Have you ever met a Pomeranian? They are cute little hairy dogs that have small faces. They are usually half the size of what they look like because their hair is so fluffy that if you were to shave it off or even just wet them down, they would shrink to about half their size.
Anyway, once a woman came into our studio with her pom named Suzie. Suzie was cute enough. She had the typical pomeranian look. She was tiny, about five pounds but she had the attitude of a great dane. She wasn’t necessarily dominant or aggressive, but she had a mood about her that was self assured and self-indulged. She was unaware of the world around her because she was probably to concerned with herself. Her owner brought her in and wanted portraits with her. She was really pretty and had a nice coat and just overall was very attractive. I thought to myself, this dog will make very cute photos. So we began arranging them and I noticed that when I began trying to get Suzie’s attention, she would not pay me any attention. It wasn’t any real big deal but it didn’t occur to me that this would probably cause me problems as I tried to photograph her.
So once I composed the image, set my lights, focused my lens and was completely ready to begin, I began to try to really get Suzie’s attention. No response. “Hey Suzie!” I yelled. I squeeked with my lips. I do this high pitched squeek when I press my lips tightly together and that usually works good for getting dogs and children to perk up. That had no effect whatsoever. I tried bouncing a ball. I tried using rattles and stuffed animals. I tried using a real whistle. I tried everything. Cartwheels and jumping jacks still had no effect on poor Suzie. Suzie just kept looking to the side or down or anywhere but at the camera. I began to wonder secretly, “Does she not like men? Did I do something to offend her?” Of course, I didn’t do anything. I like dogs. I liked Suzie. But she didn’t like me. She treated me the way girls in high school treated me. They didn’t even know I existed. Boy, Suzie really brought back some good memories!
So there I was growing quickly out of ideas and becoming frustrated at the fact that I couldn’t get a pet to perk up for a photo. This was a first for me. I never have problems with pets, dogs especially. Then it hit me. I remembered I have this cat puppet that you put your hand into and when you move the mouth up and down it makes a “meowing” sound. I thought, well, I might as well give it a shot. So, I slipped it on, remote in the other hand and put it out towards Suzie and put my hand together. The cat made a meowing sound. Suzie looked at me. She looked intensely at me. Her ears were straight up in the air. She looked hungry. She began to lick her chops. I started snapping away and we got some great shots. A very interested and hungry looking Suzie.
Anyway, the point of this story is, Suzie was only five pounds. She could easily fit in a man’s hand. Yet, she thought she was going to eat a cat! I laughed so hard. Suzie was so tiny but she had a huge attitude. My only real point of posting this story is that it was cute and a memorable story from my studio. I tell people that story all the time that come to our studio. These are one of the nice things that I love about my job, the opportunity to be involved with people’s lives for a small time and get to create memories with them. Not only in their actual portraits but with them in person too when I spend time with them, sharing stories, talking and getting to know each other. Customers love that. They enjoy having someone give them attention and be fun to be around. Anyway, hope you enjoyed another “Story from the Studio”.
On Friday, we will be posting an interview from a very talented pet portrait photographer, so I think this makes a great story to lead up to her interview. Every Friday we post interviews with great portrait photographers. It’s a real treat and educational experience for all. Be sure to check it out!!!
