biscuit's space | The blog of photographer Katherine Carver

Apr 7

Honoring Biscuit: My Shadow

“In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn’t merely try to train him to be semi-human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog.” ~Edward Hoagland

Today marks nine months since our precious Biscuit passed away. It feels like I have not seen him in forever, and it feels much longer than nine months since Biscuit passed away. One of the things that I loved about Biscuit was that he was literally my shadow and he was extremely loyal. He followed me everywhere, including the bathroom! While I showered or took a bath, he poked his head inside and, often times, sat right outside the bathroom waiting for me to go for his morning walk. Biscuit always sat contentedly next to me while I worked at the computer for hours. I tried not to get up too much in order to not disrupt his sleep as slept next to me on his Orvis bed. No matter where I went, he followed. Biscuit was always right there. I miss him being right there beside me.

Biscuit just loved being with us; and we loved being with him. It was rare that we left him at home as we tried to include him in almost every facet of our lives. Biscuit gave us so much love. I never understood the human-animal relationship until I met our precious Biscuit. He opened our heart and eyes to so many experiences that we would not have experienced otherwise. He will always be our first fur baby. Sometimes, I can close my eyes and see him so vividly. In the final months, I tried my best to imprint images in my mind so I could try to remember the little, quiet moments: the way he felt sitting on my lap in the car; the way his sheltie furs looked while blowing in the wind while on a walk; the way he smelled when I gave him a hug and kiss; the way he astutely looked at us when he persistently gave us the paw requesting a treat; the excitement in his clear brown eyes when we took him in his Hound About; and the way he looked while he slept so peacefully beside me on his Orvis bed. I am thankful for Biscuit. I am grateful for the myriad of photo albums preserving our memories forever. Every time I see an orange sky or a rainbow, I think of our precious Biscuit.

Apr 4

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Victory: First Training Class

Earlier this week, we started dog training class with our little Victory! Doug and I attended the first class a few weeks ago with just the humans to prepare us for the dog training class. Victory enjoyed training class and she was smiling the entire time! Victory learned her marking word, “charming” (named after the fictitious city in Sons of Anarchy, the first series we watched on Netflix with Victory from start to finish (there is still another forthcoming season), and it is a word that does not come up often in conversation — Doug picked our marking word!); “look at me;” “watch me;” “cot,” the command for Victory to get up on her cot, her Kuranda Cot, which is required for our training class; and “down,” the command for Victory to get off the cot; and “sit.” Victory did very well in class and we have been working on “sit” at home this week! There is even a male tri-color sheltie friend that Victory was eyeing in class!

Before starting training off the bat, we first wanted to give Victory a chance to acclimate as she was quite nervous when we first brought her home. However, our little girl is blossoming and sprouting her sheltie furs! We also wanted the temperatures to warm up so we could practice training materials in multiple environments, inside and outside. Thankfully, it is warming up here some. We still want to see spring temperatures and more sunshine, especially after our harsh winter!

Below, Victory posed for me on her Kuranda Cot to help get her used to it prior to training class. She listened and stayed put while I photographed her! She is a smart little sheltie! Of course, we did get Victory’s Kuranda Cot embroidered with her name on it since embroidering was available (she is the only one in class with an embroidered Kuranda Cot!) On a good note, Victory is starting to spend time on her Orvis bed located in our living room. She still has two more Orvis beds to try out (formerly Biscuit’s Orvis beds)! Also, the other night, Victory gave me her paw a few times in bed after she washed my entire face and then licked Doug’s arm pits via his t-shirt! Doug must have some pretty amazing ‘natural body scent!’ Perhaps this is a sign that she is getting more comfortable in her home!

Happy Friday!

Apr 3

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ASPCA: National Dog Fighting Awareness Day

The ASPCA recently contacted me and asked me to share information related to its National Dog Fighting Awareness Day Hangout, moderated by Dan Harris, ABC News, taking place on April 8, 2014 from 7:00 p.m until 8:00 p.m. EST. The National Dog Fighting Awareness Day Hangout will discuss with national experts the underground world of dog fighting. The goal is to raise awareness about dog fighting brutality, including the little-known truths about the blood sport and its continuing prevalence in America.

In addition to the Google+ Hangout, the ASPCA will be doing live social media questions and answers across Facebook, Twitter and Google+ in which the ASPCA experts will be answering user questions about dog fighting with hashtag #NDFAD. The ASPCA will also premiere a never-before-seen short documentary with undercover footage of dog fights and the rescue activity at dog fighting raids. For more information concerning the National Dog Fighting Awareness Day, please visit here. Please be sure to RSVP today for the National Dog Fighting Awareness Day Hangout!

Happy Thursday!

Image credit: The ASPCA.

Apr 2

Things I Love: Spring 2014

Well, it is technically spring, but it sure does not feel like it yet! Hopefully, spring is on its way soon!

1. Cetaphil Facial Cleanser — A friend recommended this facial cleaners and it works really well. I have been really happy with this facial cleanser, and it is not expensive, a plus!

2. No. 7 Protect & Perfect Protection & Perfection Intense Serum — I read about this product in a magazine, and I use it daily. It helps with having firmer and brighter skin! I use this product mostly around my eyes.

3. Athletica — I love Lululemon, but I also really like some of the tops from Athletica! They are really comfy and versatile!

4. SanDisk — I only use SanDisk memory cards in my camera, and so far, they have not let me down (knock on wood!). I highly recommend using SanDisk memory cards — so far, they have been reliable!

5. The Killing — Doug and I watched the first two seasons of The Killing on Netflix (one episode after another!) We are beginning the third season! This series is really interesting and addictive to watch as it keeps you guessing as to who is the killer!

6. Cheese Please — Victory loves cheese. So, in her BarkBox, we received a sampling of this yummy treat and we had to get her some more, so Doug ordered two boxes, one of which, is already gone! It is an all natural treat. So, if your furry family member loves cheese, I highly recommend trying this dog treat!

You can view other things I love here!

Happy Wednesday!

Apr 1

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Interview with Elias Weiss Friedman, Photographer, The Dogist

Interview with Elias Weiss Friedman, Photographer, The Dogist

Recently, I had the great pleasure of interviewing Elias Weiss Friedman, photographer, known as The Dogist. Elias lives in New York City, and a selection of his work is displayed below. Please visit The Dogist to view more of Elias’ work!

KATHERINE CARVER: What were your beginnings as a photographer and when did you realize it would become your chosen form of expression?

ELIAS WEISS FRIEDMAN: I grew up with a darkroom. My dad made portraits of all the kids every year and hung them in series on the walls – I guess my first impressions for portrait aesthetic were made there. I got my first Nikon SLR when I was 12 and it’s been a constant evolution since then – mostly as an avid hobby. I knew pursuing photography as an artist would be challenging. I fell back in love with it when I realized I could use it to connect with people (and their dogs).

KATHERINE CARVER: Did you study photography formally?

ELIAS WEISS FRIEDMAN: I took classes in high school, was an assistant teacher during a summer program, and took a digital course during college. I had fun with it and did a few events, but it was never my primary focus.

KATHERINE CARVER: How do you describe your style?

ELIAS WEISS FRIEDMAN: I might describe it as candid. With The Dogist, you only see one image, but there’s a whole interaction and often silly set of images you get with dogs. They come up to the lens, they bark, they hide behind their owners, etc – eventually they settle down and just look right at me. That’s when you hear the shutter flutter. They don’t know they’re having their picture taken per se, but they know I want them to be “good.” I try to capture them in this state. They look posed like something a human might do, but it’s really just them trying to please (and to possibly get the tennis ball I have above my lens).

KATHERINE CARVER: Can you describe the time when you first realized that creating photographs was absolutely something that you had to do?

ELIAS WEISS FRIEDMAN: Telling stories about dogs and realizing I could connect with people through their dogs was and is the biggest part of it. Dogs are a huge part of our society, and it seemed nobody knew who they were – ‘Dogs are people too’, I say. I get a lot of messages from people around the world telling me my photographs are the bright point in their day. That’s very fulfilling as an artist.

KATHERINE CARVER: What was the impetus that inspired you to begin your photography project, The Dogist?

ELIAS WEISS FRIEDMAN: A lot of it has to do with Instagram. “Good art” is art that people like. I was always frustrated with the mediums through which people shared photos. I always felt like I was asking people to go out of their way to see my pictures. Everyone’s got Instagram in their pocket now. It’s simple and intimate.

KATHERINE CARVER: What is your goal, vision with your photography project, The Dogist?

ELIAS WEISS FRIEDMAN: I want The Dogist to grow. I want to photograph dogs around the world doing different things. So much of news is negative or unfortunate; I’m glad I can document something fun and positive. It’s kind of a dream job if I can make it work. The Dogist is a photo-series but also a business since I’m doing it full-time.

KATHERINE CARVER: How have your own dog(s) influenced your work?

ELIAS WEISS FRIEDMAN: I grew up with dogs around the house – each color of Lab, some poodles, some doodles. They always made great photo subjects. I’m a very goofy guy at heart – I always treated our dogs like people and spoke on their behalf (dog ventriloquism). The Dogist is about the dogs, but it’s also about me taking something as formal and serious as portraiture and applying it to pets.

KATHERINE CARVER: What does “being creative” mean to you?

ELIAS WEISS FRIEDMAN: Being creative means making stuff. I have no idea what I’m going to get when I walk out the door with my camera. People always ask me about what camera I use, what techniques I use, where I find all the dogs, etc. They’re asking the wrong questions. Creating is actually the easy part – the hard part is putting yourself in a position to do it every day.

KATHERINE CARVER: What is the most challenging aspect of being a photographer?

ELIAS WEISS FRIEDMAN: Making a living. Everyone has a camera these days. Lots of people are doing it professionally or are working part-time to support their passion. If you’re going to be a successful photographer, you also have to be an entrepreneur.

On a day to day basis, it’s getting yourself out to new places and not dropping your lenses.

KATHERINE CARVER: What inspires you to keep going and what keeps you motivated?

ELIAS WEISS FRIEDMAN: The Dogist has gotten a lot of traction and attention since I started doing it five short months ago – that’s encouraging. I still get excited watching the activity and reading the comments around my photos. I make a difference in many people’s and dog’s lives every day – what’s more inspiring that that!?

KATHERINE CARVER: What kind of patterns, rituals, and routines do you have while making photographs?

ELIAS WEISS FRIEDMAN: I always approach the owner first, making sure they’re comfortable with me distracting their dog for a few minutes. Any reluctance on the owner’s part and I’m on to the next dog across the street. Once I do get an “okay,” I typically use a squeaky tennis ball to get the dog’s attention if it’s not otherwise interested in me. I have a pretty good bark too if all else fails.

KATHERINE CARVER: What photographers/artists inspire your work?

ELIAS WEISS FRIEDMAN: Richard Avedon is the first name that comes to mind. He was the guy everyone had to have take their portrait back in the day. His work has its own style and variety but he as a person was a real charmer. I like that combination. I like my work to have that variety of seriousness with tongue-in-cheek playfulness.

KATHERINE CARVER: What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

ELIAS WEISS FRIEDMAN: Don’t let anything get in your way. People love creativity and there are more channels to make your work known than ever before. No excuses. The difference between an ‘aspiring artist’ and a true artist is action. Talent comes through practice.

KATHERINE CARVER: How can people view your work?

ELIAS WEISS FRIEDMAN:

I post 3-4 photos a day on The Dogist, which can be viewed at thedogist.com and @thedogist on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

The photographs included in this post are courtesy of Elias Weiss Friedman.

You can read additional interviews here.

Mar 31

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Victory: Photography Project — Part 12

“Heaven goes by favor, you would stay out and your dog would stay in.” ~Mark Twain

Beginning in January of this year, I began a weekly photography project with my muse, Victory! I will continue to share this project on the blog! I have also been documenting Victory’s milestones so to speak each month — you can read these here! I think that it is fun to document all of Victory’s changes, while preserving fleeting moments and memories.

Recently, we took Victory to Worthington Dog Park, another dog park, which we joined! Little Victory had a great time, other than being immediately greeted by Cheese, the male Pomeranian shown below, who got a little too friendly with our Victory! Although, Victory did not seem to mind! (Cheese’s sister is shown below taking a few sniffs!) Victory does enjoy meeting new furry friends and her confidence is building. Tomorrow is our first training class with Victory! We are excited to see how Victory does during class! We really hope spring comes soon so we can do more outside activities together!

Happy Monday!

Mar 28

Dogs XL Rescue, Inc. — Part IX and Part X – Rescue dogs in need of furever homes

I am excited about a long-term Dog Photography Project that I am working on with the Baltimore Animal Rescue Care Shelter (BARCS) as well as some local dog rescue organizations, including the Dogs XL Rescue, Inc. I hope to share further information in the future. Using the following links, you can view Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII, and Part VIII.

For now, I can share some color photographs of these doggies pictured below in the hopes that they receive furever homes! If you are interested in adopting (or fostering in some cases) any of these dogs pictured below, please contact Dogs XL Rescue, Inc. for further information. Please consider dog rescue! Biscuit’s rescue story illustrates that we can make a positive difference and impact in one dog’s life.

At this point, all of the images for Part 1 of this project have been photographed! I have been working on this project for over a year! I will be busy editing and working on the individual images, and then I will begin photographing Part 2 of this project this spring. I feel like I am finally making some progress. I can’t wait to share this project upon its completion — hopefully early next year!

Below is a brief description of the dogs in the order they are pictured below.

1. Rey — is a male 7 month old Rottweiler and Shepherd mix. Rey is very loving and he is full of energy! Rey is in need of a furever home!

2. Edmont — has been adopted!

3. Media — is a female 8 year old Great Dane. Media is a gentle soul who is very loving. Media is in need of a furever home!

4. Driefuss — is a male 1 – 2 year old Golden Retriever/Beagle mix. Driefuss is so handsome and full of energy! The loss of one of his front legs does not slow him down a bit! Driefuss is very playful and he is in need of a furever home!

5. Trixie — is a female Cattle Dog mix, approximately 2 years old. Trixie is very sweet, gentle, and loving. Trixie is in need of a furever home!

6. Hope — is a female English Mastiff, approximately 8 years old. Hope is very gentle and loving. Hope is in need of a furever home!

7. Earlysa — has been adopted!

8. Rox — is a male Border Collie mix, approximately 7 months old. Rox is full of energy and very handsome. Rox is in need of a furever home!

9. Trucker — is a male Collie mix, approximately 1 – 2 years old. Trucker is very gentle with soulful eyes. Trucker is in need of a furever home!

If you want to adopt a rescue dog; donate money; and/or contribute your time to the Dogs XL Rescue, Inc., please, please contact Dogs XL Rescue, Inc. via e-mail at info@dogsxlrescue.org; or via telephone at 410-205-5014. To learn more, you can also visit the Dogs XL Rescue, Inc.’s website.

Mar 27

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A Few Things

Ok, this is a fun post! Below are ten things you might not have known about us!

1. Doug and I met through mutual acquaintances shortly after I graduated from law school and took the bar exam. Doug had already completed his graduate studies. So, it was sort of like a blind date! We exchanged a few e-mails before hand and spoke on the phone. I still have our first e-mails that we wrote to each other safely tucked away! I also have every card that Doug ever gave to me! I am sentimental like that! Then, we had our first date and the rest is history as they say! This October marks our 10 year anniversary together!

2. Doug cooks 95% of all of our meals! This is great for me — I just gather our food from the grocery store each week! Doug is also a wonderful baker! Each Sunday Doug makes us a nice breakfast. Typically, he makes malted waffles; delicious crepes; or scones! Occasionally, he makes cinnamon rolls and monkey bread! We are huge fans of King Arthur Flour, and we took Biscuit there during our trip to Vermont last spring!

3. We usually go to bed pretty early during the week, around 9:30 p.m. — I know, we are like an old married couple! After Victory’s final walk for the night, she usually races up the stairs and hops right into the bed (she only gets in bed on the right side of the bed) and waits for her drink of water — to help stave off the 1:00 – 2:00 a.m. request for water (which we are working on!) We are early risers, but we do sleep in some on the weekends and little Victory is quite accommodating!

4. Each night Victory likes to lick Doug’s arm pits through his t-shirt — I know it is gross! We think that she is attracted to Doug’s Gillette deodorant!

5. Doug and I have been getting hooked on TV series and we have been watching a fair amount of Netflix! We just finished Season 1 of The Killing. This show is addictive! We are also excited for new seasons of series to start on HBO and Showtime!

6. We have date night at least once a week, sometimes more! It is nice to have some time together, and when the weather finally gets nicer, we can include little Victory as we will be able to eat outside at some restaurants!

7. Doug plans all of our vacations! He does everything from coming up with ideas of where to go down to mapping everything out! I just make a list and get us packed!

8. I love lists. I always have a list going. Doug is totally the opposite. Somehow, he keeps everything in his head.

9. 99.99% of the time, Doug drives when we go somewhere together, which is great! He is very good with direction, unlike me! When Victory goes with us, she typically sits on my lap. She gets super excited when we arrive back in the neighborhood and when the garage door opens, she is standing on all fours on my lap looking astute!

10. We do not have iphones or smart phones. I know, we are living in the dark ages, but we like not being connected all the time. Each time we go out to dinner, we always see people on their phones instead of enjoying dinner. Perhaps sometime this year we will get iphones out of necessity because they do not make our phones anymore! But, we have been getting by just fine without having iphones!

Below is one of my favorite photos, to date, of our little Victory taken this past weekend — she is so beautiful and she is sprouting with her sheltie furs! I told Doug that Victory is sprouting he fur coat like a Chia Pet!

Happy Thursday!

Mar 26

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Seen In: Huffington Post

I am very grateful to have some of my images recently featured in the Huffington Post in connection with my work with Dogs XL Rescue, Inc. from this photo shoot relating to my long-term dog photography project. The Huffington Post article focuses on large dogs who are in need of furever homes across the country. My hope is that all of these dogs receive furever homes as soon as possible! Please consider dog rescue. You can view the entire article and images here. My images are featured numbers 20 through 26, along with the cover image used in the article of Esperanza!

Happy Wednesday!

Mar 25

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Victory: Photography Project — Part 11

“If you want loyalty, get a dog. If you want loyalty and attention, get a smart dog.” ~Grant Fairly

Beginning in January of this year, I began a weekly photography project with my muse, Victory! I will continue to share this project on the blog! I have also been documenting Victory’s milestones so to speak each month — you can read these here! I think that it is fun to document all of Victory’s changes, while preserving fleeting moments and memories.

We recently took Victory to Quiet Waters Park located in Annapolis — our first trip to a dog park with Victory! Victory had a blast and she was all smiles! (Prior to taking Victory to the dog park, we were not sure how she would react!) Victory entered the dog park and she was immediately greeted with many different dogs to sniff! We finished our trip to Quiet Waters by walking down to the water! Victory loves to look at the water and she did not want to leave!

During our time at the dog park, Victory met another sheltie fiend named Joey! Victory instantly recognized Joey as a shelite and she followed him all over the park! It was adorable! (Interestingly, Biscuit also met a sheltie friend when we took Biscuit to Quiet Waters Park for the first time last spring).