photography

My commissioned photography sessions are intimate and gently paced. Together we focus on capturing the love between you and your animal/s and your unique relationship. These genuine moments of connection might include a particular way you relate, how you often show affection, or something meaningful about your animal. It is all about feeling the LOVE.

The session can be in the animal's own environment, or a place where they are relaxed and we can be together without distractions. This custom service has its roots in the professional portrait photography of the 1890s, when women photographers began to go to the homes of their clients for a more natural environment, rather than a studio. It's relaxed and real. And it’s also the best way for animals to be most comfortable!

I work with natural light so there is no intrusive lighting equipment but the time of day is important. We also consider your animal’s schedule and do what we can to help your animal feel at ease. I will have connected them telepathically ahead of time and asked for their participation!

PHOTO SESSION SUMMARY

• for any animal, large or small

• for those in and around los angeles, california

• telepathic communication with your animal

• scheduling to suit your animal/s and available light

• photo session in animal’s home or happy place

• portraits of you with your animal and/or your animal alone

• black + white contact sheets

• hand-printed, gelatin silver photographs

• printed telepathic message from your animal to you

I was trained in the photography department at Art Center College of Design (where the darkroom became my second home) and gained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography, before the digital age was in full swing. Working with tangible materials has remained my preference.

I use traditional photography materials and equipment - black and white film and a medium format camera that uses 120 roll film. One roll has sixteen frames. The film is developed at a professional photo lab and contact sheets are made for viewing the negatives.

About a week after the photo session, you'll receive your contact sheets (to keep). If needed, I offer a consult at my studio to help you decide what images you want to order to be printed. This is also a good time to view presentation options for displaying and protecting your favorite image/s with your message.

Your photographs are then printed by hand on European, warm-tone, gelatin silver paper on an optical enlarger. The subtle and rich tones of silver prints are really beautiful. Photographs are powerful, and it is a pleasure and an honor to hand over these pieces of paper that become cherished treasures for years to come.

gelatin silver photographs

• Each black and white photograph is hand-printed in the darkroom using an optical enlarger.

• The blank fiber paper goes in an easel and is exposed to light for a timed exposure.

• Then it goes into the developer tray where an image emerges during agitation. It's like magic!

• Then the print goes into the stop and fixer and wash.

• This process is repeated with multiple pieces of paper to get the desired contrast and values.

• At the end of the printing day, all prints are cleared and go into the final longer wash.

• The photographs are squeegeed and put onto screens to air-dry overnight.

• A brief time in a hot press flattens the paper.

• Hand trimming and spotting is done as needed.