post by leslie
I made another film this year documenting our Christmas morning. Same jammies. Second dog.And today we are back to reality. Enjoy!
post by leslie
Happiest of New Year's to you!This is one of my favorite holidays because I always believe in fresh starts and goal setting. I know many people scoff at resolutions, but I am a big believer in changing small things in your life for the better.In the last 2 years I've increased my reading (23 books this year), cut out paper towels and napkins from home and switched to cloth (better for the earth and my budget) and gotten healthier (regular workouts 5-7 days a week and SO MUCH WATER intake!). But don't worry, I fail at food goals all the time because, well, I love to eat salty, fatty food. Can't help it.My point is, don't let the naysayers talk you out of resolutions and life goals! And if you mess up, no big deal. Just jump back on the horse and try your best.So what are my hopes for the year ahead? First, I would like a new president. Can we all work together on that please?Second, I am going to work harder to take more photos of my own family. I know it might not seem like it, but last year I took far fewer shots of my own clan -- likely because I was working so hard on my other jobs. So weirdly, I'm making it a goal to take on way fewer gigs that don't excite me, and spend more time documenting what does make me happy (families -- including my own -- and pets/animals).I would love to hear what your own goals are. Saying them out loud (or on the internet) makes for great accountability...And lastly, here are some photos from our new years eve. We had a small gathering of friends (didn't want to freak out the dogs TOO much). We counted down at 7 pm and had an early and quiet evening from there. It was glorious.
post by leslie
This was a super tough edit, but unlike dogs (which everyone adores looking at), I wanted to be more selective with my family shots. I'm not gonna lie, one of my goals in 2020 is a million more family sessions, so if you like what you see, get me on your calendar!
post by leslie // photos by leslie AND jamie
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!We spent the morning in our jammies opening gifts and downing coffee. The shot up top is one I took of Ezra with his new karaoke microphone, which might slowly drive all of us (dogs included) into the asylum. But for now, he's being great about turning it off when requested.And after a slow morning, we leashed up the dogs for a long walk in the woods. It was gorgeous outside, and we all wanted some fresh air. Jamie walked Magda, I got Hazel, and Ezra threw snowballs.I also set up one of my older cameras to an auto setting that I thought would work well for Jamie, and I had HIM take the photos for a change. So here you get to see me for once! And to think he was able to get these shots while holding onto Mags! What a sport.
post by leslie
As you can imagine, we are spending loads of time exercising dogs this holiday break, so don't be surprised by loads of dog park photos. And don't feel too bad for Magda. She spent the majority of her time up on a bench "protecting" Ezra from the fast moving packs, which is why these are so Hazel focused. Well, that, and she's new! Who can resist? Plus? The way her fur moves and the delight on her face when she runs? Be still my heart. Enjoy!Oh, and the last shot was snapped from the car on the way home. Wasn't sunset lovely? And I love all the Minnesotans out on the lake enjoying winter.
post by leslie
Well hi there! Today I'm posting some of my very favorite dog photos of 2019. Some are just funny and some are meaningful to me because it's really hard to get a blind or deaf untrained rescue dog to pose! Or two dogs to sit still together! Or a puppy to sit still! So while some of these images might just look "ok" to you, they mean a lot to me because I truly got a great side of the animal for the camera.Enjoy!
post by leslie
Well, she's finally here! This is Hazel, who we adopted from the Minnesota Wisconsin Collie Rescue. Pro tip: They have a waiting list so they don't post their collies online -- you just gotta apply.Anyway, her foster mom drove her here from Wisconsin yesterday, and I took Magda to meet her at the dog park, where they became fast friends, ran and played and barked and had a great time.Then her mom brought her to our house, and the dogs came inside and... I'm gonna be honest here, Magda was a little like, "What? She's coming over? To MY house?"There weren't any vicious fights or anything, but there were some growls and some lunging and they are both confused. Magda is confused about why is there another dog in her house sharing her people, and Hazel is confused because this is her fourth house in four months and why is this Vizsla so pissed off I'm just trying to give this little boy kisses? So yeah, we're working through it all.I'm not too concerned as already today is better than last night, and we have a trainer coming on Monday to help us sort out the details. But you guys? It is a little like living in a circus at the moment. And if anyone wants to bring us lint rollers, we sure need them now!Oh, and I didn't mention, but Ezra is thrilled. While we all love and adore Magda to pieces, she has never been snuggly or one who wants much affection. Hazel is the opposite and wants all the snuggles and pets and licks, and that is really making Ezra happy.
post by leslie
This is Hubert! He visited my studio a few weeks back, and I didn't want to forget him images.I've had my last shoot of 2019, and now I'm cleaning up, organizing, and finishing up the last of my processing. (Also squeezing in holiday shopping where I can!)I'll have a few posts this week, but then the blog will go quiet for the holiday season. I hope you understand my desire to focus on family and friends and to step away from the computer for a bit. But don't go away yet -- Friday's post will be a good one.
