As some of you may know, not only do I run the Ottawa Dog Blog, but I am also a photographer. I thought it would be fun to sit down and answer my own questions on here, so you can get a better feel for my work.

Name: Liz Bradley
Studio Name: elizabeth&jane photography
Location: Ottawa
Website: elizabethandjane.ca
Camera(s): Nikon D300 with a whole lot of quick prime lenses

How would you classify or explain your style of dog photography?
I say my style is fun and fresh. To me that means that I try to capture your dog being themselves and showing their true personality. I run and play with the dogs I photograph and I hope that this atmosphere comes through in the photos. I also love capturing the dog and owner bond. I know how important my dogs are to me and I want to make sure that every dog owner has at least one great photo of their furry family member.

How did you get into doing dog-related photography?
I am kind of obsessed with dogs…hence this blog! I have loved dogs since as long as I can remember and I have also had a deep passion for photography. After we got Paddington I started fusing the two loves together and it was heaven. Photographing dogs is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done and I love it. I love that each session is so different – each dog is so different and brings an entire new adventure to the table.

When did you first realize you are a photographer?
Growing up I was always the one who “took photos”. I’d be the one that always had the camera and I’d be snapping away. I’ve always been a photographer, but now I get to do it as a job and I can tell you I feel so lucky that I can.

Could you tell us some more about your work?
Sure thing! After I started the Ottawa Dog Blog, I knew that I wanted to participate in local charity events. I thought about ways I could contribute and decided that offering my photography services would be a great way to not only help out the community, but to test the waters to see if I could handle the business of photographing dogs. I loved every minute of it and still do local Ottawa photography charity events now! (Next up is Bad Dog Mug Shots @ Westfest for BARK Rescue!)

Which one item of equipment would you say is the most important to you?
Ooooh this one is a toughy. Let’s get all deep here and I’ll say it’s my passion. I know that’s not really tangible, but it’s really important. I really love what I do and I hope that comes across in my photos!
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I often daydream about what I would do if I ever came into a lot of money; what charities I would support, how I would pay off my mortgage and take my family on a nice vacation. I realize it’s kind of silly, especially since we rarely buy lottery tickets, but it’s something I think about (probably more than I should!)

Since getting the dogs, I have also started daydreaming about what I would buy for them if I had the means to spoil them even more rotten than they are now. By no means is our world devoid of ways to pamper, indulge and cater to our dogs.

Here is a list of things I dream about spoiling my dogs with.

Sleepypod

I fell in love with the Sleepypod as soon as I saw it last year. It’s stylish and sleek and goes anywhere. It converts from a travel crate into a bed and it can also be used as a car-seat. I really want one but can’t justify the price tag, especially since I would need two and I ALREADY have crates that double as car-seats for them. Also, shipping to Canada is hefty. So it’s definitely on my “if I won the lottery list”!

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Ottawa Dog Blog had the chance to interview local business, Okwari Essentials who makes beautiful rustic dog feeders.

Name: Star Horn and Tristyn Kaitt
Location: Between Carleton Place and Perth, Ontario (approx. 45 min to Ottawa)
Website: okwari.ca

What kind of Dog Business do you do?
We make rustic Pet Feeders. These follow along in our rustic benches style of furniture, meaning they are made with various types of recycled pieces or fsc approved wood, and if they do not already appear roughed up enough then we add dents and scratches then sand, stain and finish them. They are usually in the shape of a dog bone (or for cats, a fish). They come with two stainless steel bowls and can be made in various heights to suit the pet.

How did you get into doing dog-related business?
I think out of necessity. We started with the benches simply because my son needed a spot to sit in the mudroom and put his boots on. Our dogs needed a nice place to house their dishes and we wanted them to be able to eat and drink in a more ergonomic position. It was fun and it was cheaper to make our own. Then one customer also had two cats and needed a feeder to accommodate 3 bowls. There we were, making Pet Feeders for everyone.

When did you first realize you are a wordworker?
Hmmm, I don’t know if that is truely what I am…i’m constantly learning. Out of necessity, again, i’ve had to fix things around the house. There’s always something that needs to be done and the more you put on a brave face and tackle it yourself, the more you learn, the more confident one becomes. Eventually you get really brave, you buy more power tools, you research, you study other people’s methods, then you try to build something bigger and more complex. Then you get REALLY brave and sell your creations to the public!!

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I just realized that today is the last day of July and I have yet to do my monthly Etsy Post! In keeping with the baby theme from last month, this month I wanted to feature super-cute baby onesies!

Mooshy Gooshies has a cute line of onesies with stitched dogs – I love the way they look!

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So once again I have been slacking on my monthly Etsy duties and now June is almost over and I haven’t done a post yet! Better late than never (again!).

A friend of mine is due to have her baby in September so I thought I would do a post about dog things for babies and little kiddies. Etsy is a great place to shop for baby showers and birthdays. Since I found so many items, I am going to spread the Baby Etsy post over a few months.

Decorating the nursery would be a snap for either a girl or a boy with this 8×10 Puppy Alphabet Print by emrick123.

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