McGraw Photography Blog » Charlotte, NC | Pet & Dog Photography

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May 17, 2013

Pebbles and BamBam In The City

This session couldn’t come at a more appropriate time. I’ve been longing to move to Uptown Charlotte for years and there is a very small chance that it finally might happen. I’ve had my eye on a set of condos (more like townhomes) that I’ve loved since they were built a few years. With rates as crazy low as they are right now, it may actually be the time we could make the move happen. Of course we have several obstacles in our way. First, we have to even see if we can get financed. With me being a small business owner and my husband changing jobs last year, we might not even get past the first hurdle. Secondly, and another big one, we have to sell our current house. I love where we live (Cornelius) but a more central location would be ideal for me and my clients. We are heading to the bank tomorrow to tackle the first obstacle!!! Wish us luck!

Anyway, enough about me!!! I just love Uptown and I think Charlotte is a really beautiful city. I would be so proud to live there!

Obviously I was very excited when repeat clients, Pebbles and BamBam, wanted to have another session with a totally different vibe than their super-adorbs Fall shoot. This time they wanted a more urban feel with cool buildings, backdrops, and skylines. This was going to amazing! I already knew they were well-behaved and would be great for a more stimulating city shoot.

Enjoy…

They’re just two little dogs in a big world.
There are so many cute little vignettes throughout Uptown. Pebbles and BamBam looked unbelievably adorable everywhere we put them! Oh, and they got plenty of attention too!
As long as we kept the hotdogs coming, the pups were happy to cooperate. Here, Pebbles was tired of waiting and just went for the treat…
This session was a surprise for Pebbles and BamBam’s grandmother. She though she was going to dinner but instead she ended up in the middle of a photo shoot. She was starving but she worked it for us!
We enjoyed a beautiful sunset overlooking the growing Charlotte skyline. I HAVE to take my dogs to this location and get some photos. It would be perfect in my *possible* new Uptown condo. ;)
It was a pleasure working with this family again. I hope they enjoy the totally different vibe with this awesome urban setting!

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Charlotte Reeves - Sarah that is super exciting news for you, I really hope you’re able to hurdle those obstacles easily and get where you want to be! Charlotte is a beautiful town, I would love to come visit one day. And this session – wow! Every shot is just perfect! Gorgeous pups too, and so well behaved. What a dream!

May 15, 2013

Shelby – Angel Session

In the midst of a busy Spring season, there is always time to squeeze in an Angel Session. Of course I don’t like to. Not because of scheduling, but because I wish my clients were never faced with the situation. It is beyond heartbreaking to hear the story of a pet having to say goodbye too soon. It’s always hard to grasp. Why? Why are they with us for such a short period of time? It’s just not fair.

Shelby was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. It took the vet almost a year to diagnose the problem and by then, the tumor was too large to remove. Shelby just started chemotherapy and, fortunately, hasn’t had any side effects.

We are all so happy that she still has a smile on her face…

Shelby has so much soul behind her eyes. They seem to go on forever…
We started off the session a little on the rocky side. Shelby was so stimulated by the new environment, she was a little over-excited and distracted. Once we pulled out the Buddy Biscuits, she was all mine! :)
Shelby was so beautiful in front of the yellow flowers. I think she was made to be photographed here. Even the pretty pink and yellow collar accessory matches wonderfully. Love!
Please send positive thoughts for Shelby and her family. She is deeply loved…

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May 11, 2013

Cooper the Chiweenie

Cooper was my client’s first purchase when she moved to North Carolina and he’s been her best friend ever since. He was around before she met her fiancé that, by the way, she is marrying today!  Cooper approves so all is well! :) Her fiancé even surprised her with the gift certificate for this session. Now that’s a man that knows what a girl wants! ;)

Even though Cooper isn’t involved in the wedding ceremony, this happy Chihuahua-weenie dog-maybe Rat Terrier-mix keeps a smile on his face at all times…especially if the Chuck-It is out and there is a tennis ball around. Yep, a game of fetch is his favorite thing in the world and he wouldn’t stop playing if the world depended on it. His slight ball obsession worked wonders for his posing, as his eyes never left his little bundle of yellow felt goodness.

Cooper doesn’t mess around when it’s play time. He’s like Forrest Gump…he keeps running!
Cooper looked so handsome in the blooming clover. Seriously.
Uh…you gonna give me that ball back?
‘Cause if you don’t, I’ll gonna start yelling… ;) Haha!
100% play all the time…
Cooper’s parents thought he wasn’t going to be good for his session but they were sooooo wrong! He was amazing and there is no doubt he is a professional model on the side.
I love those ears!!! They’re just SO Cooper!
Congratulations to Cooper’s parents on today’s nuptials! I’m sure Cooper is so excited to “officially” have a dad and he is welcomed with open paws! He’s a lucky boy and his parents are equally blessed! Love, love, love!

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Greenderella - Aaawww, he looks so happy! Beautiful pictures!

Ali Peterson - How do you find all these great locations?!

May 9, 2013

Affinity, Kobe & Avalanche

Rainy, cloudy, and windy aren’t really things you want to see in the forecast…especially when you are heading to the beach…from Kentucky.

Every year, this furry family takes a week-long trip from the Bluegrass State to the shores of Emerald Isle. Usually the schedule consists of sunbathing and a little r&r but this time, I shook up their plans when they realized I would be doing doggy sessions there at the same time they arrived.

These troopers left Kentucky at 3 in the morning and arrived on the island around 3 in the afternoon. With little sleep, empty bellies, and a few excited Dachshunds, their session was only a couple hours away. We spent those 2 hours texting back and forth as rain, wind, and clouds surrounded us and made us wonder if we were going to have to give up hope on taking pictures of Affinity, Kobe, and Avalanche on their favorite beach. We decided to press forward and I’m so glad we did!

The wind and cold never let up on us and we had to dodge raindrops a few times, but it was totally worth it! Affinity, Kobe, and Avalanche had a great time and as long as they were on the beach, they were happy as the clams washing up on shore. :)

We began the session with Affinity. The eldest of the trio, she is pretty chill and just takes things as they come. For example, she was happy to let the wind do it’s thing.
Don’t let her fool you though. She does get excited. When she’s allowed to roam on the beach, she comes out of her shell!
And she might even take a roll in the sand.
What a happy face!!!
LOVE this pretty necklace she modeled at the end of our time together!
Next up was Kobe. Kobe is pretty opposite of his sister and is a little firecracker! I was warned he likes to run and dig so I was happy he didn’t disappoint!
Some outtakes that are oh-so-Kobe…
Don’t get me wrong though, he was also an excellent model. I love this of him looking toward the ocean. He likes to look…not touch.
Last but certainly not least, we photographed Avalanche. This sweetie started cuddling with me the minute I showed up for the session and I knew right away he was going to be a little camera ham. I love his little white face! (PS – I’m going to drive to Kentucky to dog nap him.)
Mighty hunting stance…
Avalanche made sure he showed his crazy side too. I was impressed! Happy boy…
And the three beach bums…
So sorry for the longest post ever! I just couldn’t help myself!

I hope the weather has gotten better for this furry family! Major props to them for putting up with the wind and rain. Safe travels home!!!

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Alice G Patterson - Holy cow- this is my favorite session! Beautiful photos of such adorable doggies.

Nancy Lones - These are positively lovely!!! If these were my dogs, I’d be beyond thrilled with these photos…

shelia - i love the great pics.These are my Grand Dogs and i love them dearly.You did a awesome job!They are such a joy to me and they each have their own personality,wish i could’ve been there to get Avalanche to smile for you..thanks so much

candice thies - I can’t express how pleased I am with these. I keep looking at them smiling/crying/laughing because their personalities come out in the photos! I will cherish these forever! Also it was meeting you! Affinity, Avalanche & Kobe send you lots of love!

Beth | Daily Dog Tag - Simply amazing!! I can’t get enough of these dogs and your photos!

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