Puttin' on the Dog ::: Adopt-A-Dog, Greenwich CT ::: 10.18.09

A couple weekends ago, I had the huge pleasure of being asked to shoot Adopt-A-Dog's annual benefit "Puttin' on the Dog." I was told it's been in existence for over 20 years, and usually brings in 6,000 people. There are more vendors than the eye can see, rings and rings for contest after contest, tons of food and, oh yes, lots and lots of pooches! :)

Unfortunately, for the first time in many, many years, the event was essentially rained out. It was about 34 degrees, windy, and it poured pretty much all day. With no rain date and no alternate indoor location, the organization lost an enormous amount of money. "Wet Dog" is not exactly the most pleasant smell on the planet, especially with a hint of "mud." =)

But the show must go on!!! We were wet, muddy, and cold but the dogs were smilin'!






















Yes, miserable conditions.




Walking around the event were adoptable dogs with little signs that told you their story and temperament. They were all so sweet!






What troopers!


I think fellow photographer Justin Marantz said the other day that he has been drier jumping into a pool than he was that same day... I have to agree.


We got to hear a little bit about each pooch...


And then FROM each pooch!


This shot cracked me up when I opened it... reminded me of the prairie dog photo that ran rampant around the internet a few months ago!


The sweet Chessie who won "Aged to Perfection".


Oh yes, I was in heaven. I ran into a couple bullies.




One who even did the agility course!


Well. Sort of.


And finally, the winners of the Smoochin' Pooch contest! I'd say it was well deserved!


It was a wonderful day, in spite of the weather. Adopt-a-dog.org is an incredible group of people and I can't wait to attend next year, in the SUN. =)

ETA: I almost forgot one of my absolute most favorite photos ever! This little guy took advantage of the fact that I distracted his mom, and he swiped this paper! But I caught him in the act! Hee hee!

Family Portraits ::: 10.11.09

"Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." A classic Ferris Bueller quote. But at this point in my life, all too true.

Between dealing with the passing of my beloved companion Grover, my amazing adventure through Germany, EIGHT MORE weddings I have yet to share with you all, a wonderful (if a bit damp) Greenwich pet adoption event, and some very exciting news to come in the next few days... not to mention a regular full-time job!... I'm trying desperately to keep my blog updated. But it's nearly impossible!

Today, I get to share my favorite family's portraits. Check out what I wrote this time LAST year:

"...this session marks a huge milestone for me and for Salty Grapes Photography. This past Saturday I had the honor of shooting my very first clients - a year later!!! They were the first people who took a chance on me... who asked if I would take their pictures for their Christmas cards. =) They gave me the beginning buds of courage by being so easy going and so much fun to shoot."

And here we all are, THREE years later. =) They've grown and I've grown along with them...


















Can't forget the four legged variety...




Aren't they all too cute?!




And some good trusty portraits for good measure!












Thank you guys!!!

Part VIII ::: The end of the onslaught of German photos!

OK, well, I might have a couple more things up my sleeves, but this is the offical last giant post. =)

Before I arrived, I had read up on Frankfurt's Apfelwein. I couldn't wait to try it. It's always served in a "Geripptes", a glass with a lozenge cut that refracts light. According to Wikipedia, "the serration of the Apfelwein glasses is common not only for the pleasing refraction of incident light but also because in former times one often ate without cutlery—and smooth glasses slide from greasy hands rather more easily than serrated ones." Each place had their own glasses, with adorable designs... and I learned on our little bus tour that if a biergarten/bar/pub had a green wreath hanging over its sign, it meant they had their own apple press on site and make their own apple wine!

Now, as my coworker will attest, it was not enjoyable. It almost tasted like dirty feet at first. But we were glad we did! Then we went on our bus tour, where the recording told us that everyone who tries it hates it at first... and that you have to have a second to appreciate it. It grows on you. =)


For the record, it went very well with a giant pretzel with butter. (Random but phenomenally delish! Apparently a Bavarian treat!)


So, because it was Saturday, there was an ENORMOUS market!!!!!! Heaven!!!! Vegetarians might want to scroll quickly...






Bratwurst, bockwurst, rindswurst as far as the eye can see!


Some fruit for good measure.


Honey...


They love their schwein!




Oooh! Another non-meat product!


Oh wait, that was short lived. More sausages.


Nothing that says "Germany" about this pic, but I liked it anyway!


Do we have these ketchup/mustard devices over here? I've never seen them before. They're so efficient! Like giant condiment udders.


Old vs. new!


Skyscrapers!


This one even in the diamond print of the apfelwein glasses... =)


Speaking of which, we retired to one of the biergarten barges later in the afternoon ... and yes, I gave it a second shot! And the tour was totally right. =)






Where else but Germany would they put Haribo Gummy Bears on your pillow instead of chocolates?! Yum!


Doors and windows!










And the best for last, the pub pooch.




And that's all she wrote! Danke schön! =)