Blogs / Fetch / Summer 2010 / Candid Canines

Fetch

For the Love of Pets

Candid Canines

Last week I met up with Kristin or “Cheatwood” (her last name and what she’s called around town) at Despo’s for chips and salsa and to talk about dogs and photography. I had the idea to feature Kristin, a Ketchum-based professional photographer known for her stunning pictures of cute canines, this week because of our mutual love for dogs and because I never seem to get a good photo of my two “girls.”

Fetch: Tell me how in the world you get the dogs to behave?

KC: I tell my clients to do something with their dogs before the shoot. No matter what I do, you want them to show up a little tired. I get pretty goofy by balancing a favorite toy or treat on my head. It usually brings the head up, the eyes alert and gives me just enough time to shoot. Really though, dogs like me.

Fetch: Are there any pets that you won’t work with?

KC: Don’t be bringing your snakes to the photo shoot people! Really, nothing wiggly. I also don’t think it is a good idea to bring an indoor cat outdoors for a photo session. That makes me a little nervous.

Fetch: Tell us a little about your dog?

KC: Well to be honest, I didn’t really like dogs when I moved here. I never grew up (in Georgia) with one. I think being around so many, I just fell in love. Sofie, my Maltese, fits the bill for me…she’s compact, can travel, doesn’t shed too much and has small droppings. Believe or not, she even skate skis! She has a big, friendly dog attitude in a small package. If you know Sofie, you love her and her favorite elephant toy.

Clockwise: Darby (owner: Angela Robertson), Miley the pug, Drake (owners: Arianne & Josh Heyser), Kristin and Sofie.
 

Kristin and I chatted some more about her photography business. She said to think outside the box when thinking about her services, like giving someone a gift certificate for a photo session with her. Even better, take a friend, family member or boyfriend’s pet to meet Kristin for a surprise photo gift. Just remember, pets do best in a natural environment, doing whatever it is they do best. If you are dying for that perfect shot of your cat, Kristin can take a fab photos of him or her lying in the sun.

Personally, I would love to get just ONE good shot with our “girls,” June and Cash, to use for our holiday card. Thankfully, we already have an appointment with Kristin. If you’re thinking about your family’s photo needs (with or without pets), you can reach Kristin through her website, http://cheatwoodphoto.com or her blog,http://cheatwoodphoto.com/blog

And to check out more of Kristen’s smile-inducing photos of dogs, go to http://cheatwoodphoto.com/blog/?cat=56 You won’t be disappointed!

Do you want to be featured on Fetch, or a have a question about pets you need help with? Drop me a note at Fetch@Sunvalleymag.com