Pets - Family - Love
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria not only adopts dogs but also trains those with special behavioral needs. And they also offer training classes. Check out their website here for more information.
Here is an image of a dog that got some training while at the AWLA. I was lucky to capture some of the training session.
I have been working with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria for years. One of the events I do with them is Pet Santa Pics. I would highly recommend doing this with your pet. Not only are the pictures fun but the memories you make during the session can be priceless. This year one of the dogs we were working with was scared of Santa. So we moved Santa to behind the tree and look at the results.
And here are a few more that make my heart melt.
Put a reminder on your calendar at the beginning of October to look for Pet Santa Picture events in your area. Many of them are held by local animal shelters. Not only do you get an amazing pic and some great memories but you also get to help animals!
I had no idea how fascinating crabs are.
To celebrate I want to share with you this picture I took of my neighbor’s dog on a summer evening. She loves ice cream.
If you want fun pictures of your dog click here to get more information on how to sign up for a pet photo session.
Let’s celebrate the month by checking out all the cats that I have photographed since the begging of the year. Enjoy!
I understand, I love my dog but she does not always listen to me! To help your dog have a successful session try these ideas:
Take your dog for a walk or to a dog park before the session starts (unload some energy!).
Bring their favorite treat to the session (always helpful!).
Have fun and relax at the session. Your dog picks up on your emotions so enjoy it with your dog.
I know you will agree with us that these pics are cute!
If you want some amazing pics of your own pets click here.
I never get tired of taking pictures at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Check this out and see why.
This is Dolan. He is available for adoption at the AWLA. Check out all the animals available for adoption by clicking here.
Here is a behind-the-scenes look at a photo session at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. I am working with two amazing volunteers. We always finish the session by stating that the time we spend at the shelter is the highlight of our week. Enjoy a few snippets of our time at the shelter!
Photographing a playful dog at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
Simple coaxing technique of using a dog toy to maneuver into position.
A few days before the session:
Check the weather forecast.
Think about clothing - Do you want to have color consistency in all outfits? If so choose 3 or 4 colors and mix and match everyone’s outfit. Do you want everyone to wear the same style (casual, dressy, athletic)? Do you want to bring a fun accessory for everyone (sunglasses, baseball caps, your favorite sporting team t-shirts) for a silly family shot? Do your kids like sports (bring a football or soccer ball for an action shot)?
Think about snacks - keep everyone happy by bringing some snacks and water.
The morning of the session:
Check the weather forecast.
Collect all accessories and snacks.
Leave 10 minutes earlier than you think you need to (so you don’t feel like you have to rush).
Remember photo sessions are fun!
So many of us care about how we look in front of the camera. Yet during my photo sessions, we concentrate on having fun, and that is what comes through in the picture. Organize yourself and leave early and you too can have a fabulous photo session. Email me at alison@desilvastudios.com to book a session today.
I think the following types of places make great backdrops for photo sessions:
Your backyard (Yes! Fences, trees, grass, pavement, sky are all great backdrops!)
Your local park (A park in Arlington I really like for photo sessions.)
A cobblestone alley (Check out some in Alexandria, VA.)
A waterfront (Several places around the DC Metro area.)
A pedestrian street (Here is one in Bethesda.)
If you have an idea for a spot let me know. Or if you have a specific park or place send me an email alison@desilvastudios.com.
We had a great time laughing and playing! We even moved a couch outside to bring a little something extra to this session.
Check out these awesome dogs! We had fun dressing a few of them up for the holidays.
I held several mini family sessions during covid. Here are some of the fun and timeless moments from these sessions.
Over the last year I have been continuing my volunteer work at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. I have so appreciated the AWLA’s dedication to keeping its volunteers, animals and staff safe during this time. My comfort level has kept me outdoors and photographing the dogs in open spaces. I feel so lucky to have found this work. I get to hang out with dogs and take pictures!
These awesome dogs transitioned to their new life after a short stint at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
Back in October 2020 we had a great time taking pictures of dogs with Santa (an annual fundraiser for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria). We managed to do it during covid with masks and social distancing. Here are some of the results.
These guys are on their way to getting adopted!
Check out these amazing dogs. I had a great time photographing them. With precautions including mask wearing I was able to start photographing the adoptable dogs again!
