Welcome to DelaFoto's Photography Blog. Look for Denver photographer, Ariane's latest images & personal stories about recent photo sessions and more.
"Understanding Dogs" with Ladybug
I'm currently hosting Misha May Foundation's training course: "Understanding Dogs" at my Denver studio. It's a 4 week course that hosts four participants and their dogs, as well as observers. Each week a participating dog is featured as they work through their specific behavior issues and training needs.
As the host, I had the opportunity to enjoy the course with instructor, Rebecca Shattuck, while working through the anxiety issues my sheltie "Ladybug" has with new people. My little girl is clever and I knew we could both learn some great new techniques for calming her down and having her feel more comfortable approaching strangers. In the hour that we worked with her, she practiced "calming ovals" and got lots of positive reinforcement while approaching our classmates, on her terms. At the end of the class, she was tuckered from all the mental stimulation, yet was calm and comfortable. Not bad for 1 hour of learning!
It's been a pleasure participating in the class, getting customized training and meeting the other students. We've learned a lot about each other's dog challenges and solutions. I highly recommend the course and look forward to improving my Ladybug's social skills and more with Misha May Foundation.
My 1st Puppy Transport!
A getaway to New Mexico, turned into a wonderful introduction to a dear little puppy named "Rosie". At the tail end of a midweek trip to Albuquerque (with 3 doggies already in tow) I saw that My Fairy Dawg Mother Rescue posted for urgent help on Facebook. While I typically "unplug" while on road trips, I happened to see the call for anyone available to transport a puppy from Albuquerque to Denver. How I could I say no?
I've never done rescue transporting before, but it was easy. Baby Rosie was dropped off to us on the day we were heading back to Denver. She is a gorgeous Blood Hound/Red Tick Coon Hound mix. While I won't get into the details of her past hardships, I can say she is now as happy and sweet as could be. She's a smart, confident, loving and very well mannered hound. She didn't even need a crate for the day long, scenic ride home. She loved the adventure and was a genuine joy to share the ride with. Our 3 other furry family members tolerated our little guest as well as could be expected.
Winning hearts all along the way, she is now in one of her new foster homes where she will continue to get lots of love. We wish her the best, and can't wait to see who the lucky adoption family will be!
In the Studio: Val & Bane
Seven years old vs. seven months old, can you tell which German Shepherd is which? The tongue pretty much gives it away. Happy go lucky, silly young Bane and his wiser counterpart Val came out to the studio for their "Mini Session".
I sure love photographing shepherds! A sweet pair, they adore each other. High energy and strong, it was a good thing that they had obedience skills and a patient mom. It took some minor wrangling, but they did great, their expressions say it all. It was a good day!
In the Studio: Lovely Lucie
If you love Newfies, then you'll love "Lucie". This 9 year old gentle giant recently came in for her first professional photos. She has such a puppy face and relaxed temperament, you'd never guess her age. Extremely sweet and cooperative, she made herself right at home. Freshly groomed and less drooly than most big breeds, she was an absolute pleasure to work with.
Photographing black dogs can be tough without the right equipment, but in the studio setting, black is no problem. Lucie's mom & dad were overjoyed with the final results. "We can see her eyes!" they exclaimed, at their presentation.
The photos were better than they ever expected, which is so nice to hear. Don't you just want to give Lucie a big hug?
In the Studio: Hula
Having just finished my spring photo special/fundraiser and looking ahead to my summer special, I needed some doggie models. I'm about to announce a new theme, "Bubbles & Balls", a variation of my more playful "Romping Rovers" special from last year. It's a beautiful and fun idea and I needed to create some fresh, new promotional images.
In prepping for our "official" models (four rescue pups that were scheduled to come in to the studio) we had clever and intense Catahoula mix, "Hula" on hand to help test the new lighting, bubble making and props. She was both intrigued and subdued in her reaction to the colorful play things and many bubbles. Hula is a confident and obedient girl with big brown eyes making for some soulful, stoic images that I'm excited to share.
With the bubble making tested and the lights performing beautifully, we were all ready for some great shots of the rest of our model dogs. The images are all done and the new special is ready to be announced, yay!