Animal Magnetism
April 14th, 2008 by admin
Sometimes, you just have to take pictures of your dog. Sometimes, you just have to take pictures of your neurotic bird. And sometimes, you just have to pull over to the side of the road and take pictures of the sheep and their lambs that live on the corner. Well, maybe you don’t, but I do. I had planned to knock on the door of this little farm and ask permission to photograph the sheep, and I still may, but today I had my long lens, the sheep were out, and I took that as a sign. So today I present a study in animals.
My good friend Heather’s cat recently and unexpectedly passed away, which reminded me of how torn up I was when Reese died. I still miss that dog, and I’ve always regretted not having more good photos of her when she was healthy. It just so happened that while I was pondering this, Lilly took up her perch on my overstuffed chair and pretty much posed for me in perfect lighting, so I couldn’t pass it up.
Special thanks to Ree, a.k.a The Pioneer Woman. I was able to use her ultra cool and *free* actions to play with PhotoShop and create some really nice effects – if you are a PhotoShop user, she created a whole set of free actions that make photo editing insanely easy and they are available for download on her website.
I love my dog.
I also love this nutty bird, as much as I complain about her. I took this entire series in one sitting while doing my French homework. A little background: Romeo is a little picky when it comes to her toys. Some things she loves, and others she’ll pretty much ignore unless she gets really, really bored. So last time I was at the Crazy Bird Lady’s place (also known as Wings over America, or Wings over the Rainbow, depending on who you ask) I got a huge assortment of new toys. The first one I decided to try out was a little donkey-shaped pinata. I have not had any luck getting Romeo to say “pinata.”
At first, every time I picked up the camera Romeo would drop the toy and pretend like she hadn’t been chewing on it. But she finally got over her stage fright. Note the appropriate expression of fear on the burro’s face:
Then she started to really go to town on him (and look at the authenticity! This burro is, in fact, from Mexico!)
And the carnage continues (note the open beak):
By the end of the 30 minute period, this was all that was left of our poor little burro:
She eventually destroyed the entire thing and moved on to another toy. But the best part, which I was unable to get on camera, was a point where she was so into demolishing this poor little creature that she actually fell off her perch in her excitement. I realize I don’t get out much, but this was quality entertainment.
Which brings us to our sheep. I’ll spare you the narrative, but I drive past this little farm at least 4 times a day and I was delighted when I saw the little babies. It took me too long to get over there with a camera, so now they’re like little teenagers, but they’re really adorable.
The rest are over in the gallery if you want to peruse them. Hopefully I’ll get better shots one day soon.
Now go hug your pets.
Reese: 1999-2005
Bryan wrote on 04/14/08 at 3:07 pm :
While I admit I would find a bird falling off a perch amusing, I still feel strongly that you should get out of the house a little more. Congrats on the Scholarship by the way. I knew you always had it in you. See how smart I am? I’d pat you on the back, but I’m a little busy being amazed at how smart I am. JBF
angela wrote on 04/14/08 at 5:15 pm :
It’s not just ANY bird falling off a perch. It’s a bird falling off a perch who has the presence of mind and vocabulary to shout “shit!” on her way down.
And thanks.
Jennifer wrote on 04/14/08 at 5:59 pm :
That added tidbit about “shit” is too funny!
I got teared up at the end with the Reese picture. Losing a dog is something you never quite get over.
I need to get out my PhotoShop book and try some of those actions! I’ve never really Photo Shopped but I think I would like it if I gave myself half a chance!
angela wrote on 04/14/08 at 6:25 pm :
I thought about you and Poncho this week too. Losing a pet sucks, but Heather pointed out that it has opened a space in her life for another rescue kitty, much as Poncho’s passing did for Arthur and Alice.