As for the last two parts of this post title – I’m sure you are wondering what those two thing could possibly have in common. My tripod, which is pretty much an antique as it was handed down to me from my mom and is made of extremely heavy metal, decided to take a nose dive and land smack dab on my poor little pinkie toe. I humbly admit that I cried like a little baby. I decided to go get an x-ray just to be safe (ask me about the time I broke my thumb and didn’t get an x-ray.) And my poor little toe is definitely broken. There really isn’t much one can do about a little broken toe – it’s mostly just annoying   So I am pretty mad at my tripod right now, it has been sent to its room (the hall closet)!

So, instead of posting a photo of my little blue toe I have decided to spare you and post some photos of Willie trying to avoid the heat…. He is just so handsome!

A big thank you to Buster’s Grandpa for helping me with all the technical aspects to working with video clips! He even made me DVD copies to send to all my family members! Also, thank you to everyone for all the positive feedback – you really do make me feel like a superstar And last but not least – wfaa channel 8 & the GMT team – you rock!

All of the cameras and lights were a little overwhelming, but the people at the show were amazing and made everything seem like a breeze. Everyone treated Willie like a king so he was a happy camper. Of course Brad and I came racing home after the show to watch the recording. Hopefully I will have the video up on my blog soon! If you want to see it now just click here: Picture Perfect Pet Photography

While I was on set, waiting for everything to get going I started snapping some photos! Why not?? So here are some of the behind the scenes. We took a quick group photo before going on air. That is one of the hosts: Rob McCollum. He did an incredible job interviewing me and keeping me on track!

Trista, the original bachelorette, and star of the day was on just seconds before me. She is actually doing her interview in this photo! We were already set up and ready to go next…

Here are some photos of my super awesome “official” animal handler… my husband Brad. He did a great job of keeping Willie calm and focused. Of course I filled his jeans pocket up with treats so I’m sure that helped a little. Thank you Brad for all you do!

Trista even had some fans outside…. Maybe next time Willie will have a few

These are some of the shots that I actually captured during the segment. Willie did so well – I have already promised him a ton of Frosty Paws. The lighting in the room was amazing! Can you see that huge clock/timer behind him. I was on air for about 5 minutes but it felt like 30 seconds. Time flies when you’re having fun!!

What a whirlwind! I love being a pet photographer, I really do! Thank you to everyone at wfaa in Dallas and channel 8!

I had such a great time playing with and photographing these three little stars!

First I’ll introduce you to Harry. His name is a little ironic, because the day he was adopted he didn’t have any hair at all… But now he is oh so handsome. Harry is very laid back and a little stand offish, but once he gets to know you he quickly warms up and turns into a little love bug. He spent most of the afternoon in the hammock enjoying a breeze under a huge tree.

Coco is the silly one of the group. A complete ball of energy ready to greet you with a jump and a kiss! She is a little superstar and looooovvvvves her treats!

And the newest member of the family is little miss Gigi. Gigi is such a little princess with a bit a shyness. She is still getting used to her new home and receiving love from humans. She was actually very scared of my camera but who can blame her – the camera is bigger than she is However, once she saw Coco preforming for the camera she decided to trust me as well.

I hope you can see how happy these pups are in these photos. I am so happy to have captured each ones personality!

I couldn’t be more in love with my career as a pet photographer, and it’s families with pups like these that make all the difference.  I am truly living a dream

Good Morning Texas will be featuring me along with Mr. Blue Mutt (Willie) next Tuesday.  Channel 8 contacted us earlier this week to see if we could share some tips on how to get great photos of your own pet. I was so excited I replied yes so fast it probably scared them. Tips – have I got tips for you! Tons of tips!

So tune in (or set your DVR) to Channel 8 on Tuesday, the 17th, at 9:00am. Wish us luck!!

I will also post all about the show and the tips I will be sharing in case you miss the show

We have also decided on a middle name for our little girl. Drum roll please…….. Layla Ruth Cameron. Why Ruth? Well the best response for her middle name I received on the post Little Layla was actually: Chocolate Caramel Brownie! Which made me laugh pretty hard Of course we couldn’t really name her that – but I do agree that she looks like chocolate and caramel. So to stay with the theme of Goonies*, we chose Baby Ruth (the star candy bar in the movie). Thank you for all of your creative suggestions!

* Willie is actually named after The Goonies “One Eyed Willie.” The pirate who’s treasure they are searching for. I know we are dorks but we do love our 80’s movies!

Here is a quick sneak peak to wet your appetite. There are many, many more to come. I just couldn’t resist putting these up right away!

I want to share with you the paragraph that was sent out in the SPCA newsletter that I feel really sums up my response to the question: Why do you choose to volunteer at animal shelters?

Hello, I’m Allison – a Dallas based pet photographer. I absolutely love what I do for a living and am so lucky to be given the opportunity to capture the spirit and personality of so many different animals. I volunteer at the SPCA because it brings such joy to me knowing that I might have had a hand in finding an animal their forever home. Pets, no matter how big or small, are always ready to give you their unconditional love, loyalty, and trust. It is only fair that we give them our unconditional love in return. I am committed to helping shelter animals in any way possible – after all they are the best of the best, and most of the time love you even more because they know they have been given a second chance at life. I adore my rescue dog – a one eyed blue heeler mutt, who is the most handsome dog in Texas… it’s true! I even named my business after him: Blue Mutt Photography – he is definitely living the life he deserved to have. Since starting at the SPCA of Texas I have photographed over 850 animals is hopes of helping them along their journey. Believe me it has been hard to not take them all home with me, but I have loved every minute of it!

On a side note: this article went out just a few days before we adopted Layla, so that is why she is not mentioned in my bio. However, I have big plans for Layla’s involvement in my business – don’t you worry. Willie isn’t the only one who will hold sole naming rights to my business. I’ll keep you posted and an update on Layla is coming soon!

After sending out Bullet’s gallery to his mom, I received a very touching e-mail from her. You see Bullet is sick with cancer so we are busy celebrating Bullet’s time here with us. I wanted to share a small part of her e-mail with you, because it shows why I love what I do as a pet photographer!

“I truly believe you captured the essence of what defines Bullet.  He is a cross section of big attitude, a lover, high energy, extremely focused, happy, a hunter and a baby all at once.  The photos show each of these qualities and them some.  I was totally surprised that two of the images captured his baby face, exactly as it was when he was a puppy.  I haven’t seen that face in oh so long! He looks amazing and so happy in all of them.  They make me so happy. ”