biscuit's space | The blog of photographer Katherine Carver

Oct 28

Victory: All Freshened Up!

“Dogs come int our lives to teach us about love, they depart to teach us about loss. A new dog never replaces an old dog; it merely expands the heart. If you have loved many dogs your heart is very big.” ~Unknown

Victory is doing well and she is still getting acclimated to her new home. Doug and I gave her a bath this weekend and Victory did a good job! A few times she did put her front paws up at the top of our soaker tub, but she let me finish bathing her — however, she was happy to be out of the soaker tub! He fur coat looks great and she greatly enjoys her walks. Doug and I took her on many walks this weekend as we had beautiful weather for long walks! When she is ready, we look forward to taking her on outings!

Victory went to her new vet last week and she was a very good girl! Victory even hopped up onto a chair in the waiting room like a human! She let the vet examine her and the vet really liked Victory as well! While we were waiting in the waiting room at the vet’s office, Victory even saw another female sheltie friend to sniff!

This weekend, Doug spent a good amount of time carving our pumpkin — stay tuned!

Below are some photographs from this past weekend taken just prior to sun set of our precious Victory — she gets more beautiful each day!

Happy Monday!

Oct 25

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Happy Friday!

“Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.” ~Oscar Wilde

Each day, Victory is making progress with us and she is getting more comfortable with her new home and environment. Victory is pictured below while we were on a recent walk — Victory is holding her head high — she is so beautiful and so dignified!

We are planning to have a low-key weekend with our little Victory — the weather looks good for many long walks with Victory! We love this fall weather! We also plan to give Victory a bath to get her all freshened up! Also, Doug might carve a pumpkin! I also hope to finish hanging our remaining images on our walls in our home — with Doug’s help, of course! We are slowly decorating our new home! I recently ordered some images of Victory to put in frames to showcase Victory in our home! Victory’s images will be by our little Biscuit. Doug and I are feeling so grateful that little Victory is part of our little family!

Have a nice weekend!

Oct 24

Why Dogs Are Family

Without a question, Doug and I believe that our dogs are members of our family! In fact, much of our lives are centered around our little furry family member! For instance, Doug plans all of our trips and vacations to ensure that our furry family member’s needs will be met down to the tiniest detail! The view of dogs are changing and there is a whole industry for furry family lovers who love to spoil their furry family members!

Doug and I believe in adopting rescue dogs; in celebrating our furry family members b-days; we allow Victory to sleep between us — some might think we are crazy but she loves to be in our bed with us!; and we took tons of photographs of and with our precious Biscuit and we have begun to implement the same approach with little Victory! I am so glad that we have so many photographs of Biscuit. Since our move, I just recently finished making the final photo albums of our precious Biscuit, including our trip to Vermont. Biscuit images are also shown throughout our home. He is always and forever in our hearts.

Additionally, according to Stanley Coren, “Emotionally healthy humans have the ‘need to nurture,’ and pets are the perfect recipient. They return the favor of all the love, care and baby talk with their innate ability, proven in scientific studies, to reduce stress, speed healing, and improve humans’ fitness and social-interaction levels.”

Doug and I know that our lives are richer with a furry family member — each one is a gift! Life is just not the same without a furry family member! Victory is pictured on the left and Biscuit is pictured on the right below — our precious little shelties.

Happy Thursday!

Oct 23

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Interview with Jesse Freidin, Photographer

Interview with Jesse Freidin, Photographer

Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jesse Freidin, a photographer residing in San Francisco, California. A selection of Jesse Freidin’s work is displayed below. Please visit Jesse Freidin’s website to view more of his work. Jesse also does commissions upon request.

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

JESSE FREIDIN: I’ve been fascinated with photography for as long as I can remember. I had a pretend Fisher-Price toy camera when I was very little, and I’m sure that was my photography ‘root.’ In college all my friends were artists, but I never considered myself one of them because the photography I did was simply for myself, and for fun. It took a while to let myself realize how deeply connected I was to photography, and allow myself to pursue it as a profession. I think it’s so important to let ourselves do what we love most, and work to turn it into a career.

KATHERINE CARVER: Did you study photography formally?

JESSE FREIDIN: I didn’t have the foresight to go to art school, but took a few classes at City College in San Francisco to learn about lighting and darkroom printing when I moved to California. As much as I think I missed out on the intensity and wealth of knowledge that comes from an art school education, I don’t think it’s necessary in order to become an artist.

KATHERINE CARVER: How do you describe your style?

JESSE FREIDIN: I ask a lot from my subjects — presence, honesty, emotion and a true willingness to participate. And I do my best to offer that back. My style of photography is very explorational and voyeuristic, forcing my subjects and viewers to experience a moment of connection that I myself am simultaneously experiencing.

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

JESSE FREIDIN: What a great question. Yes — I had been encouraged to take a photography class at City College just experience what it would feel like to be in a learning environment with other photographers. The first day in the darkroom we began learning about contrast and in the process of making my first class print I knew I would do this for the rest of my life. I was not there to get a degree, I was there to become immersed and dedicate myself to the work. It was a magical moment.

KATHERINE CARVER: What was the impetus that inspired you to begin photographing dogs/animals?

JESSE FREIDIN: When I moved to California many years ago, I had never taken a portrait of an animal, and was a little afraid of dogs. I got a job at a dog daycare just to pay the bills. The first day at work, in the middle of a huge group of barking dogs, this enormous pit bull named Lennox came up to me and we made an instant emotional connection. Suddenly, all the dogs became quiet, and I felt at ease. From there, I became obsessed with exploring the human/animal bond, and have spent every day around dogs since.

KATHERINE CARVER: What gear do you use while photographing?

JESSE FREIDIN: I use a Hasselblad 500C and a Contax 645 with 120 black and white film.

KATHERINE CARVER: Why do you choose to photograph using film, an analog medium?

JESSE FREIDIN: Film has always been an integral part of photography for me. It’s what I learned on, and it is how I create my images. Photography is a tactile medium — choosing aperture and shutter speed and film speed and chemistry and development time etc. — those are all things that are intrinsic to the process. Analog photography simply lets me create the best images I can create, and allows me to be fully in control of the creative process.

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

JESSE FREIDIN: I have a Boston Terrier named Pancake. He is a very good dog. He loves being photographed, and is of course my favorite dog model. Raising him as a puppy, and spending every second with him for the past seven years, our relationship has certainly influenced my work as it has given me the opportunity to grow alongside an animal, and really live within that bond. Just like you can’t photograph a human without allowing yourself to be present in that portrait, I believe you can’t photograph an animal without truly knowing what that bond feels like.

KATHERINE CARVER: Where do you show/exhibit your work?

JESSE FREIDIN: I exhibit my work at galleries around the country, and sometimes at special boutiques when invited. My exhibit ‘American Sporting Heritage’ is just ending a three-month run at the amazing National Sporting Library and Museum in Virginia, and I’ll be putting up a handful of new exhibits around San Francisco and Los Angeles in the beginning of the year.

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

JESSE FREIDIN: Being creative means speaking in an authentic voice, and turning your intuitions into physical material — three- dimensional or otherwise. I think being creative also means being an individual, and making something that no one has ever made before.

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

JESSE FREIDIN: For me, running a business is the hardest part of being a photographer. Though I actually really love being a small business owner and partaking in all the things that comes with that, it exercises a very different part of my brain. The photography part comes naturally. But I’ve found a way to be creative in my business practices as well, and I love helping my clients invest in work that inspires and moves them.

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

JESSE FREIDIN: I wake up everyday and get to do what I love most – that is inspiring. And I get to share that with my wonderful clients, and help them articulate emotions that they cannot articulate themselves. That is incredibly motivating.

KATHERINE CARVER: What is the most rewarding and satisfying part about creating and being a photographer – especially photographing animals?

JESSE FREIDIN: Artists are all fairly weird people. We see things differently and have a visceral need to make a statement about it. I believe that our society has such an intense symbiotic relationship with dogs, yet we fail to speak seriously about it. It is very satisfying to be creating a new kind of discourse about the dog/human bond that is based on realness and emotion.

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

JESSE FREIDIN: I think all photographers are simply constantly taking photographs with their minds. It’s not something you can turn on and off — it’s just always happening. When I photograph for myself, I typically work very slowly and spend a lot of time planning my composition and waiting for the perfect light to hit. When I work with clients, I do that too but my main concern is simply being in the moment with them, leading them into a genuine interaction with their animal companions, and then letting the interaction run it’s course. I am there to view it all and photograph through those moments. I talk with my clients throughout our whole session, because we need to be close in order to create emotional images. I also usually leave behind my light meter, a film back, or some film wrappers and then have to drive back and retrieve everything. My mind tends to get a bit hyper focused when I’m working.

KATHERINE CARVER: Looking back on your accomplishments, to date, what are you the most proud of?

JESSE FREIDIN: I’d say the thing I’m most proud of is quitting my day job.

KATHERINE CARVER: What artists inspire your work?

JESSE FREIDIN: I always turn to Diane Arbus, Annie Leibovitz, Duane Michals, Elliot Erwitt, Rineke Dijkestra. I’m also really obsessed with the painting collection at the Getty Collection in Los Angeles right now.

KATHERINE CARVER: What are you working on now?

JESSE FREIDIN: The end of the year has begun, so my focus right now is producing work for my current clients and wrapping up as many jobs as I can before the holidays. I’m also putting finishing touches on my new Los Angeles dog photography studio, which has been a huge project for the past few months. And, my current series ‘DOG FOOD’ is shooting in LA right now, so that’s a large project that will continue through 2014.

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

JESSE FREIDIN: Be real, do the exact opposite of what the other guys are doing, and don’t use ‘actions’ on Photoshop or cut corners! Start from the very beginning and learn the basics — you’ll be happy you did.

KATHERINE CARVER: How can people view and commission your work?

JESSE FREIDIN: People can visit my website: www.jessefreidin.com to view galleries, watch some videos, and read my (entertaining?) blog. For private commissions, simply use our ‘Contact’ page to schedule a free Creative Consultation in Los Angeles or San Francisco and get the process started.

All images are courtesy of Jesse Freidin.

You can read additional interviews here.

Oct 22

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Victory: Transition

Victory is doing quite well considering she has undergone a big change in her life by coming to live with us as she moved away from everything familiar to her — her foster family and her furry foster brothers whom Victory came to love. Victory is really enjoying her walks outside and she also likes car rides! However, Doug and I do not want to overwhelm her anymore than is necessary, so we have not taken her on any outings, i.e., inside of stores, parks, etc. Thus, we will forego taking her to the pumpkin patch this year; however, Doug hopes to carve a pumpkin this year! In time, when Victory becomes more comfortable, this will all change! We are excited to see her personality shine through!

Currently, Victory still seems to feel the most safe in our bed, on the sofa, and in her crate. She is going potty and eating well. Doug even ordered her some of the treats she likes so much that she received while living with her foster family, as we were unable to locate these treats locally! We recently discovered that Victory really likes plain popcorn! Victory is really sweet and she even lets me brush her fur and brush her teeth with no issues. We plan to give Victory her first bath this weekend. She also loves to cuddle — our little ‘cuddle bug!’ In fact, Victory is sitting on my lap as I write this blog post! Victory has begun to give us licks/kisses and she is also now staring to come on her own to our bedroom when we go to bed versus us carrying her to bed! She places herself right between us for bed! She is a smart little sheltie! Each morning Victory waits patiently on our bed as I shower and get ready for the day and then we go on our morning walks together!

Doug and I have also been making progress on our new house. We started to decorate — the fun part! We have been working our way down our list of items to complete in our new home! It feels very nice to be somewhat settled. When Doug and I picked up some items for the house this weekend, we picked up a Halloween costume for little Victory! We also got Victory a cute Halloween collar that she is wearing in the photos shown below! (We did not take her to the stores with us, but we measured her ahead of time). Per some neighbors, it sounds like there will likely be trick-or-treating for the furry family members in the neighborhood! How fun! It is nice to meet others who care so much about their furry family members — we are in good company!

Below are some photographs taken of our precious little Victory this past weekend. We are making progress slowly but surely with our wonderful Victory! Doug completed and sent in the paper work this weekend for (1) Victory’s County Pet License and (2) the transfer of her microchip — what a responsible Daddy! She is very beautiful and we are extremely grateful that Victory has entered our lives. Biscuit has given us a wonderful gift — the ability to grow and love another dog deeply and unconditionally.

Oct 21

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Commission: Engagement — Ann Arbor, Michigan

I previously wrote about my sister’s recent engagement. While Doug and I were visiting Michigan recently to rescue and adopt Victory, I did an engagement photography session for my sister, Kassie. For our photography session we had beautiful weather, light, and fall colors. We went to the Law Quad; the Arb; Island Park; and we even found an old barn to use as well!

Kassie and Jason are having an October 2014 wedding at The Henry Ford Lovett Hall located at Greenfield Village — a beautiful venue for the wedding ceremony and reception! We are very happy for you, and we look forward to being a part of your wedding day! Congratulations!

Some highlights from this photography session are shown below.

If you are interested in commissions, please contact me via e-mail at katie@katherinecarverphotography.com and visit my website at www.katherinecarverphotography.com.

Happy Monday!

Oct 18

The Rescuer’s Creed

The Rescuer’s Creed was included in the packet of materials given to us by the Michigan Sheltie Rescue, Inc., concerning our recent rescue and adoption of Victory. However, the author’s name was not provided to designate the appropriate credit. I really believe this creed to be very true in our experience with dog rescue. Enjoy!

On another note, Victory is making progress each day getting acquainted in her new surroundings. She is just adorable!

The Rescuer’s Creed

I promise I will take your unwanted animals.

I will heal their wounds, their diseases, their broken bones.

I will give them the medical attention they need and deserve.

I will nurture their starvation, and give them a warm place to sleep.

I will spay and neuter them, vaccinate them against the diseases that can harm them.

I will treat and honor them.

I will buy them toys, blankets, balls, and teach them to play.

I will speak softly to them.

I will try to teach them not to fear, not to cry, and not to hate.

I will whisper sweet, kind, gentle words int o their ears, while gently trying to stroke their fear, their pain, and their scars away.

I will face their emotional scars and give them time to overcome them.

I will socialize them, potty train them, teach them to be obedient, show them dignity, and hold their paws and stroke their ears if they have endured too much and walk them over the Rainbow Bridge.

BUT, most of all, I will teach them LOVE.

Oct 17

Finding the Right Veterinarian Match

Just as it is important to find the ‘right’ doctor for yourself, finding the ‘right’ veterinarian is also extremely important — especially since our furry family member(s) cannot talk to us. The relationship that one has with their veterinarian is no different from any other doctor-patient relationship.

Doug and I have been searching for the ‘right’ veterinarian for little Victory. Below are a list of questions we have found helpful in our quest to find the ‘right’ veterinarian match.

As a preliminary matter, I have found it helpful to interview possible veterinarians via phone first. The veterinarians that we believe are a good fit, we set up an appointment to meet this veterinarian in person; tour the building; meet the other staff members; and we will see how the veterinarian interacts with Victory as well.

I also believe it is important for the human(s) (client) to be up front and honest with the prospective veterinarian and express what he/she is looking for and expecting from this relationship.

Outlined below are some questions you might want to consider asking a prospective veterinarian.

Questions to ask your prospective veterinarian:

1. You can begin by asking people you trust who has similar values to you who he/she recommends as a vet. However, this can be tricky as each individual is different and each individual has different needs, expectations, values, etc. You can also ask veterinary specialists who they recommend based on your criteria to help you as a starting point when determining who will be the best veterinarian match since specialist often times work closely with referring primary veterinarians on cases.

2. Ask the veterinarian how long he/she has been practicing surgery.

3. Ask the veterinarian’s philosophy and approach in practicing veterinary medicine, i.e., does the veterinarian like to work together as partners with the human (client)? How does the veterinarian view his/her role?

4. Ask the veterinarian how he/she communicates with the human(s) (client), i.e., do you have direct access to the veterinarian’s e-mail address?; do you have access to the veterinarian directly via phone and/or e-mail after hours?; and how quickly are e-mails and telephone calls returned?

5. Ask how you will be able to get in touch with the veterinarian after hours and on the weekends to ensure continuity of care for your furry family member. This is vital information to obtain and understand so that you can appropriately get your questions and concerns answered in a timely manner.

6. Ask the veterinarian if she/he has office hours that will fit your schedule to ensure that you will be able to see him/her frequently for continuity of care.

7. Ask the veterinarian about his/her caseload. Is this an extremely busy veterinarian/practice? Is there enough time spent with you and your furry family member?

8. Ask the veterinarian whether emergencies cases that come in the office will impact your scheduled appointment, i.e., does the practice have adequate staff to address emergencies when they arise to ensure timely appointments?

9. Ask if the veterinarian is an owner of the practice. This will give you insight to whether the veterinarian has management responsibilities in addition to practicing veterinary medicine.

10. Ask how many other veterinarians are in the practice with a similar philosophy that you can see during those times that your regular veterinarian is not available.

11. Ask if each veterinarian has a particular specialty that culminates a “body” of knowledge within the practice in order for vets to confer with one another on cases.

12. Ask the veterinarian if he/she performs surgeries, and if so, what type of surgeries he/she performs; and what type of cases are referred to a specialist/surgeon. This varies from practice to practice, and it is a good idea to understand the surgeries and other specialized services (i.e., ultrasounds, x-rays, orthopedic procedures, etc.) that can and cannot be performed by the primary veterinarian, etc.

13. Ask if traveling board certified surgeons come and perform surgeries at the primary veterinarian’s office.

14. Ask the veterinarian what labs each veterinarian uses.

15. Ask the veterinarian what other types of services are provided by the veterinarian/practice, i.e., therapy rehabilitation, ultrasound, grooming, etc.

16. Ask the veterinarian for references of existing clients to obtain further information from another source about the veterinarian and practice.

17. Ask for a thorough tour of the office/facility in order to give you an idea of the facilities, i.e., if you would feel comfortable leaving your furry family member at this office/facility to receive veterinary care.

18. Ask to meet the staff members at the practice.

19. If it is important to you, ask the veterinarian whether he/she/practice provides pro bono services for shelters and animal rescue groups.

When you get home after meeting the prospective primary veterinarian ask yourself the following:

1. Ask yourself how you feel, i.e., what does your gut instincts think? Usually, your instincts are correct, so you should not ignore your instincts.

2. Did you feel like you can trust this veterinarian?

3. Do you feel like this veterinarian is through, smart, and competent?

4. Were you impressed with the care received by your furry family member?

5. Did your furry family member seem comfortable with the veterinarian?

6. Did you feel rushed?

7. Did you get all of your questions answered?

8. Did you feel comfortable?

9. Did the veterinarian seem flexible (conversely, did the veterinarian seem rigid) in his/her approach?

10. Did the veterinarian explain everything in easy to understand terms? Did the veterinarian discuss and talk through all of your treatment options?

11. Was the vet compassionate towards you and your furry family member?

12, Was your wait time acceptable?

13. Were the facilities new, clean, with up-to-date equipment?

14. Was the staff friendly and nice?

15. Speak to the other client references provided by the veterinarian to obtain another source(s) of information.

16. Check online reviews to see what others have to say about the veterinarian and practice to obtain a general impression of the practice.

17. Remember, if you do not feel that it is a good fit with a particular veterinarian, you can change at any time and have your furry family member’s records transferred.

I hope that you find some of these questions and considerations helpful concerning the veterinary care of your furry family member(s) — especially for those of you who have recently moved or are contemplating changing veterinarians.

Additionally, if you are looking for how to find and vet a veterinary surgeon, I wrote a previous blog post about vetting your veterinary surgeon here.

Oct 16

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Victory: Furever Home

Victory has made it to her furever home — our new home! Victory did really well in our long car ride back from Michigan to Maryland. She cuddled up with me and she also slept beside me as Doug drove us all the way back home! Victory is very sweet and gentle.

Victory has sniffed around the house, and has taken a look around. She still is a bit skittish and, depending upon where we are in the house, she likes to be either on the bed, sofa, or in her crate at this point. Victory used a crate at her foster home, where she found comfort in having a space of her own. (Doug and I hope that she outgrows her crate). We purchased a spacious crate that looks like a play pin of sorts (which is portable) upon the recommendation of the rescue and her foster mom. Victory seems to find refuge in her crate and she goes in and out of it as she sees fit. She has a bed and blankets in her crate along with some toys and blanket containing the smells of her foster home.

Victory has been on several walks in the new neighborhood and she has met some other furry friends. She does enjoy going for long walks/runs, and she will learn her way around the neighborhood in time.

Victory has made it clear that she likes to be in the bed with us when we sleep! It is ok with us as we purchased a new larger bed when we recently moved! Some people may think this is crazy, but we want her to feel comfortable and how could we say no to that darling face! Plus, Victory is a little ‘cuddle bug!’

Before we left Michigan, I took photos of Victory and her ‘Uncle Nick‘ (my parents’ dog) shown below! They seemed to get along quite well. However, we are certain that Nick is happy to have his Daddy all to himself! Also pictured below is Victory wearing her new pink fall fleece, a gift from her Grandpa and Grandma Carver! It fits her perfectly! We also purchased an engraved paw I.D. tag for little Victory that we added to her collar!

Doug and I will be patient and help build Victory’s confidence and we will also get into a routine. It took time for Victory adjust to her foster home, and it will take some time for her to adjust to her new home with us. We love having Victory as part of our little family and we look forward to many fun adventures with our little Victory!

Happy Wednesday!

Oct 15

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Mantra: Find A Way

I somewhat recently wrote a blog post about pursuing what you love, which included a link to Diana Nyad’s Ted Talk. I recently saw a video of Oprah interviewing Diana Nyad. During this interview, Diana Nyad shared how she got through her long marathon swim, her fifth attempt, and became the first person to swim across the Florida Straits from Cuba without a shark cage.

Nyad said her mantra through the swim was “find a way.” Referring to the journey, she said, “It doesn’t matter … what you come up against because none of it’s going to be pleasant. You’re hardly ever out there going, ‘Oh, my God, isn’t it a beautiful moon tonight?’ The crew is feeling that. But you’re kind of suffering through the whole thing. So my thought was, ‘everything you come up against say — and this is why people are relating to my story — all of us suffer heartache. All of us suffer difficulties in our lives. And if you say to yourself ‘find a way,’ you’ll make it through.”

I found this to be a simple, yet profound mantra and perspective. There are many things that we do not want to do; there are many things that we are afraid to begin; and there are many things that we put off for various reasons. I find Diana Nyad’s mantra, “find a way” very inspiring. This mantra will help you move through difficult times and attempt things that you might not otherwise pursue. So, I am adopting this mantra: find a way and make things happen.