Pin-Up Pet's has Raised over $1000 in Donations!

We’re half way through May and I’ve done over 25 Pin-Up Pet’s sessions. I’ve already scheduled about 40 sessions to be completed by June 1. The sessions have been going well. If you are thinking of booking a session there are a few openings left. Call the studio or book online. Lot’s and lot’s of big dogs: Greyhounds, Labs, Rotties, Sheepdogs and Pitties. Small dog people don’t despair – I’ve got a few itty, bitty dogs coming in next week to give the 2015 Pin-Up Pet’s Calendar a nice mix of large and small breeds. Seeing so many dogs in such a short time always reminds me of the wide range of sizes, looks and personalities within dogs as a whole. There really is a dog for everyone and every lifestyle. And in my mind, they are all great dogs.

No cat’s yet, but there may be one or two as the month draws to a close.

So far we’ve been able to raise over a thousand dollars for the five partnering rescue agencies! The local rescues do so much good work for so many pets/people – it’s really gratifying to help with their fundraising. I know it’s a non-profit mantra but every dollar donated goes a long way to helping those in need. The volunteers give their time and the donations will help with all the other expenses. The cost of food for foster animals and medical care for the new rescues is really the largest cost of running an organization. The Pin-Up Pet’s Calendar has always been a Win:Win endeavor that is close to my heart as an animal lover. I thank my client’s for every donation, large or small, but just wanted to say it again, “Thank you for your donation.”

Most dogs have some training and respond to some commands. Some people think their dog needs to be a super well trained show dog to get great photos. They arrive saying things like, “My dog is wild and you’ll probably not get anything good.” The truth is that most dogs respond to a few commands and with some patience and a few tricks of the trade – we can get both placement and expression. It’s really a team effort with me behind the camera directing my dog wrangler or the owner to toss the toys or crinkle the treat bag to pop the ears or a tilt of the head. At the end of the session I’ll show a pic to the owner on the camera display just to let them know we’re good with the images. I say, “We’re golden!” They see the image and know we’re in great shape. Often when the owners come back for the sales session they are amazed at the amount of great shots in the slideshow. It’s not uncommon to have a few tears well up seeing their baby in so many wonderful expressions. I joke that shooting the session is the easy part – choosing which image is their favorite is the hard part!

On May 31st, I’ll have a booth at the Fast and the Furry Races 8K, 5K9 and Pet Expo at Harriett Island, St Paul. Tangerine House of Design is a sponsor of the race to raise funds for five local charities. To help out the effort I’ll be shooting candid’s of the runners and their dog’s to post later and for event marketing. I’m hoping for good weather and a good morning to meet a lot of great pet owners and their pups. I’ve got a few remaining “I’m A Pin-Up Pet” orange bandana’s to give away, so look for the banners with images of Mimi, the Pin-Up Pet’s spokesdog, and stop by for a chat. I’m always happy to talk about photography and show off samples of products that can be ordered.

Lisa Asp, Master Photographer (M.Photog), Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), is the owner and  photographic artist at Tangerine House of Design, Edina MN. Tangerine House of Design specializes in studio portraiture of pets, kids, and families.