Exploring Pet Photography

Pets are wonderfully therapeutic!  I have known the value of this since I was a child and even before as they have been my partners in life.  We have had everything from turtles, birds, rabbits, cats, dogs, and even farm animals like horses, goats, turkeys, geese, etc.  An intimate relationship between us formed and now I consider them part of my family no matter who they belong to, and I greet them in that way like a long lost friend or sibling.

It's hard to believe I found this scrawny guy (um, or more appropriately he found me!) in the pouring rain, clinging to my ankle, as I loaded up my boys for school.  He was missing an eye and need of some serious love and care.  He is one of my success stories as he still lives in his happy home (about 14 years now?).

If you have any sort of kinship with the animal kingdom, you are going to want to photograph them; and, as I have advised previously with taking portraiture of children, the best and easiest way, for me, has been capturing them in their own element.  When we force things to happen or try to set up our own expectations of how we think it should go then we are also setting ourselves up for a bit of a tumble or a learning experience.  Pet portraits are no different!  Besides, when you don't force things and allow them the space to happen, the results can often be much better than you expected!

These photos that I share today have not all been personally my pets, although they have all been a valued aspect of my life or contributed to it in some small or big way.  These are a few I have rescued and placed in loving homes over the years.  It seems if you help one, the word goes out and suddenly more come your way in need of assistance!  It was my honor and joy to do so!

Help!  I'm being abducted!

Found with a momma cat who had a litter with her and was pregnant again.

I always did love a good book, especially one with a happy ending!

Moving Beyond Fear and Into the Life You Imagined

http://www.statisticbrain.com/fear-phobia-statistics/ says that 68% of people are afraid of death but is it truly a fear of death or is it a fear of living?  Also noteworthy are:

Fear and Worry Statistics	Data
Percent of things feared that will never take place	60 %
Percent of things feared that happened in the past and can’t be changed	30 %
Percent of things feared that are considered to be insignificant issues	90 %
Percent of things feared in relation to health that will not happen	88 %
Number of Americans who have a diagnosed phobia	6.3 Million

And what about fear of success or fear of failing?  I don't even see them on this list.

Those numbers are quite large so maybe it is worth asking, where does fear come from?  There are several possibilities but the misuse of the mind and the imagination is at the top of the list. Why do we spend so much time focusing on something that may or may not happen instead of paying attention to all the good that is already happening or what we would like to happen?  What difference will changing our attention from the negative to the positive make?  Plenty!

It may seem random that I bring this up here but there is a method to my madness.  I don't have evidence to support this but if I were to give an educated guess I would say that fear is the number one killer of dreams.  

There are numerous blogs, articles, and books to aide one on their way to overcoming these obstacles so I won't go into this fully.  I would, however, like to recommend one very small but powerful book.  It is inexpensive (can be bought used on Amazon for one penny!) and has wonderful stories and examples to get you started on your journey to facing your own fears.

"Love always overcomes fear." Harold Klemp

For a more personal experience, though, I would recommend singing HU, the most powerful tool I can offer you to dispel fear and bring more divine love into your awareness is chanting HU. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc9N_g2NolA  

Moving past your fears, even if it is only one tiny step at a time, is progress and can only help you to become a better version of you in whatever way you wish to manifest that, whether it is in your personal life, as an artist, or in your business.  Fear and doubt sabotage dreams; don't let it control your life any longer.  Take your power back!

Working Past the Blahs...

Inertia happens but you don't have to make it a lifelong friend.  Show up and make the most of it. Know "this, too, shall pass" and move on.  Even a little step is better than no step at all.

When feeling weary or discouraged, a turn around is just ahead so proceed in its direction.  Do what you must do to work through the emotions (journal, paint, walk, go out with friends, volunteer...whatever works for you) but don't stop.  If a temporary rest is needed, do it, but give it a time limit.

If you're really burned out then perhaps a vacation is in order; take it!  Do whatever is necessary to get the juices flowing again but at the end of it...get back to work and do it with all of your love.

A vacation can give you new perspectives, leave you feeling fresh and rejuvenated. 

It doesn't matter where you go as long as it leaves you with a higher view.