Hi Again!  This week's post is coming to you one more time DIRECT from the North Pole!  According to the Chicago Tribune on Tuesday: "Chicago’s 73.4 inches of snow so far this season, which the weather service counts as autumn through spring, stands at the fourth-most since 1884. That’s slightly less than during 1969-70, which saw 77 inches. The only two years above those were in 1977-78 at 82.3 inches, and in 1978-79 at 89.7 inches total."By mid-day Wednesday we were at 75.2 inches! Our challenge for this week was to shoot action, and I have to admit that I cheated.  Just a little.  I was traveling last week, so I had to dive into my archives to pull up ...

One of the most rewarding activities I do as a photographer (and trust me, they are ALL rewarding! ) is capturing images of the hopeful hearts cared for by animal rescue organizations. In my previous life I was one of the founding members of Happy Tails Acapulco, a small animal welfare association whose mission was to create a Better World for the Animals living in that city. I know first-hand the deep need each abandoned animal has for a second chance at love and life, and how important compelling photos are in opening the hearts of potential adopters. As a new member of Hearts Speak, I am honored to be a part of this growing international network of compassionate artists helping ...

This week's challenge was to capture images depicting a favorite song.  I didn't have to think hard about this one.  A few months ago, as I was finishing the development of my website, I sat down to find that "perfect melody" to accompany my slideshows.  After many hours of listening, I kept going back to an instrumental piece from the talented artist, Laura Hall because it made me feel so happy.......the way I feel whenever I'm capturing the grace of people + pets with my camera. By sheer coincidence as I was purchasing the license to the music, I discovered that Laura had also written perfect lyrics............and those lyrics have become some of my very favorites. For ...

What a great way to end the week! In the company of some terrific pet photographers who I admire greatly, here again participating in the Beautiful Beasties Network's 52 WEEKS Blog ring.We missed Week 1's theme: Introductions.  So I present to you here my "Oreo". One of my "shadows". Never leaves my side. He is a Mixed Breed/Pure Heart; a rescue from Mexico. Several veterinarians told me Oreo would never walk again after both of his hind legs were fractured when he collided violently with a motocycle on a highway in Acapulco. But he proved them wrong.  He runs now, like a Greyhound, true to his Spanish Galgo descent.  He is strong and determined and knows about survival. He ...