park-hillsborough-county-florida Sun, 09 Jul 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography using beautiful bokeh - the blur behind your subject https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/7/bokeh Pet Project 52 - while this is a 52 week project, I joined late - so perhaps I will cycle back around to the beginning of the topics after 2017 ends.  Can you believe that 2017 is half over?  For this particular facebook group of pet photographers, each week we are given a photo theme.  The photo themes can be applied to many different types of photography (at least those I have done thus far), but we are focusing on how to incorporate it into pet photographs.  Since there are many of us around the world participating, at the end of my blog post there will be a link to another photographer's blog and if you click on the links in each one, you'll eventually complete the circle and come back here to my blog.

So what is this week about?  Bokeh - have you heard this word before?  Photographers use it a lot, and hopefully they know and understand what they are talking about.  Bokeh comes from the Japanese word boke (ボケ), which means "blur" or "haze", or boke-aji, the "blur quality." Bokeh is pronounced BOH-KÉ™ or BOH-kay.  Essentially, bokeh is the effect of a soft out-of-focus background that is created when shooting at a wide aperture (possibly the widest) for a given lens - typically this if an aperture of f/2.8 or wider.  However, having said this, it doesn't have to be that wide, and having a telephoto lens can help with the bokeh as well.  If you're really curious about bokeh, there are lots of places on the internet that you can find information, just google it.

Here's my first image with Jimbo taken while the sun was coming up.  Actually both Jim and I were photographing the sun as it was rising, but it's always good to turn around and see what the sun is shining on.  In this case, it was a very pretty golden glow on Jimbo!  The 'bokeh' is how all the things in the background blur - it's different for every lens but having a soft, non-distracting background always makes your subject stand out.

Jimbo came to us over four years ago, and he is a wonderful dog.  We can't thank him enough for joining our family!  The next group of photographs were taken in late afternoon, but due to the Florida thunderstorms it's hard to get the golden colors at the end of a given day.  Here's our happy boy hanging out at the neighborhood park - saying the word "snack" will get his attention and perk up his ears.  Of course, he gets that little reward after being such a good boy and staying put while I create beautiful portraits of him.  In this photograph, you can see how the grass gradually blurs as it moves into the distance behind Jimbo.  The maximum aperture for this lens is f/4, but I'm using a telephoto lens to help provide more blur in the background.

Moving in closer, as Jimbo looks off at something to my right - everything behind Jimbo is blurred - it's actually trees but with the bokeh, it's a pleasing non-distracting background.

 

This next image, I have two different versions - one is the original image, the other is cropped differently.  I think a bird flew by and he looked up when I snapped the shutter.

And here's the same image with just his face and the blurred green grass.  You can see a little light in both his eyes since he was looking up at a mostly white overcast sky.

Do you have a favorite photograph from this blog?  If so, take a few minutes to let us know!

For more  bokeh head over to visit Rochelle, Dark Sapphire Pet Photography in Nelson, New Zealand and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send us an email to Linda at [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) bokeh canine dog jimbo outdoor park pet photography pet portrait pet portraits rescue tampa tampa bay vpshoots https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/7/bokeh Fri, 07 Jul 2017 11:55:52 GMT
Wormsloe Historic site - Leading Lines - Oak Trees https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/7/wormsloe-historic-site---leading-lines---oak-trees Last week I shared photographs of the beautiful oak trees along the entrance to Boone Hall Plantation.  This week, continuing along those lines, here are photographs of the oak trees lining the entrance to Wormsloe Plantation just a short drive outside of Savannah, Georgia. These photographs are from a visit in July 2013.  We arrived at the entrance to the Wormsloe Plantation in rain and to find that we had arrived before they opened.  It wasn't our best timing on having a vacation trip to Savannah as it rained several days while we were visiting.  The good news is, there wasn't anyone else there and it made for nice even lighting when taking photographs.

The dates over the entrance to the plantation are 1733 and 1913.  1733 is when the colonial estate of carpenter, Noble Jones (who came to Georgia with James Oglethorpe) came to Georgia.  1913 is when the stone entrance to the historic site was erected at the entrance to the oak lined drive.

The rain provided for deep green colors in the trees along the drive to the plantation.  The beauty in having all the greenery wet is reflected light is at a minimum and provides the deeply saturated colors.  Many people will actually put away their cameras in this type of weather, but for landscapes and some other types of photography - it's actually a perfect time to photograph (providing it is not to hard to see anything). You can see rain drops in the puddles along the roadway.

Many of these oak trees has resurrection ferns growing along the tree trunks.  This particular fern looks beautiful when it has rained recently and a constant supply of water is available to keep them lush and green.  However, should the rain cease, they will shrivel up and look dried up (maybe even dead) waiting for the next rain to rejuvenate.

All of these photographs show the concept of 'leading lines'.  This refers to a technique of composing a photograph such that the viewer of the photo has their attention drawn to lines that lead to the main subject of the image.  In this case, the trees and the roadway lead the viewer into the unknown deep in the back of the photograph (that's where we want you to wonder what lies ahead!).

As we got to the end of the long oak lined drive, the rain had begun to end and I had hopes that we might be able to see what all there was to see at this historic site.  Since we had Jimbo, we knew going inside the buildings wasn't going to be an option, so we headed off to see what trails there might be.  This path lead out to the waters of the Isle of Hope (and our hope was that the rain wouldn't begin again to soon).

I was fascinated by all the texture of the juniper trees (I believe that is what they were along the water way).

Looking closer at the texture of the tree, you can see the twisting lines.

Even closer and you begin to notice that little things are running around on the trees. Crabs!  Little bitty crabs were running around everywhere.  With the pace these little crabs were running around, one can't get the necessary closeup (macro) work to capture great photographs - but it was fun watching them scurry around.

Well, we ended up turning back as the rain moved in hard and we were not prepared.  Thus, now I always try to bring a rain jacket, umbrella and other appropriate things should we have inclement weather while on vacation.  It's a beautiful place to visit.  If you think you might want to go, the address is 7601 Skidaway Rd, Savannah, GA 31406.  As of this writing, the plantation is open from 9am-5pm Tuesday through Sunday. Closed on Mondays.

If you're travelling with your dog(s), pets are allowed on the grounds and trails, but not inside the buildings.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/7/wormsloe-historic-site---leading-lines---oak-trees Sun, 02 Jul 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Leading Lines in Pet Photographs https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/6/leading-lines-in-pet-photographs This weeks topic is "leading lines", Week 26 of our project (week 2 for me).  One would think that it would be easy to capture great photographs of your own dogs, but for some reason mine seem to think that they have done something wrong most of the time when I try to pose them.  I don't have this issue with other dogs, just mine - who knows what's going through their minds!

Now, as I think about the concept of leading lines, many different photographs that I have taken in the past with trails, roads, converging tree lines and many others come to mind.  Just one problem, none of them have any of the dogs that I have owned or currently own in them.  So, I went searching through some of my photographs to get some ideas - and I did find some that helped to give me a few ideas.  The next step is to get a dog to go with me for this little venture - as it's hot, muggy and thunderstormy (is that a word?) in Florida now and it's not ideal outdoor weather a lot of the time.

First, I tried to get Jimbo out.  He is really good about staying put off leash - no dice.  Jimbo's weather forecast said there was to many gray clouds outside with potential for thunder and lighting - potential - not actually happening - he won't go outside.  So, I go to our young girl, Abby whom we adopted last September - truthfully, she wasn't my first choice because I didn't know if she would stay off leash when I told her to sit.  But - to my surprise she rose to that occasion and was very good (even when there was a potential squirrel to chase up the tree).  I'm proud of her - she has learn so much since we adopted her last year.

Here's one of the photographs of Abby sitting on the boardwalk. In this photograph, she still has her leash, but there isn't any one holding onto it.  Step one in our 'trust' for whether she will stay or not.

Abby is now off the leash and sitting nicely on the boardwalk.  The planks on the boardwalk provide leading lines to Abby sitting.

Next step, can I get her to sit on the bridge?  This has leading lines from the wood planks making the pathway, but also includes side railings. Now, truth is, this bridge is actually over water and asking a dog to sit pretty while there is water underneath along with lots of trees, squirrels and a few people can sometimes be challenging for any dog - let alone a young dog with a short attention span.

So there you have it, leading lines that include a pet - my well behaved Abby!

For more  leading lines head over to visit Danyel with Wag to My Heart, serving the Portland Metro area of Oregon and then head around the rest of the blog circle until you end up back here.

If you would like to book a custom pet portrait session, send us an email to Linda at [email protected] or give us a call at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Florida).

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) boardwalk canine dog dog photography female hound leading line leading lines pet photography plank planks vpshoots photography wood https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/6/leading-lines-in-pet-photographs Fri, 30 Jun 2017 11:49:00 GMT
Boone Hall Plantation, Mt. Pleasant, SC https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/6/boone-hall-plantation-mt-pleasant-sc This week's blog is a trip back in time for us, as well as our subject.  Several years ago, we went to Boone Hall Plantation located about 8 miles from Charleston in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.  A recent article reminded me of the beautiful oak trees lining the main road to the plantation and I decided to share some of those with all of you.  Of course, now I want to go back again - so perhaps that will be in a future trip.

The website for Boone Hall Plantation says that it "was founded in 1681 when Englishman Major John Boone came to Charleston and established a lucrative plantation and gracious home on the banks of Wampacheone Creek. The family and descendants of Major Boone were influential in the history of South Carolina, the colonies and the nation. The McRae family is proud to present that history, covering over 330 years, on a daily basis."

We arrived and found that we were among the first (if not the first) to get to the road of oaks.  I don't see any tire tracks in the dirt road leading down to the plantation.  It made it great for us as we parked in the middle of the road and then started taking photographs of this iconic location.  For those of you that remember years ago to the mini-series "The North and the South" this was where some of it was filmed.

*** Note - these photographs were taken in Mid May of 2011 and while the azalas are done blooming, the flower gardens here are enough to have us spending hours here just photographing flowers.  Boone Hall Plantation was dog friendly when we arrived (hopefully it still is). Dolly was our dog at this time and she was very well behaved - dogs are not allowed in the house itself but everywhere else is dog friendly.

This particular version of the photo was 'warmed up a bit' as it had been raining and a bit cool in color in the original photograph (shown below).

Some people like it warmer, others don't - do you have a preference?

The plantation home is nestled among the beautiful oaks and has a fantastic flower garden in the front just beyond the brick wall.

Once we entered into the flower garden, I think we were all just lost in the beauty.  The flowers are about 2 feet high, which meant it was hard to find Dolly and a few times I hear her give us a little whine or bark because she couldn't find both of us.  The plantation house with the flower gardens was taken just inside the brick wall shown in the above photo.

I was overwhelmed by all the beauty in the flowers.  I haven't seen these here in Florida in such quantities, and as a macro/close-up photographer I couldn't help but spend a few hours in the flower garden.

Here's a poppy - I love these, but I don't think they grow well in Florida.  The honey bees love these flowers so I am assuming they are rich in nectar.

The slave quarters are made of brick and many are still standing.  They are small structures that are lined up in a row. Each one has a fireplace for cooking and warmth during the winter months.  They are a single large room with no interior walls (just the outside walls).

The oak trees have a natural beauty that can be overwhelming, particularly if you love oaks.  This photo shows one side of the oaks that line the driveway to the plantation.  To the left is a fence in area that horses roam freely.

Hope you enjoy our journey into the past.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Boone Boone Hall Plantation Charleston Mt Pleasant South Carolina brick butterfly dirt dirt road dog-friendly flower garden line of oaks oak plantation slave slave homes tree trees https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/6/boone-hall-plantation-mt-pleasant-sc Sun, 25 Jun 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Purslane flower - soft focus https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/6/purslane-flower---soft-focus Continuing on the soft focus theme, this time of flowers I spent time photographing my purslane plant.  For those of you that may not know what this beautiful plant looks like, here's a photograph to help you.

Using a special lens, the Lensbaby Velvet 56, a dreamy, soft photograph of this beautiful little flower (about an inch across).

This lens can take 'almost normal' photographs while blurring the backgrounds and creating a wonderful dreamy look.  If the lens is set to have a larger depth of field, then it will look similar to this photograph.

For artistic looks, this photograph was converted to black and white which shows detail in the center of the flower as well as the pollen on the flower.  This particular black and white photograph shows the variation in the colors by showing the pink in a darker gray while the yellow is almost white.

This black and white photograph is considered 'infrared' and shows the flower as entirely light gray/white in color without showing a difference between the pink and yellow colors in the flower itself.

This simple subject, so many different ways that it can be shown in the world of photographs with amazing details, texture and beauty.  Do you have a favorite photograph of this flower?  If so, please post a comment.

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) beauty black and white detail flower infrared pink pollen purslane small succulent texture yellow https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/6/purslane-flower---soft-focus Sun, 25 Jun 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Soft Focus Dog Portraits using the Lensbaby Velvet 56 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/6/soft-focus-dog-portraits-using-the-lensbaby-velvet-56 This week features a different type of dog portraits, soft portraits utilizing a lensbaby.  The Lensbaby Velvet 56 is a great manual focus lens that allows you to create 'dreamy' or soft portraits.  Using the aperture, you control the amount of dreamy (or to some blurry) effects on your subject - in this case, a cute little dog who offered to pose for me.  Using various aperture settings, you can get images that are close to 'normal', but this lens is great at giving you soft focus ones, great blurred backgrounds and what photographers call 'bokeh effect'.

This photograph of Petie shows some softness on his face, yet some sharp areas also.  This is achieved by using a 'middle aperture' value such as f/5.6 or f/8.

For a softer photograph, use an extreme shallow depth of field (think f/2.8, f/2 or f/1.6)  This lens will allow you to get quite close to your subject focusing down to 5 inches (13 cm) with aperture ranging from f/1.6 to f/16.  Here's an example of a wider aperture causing all of the dog's face to be soft.  The overall photograph almost appears to have a dreamy glow created by the Velvet 56 lens which is a great portrait lens for pets and people.

 In the below photograph, most of the dog's face is in focus leaving the body and background to blur.  This effect is using a smaller aperture such as f/16.

It's a matter of what effect you are trying to achieve and the end result you want for your portrait.  The Lensbaby Velvet 56 is a nice portrait and macro lens providing some great effects once you master using it.  Remember it is a manual focus lens (think before autofocus back to the mid 1980s - Nikon introduced autofocus in about 1986).  The lens has an aperture ring that is also changed manually (not using a command dial or some other method to set the aperture).

After reviewing these photographs - do you like the soft focus dreamy effect?  Or does it just remind you of a blurry un-focused photo?  Please post your comments and let us know!

Check out the next Professional Pet Photographer in the chain, Darlene with Pant the Town Pet Photography serving MA and NH. 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) canine close-up cute dog fur headshot lensbaby pet pet photography photography portrait small velvet Velvet 56 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/6/soft-focus-dog-portraits-using-the-lensbaby-velvet-56 Fri, 23 Jun 2017 08:00:00 GMT
Dogs in action at the dog park https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/6/dog-park-play-day For a dog, nothing beats a day (or a few hours) at the dog park.  Abby, our young black lab/hound mix, is no exception to this rule.  She loves the little kiddie pool (to her, it's a dog pool - so I don't spoil that for her).  I find it amusing that several of us dog parents take our dogs to the dog park at the same time several days (some every day) of the week - not unlike what we do for our children.  Dogs enjoy meeting old friends and making new friends as they play and run around free from the confines of a leash.

Now that we are having the afternoon rains on a regular basis, the dog park grass is very green, lush and thick.  It makes for a nice area for the dogs to run without getting to dirty.  Course, there are mud puddles too.  As the hot summer days have started, Abby heads to the pool after greeting everyone at the dog park.  Her favorite thing is to find one of the balls in the park and then carry it around in her mouth at the park.

If you have a furry family member, remember to get photographs of your dog being a dog, or action shots of them running around having fun.  These are moment you'll want to remember as your dog gets older and perhaps no longer partakes in these activities.

Hanging out in the kiddie pool with a tennis ball that she punctured to make it easier to hang onto.

If you're photographing a dog that is running, it is important to decide whether you want to stop the action of the dog running and keep everything sharp or you want to show motion in the dog's movements.  In these photographs, since Abby is running towards the camera at a slow speed it is easier to stop the motion.  Even in this case, the shutter speeds are 1/500 and 1/250 of a second to stop the action and keep Abby sharp.  If Abby, was running across the camera frame, then depending on the speed of her running, a faster shutter speed is needed to stop motion.

And sometimes it is with her tennis ball....

If you're interested in having some action photographs of your dog, please let us know!  We photograph dogs at play whether it is running, jumping, or playing catch (ball or frisbee).  Another fun place to photograph your dog is at a dog friendly beach, perhaps that's a future blog post.

Until next time...

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Abby Harney Harney dog park black canine dog dog park dog pool grass play pool running wadding pool white young https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/6/dog-park-play-day Sun, 18 Jun 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Florida Aquarium - what to do when it rainy! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/6/florida-aquarium---what-to-do-when-it-rainy The Florida Aquarium is indoors - and a lot of people had the same idea to go to the aquarium after having tons of rain this week.  We need the rain, but wow this is getting to be really a bit much.  So we trekked off to the aquarium to get out of the house and do a little photography along with a lot of summer camp children and a lot of other people!

As it was really busy, I ventured into specific areas to capture photographs of the fish, sharks, and what not.  The clown fish was there, often referred to now as "Nemo" swimming around with sea plant life.

 

A black clown fish (looks similar to a 'Nemo' except has black instead of orange). The black and white clown fish is a very hardy and durable fish for those interested in having an aquarium at home.  The maximum size of this fish is 3.5 inches.  This type of fish does well if kept singly or in groups.

 

A pot bellied seahorse is one of many different seahorses at the aquarium.  They are in the 'no-flash' night time zone as they don't like bright lights.  This particular seahorse is among the largest ones, growing up to 14 inches in length.  They are strong swimmers which is powered by the rapidly moving dorsal fin.  Steering is controlled by using the fins on either side of the body.


 

 

The jelly fish are always fun to photograph as the aquarium uses a black background and blue lights to light up these particular jelly fish.

 

Sharks - nurse sharks are swimming in several of the large tanks.  The aquarium offers a 'swim with the sharks' for certified divers - do you dare?

Personally, I'd rather swim with the reef fish, like this french angelfish.  This is an adult french angelfish, the juvenile french angelfish has yellow vertical stripes across the body.  These fish are much less scary than any breed of shark.

If you haven't taken the time to stop in and enjoy this family friendly indoor activity - perhaps you should.  There are plenty of benches to sit and watch the fish in the aquariums swim around if you want to relax, shows to listen to for those interested in learning as well as plenty of Florida wildlife to view and enjoy within an air conditioned indoor facility.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) angelfish aquarium channelside clown clown fish fish Florida Florida Aquarium french angelfish indoor jellyfish nurse nurse shark sea shark swim Tampa water wildlife https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/6/florida-aquarium---what-to-do-when-it-rainy Sun, 11 Jun 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Bear Creek Cabins, Fort Payne, Alabama https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/6/bear-creek-cabins-fort-payne-alabama Bear Creek Cabins is where we stayed during our trip to north east Alabama.  It was everything we needed!  It was relaxing, enjoyable and had all the comforts of home.  Here is our rustic log cabin that I like to think of as our 'tiny house'.  The cabin was actually built back in the 1800's and Randy (one of the owners) had it moved to this location and did improvements such as electricity and running water.  The original structure looks well preserved.

The interior of our cabin was cozy with lots of antiques.  We had a television with dish network, but we didn't watch much as we were to tired from our adventures. This interior photograph was taken from the kitchen area (full size refrigerator, oven/stove, sink and a small microwave).  All the essentials.  A stone fireplace, but in summer we didn't use it.  The stairs to the loft bedroom are on the right.  The door with the t-shirt hanging on it is the front door and the back door is on the left leading out to the patio/deck/hot tub.

 

The kitchen area with the bathroom next to the refrigerator (the dark room).  Abby is looking out the window because the cows are outside.  We had plenty of cooking pots and pans (there were more than you see hanging in this photograph).

The bathroom is rustic using a whisky barrel for the sink (kinda cool idea). Indoor plumbing!!! I will say, and I knew this before booking this particular cabin, I missed taking a shower - sometimes it's the simple things in life!  But then, back in the old days, there was no shower and people didn't even take baths daily much less weekly - so we definitely had something more than they did back in the old days.

The upstairs bedroom is very roomy with a high ceiling.  Plenty of light to read if you so choose along with a window air conditioner that kept the entire cabin cool while we stayed here.  Amazing that such a small unit was able to do that, but it definitely did!

There are more photographs of the cabin interior on our website if you're interested.  This was the one bedroom log cabin.  They also have a two bedroom, three bedroom and I believe four bedroom to accommodate larger numbers of visitors.

The owners, Randy and Sandy, are very friendly and helpful - we couldn't ask for better hosts during our stay.

There are other things to do on the property if you're incline to.  They have large boulders that you can climb around on (I did) and they also have goats you can pet - one young one seem to take a liking to being scratched on the head.

The sunrises are beautiful over the mountains in the east -- just outside of our cabin front door.

If you like fishing, they have a pond (or small lake) that you can go fishing after entering the pasture and then securing the gates.  The cows cannot get to the pond, so no worries once you get to the fishing dock area.

We are definitely planning to make another trip to this location and hope to be able to secure a cabin here again.  There are so many things that we didn't have time to do this trip, but it was great exploring and finding out more about this part of the country.

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Alabama Bear Creek Bear Creek Cabin Fort Payne boulders cabin cow cows dock fishing getaway goat log log cabin outdoor peaceful restful rustic secluded sunrise vacation https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/6/bear-creek-cabins-fort-payne-alabama Sun, 04 Jun 2017 21:00:00 GMT
DeSoto Falls and DeSoto State Park, Mentone, Alabama https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/5/desoto-falls-and-desoto-state-park-mentone-alabama As we continued our travels in north east Alabama, we visited DeSoto Falls.  DeSoto Falls is about another 7 miles or so up Lookout Mountain after you see the signs for DeSoto State Park. We drove through DeSoto State Park (we came back later to the park) and headed up the mountain to see the 104 foot waterfall located on the west fork of Little River.  We arrived at the parking lot mid day (about noon) to explore and find out more about this water fall.  First, the waterfall itself faces towards the west, so photographing it at this time was not ideal but there were very few people on this week day which made for not having crowds while we set up tripods and cameras.

A short walk down this pathway made of stones leads you to the last waterfall.

This photograph shows a portion of the waterfall that falls down into the canyon.  Above this waterfall (see other photos) are a man made damn and some smaller waterfalls.

They have railings to prevent people from crossing over at this part of the waterfall.

 Here's the dogs hanging out on the 'dangerous overlook rail'.  Neither were curious about that long drop on the edge and stayed well away from it.

We came back later in the day to catch the sunset over the canyon.  The sun is setting to the right of this photo.

The upper falls of DeSoto Falls before the water drops below into the canyon. To the left of these falls is the man made damn, to the right is the lower waterfall with the large drop into the canyon.

We returned to DeSoto State Park and hiked 2 of the shorter trails.  The Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail is a nice boardwalk through the trees.  The altitude is approximately 1350 feet, this trail is one of the first ones as you enter the park from the south.

Along this trail are different blooming plants, mountain laurel, wild azaleas and rhododendrons.

We came across this waterfall at the end of the boardwalk - the water flow was not real high at this time, but photographs at the visitor center indicate that at times it can be.  This is small, don't be fooled by the lack of anything to provide scale within the photograph.

The second trail we followed is across the street from this one, called Indian Falls.  There is a sign that points you off into the correct direction.  This particular trail is a short walk.  At the top of this waterfall is a new wooden bridge built as part of Eagle Scout Project. 

Abby is the more adventurous of the dogs - always checking out her new surroundings.

Jimbo will stay very close to me when we are hiking and always takes time for a little snooze when we get into heavy photographing.  With his beautiful golden fur, he often reminds me of a little deer curled up in the woods.

Just in case you're curious, leashes were on the dogs in all the photographs except when we were at Bear Creek Cabins (it was removed with photoshop if you don't see it!).

Until the next day of our adventure, enjoy!!

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Alabama DeSoto DeSoto State Park Desoto Desoto Falls Fort Payne Indian Falls Little River Lookout Mountain Mentone canine canyon dog dog friendly hike hiking park river state park summer water waterfall https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/5/desoto-falls-and-desoto-state-park-mentone-alabama Sun, 28 May 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Bear Creek Cabins, Fort Payne, Alabama https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/5/bear-creek-cabins-fort-payne-alabama This past week we trekked up to Fort Payne, Alabama to enjoy cooler temperatures and some outdoor time with nature.  Some time ago there was an article in the Outdoor Photographer magazine that featured "Little River Canyon" in Fort Payne, Alabama as a favorite place.  So for all of you that may be wondering why here? That's why.  We left early and spent a good portion of the day travelling.  Since Fort Payne is in central time zone, we gained an hour arriving a little earlier than I thought - but that was great.  Once we found our rustic log cabin located at Bear Creek Cabins with hosts Randy and Sandy - our adventure began.  Though out the next few weeks you'll have the opportunity to venture with us on our trek.

This was 'home' for the week.  A small 1 bedroom rustic log cabin.  It was actually built back in the 1800's and was moved here to this location by Randy.  It does have electricity and indoor plumbing - I'm sure Randy had a hand in adding all those wonderful features.  The bathroom had an old time bath tub (the photos of the inside of the cabin will be in a future blog post). 

We unloaded all our stuff, found places to put it and then ventured out to check out the pond over by our hosts home (they live on the property).  Jimbo and Abby did travel with us - and after spending the majority of the day travelling (they both did great), I figured they would like to check out the new surroundings.  The sun is low over the pond where many go fishing (we didn't) and the cows are in the pasture but fenced away from the pond.

Many of you probably know, I'm a city girl and I've not been that close to cows - at least, not without a barrier between us.  I don't think the dogs have seen a cow and certainly didn't know what they were all about.  After we exited the fenced area around the pond, we were officially in the cow pasture - and they came over towards us.  I think they were curious, but they might have been looking to see if we had any food.  The dogs didn't know whether to bark or run away.

Since we were in central time now and very close to the border between eastern and central, it meant the sun came up really early.  Ugh, the sun rises at 5:40am....if we want to get photographs of the sun rising, we have to get up really early - not seeing that happen today after such a long day driving on Sunday.  We did get out early and start the drive along the canyon wall, but not early enough to beat the sun on this bright, clear, no clouds day.  

My first thought is, we need to use today (Monday) as our scouting day and see as much as we can and figure out how to get the best light on the things that are of interest to photograph.  Sun comes up at a crazy hour, no clouds, this is going to be fun.  Our first glance at the canyon - and wow is it way down there!

This scenic drive has overlooks at a good many different places and we stopped at a lot of them, but the canyon was way down there - so far, that in some cases we didn't see it because neither of us were up to standing on the edge and looking down. The rock formations are huge and the mountains are amazing to view - but I couldn't help but wonder, what does fall color look like?

Our first glimpse of the Little River Falls from a overlook viewpoint along the canyon wall.  You can see the clear blue sky, not a cloud around! Many think this is great lighting, but it does change what the camera will actually capture so it's not ideal for great photos.  It's only 8:13 in the morning and it's already looking like high noon except it's a little cooler.

In the photograph above, you see a bridge above the waterfall.  The bridge is on highway 35, so we drove on that and just to the right of this photograph is a parking lot where we stopped to view the waterfall from a closer view.  The sun was definitely to high for great photographs of the waterfall - having already risen above the east canyon wall.  The waterfall itself faces to the south - so in order to get photographs without the blazing sun either photograph REALLY early in the morning or late in the afternoon after the sun drops behind the canyon wall or pray for clouds.

 

This is the portion of the waterfall closest to the view point - it was in the shade when this photograph was taken.

This is the entire waterfall - where the portion on the left was in bright sunlight and the portion on the right was still in the shade.  It's a huge waterfall and the locals do walk out on the rocks above the water fall and there is apparently a trail (we didn't actually find it) down to the bottom of the water fall to the left of where this photograph was taken.

Our next stop was at a local dining place, nothing fancy but the food was freshly cooked and to order.  Ralph's lil canyon grocery and grill - they cooked breakfast and we all ate at the picnic table under the dabbled sunlight (partial shade).  We enjoyed our meal (dogs included) and then continued on to our next stop - DeSoto State Park and DeSoto Falls.  We quickly found out that the sun was just not going to be our friend - and we went back a second time to DeSoto Falls to get photographs in the late afternoon.  DeSoto Falls, the waterfall itself, faces west.

If you want to see those photographs, check out the next blog entry!!

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) AL Alabama Bear Creek Cabins Fort Payne cabin cow cows fishing log cabin pond rustic sunset https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/5/bear-creek-cabins-fort-payne-alabama Sun, 21 May 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Gracie - Rescue dog portrait session https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/5/gracie---rescue-dog-portrait-session This week I photographed several dogs that were rescued and are now within the care of Maxx and Me Pet Rescue.  Each of these dogs have a sad story in their past.  Sometimes I wonder why there is so much animal cruelty and abuse - but my purpose for this blog post is not to ponder this question.  Instead, my blog post this week is to give you insight into what goes into a rescue dog portrait and photograph session.  Meet Gracie, she is a sweet, blue mix dog.  Gracie is waiting for her foster home or even better a furever home.

When I arrived at the dog resort she is staying at, I was greeted by a wonderful person who assisted me with each of the dogs.  Gracie immediately came out into the play area and ran around.  Most sessions start with the dog running and enjoying the freedom of being outside and taking care of business.  Once they are done, I start working the camera waiting for the dog to do 'what dogs do best'.

Gracie ran around, looked up trees, played with toys and enjoyed herself (while I followed her around and took photographs).  Eventually, Gracie stopped to shake the hand of the person who cares for her.  The photo I am showing you here is the final photograph.

Gracie - femaleGracie - female

So what goes into the creating the finished photo? It often depends on what the dog does for the photo session and what the surroundings are when the photograph is taken. Here's the original photograph.

Notice that the concrete has a lot of debris laying on it. Small sticks, pine needles, lots of 'outdoor' things.  A good portion of that has been removed in the final photograph.

Next, I have several different photographs of green grass.  It's important not to make the grass sharp throughout the image as that's not necessarily what you will want when you blend the photographs together on a computer (using photograph or On1 Layers).  I've taken several different photographs of grass and blurred it differently in each photo.  This is the one used to blend into Gracie's photograph.

Using software, I created a composite image of Gracie using this photograph of grass to provide a green background.  For the techie's out there, I decided not to have 100% opacity in the grass as it looks softer with a lower opacity.  The last step for the rescue dogs is to put a small logo with the pet rescue name and our website information.

So, if you're ever wondering why you might be paying more to have a professional photographer take the photograph as opposed to using your cell phone and taking a 'selfie' - maybe this gives you an idea of what goes into creating a more pleasing photograph of your pet.

For more photographs of Maxx and Me Pet Rescue dogs, visit our gallery at http://www.vpshoots.com/maxxandme

Most of these dogs are still waiting to be adopted, but you can check out Maxx and Me's website (or facebook page) www.maxxandme.org

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Animal photography Dog Photography Maxx and Me Maxx and Me Pet Rescue Maxx and Me Rescue Pet Photo Pet Photography Pet Portrait canine composite dog lifestyle natural photography portrait rescue https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/5/gracie---rescue-dog-portrait-session Sun, 14 May 2017 21:00:00 GMT
What do these buildings have in common? (Downtown St. Petersburg, Florida) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/5/what-do-these-buildings-have-in-common-downtown-st-petersburg-florida Over the last few weeks we have traveled over to St. Petersburg and stopped over in the downtown area.  We walked down Central and then sat down to eat at a dog friendly restaurant, Urban Comfort. The Urban Comfort opens at 11 for lunch - they have great food.  Jim noticed something about the building - it had a prior life before it became this restaurant.  After eating, we noticed that several other buildings also had previous lives.  This shouldn't be hard - but do you see what these buildings were in the past?  This one is the most obvious to me.

This one is kinda cool as they have maintained a lot of the original structure.

Here's another one, haven't been to this place for food - but many of these places aren't open before 11am.

And the last one - apparently they are getting ready for the IGLTA as there were lots of different signs and rainbows throughout the area.

So - did you figure it out?  If so, let us know - either by posting a comment to this blog or mentioning on our facebook page.

We'd love to see who is actually reading the blog entries :)

Until next time, 

Linda

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Central Florida IGLTA St. Petersburg bar building buildings dog-friendly downtown food outdoor patio restaurant https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/5/what-do-these-buildings-have-in-common-downtown-st-petersburg-florida Mon, 08 May 2017 20:46:49 GMT
Eureka Springs Park, Hillsborough County https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/4/eureka-springs-park-hillsborough-county I love this place! It's quiet most days, has a beautiful boardwalk among the trees (almost all shaded, but that also means bugs) and lots of gardens and flowers.  It's located on the road to the old Vandenburg Airport, now Tampa Executive in a somewhat secluded area making it all the more of a gem to visit.  It's dog friendly, so Dolly used to go with me years ago, then Jimbo and now Jimbo and Abby.  Abby had her first visit and seemed to enjoy the new smells.

Shortly after you enter the gardens, you'll come across this nice bridge over the spring fed water.

Eureka Springs Park walkwayEureka Springs Park walkwayEureka Springs Park walkway

This water way (depending on the time of year) is filled with water lilies. They are one of my favorite flowers to photograph at this park.  Usually there are white and pink ones blooming but there are a few other varieties also.

Flowers at Eureka Springs ParkFlowers at Eureka Springs ParkWater lily at Eureka Springs Park I recently noticed that they have some small visitors in the gardens now - I can only assume that they haven't been there all the years that I have been visiting - but if you don't pay close attention, you might just miss them!

Eureka Springs Park - gnomesEureka Springs Park - gnomesEureka Springs Park - gnomes

Today, amazing they are still blooming because it feels like the middle of summer already to me - but the pink snapdragons were very pretty.

Eureka Springs Park flowersEureka Springs Park flowersEureka Springs Park flowers

In one of my earlier visits I did some infrared photography. Here's a black and white infrared photograph of one area of the park - almost looks like snow.

Eureka Springs Park infrared photoEureka Springs Park infrared photoEureka Springs Park infrared photo in black and white The boardwalk has been cleaned now, but I loved the green coloring for photographing.  It's a short walk along the swampy areas (dry in our drought right now).  Course, short if you're not being attacked by a bunch of mosquitoes which is what is often the case come summer.

Eureka Springs Park boardwalkEureka Springs Park boardwalkEureka Springs Park boardwalk For more photographs of the park, visit http://www.vpshoots.com/eurekaspringspark

Stop by sometime and enjoy a nice walk through the gardens if you haven't been here before!

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) County Park Eureka Springs Eureka Springs Park Florida Hillsborough County Tampa boardwalk creek eureka flower garden lilies nature outdoor park snapdragon spring springs swamp water water lilly https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/4/eureka-springs-park-hillsborough-county Sun, 30 Apr 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Finding Fairy Land - Tampa History Museum https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/4/finding-fairy-land---tampa-history-museum This week we visited the Tampa History Museum.  If you're interested in history, they have done a wonderful job of putting together exhibits about the Indians, Cigar industry, Sports, Military and other historic displays regarding Tampa's history.  I however wanted to visit the temporary exhibit, Finding Fairyland.  Memories of Lowry Park's fairyland that was there when I was young, but dismantled by the time I was a young adult.  Most of the exhibits were in the state they were found with a few exceptions.  If you want to travel down memory lane, here's a few photographs.  It was fun walking around and seeing the displays and remembering....I don't think children today have a 'fairy tale' world, but many of us did.

Remember this fairy tale poem?

Hickory, dickory, dock.
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck one,
The mouse ran down,
Hickory, dickory, dock.

Jack and the beanstalk? Jack is among the fairy tale statues that has been refinished.

Old English Fairy Tale - version written and illustrated by Leanne Guenther

The little, old man looked around to make sure no one was watching and then opened his hand to show Jack what he held.

"Beans?" asked Jack, looking a little confused.

"Three magical bean seeds to be exact, young man.  One, two, three!  So magical are they, that if you plant them over-night, by morning they grow right up to the sky," promised the funny little man.  "And because you're such a good boy, they're all yours in trade for that old milking cow."

"Really?" said Jack, "and you're quite sure they're magical?"

For the entire story, check out this link: http://www.dltk-teach.com/rhymes/beanstalk/story.htm

Cinderella - she went to the ball in a carriage made from a pumpkin.

The little story books from each of the displays are with each of the characters.  They contained 'key phrases' from the fairy tale they represented.

These are the horses that pulled Cinderella's carriage to the ball.

Ah, the witch.....ever thought about how many of the fairy tales are scary?

The fully restored "Three Little Pigs". The Three Little Pigs was included in The Nursery Rhymes of England (London and New York, c.1886), by James Halliwell-Phillipps. The story in its arguably best-known form appeared in English Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs, first published in 1890 and crediting Halliwell as his source.  The wolf came to visit each of the pigs after they built their houses and said 

    "Then I'll huff 
    and I'll puff 
    and I'll blow your house down."

Only the third pig who worked all day on his house was able to keep his house from being blown down by the wolf.

For the full story, click on this link: https://americanliterature.com/childrens-stories/the-three-little-pigs

There are a few exhibits that I did not take photographs of and there are memories on the walls in the form of photographs from an era gone by.

If you have time and/or desire, take a little stroll down memory lane before the exhibit leaves in May.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Lowry Lowry Park Tampa History Museum fairy fairy tale fairy tales fairyland history horse mouse pig statues tale three little pigs witch https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/4/finding-fairy-land---tampa-history-museum Sun, 23 Apr 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Community Garden - Vista Gardens at Carrollwood Village https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/4/community-garden---vista-gardens-at-carrollwood-village It seems that more and more I hear about various communities creating community gardens.  We now have 3 community gardens in Temple Terrace where Jim and I garden at the Riverhills location.  The other gardens are Greco Middle School and Linwood, with Linwood being the newest garden.  We also have a garden at Riverhills Elementary where the children have an opportunity to join the garden club on Friday mornings and grow vegetables.

With our growing community of gardens here in Temple Terrace - we visited with some fellow garden members to another community garden located in the Carrollwood area.  This community garden started approximately three years ago and is very popular!  They have a waiting list of people waiting to join - so all gardeners are active in the garden.  The Vista Gardens is located in Carrollwood Village at 13572 S Village Dr, Tampa, FL 33618. Vista stands for "Village Institute for Sustainable Technologies & Agriculture".  Here's some photographs of this wonderful garden!

A few gardeners were there when we visited and one gentleman was nice enough to take a few minutes from his compost duties to provide us a tour. (Thank you!).  They have several compost bins that are turned every week - a few of the gardeners do this every Thursday.  After about four weeks, they have compost ready to be used in the garden.

The garden has a well and solar panels to run the necessary parts as there is no electricity on site.

The garden pathways are all done in mulch and gardeners weed the various areas regularly to keep weeds from coming up and taking over the mulch.

A bee keeper asked if they could put together a few homes for the bees.  This helps the garden by providing the pollinators that are needed for the vegetables and also helps the bee keeper by providing a location as well as honey.

The various gardens are each growing different vegetables but also have unique artwork in many giving a wonderful variety as well as individuality to the garden plots.

A special area is set aside for the butterflies and it is a wonderful area with lots of flowers.  A gardener recently did major changes to the butterfly garden and it is ablaze with flowers and butterflies.

 

I noticed a 'siamese eggplant' growing on one of the garden plants - never seen this before!

They have a nice shed where all the tools are stored as well as a large area for various types of communication among the members.

And a beautiful sunflower growing in our dry season, sometimes it appears to be like the desert here with the lack of rain and Florida being on fire in many different areas.

Join the moment - join a community garden!  Or if one doesn't exist in your area, maybe it's just waiting for the right person or group of people to start a community garden.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Carrollwood Carrollwood Village Community Garden Community Garden VISTA Gardens Vista community garden organic https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/4/community-garden---vista-gardens-at-carrollwood-village Sun, 16 Apr 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Frogs, Geckos, and Snakes https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/4/frogs-geckos-and-snakes I have always wanted to photograph one of these little red eyed frogs - perhaps that's a silly thing, but every since I saw someone's photograph of it, I wanted to take my own.  So, recently Mike Matthews held a workshop in Sarasota that gave me that opportunity!  I was thrilled to have the opportunity (of course there was a fee, but it was worth it).

So, here's my red eyed frog portrait.

We photographed several different types of frogs and this is the most colorful one of them all - but they were all really cool subjects (pets) to photograph.  Here's one of a snake.  It's a little different take on how to photograph it.  The snake is actually sitting on top of a mirror - so you see the reflection of the snake in this photograph. This is a Baird's rat snake.

Here's a photograph of a striped gargoyle gecko (hopefully I got that right).  This little guy didn't want to stay on the front of his driftwood and kept running around to the back side.

For those of you that like these types of critters, visit the gallery for more photographs at http://www.vpshoots.com/exoticpets.  If you have a exotic pet that you'd like photographs of contact us and we can take some portraits of your pet.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Baird rat snake Florida Mike Matthews Sarasota baird close-up exotic frog gargoyle gecko macro pet pets rat snake red eyed frog snake striped striped gargoyle gecko workshop https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/4/frogs-geckos-and-snakes Sun, 09 Apr 2017 21:00:00 GMT
High Falls State Park, Jackson, Georgia https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/4/high-falls-state-park-jackson-georgia Continuing on our journey from last week, we spent most of our time at High Falls State Park.  This park is just over 1,000 acres (I doubt we saw more than a few acres in our time visiting).  High Falls State Park is named for it's tumbling cascades on the Towaliga River.  The park includes a lake just west of the dam, a road (bridge) over the river that runs through it separating the dam from the hiking trails along the river.  Our first day, we hiked on north side of the river following along the water as it fell over the large granite boulders.

The second day, we hiked on the south side of the river and eventually came across the ruins of the hydroelectric power plant.  Not much of this power plant still exists, time has left it as a brick structure with a lot of 'local art work' painted on the insides.  The park signs indicate it was once a prosperous industrial town that consisted of several stores, a grist mill, cotton gin among other buildings.  

Photo taken late morning (bright sunlight).

Later we returned about 2 hours before sunset and the lighting on this old power plant ruin looks very different.

In the 1880s is when the railroad started being built, and many towns fell from prosperity if the railroad bypassed the town.  High Falls was one of those towns.  Now, it's just a great place to go hiking, camping, fishing and other leisure activities.

We enjoyed our short get-a-way from Florida - but the temperatures were just as warm in this area of Georgia as they were here in Florida so we didn't get to enjoy cooler temperatures.

To view a few more photographs from this adventure, go to http://www.vpshoots.com/friedgreentomatoes

Until next week....

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) High Falls Towaliga Towaliga river brick camping dam dog friendly fishing hiking outdoor park power plant river ruin ruins waterfall https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/4/high-falls-state-park-jackson-georgia Sun, 02 Apr 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Fried Green Tomatoes - Juliette, Georgia https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/3/fried-green-tomatoes---juliette-georgia Our adventure this week took us to a small town called Juliette, Georgia.  This small town contains several different buildings and stores that composed the small town of Whistle Stop for the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes" released on December 27, 1991.   Juliette, Georgia is a small town (unincorporated community) located in Monroe County, Georgia 20 minutes north of Macon, an hour south of Atlanta and 15 minutes east of Forsyth (all these cities are along Interstate 75).  Located off exit 186 on Interstate 75.

The Whistle Stop Café is located in the actual building that was used as the Whistle Stop Café in the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes”.  Interesting that this movie was recently on television and I watched it again otherwise I probably wouldn’t have thought to go visit even though it was a mere 20 minutes from where we were staying in Forsyth, Georgia.

The café is open seven days a week from 11am to 4pm (as of this writing).  It is located at 443 McCrackin Street, Juliette, Georgia.  We arrived in ‘town’ about 3pm providing plenty of time to get some food.  The café is not dog friendly (the waitresses were!) – so Jim waited outside with Abby and Jimbo while I walked inside to see about getting some takeout food for our late lunch (or early dinner) depending on how you want to look at it.  I was about to walk out with the menu to ask Jim what he wanted when I was stopped and told “You can’t take the menu outside” ….apparently there is a lot of thief and people actually want to keep the menus.  The waitress was a very lively young woman and came out to see our dogs and take our order on the front porch.  We ordered fried green tomatoes (of course), along with a fried green tomato burger and the slow cooked pulled pork sandwich.  All of it was delicious.  If you happen to be travelling with your pet, they do have a few picnic tables around the side of the café and it was perfect for us to enjoy our meal.

By the time we finished eating, much of the ‘crowd’ (about 10 cars) had left.  All the stores have varied hours, and all were closed by the time we finished eating.  We enjoyed walking the movie set and taking photographs along the way.

If you watched the movie, remember this?  Yes, this stone is there along the main street just a little north of the Whistle Stop Cafe.

For more photographs, please visit http://www.vpshoots.com/friedgreentomatoes

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Alabama Fried Green Tomatoes Georgia Juliette Whistle Stop Whistle Stop Cafe building cafe community country food lunch movie movie set old old town small town tomatoes town https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/3/fried-green-tomatoes---juliette-georgia Sun, 26 Mar 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Dogs Day in Dade City, 2017 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/3/dogs-day-in-dade-city-2017 This morning the dogs and I went to Dade City to check out the "Dogs Day in Dade City" event happening at Agnes Lamb Park located at 14246 9th St, Dade City, FL 33523 off Meridian Avenue next to the downtown Dade City area.  Since it was my first venture to this event, with camera and dogs in tow (Abby and Jimbo - with me solo), it was going to be a 'trial run' to see how it went.  At first, Abby wasn't the best greeter.  Then she calmed down and for a good 90 minutes, Jimbo was a good boy but eventually he couldn't handle any more and we had to head home early.  Jimbo is our boy and has been for over 4 years now - he is very good with Abby but there are times when, well, you know how it is if you have siblings?  Same thing happens with dogs - it's the "I've had enough" look.  

There were a lot of photographers there and I know this cute face was attracting attention.  In fact, there were several people taking photographs of her and some that were taking photographs of all 3 of us.  I'm not sure who they were or if I'll ever see those photographs, but somewhere we are caught "in a moment in time".

We watched the color guard young men come in with the flags....

And then a young lady sang the national anthem followed by the pledge of allegiance.

All the dogs were asked to come forward to be blessed by the Father.  This is when I found out there really were quite a number of dogs at this event.

So we saw big dogs...green dogs...small dogs....puppies...dogs playing....dogs getting massages....and dogs in the parade.  The dog parade got off shortly after the opening ceremony was completed.  This dog was fine in his wagon until it started moving at which point I don't think it was as sure about this idea.  Course, my two are standing next to the parade route and they probably weren't helping the dogs that were in the parade (distractions for sure).

This dog was green from Patty's day ...

And this one just recently got adopted by a very nice woman.  Such a small little doggie all dressed up in her finest.

For more photos from this event, visit http://www.vpshoots.com/dogsdayindadecity

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(VP Shoots Photography) Agnes Lamb Park City Dade Dade City Dogs Day in Dade City canine costume dog dog costume dog parade dog photography event outdoor parade park photography https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/3/dogs-day-in-dade-city-2017 Sun, 19 Mar 2017 21:00:00 GMT
White pelicans at Lake Morton, Lakeland, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/3/white-pelicans-at-lake-morton-lakeland-florida It's been a few years since Jim and I went 'white pelican' hunting.  I remember when Jim came home from work and he said that some one at work told him the white pelicans were hanging out at a lake not to far from our house.  We grabbed our long lenses and headed over to find them.  After finding them, we soon saw they were taking off and heading somewhere else....we followed, went to a pond in an apartment complex.

This time we went over to Lake Morton in Lakeland, Florida.  A friend told us they come there every year.  It was much easier this time - we didn't have to hunt nor try to figure out where they were flying away to.  They were all lined up on the north east bank of the lake, like they were just waiting.  It was mid-morning, a little later than I wanted but still a great time to photograph them.

So now that we have found quite a few lined up on the banks, how best to get some memorable photographs?  I started looking for a pelican or two that were by themselves so I could photograph it with out the clutter of several pelicans.  This one was laying down relaxing and the sun was lighting up the blue eye.

As time went on, the pelicans started flying away - where to this time?  I didn't see and we didn't follow them as we already had some great photographs of them.  This one took off from the little wall bank and flew a short distance into the lake.

For more photographs of the white pelicans, white geese and black geese that were at this lake this morning, visit http://www.vpshoots.com/wildlife

The newer photographs are towards the end of this gallery - but if you haven't seen our wildlife gallery, now is a great time to view some of our earlier photographing trips.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Lakeland aviary bird bird photography birding birds black swan fresh geese goose lake outdoor pelican water white pelican white swan https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/3/white-pelicans-at-lake-morton-lakeland-florida Sun, 12 Mar 2017 21:00:00 GMT
Remember Fairy Land at Lowry Park? https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/3/remember-fairy-land-at-lowry-park I got my first 'real' camera for Christmas, 1978.  Back in those days everything was manual and we all shot film so it wasn't as easy as taking photographs is today and deleting those that you don't like or didn't come out well.  You paid for those images, either by having the print and paying for it - or perhaps by just losing the exposure on your roll of film.  I've recently been going through old photographs as I would love to get them to the people in them - particularly if it isn't my family - but instead friends and relatives along my journey in life here on planet Earth.  I came across these old photographs (not the best I'll admit) of Fairy Land - if you grew up here and you're at least 40, you probably remember it.  The big rainbow ?

I don't appear to have any photographs of the entire rainbow, but there was a little water pool at the bottom in front of this rainbow.  This was the entrance to fairy land.  Fairy land was introduced back in the 50s.  These photographs were taken in October 1979 - yes, that's a long time ago and I was very new to the world of photography.  I look back at these photographs and realized how much better they would be if I had taken them yesterday....but, Fairyland was razed in the late 1980s.  It doesn't exist anymore and there is no way to 'get better photographs' of these iconic pieces of my teenage years.

Today, I would be paying attention to the fact that I cut the horse head off - but apparently not in my first year of doing photography so long ago.  Each one of the areas within fairy land had a book on a post as shown here on the bottom left of this photograph.

One of the pigs standing outside his house in fairy land.

Humpty Dumpty sitting on the wall.  Looks like the wall needs a little cleaning as it has some green algae growing on it but he stayed on the wall and didn't fall off while we were there having been anchored on pretty well with some brackets (you can see one on the left leg).

The little old lady that lived in a shoe, and a railroad track went right in front of her home.  Guess I didn't have the right lens to capture the entire shoe, so I got what I could with a 50mm lens.

This is the last photograph I found which is the 3 blind mice along with Cinderella? I'm looking at this as an adult and really having a hard time thinking these are great photographs, but they are the only link I have to this history that once was available for children to play and learn about various nursery rhymes before the age of computer and video games.

I'm happy to say that my photography has improved a LOT since I was a teenager, but I thought that many might enjoy this trip down memory lane.

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Cinderella Fairy Land Humpty Dumpty Lowry Lowry Park Park antique fairy horse land old rainbow https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/3/remember-fairy-land-at-lowry-park Sun, 05 Mar 2017 22:00:00 GMT
Florida State Fair, 2017 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/2/florida-state-fair-2017 This past week the Florida State Fair came to a close for the year 2017.  We went just before the end of the fair run this year to enjoy some of the sites and for me, it's always a treat to get some night time photography in.  It's fun to see all the rides and lights of all the vendors and things as we walked along.  Our arrival was shortly before sunset. One of the first photographs of the evening, shooting across the pond as the sun dropped below the horizon. The sky had a wonderful golden glow making for a great silhouette of the ferris wheel and sky ride.

We waited until dark before we went over to the midway - I carried my tripod waiting for this moment.  Here are several images of the 'giant ferris wheel' that took days to put together and was still being assembled after the fair opened.  Now several days after the fair has ended, it still sits high in the sky waiting to be taken apart.  Many people were out in the paddle boats on the 'lake' as seen here in the reflection of the giant ferris wheel.

The only ride I wanted to do was the sky ride - why?  Because you get to see all the lights of the fair from a different viewpoint and watch all the people from above.  Course, the funny thing here is, I am afraid of heights....so here I am with a friend riding the sky ride and we are both afraid of heights.  I decided the best remedy for me was to take some photographs and avoid thinking about the fact that we were sitting in the air with our feet dangling.  Jim rode on the chair behind us as he had all his toys and needed most of the seat to set them down.

So this ends another year of the fair - and now people can head on over to the strawberry festival if they didn't get enough of the rides and 'fair/carnival food'.

For more photographs of night time at the fair, go to http://www.vpshoots.com/statefair

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 2017 Florida State Fair State Fair Tampa carnival fair fairgrounds ferris wheel, midway night night photography ride ride' rides sky skyride https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/2/florida-state-fair-2017 Sun, 26 Feb 2017 22:00:00 GMT
Wings Of Freedom - WWII Planes at Tampa Executive Airport https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/2/wings-of-freedom---wwii-planes-at-tampa-executive-airport This week we visited Tampa Executive Airport (formerly Vandenburg Airport) to view the Wings of Freedom exhibit provided by Collings Foundation.  There were four different planes from the World War II era.  Of those, only one plane was built and actually saw combat in WWII. The first plane we visited is the 'Consolidated B-24J Liberator' and is the one plane that saw combat in WWII.   In large letters "Witchcraft" is painted on the front of the plane along with many different names of people associated with the plane including the Lead Crew and the Dedicated Crew.

This plane was built in 1944 near the end of World War II.  The total wingspan is 110 feet, length is 67 feet 7.625 inches.  The maximum speed for this airplane is 290 mph and it carried a crew of 10 people.  The maximum altitude (service ceiling) is 28,000 feet for this plane weighing in at 36,500 pounds empty.  Several people mentioned that this plane would go to fairly high altitudes and there is no heat in this plane.  The temperatures could be as cold as -60 degrees, without the wind factor - that's pretty cold for these young men.

For us, we visited on a breezy sunny day at the airport and while inside of the plane the gusts of wind caused the plane to move making for fun in some of the tight quarters within the plane's interior. Entering at the back of the plane where the ladder comes down to allow access into the interior.

Once inside towards the back is where one of the guns is located in the tail of the plane (that area was restricted and we couldn't go into that area).  There are several yellow oxygen tanks hanging from the ceiling.

Walking towards the front of the plane on the narrow walkway (about 12" wide) through the area where the bombs are stored.  There are 3 still on this plane, 1 is missing.  This is where it becomes an advantage to be short and not to wide.

The cockpit of the plane with a few seats just outside the cockpit.

For more photographs from the Wings of Freedom tour, visit our website at www.vpshoots.com/wingsoffreedom

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) B-17G B24 Collings Foundation TF51-D Tampa Executive Tampa Executive Airport WWII Wings of Freedom airplane fighter mustang plane tour https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/2/wings-of-freedom---wwii-planes-at-tampa-executive-airport Sun, 19 Feb 2017 22:00:00 GMT
Flowers in the garden, seems it is spring here already! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/2/flowers-in-the-garden-seems-it-is-spring-here-already Thus far we have had another mild winter, the plants seem a bit confused and many are putting out their spring leaves and flowers already.  I guess I am a little confused also, not wanting to yet trim things back, yet we are all running around in shorts most of the time.  Flower photography has long been one of my favorite things - going back many years, the magical wonders of a flower up close has always been one thing I have captured by camera.  

All of these flower photographs were taken with a polaroid 'product table' that I received as a Christmas gift last year.  This allows me to have more control on the lighting of the flower as well as not having to deal with wind that sometimes causes blur on the photographs.  To show off the color of these flowers, I placed a black background behind them.

This particular flowering bush has been here growing on my property longer than I have lived here (and that's a few decades now).  The delicate flower that most people probably dismiss as a 'purple flower' has so many interesting parts.  The center piece has a little fuzz on it and there are several delicate center parts to this flower (on the right of this image).

The back side of this flower is just as delicate.

This next flower, I confess, I bought this plant just to photograph the flower.  It is light pink chrysanthemum.  I placed a light shining into the flower to light it up allowing it to 'glow'.

For more photographs of flowers, please visit our flower gallery at http://www.vpshoots.com/flowers

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) chrysanthemum flower flowers indoor pink purple https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/2/flowers-in-the-garden-seems-it-is-spring-here-already Sun, 12 Feb 2017 22:00:00 GMT
Disc golf at 22nd Street Park nestled among the live oak trees along the river https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/2/disc-golf-at-22nd-street-park-nestled-among-the-live-oak-trees-along-the-river This week we ventured off to play a round of disc golf.  My first time, I can't say that I am very good, but I got to throw the disc more than everyone else! We found a nice park that is along the south side of the Hillsborough River nestled among the live oak trees.  Lots of shade except for the first basket which is near the entrance to the park and a par 5 (over 900 feet to throw).  The first basket was a little tricky because you can not see it from where you are starting and it can be hard sometimes to know exactly where the basket is that you should be aiming for.  I figure as long as everyone you are playing with is aiming for the same basket at least it is fair.

As we completed the first basket (that sounds odd, like it should be 'hole'), I noticed that we were just a stone throw away from the river.  I walked down to the edge, careful to watch for alligators and saw the railroad crossing over the river.

Beautiful afternoon here in sunny Tampa - but what it did remind us is that if we threw to far to the right, our disc was going to end up either in the bushes or in the river.  I think this was a rather challenging course.  There are benches to relax at near several of the baskets and beautiful oaks providing lots of shade (or obstacles - which I had not thought of before we started this game).

As we progressed through the first nine baskets, we came across a rather deep trench - basket 6 was on the other side.  The trench itself didn't bother me providing my disc didn't end up in it.  Mine didn't, but another player did have to throw from inside this trench.  Not sure when it might happen to be full of water, but it was empty today.

One of the baskets I apparently played by hitting a tree on each throw.  The result of it falling into the debris that made it pretty hard to do your next throw.  I took a step away from the tree - not sure about the official rules, but we were playing for fun - not a competition.

Here's an example of the basket among the trees.  We had to send out a scout on a couple of them to find out where the basket was because it might be behind a tree or clump of plants.

'

And the final basket for us was number 9.  This is an 18 basket course that reuses the baskets for the back 9 - but I didn't realize that we would be walking a couple of miles and we didn't bring water.

So with the completion of the 9th basket, we started the long walk back to the car and that was the end of my first game of disc golf.

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(VP Shoots Photography) 22nd 22nd street park Florida Tampa basket bench disc disc golf golf nature outdoor park relax river tree trees https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/2/disc-golf-at-22nd-street-park-nestled-among-the-live-oak-trees-along-the-river Sun, 05 Feb 2017 22:00:00 GMT
Little Manatee River State Park - Florida Trail https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/1/little-manatee-river-state-park---florida-trail This past week I decided to check out the Little Manatee River State Park.  I've driven by it so many times over the last decade, yet never actually stopped to see what the park has to offer.  First, Jimbo found that they give out dog snacks at the entrance.  He remembers that too, because he expects it at Hillsborough River State Park too and one time they were out.  He was disappointed based on his eagerness to get one only to not get one.  This park offers canoe rental, bike rental and they can even have someone bring horses over to ride.  Sounds unique. 

We headed over to a short trail called the Oxbow Nature Trail - we saw no one, it was just Jimbo and I.  A 1/4 trail with several places to view the river.  We took a side trail over to the "Steps" on the river and decided it was a good time to relax and have a drink & snack.  The river view from the steps is peaceful.

Jimbo chilling out while I am off taking photographs close by.

 

I noticed that there were ripples in the river water.  I finally got up and looked over the edge of the last "step" and saw small drops of water dripping into the river.  NOTE: This photo has been enhanced to provide the blue (cyan) look.

 

After stopping at the restroom (the only restroom are in this part of the park near the steps and/or Oxbow trail), we decided to head over to the Florida trail which is part of the park and has a parking area on the west side of Highway 301.  I asked the ranger, if you had time to do only one trail, what would it be? She indicated it would be the Florida trail - so off we went.  The Florida trail is on the other side (north side) of the Little Manatee River and cannot be accessed from the park itself as they have no bridges over the river.  In case you are wondering, yes there is a fee.

 

The entrance to the Florida trail.

 

Typical Florida sand, leaves and plant life.  Jimbo is happy, he says "New territory" and he is ready to start sniffing to see who has been here before.

Almost immediately you come to a boardwalk that takes you through a bunch of ferns that are in a swampy area.  Really pretty here and it's January.

 

The official sign indicating this is part of the Florida trail.  A little while later there is a sign that says it is a 6.2 mile hiking loop.  Now, I know with it getting hot, and carrying about 10 pounds on my back (feels like more, but guessing it isn't) that I'm not going to make this entire journey today.  They have markers every 1/2 mile so you know how far you have traveled.

Soon the ferns are gone and we are now into pine trees.  This photograph was modified as it wasn't really that dark in the woods with a little trail lit up in the middle, but for effect I added those to make it more interesting!

 

We continued on, but still no real view of the river which I was hoping for.  

We came across another pine tree with a lot of dead vines hanging from it.

And then we continued on for about a 1/2 mile at which time we took a water break.  Time check said it was getting closer to noon and decided it was time to be heading back to the truck.  This definitely is a hike I'd like to do in it's entirety, but it should be done with less camera gear and lower temperatures.  Besides, we had dropped off Abby at daycare for 1/2 day and we wouldn't have made it through this trail before she would need to be picked up.

Until next time.....

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) dog friendly dog-friendly Florida Florida Trail hike hiking Little Manatee River State Park Little Manatee" nature outdoor park park' river state trail water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/1/little-manatee-river-state-park---florida-trail Sun, 29 Jan 2017 22:00:00 GMT
Gone to the dogs, volunteering for Maxx and Me Pet Rescue https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/1/gone-to-the-dogs-volunteering-for-maxx-and-me-pet-rescue This week I have been very busy working on a volunteer project for the Maxx and Me Pet Rescue.  We are photographing a few of the dogs that were adopted in 2016 and they will be used to create labels for wine and candles as a part of a fund raiser for the rescue.  All my local friends - if you like candles or wine...please consider supporting the pet rescue (I'll have more details later, but it won't be before February).

Our very own Abby will be featured among the other dogs although she doesn't know it yet, shhh! Our first photographing session is with Maxx and his new owner.  They both seem very happy together and Maxx has a 'sister' that he is busy keeping an eye on during our photo session.  Most often, capturing photographs of the animals involves a little physical work - getting down to their level, sometimes laying down with them, walking quickly around them and in general just following them around until I get the shot that I'm looking for.

Maxx gave us several great portraits!  He was very handsome and easy to photograph.

Maxx - AdoptedMaxx - Adopted

Thor - a big loving boy was all about getting a few treats while doing what I asked.

Thor - AdoptedThor - Adopted

And last was Levi, an older gentle fella who was rescued, found he had cancer and lost a front leg to cancer.  He recovered wonderfully and was adopted by the same family that adopted Thor, now living a great life with humans and canines.

Levi - AdoptedLevi - Adopted

To see more photographs, visit www.vpshoots.com/maxxandme

Until next time.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Levi Maxx Maxx and Me Pet Rescue Thor adopted canine dog face photo portrait tripod https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/1/gone-to-the-dogs-volunteering-for-maxx-and-me-pet-rescue Sun, 22 Jan 2017 22:00:00 GMT
Upper Tampa Bay Park https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/1/upper-tampa-bay-park We stopped in this park for a brief visit last week and returned this week to actually spend some time enjoying the trails.  Upper Tampa Bay park is located in the Oldsmar area - west Hillsborough Avenue then a turn onto Double Branch with just a short drive down to the park.  The park is located on several acres of land that include typical central Florida landscapes but also provides an opportunity to see areas with mangroves and rent a canoe or kayak should you be inclined (we had Jimbo with us, so we did not).  Dogs are allowed in this park for our canine friends.

When we arrived to the first trail, we were greeted by a prescribed (controlled) burn that was still going next to a pine tree and still smoking in several areas.

The pine cones lay on the ground among all the burned ash of the pine needles and undergrowth.

We walked a couple of trails, but the more interesting trail to us is the "Eagle Trail" that leads out to the bay.  Along the way, there are many dead pine trees - and we hear the familiar sound of a wood pecker.  Stopping, we finally found the pileated woodpecker and set up our camera to capture a photo.

There are several boardwalks - one on the Eagle trail across marsh near the bay.

Low tide, we didn't walk down the steps.  Raccoon tracks were everywhere in the mud flats and appeared to be very busy earlier as we didn't see any while looking out at the bay.

To view more photos taken at Upper Tampa Bay, click here: www.vpshoots.com/uppertampabay

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Florida Hillsborough County Upper Tampa Bay Upper Tampa Bay Park bay bird dog friendly florida mangrove mangroves outdoor park pileated pileated woodpecker tree trees water woodpecker https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/1/upper-tampa-bay-park Sun, 15 Jan 2017 22:00:00 GMT
Cats - those wonderful furry animals that own you! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/1/cats---those-wonderful-furry-animals-that-own-you If you 'own' a cat or have ever owned a cat, then you know that often you're actually the one being owned. Over the holidays I had the opportunity to photograph several different cats in their homes doing what they liked best.  Here's the best of those photography sessions.

This beautiful cat, Midnight, was enjoying the view as he laid down next to the sliding glass door.  Just before I headed out the door, I noticed how beautiful the lighting and the soft colors framed Midnight - I quickly dropped to the floor so that I was on his level and proceeded to take several photographs.

MidnightMidnight

As I spend more time photographing animals I noticed that I am spending a lot more time on the floor!  Getting down to the same level so you are not shooting down on the animals makes for a much better photograph.  This is also true for many other subjects, but particularly true for animals and children.  There are exceptions, and here is one of them.

Sometimes, it's better just to catch the cat laying around and then make some kind of noises to get them to look at you.  Here's a beautiful orange tabby with striking green eyes.

Other times, you can take a blanket or background drop and put it on a piece of furniture and the cat's natural curiosity will take them right to the spot that you want them to go.  Then, just wait for the cat to settle in and you're ready to start taking photographs.

DillonDillon

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) animal cat domestic feline kitty pet pet photography pet portraits photograph portrait https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/1/cats---those-wonderful-furry-animals-that-own-you Sun, 08 Jan 2017 22:00:00 GMT
Happy New Year! 2017 is here... https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/1/happy-new-year-2017-is-here We ended 2016 with fireworks, friends and good fun.

The photo above is actually several different bursts captured in a single frame.  The shutter was left open on the camera for 2 seconds to capture as many fireworks as possible. Photograph information: ISO 200, 2 sec, f/8, 35mm

Photographing fireworks at night can be challenging.  It helps to have a dark sky without clouds - clouds will make your photographs have 'gray spots' as they aren't as dark as the night time sky.  It is good to know your camera and where the various camera controls are located so you can find them in the dark without having to turn on a flash light (which is another handy item to have when doing night photography).

I set up my camera prior to it getting dark on a tripod based on where the fireworks are going to be set off.  Then when the fireworks begin, you can adjust where your camera is pointing as needed to get great photographs.  The more fireworks you can capture in a single frame usually makes for a better photograph.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) New Years burst celebration firework fireworks https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2017/1/happy-new-year-2017-is-here Sun, 01 Jan 2017 22:00:00 GMT
Safford House, Tarpon Springs - decorated for Christmas https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/12/safford-house-tarpon-springs---decorated-for-christmas Our latest adventure took us to the Safford House in Tarpon Springs near the bayou located at 23 Parkin Ct, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689.  The exact date the house was built is not known, but the initial portion of the house was completed by 1883.  Anson Safford and his sister, Mary Jane died in 1891 just a week apart from each other.

The house is decorated for a Victorian Christmas and is beautiful.  After entering through the servant quarters (and kitchen area) we found some cookies and brownies along with apple cider compliments of the Safford House volunteers that are at the house.  As we entered the house from the back door, we are greeted by a gentleman who is in period costume for the current year, I believe he said it was 1877.  This gentleman plays the role of Anson Safford who accomplished many things during his lifetime including starting public schools in Arizona while he was the Governor of Arizona (1869-1877) and the founder of Tarpon Springs.

I asked a few questions of him and he knows the history of the family very well and can tell you a lot about his character, Anson Safford.

The photo on the wall behind him is of his sister, Mary Jane Safford.  Mary was a nurse during the Civil War time period and later became the first doctor in Florida after graduating from New York College for Women.  The photo below shows the woman portraying the character of Mary Jane Safford (next to her brother, Anson - also in character).

As we walked through the house, the characters are so good at their roles and knowledge of the person they are portraying, it's often difficult to tell if they are telling you about their life back in the 1800s or their real lives. The teenage girl below portrays one of the daughters of the family and was learning a few notes on the harp (she plays piano - both in character and in real life).

The house itself is furnished with a lot of period pieces of furniture.  The desk in this photograph actually belonged to Governor Anson Safford.  The other furnishings are not things that belonged to the Safford family.

The children gathered to hear the story of Twas the night before Christmas as told by Anson.

Mary Jane Safford's bedroom is located on the second floor of the home.

The front of the house has patio areas with rocking chairs and a hanging swing.  The house was moved about 1903 from it's original location on the Spring Bayou because the land was more valuable and that land was sold to help with some of the financial difficulties experienced after the passing of Anson.  The house now resides just a few blocks from it's original location at 23 Parkin Court.

For more photographs of the Safford House, visit http://www.vpshoots.com/saffordhouse

If you're in the area and like local history, this is definitely a great place to spend a hour or two.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Anson Arizona Governor Governor Safford Mary Jane Safford Safford Safford House Safford Museum House Tarpon Springs doctor founder history home house museum https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/12/safford-house-tarpon-springs---decorated-for-christmas Sun, 25 Dec 2016 22:00:00 GMT
Merry Christmas - Happy Holidays!!! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/12/merry-christmas---happy-holidays Happy Holidays to everyone - hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

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(VP Shoots Photography) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/12/merry-christmas---happy-holidays Sun, 25 Dec 2016 05:01:00 GMT
Saying good bye to Man's best friend (or Woman) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/12/saying-good-bye-to-mans-best-friend-or-woman For those of us that love animals and often treat our pets as members of the family, knowing the end is near for our dear pet is one of the hardest times in life.  It's even harder when the time finally comes.  No, all of my family members are fine, but one of the elderly dogs that visits the dog park that Abby and Jimbo go to often is nearing the end of her journey here with us.  I took my camera along for our most recent visit to the dog park as I know Maggie will not be visiting to many more times.  Maggie is very sweet and allowed me to take several photographs of her laying in the sun.  She seemed to be seeking me out as I would take photographs, then take care of my dogs, and walk back to near her - she slowly walked to me and waited for me to pet her.

These photos are for her...these photos are for her owner - these photos are for the woman who cared enough to rescue her and allow her to have a good life as a senior dog.

If you have a family pet that is getting older - don't forget to take photographs to remember them by.  Whether you call someone like us to capture those few moments in time or you take them yourself....someday, you'll be glad you did.  I know I cherish the photographs of Dolly who left us almost 4 years ago.

Here's Maggie -- I may be old and gray now, but I once was young and beautiful and I love my human just the same.

There's Maggie with her human and friends.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) animal black canine cherish dog gray love old outdoors pet photograph portrait senior https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/12/saying-good-bye-to-mans-best-friend-or-woman Tue, 20 Dec 2016 10:00:00 GMT
Cracker Country, Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/12/cracker-country-florida-state-fairgrounds-tampa-florida Last Saturday, December 10th, was one of the only days each calendar year that Cracker Country is open to the public.  As I entered the Florida State Fairgrounds, after paying the parking, the next person asked "Do you know what event you're going to?".  I had to laugh, of course I do!  I want to go to Cracker Country - so he directs me over to where I should park.  I mentioned this to the woman in the ticket booth and said told me "You would be surprised how many people have no idea what event they are going to".  I was a little blown away, but I guess it's possible that you don't know the exact event - but with 5 events happening at once, it sure does help to know.

Most people might stop in to visit this pioneer village while visiting the state fair - it's open, but probably very crowded.  The entire area is composed of different buildings that portray a rural living history museum that represents what might have existed in Florida.  It was established in 1978 by Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Carlton, Jr (based on the Cracker Country website).

I've been here several times in the past, so I headed over to the post office - usually one of my first stops.  The old time letter bins, typewriters and post office equipment are interesting to me - a reminder of days gone by when the mail was sent to the city and the city (or town) was small enough that everyone knew who the families were.  The 'post woman' informed me that this was an actual post office up until not long ago - I wonder how much business they did if you have to pay just to park?  I didn't think to ask.

Old time Christmas decorations were hanging on several of the buildings - many made with the berries of the invasive Brazilian Pepper plant (wonder if that plant was here back in those days?).  The wreath is hanging outside the store on either side of the entrance.

As I entered the store, two young pioneers were playing a game of checkers.  Checkers is one of the oldest games in the world and it is not known who invented the game.  The version of checkers we know today emerged back in the 1600s.

Back in pioneer days, apples were cheap!

Beautiful music can be heard outside the church.  As you wonder in to the small church you'll find this woman playing instruments that you probably have never seen before.

The country church has a small alter at the front with a cross and simple decorations.

Looking out the open church doors...

And looking out the side door near the alter, is a pioneer woman working with yarn sitting in her rocking chair on the front porch.

That's the end of this Cracker Country tour - visit our gallery to see more photographs of Cracker Country under Portfolio -->Tampa Bay.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Christmas Cracker Country Florida fairgrounds antique fairgrounds music old pioneer https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/12/cracker-country-florida-state-fairgrounds-tampa-florida Sun, 18 Dec 2016 22:00:00 GMT
Owls - Great Horned Owl at Philippe Park, Safety Harbor https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/12/owls---great-horned-owl-at-philippe-park-safety-harbor This past weekend after completing a family shoot with a young couple and their dogs we were packing up to leave when a passer by told us about a couple of owls up in the trees.  We looked up and saw a great horned owl lit up with sunlight as the sun was setting.  WOW!  It was really cool - I have to say I was excited to see the owl sitting way up in the tree - I've only seen a few owls in the wild since they are night time critters.

After taking a lot of photographs and seeing that the owl seemed to have his one eye closed, I came to the conclusion that perhaps the sun was in his (or her) eye and hence that eye was closed.  I'm not sure if the photograph below the owl was yawning or screeching, but either way I caught the owl with it's mouth wide open!

There was another owl close by but it was hidden among the tree branches in another oak tree.

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(VP Shoots Photography) Florida Philippe Park Pinellas County bird great horned owl horned nature outdoor owl park wildlife https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/12/owls---great-horned-owl-at-philippe-park-safety-harbor Sun, 11 Dec 2016 22:00:00 GMT
Historical Markers, Temple Terrace https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/12/historical-markers-temple-terrace Last week at our weekly photography club meeting, one of our members talked about local history.  How many of you actually read the historical markers that are marking so many of the historic places across our country?  I'm willing to bet, if you read them - it's not the ones here at home, but those that you come across when you're on vacation or any place except Home!  I'm in that category too.  So, I decided that perhaps I should pay a little more attention to those green signs that are posted here in my own neighborhood.  Yes, just within the boundary of the small town of Temple Terrace we have a few of these.  Where are they?  Do you know?  I might not have all of them here, but these are the ones that I found and have taken photographs of recently.

Woodmont clubhouse - while the building itself has historic significance there is a sign out 'front' on the north side of the clubhouse that is honoring Bertha Honore Palmer.  This particular sign has lots of information about Mrs. Palmer and the original little building that was built in 1914 (yes, the original part of the structure is now over 100 years old).  The sign was dedicated on October 29, 2012 so it's fairly new to our city.

North side of Woodmont Clubhouse with historical marker.

The next historical sign, just a short walking distance from Woodmont Clubhouse is located at Sutton Hall on Florida College's campus.  This was erected earlier this year and sits on the north side of the building.

The other side of this sign (the sign is the same color on both sides, but I didn't read the sign until I got home, and it said "continued on other side") so I had to go back and take a photo of the other side, and as you can see - differences in time of day and lighting make the sign look different in color).

Sutton Hall has a long history having been built back in the 1920's when many of the oldest homes within Temple Terrace were built. 

The inside of Sutton Hall lies empty as if waiting for a special occasion.

This is a closeup of the black and white photo that is included on the front side of this sign (facing North Riverhills Drive) which shows Sutton Hall back in the early days.

Sutton Hall from the front (facing North Riverhills Drive) in December 2016 below.

In the late afternoon, the sun lights up the top portion of Sutton Hall's main entrance area on the circular drive.  Just across the street is the Temple Terrace Golf Course.

The next marker, a short walk from Sutton Hall down the hill to the river front is for Reverend Billy Graham.  Many do not know the early history of Billy Graham but he worked at the Temple Terrace Country Club many, many years ago.  In memory of Billy Graham, a memorial park along the river front just beyond Florida College was created in 2000 and the historical marker was erected in 2011.

It's a beautiful place to stop and relax along North Riverhills Drive with a view of the Hillsborough River.  There is a single parking place available to park should you want to stop for a few minutes and enjoy the scenery. Facing towards the river where the turtles and alligators are frequently sunning themselves.

A park bench welcomes those willing to stop and enjoy the view.

The last historical marker I found in Temple Terrace resides at the city's most popular park, Riverhills Park, behind the elementary school and nestled along the Hillsborough River.  This park includes a boat ramp, playground, boardwalk, gazebo, tennis courts and the Temple Terrace Community Garden.  It's a busy park during the weekends with limited parking available for those arriving by vehicle.  It's also part of the 'Great Florida Birding Trail' and during those quiet times you will see a variety of different birds including herons, egrets, ibis, pelicans, woodpeckers, hawks and if you're lucky an owl.

During my quest to perform this walking tour of Temple Terrace Historical markers, I visited the Temple Terrace Preservation Society facebook page and website.  Guess what?  We have another historical marker coming to Temple Terrace!  The Temple Terrace Preservation Society is having a Historic Marker Dedication Ceremony on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 1pm at Greco Middle School.  This historical marker will mark "The Largest Orange Grove in the World".

I also found another website, the "Historical Marker Project" (http://www.historicalmarkerproject.com/) and is a group (free membership) that are collecting information and photographs for the various historical markers across the United States.  I joined, perhaps you have an interest in helping to add the markers in your area?

Until next time....

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Bertha Palmer Bill Graham Florida College Historical Marker Palmer Riverhills Riverhills park Sutton Hall Temple Terrace country club historical history marker river https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/12/historical-markers-temple-terrace Sun, 04 Dec 2016 10:00:00 GMT
Capital Theatre, Clearwater, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/11/capital-theatre-clearwater-florida This past week one of our photography meetup groups visited the Capital Theatre in downtown Clearwater, Florida.  The Capital Theatre opened for the first time on March 21, 1921 (that's 95 years ago!).  The theatre is located at 405 Cleveland St, Clearwater, FL 33755, on a corner lot with several areas to park nearby.

As we entered the building, you begin to get the atmosphere of the historic building - it's been renovated several times and they have made many changes, but the main portion of the building is still there.

Our tour guide tells us that this part was at one time open and not covered.  To remember this, they painted a sky on the ceiling.  In the middle of this photo, on the right was the old concession stand (this is now around the corner and not pictured here).

As our tour begins, I asked what one often wonders but perhaps is afraid to ask "Is it haunted?".  Yes, it is said to be haunted.  The story goes that back in the early 80's, the theatre manager brought a few people over to tour the theatre and while he was up in the balcony area, he was robbed and murdered.  This story is being told by two people currently employed full time at the theatre, one is the current theatre manager....

This is the area that the body of Bill Neville was found.  Several different ghost hunters have visited the theatre and have found 'high energy levels' in this particular area.  A google search indicates that there may be a few more ghosts in this theatre, they list 3:

– An old man with a goatee, known as “The Captain”, stalks the hallways in a blue coat and fisherman’s hat
– A ghost named “Bill” who supposedly was killed in the balcony by tourists
– A young girl around 10 years of age who playfully watches over the theatre

The Clearwater Sun newspaper used to be located on the corner next to this theatre.  When the paper was no longer in business, the additional space was added to the theatre.  If you are in the balcony area just behind the area where Bill Neville died, you will see original bricks from the old building and the letters U N on the bricks.

As we toured the theatre and took pictures to our hearts content, I noticed a few things in a couple of photographs - perhaps I wasn't paying attention enough when I took these photographs? There is a little circular area on the bottom right of this hostess stand as one enters the bar area.  It's not photoshoped, it could just be the lighting or a stain on the furniture, but it did jump out at me as I processed these photographs.

 

For additional photographs of the theatre, please visit our gallery at this link: http://www.vpshoots.com/capitaltheatre

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Capital Theatre Clearwater Florida architecture downtown ghost haunted historic interior theater theatre tour https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/11/capital-theatre-clearwater-florida Sun, 27 Nov 2016 22:00:00 GMT
Florida Aquarium - An afternoon with wildlife https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/11/florida-aquarium---an-afternoon-with-wildlife Have you been to the Florida Aquarium? It's a wonderful place to spend a few hours and it's air conditioned!  Yes, it's a great place to go even when it's too hot or cold outside.  Jim and I went to the Florida Aquarium this past weekend with some friends.  It's been a few years since I have been there, they have added more to the Aquarium - if you haven't been - you should go.  We joined as members, so we can go as much as we would like over the next year and receive discounts at many other places also.  Here's some photographs from our most recent visit.

In the large tanks where the sharks and other sea life swim around, I saw this unusual moment.  I don't think the fish was yelling, but perhaps the blue angelfish was in the other fish's personal space? 

 

If you visit on a beautiful sunny afternoon, the fish in the large tanks are often well lit.  This school of fish swam past the front of the aquarium as we watched.  They offer some benches to sit down and relax while watching the fish swim around for those looking to stay a while.

Most people visit the aquarium thinking it is all about fish.  True, there are many different types of fish - but there are other things to view also.  This sea turtle is swimming around with the sharks, fish and stingrays.  This looks like a loggerhead sea turtle (please correct me if you find I am incorrect).

They have an area of the aquarium that is dedicated to the wildlife in Florida.  This includes fish, turtles, birds, and otters!  I love to watch the otters - I've seen them in the wild at two different locations close to home.  This one is swimming around his tank at a fast rate, try to capture this on your camera (or phone) next time you're there - takes a little patience.

Anyone want to guess what this is?  I didn't write it down, but it's not from Florida!

Until next time.....

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Florida Florida Aquarium Tampa aquarium attraction channel side indoor nature park water wildlife https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/11/florida-aquarium---an-afternoon-with-wildlife Sun, 20 Nov 2016 22:00:00 GMT
Reflections - Hillsborough River State Park https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/11/reflections---hillsborough-river-state-park As the weather cools down just a bit and it becomes dry with no rain, lot of the plants are starting to look wilted.  Strolling along the hillsborough river at the state park I noticed the beautiful reflections against the dark water. Just beyond the river rapids on the River Rapids trail, beautiful greens and gold (enhanced a little in the photograph).

The water is perfectly still, the reflections of all the trees in the water.  The photographs were taken shooting down into the water and it looks like watercolor paintings.

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(VP Shoots Photography) Hillsborough River State Park State Park park reflection river tree water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/11/reflections---hillsborough-river-state-park Thu, 17 Nov 2016 17:24:05 GMT
Hillsborough River State Park - Wild flowers! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/11/hillsborough-river-state-park---wild-flowers Recently I went out to Hillsborough River State Park a couple of times to get photographs of the wild flowers.  Most times I walk the trails with my trusted dog, Jimbo - but the flowers were really blooming and it was some what show stopping as I entered the main entrance of the park.

Here's Jimbo relaxing while I am off taking photographs of the wild flowers along the main road within the park.

As I got closer to the wild flowers I began to notice the various little creatures that were among them.  A grasshopper...

A walking stick? I took a few photographs of this and then moved the 'twig' only to find out when I zoomed in on the flower it was a living creature!

A green tree frog, and this one was really small - probably an inch in length at best.

A damselfly (I believe that is what this little flying insect is called).

And then some of the pretty wild flowers.

Until next time

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Hillsborough Hillsborough River State Park bee damselfly flower frog grasshopper hiking nature park trail walking stick wild wildflower https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/11/hillsborough-river-state-park---wild-flowers Sun, 13 Nov 2016 22:00:00 GMT
Sawgrass Lake Park, Pinellas County https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/10/sawgrass-lake-park-pinellas-county Recently we visited one of my favorite Pinellas County parks, Sawgrass Lake Park.  This park is located on the west side of I-275 and can be seen from the interstate.  I'm sure many have seen the park from the interstate, yet never taken the opportunity to stop and enjoy it.  In order to get to this park, you drive through a housing subdivision. There are many locals that come to this park on a regular basis.

My visits have been in the early morning hours.  Typically we take our dog, Jimbo, with us, so we do not go on the boardwalks as dogs are not allowed.  These photographs show areas that can be visited if you have your dog along for the walk.  The number of large oaks this park contains make shady areas as well as very pretty areas for photographing. 

The photograph below is taken from the second parking lot that is around the curve from the main parking area where the restrooms and visitor center are located.

If you're lucky enough to get there when the moisture is high in the air, or it's foggy the sun rays are very beautiful coming through the trees.

The boardwalk goes over a water way with a couple of well made bridges.

The waterways do have alligators - one gentleman told me that he saw one crossing the sidewalk where we were walking the dog - so be on the look out to be safe.  The park has lots of bird life and turtles as well.

The park address is 7400 25th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida should you want to take a stroll with nature.

Until next time.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Pinellas Pinellas County Sawgrass Lake Park alligator bird boardwalk lake nature oak outdoor park sidewalk tree turtle water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/10/sawgrass-lake-park-pinellas-county Sun, 30 Oct 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Kayaking Hillsborough River https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/10/kayaking-hillsborough-river The last two weeks we have taken kayaks out on the Hillsborough River starting at the boat ramp located at Riverhills park in Temple Terrace.  This was a different experience then what we normally do in our power boats as you're doing the paddling (no engine) and you're very close to the surface of the water.  Something peaceful about going out with a friend to kayak for a few hours.  Here's a few photographs from our travels up towards the Temple Terrace highway bridge over the river.

All of the photographs are black and white as the colors were not vibrant and the textures were strong.  A group of cypress trees as we paddle through the middle of them. Continuing along our ventures...the sun is shining through the cypress trees as we get ready to go around the bend in the river.

Cypress trees along the way are the dominant trees.  I did notice some brazilian pepper trees invading the shorelines of the river.

In some areas where the water is more still and swampy, the trees actually have a small piece of 'land' surrounding them and ferns, begonias and other plants take root.  The photo below shows a little movement, guess Jim was paddling rather fast when I snapped this photograph.

Until next time...

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(VP Shoots Photography) Hillsborough River Tampa Temple Terrace boat cypress kayak nature outdoor peaceful river tree https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/10/kayaking-hillsborough-river Sun, 23 Oct 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Jackson House in downtown Tampa https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/10/jackson-house-in-downtown-tampa On Saturday morning, Jim and I headed to downtown Tampa to visit some of the local 'haunts' as we approach the 2nd most popular holiday in America - Halloween!  It is one of the most 'decorated' holidays just a few weeks away now.  Our first stop was to the historic Oaklawn Cemetery which I'll share a few photos of in a future blog but our second stop was very interesting.  We headed to the Jackson House at 851 Zack Street.  It's a very old building, not in good shape and it's sitting with parking lots all around it.  There's a large oak tree near the back of the house.  Personally, I had no idea what I was looking at except that it was a cool looking old house with so many possible photographs and I have no doubt that it could actually have a few ghosts running around as well.

Jackson HouseJackson House ** East side of the Jackson House, October 2016

Aiming up from outside the fence that now surrounds this house.  I hope this means they are working on it - the wood looks new.

Jackson HouseJackson House

Everyone now does "Google" and what we did without that is getting harder and harder to remember.....but google we did to get some idea of what we were looking at.  Several articles popped up - many were about the efforts to either save or demolish this historic structure but I am most interested in the history of this house.  Why is it here and how old is it?

The Jackson house is over 100 years old, in fact it appears that it was built around 1903. Much of the information was taken from a website (link below).  The Jackson house is a two-story home who's first owner was Sarah Allen.  The house sits in one of the oldest black neighborhoods in Tampa that was known as "Scrub".  This two story home consisted of twenty four rooms - it was a boarding house that Mr. Jackson provided after realizing that African American travelers had no place to stay while they were visiting in Tampa.  The house became known as "The Jackson House".  Many famous people stayed here including Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown and Ray Charles.

Information found on this house indicates that in the 1930s the rooms were 75 cents a night.  The band leaders stayed on the first floor and their entourages bunked on the second floor.  Over the years many famous people stayed at the Jackson House and it seems that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr stopped by for a sandwich while in town.

In 1989, the house stopping taking guests.  That's almost three decades ago!

The more current articles indicate that Mr. Willie Robinson, Jr is the owner of this property (at least as recently as 2014).  The original Jacksons, Moses and his wife Sarah, ran the Jackson house until their deaths in 1929 and 1937, respectively.  The Jackson House was passed on to their daughters (it does not appear they had any sons).  The youngest Jackson daughter eventually inherited the house.  She married Mr. Willie Robinson, Sr and they had a son, Mr. Willie Robinson, Jr.  A little family genealogy for those wanting to understand how the home went from the surname of "Jackson" to "Robinson".

 

The windows are broken, the curtains are torn, the wood is peeling but what a wonderful place this would be to photograph inside and out!

Jackson HouseJackson House

Jackson HouseJackson House

I typically shy away from including links in any of my blog entries that are outside of my control.  The main reason for this is because if they go dead, then you have a dead link in my blog and I don't know it unless I check to ensure they are still valid or someone tells me.  So should they become dead links, I'll let you know I'm sorry now.

This is a link I found that some of the historical information I included in my blog was taken from.  It is also a location where you can donate to help save this historic landmark if you choose. http://jacksonhousefoundation.org/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sminor/2927835120/ <==  shows a photograph of this house which I assume was taken either in 2008 or earlier.  A lot has changed - the house no longer looks anything like this!

Until next time.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) African American Jackson Jackson house Tampa black boarding downtown historic house old scrub https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/10/jackson-house-in-downtown-tampa Sun, 16 Oct 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Ft DeSoto Fishing Pier - Sunset and after..... https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/10/ft-desoto-fishing-pier---sunset-and-after Last week we went out to the fishing pier at Ft. DeSoto - it's been a long time since I have been to this park.  It's beautiful with all the birds and wildlife as well as the beaches.  The fishing pier is open to the public when the rest of the park closes down.  Several of us went here to photograph the sunset and see what the 'blue hour' (the first hour after sunset) and the night sky might bring.  Clouds were great for the sunset, but not so much for the stars.  Here's a few photographs from this outing.

Some of the other photographers were joking with me because I could walk under this portion of the pier without ducking as I am not as tall as the men that were on this photography venture.

 

As the sun set, we watched the light house over on Egmont Key as it circled around.  I timed this photograph to catch the light shining across the water.  The sky was blue after the sun set, the 'yellow' tint to the beach is from the lights on the fishing pier that is just to the right (outside the photograph frame). The final photograph shows some stars, clouds as well as the waterfront to the south of the fishing pier.  This photograph was taken using a 20mm lens on a Nikon D7100 (crop sensor).  This is a 20 second exposure, f/2.8 with ISO of 1000.  Definitely used my tripod for this shot!

To view a few more photographs from this adventure, go to.....http://www.vpshoots.com/ftdesoto

 

Until next time,

Linda

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(VP Shoots Photography) Egmont Key after dark fishing pier gulf lighthouse low light night park pier sea stars sunset tripod water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/10/ft-desoto-fishing-pier---sunset-and-after Sun, 09 Oct 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Letters - what comes to mind for you? https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/10/letters---what-comes-to-mind-for-you This past week the challenge was to create photographs that demonstrate the word "Letters".  So many different ideas might come to mind when you hear this word.  For many of this, we think of the old fashioned writing of letters that has been the main form of communication since the postmen were 'circuit riders' delivering mail to people in different locations.  However, as times are moving on, this is definitely becoming a dying art and soon we may have nothing but a collection of emails at best.  Old fashioned letters tell you a bit about the person - you see whether they write neatly, messy, fancy, with pen or pencil, small or large letters - it's character.  Emails are usually just the typed letters (not nearly as interesting).
 

Many children don't know how to read or write cursive - that's sad as how will you read any of the old documents? How will you read the Constitution of the United States?
 

Time will tell what happens to this dying art, but for this week I pulled together several different ideas that I am sharing here with you.  My first thought was the old wooden blocks that we all played with as children (at least I did).  Maybe they don't have these anymore and I'm sure they aren't made of the beautiful wood of my childhood.
 


 

I found an old letter that my Mother wrote back in 1957 to her father.  My Mother was attending FSU at this time and soon to graduate and move back to Miami, Florida where she was born and raised.  Her parents divorced when she was a teenager and her father moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana.
 

Here's another photograph of the same letter as it is being held and read.
 

Course, many people think of the old quill pens with feathers and the ink well (of which I currently own neither).  This is the closest to this type of setup I have with a modern ball point pen and a feather along with a stand to hold the pen.
 

The last one, everyone with a computer will recognize!  It's the modern day keyboard attached to a computer.  Course, with touch screens and voice recognition who knows how long it will be before these may be a dated item as well?
 


 

Until next time,
 

Linda
 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) block blocks building block building blocks envelope feather keyboard letter mail paper pen toy wood wooden https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/10/letters---what-comes-to-mind-for-you Sun, 02 Oct 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Riverhills Park - sometimes you need to see what's close to home https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/9/riverhills-park---sometimes-you-need-to-see-whats-close-to-home Riverhills Park is on the Florida birding trail and if one takes the time to enjoy the park, you'll know why.  Over the years I have taken my camera down to this park just a few blocks from our house and photographed whatever I find.  I've done this for many years and still see different and sometimes amazing things at this park.

Osprey's are all over this section of the river.  This particular photograph was taken while we were boating, but there are nests close enough to the shore that you can view them from the park itself.

For the quiet times at the park, you can find the anhinga bird drying it's wings after swimming.  This is the bird that pops it's head out of the water before diving back under to swim and hunt for food.  Most of the time this bird has it's back to my camera - this one was nice enough to face the camera.  The sun was low in the afternoon providing a fair amount of backlighting on the anhinga.

The great egret takes flight among the cypress trees on the river.  These birds are somewhat common, but are only at the park when the people are not there or are few in numbers.  Catch them there in the early morning hours or while boating on the river.

With the introduction of the Temple Terrace Community Garden, bluebirds are now here.  I have never seen these in the park until about 2013 and was absolutely thrilled!  They are such beautiful blue color on their backs - I love seeing them flying around.  

If you're not into birds, yes - we have these too, the alligator.  This particular one was being fed by humans and was way to friendly.  Unfortunately when this happens, the alligator pays the price - DEATH.  It's against the law to feed these animals but seems to many humans can't seem to leave them alone.  The animal trappers have taken this one away, but there are others for sure - just not any as bold as this one to come right up to you as you walk on the boardwalk.

The sunsets here at the park are beautiful - so if you're in the area when the sun is setting, be sure to take a few moments to look and see if this is one of the fantastic sunsets we have here in Florida!

 

Until next time,

 

Linda

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(VP Shoots Photography) alligator anhinga bird birding trail bluebird egret gator nature osprey outdoor park river sunset https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/9/riverhills-park---sometimes-you-need-to-see-whats-close-to-home Sun, 25 Sep 2016 21:00:00 GMT
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills..." - Pretty Place, South Carolina https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/9/-i-will-lift-up-my-eyes-to-the-hills---pretty-place-south-carolina Pretty Place, South Carolina is beautiful.  A friend of ours recommended we visit here while on vacation in South Carolina and it was definitely a sight to visit and photograph.  The site is located at the YMCA Camp Greenville, South Carolina.  It's a long drive up to the top of the mountain not to far from Ceasar's Head State Park.  A couple of things to keep in mind should you decide to visit this beautiful overlook.  The first, you are looking east when you visit - so if you want to see a beautiful sun coming up - this is a great place to see it.  When I googled, I was not able to find anything that told me what direction I would be looking.  The second, this is not a dog friendly place.  However, upon arriving, I did find that we could have brought our dog, left the car running, and he would have been fine in the car - so if you're on the road and want to take this option I think you will be fine (just keep the dog in the car).  The address is: 100 YMCA Camp Rd, Cleveland, SC 29635 and the GPS Coordinates are: 35°8'1" N 82°34'31" W.  The elevation is 2857.6 feet  (course, that's the height I was holding the camera, not ground level so it might actually be a few feet lower).  Adobe Lightroom Map feature shows the location of photographs I took while in this area.  The actual name of this chapel is Fred W. Symmes Chapel.

We arrived at Pretty Place and we could see the mountains through the chapel.

The chapel is not huge, but does have a beautiful view (and a bathroom should you need one!). The photo below is an HDR image that allows for seeing the inside of the chapel as well as the mountain view.  The dark areas on the mountains were created by cloud cover up above.  This was the initial view of the mountain overlook as we walked inside the chapel.

When you get to the front of the chapel, there is a stone wall on the outside with several memorial stones on top of the stone wall.

The view at the stone wall.  I can't imagine what this would be like at sunrise or sunset, but there are photographs on the internet that show what it looks like and it's beautiful.  I personally think I would find the drive up there in the dark (or back down) to be nerve wrecking.  I'm not the best mountain driver nor passenger.

Standing behind the cross and looking back into the chapel.

Jim and I stayed here for a good hour.  We setup our tripods and camera and took pictures in between the people that would come and go having spent only a few minutes here.  Sometimes we need to just stop and enjoy the things here on earth as you never know when it will no longer be there to view.

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills..." Psalm 121:1

Until Next time

Linda

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(VP Shoots Photography) Fred Fred W. Symmes Greenville Pretty Place South Carolina Symemes YMCA YMCA Camp Greenville chapel cross mountain nature outdoor overlook view https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/9/-i-will-lift-up-my-eyes-to-the-hills---pretty-place-south-carolina Sun, 18 Sep 2016 17:51:04 GMT
Gone to the dogs.... https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/9/gone-to-the-dogs Just over a week ago, we were being pounded with rain and lots of it too.  Then we got the joy of no electricity for a day but all things have gone back to normal this week.  This week has been a busy week of photographing rescue dogs.  It's hard work! Actually, it's fun work playing with the dogs and working to get some great photographs to help them find their forever homes.  All of these dogs are with Maxx and Me Rescue where Jim and I are volunteering our photography services.  We photographed puppies (4-7 months of age) and seniors this week.  Senior dogs that is, not high school seniors :)

Sweets is an older female dog and was quite challenging for a little while, then she finally got the hang of it.  This photograph was captured after wandering around with her for the better part of 30-45 minutes.

Rosie - senior female dog took right to our bean bag 'chair' and had a ball romping and playing on it.  We put the blue blanket over the bean bag and she decided it was the perfect place to lay down.  The bean bag we use for our dog Jimbo when he goes boating with us but it's works great as a prop for our dog photographs.

Blondie - female puppy about 4 months of age loved laying on the patio deck at her foster's home.  I've never seen a dog that has one ear that folds down floppy and one that stands up straight - but now I have - she is great with children and other dogs.  Sweet personality and we enjoyed playing with her during the photography session.

Dagwood - male puppy, about 4 months old.  He was quite a character and the first of four dogs we photographed at one foster.  Dagwood turned out to be quite a ham for the camera and made it easy to get great photographs of him.

As we played with him, he gave us a high five!  I think he enjoyed all the attention he was getting and just loved being photographed.

 Abby - female, about 40 pounds, is six to seven months old.  At the moment, this girl is our foster dog.  We planned to be her transportation, but she had began to show signs of kennel cough and wasn't able to go to the kennel.  So, she is currently here with Jim, Jimbo and I.  And to be fair, the cats have been great with her - Abby doesn't mind cats at all - Dillon and Angel don't seem to mind her and Torie, well - she is getting used to her now that she has been here for a day.  Torie still considers Jimbo her buddy as he was the deciding factor on her getting adopted by us a few years ago. AbbyAbby

Our last foster of this week is Sugar.  She found her forever home and will be living in South Carolina.  An outgoing, curious, fun-loving dog - her new home should be perfect for her and we wish her the best in life.

Until next time.

 

Linda

Here's the link for Maxx and Me Dog Rescue http://maxxandme.org/  they are also on facebook for those of you that are facebook friends.

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Florida Maxx and Me Maxx and Me Dog Rescue Tampa adoption available canine dog dog rescue foster foster parent puppy rescue https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/9/gone-to-the-dogs Sun, 11 Sep 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Remembering 911 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/9/remembering-911 As the sun rises today let us remember:

those who were lost on 9/11

those that helped with the aftermath of this tragedy

those that lost friends, relatives, co-workers


Let us remember......

This flag is on the Hillsborough River just east of the 56th street bridge in Temple Terrace.  I don't know who makes sure the flag is always in good shape, nor do I know who was so kind to put a new flag there recently and to raise it up higher not to long ago, but know that we see it when we cross the bridge into Temple Terrace and that we see it each time we go out on the river boating.

 

Thank you!!!

 

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Hillsborough river Temple Terrace boat boating cypress flag nature outdoor river tree water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/9/remembering-911 Sun, 11 Sep 2016 08:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography - Rescue Dog https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/9/pet-photography---rescue-dog This past weekend, Jim and I traveled over to Winter Garden, Florida to photograph a young male pit bull dog (Earl) currently in a foster home.  Earl was rescued by a young man named Brian and is one of the foster dogs for Maxx and Me Rescue located here in Tampa.  As Earl is currently living in Cocoa, Florida we agreed to meet at a dog park that was centrally located for both of us.  I found a really nice dog park called "West Orange Dog Park" located in Winter Garden.

Here's the photographs we took of Earl - if anyone is interested in adopting Earl, please contact Maxx and Me Rescue at http://www.maxxandme.org

This is a very nice dog park.  They have separate areas for the large dogs and small dogs.  In addition, the entire park has trees and shade which help to prevent it from getting to hot.  They have several park benches and a table for the humans to relax as the dogs play.  There is water for the dogs as well as bowls and swimming pools. 

Jim sets this particular photograph up with Jimbo as I peered through the tube to take the photograph.  Jimbo didn't want to go through the tube, so this is the next best option.  Here's a photograph we took of Jimbo while we were hanging out at the dog park.

West Orange Dog Park

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(VP Shoots Photography) Florida Orlando Pet Photography Winter Garden adoption canine dog dog park park photography portrait rescue shade tree trees https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/9/pet-photography---rescue-dog Sun, 04 Sep 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Monarch Caterpillars https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/8/monarch-caterpillars Yesterday the garden club for our local elementary school started with the first day of a group of young eager gardeners.  Last year, one of the children was very interested in butterflies and their life cycle.  I brought in several of the photographs that I have taken in our own yard sharing the life cycle through photographs.  She was very excited, and we decided to start a small butterfly garden within the vegetable garden.

The reason I mentioned all this, is this year she told me that her teacher saw my photographs and decided the children would raise caterpillars in the classroom so they can see and learn the life cycle in person.  She also said she has milk weed at her home.  Wonderful!  I've achieved a great mile stone as the monarch caterpillars are in need of everyone's help.  Their numbers are declining, the milk weed population is decreasing, and that's the ONLY plant a monarch butterfly will lay eggs on.  One little itty bitty white egg on the underside of the leaf.  Each leaf gets an egg, but only one egg.  The leaf the egg is laid on will feed the baby caterpillar for several days before it needs to travel for additional food.

Many of the caterpillars don't make it.   They get eaten by other bugs including wasps, which I unfortunately saw first hand but wasn't able to stop the cycle of nature.  After reading another person's blog (Tony Gomez) about monarch caterpillars, I realized I still have much to learn about these wonderful creatures fluttering around in my yard.  I don't often include links to others websites because they can become dead links in my blog, but here's the one for Tony if you want more details http://monarchbutterflygarden.net/

Here's my first attempt to photograph a monarch butterfly egg - I watched the butterfly lay the eggs, otherwise I would have no idea these little eggs were on the plant.  See the little white object with the vertical lines going down the sides?  That's the egg (the rest is debris on the bottom of the leave or dust on my sensor-ugh).  Think about this, the average vertical length of a milkweed leave is about 2 inches on my plants.  This egg I can't even see without a lot of blowing it up.  If you look at a leaf, this photograph is only showing a small portion of the leaf, not even even as much as you would see if you were looking between 2 vertical veins in the leaf.  That's small!

Here's a larger portion of the milkweed leaf, although, still not the entire leaf and if you look closely, you can see the little white egg that is on the underside of this leaf.

These grow up to be caterpillars - this is not the same 'egg' hatched to be a caterpillar but here's another fairly large caterpillar (about 1.5 inches) eating away.  The picture is not upside down, but rather the caterpillar is hanging upside down as it is eating the milkweed leaf.

Here's another picture a little further away to help give you some perspective.

The last photograph shows almost the entire caterpillar.  If I wanted to share the entire caterpillar, I would have needed to remove a leaf, and that's well - part of this little fella's food, so the leaf stayed!

Soon this caterpillar will wonder off to prepare for the next stage of life.  Since I leave my caterpillars in the wild, I may not know where it goes to do that but hopefully it will become a beautiful monarch butterfly flying around in our backyard within a few weeks.

For more photographs of Wildlife, visit our gallery for wildlife photographs.  http://www.vpshoots.com/wildlife

Until next time,

Linda Perdue

VP Shoots Photography

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(VP Shoots Photography) butterfly caterpillar closeup egg garden gardening macro monarch monarch caterpillar nature outdoor wildlife https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/8/monarch-caterpillars Sun, 28 Aug 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Emerson Point Preserve, Manatee County https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/8/emerson-point-preserve-manatee-county Emerson Point Preserve is located in Manatee County at 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221.  It's on the Florida Birding Trail and has lots of various types of Florida natural environments.  Jimbo and I took a drive down to the 'point' and walked along the nature trail that is along the shore and has lots of mangrove trees.

The preserve is dog friendly, just keep them on a leash and let your dog enjoy the natural Florida.  It's mid morning, and already very hot here, so having a shady trail to walk along was nice.  This was the first bird we countered on our walk, looks like it's in the heron family, but not one that I am positive of its identification - perhaps a young yellow crowned night heron? Any of you birders know?

The mangrove trees are along the shoreline here.  I used Topaz Impression to give a slight painterly look to the tree and water.

The roots of mangrove trees are full of interesting textures, but not much color.  As the sun was getting higher, the light was not great for photography anymore although Jimbo was enjoying the walk along the shore.

As we headed out the long two lane road to leave the preserve, I spotted this bird hiding in the mangroves.  This particular photograph was taken from the vehicle and looks like a young yellow crown heron (goggle confirms it).

There are a lot of different areas within the preserve to visit as well as various trails through out the preserve.  Bugs weren't bad considering it's the middle of summer - great place to hang out along the water if you're looking for a less crowded place to enjoy.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Emerson Point Preserve Manatee County bird dog friendly dog-friendly mangrove nature outdoor preserve https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/8/emerson-point-preserve-manatee-county Sun, 21 Aug 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Waterfall treking around Brevard, North Carolina https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/8/waterfall-trekking-around-brevard-north-carolina Wow, we are getting up early today, it's still dark outside!  Breakfast first, then loading up the truck - we are heading out for an adventure today after riding in the car for a long time yesterday.  We drove from Pickens, South Carolina over a winding road to Brevard, North Carolina about 45 minutes away.
 

We met friends in Brevard (one from Tampa) and headed out for a day of adventure.  The first stop is Looking Glass falls which is just along the road side, very little hiking required, not much opportunity to wander around for Jimbo.  I can see in Jimbo's eyes "Stairs, ugh, not my favorite thing in the world." We walked down the stairs to get to the bottom of the waterfall.  Since it is along the road side, it is very popular and often hard to get a parking spot but we were early, just after 7:30am, which allowed us to get there and take some photographs without other people yet wondering around.  The 'sun star' was created by using a small aperture on the camera (if was not photoshopped into the picture).

And here Jimbo is sitting on the stairs wondering why exactly he is tied up when everyone else is wandering around freely.

The little 'orange' and 'yellow' boxes indicate various places that we took photographs and GPS coordinates were recorded.  The next waterfall is Rock Falls located under the number '30' on the map shown here. '30' indicates the number of photographs that were taken at that location.

Rock Falls, North Carolina (below)

Each waterfall stop was rather short as we had a lot of ground to cover today.  We spent an average of 20-30 minutes at each location and for the first few waterfalls the walk was short.  We are all used to a slower pace where we can wander around, Jimbo smells the sites to see who else has been here recently.  

Ah, now we are starting to get a little walking in as we head down a trail and Jimbo seems to be taking this in stride as this is our 'normal hiking adventure'.  This is 'Whale rock' with a waterfall in the background.

Back on the trail again after just a few minutes - but now we are climbing around on rocks next to the water.  Jimbo spotted a nice shady place to hang out while we wandered around taking photographs.

Jimbo seems to be saying: "This is going to be a long day and I'm ready for a nap."  He dug himself a little hole to get to the cooler dirt and hung out here till we were ready to go walking again.  Our last waterfall was the longest hike of the morning.  By now, the sun is high and hitting this particular waterfall located off National Forest 475 road. I'm not even totally sure where we are, but we are following our friends in their car.  Somewhere along the way, I snapped a picture of a sign that says: 'Cove Creek Group Camp' located in the Pisgah National Forest so I know we are in this general vicinity.  The sun has gotten higher, it's now shining on the waterfall which faces (roughly) east, so it is not optimal photographing time, but was a nice walk for Jimbo and a huge waterfall!
 

Our next stop was for lunch before we headed into the Dupont National Forest.  Back to town (Brevard) we travelled, had some lunch and then off to Dupont National Forest.  Here's a couple more photographs before we conclude our whirlwind waterfall day.
 

 

Merry Falls was beautiful - it took my breath away when I first saw it.  Jim and I were both thinking....did they save the best waterfalls till last? The photograph probably does not do this beautiful waterfall justice, but it will give you an idea.  This waterfall faces (roughly) west, but by the time we got there the sun was shining through the trees and making it a bit spotty for taking the pictures.
 

Our last stop on the trail was a wonderful 'secret waterfall' also (not well known to many and hidden behind a gate that we walked around).

By now it's after 4:30 in the afternoon and we have traveled a good long ways around this part of the country.  Just a glimpse into the world of waterfalls around Brevard, North Carolina.  Soon we headed back home to our rental place in Pickens, South Carolina.

To see more pictures of this area, please visit the gallery for our trip. http://www.vpshoots.com/pickens 

Until next time....

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) North Carolina South Carolina brevard dog friendly hiking mountain mountains nature outdoor pickens trail waterfall https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/8/waterfall-trekking-around-brevard-north-carolina Sun, 14 Aug 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Pet Photography and Pet Sitting - Meet Kit Kat https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/8/pet-photography-and-pet-sitting---meet-kit-kat I spent the last few days cat sitting a cute young manx cat named "Kit Kat".  Her favorite things to do are playing with her toys and hanging out by the doors watching the world outside.  As we played, she allowed me to capture these cute portraits of her.  These photographs were taken using natural light coming from french doors during the early afternoon.

Pet photography is fast becoming an expanding market as people include their pets in more of their lives and things they do.  That goes mostly for dogs as they travel better in many cases, although I have met people that say their cats travel great cross-country when they have two homes.  

If anyone local to the Tampa area needs Pet Photography (we do humans too), or pet sitting let us know - perhaps we can provide those services for you.  For photographs including your cat with the family or just some precious photographs of your cat, we will come to your home and photograph as they are most comfortable at home.

Here's Kit Kat ......Wearing her snake toy like a scarf...

Taking a break for a photograph (or maybe the snake toy was playing dead because I picked up the camera?)

Kit KatKit Kat

Kit KatKit Kat

So long, what's outside is now more interesting....

Until next time....

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(VP Shoots Photography) Pet Photography cat feline natural light portrait https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/8/pet-photography-and-pet-sitting---meet-kit-kat Sun, 07 Aug 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Table Rock State Park, Pickens, South Carolina https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/7/table-rock-state-park-pickens-south-carolina On the third day of our trip to South Carolina we ventured to Table Rock State Park.  The brochure promised trails, a waterfall and mountain views and opened early so we were able to get there when it was still cool.  Shortly after 7am we arrived to an empty parking lot (who hoo) and it was still a bit cool outside.  Here's the list of options for hiking.....knowing how slow we are if there are things to take pictures of, the first two trails (particularly in the summer) are out of the question.  So, looking at the shorter trails, we have several options.
 

After talking with the park ranger, Ira, we decided the best trail for us to start out on was Carrick Creek Trail as it is a 2 mile loop and runs along the stream in this part of the park.  Ira told us there is a waterfall with a platform for viewing and photographing not to far along the trail and after that several waterfalls along the way that are smaller.  The trail was 'easy' compared to other trails in this park - sounded like the perfect trail for us.
 

We walked to the hiker trail sign in sheet which asked for the approximate time of return -- who knows? depends on how photogenic this trail is and how hot it gets!  I decided that 3 hours should be plenty of time for the 3 of us (Jim, Jimbo and I). 
 

They have a nice platform with a small store, vending machines and restrooms just before you depart on to the trail. Walk down these stairs and you're on your way.
 

Soon we arrived at the waterfall.  We must have spent a good 30-60 minutes there just photographing and hanging out.  We had it all to ourselves for quite a while and the few that did stop didn't stay long.  Other people would pose in front of the waterfall, snap a picture with their cell phones and off they went.  5 minutes top.  How can you appreciate the natural beauty if that's all you do?
 

Clearly our dog has figured out what should be done. Lay down and relax!
 


 

We continued on up this trail, stopping along the way to take photographs.
 


 

As we continued on up the trail, we began to climb stairs along with inclining trailway.  Jimbo was not liking the stairs.  Walking inclines is fine, but Jimbo is getting older in his years and stairs are quickly not on his 'to do' list.  We continued on, but eventually it became evident that Jimbo was hot and tired - we found a few people coming from the other direction.  They said we hadn't even made it to the 1/2 mile mark.  Oops, we weren't going to make this 2 mile hike.  It was getting to hot, to much time spent on the beginning of the trail.  After making it to the 1/2 mile mark, we decided to turn back as it was shorter than finishing - temperatures were already climbing into the low 90s and we only had 1 bottle of water left.
 

Well, we enjoyed the mile we did hike - and when we returned to the waterfall area it was now a swimming hole for the children.  They were having fun and I was happy we managed to get the pictures before it became a swimming area.  Hopefully next time we can do the trail in cooler temperatures and we can do the entire 2 miles - I'll limit the camera gear and it will be more fun for all of us.
 

Table Rock State Park is a 3,083-acre park at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Pickens County, South Carolina. The park includes Pinnacle Mountain, the tallest mountain totally within the state.  The official address is 158 Ellison Lane, South Carolina, 29671.
 

Until next time...
 


 


 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Pickens South Carolina Table Rock State Park hiking nature outdoor outdoors park state park stream swim swimming waterfall https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/7/table-rock-state-park-pickens-south-carolina Sun, 31 Jul 2016 23:40:12 GMT
Somewhere over the rainbow https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/7/somewhere-over-the-rainbow This past week we spent in the mountains of South and North Carolina.  We covered a lot of ground while up there both in the car and on foot.  Over the next few weeks I'll share some of those moments with you.  Each morning we rose early - often before the sun came up and it's coming up early now (just after 6am).  Heading out the door as early as 6:30 am to start our treks to various locations to photograph.  Each afternoon it would either rain for a little while or at least threaten with thunder.  

We drove, we hiked, we climbed, and at the end of each day we slept hard.  One of my favorite moments was when we stopped at Caesars Head State Park and we walked out to see the beautiful view and a rainbow!  I've seen rainbows, I think we all have, but I've never seen a rainbow over the mountains and I may never see it again so here's my rainbow.  I have no idea if the pot of gold was at the bottom somewhere in the mountains, but it was a special moment for me and I wanted to share this with each of you.

At the overlook for this park, you will see several different large boulders and this one looks like a profile view of a person.

Just around the corner from the overlook is a stairway that leads down in between two large boulders (maybe one in the past) that has been carved so you can walk through it.  It's a narrow passageway - I was glad I did not have my backpack as I wondered if that would make it much harder to pass through this small area.  These are HUGE boulders.  If you look closely you can see Jim standing at the opening on the other side.

More pictures to come - but wanted to share this special moment with each of you!

Caesars Head State Park is located at 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635 and the GPS coordinates are 35°6'19" N 82°37'41" W.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Caesars Head State Park Cleveland South Carolina boulder landscape mountain nature outdoor rainbow stone https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/7/somewhere-over-the-rainbow Sun, 24 Jul 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Rescue Dogs for adoption https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/7/rescue-dogs-for-adoption Pet Photography is fast becoming one of my favorite types of photography.  Jim and I volunteered to photograph these cute dogs looking for a home.  If you or anyone you know in the Tampa area is looking for a dog and one of these looks like a great match for you - please let me know and I'll put you in touch with the foster parent.

 

If you're looking for photos of your pet - whether you just want a portrait of your pet or you want a family photo including your pet - we can help you get that special portrait.  You can reach us at:

email: [email protected]

phone: (813) 610-2671

 

Red dachshund

Brown dachshund, older but still loves to play with a calm side since he is older.

Dachshund mix, very full of energy.  This little guy didn't want to stay put for any photos - always running around but really sweet.

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(VP Shoots Photography) adoption canine dachshund dog rescue https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/7/rescue-dogs-for-adoption Sun, 24 Jul 2016 13:43:36 GMT
Rainbow Falls Trail, Gorges State Park, Sapphire, North Carolina https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/7/rainbow-falls-trail-gorges-state-park-sapphire-north-carolina The joys of being outside with nature.  We ventured off to the mountains to see waterfalls and other things not common in Florida.  This particular state park is located in Sapphire, North Carolina and is called "Gorges State Park".  For those that might be wondering, this park is located .7 miles south of Highway 64 on Highway 281.  We parked the truck, and then headed over to the area known as "Grassy Ridge Access Area".  After reading the various signs indicating what the trails are, the trail we choose to take is Rainbow Falls Trail.  This is labelled as: "This strenuous 1.5 mile trail travels west of of Gorges State Park and into the Pisgah National Forest.  The state park trail ends after 3/4 of a mile and connects to a path in the Pisgah National Forest." 'Blaze=orange circles'.  So, 1.5 miles - that can't be to bad right?  Well, it wasn't, but I will say the 'strenuous' part did add another dimension to this hike.  We went uphill, downhill, upstairs, downstairs and eventually decided that we should take a few pictures along the way to take some breaks.  When we go hiking, we are carrying a few pounds along with us on the trail, so it's not the same as just hiking hands free.  Here's the sign to help us remember "Orange circles" and point us in the correct direction (also helps to remember which trail the pictures were taken on).

We hiked - Jim, Jimbo and I.  There were times I wondered what exactly I had set out to do, but when we got to the end....it was worth it.  Here's some pictures of the waterfall.

After watching all this water plunging downward, mist flying, I decided to try some black and white infrared photography. Trees turn white (at least healthy ones do) making it appear more like a winter scene.

The trail down to the edge of the waterfall is a small dirt path about 2 feet wide.  Lots of green (white in infrared) foliage on the ground.

Getting a little closer and seeing the water with mist flying everywhere made it cooler as we watched the water flowing over the rocks.

The only bad thing I can say about this particular hike, shortly after we reached our destination it started to lightly rain.  Rain by itself can be very refreshing (not good for my camera), but it does cool you off.  However, soon the thunder cracked loudly and Jimbo wasn't happy.  The travel back to our car was the fastest I have ever traveled 1.5 miles of strenuous terrain!  It started raining harder, I was sweating harder but eventually Jimbo and I made it to the truck.  We had no idea where Jim was, but after 30 minutes the rain stopped. I pulled Jimbo out of the truck to go look for Jim who was just exiting the trail.  Wow, what an adventure - and definitely worth the trip!

 

Until next time...

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(VP Shoots Photography) Gorges State Park North Carolina Pisgah Rainbow Falls Sapphire hiking infrared nature outdoor trail waterfall https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/7/rainbow-falls-trail-gorges-state-park-sapphire-north-carolina Sun, 17 Jul 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Croc Encounters, Tampa, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/7/croc-encounters-tampa-florida Croc Encounters is a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing reptiles.  I did not know it, but this place is literally 10 minutes from our house, so we visited using the "Sneak Peak Saturday" coupon which is $5.00 for each person in the family up to 5 (I believe).  Sneak Peak Saturday is from 11am to 5pm (definitely the hotter part of the day in the summer).  We got a little rain while we were there which made the temperatures a little more comfortable, but wasn't so great for our cameras.

I think what caught my eye first was the new big gate they recently added to the sanctuary.  Without that, I probably would not have noticed this place for many more years.  Just inside the gate is a small parking lot for about 10 cars - one of the newer additions to the reptile park.  This banner is hanging by the entrance.

As we walked around the various ponds and waterways on a narrow (about 2 1/2 feet) wooden boardwalk we viewed several different reptiles. 

A big pond with a lot of cooters, red-eared turtles and yellow bellied turtles.  A good number of them came swimming up to us, so we knew they were expecting a hand out of food.  One of the staff members said they are provided turtle pellets and seem to have a bottomless stomach as they will eat as much as they are fed.  I recall red-eared turtles were very commonly sold in the pet stores when I was a young child - but they are apparently not native to this area.  Some have been released into the Hillsborough River near us as I have seen and taken a few pictures of them in the wild.

They also have a few box turtles, that came walking over to me as I got down on their level to take some photographs.

They have a big area with gophers that were busy eating up hay when I walked up.  Several were curious as I arrived, obviously a lot of them see 'people' and assume it's feeding time.  This gopher was more interested in the greens growing just outside the rim of their 'exhibit' but stopped so I could take a few pictures.

They also have a few large lizards. This is an Asian Water Monitor, they have several other types of lizards as well.

Until next time...

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(VP Shoots Photography) Asian Water Monitor Croc Encounters Tampa alligator gopher lizard reptile rescue sanctuary turtle wildlife https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/7/croc-encounters-tampa-florida Sun, 10 Jul 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Steinhatchee - Scallop Season 2016 opened last weekend https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/6/steinhatchee---scallop-season-2016-opened-last-weekend Wow, we spent last weekend in Steinhatchee, Florida and the scallops are very good this year.  It seems that FWC (Florida Wildlife Commission) did a count before the season and found over 180 in the area they scanned versus last year it was around 50. Big Difference!!!
 

This trip we stayed with some friends that have a beautiful home here in town.  Our trip started at the Sea Hag Marina - this is the place we stay at every year.  Sea Hag Marina has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years.  BP can be thanked for a portion of that as they provided this small fishing town the ability to recover and grow.  New things keep coming to this marina - it's very popular!
 

We leave the marina by boat and head out to the Gulf. It's a beautiful blue sky day - water is calm as we head out.
 

One of the boathouses along the river before getting out to the Gulf of Mexico.
 

It's minimum wake for a short period of time....
 

Looking back at the Sea Hag Marina area - it was very busy this past weekend.
 


 

Once we found the scallops this past weekend, it was easy 'Easter egg hunting'.  Using the Nikon Coolpix AW130 camera, Jim took a few pictures underwater before picking up the scallop and dropping it into his bag.
 

The water was clear and we were in shallow water.  In some cases, just a couple of feet and had to be careful not to stir up the muck.
 

They seem to like the brown/gray moss like plant.  Here you can see the turquoise eyes on the outer rim of the shell.
 

We went for a golf cart rides both evenings, but the second evening was 4 adults and Jimbo.  Jimbo was having a little bit of second thoughts on how fast the ground was going past as he looked at the road.  He did good overall, but not sure he is going to jump on the golf cart fast next time.  But, we did get one really cool surprise! A barred owl flew into one of the trees in the 'back woods' area of Steinhatchee.  Here's a picture of the owl looking back at me.
 


 

At the end of the first day, we watched the sunset at the parking lot for Roy's, a local restaurant.
 

Until next time...
 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Florida Sea Hag Marina Steinhatchee barred owl bird boat boating coolpix dock fishing marina owl scallop scalloping sunset underwater water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/6/steinhatchee---scallop-season-2016-opened-last-weekend Sun, 03 Jul 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Newborn - Travis https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/6/newborn---travis Recently Jim and I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Travis and his family.  Travis arrived in this world just under two weeks before we met him.  We enjoyed our time creating lasting moments for Travis and his parents as we did several poses using props to create these photographs.
 


 

Thank you Travis!
 

Linda and Jim, VP Shoots Photography
 

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(VP Shoots Photography) baby couple family lifestyle newborn portrait young https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/6/newborn---travis Sun, 26 Jun 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Historic Spanish Point, Osprey, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/6/historic-spanish-point-osprey-florida Recently, Jim, Jimbo and I visited a unique place in the city of Osprey called "Historic Spanish Point".  This particular attraction is dog friendly as long as you keep your dog on a leash. Dogs are not permitted in the buildings except for the visitor's center.  Historic Spanish Point is located on Little Sarasota Bay.  We enjoyed our walk to visit the various buildings, gardens and views of the bay. 
 

There are two buildings having short films to provide information about the area - one in the Visitor Center and another near the point.  The entire property is 30 acres of beautiful landscapes including history and archaeological importance dating back to the time of Indian inhabitance.  Most of the buildings we visited were from the pioneer time period.  My favorite was Mary's Chapel of the buildings we ventured in and photographed.
 


 

A pioneer cemetery is outside of Mary's Chapel.
 

Another building, the packing house was quite interesting as they used the packing house to pack oranges.  The view at the packing house to the bay was our first glimpse of the open water.
 


 

We continued on to visit several other buildings including the main house for Mrs. Potter Palmer which has a magnificent view of the bay.
 


 

As the day worn on, and the weather continued to grow warm, we visited the boat house, the butterfly garden and a few other sites.
 


 

If you have some time while you're in the area of Venice, Florida - this is a treasure to see along the Little Sarasota Bay.  Take a picnic lunch with you or at least some drinks to keep from being overcome with thirst.  The bugs were few, the sites were very interesting and the ospreys flew overhead from time to time.
 

Until next time.
 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Florida Little Sarasota Bay Osprey building butterfly cemetery chapel garden historic houses water west coast https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/6/historic-spanish-point-osprey-florida Thu, 23 Jun 2016 09:00:00 GMT
Father's Day https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/6/fathers-day Father's Day - that special day on the calendar that we all remember, honor, thank our Father ....just for being here.  For me, this has been a day to remember as I lost my father at the age of 10.  I remember my father was 'fun'.  We spent time going to his office in downtown Tampa and running up and down the stairs, we visited his parents home in a small town called Henderson, North Carolina, he got us our (my) first dog - Buddy.  There are other memories as well. Fathers are special men in the lives of their children.  To many children don't have that special person in their daily lives.  If you're a father, please spend time with your child or children - they will remember all the little things you do and you may be surprised by what they remember.  Here's a picture of my father as a young man "Tyrus Ollie Perdue".  He was named after Ty Cobb, a baseball player and his father, George Ollie Perdue.

Happy Father's Day Dad!

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) dad daddy father formal man portrait sepia https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/6/fathers-day Sun, 19 Jun 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Lifecycle of a Gulf fritillary butterfly in photos https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/6/lifecycle-of-a-gulf-fritillary-butterfly-in-photos This past week has been a very rainy, thunder storming week.  The beginning of the week started with Tropical Storm Colin dropping a good 5 inches of rain at our location, while other locations got more or less. Every day this week we have had rain and thunderstorms including today (but now the sun is back out again).  As a result, I didn't get the chance to do as much photography as I would like.  However, at the garden a gulf fritillary caterpillar continued it's lifecycle going from a caterpillar to (soon) a butterfly.  While this is not the exact same caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly in all these pictures, I thought it might be interesting for some to follow the lifecycle and gain an appreciation for nature.
 

In order to attract this particular caterpillar, you must have the 'host' plant for the caterpillars to eat.  These caterpillars like the "passion flower" vine.  Here's a picture of the flower this vine produces. Quite an elaborate flower with lots of color.
 

If you have this particular plant (and there are a few other colors besides the purple passion flower), then you have the beginning of the lifecycle.
 

These orange caterpillars with the black spikes will eat this plant in order to grow up to the point of forming a chrysalis.
 

Once the caterpillar reaches adult stage, it will find a suitable place (hopefully safe) to begin the cycle of creating a butterfly.  If you find a caterpillar in the 'J' position, it's about to start building a chrysalis (or pupae).
 

The chrysalis itself is not colorful.  It's a dull brown-gray color (sometimes even whitish) and is very small in size (about 1 inch in length). This particular chrysalis was attached to a garbage can by silk threads.
 

The chrysalis stays in this form for eleven to twenty-one days providing no predator comes and destroys it (and that includes humans!). When the time comes, a small crack will begin to form at the tip of the chrysalis and the butterfly's head will be revealed. It continues to slowly move down through the bottom of the chrysalis until its legs are free to cling onto the shell of the chrysalis and pull itself the rest of the way out. If you're lucky, you might be there at the right time to witness this miracle of nature. The butterfly will emerge, and begin to pump fluids from the abdomen into the shriveled wings.  Once this process is completed, the butterfly will take flight.
 

I just missed the emerging of this butterfly, but it was still hanging onto the chrysalis drying it's wings. The one below is on one of our boat trailer tires.  We have had several decide this is the appropriate place to complete the lifecycle and we have delayed boating waiting on a butterfly to arrive.
 

The underside of the butterflies wings look quite a bit different than the top side of the wings.
 

A full grown Gulf fritillary butterfly eating pollen from a bush near the purple passion flower vine. 
 

Here's another URL from the University of Florida with more details about the overall lifecycle of this butterfly.
 

http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/gulf_fritillary.htm
 

Until next time...
 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) butterfly caterpillar chrysalis flower gulf fritillary lifecycle orange passion pupae purple passion flower https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/6/lifecycle-of-a-gulf-fritillary-butterfly-in-photos Sun, 12 Jun 2016 19:00:18 GMT
Boating along the Hillsborough River - Wildlife https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/6/boating-along-the-hillsborough-river---wildlife It's been hot lately here in Tampa with the heat index giving us temperatures over 100 degrees.  It's definitely summer and boating season is in full swing here now that Memorial day has passed.  We have taken a few trips down the Hillsborough River starting at Lowry Park boat ramp and heading through downtown and into the bay and we have done some smaller boating trips just looking for wildlife on the river here in Temple Terrace. We were  provided with sights of several different types of wildlife.  One of the first was a different type of wildlife but he did have on his vest!
 

Seriously, we did see many different types of wildlife as we cruised down the river. A red eared turtle sunning along the banks.  These remind me of all the turtles that were sold when I was a child as this was the most common that people often bought for their children.
 

The most common turtle I see on this river is the Yellow bellied turtle - here's a few of them sharing a log. These are the same type of turtle but one has a shell covered with algae and the other does not.
 

Birds can be seen along the water way looking for food, but this was the first time I saw so many of the yellow crown herons.  Typically I don't see these as much, but maybe it's the time of year. 

This appears to be a little blue heron that has not yet changed to the adult color of deep blue as there were small tints of changing feathers.
 

No trip is complete without at least one sighting, yes - the alligator. This one is about six (6) feet in length sunning on a log around the bend in the river.
 

This one however has decided that we are to close or maybe it's hungry. At about ten feet in length, it went into the dark water of the river.
 

The ospreys are busy, many have their young, yet some still seem to be building nests as they are being spotted carrying sticks that appear as large in size as the birds themselves.  This particular osprey is being taunted by a black crow (the dark object on the bottom left of this picture).
 

Until next time.
 

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(VP Shoots Photography) alligator animal bird blue heron gator heron osprey red eared red eared turtle turtle wildlife yellow bellied turtle yellow crowned heron https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/6/boating-along-the-hillsborough-river---wildlife Sun, 05 Jun 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Dade City Pioneer Museum https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/5/dade-city-pioneer-museum Photographing 'old stuff' is one of my favorite things to do.  This past week I joined a friend as we photographed at the Dade City Pioneer Museum.  If you haven't visited, and you like old buildings or things from the past this is definitely a place to check out.  Bring a picnic lunch, or at least a drink and some snacks as many days they will not have these things available.  On special occasions, they do have some food service, but I always bring at least water.

My first stop after entering the area with buildings is the old school house.  Absolutely one of my favorite buildings - I've listened to some visitors talk about having desks similar to those that are in this old school house (I guess school desks haven't changed that much since the pioneer days!). 

Some of you may remember 'Pa Ingalls' from books or television, and the inside of this school reminds me of that show and the old pioneer schoolhouse. Standing behind the teachers desk looking across the classroom, shows the teacher's chair, chalk board, American flag and other things in the room.

The old school house has a small furnace on the east wall.  This photo is an HDR image to provide some detail in what is outside the school house windows.

The next building we visited is The Enterprise United Methodist Church.  This church was built in 1878, more than a century ago.  There are several steps leading up and into this small church.  The picture below shows the view just inside the front door.

The last building we visited is the "John Overstreet" House.  The house is composed of a kitchen which is separate from the main house, connected by a breezeway.  The kitchen was often separate from the rest of the house to keep the heat out of the house as well as keep the 'burning' things away from the main structure.

This house has a dining room, family room and three bedrooms upstairs.  All are available for the visitor to view.  Below is the family room.

Upstairs are the bedrooms. One on each side of the house with the children's bedroom in the middle of the house.

Children's bedroom

tThe museum is considering a night time tour to provide a different, unique experience.  While I don't know whether or not the old buildings have ghosts or unexplained things happening - if you're interested in a night time tour, you might want to express interest to the staff at the museum.  I did not notice any non-humans besides my friend and I while we were photographing earlier this week.

There are many other buildings to see, but you'll need to visit!

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Dade City building buildings church museum overstreet pioneer school schoolhouse https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/5/dade-city-pioneer-museum Sun, 29 May 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Boating on the St John's River, Astor, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/5/boating-on-the-st-johns-river-astor-florida Last weekend we visited Astor, Florida along the St. John's River.  A beautiful place for boating, but it's a small quiet town otherwise.  We stayed at Castaway's on the River just south of the bridge (Highway 40).  Nice room, pet friendly with a place to keep the boat in the water.  We set out from this location, heading north on the river towards Silver Glen (a very popular spring off Lake George).  Jimbo found the cabin area very comfortable (in case you were wondering if he came along). 
 


 

Using GPS coordinates and the 'map' feature of Lightroom, you can see our journey based on the pictures taken (orange icons on the map).  If you look at the map closely, you can see we took a detour off the main portion of the river on Blue Creek to view the wildlife and scenery.
 

We saw a good amount of wildlife - turtles were everywhere sunning themselves as we started our journey mid-morning. This turtle had the log to himself as he enjoyed the sunshine (it was a beautiful day!).
 

These turtles were stacked along the log, no vacancy here, they left a little space between them if they were facing each other, but if facing the same way, they were very close to each other.
 

We saw a lot of ospreys, they were busy and nests were everywhere.  Just about every marker along the water had a nest. In this nest you can see the head of the young osprey under the adult bird.  This nest was on top of one of the water way signs.
 

 The alligators were there too.  They were not as plentiful (in viewing) as the turtles, but this one was swimming along and looked about 10 feet long.
 

The waterway was beautiful, the skies were clear blue and the water was calm - all making for a fun day on the water.
 

Osprey nest was on top of a marker near the entrance to Lake George.
Now we begin to approach the entrance to Lake George.  This is the second largest lake in Florida and is rather shallow (10 feet is common, but in many places it is shallower).   For those curious, Lake Okeechobee is the largest lake in Florida. The channel from the St. John's River to Lake George is marked with these 'bunkers'.  All the boat traffic should flow through these - a few people were fishing in this area.
 

Here's a map showing our destination across a portion of Lake George over to the Silver Glen Springs. The orange icons with 3 and 4 indicate where the Silver Glen spring is located.  (For the curious, the number indicates how many pictures were taken at a given location).
 

This particular structure is sitting in the water near the 'bunkers'.  The purpose is not known, but I assume the water is real shallow there and the birds use this structure.
 


 

Our journey ended at the Blackwater Inn (next to Castaway's on the River). Blackwater Inn is a restaurant on the bottom floor of this building. Williams Landing is a restaurant/bar on the second floor of this building.  This is the view from the St. John's River.
 

Until next time...
 


 


 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Astor Blackwater Florida Inn St. Johns River alligator bird boat boating gator nature osprey outdoor river turtle water wildlife https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/5/boating-on-the-st-johns-river-astor-florida Sun, 22 May 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Rustic Steel Creations - "Ironworks" https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/5/rustic-steel-creations---ironworks This past week we visited a local business called Rustic Steel Creations that builds art work from scrap metal.  It's amazing!  The owner/CEO, Dominique Martinez, has created incredible things from scrap metal.  Here's a few quick photos from this photography trip - most of these items (if not all) are at the work location 'full time'.
 

We arrived to see this dog sitting in a jeep outside.  Looks like he has been waiting for his owner for a while, he is getting a little rusty.
 

As we walk into the office, I noticed this dog laying by the couch.
 

Yes, they do make more than dogs with the scrap metal, just I like dogs and was intrigued by them.  Several employees were working on projects onsite.  We wore safety goggles to protect our eyes - this made taking the pictures a little interesting - for this photo, I switched to live view and composed it.  I snapped the photo quickly when the torch was lit up.
 

Another very large creature onsite is this scorpion. The tail has some painting to providing color, but many of the pieces of artwork are chrome without any other colors.
 


 

Until Next Time,
 

Linda Perdue, VPShoots Photography
 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Dominque Florida Martinez Rustic Steel Creations Tampa art business metal rustic scrap steel https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/5/rustic-steel-creations---ironworks Sun, 15 May 2016 09:00:00 GMT
Monticello Opera House https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/5/monticello-opera-house Recently Jim and I visited the Monticello Opera house while travelling in the pan handle areas of Florida.  The exact address for those wishing to find it on a map is 185 W Washington Street, Monticello, Florida, 32345.When we visited there was no show currently being performed, however we were fortunate enough to find someone there who was extremely nice and provided us with a short tour.  All the pictures of the inside of this opera house were taken without any additional light (no flash, no tripod).
 

The outside of this building says "Perkins Block" and has the year 1890 engraved on it.  Based on information from the Monticello Opera House website, John H. Perkins was the businessman whom this building is named after. Here's the north side of this building showing the engravings on the building.
 

The main entrance to the opera house has several wooden doors with stained glass and hand carved wood designs.
 

As I view the inside of the old opera house I decide to take a chance and see what the Nikon D7100 camera can do in low light (for those of you that are interested).  Several of these photos were taken with an ISO of 6400 (a first for me - they were a bit noisy, but I worked to clean them up some in post-processing). 
 

The old wooden stairway to the opera house is immediately inside the wood doors shown up above. We climbed up the stairs to view the opera seating and stage.
 

As we walked into the main portion of the opera house, we are standing at the back of the opera house and looking towards the stage.
 

We are standing near the stage and looking towards the right side of the opera house.  These are not the original seats, however they do have one of the original seats in the lobby area for those wishing to see what they looked like.
 

The light fixture on the ceiling is quite old and drew my attention.  Here's a closer look at it.
 

Lots of attention to detail on the lighting fixture when looking closely.  As we learn about some of the history related to this opera house, I asked the obvious question, "Is it haunted?".  After all, anything this old (now over 100 years old) has some history behind it and one would think that it might have a few old timers hanging around!  The response provided is that it is stated to be haunted and they always keep the opera house 'closed' one night each week to ensure that the ghosts have a night to themselves should they wish to partake.  Monticello does have ghost tours for those that are interested.
 

This is the left side of the opera house (the stage is behind us).  There are three sections of seats for patrons as well as a balcony.  I view exactly how one gets out of here just in case strange things start to happen, but nothing was amiss.  For those curious, yes, Jimbo took the tour with us and as long as he stayed calm, I figured we have nothing to fear....but we did not stay after dark.
 

Until next time,
 

Linda Perdue, VP Shoots Photography
 


 


 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Florida Jackson County Monticello antique brick building haunted historic history opera seating small town theatre https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/5/monticello-opera-house Wed, 11 May 2016 21:08:04 GMT
Blast from the past....old Gulf gas station https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/5/blast-from-the-past-old-gulf-gas-station Recently we took a road trip up to the areas near our state capital, Tallahassee.  Our goal was to see small towns, drive back roads, and stay off the interstate once we got into our general stopping area for a few days.  I am not certain where we were at the time, somewhere west of Tallahassee and east of Marianna in the Florida panhandle. We stumbled across this old Gulf station.  I suspect we were travelling on Highway 90, but I can't be certain (might make it difficult to find it again for sure).  It appears this old Gulf station is still open, but it was not when we stopped to take a few pictures. The dark clouds were hanging nearby but we didn't stay long enough to see if it was going to be a big thunder boomer soon.
 


 


 

And just in case you are thirsty, they had an old Coke vending machine that at least used to dispense bottles.  Not sure if it still works or not, but since it clearly says "No Change" I wasn't going to try it just to see.
 

Here's to old rural Florida.  It's nice to see that there is still some history out there and some things have not changed.
 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Florida coke gas gulf highway ice cold machine pump road rural station vending https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/5/blast-from-the-past-old-gulf-gas-station Sun, 01 May 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Prom Night 2016 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/4/prom-night-2016 It's that time of year again!  The high schools in our area are having their prom nights.  This year I had the opportunity to take pictures of several young ladies who attend Tampa Catholic High School here in Hillsborough County, Florida.  Four young ladies, many friends for a long time, all dressed up in beautiful long gowns.  One of these young ladies invited her friend, Nic Haggar, to be her date as well as the chosen driver for the ladies.  The location of choice for the photographs is University of Tampa.  I arrived early to check out various places to take the photos as well as lighting as it was predicted to rain - yet there was no chance of that happening - the sun was shining, the wind was blowing, and there were a lot of young people and photographers roaming the grounds of the University.
 

In a quiet moment, I captured this picture of Nic - I love the easy, relaxed pose as Nic leans against the brick wall near the Henry B. Plant Museum on campus.
 

His date for the evening, a beautiful young lady posed on the front steps of the University.
 

These photos were converted to black and white in post-processing. All of the photos were taken in color and a few select photos were converted to black and white.  Here's the entire group of young ladies with Nic.
 


 

Until next week, Linda Perdue, VP Shoots Photography
 


 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) King High Tampa Catholic University of Tampa brick building female formal high school male prom school teenager tuxedo https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/4/prom-night-2016 Sun, 24 Apr 2016 20:53:48 GMT
Portraits of Denisa https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/4/portraits-of-denisa Last week I had the opportunity to take pictures of my niece and her friend, Denisa.  Here's some portraits of Denisa from this session in Temple Terrace, Florida.  The outdoor portraits were taken in open shade using natural light.
 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Florida Temple Terrace casual female outdoor portrait teenager young woman https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/4/portraits-of-denisa Sun, 17 Apr 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Portrait session - young couple https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/4/portrait-session---young-couple On Sunday afternoon Emily and Noah provided us an opportunity to create portraits of them.  Our chosen location was Riverhills Park along the Hillsborough River in Temple Terrace, Florida.  Here's a few of the photos from this session. If you're interested in a portrait session, please contact us. We also do special events like birthday parties, family get together or any other occasion you want photographic memories to remember these special moments.
 


 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Riverhills Park Temple Terrace casual couple natural outdoor portrait young https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/4/portrait-session---young-couple Sun, 10 Apr 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, downtown Tampa, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/4/sacred-heart-catholic-church-downtown-tampa-florida The St. Petersburg Photography meet up group met at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church located in downtown Tampa, Florida.  It was constructed in 1905 and is one of the oldest churches in the city of Tampa.  The church is located at 509 N. Florida Avenue.  The church is open to visitors for prayer or viewing while other services are not being held.  We were allowed to bring tripods into the church, thus all of these photos were taken without flash.
 

Upon entering the church from the doors on Florida Avenue.
 

This beautiful circular staircase leads to the balcony in the church.  Stained glass windows line the majority of the north and south sides of the church.  This shows a stained glass window on the west side of the church and north side.
 

The church was decorated for the Easter with Easter lilies and this wooden cross.
 

The church has a pipe organ and the pipes for the organ are located in the upper section of the church on the west side.
 

At the front of the church is a circular 'dome' located in the center of this picture.  This photo was taken with the Lens Baby Fish Eye lens which provides a circular picture of the ceiling of the church.
 


 

To view additional photos of this church, please go to the 'Around Tampa Bay' portfolio and view the Sacred Heart Catholic Church gallery.
 

Until next time....
 


 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 1905 Catholic Florida Sacred Sacred Heart Sacred Heart Catholic Church Tampa catholic church downtown heart https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/4/sacred-heart-catholic-church-downtown-tampa-florida Sun, 03 Apr 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Gallopsville - Vintage Motorcycles - On1 Software https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/3/gallopsville---vintage-motorcycles---on1-software Recently we did a photo shoot at Gallopsville, located here in Tampa near the USF campus. Gallopsville is a wonderful treat to shoot at with indoor studios that can be rented as well as several different locations with a western theme.  This particular photograph I utilized the new On1 10 software, particularly the Layers product along with Lightroom 5 to create a scene which did not truly exist.  Here's the final photograph. I haven't yet considered this as my final product, but it was a great learning experience in merging two photographs to come up with a different look.
 


 


 

 The original photograph is shown below.  For the photo above, I used a photo taken last year of a open field with a road running through it.  This provided the background and open grasses along the brick road.  Using the open field photograph allowed me to remove the buildings and other things located at our photo location. After completing the merge of these two photographs, I used On1 Effects to create the 'old time' look to the photo.
 


 

 While to many photographers this may not yet be a completed photograph, it was interesting to learn that this can be done and what is involved in doing the overall process.  This is one of my first complex background replacements and On1 Layers definitely made this a learning experience but proves that with the understanding of the products, it can be done very effectively!
 

Until next time...
 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Caucasian Florida Tampa brick composite dirt female field gallopsville layers motorcycle on1 road vintage woman https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/3/gallopsville---vintage-motorcycles---on1-software Wed, 30 Mar 2016 13:24:52 GMT
Anna Marie Island Historic Pier and Sea Fog https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/3/anna-marie-island-historic-pier-and-sea-fog On Tuesday evening, March 15th, Jim and I headed down to Anna Maria Island to photograph the historic pier, soon to be renovated.  The pier has resided here since 1911 and is in need of renovation.  As we crossed the bridge over to the island, I got my first glimpse of the sea fog (guess we aren’t going to be shooting a sunset this evening!).
 

The conditions were perfect for sea fog.  The dew point about 70 degrees, the water temperature about 72 degrees and the air temperature about 75 degrees all making the perfect breeding ground for fog!  There was no wind to blow it away, so the fog bank rolled in and hung around.  The sunshine skyway was closed for about 7 hours and couldn’t be seen at all with all the fog that rolled in.

Here’s some pictures from our shoot this evening. The fog is visible when we arrived, but the City Pier can be seen at the end of the walkway.
 

We ate dinner at the City Pier restaurant and listen to music.
 

The sea fog is getting thicker....
 

but we could still see the Pier from the road.
 

And by the time we left, it was pretty thick and from the decking leading to the pier, you could barely see the shoreline.
 


 

Until next time, Linda Perdue, VP Shoots.
 


 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Anna Marie Island City Pier Manatee County bay beach fog pier sea sea fog water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/3/anna-marie-island-historic-pier-and-sea-fog Sun, 20 Mar 2016 21:00:00 GMT
Strawberry Festival - 2016 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/3/strawberry-festival---2016 The annual Strawberry Festival held in Plant City, Florida comes to an end in a few hours - today was the last day. This festival started in 1930 and is held for 10 days in late February/early March.  The roots of this festival are deeply associated with the strawberry harvest and represents a piece of Americana when festivals brought communities together to celebrate the harvests. 
 

Today, the festival has grown from it's early roots, still celebrating the strawberry harvest but including more than just strawberries and a small midway of rides.  This year the strawberries appear to be very plentiful!
 

Strawberries are low in sugar and provide all the vitamin C in just a few berries (I think the sign said about 7 a day).
 

The strawberry plants are grown on dirt 'mounds' that are covered with black plastic which helps keep down the weeds and pests as well as keep the moisture at the roots of the plant.  Much of the overall process is done with machinery today with the exception of the planting of the plants and harvesting - those are still done by people and in today's farming, the Mexicans are the hard workers doing these tasks.  Payment is per flat of strawberries which are picked every 3 to 5 days.
 

If strawberries aren't your food of choice, there were plenty of other options!
 

Turkey legs....
 

or funnel cakes....
 

And of course, there are rides!
 

By the end of the day - which one of these is you?
 

Until next time....
 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 2016 Florida Hillsborough Plant City Strawberry Festival festival food funnel cake ride strawberry turkey leg https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/3/strawberry-festival---2016 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 00:53:24 GMT
Lowry Park Zoo - Zooper Pass for 2016 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/3/lowry-park-zoo---zooper-pass-for-2016 Hi Everyone!  This past week we went to Lowry Park Zoo located in Tampa, Florida and photographed some of the animals.  Lowry Park Zoo has a new pass called the 'Zooper Pass'.  If you purchase a one day admission to the zoo, you can get a Zooper Pass that will allow you to visit the zoo for the rest of the year with a few blackout time periods.  This is a good deal if you like to visit the zoo!
 

My favorite picture from this particular shoot was of the elephant who 'performed' for her snacks.  Several of the zoo personal have taught the elephant to do various 'tricks' and if she does them, she gets a snack.  If she doesn't, then they move on to the next 'trick' and for each trick she does, she gets a snack (favorite food).  Strangely enough, this is similar to what I have done with our dog, Jimbo.
 

For this picture, I used the On1 Photo Layers product to remove the background and replace it with a simple background to allow the elephant to 'shine'.  Here's the final picture after I made all my changes.
 

The original photo is shown here.  Which do you like the best?
 

To see more photos from our Lowry Park Zoo visit, visit our gallery under 'Nature and Wildlife'.
 


 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Florida Hillsborough Lowry Lowry Park Tampa elephant on1 park zoo https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/3/lowry-park-zoo---zooper-pass-for-2016 Sun, 06 Mar 2016 22:00:00 GMT
Lynx - Tall Ship in St. Petersburg https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/2/lynx---tall-ship-in-st-petersburg Sunday morning we visited the Lynx, a 1812 tall ship replica.  The ship was anchored in St. Petersburg at the Harborage Marina just south of the USF campus.  As we approached the ship at the end of the dock, a few people were moving about as the flag flew in the gentle breeze.
 

Looking up one of the tall mast for the sail.  The mast is made of wood as well as the rings around the mast which spread apart as the sail is raised.
 

The flag in 1812 had 15 stars (quite a few less than today's flag).  The sponge on the rope to the right of the flag is to keep the sail from rubbing on the rope when it is raised.
 

We were not allowed to tour the kitchen, but this is what was visible from the steep staircase downward to the cooking galley.  The only food we could see was potatoes - and there were quite a few of those!
 

This is another area that was below the main deck of the ship.
 

This area shows the books (many are related to ships, boats, etc).  To the left was a small bunk for few people to sleep (these were small, not for those having issues with closed in places).  On the right side was a table for sitting around as well as a couple more bunks for crew to sleep.
 

The sign provided a little information on the Lynx Tall ship.
 


 

Until our next adventure....
 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 1812 Florida Lynx Pinellas County St. Petersburg Tall Ship boat flag sail sailboat sea ship water wood https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/2/lynx---tall-ship-in-st-petersburg Sun, 28 Feb 2016 22:00:00 GMT
Dragonfly https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/2/dragonfly Catch a dragonfly sitting on a plant and sunbathing is one of the wonders of the insect world.  Seeing the little details of them requires patience along with a good camera or binoculars.  Dragonflies eat those pesky little mosquitoes - so having them in your garden can be a wonderful sight.  They can eat a large volume of mosquitoes in a single day, some more than 100 a day - a natural mosquito control system.  Adult dragonflies do not bite nor sting humans, so they are not to be feared.  However, it has been stated that the little nymphs are capable of delivering a painful but harmless bite so watch out for them.
 

Dragonflies have large eyes that give them incredible vision in almost every direction, except directly behind them.  With this exceptional vision, it's hard to come up on a dragonfly without them being aware of you.  Early morning, if dew is covering their wings, they are not able to fly until they are dry.  Getting a good picture of dragonflies can be done at this time of day.  The other choice, wait patiently for them to land (or even harder, catch them in flight!).
 

Here's a few close-ups of a dragonfly that landed in our backyard by our pond.
 

Delicate wings allow this creature to fly. 'Bug eyes', little legs, all make up this wonderful creature that eats other bugs.
 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) bug dragonfly insect https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/2/dragonfly Sun, 21 Feb 2016 22:00:00 GMT
Native Indian Festival, Brooksville, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/2/native-indian-festival-brooksville-florida On February 6th and 7th in Brooksville, Florida the 3rd Native Indian Festival was held at Florida Classic Park.  Different Indian tribes were represented at this festival and several different types of Indian dancing were performed.  Sunday was a chilly, sunny day (unlike Saturday which was cloudy, rainy and dreary).
 

Here's a picture of arrowheads on display at the festival.rum and dancers from Oklahoma.
 

 
 

The opening ceremony was held at 10:30am and lead by this Indian gentleman who is part of the Big Mountain Family.  This man's family was involved with the old amusement park, Six Gun Territory, as we were told by his wife earlier in the morning.  She said he would have been one of the younglings running around when I visited this park as a young teen (maybe I wasn't even that old then?).
 

The dancers were part of a group called "The Iron Horse drum and dancers" from Oklahoma. The Indian dancing started at 11am and among those dancers was "Harry".  As he started dancing I realized he was in traditional Indian wear and it was chilly and windy this morning.  At this event as the various dancers performed their dances, we were educated about how the Indians performed their dances to lay the grass down with their feet before dancing.  This allowed the grass to 'pop back up' and continue to be available for the buffalo to eat within a few days after a dance is performed at a given location.
 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Big Mountain Big Mountain Family Iron Horse Iron Horse drum and dancers Oklahoma brooksville festival florida hernando hernando county indian native outdoor outdoors park https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/2/native-indian-festival-brooksville-florida Sun, 14 Feb 2016 22:00:00 GMT
Raptor Fest - Owls, Hawks - Boyd Hill Nature Preserve https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/2/raptor-fest---owls-hawks---boyd-hill-nature-preserve Saturday, February 6th, the third annual Raptor Fest was held at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in south St. Petersburg (Pinellas County).  This is a popular event held annually for one day from 10am to 4pm.   Unfortunately this particular day didn't have the best weather outlook but we were able to get some photos before the rain set in for the day.  Most all of the birds that were at the Raptor Fest have been injured in some way and are no longer able to function in the wild.  These birds are used to help educate all of us.  One request was made, no flash while taking pictures and I didn't see anyone breaking that rule which is great!

Great horn owl - I have seen these in the wild in a few of the parks located in Pinellas County.  A few years back there was a nest of these owls at Honeymoon Island State Park.

Screech owls were the smallest of the owls we saw at this event between 6 inches and 9 inches in height.  I included this picture to provide perspective as this screech owl sits on the hand of a volunteer.

This little screech owl was hit by a car and rescued.  The owl has brain damage as a result of the impact and also lost the ability to use one of it's eyes.  This is the sad result of modern technology, but she survives with assistance from humans to provide her a 'captive mouse' to catch and eat.

If you'd like to view more pictures from this particular shoot, visit our 'wildlife' gallery.

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 3rd Boyd Hill Boyd Hill Nature Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Boyd Hill Park Florida Pinellas County Raptor Fest RaptorFest Saint Petersburg St. Petersburg avian barred barred owl bird birds education event great horned hawk nature outdoor outdoors owl park preserve raptor red shoulder hawk red tail hawk screech screech owl third https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/2/raptor-fest---owls-hawks---boyd-hill-nature-preserve Mon, 08 Feb 2016 13:34:49 GMT
Save our Monarchs https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/1/save-our-monarchs More and more I hear of the lost of milkweed for our monarch butterflies.  The population is decreasing at an alarming rate - we need to plant more milkweed to save these beautiful creatures. 
 

Last week while working with the elementary children, I noticed in the school garden a small milkweed plant that had 5 caterpillars.  I watched them eat those leaves as the children came over to see what I was looking at.  I began to tell them about the monarchs and the battle they have to fight to survive.  To my surprise, they were all very interested!  I told them last week as garden club ended, that this week all the leaves would be gone from the milkweed as they will eat the leaves to survive.
 

To my surprise, one young girl came to me and said "You were right! There are no leaves left on the plant.".  Of the 5 caterpillars, 3 still remained.  I printed pictures I took from in my own garden of the caterpillar, pupa and butterfly to share with the children.  They all wanted copies!  Such excitement from a young group is fantastic.  Next week I will bring more photos (that I am sharing here with you) for the children.  We all decided to take an area of our vegetable garden to make a butterfly garden.  Milkweed will be planted in the garden for the monarchs.  Hopefully, the butterflies will continue to come and the lifecycle will continue in our garden. 
 

Get excited! If you have a yard, or perhaps a small place you can plant milkweed in a pot - please do!  The plant requires some direct sun, but it doesn't have to be all day.  No pesticides are a requirement for your milkweed and surrounding area around the plant.  Hopefully, the monarch butterflies will come and lay their eggs. The milkweed plant will lose it leaves as the caterpillars eat them - but don't worry, the plant will grow new ones and continue to thrive.  If you don't get caterpillars (or they aren't there for some reason yet), the milkweed does have a pretty small flower that will bloom - several different colors are available (mine are red and orange).  If the flowers are left on the plant they will go to seed and create new plants.
 

You too can help!  I just ordered 500 milkweed seeds to plant at home and our community gardens for $10 (just google it).  Let's help save this beautiful creature. This is the site that I used https://www.livemonarch.com/free-milkweed-seeds.htm
 

Monarch caterpillar busy eating milkweed leaves. This photo is not 'tact sharp' as the little critter was very busy eating!
 


 

A monarch caterpillar hanging from a milkweed plant that is now 'bare' of leaves.
 

I found a pupae hanging on our boat trailer - we didn't use our boat for a couple of weeks waiting for the little creature to be born again as a monarch butterfly.  This is extremely small, about an inch in length.
 

A monarch butterfly shortly after having 'hatched' from the pupae.
 

Until next time,
 

Linda, VP Shoots Photography
 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) beautiful black butterfly butterfly caterpillar children cocoon leaf leaves life lifecycle milkweed milkweeds monarch nature orange butterfly outdoor plant pretty pupa pupae save school https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/1/save-our-monarchs Sun, 31 Jan 2016 22:00:00 GMT
Suwannee River in winter https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/1/suwannee-river-in-winter Five pictures....that was my goal.  I often go to the Suwannee River with family and take pictures of us all having fun.  This time I set a goal to get five pictures that I liked and could use in my blog.  Here's those five!
 

Winter on the Suwannee River is not a busy time for boaters.  The only boats I saw (besides us) were fishing boats.  The river was high making the springs muddy, the water was chilly making the springs warmer.  Springs are about 70 degrees, the river was closer to 60 degrees.  Only the turtles seem to be brave enough to sun bathe, very little bird life and no alligator sightings.  This coupled with fog, rain storms, and cold weather made getting a few good photos this visit more challenging.
 

Jimbo and I got up early each morning and walked the lonely dirt roads.  Evidence of life shows in the tire tracks, deer tracks were also everywhere.  This morning gave us fog again and we didn't see anyone else up and about during our walk.  The software, Topaz Textures, was used for the post processing of this photo to give the dark, gritty look as well as remove the little bit of color that was in the original photo.
 

Approaching into the Santa Fe River coming off the Suwannee River.  The Santa Fe is lined with cypress trees on both sides as the two rivers split off south of Branford, Florida.
 


 

The shoreline near the Suwannee branching off from the Santa Fe leaves a grim reminder that the cost of boating can often include lives. 
 

 The rains we have had this winter that are the result of the "El Nino" most likely caused the canoe to fill up and sink to the bottom of the river's edge.
 

 

Fog comes in early on our last day as the temperatures drop into the 40's.  The sun was shining making the promise of another beautiful but chilly day. Topaz Texture used to provide some contrast to this photo.
 

 
 

 
 


 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Fe Florida Hatchbend Santa Santa Fe Suwannee Suwannee River boating cypress natural Florida old Florida outdoors river tree trees water wood woods https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/1/suwannee-river-in-winter Sun, 24 Jan 2016 22:00:00 GMT
Lighting makes a big difference! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/1/lighting-makes-a-big-difference A few weeks back I posted a picture that was taken at Boy Scout Park and was selected to be a 'month' on the ELAPP calendar.  This same photo I submitted to be critiqued by the team running the On1 Plus program (education/training focusing on the On1 Product Suite, Lightroom, Photoshop products).  In listening to the critique that I was provided, I decided to reshoot the image.  As luck would have it, even though it is January here, it's still green and lush in the ferns and the sun was out shining about to set.
 

The first picture is shown here.
 


 

The second picture I took as the sun was getting low in the sky shows a very different picture.  Note that there is also some differences in the growth of the plants and trees, but the lighting makes a very large difference on how the picture looks.
 

Which one do you prefer?
 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Florida Hillsborough County Temple Terrace boy scout boy scout park fern ferns leaf leaves natural nature oak outdoor outdoors park trail tree https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/1/lighting-makes-a-big-difference Sun, 17 Jan 2016 23:30:00 GMT
For the love of guitars - Armadillo Enterprises - Dean and Luna Guitars https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/1/for-the-love-of-guitars---armadillo-enterprises---dean-and-luna-guitars This week the St. Petersburg Photography Club meetup group took a tour of a local business that makes guitars.  The warehouse is located on Waters Avenue in Tampa, Florida.  Armadillo Enterprises makes Dean and Luna Guitars - some are made entirely here in Tampa, others are made in (guess) China and they are checked for quality at this warehouse.  The tour was amazing.  Mark was our tour guide for the group of just over 20 people of which most had a camera in hand.  The warehouse appears to contain hundreds of guitars on display and thousands in boxes waiting to be shipped to various locations (they do not sell to the public). These guitars are all one of a kind and are displayed in a room filled with unique guitars.
 

Guitars are made of several different types of wood and each type of wood will give the guitar a different look.  Among the types of wood we saw at the factory are maple, mahogany and ebony (but those are just the ones I remember, they have many more!).
 

The guitar below was created for Michael Angelo Batio in 2007 and is on display in the lobby.  Michael can play with both his left and right hand allowing him to use a guitar that is strung for both.
 


 

Interesting enough, this building used to be the building for Tropical Sportswear International whom my sister worked for in the past :)
 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Armadillo Enterprises Florida Hillsborough County St. Petersburg Photography Club Tampa dean factory guitar guitars luna tour https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2016/1/for-the-love-of-guitars---armadillo-enterprises---dean-and-luna-guitars Sun, 10 Jan 2016 22:00:00 GMT
Boy Scout Park - ELAPP https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/12/boy-scout-park---elapp Boy Scout Park resides in Temple Terrace, Florida and is adjacent to Riverhills Park.  Many who come to enjoy Riverhills Park never venture as far south as Boy Scout Park, but those that do find preserved are of natural Florida.  A nice trail leading into lush foliage with parts along the Hillsborough River (watch our for nesting gators!).  This trail has several different types of ferns, many almost as tall as five feet.  After rains, the colors are very vibrant and the soil is often muddy.
 

 
Many animals live in this area including raccoons, possums, armadillos - but several years ago, I travelled back into this area and found barred owls which was a rare treat.  Every day I walked my dog (Dolly) on this path at about the same time and the owl would look down at us - finally I decided it was time to capture the owl's portrait.
 

 
Recently, Hillsborough County had a photo contest for ELAPP "Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program Calendar".  Boy Scout Park is among the areas that are part of this program, so I ventured to one of my favorite places and took some pictures one day to be submitted.  This picture below won one of the spots for the monthly feature in 2016.
 

 
Entrance to Boy Scout Park is shown above with lush ferns bordering both sides.
 

 
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(VP Shoots Photography) Boy Scout Park Florida Hillsborough County Temple Terrace barred owl conservation dog friendly fern ferns geocaching hike hiking nature owl park path river trail walk water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/12/boy-scout-park---elapp Sun, 03 Jan 2016 22:00:00 GMT
The beauty of a rose https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/12/the-beauty-of-a-rose The rose is a symbol of love, seems I remember that from childhood.  The rose was my mother's favorite flower....in times past, many people had rose gardens (I don't see those much anymore).  My mother had a rose garden, I grew up taking pictures of her roses.  Later, I learned that taking a picture of a rose can be so much more.  This picture shows the texture of the rose as well as filling the entire frame with the rose - it's one of my favorites.
 

This photo was taken with the Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 lens. ISO 200 (that's often my default ISO, although sometimes I use a lower value). Aperture (or f-stop) is f/22 to provide a larger amount of depth of field and get the majority of the rose in focus. The shutter speed is 6 seconds - yes, 6 seconds - make sure the rose is in a protected environment such that movement does not occur. In my case, this rose was cut and sitting in a vase.  A tripod and remote release (a cable release was used) is also very important to ensure clarity and sharpness.
 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) beauty circles circular close curl flower macro orange rose soft texture https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/12/the-beauty-of-a-rose Sun, 27 Dec 2015 22:00:00 GMT
Henry B. Plant Museum - Victorian Stroll - University of Tampa https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/12/henry-b-plant-museum---victorian-stroll---university-of-tampa The Henry B. Plant Museum is located on the University of Tampa grounds in downtown Tampa.  The museum is decorated for the Christmas holiday season and celebrates it's Victorian Stroll annually.  This year we visited again to enjoy the decorations and 'find mice'.  A little fun for all, but if you have children - perhaps it will entertain them to look through each room and find the hidden mice counting them along the way. My favorite room is the one with "Santa Claus" and this blog entry features photos from this particular room.  To view all the pictures, go to the gallery.  The museum has cleverly set up a place where you can take a picture of the Christmas tree and see Santa in the reflection of the mirror without actually catching yourself in the photo.  Here's my photo taken from 'standing at this spot'.
 


 


 

Santa's camera looks a bit different than mine, it reminds me of the old time cameras that I have only heard about but never actually used (nor thought of it).  Hiding under the black cloth in order to be able to see the image the camera will capture is Santa.

Lying at Santa's feet near the base of the tripod is his bag - just like you'd expect - bright red with his initials!
 

Here's hoping everyone has a happy holiday season!  Be safe, be nice and enjoy.
 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Christmas Florida Henry B Plant Henry Plant Hillsborough County Tampa University of Tampa Victorian stroll downtown henry holiday hotel museum plant stroll university victorian https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/12/henry-b-plant-museum---victorian-stroll---university-of-tampa Sun, 20 Dec 2015 22:00:00 GMT
How much can a photo be changed? https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/12/how-much-can-a-photo-be-changed With the age of digital photography, I'm betting there are a lot of photographers that create things that actually never existed.  In fact, I know there are, because I have done the same myself.  However, in some cases, it's just to create a better image or a more creative image - not necessarily to deceive the viewer of the photo.  This particular picture is of an old home at Cracker Country - circa 1890 time period (somewhere around this time).  My initial photo was taken a bit later in the morning than I would prefer, but the hours it is open doesn't allow for doing early morning or late afternoon photography.  Here's the original picture taken in my camera with the "RAW" format (so the camera did no processing, just captured the image).
 


 

Using software, my initial thoughts are to enhance the photo and make it have more color and detail.  I also created some 'dark areas' on the patio eliminating details there (maybe that's a good idea, maybe not but does show that you have options). The live oak tree branch is greener, more vibrant like the tree actually is in real life.
 

Now moving away from the 'realism' and into the artistic side of what can be done with a photo.  If this photo was given to 10 different people, you would get 10 different photos.  Everyone has ideas on what they will do with a given photo or scene.  This is two examples of what I did but is not the limit of what one can do - that is up to the imagination of the person doing post processing on the photo.
 

This first version turns the photo black and white and adds a lot of grid and detail to the building.
 

Now after removing all the color, let's add a little bit back into it and make it potentially more interesting to the viewer (remembering that this is now 'art' and not just a photograph of something that exists somewhere in the world).
 

That ends the experimentation of this house for now, but additional ideas will come to mind and perhaps be implemented in this photo in the future...
 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 1890s County Cracker Fairgrounds RAW Tampa antique balcony home house live moss oak porch post-processing tree two-story window windows wood https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/12/how-much-can-a-photo-be-changed Sun, 13 Dec 2015 22:00:00 GMT
Covered Bridge - Woodbury, Georgia https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/12/covered-bridge I still remember years ago while Jim and I were treking in the truck to find various waterfalls in the mountains...as I read the directions I see that we must "forge the road" and was clueless what that meant.  Of course, I looked that up and found out that meant we were crossing water (hopefully not to deep).  We have since moved up to a 4 wheel drive full size truck so my concern definitely would not be as high as it was the first time. c
 

As we stopped at the visitor center in Warm Springs, Georgia just a short distance from Pine Mountain, we found that they have a covered bridge a few miles up on highway 85 (not Interstate 85).  This is our day of 'adventure driving' to see what the area has to provide, so off we go to find the covered bridge.
 

Heading north on highway 85, to Woodbury, Georgia.  Just off of highway 85, we turned on a road called Covered Bridge. We are here, are you ready to cross? (Of course, we stop to take pictures first).
 


 

This bridge is known as the "Red Oak Creek Covered Bridge" and was built in the 1840's.  The bridge is still used to cross over the river.  The historic sign for the bridge says that it is 391 feet in length including the approaches and is the oldest and longest bridge in Georgia that survives.  I walked over to the other side of the bridge as Jim is engaged in discussion with another gentleman that arrived.  This particular picture shows the interior of the bridge and was created using HDR (High Dynamic Range) to allow seeing the interior of the bridge as well as the trees at the end of the bridge.
 

I arrived at the other end of the bridge. Jimbo is treking along with me after a few curious looks as to what's between the slats (water down below).  The next picture shows the bridge after crossing to the opposite end.
 


 

I decided to walk under the 'docking' that leads to the bridge and see exactly how it is constructed.  Just my luck, I'm under the bridge and I hear a vehicle coming across - little scary as it was pretty loud (turned out to be Jim).  In case you're curious, here's what the underside of the structure looks like.
 

Red Oak Creek Bridge approach underside
 

So, if you like covered bridges and you're in the area of Pine Mountain, you might want to take a little side trip to see this historical bridge.
 

Red Oak Creek Bridge - Google Maps Google maps shows the approximate location of the Red Oak Creek bridge located in Meriwether County, Georgia.  The altitude is 1,076 feet and the GPS coordinates are 33°2'19" N 84°33'11" W.
 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) 1840 Georgia Red Oak Red Oak Creek Woodbury bridge covered bridge creek picnic river scenic water wood https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/12/covered-bridge Sun, 06 Dec 2015 22:00:00 GMT
Couple Painting using Topaz Impression software https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/11/couple-painting-using-topaz-impression-software Monday morning Jim and I did a photo shoot for a young couple.  It was a bit chilly at 57 degrees compared to the weather we have been having lately.  I'm sure they were a bit chilled as we did our photo shoot, but it was a fun time taking these pictures.  This particular picture I asked the couple to sit down on the back of a bench with their backs facing towards the camera.  She sat in his lap and they looked off into the distance.  The initial picture was just a 'normal' photo and I wanted to make it something special, something unique.  I did a few changes in Lightroom, then tried a few different ideas in various software plug in programs before settling on this rendition of the photo using Topaz Impressions software.  Using one of the 'water color' presets to change the photo such that it looks more like a water color painting than a photo. 
 

Young Couple
 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Topaz back caucasiun couple portrait redhead watercolor white young https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/11/couple-painting-using-topaz-impression-software Sun, 29 Nov 2015 22:00:00 GMT
Autumn in Pine Mountain, Georgia https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/11/autumn-in-pine-mountain-georgia We just returned from several days up in Pine Mountain, Georgia.  It was a nice getaway to see the autumn colors and enjoy some cooler weather.  F. D. Roosevelt Park was beautiful at this time with a nice campground and several cabins available for rental.  I highly recommend stopping by to visit this park or stay for a few days if you have the time as it has many trails, fishing in the lake and a pool available during the summer months.  It's a very short drive from Callaway Gardens which has trails (bicycle and hiking), butterflies, and more.  Our particular cabin was dog friendly for those that might be travelling with a canine family member (Jimbo seemed to love it, I'm sure your dog(s) will too!).
 

This is one of several posts that will share photos of our stay in this area so be sure to check back during the next few days as we add more photos that can be viewed in our Nature/Wildlife portfolio.
 

Just before sunset, the campgrounds located along the lake edge came to life with beautiful colors of red, orange and yellow.
 

Autumn trees at sunset
 

The sunsets were not photographic during the first three days of our stay (two cloudy, one rainy day).  On our last evening in the park, the sunset over the lake was a blaze of orange without a single cloud in the sky.  The lake reflected the sunset on the still waters.
 

Sunset over lake
 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) F.D. Roosevelt F.D. Roosevelt State Park Georgia Harris County Pine Mountain autumn campground colors fall park sunset https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/11/autumn-in-pine-mountain-georgia Mon, 23 Nov 2015 00:29:11 GMT
Baby Doll https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/11/baby-doll A recent photo shoot provided the opportunity to take a picture of a few 'toys' belonging to young girls in the past.  Classic toys "baby and crib" and "doll house".  The baby crib is an American original that is now many decades old but has now found new life with a new owner.  In order to take this photo, I placed the baby crib on our wood floor and used a standard ceiling fan light to light the doll and crib (overhead lighting).  Using the Nikon 24-70 lens on a tripod, I framed the picture to include enough of the baby crib along with the doll to provide this portrait.
 

After taking many different pictures of the doll house, I finally settled on this particular 'room' in the doll house.  Using Nik Color Efex 4, "Midnight" effect, this picture is given a dark atmosphere removing from the overall picture distracting elements not adding to picture.  The window looks as if there are many stains showing, the crooked dresser along with the simple, rough staircase to the next story of the house all work together to provide a scene suggested mystery.showing seams where the doll house was put together with many pieces.
 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) baby bed carpet crib doll dresser house minature staircase stairs wood https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/11/baby-doll Sun, 22 Nov 2015 22:00:00 GMT
Portraits of Emily https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/11/portraits-of-emily Recently Jim and I had a wonderful opportunity to take pictures of a friend who grew up before our eyes and has blossomed into a beautiful young woman.  She gave us the gift of time, while we shared with her the gift of our photography.  In the photo below, I used a simple background, shallow depth of field and focused on her eye to create this portrait.  Minimal processing was done to create this final image.
 

Earlier this year, I joined the On1 12 Months with Matt K to learn more about the On1 software and as a bonus to purchasing this particular package, Matt K provided some of his favorite Abobe Lightroom presets.  The preset called Wedding Fairy tail - Strong was applied to provide this unique look.
 

If you're interested in viewing the photos from this shoot, please go to the gallery labeled 'emily' located in the portraits portion of our website.
 

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(VP Shoots Photography) brown eyes casual caucasian close face fair skin female portrait profile redhead young https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/11/portraits-of-emily Sun, 15 Nov 2015 22:00:00 GMT
Crystal River - Three Sisters Springs https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/11/crystal-river---three-sisters-springs  Crystal River, Florida is known for it's beautiful springs, clear water and manatees.  We visited with some friends last week and enjoyed swimming in the cold water while we had unseasonably hot weather for this time of year (reaching the low 90's in November).  Jimbo hung out with a chocolate lab named Gracie. Gracie loves to swim, Jimbo did it because he saw land very close and it was the only way to get there!  Here's the two dogs after a short swim in one of the springs.  This photo was taken near Hunter Springs in Crystal River.
 

Adobe Lightroom has a 'map' feature that will pinpoint where the photo are taken when GPS coordinates are captured for the photo using Google Maps.  This screen shot shows the mapping feature for Hunter Springs in Crystal River.  The orange 'flags' indicate where pictures were taken and the number of photos (for example, 6 indicates that 6 pictures were taken with these GPS coordinates).
 


 

Hunter Springs Google/LR MapHunter Springs Google/LR Map
 

  The below map shows the location of Three Sisters Springs along with the 'orange flags' for where pictures were taken.
 

Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River

The most amazing spring that I swam in is Three Sisters Springs - this is a protected area that allows non-power boats and swimmers.  Here's a few pictures we took of the clear spring water outside of the entrance to the spring.
 

Three Sisters Springs, Crystal RiverThree Sisters Springs, Crystal River - Entrance Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River


 

Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River - Entrance Sign from water

Using the Nikon Coolpix AW100 camera, Jim captured this video of Three Sisters Springs. This the entrance to the spring from the river.
 


 


 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) boat boating canine clear water cold water Crystal River dog Florida Hunter Hunters Spring spring spring water springs swim Three Sisters Three Sisters Springs water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/11/crystal-river---three-sisters-springs Tue, 10 Nov 2015 18:18:33 GMT
Temptation - what's in the trunk? https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/11/temptation---whats-in-the-trunk This week's photo is of an old trunk that my mother used when she was in college (that's back when Burt Reynolds was at FSU and known as "Buddy") so it was a good while ago.  This trunk was in our utility area for as long as I can remember - I never really knew what was in that trunk and while tempted to open it and find out or ask - I don't recall ever doing either.
 


 

Old lock on trunkOld wooden trunk with lock So over a decade later, this trunk is in my house, and while it doesn't have any monsters in it, it does have old family treasures collected by various members of the family along with old photos.
 

The keys to this old lock look just like one would expect of a 'pirate lock'.
 

Old fashion keyskeys for old fashion lock Until next time, have a great week!
 


 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) black latch lock luggage rust square trunk vintage wood https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/11/temptation---whats-in-the-trunk Sun, 01 Nov 2015 22:00:00 GMT
Tis the Halloween season for horror, scary things! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/10/tis-the-halloween-season As we come into the final week before Halloween is upon us, we have many different scary, horror and spooky ventures available to explore.  Our photography group visited Gallopsville here in Tampa to see the Halloween sets and take photographs.  The first photograph is of a life size model of Frankenstein.
 

FrankensteinFrankenstein horror face
 

The second photo is of a clown sitting in a 1969 Subaru.
 

 Skulls lie near another monster like the remains of a cemetery.
 


 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) clown frankenstein halloween horror joker monster scare scary skeleton skull skulls spook spooky subaru tampa https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/10/tis-the-halloween-season Sun, 25 Oct 2015 21:00:00 GMT
Marigold https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/10/marigold As we head into the fall weather here (lows in upper 60s, warming up to 80s) in central Florida, the flowers blooming in our yard change with the seasons.  We had a very tall marigold type flower growing earlier this week and I spent some time photographing it while trying to show off it's beautiful orange color.
 

Single Marigold up close This picture was taken with the Lensbaby Velvet 56 lens.  This is a manual focus lens that was introduced by Lensbaby earlier this year.  It can be used to make a flower 'glow' depending on what the aperture is set to when photographing.  The blur provided by this lens is unique in allowing for selective focus on the subject (in this case a flower).
 

Sunlit flowerSunlit flowerSunning shining through The same flower was lit by the sunlight shining through the upper petals in this picture.  The Nikon Micro 105mm lens was used, F/9.5 at 1/10 second. A tripod was used to stabilize the camera while a stake was used to help stabilize the flower on it's long stalk.
 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) closeup flower flowers marigold orange single yellow https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/10/marigold Mon, 19 Oct 2015 18:26:34 GMT
Early Fall Morning Walk https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/10/early-fall-morning-walk We are starting to get some cooler weather here in west central Florida as the maple leaves are turning.  Fall is more subtle here, but the maple leaves turn red just like north of here and they have begun.  Jimbo, our dog, and I took an early walk along a water way in Telecom Park and enjoyed the coolness of fall beginning.
 

Red Maple Leaf
 


 

The paved pathway Jimbo and I walked along was empty except for us and nature.  Spanish moss hangs from the cypress trees along our path.
 

We did spot a little blue heron looking for breakfast, but we noticed no other birds.
 


 


 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) alone autumn cypress cypress knee fall heron knee knees little blue heron maple path quiet red retention pond solitude tree trees walkway https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/10/early-fall-morning-walk Sun, 11 Oct 2015 23:00:03 GMT
Live Oak Trees - Black and White Infrared https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/10/oak-trees---black-and-white-infrared Florida has beautiful oak trees - especially the live oak which can live to over 100 years old, some as many as three or four centuries are still standing and stunning.  As we travel to many different locations within Florida whether it is a park or the rural country areas, oak trees are abound everywhere.  These photos are of old live oak trees taken with an infrared filter to create a black and white photo of these beautiful trees.  Leaves are naturally converted to white for a healthy tree when capturing the infrared light produced by nature.
 


 

Infrared Live OakBlack and White, Infrared Live Oak Tree ISO 200, 23mm, f/3.8, 10 second exposure - the longer exposure caused the water in the bottom left to blur.
 

Live Oak tree ISO 200, 18mm, f/8.0, 20 seconds - the long exposure of 20 seconds causes some blur of the Spanish moss and leaves hanging from the live oak.
 

These photos were taken with a Nikon D7100 with 18-140mm lens.  A B+W Infrared filter was used to capture the infrared light instead of the visible light.  ** Note: some lenses do not work well with infrared, please google to find information regarding lenses that do not perform well and have 'hot spots' (which will ruin your picture).
 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) black and white branch branches bw infrared leaf leaves live oak majestic oak old tree trees trunk water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/10/oak-trees---black-and-white-infrared Sun, 04 Oct 2015 09:00:00 GMT
Ball in square hole..... https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/9/ball-in-square-hole Thinking conceptual here, trying to figure out exactly what type of photo to take for a course that I am currently taking at PPSOP.COM.  It's been a challenge to come up with something that will make me think and you as the viewer as well.  So here's what I finally came up with - anyone have any comments they would like to share?
 


 


 

Although the actual framing to get this shot was a bit tough as the area I was working in was not very large, I did manage to get a tripod in there and get these little squares lined up!
 

Here is another version of a the same subject but done with different lighting and a slightly different framing.
 

Red ball in square holeDark lighting red ball in square holeRed ball in square hole
 

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(VP Shoots Photography) ball grate hole line lines red shower silver single square squares https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/9/ball-in-square-hole Sun, 27 Sep 2015 19:30:00 GMT
Tampa Theatre https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/9/tampa-theatre A visit to the Tampa Theatre located in downtown Tampa is always a treat.  Whether you are visiting to see a show they may be showing on the screen or taking one of the tours they offer to see the theatre it's always fun.  Recently we took the tour to see the 'behind the scenes' of this historic old theatre.  Unfortunately, we were not allowed to use tripods which was forcing us to play with 'low light' photography and increasing the ISO (for those of you into the photographic world).  I did learn a lot about the theatre in this tour - so if you're interested in history, I definitely recommend that you check this out some time.
 

For me, I found out that 'Nickelodeon' is not just a television channel!  They actually did have old silent movies that are about 20 minutes in length and cost a nickel - hence the name for these became nickelodeon.  The other interesting tidbit that I learned is that the Tampa Theatre was one of the few early air conditioned places that people in Tampa could escape the summer heat - a very good reason to catch a show.
 

My first question after entering the theatre was "Where is the bathroom?"  The girl was very kind and said there is one in the basement - now I have heard that this theatre is haunted, so I'm questioning whether I really want to be in the basement alone.....but I was the only one that I saw there, so I guess it all was clear (the ghost spends most of his time in the projection room).
 

This was the water fountain that is located outside of the ladies parlor in the basement of the theatre.  The staircase to the upper level of the theatre is done with a lot of ornate decorations.
 


 

In the main room of the theatre where movies are shown you will find a blue sky with stars on the ceiling as well as ornate decorations around the screen.
 


 


The lower area of the theatre has seating for a good number of people.
 

The Tampa Theatre is a unique historic building of which there are few of these left to be enjoyed.  Take time to see a movie or perhaps a tour of this lovely place on Franklin street in downtown Tampa!
 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Tampa Theatre balony chair downtown fountain gate historic light low movie ornate parlor stage staircase theatre tour water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/9/tampa-theatre Wed, 23 Sep 2015 08:00:00 GMT
McGruff - Rescue dog finds a home! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/9/mcgruff---rescue-dog-finds-a-home A week ago, one of our close friends asked if we could take some pictures of the dog she was currently fostering for a local rescue here in the Tampa area.  Jim and I both enjoy dogs and love our Jimbo whom many may know from our facebook posts.  Our backyard is a haven for dogs, many have come and played (one actually jumped into the pond and came out looking like a black lab instead of a yellow lab - that one got a bath before he went back home to his owners).  McGruff was our latest challenge to have enjoy our backyard 'jungle' while we took his photo.  Our hope was to get some great photos that would show off his wonderful personality and find him a forever home.  Little did I know, it only took a few days for him to find his forever home - I'm hoping that our pictures helped find him that home!
 

Here's a couple of the pictures of McGruff.  If you have an animal that needs a photograph taken - for rescues, I will donate my time and skills in return for the opportunity and a release form to use the photos on our website. Feel free to contact us, and if we are available, we will help as many as we can.
 

McGruff
 

McGruff - front viewMcGruff - front viewMcGruff running through the plants.
 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) McGruff abandoned backyard black brown canine collar dog eyes forever foster home homeless look looking plants red rescue rescues search searching tongue https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/9/mcgruff---rescue-dog-finds-a-home Sun, 20 Sep 2015 21:00:00 GMT
Old Seven Mile Bridge, Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/9/old-seven-mile-bridge-bahia-honda-state-park-big-pine-key The old seven mile bridge down in the Florida Keys is an interesting site to see.  Jim and I visited the Bahia Honda State Park a few years ago at sunset and took several pictures of this historic site.  This is a beautiful park to visit and by no means is the old bridge the only thing to see but this was definitely a beautiful time to visit and photograph.
 

The workers that built the old Seven Mile Bridge stayed on Pigeon Key (an island accessible by boat only) while building the bridge for the railroad magnate, Henry Flagler.  The old concrete bridge was built from 1908 to 1912.
 

In the Florida Keys, the old seven mile bridge from Bahia Honda State Park.Old Seven Mile Bridge at sunsetIn the Florida Keys, the old seven mile bridge from Bahia Honda State Park. This photo showing both pieces of the bridge that can be seen while visiting the Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key located in the Florida Keys.  The sun is just about to set in this silhouette photo of the bridge.
 


 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Big Florida Key Keys Pine bridge mile ocean seven sun sunset water https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/9/old-seven-mile-bridge-bahia-honda-state-park-big-pine-key Wed, 16 Sep 2015 08:00:00 GMT
Frog hanging out in bird nest https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/9/frog-hanging-out-in-bird-nest Earlier this week I went to empty my bluebird bird house at the Temple Terrace Community Garden to ensure it was ready for when the bluebirds come back and start scouting for possible nesting places. To my surprise, I found that someone else had started camping out there!
 


 

The eggs were apparently not fertile as they have been there for some time, not sure exactly when the frog moved in.
 

The photo was taken handheld with a Nikon D7100, using my Nikon 105mm macro lens.  I think the frog was a little uncomfortable with my sticking a camera into the temporary home, but he didn't jump out on me which was very nice of this little frog.
 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) bird birdhouse blue bluebird brown egg eggs frog nest straw three https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/9/frog-hanging-out-in-bird-nest Sun, 13 Sep 2015 19:12:38 GMT
Heritage Village Log Home https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/7/heritage-village-log-home Heritage Village located in Largo, Florida. Pioneer homes were moved to this location to preserve the heritage of Florida.  There are many historic buildings as well as various antiques inside many of the buildings.  This particular log home was photographed in full color.  The final image shown here is de-saturated of all colors except for green, thus turning the picture into a black and white with green foliage.  A few wires were also removed (as those did not exist back in this time period).
 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) County Florida Heritage Largo Pinellas Village and black cabin home log old pioneer split white https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/7/heritage-village-log-home Mon, 20 Jul 2015 00:21:44 GMT
Happy Fourth Of July https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/7/happy-fourth-of-july It's that time again when many of us go out to watch July 4th fireworks and hope to get some pictures of the fireworks.  There are several factors in getting good photographs, but first it is helpful to have a tripod where you can leave the shutter open during the fireworks for several fireworks.  It also helps if the sky is cloudless as it will be darker giving a black background as opposed to a lighter color (but that not required).
 

The best time to take photos is when multiple fireworks are being set off at the same time.  If this is not possible, then you can set the shutter to bulb mode and use a black cardboard to cover the end of the lens in between the various fireworks to capture more than 1 on a single frame (without going into post processing to achieve a similar effect).
 

Last, but probably most important - make sure you have the lens on manual focus, set it to infinity and set the light meter mode to manual.  It will most likely take some experimentation to get the best shots, but it's fun to see what the results are!
 


 

Fireworks at Steinhatchee, FloridaFireworks at Steinhatchee, Florida This photo was taken on a tripod away from the main gathering of viewers.  The exposure is 1 second, ISO 100, f/1.8 using a 35mm lens.
 

gold fireworks in the skygold fireworksMountain Man lights up the sky in gold!

This photo was taken on a tripod away from the main gathering of viewers.  The exposure is 2 second, ISO 200, f/8 using a 35mm lens.
 

Fireworks Light up the skyfireworks in the skyFireworks Light up the sky This photo was taken on a tripod away from the main gathering of viewers.  The exposure is 2 second, ISO 200, f/8 using a 35mm lens. This photo shows the effect of smoke from previous fireworks flowing through the 2 second exposure.
 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Florida Steinhatchee exposure firework fireworks long night photography time https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/7/happy-fourth-of-july Wed, 01 Jul 2015 09:00:00 GMT
Old time photographs - Family Heirlooms https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/6/old-time-photographs---family-heirlooms When spring begins, new flowers bloom, trees bring new life with beautiful green leaves - but what about those no longer with us? I embarked on a different type of photography as I thought about family members of the past.  These photos take several family treasures and capture them into photos to be shared with others. 
 

The first photo, Grandmothers, includes my paternal Grandmother's dark wood table along a beautiful lace work.  On the lace work is a old well worn book - it's probably over 150 years old now -it belonged to my Great-Grandmother who passed nearly century ago. The photo was taken with lighting to enhance the old time look and feel.

 

The second image, Time Passing, includes several different items from my family history collection of heirlooms.  The small hour glass belonged to my maternal Grandfather while the small note was written to my Father by his Mother.  The photo was taken with very similar lighting to enhance the old time look and feel.

 

 
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(VP Shoots Photography) Bible Brummitt McKee Perdue family glass heirloom hour lace nostalgia https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/6/old-time-photographs---family-heirlooms Sun, 28 Jun 2015 09:00:00 GMT
Cherokee Trail, Ninety Six Historic Site https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/6/cherokee-trail-ninety-six-historic-site We hiked the Cherokee Trail recently located in Ninety Six, South Carolina.  It is located in the Savannah Valley region of South Carolina and it was a warm early summer day.  For this particular blog, I want to share with you a single photo that I have made changes to that will give you ideas on what a given photo can be after initially photographed.  It rained heavily the night before, the forest undergrowth was beautiful green and wet as we hiked along the 1.5 mile trail.  The skies were overcast giving even lighting which provides great opportunities in the forest growth.  The first photo here is the raw photo from the camera with no changes applied.
 


 

This photo was processed using basic Lightroom 5 functions (set the white point, set the black point, add a little contrast and vibrancy to make the foliage look more like what we saw after the night-time rain).  Next I used On One Perfect Effects to apply the Landscape preset of "Summer".
 

The last option, taking the original photograph again and applying a Lightroom preset provided (via purchase) by Matt Kloskowski (formerly of Kelby training, now of OnOne Software).
 


 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Carolina Cherokee Effects Forest Lightroom Ninety OnOne Perfect Savannah Six South Trail Valley trail https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/6/cherokee-trail-ninety-six-historic-site Mon, 22 Jun 2015 09:00:00 GMT
Danger - Railroad https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/6/danger---railroad On vacation recently, we were about to start our long driving day to trek home.  Our luck presented us with a train very early in our departure - it was our dog's first real experience with a train (loud and close) and he was a bit upset.  As I sat there waiting for the train to pass, I grabbed the camera to see what we could capture.  Here's the first photo of the railroad crossing on an cloudy day that might possibly promise rain soon.  This is a simple photo of a railroad crossing - but doesn't have a lot of impact - what could this become?
 


 

Initially, a small crop to remove the little bit of blue sign at the bottom of this picture.  Then a little straightening to make it more level (I shot this from the car window).  Next, I took this photo into Nik Color Efex 4 and tried several of the various options available.  Solarization appeared to be a good start as it made the photo look totally different!  Next, back in lightroom, a little lightening of the railroad lights and now the photo has a totally different look.
 


 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/6/danger---railroad Mon, 15 Jun 2015 09:00:00 GMT
Quiet Place https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/6/quiet-place I noticed this simple setting of a bench by a tree immediately, but the lighting was harsh causing a lot of shadows.  This setting needed the correct lighting to make it a peaceful relaxing place to watch the wonders of our world.  A cloudy day provided overcast lighting to prevent shadows making the light soft and perfect for the relaxing setting.  In this particular photo, the Topaz product, Simplify was used to provide a painting like effect to a real photo.
 


 

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(VP Shoots Photography) bench peaceful relaxing sitting tree https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/6/quiet-place Mon, 08 Jun 2015 09:00:00 GMT
Crystal Springs Preserve, Crystal Springs, Florida https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/1/crystal-springs-preserve-crystal-springs-florida Crystal Springs Preserve is located in Pasco County, Florida a short distance north of Hillsborough River State Park.  Crystal Springs is a natural spring that provides water to the Hillsborough River near its beginning which is located in the Green Swamp.  The preserve is private and is currently serving primarily as a 'learning resource' for small groups of 15 or more.  Jim and I were able to visit this beautiful location with several members of the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts located in downtown Tampa, Florida.

Rocky stream joins riverA sides stream flows into the Hillsborough River at Crystal Springs Preserve.

 

This photograph was taken late morning on a sunny day.  HDR (High Dynamic Range) was used to capture and process this photograph.  I set my camera on a tripod to ensure all the images were composed exactly the same, then used bracketing to take four photos. All of these photos were taken at ISO 320, Aperture F/27.  The shutter speed varied 1/15sec, 1/8sec, .5sec, 1.0sec. My post-processing of this set of photos involved several different software packages. Light room 5 (LR5) was used to reduce highlights a little on the rocks, then merge these using Photomatix HDR software. After doing the merge, I then used Nik Color Efex 4 - added the detail extractor filter and then did a few minor adjustments in LR5 after that to ensure contrast and blacks are set to my liking.

The resulting photo shows a more even lighting that looks more like the scene actually looked this Saturday morning.

 

Linda

VPShoots Photography

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) County Crystal Florida Hillsborough Pasco Preserve River Springs spring https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/1/crystal-springs-preserve-crystal-springs-florida Tue, 20 Jan 2015 19:21:42 GMT
Can you see me NOW?!! https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/1/can-you-see-me-now       One of my favorite places to take a stroll is on the  boardwalk  

at Riverhills Park on the Hillsborough river in Temple Terrace, Florida.

I paused  for a moment  to  mentally compose a photographic possibility. 

One thing I have learned in the photography world is there is more often

something there to photograph.

Look from all perspectives - far, wide, up, down, close, and really close. 

Each scene holds valuable unknowns that benefits the patient composer. 

    A close look at the above boardwalk photograph reveals some hidden detail

than can be detected by a keen eye in the photo below. Do you see me?  No?

I am an alligator!

        

 If that does not help look at the photograph below....         

Is it is still hard to see? Then find your glasses!  

Photographs and blog by:  Jim Vargas                                                                                           

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Boardwalk Florida Hillsborough Park River Riverhills Temple Terrace https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/1/can-you-see-me-now Fri, 09 Jan 2015 00:01:34 GMT
Lensbaby Fisheye Lens https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/1/lensbaby-fisheye-lens Among the latest offerings from Lensbaby is the new 'fisheye lens' (www.lensbaby.com).  Santa granted my request to have this new 'toy' and I've been playing with it along the way to make fun photos. 

The first thing to know is this is a totally manual lens - you set the aperture on the lens like we did back when I first started photography, and then I 'guess' on the shutter speed and adjust based on reviewing the image on the LCD and histogram.  Typically I use ISO 200, so my images are taken with this ISO setting.  Then to figure out focus, again, all manual but the scale on the lens helps along with viewing it through the camera.

The cool thing is this lens will focus as close you can get to the subject (well almost).  The other important factor is to remember 'everything in front of the camera will be in this photograph'.  I do mean 'everything' so keep everything behind the camera including your feet, or they will be in the photo!

One thing I am noticing is things with lines or circular patterns look pretty good with this type of lens.  I'm enjoying playing with this lens, but it is a 'fun lens' not to be used for serious photos of the same caliber of higher priced lenses - having said this, I love playing with this and would recommend this to anyone who just wants to take some fun photos using this type of lens without paying a fortune.

Here's a photo I took of a carriage wheel while we were at Heritage Village in Largo, Florida this past week.

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(VP Shoots Photography) Heritage Village carriage wheel fisheye lensbaby https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2015/1/lensbaby-fisheye-lens Fri, 02 Jan 2015 23:27:07 GMT
24 Shoot Challenge https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2014/12/24-shoot-challenge Are you familiar with the 'Meetup' Groups?  Jim and I joined the local Tampa Bay Photography Group headed up by Raymond Black and several other wonderful photographers.  If you have an interest in photography, this is definitely a great way to expand your knowledge and meet others doing some of the same things you love to do.

So why do I bring this up?  Well, one of those wonderful photographers came up with a neat idea of a "24 Shoot Challenge" where we pretend that we are back in the days of film - and I do remember those days for all the new 'digital newbie' photographers out there.

I took this challenge and I learned quite a bit.  First, I do look at that lit up LCD!  I look at it to see if I like what I captured or if maybe I should do a slight change on the composition.  I look at it to see if I like the photo or not.  I look at it to decide if I should try some other shots or move on to something else.  I like seeing that LCD - but with this challenge, it's a 'no peek' just like when we used film - you really never knew "Did I get that shot?"  Second, I don't miss those days of film. I like being able to shoot 20 pictures of the same thing and not having to pay for each one of those shoots.  I like not having to be so careful about how many pictures I can take. I like being able to download them off the camera as soon as I get home and look at them.

Yes - I do like the world of digital and No - I don't want to go back to film. 

Here's a few of the photos that I took during this venture to several different places and these are 'jpeg' photos that were processed by the camera - they haven't been cropped, haven't been modified in photoshop - just straight photos from the camera.  The first few photos for this challenge were taken at the local park along the Hillsborough River.

Dollar weed growing along the cypress kneeDollar weedDollar weed growing along the cypress knee Riverhills Park - up close itemsRiverhills Park

Virginia Creeper

Drainage ditch water flow

If you're local to our area, check out the Meetup group - it's a great group of people that will welcome all levels of photographers.

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Florida Hillsborough County Riverhills Riverhills Park Tampa Temple Terrace nature https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2014/12/24-shoot-challenge Thu, 11 Dec 2014 11:52:39 GMT
Black and White Infrared https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2014/10/black-and-white-infrared Curiosity finally caught up with me as I have always been wondering about this 'other world' of infrared and how all this works.  A blog email from Tony Sweet prompted me to strike out into this world and see how exactly I could compose and create some of these images.  A unique effect of infrared photography is what happens to the leaves of trees and other living green things - they turn light (often white) as they have infrared light.  Having this piece of information, enjoying landscape photography set me off down a path to see what I could create.

First, I needed one of the infrared filters that block out normal light and only allow the infrared to pass through. I purchased the B+W Infrared filter, a 77mm to allow for using 'step down' rings to my smaller lenses. Specifically, I purchased two different filters to allow for both of us (Jim and I) to shoot infrared at the same time, but also to see what the differences might be between these different filters.  First, the B+W 77mm Infrared filter was used as it was my first purchase.  Second, the Hoya Infrared filter, R72 was purchased.  Both are great filters for doing infrared, the Hoya is about half the price of the B+W filter.

Second, I checked several websites to determine which lenses worked well with Infrared, then compared that to which lenses I actually owned.  Much to my dismay, a large number of the lenses I have are known to be poor performers with infrared photography leaving 'hot spots' or other interesting things on the photos that are not desired. This is the URL I used, hopefully it will remain valid for sometime into the future is http://www.kolarivision.com/lenshotspot.html

Here's my first really good image.  It's taken at Riverhills Park in Temple Terrace - probably one of the most photographed trees in Temple Terrace because of it's location and character.

So how was this picture taken?

First, I composed this picture with my camera on a tripod.  This was done to ensure the composition was to my liking and my subject is clear. I took a few pictures to ensure everything is set correctly.

Next, turn the autofocus mechanism off.  Some people actually put tape on the lens to ensure it doesn't move, I did not in these photographs. Then screw the infrared filter onto the front of your lens (do this carefully as you don't want to move the focus).  Once this is done, you will no longer be able to see through your camera lens as it will be basically 'black'.

Using either a remote or the self timer to avoid movement of the camera while taking the photo, I clicked off a few frames being careful to block any light from coming in the eye piece since I was not looking through the viewfinder (which would have blocked the light because my face/head would have been covering the viewfinder).

The picture was taken using a Nikon D7000, ISO 200, 48mm, F/11, 91.0 seconds.  The lens used for this photograph is the Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 - however I have sense learned that this lens generates hot spots and there is probably one in this picture as well, but the tree hides it so well it is not notable.  Now, if you're paying close attention, you see that my shutter speed is 91 seconds, yes - that is 1 and 1/2 minutes - hence a tripod is definitely needed to do this type of photograph. 

If you do not make changes to set your white balance to "custom" for infrared photography, your pictures will come out 'very red or magenta' depending on the filter used.  In my case, I am shooting pictures in RAW and importing the photos into Lightroom 5.  After completing these steps, I convert the picture to black and white by decreasing the saturation (there are several ways to perform this action).  Next, you need to increase the contrast and possibly utilize a software package like Nik Silver Efex to make your picture more stunning.

Here's a few more pictures I took using this process.  If you're interested in doing infrared photography, or just find out more about what it is, do an internet search and you'll find lots of helpful information.

Riverhills Park, Temple Terrace, Florida

Lowry Park, Tampa, Florida

Beer Can Island, across from Apollo Beach, Tampa Bay (boat access only!).

Thanks, until next time.

Linda Perdue

www.vpshoots.com

 

 

 

 

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) and Beer black Can Florida infrared Island Lowry Park Riverhills Tampa white https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2014/10/black-and-white-infrared Tue, 21 Oct 2014 15:34:33 GMT
Festival Of Flight 2014 https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2014/9/festival-of-flight-2014 Balloon GlowSaturday, September 20 - Festival of Flight balloon glow in Wesley Chapel, Florida

The Festival of Flight was held September 19th through 21st at North Tampa Aero Park in Wesley Chapel, Florida.  The weather was not the best this year causing some portions of the overall event to be cancelled.  Saturday cleared up providing an opportunity to enjoy the festivities.

 

Yellow War birdComing in for landing

 

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(VP Shoots Photography) Airplane Festival of Flight Florida Wesley Chapel plane runway war bird warbird https://www.vpshoots.com/blog/2014/9/festival-of-flight-2014 Mon, 22 Sep 2014 19:18:47 GMT