Dulcy Dog Photography

Just a girl and her bubbles

I took a trip up to Sheboygan to visit Kohler-Andrae State Park with my best client - now friend - Maiya and her two corgi boys. I had a vision for this trip, which I didn’t really get, but these are better. It was a good reminder of what I really love about this work: connection over perfection. The light and weather were both 🤌 and I loved getting to watch everyone play.

I took a trip up to Sheboygan to visit Kohler-Andrae State Park with my best client - now friend - Maiya and her two corgi boys. I had a vision for this trip, which I didn't really get, but these are better. It was a good reminder of what I really love about this work: connection over perfection. The light and weather were both 🤌 and I loved getting to watch everyone play.

Trainer and friend, Jen, who runs Maude and the Bulldogs (https://www.maudeandthebulldogs.com/) had her annual photoshoot last night, and it was so much fun. Some of you who have followed this page for a while might remember Liam, who was so reactive during our first shoot that I had to use long lenses, and we couldn't go anywhere but the backyard. He's a goofy, soft, crazy, happy bulldog now, and I love getting to see him. I even got a few pets in this year! That dog, who couldn't get close to me 4 years ago, walked right up to me and basically tried to french kiss me during our shoot.

Liam and Jen are who really ignited my love of working with reactive and nervous animals. Having a kid reactive and dog selective dog myself means I have a soft spot, and realized that there was a need in the community for someone who knew how to handle more difficult dogs, and who wasn't afraid of them. There are lots of crazy talented photographers in the Madison area, but almost none who can (and should) handle these types of cases.

I love getting to work with the clients who come to me, and working with families members who might need extra space/time/etc.

Thanks, Jen, for trusting me, and thanks, Liam, for inspiring me, and for finally letting me get a pet in.

You know how sometimes a dog finds you, and you just know that the universe sent them to you because you needed them as much as they need you? Well, everyone meet Dipper, the 8 month old Keeshond/Corgi mix who found me and needed help during my recent trip to Montana. I still do admin stuff for the Spay/ Neuter Voucher program in Livingston, Montana, and the person who runs it told me about this pup, who was supposed to go to the shelter because of money, time, and housing issues with his people. The shelter there is super backed up with surgeries, so couldn't take him until he was neutered, and his people asked the voucher program for help. Instead of having them pay for the surgery and having him end up at the shelter (which is an incredible shelter, no shade at all), I met him and his people, and we all decided it was a fit. So now I have a chaos muffin and I couldn't be more thrilled... and overwhelmed. lol.

He's smart, sweet, chaotic, responsive, and generally A LOT, but I'm already so in love. I am convinced that Cedar sent him to me, not the least of which because he's already a great photo dog.

With the loss of Cedar, and with both my dog Willow and my cat Tessa living with terminal diagnosis, I really needed some dog joy, and this little boy has given me that in spades. I normally get older dogs, so having a high drive puppy again is a challenge, but I think once we both get some training, he's going to be a great dog.

I just want to mention that I will not abide hate towards people who re-home pets here. These guys loved Dipper, but had a series of unfortunate events make him just too much for them, in many ways. They were thrilled to not have to pay for the surgery when money is already tight, and to give him to someone who will keep in touch with them. I am thrilled because I've wanted a keeshond for a long time, and corgis are just such a delight. Everyone wins here, there are no bad guys. I applaud people who realize that they can't give their animal what they need, and ask for help.

I met Izzy earlier this year, when she came to the studio for a celebration of life session. She's responded to treatment and has done so well, her family decided that the celebration should continue and wanted to do a session at their home, in her yard, which is her favorite place in the world. It was perfect, not buggy, sunny but not hot. I couldn't have ordered a better evening. I love working with this pup, and her doting family. She's so loved, however long she has left.

It’s always a special honor to have another photographer hire you for dog photos. Sara of Sara Baillies Photography (https://www.sarabaillies.com/) got in touch to get photos with her goldendoodle, Phoebe, and I have to say, this pup is one of the sweetest and calmest doodles I’ve ever met. Despite a last minute location change, this little family rocked their session last night at Tenney Park.

It's always a special honor to have another photographer hire you for dog photos. Sara of Sara Baillies Photography (https://www.sarabaillies.com/) got in touch to get photos with her goldendoodle, Phoebe, and I have to say, this pup is one of the sweetest and calmest doodles I've ever met. Despite a last minute location change, this little family rocked their session last night at Tenney Park.

On the road again!
My summer of travel will continue later this august with a return to Livingston, Montana. Limited sessions available in Livingston, Paradise Valley, and Bozeman. Please share if you know someone there, or if you are interested. Thanks!

Happy Dog Photography Day! I mean, it’s kinda that every day around here, but days to celebrate our pets and love on them are always welcome.

Also, fall is starting to fill up. If you’ve been thinking about a session, let’s talk!

Golden Hour Golden ;-)

Golden Hour Golden ;-)

I love when people bring in their human puppies along with their fur babies :-)

Man, I love heelers. They require a special person to handle and love them, but they are such a great breed of dog. Their sense of humor is unmatched. ❤️

Cassie the Samoyed “loves to be picked up and held like a toddler” 😂. Omg, she’s the cutest ever. ❤️❤️

Color, or B&W? I’m usually a color all the way fan, but sometimes an image really resonates in B&W. So which do you prefer?

The news feels a little oppressive today, so here’s a puppy.

The news feels a little oppressive today, so here's a puppy.

Im resharing because I got feedback that the original signup link doesn’t work. Here’s a fresh new one!

https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/666b7093a8fce2003aaf2a05

Hey friends! I’ve had a change of travel plans, and have decided to offer summer mini sessions to celebrate solstice/ the official start of summer! Day 1 will be June 22 and will be held at a quiet spot in Token Creek County Park in DeForest, and Day 2 will be June 23rd at Ed Tallard Conservancy in Middleton. Both parks are quiet and great for all dogs, I photograph at both often. Sessions are 15 minutes and are $250, and include a $100 print/image credit. You can get 4 digital images or a mix of digitals and prints, or all prints. Whatever you’d like. Sign up sheet can be found above.

That time I got to make awkward family composites for a great client. This was really fun :-)

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/zeqPgp2cniDhmH1i7

On international Corgi Day, I want to give a shout out to one of my first, and best, dog clients. Maiya contacted me way back in the pandemic times, when I'd first launched this new brand, saying that she wanted to capture her love for her dogs in a way that other photographers hadn't. She'd felt let down because while the photos of her dogs were nice, they didn't celebrate her bond with them.

Her first session with me was the day after the 2020 elections, when a lot of us were glued to the internet, really stressed out about the outcome. Taking a walk in the woods with her and the boys was such a welcome respite. I didn't know then that we would work together so often, that she would become a good friend and support for me, my business, and my animals. I'm so thankful that she saw, even in my earlier work that looking back at now I grimace a little, the potential and the love for animals, and their people, that I have.

This is a dog business, but it's also very much a people business. Working with people who have a drive and love for their animals that matches mine has been one of the key blessings of this endeavor, and I'm thankful I get to work with some of the most loving, thoughtful, and caring people around. And Maiya tops that list. Two of my own animals are going through health issues that might be terminal, and are definitely very stressful, and she talked to me, offered tangible help, and helped me feel more calm. She's a treasure, and I'm so glad I know her.

It helps that her boys are really, REALLY damn cute too.

There are also come gratuitous corgi butts in here. You're welcome.

The weather (when it isn't super stormy) has been so lovely lately. Last night, I got to hang out with these two goldens, and their people, in Waukesha, and I have to say, spending golden hour with goldens is the perfect way to end a day.

My availability is limited this summer, so get on the books ASAP. Also, fall is coming faster than any of us are ready for.