The Ervin Family {Nashville Pet Photographer}

On the blog this week is The Ervin Family (Brent, Stephanie, Elaina, and Livvy). We did a mini session last winter at my home in College Grove. They brought their precious cavapoo (a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a poodle) along too!

Livvy is four years old and described as “the cutest thing ever”, precious, loving and sweet. Elaina came up with the name for Livvy by combining the names of the two characters from her favorite T.V. show at the time - “Liv & Maddie”.

The Ervin family loves that Livvy is so affectionate and that she loves to snuggle. “Most of the time her desire to snuggle convinces us all to relax.”  The cavapoo breed is known to be very affectionate and calm dogs that also like to play. Livvy definitely fits this description because along with all the snuggles, she has been known to have the cutest bursts of energy that are so fun!

Livvy does not like being left alone, so the Ervin family tries to take her with them to as many places as possible. When they can’t bring her, she stands on her hind legs to welcome them home.

Elaina just started the 7th grade this week!  Her mom says she’s a Godly girl, loves her friends and family, loves to have fun, and organize anything & everything. She is also a cheerleader and lover of life.  

Stephanie is an interior designer - you can check out her amazing work on instagram @stephanieervininteriors

See some of my favorites of the Ervin Family!

~Mandy

Contact a Pet Photographer in Nashville, TN!

Mandy Whitley Photography is Nashville's premiere pet photographer. Mandy Whitley creates fun and playful photographs with pets and their people. She photographs portrait sessions, family sessions, couple portraits, and weddings - as well as just pets! To inquire about booking a photo session, contact Mandy!

Kaze the Great...Dane! {Nashville Pet Photographer}

On the blog today are Kaze and his people, Nicole and Adam! I took these pics on a beautiful, fall day in my backyard about one month before Baby Whitley arrived. (Which is why you are just seeing them now).

Kaze is short for Kamikaze because when he gets the zoomies and throws his massive weight around, it is time to watch out!

I asked Nicole and Adam why they chose to get a Great Dane. “Danes are truly gentle giants, massive lap puppies, huge couch potatoes, scaredy cats and great cuddlers.” I guess it makes complete sense that one of his passions is the couch and that he does not like the Roomba! If you can’t find Kaze on the couch, you might find him eating his favorite thing…cookies.

Kaze is a quirky Dane that attracts a lot of attention when Nicole and Adam go out, and everyone has to say hello or love on him. Take a look at some of my favorite pics from our session below!

~Mandy

Contact a Pet Photographer in Nashville, TN!

Mandy Whitley Photography is Nashville's premiere pet photographer. Mandy Whitley creates fun and playful photographs with pets and their people. She photographs portrait sessions, family sessions, couple portraits, and weddings - as well as just pets! To inquire about booking a photo session, contact Mandy!

How To Take Great Pet Photos With Your Phone {Guest Post by Abi Pennavaria}

Want to share great photos of your pet, but a professional photo session is out of the question due to social distancing? You can certainly still get some pretty good shots just by using your phone! Here are some tips that can help you get the best phone pic possible:

Lighting

Making sure you have good lighting is important. The better the lighting, the clearer the picture! In low light, the shutter on a camera has to be open longer to capture enough light to make the picture visible. This causes it to record everything that happens while the shutter is open, which makes pictures blurry. Better lighting allows the shutter to operate faster preventing blurring from any movement of your pet as well as any handshake. Using the flash is not a good substitute; the shutter will still move slowly, and the flash will wash the picture out. 

Get Low

When positioning yourself to take pictures of your pet, get down low. By getting down eye level or even slightly lower, you get the best angle of your pet, and gives you the chance to get a great background if you are outside.

Practice Sitting Still

Getting your pet to sit still may not always be the easiest thing to do. Training your dog in a solid “stay” or “place” command will really come in handy when it comes to getting the perfect shot. When you practice this command, it can open up the opportunity for some great posed shots. Practicing these commands prior to your photoshoot can help ease any frustration when trying to get your pet to hold still for pictures.

Bribe Your Pet

To get your pet’s most expressive face, get his favorite treat or favorite toy and get him excited with it. This is also where a good “stay” and “leave it” command may come in handy. If you want him to look directly at the camera, tap or wave the treat or toy right above the lens on your phone. 

Framing

Framing is simply how you set up your photograph. For example, when taking photos from a distance, remember the rule of thirds. Instead of putting the subject of your photo (your pet) in the center, divide the photos into thirds. Then position your pet in one of the side thirds of the picture. Something about the way the human brain is wired makes this set-up more aesthetically pleasing.

Backgrounds

You can take a picture anywhere, but if you want to really get a good photo, try for an outside backdrop. Whether it be warm or snowy, take advantage of the beauty of nature. Not to mention, natural light is the best lighting.

Action Shots

Does your pet love to jump into a pile of leaves, climb trees, or jump into the pool? Whatever it may be, stand at the ready and get some action shots! Not all phones have the capability to do this, but if your phone has the option for burst photos, this will be your best bet to get the perfect picture!

Candid Photos

While posed photos are great, candid photos can also come out looking pretty fantastic. You may even end up catching a silly face. Taking photos while your pet is yawning or trying to catch a ball or treat can result in some pretty entertaining shots. Capturing a genuine candid moment can really help depict the true personality of your pet.

Even if you only have a phone to take your pictures, don’t let that discourage you from getting the best photo you can. All it takes is a little practice and a cute pet… yours!

Abi Pennavaria is a dog mom, avid veterinary volunteer, and co-author of the Saved By The Bark dog blog. She enjoys sharing tips and tricks for volunteers and animal lovers through thoughtfully researched blog posts and vet games.

Thanks Abi for all your great tips and insight!

Mandy

Do you want a professional capturing your pet(s) and their people?

Mandy Whitley Photography is Nashville's premiere pet photographer. Mandy Whitley creates fun and playful photographs with pets and their people. She photographs portrait sessions, family sessions, couple portraits, and weddings - as well as just pets! To inquire about booking a photo session, contact Mandy!