Checking Colby's match print @ Silicon Gallery. The one on the right is on canvas is a bit warmer in tone, and almost there. Before doing animal portraits, I never would have considered printing on canvas. But when you see them in person, you'll understand why. #phillydog #phillydogs #dogsofinstagram #dogportrait #friskyinphilly #dogsofphilly #dogphoto #dogportrait #dogphotooftheday #photography

A photo posted by Andrew Pinkham Photography (@andrew_pinkham_photography) on Feb 27, 2016 at 2:50pm PST

In Pieces

This is a Hasselblad 500cm and the first professional camera that I have ever owned. Just a couple of years out of photo school, next to no income and an uncertain future, I purchased only the body and wondered how I would be able to afford the lenses and film magazines that went with it. It forced me to be resourceful and to believe in what I was doing. This is symbolic of how hopes and ideas in life can seem fragmented, but can eventually come together. There is pain and struggle along the way, but I believe it is all worth it in the end. #determination #believe #cameraman

A photo posted by Andrew Pinkham Photography (@andrew_pinkham_photography) on Feb 29, 2016 at 4:57am PST

Bitter Sweet...

Back in 2014, I sent a promotional package to The White House offering up my portrait services for the presidential pups. I wrote to the president's dog in my own dog's voice saying that my work was really swell and that they should take me up on my offer. Pictured here is the letter that I received in return. It is from the secretary of the first lady and says... Dear Andrew, Thank you for offering your services to the Office of the First Lady. We appreciate your outreach and interest and your information will be kept on file should a need arise in the future. Your offer of assistance is yet another example of the kind of enthusiasm that the First Lady believes our country needs right now, and sends her sincere appreciation. Sincerely [.....] Director of Correspondence, Office of the First Lady. I certainly was glad to hear from the White House and got a chuckle because this was a very kind "thanks, but no thanks" letter. This is an example of what keeps me believing in what I do and staying humble at the same time. #believe #hardwork #humble

A photo posted by Andrew Pinkham Photography (@andrew_pinkham_photography) on Feb 28, 2016 at 4:03pm PST

Found Light

Truly beautiful light in Philly the other night. This brings together 3 of favorite subjects, animals, cityscapes and light. In my animal portraits, my light is made. Conversely, with my cityscapes, the light is found. #light #foundthelight #philly #phillyportrait #dogsofinstagram #dogsofphilly #friskyinphilly #photooftheday #photographer #photography #animalportrait #phillypet

A photo posted by Andrew Pinkham Photography (@andrew_pinkham_photography) on Feb 21, 2016 at 8:22am PST

National Love Your Pet Day

It's National Love Your Pet Day! Don't forget the extra hugs, kisses and especially, treats. #nationalloveyourpetday #nationalloveyourpetday #friskyinphilly #phillypets #phillypet #phillyanimals #phillypetportrait #cat #kitteh #catsofphilly #catsofinstagram #cats_of_instagram #catstagram #philly #meow #meow_beauties #instacat #phillycat #phillycats#

A photo posted by Andrew Pinkham Photography (@andrew_pinkham_photography) on Feb 20, 2016 at 3:12pm PST

Pets doing bad things

This one is an older portrait, but definitely a fav. I really wanted to do a scenario of right after the perfect moment. Thus, "Hoagy's Revenge" was created. Most of my images are very regal and composed, but I find that we really enjoy talking about our pet misbehaving or doing something odd. What does your pet do that out of the ordinary? #catsofphilly #cat #catportrait #petportrait #painterly #petsofphilly #petstagram #crazycats #crazycatsofinstagram #phillypets #photooftheday #portraits

How does it all work?

I am often asked about the process of how my sessions work. There is a lot that goes in to making my portraits and I do my best to explain the steps. My approach is pretty straightforward, and what is hard to convey is how my style and sensibilities figure in to my work. Here I'll go through the steps and explain how they play into the grand scheme of the final outcome. 

When speaking to a client for the first time,  I always try to get sense of which of my portraits they are drawn to. In this instance, it was this portrait of Henry that I did a few years ago. They had a staircase and hallway in their own house that they wanted to use.

I took a trip to my client's house and we decided on a background. As you can see, the background in both portraits are similar, yet different. This is important to me because I really want to create something unique and special for everyone that I work with.

This also is a good chance to get acquainted with the owners, and especially my subject, before the day of the session.

                                               

Next weekend, the session takes place and Colby is here to greet us. Lisa joined me to lend a hand  and took great behind the scenes images. 

It's set up time, and here, I am positioning my lights and checking my settings.  

So our set is lit and almost ready. I look to see if there is anything that could be distracting in our set. I thought that the radiator was an issue and moving the couch in front helped minimize it. I always do a separate image of the background, just in case we need to change the subject's size or position. 

It's a bit of a waiting game as things settle down. I'm in position and Colby's attention is on her owner, Tessa. The fact that she has plenty of treats on hand goes along way!

There are a lot near misses but it's part of the plan. Curt and Tessa switch out and I am ready to capture the right moments. 

Generally, I do a series of 10-15 images and review when I feel like we have something that captures my subject's personality. I rely heavily upon Tessa & Curt's opinion because they know Colby's archetypal look. They had a really good reaction to the images, and we did a few extras just in case.

Here are some their selects that I sent few days later.

While Tessa & Curt were choosing their favorite images, I started the post work on their background. This process is very involved drawn out. I make a few changes, stop and come back in few hours or days to see how I feel those changes that I have made. 

Meanwhile, I hear back about Tessa & Curt's final select image. We have a really great angle of him and his attention is completely on his owners.

This is the final portrait, and has a couple of very minor changes from the first version that I emailed Tessa & Curt. The next step is to have a canvas made and for them to have it framed where they can enjoy it for years to come. I'll do a followup post once Colby's portrait is installed. 

I think that this gives a pretty good overview of how my process works but, if you have any questions please let me know!

Thank you Tessa, Curt, Colby & Lisa for such a great experience!