Rachael Mckenna Photography

Settling in to life in New York

2013-04-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

Mischka amongst the spring tulips in Washington Square Park

We are into our third week of being back in NYC and we are loving it. Life is a far cry from the quiet relaxing lifestyle we lead living in our small rural village in the South of France, but the change is a welcome one! Spring is in full bloom, giving the city a fresh and vibrant feel. Dogs and owners are out in force and I am meeting some wonderful new canine characters to add to my list of dogs to photograph for The New York Dog book.

The first couple of weeks have been spent location hunting and spreading the word again about the project, as well as finding our feet and figuring out places Charlize can go with her Au Pair Hannah, to keep her entertained while Andy and I work on the project. Its quite different from capturing images for The French Cat and The French Dog books; it wasn't always necessary to get permission prior to capturing images in France, whereas here in NY it's a different ball game; it is imperative I seek permission prior to pushing the trigger!!! Therefore there is a lot more planning involved to bring together the perfect dogs and locations to showcase the best of a dogs life in New York. The size of New York City is quite daunting, but we are excited to try and cover as many areas and aspects as physically possible within the 5 months we are here.... it is going to be a challenging but fantastic project to create.

Lucy and Linus frolicking in the fountain in Central Park

Bella and Bear playing ball under a blossom tree in Central Park

Justin and Hades hanging out in Stuyvesant Square

Tough Guy Hades strikes a pose

Spring time in Central Park with Lulu and Jess

Charlize giving her new friend Lucy a cuddle

Can't wait to get back to NY!!!

2013-02-22T14:10:00.000-08:00

Merlin playing ball in Dumbo

I have been back in France for just over a week and I am chomping at the bit to get back to New York to continue shooting for The New York Dog Project. Though I am enjoying the peace and quiet of rural life in the South of France, it was so wonderful to be amongst the hustle and bustle of life in The Big Apple. Each day we are receiving more and more emails from dog owners keen to give their loyal companions the chance of fame amongst the pages of the book, a big thanks to everyone that is spreading the word! The characters and stories we are receiving are adorable, and full of inspiration, which is making my mind boggle with ideas....... thank goodness we are now heading back sooner, planning to land on New York soil in mid April, YAY!!!

Ruby leaps the fence in Central Park

I am slowly working my way through the post-production of the images I created during my 10 day 'winter' trip, I am thrilled with some of the images, and I hope you all are too, I would love some feedback. The people and the dogs I have met and had the pleasure to photograph so far have been amazing, a taste of what I know is to come, this really is going to be an incredible project! Thanks again to everyone that has helped out so far, we couldn't do this without your support, it is a lot of work for Andy and I, but we are the faces behind this project and our passion and belief in it seems to be rubbing off on everyone we meet.

Tiki hanging out in Jersey Street, Noho

Andy and I would like to shout out a huge thanks to a handful of people who have been incredibly kind and generous with their time, assisting us with the development of this project, you all hopefully know who you are but just to remind you that we are extremely grateful...... Tracy, James, Ginetta, Nancy, Tricia, Darcy, and my wonderful niece Laura! We would also like to offer a enormous thanks to all that have made a contribution so far to our crowd-funding campaign, we still have a long way to go, and a very short time frame to get there, but again a huge THANKS!!!

http://igg.me/p/304538

Snow in New York!

2013-02-10T17:51:00.000-08:00

Celeste & Ollie in Central Park during the start of the blizzard

I can't quite believe how lucky we have been with the weather! I have been praying for snow to hit New York for the last couple of months; I had pretty much given up on it arriving, so booked our flights anyway so we could at least get some wintery images for the book. Two days after we arrived news hit that the worst snow storm in a century was about to engulf the city, OMG, sorry New Yorkers, but I was SO happy!!! The blizzard started on Friday morning with more of a wet snow but that didn't stop Andy and I venturing into Central Park along with a number of other brave dog owners! Along with getting drenched we captured some beautiful scenery, it is amazing how snow can transform a scene, making the vista of Central Park so different from what we had seen the day before.

Rocketman patiently waiting for his ball

We have only been here for a couple of days and already we have met so many gorgeous dogs and owners, everyone has been so friendly and enthusiastic about the project, its wonderful and incredibly encouraging. The aim during this 10 day visit is to make as many contacts as possible, capture some winter images for the book, location hunting and researching areas for when we come back in the summer to create the bulk of the images for the book.

Valentino enjoying the snow in Fort Tryon Park, North Manhattan

Saturday morning we were up and out of the hotel at 6.30am, the height of the Blizzard had hit between 7pm and 2am, Manhattan was under at least a foot of snow and I have never seen the streets so deserted. By the time we had walked to Central Park, every man and his dog was out, it was a beautiful sight, it was such a joy to see so many happy excited and playful dogs LOVING the snow! The sun was out by mid morning when we got to Fort Tryon Park in North Manhatten, where we spent a good two hours with our new friends Jim and Ginetta and their gorgeous dogs Valentino and Geisha. The New Yorkers were in full snow mode, kids and parents were sledging down hills and staircases, dogs were frolicking everywhere, it was magical.

Mischka looking for the raccoon she saw in the fountain a few months back!

This trip has already been so fulfilling and we still have 5 days to go....... it has been wonderful to meet the team at The Humane Society of New York, they are all very excited about the project; they do an incredible job for the animals of this city and it will be an honour to be able to raise money through this project to assist them with the care they give. Tomorrow we are meeting with the team at Abrams Publishing, the publishing house that has produced my French series here in America and will be taking on The New York Dog. The greatest part has been meeting all the dogs, and building relationships for when we return.

Chaika, Cali & Sibi in Central Park the day before the snow arrived

One thing I have discovered during this visit is just how vast New York City is, it is going to be a huge project to cover the areas and show a true reflection of the New York Dog. We are on the streets making contacts and handing out leaflets, but we still need help with spreading the word. So please pass on the website and tell your friends with dogs here in New York to be in touch. We also need you to get behind the indiegogo campaign to help get this book produced. So please take a moment to view the campaign and if you can spare a few dollars, please make a pledge, every little bit helps to get this great project off the ground. http://igg.me/p/304538/x/2010186

The beautiful Cali in Central Park

DOGS in the Luberon

2012-11-06T07:09:00.002-08:00

Earlier in October I had the pleasure of spending 5 days in Provence. I was there with writer Carla Woter, creating a story for DOGS Magazine, on traveling with your Dog in the Luberon.

Carla and I got to stay at some beautiful properties and meet some wonderful people and their beloved dogs. We discovered stunning walks, delicious cafés and restaurants, quaint villages and traditional markets, every place dog friendly.... like most places in France, the Luberon is a perfect place to live or travel with your four legged best friend.

The highlight of my trip was meeting English Author Peter Mayle. Peter is a true dog lover with a kind gentle soul, his dog Alfred is ADORABLE, I wanted to bring him home with me.

Peter with Alfred

Peter and Alfred enjoying a stroll together

Garou cooling off in the fountain in Cucuron

Kira out for a walk on the property of Bastide St Victor

Pythagoras enjoying a walk through Les Forêt des Cédres near Bonnieux

Bibi walks Paloma through the beautiful gardens of Le Pavillon de Galon, Cucuron

A little Frenchie hangs out in a boutique in Loumarin

Kiko wanders the streets of Ansouis

Patchoun stops for a breather in the shade during a 3 hour hike from Rousillon

The Luberon is a beautiful region of France, particularly gorgeous during the autumn months

Juggling work with being a Mum

2012-11-06T06:42:00.000-08:00

I have always been very career orientated, I know how to play, but work has always been my priority. For the first 2 years of being a Mum it was easy to combine family life with work, the three of us were on the road together photographing for The French Cat, The French Dog and Lunch in Provence, but now Charlize is nearly 3 years old and we need to settle down a little..... she started school in September!!!

Me settle down!!! not an easy concept!!!

I love being on the road, traveling, having a different view everyday; but I do love spending time at home too, but I get bored easily! Andy is the same! I think every day we are planning new things, where we will head to next, what projects should we tackle, but Charlize is our priority now, so it is important that we do what is best for her..... THANK GOODNESS my Mum gave me some great advice during one of our 'what is best for Charlize' talks, she told me that travel is one of the most educational things a child can experience...... Whew, we are off the hook and don't have to pack the suitcases into the closet just yet :)

I love to photograph Charlize, though she is at a challenging age at the moment, a month off 3 years!!! I could catch her in a perfect mood where she is happy to dance for the camera, or she might be completely uncooperative and eventually lead me to total frustration..... why is it I have endless patience with all other subjects but when it comes to photographing someone you know better than anyone else, your patience vanishes out the window!

The other day we went out into the vines for a walk, Charlize wasn't in the most cooperative mood, but sometimes its best just to let them do their own thing!

We are lucky here in the South of France, the light is so crisp and clean.

A favourite place for a walk, The Canal du Midi

My costume making skills were put back into work..... I transformed Charlize into a Cheetah for the local schools Halloween Party.

The latest Book Release

2012-11-06T06:16:00.002-08:00

My advanced copies of the French edition of The French Dog and the English, French and German editions of Lunch in Provence have just arrived on my doorstep here in France.... well in the garage as there is a palette full of them!!!

It is always very exciting to receive my advances as it means they are hitting the shelves around the world. The English edition of The French Dog was actually released earlier in the year, but the French edition has just been released in October here in France. Déjeuner en Provence was released in France in mid October, but the rest of the world saw it hit the shelves a couple of weeks earlier.

On the 21st October Monsieur Jean-André Charial and I hosted a cocktail party at Cabro d'Or in Les Baux de Provence to celebrate the launch of Déjeuner en Provence, we had a great turn out and I received some very kind and positive feedback on how well I had captured the true essence of the Provençal life.

Jean-André and I in fine form

Being Interviewed by a local French newspaper

The Speech!

More Cover Shoots for DOGS

2012-11-06T05:38:00.001-08:00

I love heading to Germany for a few days to create Cover images for DOGS Magazine. I have had the pleasure to work with some gorgeous dogs, all are the adored pets of subscribers to the Magazine.... it is wonderful that Thomas, the Editor in Chief of DOGS, has given readers the opportunity to have their own pets as the Cover Stars. So Thomas and I head off on road trips around Germany to capture a variety of breeds, pure and not so pure, so the cover of each Magazine graces a different character and look for every edition.

ANGA

A stunning Black Great Dane

Anga was a little nervous to start, but soon settled into the role with ease, she was beautiful, rather tall but very regal.

AMY & OLE

A couple of gorgeous crossbreeds

Amy was sceptical, Ole was happy go lucky; both totally adorable and great fun to photograph for the first cover shot out in the environment.

FREIDA

An angelic petite Jack Russell

Ball crazy and full of beans, but an absolute angel to photograph, exceptional manners and a character that continuously makes you smile, secretly I think she thinks she is a Kangaroo!

HERR MOPS & ELF

A cute cheeky little Pug and an extremely energetic Weimaraner

An interesting combination of breeds, but these two are great mates. Elf has to be the most well behaved Weimaraner I have ever met and Herr Mops idolizes her, therefore follows suit in all aspects of character; plays hard, runs hard and steps into heel at the drop of a hat... a wonderful couple of dogs to capture through the lens.

NZ Life & Leisure

2012-09-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I was approached by Kate Coughlan the Editor of NZ Life & Leisure Magazine asking if I would be interested in being interviewed and creating some images of 'Our Life in France' to be featured in the Magazine. I was thrilled, Life & Leisure is one of my favorite magazines, so to be included in a publication would be fantastic.

Along with the feature I was also asked to create the cover for the issue, so with a borrowed Egyptian Donkey, a friends dog, my wonderful husband, our gorgeous daughter and our new little kitten Oscar; our back garden became the stage for the Life & Leisure Cover.

Thank you so much Kate and Yolanta from Life & Leisure for creating this wonderful feature which I am extremely proud to be able to share with my friends and family back home in

New Zealand.

DOGS - A gorgeous German Magazine

2012-04-12T04:53:00.000-07:00

DOGS is a beautiful magazine produced by a small dedicated team of people in Hamburg, Germany. In my opinion DOGS is one of, if not THE best Dog Magazine in the world!!! I just wish it was also published in English, as my German is worse than my French, therefore pretty much non existent!

Last year while I was working in Provence I was visited and interviewed by the editor of DOGS magazine Germany, Thomas Niederste-Werbeck. A wonderful feature on my work as a photographer was not the only outcome of this visit, I now have a great friendship and working relationship with Thomas and the team at DOGS. Over the past 6 months I have visited Germany to create a number of cover images for the Magazine as well as a couple of feature articles......

This image was chosen from my collection of images, an image I have always loved but it has never been used, it was great to see it used on the cover of the 5th Anniversary issue.

Lotte, a gorgeous Kelpie Cross from just outside Dusseldorf.

The first of the 'readers' dogs I photographed for a cover.

Lulu, a fun loving Boston Terrier from Hamburg

Indira & Charlie, two beautiful cuddly and affectionate Newfoundlands from another little village near Dusseldorf.

Charlie reminded me so much of my old boy Henry, who was the love of my life for 7 and a half years.

I also photographed an article on 'Small Dogs' which was a lot of fun; Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Boston Terriers, Papillons, Coton du Tulears, a Miniature Poodle and a Miniature Pinscher....some of the dogs were photographed in France and the others were photographed in Germany.

Lulu & Georgina, Boston Terriers from Germany

Alice, a Chihuahua from France

Chipie, a Miniature Pinscher from France

Lulu & Georgina at play

In late December 2011, Andy and I flew to Orlando, Florida to photograph the Eukanuba World Challenge Dog Show. This is a unique show where winning Dogs from Countries Worldwide meet to compete for the ultimate position of Champion World Dog. It was a challenging but fun project to shoot, very different to what I have photographed before, but DOGS were pleased, so I was happy :)

The Overall Winner 'Reckon' an Australian Shepherd from the USA

The stunning Afghan 'Colin' from Germany

'Suni' a beautiful Saluki representing Switzerland

A Dobermann from Argentina struts his stuff

A last minute groom for 'Reckon'

Opening Ceremony

A final groom before entering the ring

The handsome Staffordshire Bull Terrier representing New Zealand

'Colin' strides around the ring

I'm loving working with the team at DOGS, and look forward to sharing more images created for the magazine with you in the future.

So proud!!

2012-04-12T01:06:00.003-07:00

I'm really proud of the blog which was posted by Amy Azzarito (thank you Amy) on designsponge.com
I just want to thank everyone who has supported me and for all the lovely comments that are arriving on the blog, I hope you enjoy the books?

Merci Beaucoup x

http://www.designsponge.com/2012/04/the-french-dog-the-french-cat.html

An update on my latest book projects!

2012-04-05T05:33:00.001-07:00

There are no excuses for the lack of Blogging other than it really has been an incredibly busy past 6 months!

My latest Book 'The French Cat' was released Worldwide in October, I am humbled at how well the book has been received and would like to offer a HUGE thank you to all you wonderful people out there that have posted such kind feedback on Facebook and to me personally. It was such a fantastic project to create, a much more personal journey than any of my previous books and it is very exciting to see it finally in print.

'The French Dog' a companion Book to 'The French Cat' has now also been completed and will be released in certain territories in May this year but some of you will have to wait until an October release! Like the Cat Book, I have traveled France and befriended many adorable canines, but unlike the tranquility and sereneness of the Cat Book, the Dog Book is a lot more Boisterous and full of life; a bit like our furry canine companions! If you liked 'The French Cat' you won't be disappointed with 'The French Dog'.

Aslan strides along the banks of the Loire

Duke and Elvis pose outside a door at Château de Beauregard

Simba at play in front of the Louvre

Andy takes Kizzie for a stroll through our little village

Flash strikes a pose at the fountain on Place de la Concorde

Napoleon and Mistral wait patiently while their owners visits the local Boulangerie

Bailey retrieves her ball on the Champs de Mars

Tchipie waits to greet guests at Château de Varenne

Along with working on the French Dog images over the past few months I have also been completing the imagery for 'Lunch in Provence' which is due for release worldwide in October, though some territories may get it a bit earlier, so kept a look out. 'Lunch in Provence' is a Lifestyle book that gives the viewer a taste of Life in Provence and the flavours that can be experienced when visiting this exquisite part of France. I am thrilled with the final design of this book and can't wait to see it printed and on the shelves. It has been a wonderful and exciting new subject for me to capture; it was quite daunting to start with but by the time I finished I was a lot more comfortable with approaching people in the streets of Provence and asking if they minded me taking their photograph...... working with people is definitely more nerve racking than working with animals, but I loved every minute of creating the images for 'Lunch in Provence' and I really hope the book is well received, especially due to the labour of love involved to create it.

Villefranche sur Mer

Lunch with Friends, Aix en Provence

A traveling couple of New Zealand enjoy a picnic with a view

Dinner at Château des Alpilles, St Remy de Provence

Café la Place, Eygalieré

Looking across the vines up to Les Baux de Provence

Jean-André Charial, the wonderfully talented Chef behind the exquisite dishes I photographed for 'Lunch in Provence' and owner of Maisons des Baumanière.

http://www.maisonsdebaumaniere.com/

Lunch at Oustau de Baumanierè, Les Baux de Provence

None of my Book projects would come about if it wasn't for the support and encouragement of my longtime publishers PQ Blackwell. Andy and I were lucky to be able to share some of our special time at Oustau de Baumanierè with Geoff Blackwell and Ruth Hobday, we all left with very satisfied taste buds and many happy memories of a wonderful couple of days.

A Work Lunch at Oustau de Baumanierè

Geoff Blackwell, Andy McKenna (my gorgeous Husband), Ruth Hobday and Me!

Followed by Dinner!!!

Charlize, Andy and my daughter, gives instructions to one of my 'French Dog' subjects when we took a stroll up to the village of Les Baux de Provence to walk off Lunch.

Charlize enjoying her own delicacies at Oustau!

Très Occupé

2011-08-10T03:58:00.000-07:00

It has been a very busy month, not that I am complaining, I love being on the road with a camera in hand.

Across the wheat fields to Les Alpilles

We have still been traveling Provence and the Côte d'Azur, we have had the privilege of visiting some spectacular places and meeting some wonderful characters in the process. Hopefully my images will visually show you a taste of Provençal life; but when you close you eyes and imagine the warmth of the air as the soft breeze passes your face, the smell of the freshly cut wheat fields, the buzz of the markets and the deafening but totally relaxing sound of the cicadas, you will then be absorbed by the wonder of Provence.

Lavender at dawn, Sault

From quaint hilltop villages to more populated seaside towns, at this time of the year the South of France is a hive of activity, it can sometimes be challenging to capture the perfect image through the crowds of tourists; thankfully my patience in photography pays off, not only with photographing animals, but also with waiting for the right time to capture the image.

Three wonderful characters we met while lunching in Grasse

Early morning café, Aix en Provence

The picturesque hilltop village of Gourdon

Mouth watering market produce

Escape from the sun

Crillion le Brave

The vines are vivid amongst the dry landscape

Vintage wine from a cellar of over 50,000 bottles

Early morning calm, Marseille Marina

Château de la Chevre d'Or, Eze

The view from Eze

Sunflowers in Roussillon

An Interview with DOGS Germany.

2011-06-24T00:29:00.000-07:00

Choko and Carla, the perfect models

I have just had a visit from Thomas Niederste-Werbeck, the Editor in Chief from DOGS, a wonderful magazine based in Germany. Thomas and photographer, Bettina Lewin, flew from Hamburg, Germany to interview and photograph me while on location in Provence photographing for 'The French Dog' book! The story will be published in the DOGS 5th Anniversary issue due for release in September...... Though it will be published in German, Thomas has promised he will supply an English translation that I will post on the blog!!!

Thomas and Bettina were wonderful to work with and were very understanding when I asked them to head out on foot to the location where I was wanting to shoot, a good 40 minutes walk in the hot afternoon sun!!!

My models for the day were Choko, a 6 year old Chocolate Labrador and Carla, a 4 year old Leonberger. Both were impeccably well behaved, a credit to their loving owner.

Choko on the rocks

Choko & Carla ample along the road

Having photographed the dogs, it was back to Domaine du Bois d'Amont to experience being on the receiving end of the camera, something that Charlize, my 18 month old daughter took in her stride. Charlize proceeded to steel the show and charmed Bettina with gorgeous laughter and smiles..... if I can gain permission, I will post a few of the images Bettina captured at a later date on the blog!

Thomas had a wonderful manner with the interview and I felt really relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed talking to him about the changes in my life, career and the new direction with my work. I was flattered immensely when Thomas told me that my images had been the inspiration for the start of DOGS magazine and that they had been so pleased to finally get to interview me in person after 5 years of publication.....with true respect from both sides I can guarantee this is definitely the start of a great working relationship.

Thank you Thomas and Bettina, it was an honor to have you visit..... See you in October, make sure Sammy practices his smiles!

Charlize fell in love with Carla

Resting in the shade

Just like her Mum, Charlize can't get enough of the Dogs!

A fascination with Noses!

A quick trip home

2011-05-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

An image between parked cars that caught my eye

We are back home in the Languedoc for a few days having a brief break from shooting and camping; though it is lovely to be in the comfort of our own home, already we miss Provence and can't wait to head back on Sunday!

I thought I would share a few of the images I have been creating over the past couple of weeks. I would love to hear what you think!

A mouth watering side dish served at Oustau de Baumaniére

With the clear blue skies, the contrasty light can be challenging to shoot in, but sometimes in works to my advantage.

A detail at Cabro d'Or, Le Baux de Provence

Dining at Cabro d'Or

A typical French Provençal Dish..... Sardines!

Poppies are everywhere at this time of the year

Setting the tables at Le Prieuré, Villeneuve les Avignon

Oustau de Baumaniére, nestled below the rocks of Les Alpilles

A local Baker, Cassis

The Marina at Cassis

What you could have for lunch if you where dining at

Cabro d'Or

Marché Paysan - Le Coustellet

2011-05-22T12:49:00.000-07:00

Marché Paysan –Le Coustellet

Andy and I have fallen in love with Provence, especially the area that surrounds the Alpilles where we have spent the past two weeks shooting for ‘Lunch in Provence’.

We spent time here last year while photographing for ‘The French Cat’ but this time we are able to experience the true essence and vibrant life that populates the villages during the hours of the day that cats are curled up asleep on their favourite chair or nestled in the shade of a bush escaping the heat of the Provençal sun.

There are endless quaint little villages, many of which have one day of the week when they are normally quiet, then still streets come alive, with the village market. The stalls are laiden with the local fresh fruit and vegetables, breads, pastries and sweets, wines, meats, and cheeses, and that is just the food produce. The streets are buzzing, filled with locals and the numerous tourists that have started to swarm Provence now that the temperatures are climbing rapidly towards the mid 30’s.

The famous ‘Mistral’ wind decided to show face on the day we visited Le Coustellet to photograph the ‘Marché Paysan’, the first day in a long time that I wore jeans and a sweatshirt! Though inspired by the beautiful rich fresh products displayed, I captured some great images for ‘Lunch in Provence’, but it was the four legged furry friends behind the scenes that grabbed my attention. Befriending the locals, they were all more than happy for me to create images of their beloved companions.

‘Domino’ a Brittany Spaniel , waiting patiently in the back of his owners van, was adorable, even though he was a little over enthusiastic to meet me, but more than happy to oblige and let me capture his portrait for potential inclusion in ‘The French Dog’.

The new website is LIVE

2011-04-28T02:48:00.000-07:00

Great news, www.rachaelmckenna.com is finally up and running. Its been a fun production puting the site together and it is very exciting to see it go live. Salted Herring, the company in Wellington New Zealand that have created the site for us, have been wonderful, I'm thrilled with the end result. They really took note of what we were wanting to achieve with the website and have managed to design a site that I am really proud of.

Its been a fun and eventful time over the past 4 years since I moved on from working with the Rachael Hale Brand, and its going to be a very productive and exciting future; lots of new projects created in a fresh, different style. Personally I feel that my new projects are giving me the opportunity to create some of my best work yet, and I am really loving the escape from the studio.

The Homepage that will be live next week

Take a look at the website and give us some feedback, we would love to know your thoughts and remember to spread the word that Rachael Hale is now Rachael McKenna.

Thanks for your support

A Bientôt

Rachael x

On Location in the South of France

2011-04-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

Babies and animals are always a challenging combination, then I throw in being on location and the challenge doubles…. Hey, but what photographer doesn’t love a challenge, it just makes the end results that much more rewarding.

The location: a beautiful Grand Maison in the village of Lieuran les Beziérs in the South of France….. the subjects: three babies and the photographer’s toddler! Plus; a one year old grey Newfoundland, two 4 week old Bernese Mountain Dog pups and a two year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

The result: a couple of images of Charlize with Lady Gris, the Newfie; all went well until Lady Gris took a step forward and accidentally gave Charlize a scratch on her leg…. Thankfully Charlize is my daughter and a tough nut!!!

Charlize & Lady Gris

A gorgeous photograph of Bertie, who refused to be with any of the animals but still managed to bring out the smiles…..

Lily, an 11 month old little French baby, was adorable, and posed perfectly with the Bernese Puppy, the Bernese actually proved to be the challenge, continuously trying to take a flying leap off the chair…. Thankfully I always have plenty of hands at the ready to catch any wobbly baby or active animal!

Lily with one of the Bernese Puppies

We ended the shoot with 7 month old Rafael and his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Eléna…. Rafael was a real little character, smiling and laughing for every photograph taken, while Elena sat back unbemused by the situation, wishing she was somewhere else!

Rafael & Eléna

The French Cat

2011-04-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

I had two dreams when I was a child, to be a National Geographic Photographer and to study film at the New York School of Visual Arts (SVA)…. So far I haven’t managed to achieve either of these dreams but there have been many stepping stones I have taken during my career that have given me just as much satisfaction and achievement as I would have if I had ventured down the path I had dreamed of at the grand age of 8 years!

I have to say, the latest assignment I have just completed, ‘The French Cat’ has been the most exciting and inspirational of my career so far, and probably has got me the closest to my dream of being a National Geographic Photographer as I’m possibly going to get!!! As much as I have loved working in studio type environments over the years creating my character portraits of animals and babies, it was the thrill of working with animals in their natural environment that has given me a new lease of life in my field. Travelling a hypnotically beautiful country with my adorable husband and daughter in tow has been an amazing experience; everyday I stepped out into an inspirational environment, there was not a corner I turned that didn’t frame a beautiful setting, and spending hours wandering, on the prowl for cats was a dream job for any animal and photography lover!

Some of the cats I photographed were residents of historic character filled French Châteaux, others were cats I befriended whilst roaming the ancient villages and country side; each one a true character, intrigued by the green feathers on a stick that constantly were drawn in and out of my back pocket, if they weren’t being held at the ready by my enthusiastic rapidly growing daughter. The biggest challenges I would say would have to have been the numerous times I had to practice my ‘tres mal’ French when asking the owners permission to photograph their cat…. I can actually string a few sentences together now though, so I think I have progressed from pigeon French to somewhere just above the basic level! Thankfully cats have a universal language, as long as I am calm, gentle and softly spoken, if I manage to get within a few feet of them, most cats tend to be putty in my hands after a few minutes. A lot of French cats are ‘trés timide’ and required a lot more patience on my part to be able to create the images I was wanting to illustrate the book, luckily, when it comes to my photography, patience seems to be something that I have a continuous supply of.

‘The French Cat’ is being released worldwide in October this year; along with being a collection of the images I have created of the endearing French felines I encountered during our 6 month journey, it also tells the story of our move to France and our experience discovering the beauty of our French surroundings.

Photographing at Montmartre Cimetére, Paris

Photographing in Pérouges, Rhône-Alpes

Andy and Charlize working the cat

Photographing at Château de Saint Loup, Saint Loup Lamairé, Poitou-Charentes

Let's get started

2011-03-31T00:08:00.000-07:00

There are not many people that know at the age of 8 what the want to be when they ‘grow up’. I am one of those lucky ones, I found my passion the day my grandparents first let me step into their darkroom, I remember watching with amazement as the image slowly appeared on the paper as my Grandfather gently rocked the tray holding the developing solution, I was fixed!

Over the years I have been humbled by the number of people that write to me or tell me how much they love the images I create; I love to create them, there is nothing more rewarding than to know that one or two of my images has put a smile on someone’s face.

I am always striving to improve, I pray for the day I will be good enough to be viewed in the same light as the master photographers that have inspired me through my photographic journey. It is hard to believe that I have been photographing professionally now for over 16 years, I still feel and see myself as a young photographer just starting out, still learning, it constantly amazes me when I see my books on the shelf in Barnes and Nobles on 5^th Avenue in New York or when I receive a photograph from a friend of my books on display in the window of a small shop in the back streets of Prague. To take a passion and develop it into a career is a wonderful achievement; it hasn’t always been easy but I can say that my life is very special, I am extremely lucky to be able to make a living creating images.

I hope this blog will give you an insight into my life as a photographer, show you a little behind the scenes. Please write to me, ask me questions, and share in my experiences.

A Bientôt