Hugo celebrated his first birthday with a real smash! This outdoor cake smash was a hit with both kiddos and even their dog, Gilda. Mom's homemade cake with blueberry icing (Hugo's favorite!) made the session extra sweet. Happy birthday, Hugo! Click "Read More" below for many more pics!

I was so honored to document this wonderful, growing family. I've worked with Hugo's big sister and parents on a couple of occasions, and it's just heart warming to welcome Hugo to the family. Even the family dog got in on the action, and sweet Hugo is just perfect. Welcome to the world! 

This gorgeous, glowing mama-to-be is hands down one of the greatest people I know. I had the pleasure of working right across the hall from her for a couple of years when I taught in Binghamton. Seeing her interact with students who no one else knew how to help, change lives by the dozen, and spread absolute cheer everywhere was such a great honor and blessing for me. Cooper (pictured in a few) was a fixture in her classroom as well. He is the most docile and loving dog I have ever met and will surely make a great big brother. Evan and Val are going to make the greatest parents, as the love between the two and for their bundle on the way is just so apparent. Many congratulations, you two! 

I had the pleasure of spending the weekend with my very good friend, Theresa, and of course her dog, Spot! I was inspired as soon as I saw the new throw blanket Theresa purchased for Spot. I'm a sucker for "matchy-matchy" design, so I was immediately struck by how the colors of the blanket brought out the intricacies of his coat. 

Spot was feeling quite sleepy on this sunny afternoon. His session reminded me a lot of a newborn session, in that he was relaxed enough to allow me to move him around to my liking. I wish all pet sessions were this easy! Please enjoy, and comment below if you'd like.            

--Maggie

Uh oh, Viv--better watch out! 

I had a lot of fun getting some pet practice with my lionhead rabbit, Vivienne. Little did I know, Vlad would go all "photoshoot crashers" on me--but that's one of the greatest parts about photographing pets--unpredictability! 

Viv is the best kind of model, because she is adorable without trying. She is quick moving though--which made focusing on her a bit of a challenge. 

Pet photography is equal parts rewarding and challenging. 

The challenges arise as follows: 

1) Pets have a mind of their own, especially that beautiful cat pictured to the left. That is Vladimir, my Siberian cat. Glorious to look at, and a pretty good model for me to practice on. That said, when he does not want to be photographed--he isn't. 

2) Sometimes pets can be a little skiddish around a new person... especially a new person with a camera in their face.

3) Keeping their attention for a photo shoot for more than a minute or two at a time is more difficult than photographing a newborn baby who missed his afternoon nap and needs to be fed.

Luckily, there are ways around all of these obstacles, that leave everybody--especially your pet, feeling at ease and happy with their beautiful new portraits. 

When I meet my furry clients, I find it extremely important to let the pet come to me. In no way do I try to rush the process. Gaining the trust of pets is essential to a successful photoshoot, so a lot of sniffing, rubbing and playing with their favorite toys helps all parties equally. Ivan, my other feline friend, was a rescue from Long Island and barely came around for six months. To this day, he is still very difficult to photograph, and because of his reserved nature, I tailor my photos of Ivan to activities and places that he is perfectly comfortable with. The approach to pets is everything, and the pictures of shy little Ivan are the proof. 

I was blessed this holiday season with a new lens from my lovely future mother-in-law. My first reaction was to throw my hands up in the air and scream "Oh my goodness, THANK YOU!" My second reaction was to get that baby on my camera and start shooting. Of course my favorite model, my cat Vladimir, helped me even more pet photography practice with a holiday twist. Enjoy!