Christmas has been. Tummies are still over full, and everyone is starting to reflect on the year that’s been and thinking of the new year ahead.
I'm celebrating and looking back at my favourite pieces of artworks and wall art that I have created during my Yellow Lab dog photography sessions in Auckland this last year.
When I look back at these, I feel incredibly honoured that you trusted me to have your and your dog’s portrait and family photographs taken. Truth is, without you I would not have been able to make the below photographs without you. We had so much fun at our photoshoots this past year and am so grateful that I get to do this as my full time job. I make new friends with every photoshoot and fall in love with your dog every time I see and meet them in person.
Thank you for being in my life and being a part of this creative journey with Yellow Lab Pet Photography.
There’s been a whole lot of puppies and I made some great new friends with New Zealand small business colabs. My favourites being Brodies Raw Pet Food Delivery, Sisterhood of Style, Fur Child Supply Co. Apologies if I forgot anyone.
We published a super Dog Lover’s gift guide again.
I loved being part of the Hobsonville Point Photography Exhibition again this year.
There was AWESOME events, like the SPCA Great Paws Walk, Dog and Grog events with VetCare and Pocket Bar and Kitchen, an incredible Golden Retriever Walk at One Tree Hill (there were nearly 50 goldies!), the Great Global Greyhound Walk to name a few.
I’m planning a few special photo events for 2020, so be sure to sign up to my newsletter if you’d like to be the first to know.
There was some experimentation as I hand painted a backdrop that everyone LOVES. The mottled grey - see photos below. Flower wreaths started making their way on to human heads and I’m experimenting with growing a garden outside and building another set I can easily photograph in.
Favourite dog photographs taken near Auckland 2019:
Flower wreaths
My classic flower dog shot with wreaths and flower crowns. Every photoshoot I do, I make one / two dog flower wreath photos. The flower wreath is tailor made to your dog’s size and your favourite colour and flowers. It is one of the favourite photographs that my clients 90% of the time don’t want to live without. These are just a few of my faves.
Click to enlarge image.
More flowers and experimenting
Black and white dog photography
With every photoshoot, I usually make a few photos black and white. But you know what I love more than a black and white photo? A colour photograph that LOOKS black and white. Monochrome love. Especially when their brown eyes pop against black on black on black.
Family photographs
People visit from as far as Waiuku and Hamilton for their family portraits to be created by Yellow Lab. I always feel proud and blessed that I get to do this for my work.
This year I learnt that greyhounds don’t sit. I got to photograph quite a few of them :-) Without sitting ;-)
There’s been some incredibly rare and different kind of dogs! I got to photograph borzois and even an irish wolfhound this year!
I had a doggy visit the studio that has a phobia of slippery floors. We totally worked around it and I see he’s currently attending doggy events wearing his little snow boots, with fear of slipping/ falling. How cute
i’ve looked into these doggy eyes and fallen in love with so so many of them. I’m genuinely on cloud 9 when I wrap a photoshoot. Creating portraits and working with families and their dogs (sometimes no dogs), make me so happy to be creative and to have you love on my artwork and help you remember this time now forever.
If I had to choose a few I’m most proud of…
Malt and Esme: This photo is perfect straight out of camera. The only editing I did, was remove the creases on the couch they were sitting on.
Vince: when the dog photographer’s not interesting enough to perk up both your ears. The next shot I took Vince raised both ears, but there’s something utterly cool and awesome about this one.
Koda and Kash: These two look iike a before and after, like it’s a composition of the same doggo growing up, but look closer and you’ll see that it’s not the same gorgeous doggo, but 2 brothers (not the same litter ;-) if you’re wondering)
Nala. What a beautiful gentle giant dog. The fact that her nails are painted, just shows you her royalty. She is pampered at home, and rightly so. Such a chill golden girl.
Here’s to trying new things and expanding our minds and creativity and growing.
I wish you a happy 2020. Success in everything we take on, good health, happy new adventures and love. It is going to be an amazing year!
If you’d like to see my faves from 2018, read here.
If you’d like to see my faves from 2017, read here.
PS If you're curious about what a Yellow Lab photoshoot is / pet photography packages, dog or dog lover gift ideas, read more about the experience, the FAQ page or email me at [email protected] to book. I still have one opening for January 2019 and am currently booking February and March.
Boxing day sale:
A special discount code for you. Use XMASDOG for 20% off your booking fee. Valid 26 Dec 2019 - Sunday 29 Dec midnight.
Happiest holidays and an amazing 2020!
-Salome