This session seriously exceeded my expectations for awesomeness. It’s not every day that you get to see a Viszla raised in the air – poised like a sphinx (just wait and see below). Oh and then there’s the Kong Tire obsessed Chihuahua who has the cutest smile I have ever seen. Then… if that’s not enough, you have a super duper gorgeous family that just oooozes loveliness. Thanks for letting me catch a glimpse of your super sweet life.
Ripley is one good looking Viszla
Vixen and her Tire are never far apart. “Hey you! Want to play with me?”
Somebody REALLY loves their daddy
Vixen with her beautiful mama
Probably one of my favorite family photos to date
Yes, you two are plain old adorable
This was happening on the bed right as I turned my back to walk out of the room. I SEE YOU!!!
You know I saved the BEST for last…
On Saturday, June 6th, the Austin Dog Alliance held a new fundraising event at the Audi Quatro Gallery. The event, titled “Fetching Art for Dog Lovers,” featured several artists works for sale and included a judging for any dog-themed art. The winner of the judging would receive a cash prize and their work would of course be auctioned off to raise money for Austin Dog Alliance. I also provided a session to be auctioned off to help raise additional money for ADA. I was unfortunately unable to attend the event but I received the awesome news that I won the “top prize” from the judging. The image that I submitted was one of my favorites to this day. It’s an image I took of a very special Whippet named Chandler. Only Chandler’s ear is featured in this shot – but it’s a really great ear… if I do say so myself.
For those of you in Austin, you all probably know the awesome publication Austin Pets Directory. Liz Parker, who created and runs Austin Pets Directory, had me over to take some pictures of her lovely family. I had a fabulous time hanging out with some of the sweetest pups ever. Three of the pups (Aiden, Abraham and Lillian – of the Shih Tzu variety) were rescued from Wee Rescue, a local rescue group that specializes in helping wee pups find good homes. One dear pup (Priscilla – lab mix) has been in Liz’s life for a very long time. So… without further ado – here is one sweet family for your viewing pleasure:
looks like trouble… ha
Sweet Priscilla
Priscilla’s mommy loves her very very much
Aiden may only have one eye but he’s got that one eye on his Piggy. Aiden loves his Piggy – LOVES IT!
Aiden has the most adorable tongue – look… it’s saying “hi!”
Abraham enjoys long luscious locks of lovely hair… say that five times fast
Lillian has the best under bite and of course the cutest pom poms
Aiden will say goodbye as you leave in his own personal leather chair
When I was contacted to photograph a Great Dane and two cats… I thought this might be an interesting equivilant to my horse and two Chihuahuas session I had last year. Of course I would imagine not all cats are interested in being extra lovely dovey with a gigantic puppy that is like 20 times their size. Such was the case with Nuggit and Yoda, who kept a relatively comfortable distance from the gentle giant, Bentlee. Nuggit, the adorable white male cat was just an amazingly talented cat with piercing green eyes. Yoda, the lovely Ragdoll mix, had the most adorable ear that bent over like a little Scottish Fold… bet that’s mixed in there somewhere. Then there is Bentlee, the baby boy Great Dane, who does not even remotely realize how gigantic and strong he is. I had a great time with all three of them and their momma, Nicole, who was an exceptionally lovely model in all the shots.
Love that adorable bent ear
Nuggit actually pulls himself up to the food bowl when you hold it in the air – like little kitty chin-ups
Bentlee loves his momma and momma loves Bentlee
I adore this shot
Big dog – BIG stick
AND THEN… flying Bentlee… oooooh – look at those ears, teeth and jowells
I had the best time photographing Shelby for her senior portraits. She was fun, funky and super cool. We hit up some awesome spots in Austin that I had been wanting to shoot at for awhile. Shelby and her mom came up with some really great location ideas of their own and they will definitely be added to my faves. I love the life and spirit in all of these images. Shelby seriously worked the camera and gave me her best. Thanks Shelby!
Purple wall you are awesome!
Super cool shades for a super cool girl
Tough? Most definitely
Love this mural – I used to dress up for Dia de los Muertos every year
I loved Shelby’s idea for the fire truck… so cute!
Yes, she plays Lacrosse… awesome!
So beautiful
A few weeks ago I heard about a national pet photographer competition held by the UnScene Tour and Royal/T Gallery. The competition involved finding the next “emerging pet photographer.” The winner and finalists would be featured in the Royal/T Gallery on May 30th during the Culver City Art Walk. Well…. I am a finalist and my selected images along with all of my best pet photography will be showcased on a multi-media display during the event. Grace Chon, my super talented friend, won the competition. I really really really wanted to go to LA for the event but it was bit last minute for me. So, for anyone that will be in LA on May 30th please stop by Royal/T and enjoy what is sure to be a really awesome event.
Gabby (aka: Gabbsters) is an amazing Basset Hound that has an equally amazing mother. I was commissioned to photograph Gabby last year after her mom realized that Gabby may not have that long to live. She was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and she was very ill at the time. When I met Gabby I knew right away that this lady was something special. When she was rescued by her mother she was already blind, but I can tell you this doesn’t stop Gabby. She knew her way around and had a very keen awareness of everything around her. Fast forward 7 months later and we have a Gabbsters that seems better than ever. I will tell you what the secret is – she has a mother that is extremely devoted to her and loves her so very much. I have seen the tons of medicines administered and I have heard first hand all that Gabby’s mom does on a daily basis. I was so very happy to have the opportunity to come out and give Gabby her very own special private session. The images are going to make a fantastic book that I know Gabby’s mom will cherish forever. Thank you so much for including me in your lives.
Gabby has 10lb ears or at least they look like 10lbs… you can fly, you can fly, you can fly!
Gabby went on a little trip during our session, so we could get…
these shots in the gorgeous wildflowers
Taking a rest on the cool floor
Look at what’s under all that skin!
You are a beautiful girl Gabby
You know you are officially a Texas photographer when you are commissioned to do a shoot in the bluebonnets. I have to admit that I majorly lucked out because not only did we have the most lovely location, but I had the gorgeous Ashley and her two sweet pups, Monte and Chewy. We also miraculously missed the fire ants that I always hear horror stories about… maybe one took a wee nibble on Ashley, but overall we came out unscathed. The lighting was just so beautiful that day and as soon as that sun started to go down I was a shooting machine. Thank you Ashley, Monte and Chewy for a wonderful session.
Chewy (black haired cutie) Monte (brown and gold furry goodness)
SO pretty!
She’s bringing it
Love these shots – so much life and joy
Tags: 2009, animal, Austin, austin lifestyle photographer, austin texas photographer, bluebonnets, dog, images, Nicole Mlakar Photography, nicole mlakar-livingston, photography, Texas Pet Photography
This baby boy is so sweet and so adorable – I felt like cooing every time I looked at him. His parents were just over the moon in love with him and we had a fabulous little session. Baby boy was so good during our shoot that he made my job very easy. Mom had a wonderful little green woven hat that made for some ridiculously cute shots too. Thank you baby boy for being the sweetest little guy during our session.
beautiful little toes
yummy green hat
the many faces of a cute baby boy
Daddy’s little boy – yes, he will grow up to LOVE Star Wars
by nicole
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