P.S. That image is a composite of 3 different shots. I love how it turned out.

Enjoy the rest of these photos of Birdie & Squeak!

A dog’s life is RUFF.

I love these little munchkins so much I wanted to scoop them up and take them home with me! Till next time little ones.

Leave your guess as a comment on the blog here or on Facebook. I’ll announce the winner here on Monday!

Be the first person to guess accurately and win this!

Good luck!

I’m excited to announce the dates of the September Cowbelly Workshop in Seattle.

The dates are Thursday September 6th-Sunday September 9th.

The times are: Thursday 1pm-6pm, Fri-Sun 9:30am-6:30pm.

The location is the fabulous Hotel Max in downtown Seattle, within walking distance to great shopping, delicious restaurants, the Pike Place Market and more!

There are only 15 spaces available in the workshop and they sell out in under an hour, so if you are interested in registering, please read through the registration information on the workshops website.

REGISTRATION OPENS AT 12 NOON ON WEDNESDAY MAY 23RD 2012. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT US TO REGISTER UNTIL THEN.

Hope to see some of you there!

Get more workshops info by clicking the image below.

If you are now or in the future, interested in:

• books
• workshops
• classes
• gear
• free resources
• blog posts
• interviews
• webinars
• and more!

You will want to sign up for this mailing list. Trust me, you will want to be on this list in a few months when you see the stuff that’s coming out.

Along the lines of my network with the same name, the list is called ‘Beautiful Beasties’, which is what all of my resources for pet photographers will be called from here on out: BEAUTIFUL BEASTIES PET PHOTOGRAPHER MAILING LIST.

This is the only list I will be using for any workshop notifications from here on out, so if you want to be the first to know about locations and registration dates for workshops, please sign up for the list. Cowbelly workshops typically sell out in under and hour, so having timely information is key.

Unsubscribing from the list in the future will be very easy (and you won’t hurt my feelings), so if you just want to see what all the fuss is about, go for it.

Cheers!

Since I haven’t posted any photos in awhile I’m gracing the blog with tons here. I hope you enjoy the shots of Fergie on the beach and can practically smell the salty air through your computer screen! I can almost feel the cool wet sand under my toes now. Can’t wait to go back.

Fergie was getting ready to sneeze here. Can you tell? lol

We stayed in the Beach Camp neighborhood in an adorable little dog-friendly cabin with a hot tub and dog run in back. There was nary a soul there so we had the place to ourselves.

The light was incredible that first day!

The shot below is currently my timeline photo on Facebook.

Seabrook becomes downright magical at night.

A rare self-portrait. Even though it’s blurry, I love the shot on the left. It’s so indicative of my relationship with Fergie.

It was super windy that day. Check out her ears! lol

Hope you enjoyed the photos of Fergie at Seabrook! There will be many more to come in the future.

I’ve been working on a couple of intensive projects for pet photographers that I am really excited about but have been requiring a good chunk of my time. Hopefully those will be done by the beginning of summer and I can then share them with everyone here on the blog. They are mostly altruistic, although both things I have been wanting to do for a long time and way overdue.

I am dreadfully behind on emails. I mean, horribly so, as in, I have 460 emails flagged for reply, pretty much all of which I personally need to reply to because they require information that’s in my little brain. For the first time in the 9 years of my business I had to set an autoreply telling everyone that I received their emails and I will get back to them within a week. Not my first choice of how to run a business, but these projects are consuming me. I’m hoping to be able to lift the autoreply very soon. If you are waiting for an email from me, thank you SO MUCH for your patience. The guilt is killing me but I promise I will reply. I’ve had offers for people to be my assistant, but the problem has always been that it takes me longer to explain what needs to be done that the time it takes to actually do it. It’s a catch-22 for any small business owner. I will catch up, it will just take me awhile.

I’ve been doing consistent commercial work in the form of stock image licensing. One of these days I’ll get tear sheets for my work that I can share with y’all. Because of the long turnaround time for most of these projects I have usually long since moved on by the time the products/ad campaign/project hits the market. I realize I rarely publicize my commercial work and I think it would be fun for everyone else to see Cowbelly images on dog products. I’m planning another assignment shoot this summer for another dog product. I absolutely love doing commercial work and my professional goals for 2011 and 2012 have been to significantly increase the amount of commercial work I do and it’s happening. Yay. Unfortunately it means fewer regular client photos here on the blog as more of my time and attention go to licensing and shooting for commercial clients. I will never give up ‘regular’ photo sessions though, so never fear, there will always be Cowbelly images to share.

I partnered with an amazing company who makes the most unique art products for dogs and am now their exclusive photographer. That blog post will take a bit of time to put together but it’s in the queue. You guys will flip when you see these products.

I did an engagement photo session for my beautiful sister Michelle and wonderful future brother-in-law Larry. I was terrified to do it, but when they asked me I couldn’t say no. I will share those images here when I have time to go through them again. It may be the only time you see people without their pets gracing my blog. Ha!

I have a new IP (intellectual property) attorney I am in the process of signing on with. I have never been more excited about an attorney in my life, but he is *awesome*. Unfortunately it’s needed as I continue to have more and more problems with photographers in breach of contract and/or violating copyright laws. It sucks and is very frustrating but being able to hand the problems over to an attorney will mean I won’t have to deal with it anymore, which will relieve both my stress and time.

I’ve been doing editorial shoots for CityDog Magazine, the last of which had me spoiled beyond belief last Thursday, eating filet mignon watching the sun go down over the Space Needle in the presidential suite at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Seattle. I am the freaking luckiest photographer in the world sometimes, and not a day goes by that I don’t feel incredible gratitude for what I get to do for work. I will definitely share those images with you after the issue comes out. I used my new camera for that shoot, and learned quickly I have a steep learning curve to climb.

Speaking of cameras, for those who don’t know, the ‘new camera’ I referred to above is the new Canon 5D Mark III, which I purchased as soon as it hit the amazon ‘shelves’, and in many ways feel like I’m starting photography all over again. I’ve been photographing pets since 2000, and I swear the first time I picked up that cam a few weeks ago I felt like I had never done it before. It’s light years away from the old 5D in so many ways. I have so much to say and share about it, but it will have to wait. I do have first thoughts on my Cowbelly facebook wall in case you are interested. Check the posts between March 26th and April 13th.

I’m *this* close to booking the date for my September workshop, and hope to announce both the date of the workshop and the date registration opens within the next week. Like the others, it will be 3.5 days long, be held in Seattle and be for beginners and those with businesses up to 12 months old. Unfortunately no decision yet on a commercial workshop in SF this summer, since I literally haven’t had time to come up for air and think about it. If you are hoping to get into the September workshop, definitely set your alarm for it. They tend to sell out in under an hour, so you’ll need to act fast on registration day. I’ll give you plenty of advance warning of that date. Also, I’ve had an unusually high number of people request to be placed on the waiting list for the July workshop, so if you are hoping to get into July, I’d say plan for September instead as it’s very unlikely you’ll get into July because cancellations are rare. I know, boo, hiss.

I have a new mailing list for photographers, for workshop announcements and any other news pertaining to pet photographers. If you would like to be on the workshop notification list, and/or would like information on other educational resources, please add yourself to the mailing list. I will be phasing out all old lists after September. If you would like to be removed in the future it will be easy to do as it has a simple unsubscribe link at the top.

Lastly, I’m headed to Palm Springs for four days for the first time ever this Sunday, arriving on 4/29 and leaving on 5/2. Part business, part pleasure, part in need of sun. I’d really like to get in touch with some dog owners, and/or pet businesses while there, so if you are going to be in the PS/PD area, please email me at info@cowbelly.com. I’d love to hear from you. Although I will be bringing my new camera with me, I don’t plan on doing any shoots, but if you have an overwhelming desire to work with me, would like some colorful expressive photos of your pets and have money burning a hole in your pocket that desperately needs to be spent (ha!), I could be persuaded.

WHEW, that’s it for me! So now you know I am still alive. And busy, very busy. Hope everyone’s 2012 is going GREAT! Smooches to all of the puppies and kitties out there. Fergie says hi. Photos of her soon. Like, maybe even tomorrow.

Howls for the Heathman

With a plethora of pet friendly amenities, the Heathman is a hound’s home away from home, located in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon.

Written by Brandie Ahlgren | Photography by Jamie Pflughoeft

The Heathman Hotel is a hound’s dream with its long-standing commitment to welcoming two- and four-legged guests. Built in 1927, the Heathman is the grand dame of luxury accommodations, combining the service and sophistication of a bygone era with modern day amenities and creature comforts. And, speaking of “creature” comforts, the hotel recently introduced its Pampered Pet Package, filled with everything a dog could want for a pleasant stay in the City of Roses.

Personal Concierge

The pampering begins as soon as you and your pooch walk through the lobby doors, with the Heathman’s highly personalized service called “The Personal Concierge.” Upon check-in, one staff person is assigned as your personal concierge, performing the tasks of front desk, bellman and concierge for the duration of your stay.

We arrive a little early before check-in, so while the staff prepares our room, we enjoy a beverage in the hotel’s lovely Tea Court, which serves a wide selection of teas and pastries created by pastry chef John Gayer. Every evening, Wednesday through Saturday, there is live jazz for your enjoyment. Sip tea (or a cocktail) by the marble fireplace, surrounded by comfy furnishings and artwork from the Vanderbilt Estate.

Art of Sleep | Bark of Sleep

Our room is ready and after the long drive from Seattle, we are ready to relax, which is easy with the Heathman’s Art of Sleep bed menu, offering three luxurious bed options including European Featherbed, European Pillow-Top and Tempur-Pedic. We chose the European Pillow-Top, a perfect blend of support and softness. But, wait. Scout has her choice of beds, too!

One of the many reasons the Heathman Hotel is the pick of the litter among four-legged travelers, is the Art of Sleep bed menu applies to pooches as well. Called the Bark of Sleep, the menu includes three doggy bed choices including memory foam, faux suede or bolster bed (for Scout, it’s memory foam). So, rest assured, you and your pooch will both enjoy a blissful night’s sleep in your beds of choice.

As we settle in for the evening, we are pleasantly surprised to find an array of services and amenities for both people and pooches. Our room is a 520 square foot Symphony Suite which is located on the entirely pet friendly third floor and features a seating area with a sleeper sofa and HD television and an adjacent bedroom with a king sized bed and HD television (pocket doors separate the seating area from the bedroom for privacy). There is nightly turndown service complete with bottled water, bathrobes and slippers, daily morning newspaper delivery, and 24-hour room service. In the room is a kettle and French press to prepare complimentary Peet’s coffee and herbal tea as well as other sleep-ease amenities including a sleep mask and ear plugs. Other in-room touches include L’Occitane bath amenities and complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access.

For your pooch, amenities include a variety of crunchy and chewy treats, a collapsible water bowl and poop bag dispenser with bags. For pet potty breaks, there is a park located just behind the hotel—take a left out of the front doors of the hotel and make an immediate left onto Salmon street and continue one block to South Park Blocks on the left. It’s a small park, but provides enough grassy area for your dog’s duties.

In addition to the Bark of Sleep bed menu, tasty treats and other doggy amenities, the Heathman has partnered with Banfield Pet Hospital to offer you peace of mind while on vacation with your pet, with a complimentary office visit and physical exam at any of Banfield’s 760 pet hospitals nationwide. Luckily, this trip does not require a visit to the hospital but we’ll keep the voucher for future travels. This isn’t the first time the Heathman and Banfield have partnered—earlier this year the hospital donated the bronze sculpture of Zelda, “author” of the book series Zelda Wisdom, to the hotel. The sculpture, complete with water bowl for thirsty pets, lives outside the entrance of the hotel and serves as the welcoming watchdog.

After a restful night’s sleep, we enjoy a light continental breakfast before venturing to the hotel’s highly acclaimed library. The Heathman library is a main feature of the hotel, with over 4,000 volumes in its impressive collection including signed editions by authors who have stayed at the hotel—Bill Clinton, Stephen King, Tom Wolfe, John Updike, Alice Walker, Clive Cussler, Garrison Keillor, David Sedaris and Anthony Bourdaine, to name a few. Guests are welcome to borrow a book, with arrangements made through the Front Desk, but also take advantage of the personal tour and wine tasting every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

As we near the end of our tour, I bring up a rumor I heard about the hotel being haunted. Director of sales and marketing Stephen Galvan does nothing to dispel the rumor, instead sharing stories of strange occurrences that are enough to give us goose bumps. But have no fear Stephen tells us the hotel brought in a medium at one point, who assured them the spirits are friendly.

Moving on, another unique feature of the Heathman is its art. The hotel’s eclectic art collection includes a light screen by Hap Tivey at the entrance and an early 19th-century Japanese screen above the reception desk. The Tea Court features 18th century canvases by French landscape artist Claude Gellée. In the Marble Bar, Art Deco mirrors originally from the Waldorf Astoria counterpoint a 200-year-old bas-relief from Kenya. The mezzanine displays acrylic sculptures by Gregg Renfrow, Richard Misrach’s photographic series of classical Greek ruins, and a sculpture by Stuart Lehrman. In the Heathman Restaurant are displayed perhaps some the most famous works in the collection, Andy Warhol’s 10-part Endangered Species silkscreens.

The Heathman is adjacent to the Portland Center for the Performing Arts and just steps away from the Portland Art Museum, the Oregon Historical Society Museum, Nordstrom, Niketown, Tiffany’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Powell’s Books, Pioneer Place, and the fashionable and fun Pearl District. And best of all, the Heathman is just minutes away from Lucky Labrador Brewing Co.

Located on Hawthorne Blvd., the Lucky Labrador serves up simple, yet delicious pub fare (soups and sandwiches) and offers a large, covered patio area perfect for pooches and people to hang out and enjoy some of the tastiest brews in the Northwest.

For a bit more fancier fare, the award-winning Heathman Restaurant, whose executive chef, Phillipe Boulot, was honored as “Best Chef of the Northwest” by the prestigious James Beard Foundation, offers such delicacies as grilled moulard duck breast, with creamy polenta, dried fig and duck jus. The restaurant provides a lovely atmosphere and impeccable service, but if you prefer to have your pooch by your side, the hotel is happy to provide room service.

More Information

The Heathman Hotel

1001 SW Broadway

Portland, Oregon

Phone: 503.241.4100

Toll-free: 800.551.0011

heathmanhotel.com

Lucky Labrador Brewing Co.

915 Hawthorne Blvd.

Portland, Oregon

Phone: 503.236.3555

luckylab.com

The Pampered Pet Package includes:

• Deluxe accommodations for two people

• Complimentary continental breakfast

• $15 beverage credit in the Marble Bar

• Art of Sleep Luxury Bed Menu for you

• Bark of Sleep Pet Bed Menu for your pooch

• Four-legged friend goody bag at check-in

• Water bowl, pet waste dispenser and bags

• Complimentary office visit and exam at any Banfield Pet Hospital

• Complimentary area walking guide

• Portland dog-friendly restaurant guide

WHO: Teacher Jamie Pflughoeft of Seattle-based Cowbelly Pet Photography

WHAT: Cowbelly Beginner’s Workshop. More information here: http://www.cowbellyworkshops.com/rates.html, FAQ: http://www.cowbellyworkshops.com/faq.html

WHEN: Thursday July 12th-Sunday July 15th, 2012. http://www.cowbellyworkshops.com/dates.html

WHERE: Downtown Seattle. Hotel Max. Shoots are at local parks.

WHY: Because you want to absorb 9 years of pet photography knowledge from an industry professional who has been working the business full time since 2005, and because you kinda need those contracts and forms and stuff, and you would love to visit Seattle and make some new friends, and most of all, have a blast photographing dogs!

HOW: Register by following the steps on the register page (http://www.cowbellyworkshops.com/register.html), anytime starting AT or AFTER 12 noon PST on February 21st. Registration will be open until May 4th, but the 15 spaces are expected to fill much earlier than that. (Registration emails won’t be accepted prior to February 21st at noon PST).

Hope to see some of you there!

Be sure to snuggle up to your pets tonight (and every night)! Their little lives are so short and you’ve gotta love them up every chance you get!