Visual Harmony Photography

HALO Cats Looking for Homes | Phoenix Pet Photographer

Jill Flynn — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:42:47 +0000

My last blog post featured dogs available for adoption at HALO Animal Rescue, so this blog post is dedicated to the fantastic felines available for adoption at HALO. All of these photos were taken at the HALO shelter. This is just a handful of cats looking for homes – there are many, many more. To find out more information about these cats and other cats available for adoption, click here. No home is complete without the presence of a cat. I don’t know how many times I have heard people say – “I am not a cat person.” Then they get a cat and wonder how they lived without one. And here is some cat trivia for you courtesy of Freekibble Kat – A Japanese myth says that cats have the power to turn into super spirits when they die. I know I am one of the lucky ones because I share my life with many super spirits, both past and present. I could not imagine my life without a cat curled up on the bed beside me …. such bliss!

Arugula

Rutabaga

Van

Mozart

Trapezius

Kobe

Cauliflower

HALO Dog Rescues | Phoenix Pet Photographer

Jill Flynn — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:38:17 +0000

I recently photographed dogs at Maricopa County Animal Control West for HALO rescue. Halo rescues dogs off euthanisia lists and other places and keeps them at this facility until there is room for them at the HALO shelter. Seventy percent of the dogs they rescue are pit bulls and chihuahuas. When I left I had to walk by the other wings at Maricopa County Animal Control … so many broken dogs staring as I walked past, many of which will be put down. I lost it and fell apart in my car afterwards. Animal rescue people are truly unsung heroes. They see this plight every day. They are compassionate souls with an unbelievable fortitude. It’s not about feeling sorry for animals, it’s about saving animals – and that is exactly what they do. I salute all my animal rescue friends and am here to take pictures as long as you need and want me to.

Below are photos of some of the dogs I photographed for HALO that day. I photographed over 50 dogs. We only had a small area outdoors to photograph the dogs, but with patience and lots of love, the volunteers and I got the job done. Click here for more information about these dogs and other animals available for adoption. I also photographed cats for HALO and will do a separate blog post about them in a few days.

Please ADOPT don’t shop the next time you are ready to add a pet to your family. Visit your local animal shelter and save a life. There are terrific animals all over the world just waiting to enrich your life!

Eyore

Shultz

Maci

Memphis

Caldwell

Amiah

Snookums

Yvonne

Flora

Pimpin

Essie

Birds of a Feather | Arizona Photographer

Jill Flynn — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 02:57:06 +0000

Yep, birds are dazzling and they are the closest living thing related to dinosaurs. Most researchers support the view that birds are a group of theropod dinosuars that evolved during the Mesozoic Era and yes even “feathered dinosaurs” have been found. Thank you Wikepedia.org for that information. For a fascinating read, check out the Origin of Birds on Wikipedia. With that said, below are a few birds I photographed. Got a little crazy on the second photo – used motion blur and the reflection of a group of flamingos in the water to create an impressionist photograph if there is such a thing. Hope you enjoy the colors, feathers and birds - and maybe you can see a hint of their great ancestors in a couple of the photos.

Flamingo Tango

Flamingo Impressionism

Guinea Hen ~ It looks like she is wearing an Elizabethan gown.

Duck Meditation

Bird Feathers

The Long and Winding Neck

Animal Portraits | Phoenix Pet Photographer

Jill Flynn — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 03:41:40 +0000

The holiday rush is winding down and I am getting the last print orders out the door. It’s been a fast and furious end of the year with non-stop fur flying photo sessions. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love photographing animals. It brings me great joy and has been my salvation while coming to terms with my cancer diagnosis. In the past I would always say I am grateful for good health, family and friends. The good health part has changed and has me on a different path now. My cancer treatments are challenging time wise too. Two treatments a week take up more time than I ever imagined. I had no idea. But for now it is the norm and I am trying to make it work. Some days I sail and other days I feel like I am rowing in sludge. I am ever so grateful to family, friends and my furry pals for keeping me smiling and laughing. Laughter really is the best medicine and a great doctor helps, which I have too.

Peace on Earth is still at the top of my Christmas wish list as is no more homeless animals. The Flynn pack increased by one this year – there are 7 of us now. For those of you thinking about adding a furry member to your family, please adopt from your local shelter or rescue organization. There are lots of animals waiting for a warm and safe home to call their own for the holidays and forever. There are numerous rescue organizations in the Phoenix metro area. Some are listed on the side bar of this blog under Local Rescue. I had the honor of photographing animals in their care. Just click on the link to be taken to their site. To all my animal rescue friends – you inspire me every day to do more and work harder to make a difference in this cold, often cruel world. I shed a lot of tears and cursed like a sailor this year hearing your stories of rescue. My camera and I are ready to work with you in 2012!

Below are some photos from recent client shoots. Thank you all for choosing me to be your pet photographer. It was a real pleasure photographing your pets. It always warms my heart to see animals in a loving home. I have the best clients in the world. Thank you all for memorable shoots filled with love and laughter!

Peace to all ~

Jill

Augie

Hannah

Bodhi

Charlie

Sandie

Jennyfur

Chelsea

Ginny

Adoptable Pets | Animal Photography Phoenix

Jill Flynn — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 04:26:55 +0000

The holidays are just around the corner, so what better way to share the joy than to adopt a pet. Shelters and rescue organizations are operating at full capacity. When you adopt a pet, you make room for another pet to be saved. Many rescue organizations save pets that are on the euthanasia list at large facilities. Animal advocates work around the clock saving animals not only from euthanasia lists - animals are rescued off the street where they are often injured and in dire need of medical care, they are rescued from abandoned homes, construction sites, the reservation … the list goes on and on. The stories are heartbreaking and horrendous. It costs a lot of money to feed, house and provide medical care for these animals. If you can’t adopt a pet, please consider making a donation to a local rescue organization. Even the smallest donation helps. No amount is too small.

Below are some cats and dogs I photographed recently for Friend for Life Animal Rescue, Happy Tails Animal Rescue and Cat a Do. All of the animals below and MANY more are looking for a family to love them. Click on the organization name above to find out more information about the pets pictured below and many others available for adoption.

Spread some joy and love by adopting a pet!

Adopt "Reebok" at Friends for Life Animal Rescue (az.friends.org)

Adopt "Marmi" at Friends for Life Animal Rescue (az.friends.org)

Adopt "Jamie" at Friends for Life Animal Rescue (az.friends.org)

Adopt "Twister" at Friends for Life Animal Rescue (az.friends.org). Twister recently had surgery to repair his broken muzzle.

Adopt "Tango" at Friends for Life Animal Rescue (az.friends.org)

Adopt "Olivia" at Happy Tails Animal Rescue (azhappytails.petfinder.com)

Adopt "Misty" at Happy Tails Animal Rescue (azhappytails.petfinder.com)

Adopt "Ginger" at Cat a Do (catado.org)

Adopt "Coco" at Friends for Life Animal Rescue (az.friends.org)

Pet Portraits | Phoenix

Jill Flynn — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 03:32:07 +0000

The dog days of summer are finally over. In the desert, the summer seems to drag on forever. People can’t wait for it to end. October was an usually warm month – we were still using the air conditioner. But fall has finally arrived and has broken the hot summer spell. Bye bye air conditioners and hello open windows. Fall is a glorious time in the desert. The wildlife is more active and people are more active. And this is the busiest time of year for me. It’s been fast and furious with pet photo sessions – the holiday rush is in full swing. If you need photos for Christmas, please note that I have only one session left open. So if you need holiday prints/cards, please contact me right away. Once that last session is booked, I can’t guarantee any prints by Christmas. I am already booking sessions for January.

This has been both a rewarding and challenging year, but I am back on track so to speak and “clicking away.” I have met so many wonderful people who invited me into their homes to photograph their pets. Four of those sessions were for terminally ill pets that have now passed away. I cried right along side the owners. It was heartbreaking, but the love and bond that they shared with their pets warmed and touched my heart. All animal lovers know what I am talking about. I am so grateful to be able to do what I love and be in “the company of animal people.”

Below are some furry faces from client shoots. To all the humans associated with these amazing animals – it has been a real pleasure and honor photographing your pets!

Looking for Homes | Pet Photographer Phoenix

Jill Flynn — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 06:34:20 +0000

In the last two months I’ve taken pictures of over 80 homeless animals. The majority of them are mixed breeds. I like to call them classic mutts and classic cats. All of them have their own story. Some stories are more heartbreaking than others, but they all end the same way. They were rescued by dedicated animal advocates who work continuously and tirelessly to find them all loving homes. Below are a just a handful of cats and dogs I photographed that are looking for homes. The cats were rescued by Cat a Do and the dogs were rescued off the reservation by Prussian Snailhound Dog Rescue. All of the animals pictured below and many more are available for adoption with these two organizations. Just click on the organization name for a link to their site and to get more information about the animals pictured below and other animals available for adoption.

Hope was rescued from Maricopa County Animal Control on her last day. She was on the Euthanasia-list. She was previously adopted by an elderly couple. Sadly, the woman passed away and the husband was unable to take care of Hope due to poor health. As a result Hope ended up at the county pound where she was rescued just in time.

Adopt Hope - catado.org

Baxter and Baron are 6 month old brothers and want to be adopted together. They are best buddies and a little shy but very sweet. They were rescued from a yard when they were tiny kittens.

Adopt Baxter and Baron - catado.org

Gibbs is the sweetest dog. His whole body wiggles when he greets you. He is as gentle as a lamb with orphaned puppies that have been living with him in his temporary foster home. Gibbs was rescued off the Ft. McDowell Indian Reservation. He has had a tough life, but he is a happy dog and looking for his forever home.

Adopt Gibbs - prussiansnailhound.petfinder.com

Bridget was also rescued off the reservation. She recently gave birth to puppies, which have all been adopted. She is pretty much a puppy herself – not even a year old. It is heartbreaking. She is currently in a foster home and looking for a family to call her own.

Adopt Bridget - prussiansnailhound.petfinder.com

Macy has the softest coat and is a gorgeous dog. Like Gibbs and Bridget, she was rescued off the reservation. She is good with children and other dogs, but is not very fond of men. She is crate-trained, house-trained and loves to use the doggie door and spend time in the backyard. She would love to be in a home with another dog.

Adopt Macy - prussiansnailhound.petfinder.com

~Please ADOPT don’t shop and SAVE a life.~

I am honored to be a member of HeARTsSpeak, an international community of animal artists working to help animals in need all over the world. If you are a rescue organization and need help with photos, please check out their website. There is an international database of photographers/artists who volunteer their services and work with animal rescue. And if you are an Arizona based non-profit animal rescue group and need photos taken, please contact me. I am here to help as are some other local photographers. There are several of “us” and we are dedicated to helping you help animals!

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month |Dog Photography Phoenix

Jill Flynn — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:31:14 +0000

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. There are thousands of dogs awaiting homes in shelters and rescue organizations across the country. You can make a difference in an animal’s life and allow more animals to be saved if you adopt. I read a statistic that said if one in every three people adopted instead of purchased a dog, no adoptable dogs would be euthanized because they couldn’t find a home. It seems like such an easy thing to accomplish – so why can’t we as a country accomplish this. Shelter and rescue organizations are operating at full capacity. The bad economy and resulting financial hardships have forced many people to turn in their pets to shelters. It is heartbreaking. If you know anyone looking to add a dog or pet to their family, please urge them to adopt. There are wonderful mixed breed and older dogs looking for loving homes. They have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped. All they need is a family to love them.

I share my life with 3 dogs and 2 cats – all rescues. I lost two dogs in the last couple years – one to kidney disease and one to cancer. I always rescue another pet when I lose a pet. That’s my way of paying tribute to them. They pass the torch so to speak, by saving another life. Everyone who has loved a animal with all their heart and soul knows so well the pain in losing them, but ahhh that joy and love they brought to your life and home is worth all the tears. Because in time, those tears turn into smiles and the smiles turn into laughter when you think back and remember the life you shared. My recent diagnosis of cancer has made me realize how fragile life is. I’ve been thinking a lot about my dog, Friday, who I lost last year to cancer. I find my myself wondering if she knew what was going on and was she afraid? What I would give to be able to hug her and just be with her and ask her … “Friday, what should I do?”

Friday was rescued from the pound. She was on the euthanasia list. When my dog Amos died – he passed the torch to Friday. There are amazing animals at shelters ready to take the torch, fill that spot and enrich your life and your family’s life if you will give them the chance. The first photo are dogs I photographed for 2nd Chance Dog Rescue several months ago. I think it portrays the heartbreak and plight of homeless animals. The rest of the photos are some of the dogs I just photographed for Friends for Life Animal Rescue and Happy Tails Animal Rescue. All of them and many others are looking for homes. The last dog, Faith, was rescued off the reservation by Happy Tails Animal Rescue. She had 3rd degree chemical burns on her body and had been horribly abused. You can see her scars in the picture. Those scars are part of her story but do not define her life. Her spirit soars now and she is ready to be adopted!

Adopt us - 2ndchance.rescuegroups.org

Adopt Crackers - www.azfriends.org

Adopt Roman - www.azfriends.org

Adopt Stoli - www.azfriends.org

Adopt Fang - www.petfinder.com/shelters/azhappytails.html

Adopt Faith - www.petfinder.com/shelters/azhappytails.html

Photography Tip – Isolating Your Subject

Jill Flynn — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:18:05 +0000

We live in a hectic, fast paced world. It seems like everyone is always pressed for time. A Mary Chapin carpenter song wraps it up perfectly – “ … everybody’s got to go, got to be, got to get somewhere.” I know this feeling all too well and have consciously made changes in my life to slow down and just breath in many ways. When we slow down we see more. And you really need to see your subject in order to connect with it. It doesn’t matter if it’s a person, pet or thing. If you don’t take the time to get to know your subject, all you are doing is taking a snapshot. So slow down, connect and make your subject shine through your lens. One way to do that is to isolate your subject. There are various ways to do this. A common way is with selective focus. Shooting with a wide aperture and creating a shallow depth of field is an easy and effective way to showcase your subject and turn the background into a dreamy blur. Keeping your subject a good distance from the background (try 20 feet or more) and using a long focal length will help too. I took the following photo with my Nikon 85mm lens, f/1.8 @ 85mm. The background was a bunch of bushes and trees that were about 25-30 feet away. I found a few dangling leaves with some backlighting. I think the backlighting made all the difference in the world. There were all kinds of leaves dangling, but it was the backlit ones that made me stop in my tracks. It took me a few minutes to find these leaves, but it was well worth the time. I spot metered on the leaves. I wanted to expose for the leaves to show the intricate detail. For me, it’s that detail that makes the leaves both beautiful and fascinating. The combination of backlighting and selective focus made the leaves shine.

You can also use negative space to isolate your subject as in the picture below. I used a combination of negative space and selective focus. I used a shallow depth of field to blur the background and then used negative space to help draw the focus to the tiny blossoms. The negative space on top pushes the eye down to the colorful, tiny blossoms. I shot the following peach blossom buds with my Nikon 70-200mm lens, f/5.6 @ 200mm. The slightly overcast day provided soft light, which was perfect to photograph these delicate buds. I could have shot this tighter like the leaves above, but I think the all that negative space on top made the composition more interesting and even showcased the buds better than a close-up shot. So, consider combining different elements to place the focus on your subject. It’s all in the way you see your subject and how you want to tell your story.

You can also use just negative space to isolate your subject. You don’t have to shoot shallow. The following photo of the pigeon on the bench is a perfect example. For me, the colorful, textured wall was just as interesting as the pigeon. I wanted to show the detail in everything, but still keep the focus on the pigeon. Using negative space was an ideal way to do that. I think the pigeon really stands out in that sea of orange color. I thought the wall looked like an urban forest with the stains and textures. I enhanced the color in PhotoShop to give it a little punch. Never underestimate the importance or power of your background. The background should always be a crucial element in your composition, no matter what you are photographing. Colorful walls make great backgrounds for all kinds of subjects including pets, people, vases, etc. Always be on the lookout for colorful walls. I took the following photo using my Nikon 28-70mm, f/8 @ 40mm.

Framing is an excellent way to isolate your subject. There are numerous and creative ways to frame your subject. Using light and shadows is one way. Take the time to observe the light and shadows in your own home at various times of the day. Every home has windows, so watch for interesting patterns of light and shadows that fall on the floor when a subject is present. I took the following picture of my dog early one morning. I love how he is framed in the beam of light. The light was streaming through my office window, then through my office doors out into the living room. If you look closely, you can see the pattern of light from the window shutters (top right corner). My office has two doors and one of them was halfway closed – hence the beam of light across the floor. When my little dog stepped into the beam of light, my heart skipped a beat. I knew I had to get a picture of that. I grabbed my wide-angle lens because I wanted to get the long light shaft and the entire shadow. Shadows are longer early in the day and late in the day, so be on the lookout for long shadows. They can make a strong impact. This shot required no special setup otherthan enticing my dog to stay put. The light streaming in through the windows and doors created that unique frame on it’s own. I underexposed the image slightly to make the shadows darker and photographed this using my Nikon 12-24mm, f/5 @ 18mm.

Combining framing and selective focus is another way to isolate your subject. Sometimes you need to use both when you have a challenging scene. I recently visited the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. It is a fascinating place to take pictures. I took several images in Death Row and finally settled on the one below. I used both framing and selective focus to highlight the metal cot in the first cell. I thought that personalized the setting and made a strong impact emotionally, at least it did for me. I also took pictures where the metal gate in front had the focus and the cellblock was blurred. I also took pictures where everything was in focus except the metal gate. I spent a lot time taking pictures in that area trying different focal points and compositions, until I settled on the one that worked for me. Some settings are more challenging than others to photograph. But it’s the challenging scenes that teach you the most. I took the following photo using my Nikon 12-24mm, f/5.6 @ 17mm.

If you take the time to slow down and invest in your subject, you will learn a lot about yourself and become a better photographer too.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Jill Flynn — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 23:55:49 +0000

A few weeks ago I took photographs at the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. It is a feast for a photographer’s eyes. The textures, colors and light are transcending. It’s a haunting yet eerily beautiful place. In it’s day, it housed many of America’s most notorious criminals like Willie Sutton and Al Capone. I can only imagine the violence that occurred behind the walls. I got the shivers walking around the cell blocks, especially when I was alone. It’s a fascinating place to visit. During the month of October they turn part of the penitentiary into a haunted house. My niece, Ellen, visited it then and said it scared the crap out of her. Being the wimp that I am, I won’t be doing the haunted house tour. Below are some photos from my visit. The first photo is Death Row.

Death Row

Barber Chair