It's hard to believe it's been 3 months since little Dax was in.  And Dax is not so little anymore!  It has been wonderful to watch him grow.  Three months makes a BIG difference in a little pup!  And although he keeps growing up, he's still just a pup.  Check out this guy now.  Can't wait to see him after his first birthday!

                   These are his latest, at 9 months. 

Following are images from his session at 6 months and 3 months respectively.


     6 mos


      3 mos

        

    Ever wonder how photographers get the cool shots they do?  Here are a few images of the "behind the scenes" shot prep, followed by the image that resulted.

 
 



And sometimes we have an extra audience!
              

        

    A fabulous high school senior, loves the outdoors, sports, and being active, included them all in her portraits, and did an amazing job of modeling!



                        

        

  One of our favorite participants in the Puppy's First Year Program is Daxter, a shiba inu mix.  He's a great example of how fast our puppies grow.  Here he is at three months and now at six months already!

 3 months, mellow & curious   
 
 6 months - the adorable wild child!            and still as cute...

        

  The tween rocker's little bro is a street soccer dude.  Check out this kid's look.  Excellent!



      
       

        

  Thoughtful Images' photograph of little Snap Marchus appears in the Sept. 09 issue of Dog Fancy Magazine.  He's checking out the pond on page 34.  What a cutie.  Thanks Snap!

 

        

  This guy was fabulous.  The guitar player did an amazing job, and I discovered some absolutely perfect new locations for shooting.  Stay tuned for brother soccer player.  Rock on guys.

                        

        

  Many thanks to our latest high school senior.  Her poise and composure got her through a very warm day's session.  And she looks terrific!

                    

        

  We had a wonderful family in recently, including a charming sweetheart of a puppy - Caesar, the Papillon.  In French, 'papillon' means 'butterfly' - named for their amazing ears, papillons are also typically flirty and flighty like their namesakes, and Caesar is just like that.  He was smart & funny, and went from person to person wiggling and sniffing with his tiny inquisitive nose, being as darling as only a cute little dog can be.  Thanks kiddo!
                    

        

My son had a wonderful week (aside from a nasty sunburn) getting his boating license, and baffling his landlubber mother with phrases like "Class B watercraft" and "leave to port".  It was really neat also to run into folks we hadn't seen in years.  The kids all passed their exams and earned their licenses (valid once they turn 12).  Way to go guys!
Here are some shots from the regatta which capped the week, including practice capsize drills!
                    

        

What a fun time everyone had at the Lake County Captains' "Bark in the Park" night to benefit the Lake Humane Society.  And the Captains even won!  We were asked to photograph people with their dogs for the Captains' fansite, and the people and their dogs were just amazing.  Everything went so smoothly, the dogs all got along, the people all got along ... it was a great experience. 

And you just had to see the Heel 'N Time Drill Team perform to a "Grease" theme.  Now these dogs are true role models for all our dogs!  And their people have clearly spent a lot of time and effort getting their dogs to the point of such calm obedience.  Very impressive.  And so much fun! 

You can see all the images we took online at www.thoughtfulimages.com!  But here are a few teasers.  Thanks everyone!

                    

        

The Lake Farmpark Working Dog Weekend was a grand success, in spite of a cloudy beginning Saturday morning.  But the sun and the crowds all came out, and a good time was had by all.  As the official photographer for both Working Dog Weekend and HorseFest, Thoughtful Images was very much in evidence, popping up all over with camera in hand. 

There were a lot of terrific presenters, all providing great information and entertainment.  We learned a lot!

Here are a few samples.  Check out those Flying Houndz of Louisville!  A great couple who really love their dogs and strongly promote the benefits of rescuing shelter dogs - their own rescue dogs stole the show! 

                                

        

    It's almost here!  Our annual Portraits in the Park has a new baby sibling: Portraits in the Park - Summer Edition! 
Make your reservations now for beautiful summer family portraits in lush greenery, woods, fields, ponds, and flowers.  Call now, or register online.  We look forward to seeing you there!

        

Check out this little cutie.  He's only about 3-4 months old, and already quite composed - and totally darling!  He'll be appearing every 3 months or so, so keep a lookout!

                

        

Two of our images of puppy training were selected for the July 2009 of Dog Fancy.  Thanks to Elizabeth & Peanut and the Puppy Training Class at the Canine Career Center in Mentor.  You guys rock!

        

        

While we may be best known for our canine portraiture, felines are always welcome too!

Check out Stanley.  He was recently adopted from the Lake Humane Society (LHS), and his new "mom" took advantage of the free session & 5x7 coupon from Thoughtful Images that comes with every new adoption from LHS.  Stanley very patiently allowed his portrait to be created, but when he decided he was finished, he turned into a silky mass of elbows and wiggles!


        

        

  Early morning thunderstorms turned into warm, breezy sunshine by midday - just in time for the nuptials of Tara & Kevin.  We created their couples portraits at Squire's Castle - a very dramatic background for this laid-back couple.  Congratulations guys - you'll go far!
                                               

        

Dog Fancy is looking for AKC registered, preferably conformation-standard dogs.  This month we're looking for:

• a Staffordshire Bull Terrier,
• an American Water Spaniel,
• and a Puli. 

If you have one of these wonderful breeds, or know someone who does, give us a call or email - they may end up on the cover of Dog Fancy Magazine!  And you will receive a complimentary portrait from your session.  As always, there is no fee for a "Dog Fancy Session"!

Looking for a beautiful heirloom portrait of your dog?  Ask us about your breed - you may be eligible for a "Dog Fancy Session" if we need your breed for our catalog of breeds!

Have a special mixed breed or a "designer dog"?  Keep watching for our Dog Days of Summer Specials - mixed breeds will have their day too!

        

            

        

These guys were a blast to have at the studio.  And such charmers!