This photograph is described in Tip #2 in the US Weekly article. Here is my quote that goes with it: “I photographed this Boston terrier named Cupid at about 1 p.m. in December for a magazine’s February issue. The rose petals and soft material (it’s a tablecloth) complemented Cupid and her big brown eyes perfectly. It took about 50 exposures to get just the right pose and background.”

This photograph is described in Tip #3 in the US Weekly article. Here is a description for the image: “I approached this photo session of a cat in a client’s home with the goal of inspiring the viewers to think about what the cat was thinking. These types of photos can often tell a story, and they can be completely random or set up like in a movie. I used an f/2.8 aperture, which helped to keep the focus on the main characters in the image.”

To read the full article as it appears in US Weekly, which includes six additional pet photos and more tips, visit this page.

MORE VALUABLE PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS AND VIDEOS

• Visit my main photography and imaging tips site, ImagingBuffet.com for many articles, gear reviews, interviews and much more.

• You can find a collection of articles I’ve written and a link to a podcast on which I appeared here on Photofocus.com, which is one of my favorite photography and imaging learning sites.

OUR MEETUP GROUPS IN THE NY/NJ AREA

I also welcome you to join any of our Meetup Groups if you would like to be invited to attend other events like photo walks, workshops, etc. in the future. Some of the events are virtual, so feel free to join even if you don’t live in the Northeast USA.

One more thing: If you don’t receive my ImagingBuffet.com newsletter updates and would like to receive them (I send out tips and other goodies about once per week), as well as some bonus Lightroom and workflow videos as soon as you sign up, you can sign up here.

I’m looking forward to judging “The Cat’s Meow” photo contest on Phoozl.com (it’s free to enter, and entries will be accepted until 6/12). I’ve judged a few other contests on Phoozl.com, and I always enjoy seeing the entries. Cats are definitely one of my favorite subjects, and based on sites like icanhascheeseburger.com, I’m guessing I’m not alone (but please note: no Lolcats will be accepted for this contest…lol!) For more information or to enter, visit: http://www.phoozl.com/weekly-photo-contest/the-cats-meow-2/

I recently had the honor of judging the Phoozl “Pet Art Show” Assignment. I’ve been fortunate to judge a number of photo contests over the years, both online and in person. It’s never easy to make final selections, but it’s always been enjoyable. You can see all the images I chose, plus my comments for first, second and third place (as well as 15 Honorable Mentions) here:
http://www.phoozl.com/phooznews/results-pet-art-show-photo-assignment/

Here is some information about DogRead from the press release, which you can find here:

The group was founded in March of 2000 by Treshell Jones and currently has over 5700 members. Members can search the extensive archive of more than 70,000 posts from over 130 guest authors and members. Many DogRead authors have been recipients of prestigious writing awards and have appeared on The New York Times Best Seller lists. For more information or to become a member, visit http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/DogRead .

I hope to see you there!

Below is information about the event, with a letter from Heather Speeks, chair of the The Artistic Expressions Art Auction. As she notes, tickets are complimentary by request only through their website (lilospromise.com)

Date/Time: Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.
Place: Collingswood Community Center
Collingswood, NJ
Website: www.lilospromise.com

Picture your adored pup in an abusive home or facing euthanasia after a long stay at an animal shelter. Lilo’s Promise Animal Rescue, located in Voorhees, NJ, removes dogs from these situations, loves and trains them until they are ready to take the next step toward being a treasured pet. Lilo’s helps all breeds, but specializes in our beloved pit bulls. These misunderstood and mismanaged kids get trapped in the system and need every advantage they can get.

As chair of the The Artistic Expressions Art Auction, I am dedicated to raise the funds needed to achieve Lilo’s goal of doubling the amount of dogs saved in 2009. While this is a huge undertaking for us, we are determined to reach our goal to help the dogs that need us.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on April 10, attendees are invited to whet their palates with a Wine Tasting and Meet the Artists Hour sponsored by local vendors. A Live Auction, beginning at 7:30 p.m. will feature an amazing and eclectic assortment of art, with opening bids ranging from five dollars into the hundreds.  A current listing of our local, national and international artists donating work is available on our website at www.lilospromise.com.

Please join us for an exciting evening of food, wine and art and help Lilo’s Promise continue to rescue homeless animals.  Tickets are complimentary by request only through our website (lilospromise.com).

We hope to see you there!
-Heather Speeks – 856-783-2024 – HSpeeks@msn.com