It was a really fun session. They are very patient boys, and we moved from room to room, trying lots of different backgrounds and approaches. I think they actually enjoyed having their pictures taken. But really – why wouldn’t they? They are good looking boys, and I have my charming ways!

We even got them surfing. OK, the board is sitting on the floor inside the house, but let’s not get bogged down in superficial details.

The intention to blog about every shoot in the project was an ambitious one. I have to put my hand up. In spite of all my best intentions, my focus simply has had to be on shooting and editing and staying on top of delivery for my clients. I won’t lie, it’s been stressful, but images like the one above of little Ruby, give me a giggle and help to keep it in perspective.

Because the real truth, is that this project has been so much fun. Who wouldn’t want to go out every weekend and meet a whole plethora of funny, excitable, lazy, ball-obsessed, ball-indifferent, camera-loving, camera-shy furry little beings? And keep witnessing the unique bond and love between these animals and their human families.

I have just about finished my quota of 40 shoots (only 1 left!), and am ready to move into the next phase. Putting the book together. I am very excited about this, as it’s going to be such a great feeling to see the whole project start coming together into a coherent whole.

I would like to think that the hard work is all behind me, but I suspect that this next phase is going to be harder. Less time-consuming, perhaps, but an agony of editing decisions to get it as right as I can for everyone involved.

Levi knows what I’m talking about! Is there a Staffy out there that doesn’t have a hint of existential angst in their beautiful eyes?

I had gone along to the rehearsals a few weeks previously, and was very excited about seeing the plays performed live, at Newtown Theatre. The show was part of Sydney Fringe Festival, which ran through September. If you missed it, well I’m afraid you missed it. The Fringe is done for another year. But don’t despair, Sydney-siders. We have Sydney Festival to look forward to in January, so start filling up your calendar with all the future fun.

(Wow, that paragraph contained a WHOLE lot of links. It’s a personal best!)

Opening night for the plays was brilliant! They had a full house and the energy was buzzing. I actually went back later in the week with a group of my friends, so that I could sit back and watch the show through only my eyes, rather than through the camera lens. And I even njoyed the show just as much second time round.

I went to visit Milly and Goggles quite a few weeks ago now, and they were so much fun to photograph.

Goggles (can you guess how she got her name?) is a Kelpie x Cattle Dog. That little equations equals LOADS of energy. We spent some time indulging Goggles’ favourite past-time. Throwing and catching the ball. Oh..and leaping in an unbelievable manner.

Being a staffy, Milly is a little more sedate. She is such a gorgeous lady!

In a rare moment of calm, we managed to get the 2 of them sitting together. Sisters and best friends, and totally beloved by their family. (I couldn’t tempt them to look at me, they only had eyes for their human family!)

This year has really marked a turning point for me in terms of meeting new people and getting projects off the ground. More often than not, the first step in any direction I have taken has been through the Internet. I first met Maree back in February, when she responded to an email I threw out into the ether, for participants in a new project I was working on. That particular project has been sidelined by SHELTER over these past few months, but I really hope to get back into it in the not too distant future. Maybe another month or two? Or three? (I wish I had the time and energy to work on 2 biggish projects at the same time. Alas, I am but rubbishly human!).

Maree is not only a wonderful model, it turns out that she is a talented playwright. At the end of this month, one of her plays is being showcased as part of Sydney Fringe Festival. Girls Backstage Choices is a group of six short plays featuring all male casts. Just between you and me, it’s little wonder that Maree is involved in this particular project. She does love bossing the blokes around!

Maree has asked me to photograph the opening night, which is taking place on September 27. A couple of weeks ago, I went along to one of their rehearsals to photograph the works-in-progress.

It was really interesting to watch the actors working on their craft, the way they could slip into character with the most meagre of props. A script in hand, an empty room, and an imaginary stage.

I can’t wait to see it translated onto stage.

The play is running from the 27th September to the 1st of October, at Newtown Theatre. More information can be found at the Girls Backstage Choices website, or tickets can be purchased here.

It’s going to be great! Come along in if you’re in Sydney at the end of the month.

I had a great time photographing Martha. She loved the camera! Most dogs and cats get quite camera shy, or at least camera indifferent – especially after the first few minutes. And of course this is fair enough, I really don’t blame them. We all know what it’s like to have a big camera pointing in your direction and making demands on you that you would rather avoid.

Martha, however, loved it. She came up to me, sat still when asked, rolled around on the floor for fun, looked into the camera (mostly). Basically, following directions like a supermodel.

Her main motivation was treats. That’s right. Treats. Check her out, hunting the bag of treats just out of shot.

More images can be found on Martha’s gallery as well as on Facebook.

Martha’s story is particularly sweet, but you’ll have to wait for the book to find out the details!

And oh my goodness – look at those incredible ears!

Shelly’s pictures can be found on Facebook, as well as her website gallery. Another DCH story with a happy ever after!

(Don’t forget to click on the images to see them bigger!)

Buddy is a gorgeous Border Collie, who is really very fond of chasing his ball. He’s not so great at bringing it back, but hey…that’s all part of the game! As you can see, he was momentarily nonplussed when I moved his ball to take these portraits. But he’s a sweetie. He forgave me, and treated me to a lovely, happy grin into the camera.

I realised the other day that it’s been a while since I’ve explained what is behind this SHELTER project that I’m working on. Some of you are recently arriving here, and may be wondering what all the dog portraiture is all about!

I’ve partnered up with DCH Animal Adoptions, and we are creating a photo book of rescue success stories. All the dogs and cats who will feature in the book have been saved, fostered and then rehomed through the extended DCH network in Sydney. It’s a book of the happy-ever-afters!

At the moment, DCH works as a network of foster carers and volunteers who rescue abandoned animals, care for them temporarily in their own homes, and then eventually help them find their forever homes. The ladies who run DCH have been working on a long-term fundraising project to be able to build a physical shelter, which will allow them to rescue more animals from the pounds. All profits from these shoots, and any future book sales, will go directly towards financing the build of this shelter.

So, it’s all for a good cause, and I get my weekly fix of lovely dogs and cats. Win-win I say!

More images from Buddy’s session can be found on Facebook and on his website gallery

In spite of all the distractions – each other, the rest of the dogs in park – the boys we’re all so well behaved and patient with me and my camera.

This gorgeous man is Fergie, a beautiful Collie Rough.

This sweet fellow is Sox, a Great Dane crossed with Wolfhound.

And this fun guy is Sam. Sam is a Labrador crossed with Husky.

Sox, like many large dogs, is a complete softy who seems completely unaware of how big he is.

Fergie is the king of the park. He is so sweet, yet independent, and clearly loves hanging out with his friends.

Sam’s the youngest of the 3, and is a bundle of excitement and energy.

And here they all are together. I’m not ashamed to admit it was tough to get all 3 together for a photo, but with teamwork on behalf of all the mum’s (outside the shot), we managed it for a second or two!

It was great fun to meet you all! As always, your pictures can be found on Facebook, and on your website gallery.

Oh, and a little hint to those of you reading this post. Click on the pictures to open a bigger version. They look much better enlarged!

I have to say, she was a very good model. I think she quite enjoyed the attention!

Clearly, her favourite times are when she’s having a big cuddle with her mum. What a cutie!

More photos from Emma’s session can be found on Facebook, and on her website gallery.