Apparently, we get a lot of rental pets.  First a rental cat, and now – two cute doggies!  These guys are Darby and Gizmo, friends of Hailey’s from when we traveled to the US.  (Some day I might post those photos on the blog, too!)  They are the sweetest dogs ever and make Hailey look like a monster in comparison.  Gizmo’s the lapdog of the bunch.  I think he might be part-cat but it’s hard to prove.  He very much enjoys slumping over your shoulder to sleep, and has the cutest powder-puff tail that trembles when he’s happy.  (So darn cute!)  Darby’s the old, wise lady.  For being fourteen, she is in amazingly good spirits.  In fact, she acts more like a puppy than Hailey & Giz.  Her favorite game here is chasing around this giant blue exercise ball.

What’s most amazing though is both of these dogs are near completely deaf.  (I think they can hear clapping, or perhaps it’s just the vibration in the air they can sense.)  That said, they are more attentive and better behaved (easier controlled?) than Hailey- who’s kind of a brat right now.  She’s also super-jealous of them, so maybe it’s that.  Anyway, without being able to use any noise makers or my famed “moo-in-a-can” during their session they sat there and posed beautifully the whole time.  Better than most dogs who can hear, actually!

Darby, prancing around the studio.  Technically an out-take, but I love her perfectly-shaped heart patch of fur.  <3

Gizmo, annoyed that I’m making him sit for the camera.

Gizmo, watching over Darby, very curious
(right click and select view image. it looks better)

Both doggies, cuddling.  (Stupid JPG compression ruining my background…)

My favorite – two doggies!

Love this one too… How cute are they!?

Darby, {p}laying around.

Love this because this is totally how they were the whole time.  Gizmo, upright: “pet me, pet me”  Darby, half asleep: “eh, pet him.”

Last week we had the privilege of working with Lena, a stunning model from Sweden.  While in Rome, Lena decided to round out her portfolio with some studio work as well as some great lifestyle images out-and-about in centro.  Isn’t she gorgeous?

Makeup and hair were by the fabulous Doranellys Patton.  Thanks, Dora, for such a fantastic job!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  (And… uh… Happy Valentine’s Day too!)

I know, I know… I left you again, loyal blog-readers (and people who’ve subscribed but never actually read.)  I am very backed up on posts for this blog!  Do not fret – they will all be posted.  We’re still settling in from two non-stop weeks touring the United States.  I’ve been working ’round-the-clock on catching up, but I promise to get everything featured on here.

To start off my New Year’s Resolution (blog more) – here’s a post about this fantastic family of ten who came to the studio after Christmas.

Yes… ten.  In my tiny studio.  You might call it “A Christmas Miracle” that everyone could fit!  This is the first time in years the O. Family was all able to be together for the Holidays.  Part of the family lives here in Rome, working for the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) for the United Nations.  But the rest of the family lives far-and-wide, from England to the United States, to Nigeria.  It was such an honor to be asked to photograph such a milestone, and for such a fun family too!  Thank you, guys, for letting me share in your Holiday fun!

The family of five siblings has grown by leaps and bounds.  These first three images are the siblings with spouses and family.

My favorite!  Everyone looks so happy.  I should photograph the canvas of this to blog about, but it just doesn’t do it justice.  (Totally buying another for a sample!)

Hysterical!  We had three little ones in the session.  I love how their world just revolves around getting that bottle!

Mom & Dad together

Sister and Brother (here in Rome)

The five siblings together.  Love!