May 29
Fine Art Prints
I have received several inquiries concerning archival fine art prints. If you are interested in purchasing limited edition signed fine art prints, please contact me via e-mail at katie@katherinecarverphotography.com.
Happy Wednesday!
May 28
Yesterday we had the most gorgeous weather — the best weather day of our trip! After more shopping and visiting more sites, we decided to drive to the top of Mount Equinox with Biscuit. It is not every day that a little dog gets to go to the top of a mountain — or for that matter it is not every day that a person goes to the top of a mountain! We had a nice time and the views were quite beautiful. Mount Equinox is approximately 4,000 feet above sea level. Mount Equinox towers above the other mountains in the Taconic Range and offers a 360 degree view which includes New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Mount Royal in Montreal, Canada can also be seen. The temperature was a bit cooler and there was snow at the top of Mount Equinox! Biscuit had a great time transiting the top of the mountain! (Hopefully, the change in altitude did not impact Biscuit’s little ears too much). Doug and I really enjoy the mountains; they are beautiful.
We wish that we could stay in Vermont longer than a week! It has been very peaceful and serene!
Below are a few photographs of little Biscuit atop Mount Equinox! More photos will be coming soon!
May 27
Biscuit is having a great time in Vermont! The views are beautiful. Doug found and booked us a hotel with beautiful views of the mountains! Vermont is truly a green state! I am sure that it is also very beautiful in the fall with the foliage. The pace here is nice and laid back, which has been a welcome change!
Biscuit has received many compliments during our trip! Fortunately, for us, Vermont is very dog friendly! Biscuit has been in every store we have gone in except the inside of restaurants! Biscuit made his trip to the Flagship Orvis store where he was warmly greeted by the Orvis staff who knew Biscuit and were excited to meet him in person! (Biscuit is an Orvis Cover Dog winner and the dog representing the Orvis Petfinder Commitment!) While at Orvis, Biscuit got himself an Orvis fleece and a new Orvis outdoor dog bed for our new house! Biscuit also made his way to King Arthur Flour and the Vermont Country Store! Doug bought enough mixes at King Arthur to make us breakfast for the next several months! Biscuit also went to New Hampshire to visit some sites. Additionally, Biscuit shopped in Manchester until his paws dropped off! Biscuit frequented all of the stores with us and he even came into the dressing room with me — Biscuit is so loyal! He had a wonderful time at these places where many people commented on his natural good looks! Biscuit is excited for more adventures today — the weather is gorgeous today!
(As a side note, at home, Biscuit usually sleeps in his Orvis bed near our bed. However, on this trip, even though we brought Biscuit’s bed and duvet, Biscuit wanted to sleep in our bed! Most mornings, I have been waking up in a ball because Biscuit has been sleeping at my feet! I guess you know who rules the roost!)
A few photographs highlighting Biscuit’s trip thus far are shown below. I will post more photos soon!
Happy Memorial Day!
May 24
Life is short. It is way too short just to sit back and wait for something to happen to you. Knowing that life is short, you should try to maximize the amount of positive experiences you have.
Our dreams know well before we do what is possible. We are just slower to respond and get on the same page because we are sure that there is not enough time, not enough money, not enough energy, etc. However, dreams are not meant to have limitations. Dreams are meant to defy limitations.
The good thing about dreaming big is that it allows you to fall short and still gain a lot. Confucius said, “If you shoot for the stars and hit the moon, it’s ok. But you’ve got to shoot for something. A lot of people don’t even shoot.”
Dreaming big pushes you to heights you might not have reached otherwise. As someone pursues one of his/her goals, he/she may push himself/herself to heights he/she normally would not see. Big dreaming can make your life big as a result. You can get more than you normally would have expected. It is dreaming big that has led to some of the greatest achievements humans have ever had. For example, putting man on the moon; developing the World Wide Web; developing the printing press; creating the first car; developing vaccinations, etc. Someone had to think of those big ideas first before they made them happen. Your dreams are no different. Most of all, dreams give you hope — the hope that things can and will be bigger, brighter, and better.
What is tugging on your sleeve? What dream is waiting for you to usher into this life? Whatever it is, however simple or big or out of reach it may feel, it has a purpose, and it has chosen you to deliver its message. You are the one it has been waiting for. It is vitally important to: 1) listen to your whispers along the way; 2) have a passion for what you are doing; and 3) have an absolute commitment to living the dream into reality. Without those three things, you will not have your very own heart and soul roadmap to guide you along the way.
Are you dreaming big enough? What are some of your dreams?
May 23
In a previous blog post, I mentioned the importance of obtaining client feedback. As creatives, we look for affirmation from others — specifically from our clients as we document a personal time, so it is only natural to desire feedback. Additionally, I like to obtain feedback from persons I trust on my personal photography work and projects. I think feedback can help us grow. In college, I particularly enjoyed receiving feedback from my professor and peers during photography critiques, which were constructive.
My clients share feedback with me. If, however, you are looking for ways to have clients express their feelings, it is best to establish a relationship before the photography shoot. If your client interactions are largely transactional in nature without personal communication then you cannot really expect them to treat you any differently than other business interactions. In most clients’ minds, you are doing what they hired you to do — regardless of how personal you feel it is.
If you would like feedback from clients, I recommend that you to find ways to care and connect with your clients throughout your working relationship. This will yield stronger communication and personal conversations that lead to written responses you seek and desire.
I recently discovered Four&Sons, a digital dog loving publication. Four&Sons is based in Australia and this publication appeals to a wide audience as it documents the relationship of man and his best friend. To mark their first anniversary, Four&Sons have further explored their love of canine culture with the launch of a truly beautiful print publication, known as The Four&Sons Journal. Printed on newsprint, the full-sized journal is a real treat for dog and design lovers. Art, photography, and writing enthusiasts will surely love it! Inside you will find an array of insightful interviews, artist profiles, and no shortage of photo-essays.
The Four&Sons journal has been created as a limited-edition souvenir of sorts. Within its pages you will find haunting imagery, artwork and interviews with creative dog lovers the world over, for whom creativity and canine companionship is inseparable. This includes work by photographers Nicolas Wilmouth and Andrew Pinkham, as well as dog-centric anecdotes from a global network of pet lovers including London-based designer Abigail Ahern; Melbourne-born NYC based artist Josh Gurrie and his partner Samantha; Melbourne jeweler Julia deVille; and local writer Max Olijnyk.
You can find the one-off Four&Sons journal for free in select shops in Melbourne, Sydney, London, New York and Los Angeles. For those located elsewhere, a copy can be acquired online for between $3.50-7.50 AUD.
Happy Wednesday!
May 21
Biscuit had a good weekend! We took Biscuit to the Red Parrot for dinner in Federal Hill on Friday night! The food was good and Biscuit got to see some City doggie friends! Biscuit does miss living in the City! This past weekend Biscuit also got groomed and he got a bath in preparation for his trip to Vermont this week! He was such a good boy! We also took Biscuit on some walks this weekend since the weather was nice outside. Some photographs of our dapper little Biscuit are shown below!
Happy Tuesday!
May 20
“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.” — Marianne Williamson
Are you a dog lover? I know that I am.
Animals of all kinds can bring us so much joy. Dogs live in the present – they just are! Dogs make the best of each moment uncluttered by the sorts of complex fears and feelings that we humans have. They do not judge, they simply take the world around them at face value. Yet they have been part of man’s world for an unimaginable time.
Many people live their whole lives lost in thoughts of the past and the future. Yet, we only truly live life when we are present to the moment. And being present means being fully conscious of what is going on so we can participate fully and appropriately in the opportunities that present themselves.
In addition to practicing being present, below are some lessons that Biscuit has taught me. Biscuit has been a teacher to us in many ways.
1. Feel Your Feelings – Dogs always let you know how they feel. When we avoid our feelings we end up making things worse. This is when we enter into depression and fear. But, if you work through your emotions, you will heal faster.
2. Forgive – No matter what happened or what someone did, it is vital to let go and forgive. I learned this from Biscuit. Dogs are always in a state of forgiveness. No matter how mad you get, dogs always seem to forgive and forget.
3. Be Present in the Moment – Dogs are amazing because they live their life in the moment. They are not concerned about the past or the future. We can learn to be in a state of flow and let the stress fall away just like our furry companions do so well!
4. Listen – Dogs are phenomenal best friends because they are such great listeners. Sometimes we do not need to say a word, we just need to listen.
5. Be Compassionate – Dogs are the most friendly pets because of their constant compassion for everything around them. Whenever I have a challenging day, Biscuit is right there and he always makes me feel better. Just being there for others and letting them be who they are supposed to be without judging is one of the best things that we can do for someone.
There is only one time that is important – NOW! It is the most important time because it is the only time that we have any power.” — Leo Tolstoy
“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.” — Buddha
May 17
Biscuit is gearing up for his trip to Vermont next week! Biscuit is going to go to the Flagship Orvis Store! Biscuit was the Orvis Petfinder Commitment Dog and an Orvis Cover Dog Winner — it only seems appropriate to take him to the Orvis Flagship Store! We had planned to go to Vermont this past November with Biscuit, but we sold our house more quickly than anticipated! We plan to also take Biscuit to King Arthur Flour — I am sure Doug will find some mixes that he wants to try! We also plan to take Biscuit to the Manchester Dog Park and the Green Mountain National Forest! We will also travel to New Hampshire to see some sites as well! I am sure that we will find some places to take Biscuit and find some restaurants to eat outdoors with Biscuit! It will be nice to have a change of scenery! Biscuit will get groomed and bathed this weekend!
Below are some recent photographs of Biscuit taken this week at the home construction site!
Happy Friday!
Last week I shared some photographs of Nick from Nick’s photography commission, during my parents’ visit! Many people really liked the photographs, especially the one of Biscuit and Nick together! Well, here are a few more photographs of little Biscuit and Nick patiently waiting for a treat…well actually Biscuit waiting for some prescription kibble! (Nick even tried Biscuit’s prescription kibble and did not mind it!)
Happy Thursday!
biscuit's space | The blog of photographer Katherine Carver 