shine pet photos | modern pet photography

I get asked pretty frequently about my photo gear — like what camera body I shoot with, what lenses I use, or what programs I use to do my post-processing. It gets kind of tiring repeatedly answering the same questions (and it’s also kind of irritating that I spend the time answering emails with my answers, only to get ZERO response back. Not even a quick little “Thanks!”)

So I decided to set up a little store online so you can easily browse all the products and gear I recommend, not to mention my absolute favorite photography books and magazines. I’m such a book whore — I have stacks of photo books and magazines at my place. Not to mention all the other genres!

I’ve included a bunch of tips and recommendations through out the store — tips I’ve never really blogged about, or only mentioned briefly in passing. If you’re just starting out in photography or are looking for a little inspiration, I hope you find this store useful. AND if you actually do your shopping through my site I get a little teeny commission. So if you do decide to purchase stuff I’d appreciate it so much if you showed some support by buying it through my gear page!

Happy shopping

I get promotional materials from photographers, production companies, and artist reps all the time at the agency. Most of the time, it immediately goes straight into the garbage bin. (If there are any aspiring commercial photographers reading this blog, don’t bother sending art directors your promo pieces! They usually go right into the trash! Try targeting the art buyers instead.)

Occasionally I get really really cool stuff. Once a photographer sent me a GORGEOUS hardbound book of his photos. Another time, I got sent delicious chocolate covered fortune cookies. Once I even got a beach ball.

But today, I got a t-shirt. That would have fit me when I was 8 years old. Hey (Insert Name of Production Company Here), what were you thinking? Are female art directors in your world four feet tall? Did you send me an extra teeny shirt because I’m Asian? I may be Asian but I’m an ogre by Korean standards! (5′8″ baby!)

But I didn’t trash the shirt. I brought it home and put it on Maeby instead. She looks pretty rockin’ in it, with her new pink collar with white spikes. And only now that the shirt is completely covered in dog hair and I’ve taken my photographs, will it go straight into the garbage bin.

By the way, I apologize for the same ugly background in all the photos of my dogs. The light in this apartment is HORRIBLE and there’s basically only one place I can take photos of them where the light is halfway decent. But here’s the good news — I’m moving into a house next month! It has gorgeous light and will have a yard for the dogs! Can’t wait — I’m already planning to buy some lemon and avocado trees. Woo hoo!

A Dog’s Life Treats and HealthySpot LA have recently announced the winners of the photo contest to find the next models to grace the packaging of A Dog’s Life Treats! If you recall, I blogged about this fun event back in June. Congratulations to the adorable Chaz and Amy!

I met Cyrus, an adorable 11-month old Newfoundland puppy on early Sunday morning. Her owner had the brilliant idea of meeting at the University of Southern California and I’m so glad we did! I never would’ve even thought of it. The campus was amazing — it reminded me of east coast schools with the pillars and brick and ivy everywhere. The backdrop is unlike anything I’ve photographed so far and I thought the east coast feel was appropriate since Cyrus came all the way from Virginia for her photo shoot.

Isn’t Cyrus adorable? Look at how huge she is! And according to her owners, she’s got quite a ways to go before she’s full grown. She was an absolute gem — very obedient, food motivated, and sound motivated. That’s my kind of client!

(Click on small photos to enlarge)