"Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."
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Monday, December 21, 2009

Bailey's Christmas Photo Shoot

It is always an interesting challenge photographing an active young Beagle. It is even more of a challenge trying to get him to sit still, look at the camera, AND leave the Santa hat on! Such is the task I face each December because I am determined to have Bailey be the star of our Christmas card each year.

This year was the first year we used the Santa hat. He doesn't mind the scarf at all. The Santa hat...well, let's just say we had to work fast. This is a two person job. I can't do this alone. Kevin has to stand nearby with the "bribes" (treats) to get Bailey to sit still for even a second. In order to get Bailey to look at my camera, Kevin stands next to me holding a treat right next to my camera lens. Usually I can get off one shot before Bailey starts inching towards the treat. Once in a while I can snap two or three. Man I love digital photography! Let's just say it takes many, many, many shots to get ones I am happy with.

In the end, these are not photos that will win any awards. They don't have great composition or lighting or balance. And that is ok. Because they DO have the world's cutest Beagle as the subject and that is all I need!!!

Here are the two shots that made the card this year...

{{{ love }}}


14 comments:

Furry Bottoms said...

Love the new blog background! And Bailey is so very adorable... I need to try santa hats on my dogs!

Amy said...

Awwwww...Great photo!

Anonymous said...

Oh-you got him to keep the hat on!!! Tugger would just slam his entire body down to the floor on his side and scoot across the floor in attempts to get it off! He's like that with any kind of wardrobe!!! Bailey looks absolutely gorgeous!!!

Jenny said...

Absolutely adorable. Even though his eyes say "please, please don't subject me to this anymore!" Thanks for the smile!

Terri Steffes said...

lol, yes, I feel your pain. Multiply that by two and you have our dilemma! Would we have it any other way? Of course not! I have to say, Bailey's Christmas card is on the front of my card tree!

Bibi @ Bibi's Culinary Journey said...

How adorable he is.

We took pictures of our pup in a sombrero last winter and that was so much fun. I am so glad we did it as they were the last pics of her.
She died on Christmas Eve during one of her seizures. I miss her so much.
Maybe it's time for another puppy....

Unknown said...

I loved those pictures!! :) The card was adorable!! :)

A New England Girl said...

Your card was SO sweet... it brought such a smile to my face. :)

Girl, I have tried the Santa hat on ALL of our dogs... no luck whatsoever. I was a little bummed, but alas, it was not meant to be. :)

Connie said...

Sooo cute!!

I had the biggest laugh trying to photograph my sister and her dogs in their hats.

Baba said...

Bailey is such a doll!

Ice Pony Girl said...

She's a star!!

marnie said...

We always look forward to seeing Bailey's Christmas card. He is the cutest beagle!!
Hugs,
marn

Carma Sez said...

Bailey is just the sweetest pup. Love his look in the first photo...

Gayle from Southern Thresholds said...

Bailey is the cutest beagle ever! I love the card you sent...everyone loves it that comes to my house!