The Reason Danes are Great

Every once in a while I have the pleasure to be in the company of a great dog. Today it was a Great Dane, named Bridgette. She and her owner are part of my Dogs and Their Women project, that will benefit shelter and rescue dogs.

When I pulled up to her house, Bridgette came over to greet me, just as I opened my car door. Normally, when seated in the car, I'd bend over and start petting the dog. Not with Bridgette. She's right at nose level, and by that, I mean MY nose! She very calmly started using that great olfactory sense that she possesses and she exuded nothing but confidence with me. She surely got a whiff of my two dogs, as their hair is a permanent part of my car's interior!

Off we went to a nearby county park. Bridgette lopped along with the greatest of ease, reminding me of my good friend's Rhodesian Ridgeback. It's the same style of running I saw when coaching my high school sprint athletes. That graceful lope is a coverup for the speed that lies under the hood! Sure enough, she showed me what she had, causing me to rethink how to focus on such a fast, moving dog!

We finished inside, catching her on the couch as she struggled to stay awake after her extra morning romp. I began to think that I could easily own this breed - athletic, playful and loyal - great characteristics in a giant, dog breed. But the icing on the cake was she was such a regal dog and that I'd never have to bend down to pet a Great Dane! I'll bet her owner agrees.

The Power of Images

This is the first blog post I have ever written without a photo. That is because the visual part of this blog is found at The Oriental movie theatre through Thursday, October 15, 2009.

I have just viewed the movie, "The Cove." Having seen the trailer and knowing it would be difficult to see, I felt I had to bear witness to the work of a skilled, covert team who risked their lives and freedom to extract the short footage of the inhuman slaughter of up to 23,000 bottled-nose dolphins every September - March, in Taji, Japan. If you're already thinking that you could never see this film, please reconsider. It begs you to take action, as the dolphins cannot talk or even swim their way out of this daily entrapment.

The power of this film begins with Ric O'Barry - the man that trained Flipper. Ric admits that his work with Flipper has lead to the exploitation of dolphins for the purposes of dolphin/porpoise water shows, 'swim with the dolphins' parks and lastly, human consumption. He now works to end this exploitation. I think the film does a superb job of explaining the science behind dolphin behavior and communication, and why containment of this cetacean is counter to their lives in the wild.

The actual footage of a series of International Whaling Commission meetings exposes the Japanese government's attempts to continue with their 'whaling' practices by the monetary manipulation of poorer countries, who can swing their IWC vote in the favor of the Japanese.

The film also exposes the Japanese governmental coverup of the Taji, Japan operations, that even go so far as to sell dolphin meat, labeled as whale meat. Even the Japanese people do not know that they are eating mercury ladened dolphin meat with up to 2000 ppm (part per million) of mercury, when the allowable rate is 4 ppm. In Taji, Japan, the school lunch program was built around the compulsory consumption of dolphin meat. That practice has ended, thankfully, due to the actions of two councilmen that wanted to protect their children from the ravaging effects of mercury toxicity.

http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/thecove

An "Ah Ha" Moment

This week I'm spending some time in Vermont, chasing some fall foliage, and if you're a regular follower of my blog, you won't believe what happened! It's rained everyday! Now that wouldn't be a big deal, normally, but wherever I've gone this year, hoping to make some nice nature photographs or travel images, it's rained.

What I really wanted to share with you, besides the weather, is that I had a little learning experience today. I connected the dots today about working with natural light on cloudy days. I had been hiking through the wide, ski trials here, looking for areas of bright, red, maple leaves where they would have blown down in last night's wind storm. Although I saw lots of red leaves, I didn't find any strong compositions.

I came back out of the woods and followed another deer trail along the woods. There I saw bright, red Maple leaves and a nice, solid White Birch tree, anchored by wispy grasses, that were being thrown about by the afternoon's breeze. I made a few different compositions but liked this one.

The other images are quintessential Vermont!

This One's For You

While I was working on some images to show a client on Saturday, I had to stop and just have a good belly laugh at this image. I present it to all of you to embed into your grey matter and retrieve it on those days that are exceptionally trying. When you've had it "up to here," and you're ready to throw in the towel, when the kids are pulling you in all directions or when the work load has reached the "dangerous" level.

Just pull out your imaginary tutu, add the flowered hat, push that belly out and with a full breath, let it rip!

There, don't you feel better now? I hope you had a good laugh.

Under the Light

Yesterday was a windy day in the upper Midwest. The cold front was setting up to blow through during the early evening hours and the wind made me worried about my upcoming Senior Portrait session in the afternoon. I wondered if Sasha would have longer hair that would twist in the wind and make our outdoor session a challenge. Thankfully, her hair was pulled back and we dealt with the stray strands as best as we could.

As we approached this building, I visualized an image I had not made before. I love it when that happens! It's a wonderful feeling to have one's intuitive channels open, receiving little messages that come and then following them. "Let the wind be damned," I thought. We're going to try something different! Sasha was ready and open to my suggestion. I'll know tomorrow night if she likes it, when she arrives for her View and Choose session.

I love the divergent lines of the building, the red color and the lone, white, rusted light above her. Add in the color balance of the white top and old light and I think it works. Not for a yearbook photo, but definitely for a Graduation Announcement card next spring. Way to go Sasha!

Why Should I Hire Professional Photographer?

Today a client told me about a conversation she had with a photographer about senior portraits. This photographer quoted the client a fee of $200 and said they could have all the images. Great deal, these days, right? Who wouldn't want to scoop that up!

My immediate, but not spoken thought was, what kind of images would one get for $200? Would they be printable to the client's satisfaction? What level of artistry would these images have? Most importantly, was this photographer a Professional photographer (i.e. someone who derives their full-time income from their work, builds upon their knowledge/skill by attending state, national, local conventions, and is a member of PPA or ASMP) or a "photographer" who has a camera and wants to make some extra income on the side of their other full-time work?

As I put the finishing touches on one of Derek's book images, I thought back to that earlier conversation. Most of my fellow, professional photographers work to build their photographic and computer skills to produce images that are beautiful, dramatic, moving, and above all else, pleasing to the the client. In that process, we build a relationship with our clients; most who return year after year for our services.

Being a visual learner, I thought I'd use a photo to illustrate the point of using a Professional Photographer. I'll let you guess which one is the original image and which is the finished product of Derek, the cross-country runner and a 2010 Senior. While the "before" image is acceptable, I know which one he and his parents will like in his custom book!

Working with Other Artists

I find myself working on Derek's Senior Book this morning and I've been anticipating the fun I would have working on it! Have you ever found yourself looking forward to something you had to get done? I usually use it as a "carrot" to get me through other work I don't enjoy as much. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my work/job, but there are tasks I enjoy more than others. A universal feeling, I'm sure.

So today I realized why I enjoy working on the custom products I produce, like books, gallery wraps, cards, bookmarks, etc. In part, it's because I get to work with another artist to produce them. I kneel at the altar of the graphic artist I work with that produces the creative designs that I incorporate in my work! Her work heightens mine. It's that simple and I know she'd say the same thing. My work helps her with her designs.

While recently hiking down Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland, I ran into a graphic artist from Ireland. I told him how I worship the graphic artist that I work with and explained why. The smile on his face seemed to grow as wide as one of their famed glens (valleys)! He appreciated the comment and said he also loves to work with other creatives because it gives him a little push to do better.

So while I work alone in my office today, I realize the bigger picture. Derek's book is really a "team effort" and I don't feel all alone today. I know he and his parents will appreciate the creative energies/talents of both of us, just as they appreciate the efforts of Derek and his coach, who helped him set a personal best in the pole vault last spring!

One Reason to Love Fall

Those days of bright sun and moderate temperatures are just right to tease out the beautiful blooms of my purple aster, prarie plant. In September, it becomes a feeding station for Monarch butterflies, heading south to Mexico, and some local bees.

This year it's a little late in its blossoming and I've only seen a few Monarchs coming by. Last year, the meaty, thick stalks were bending over from all the monarchs feeding on it's energy-rich pollen. I spent some time photographing them last year, as they paid no attention to me. All attention was on their food source.

So I wanted you all to enjoy the view I have from my dining room these days! I wait all summer, watching the stalks get thicker and taller, knowing that September will bring me a reward for my patience. Soon I'll be saving seeds for friends to start plants of their own, as well as strategically placing my own seeds in sunny places where I think that purple color will enhance my garden or make for some great background color in a photo.

Take it all in. It only lasts for about 2 weeks!

My Life has Direction

One of the things I enjoy about photographing high school seniors in the Milwaukee area is that they give me a glimpse into the future. I enjoy talking to them about where they might go to school, what course of study or trade they might pursue, and what subjects they enjoy learning about. This year, I'd say my seniors have been more science oriented - medicine, nuclear physics, biology, etc. Some will be serving us in the military, while others will choose to teach.

Luke told me he's looking to be a psychologist - "maybe working with veterans or in an educational setting," he said. I perked up when he told me that, because in the short time I had been with him, I could feel his calmness and felt at ease with him. "You'd be great at that Luke," I told him. "I can see you being a great listener. "

Later on, as we were walking back to our cars, I learned of a large, personal loss he has lived through. The sudden death of his father three years earlier. It all made sense then. Sometimes in life we choose the paths we take while other times the paths sort of find and "draft" us. It's what we choose to do with it that counts.

I thought about how losses are often gifts to us. It's only recognized at a later time in life. While we're going through the discomfort and grief of a loss/change, the spiritual struggle often brings us through to a better place. We're stronger, more resilient, empathetic, and all the wiser for it. The world becomes more shades of grey vs. black and white. At least that's what I've found in my life.

As we walked back, past a fence, where I had previously made a great head and shoulders photo of Luke, he asked me if I could take a few more shots of him there from the waist up. Sure I could, and am awful glad I did! I LOVE this photo of him. In all his steadiness, I saw that he had direction in his life and that he has a gift he will share with others.

"Honey, Look What's in Our Garden!"

Sometimes things come together when I just get out of my own way. Today was one of those days. Just back from my trip to Scotland and feeling refreshed, I had planned on photographing Delaney in the studio with one of my new, colorful backdrops. At one year of age, Delaney seemed to be more interested in my dogs that she had met when she arrived. I needed to follow my intuition and leave plan A behind. "Follow your gut" kicked in.

"Let's go outdoors," I suggested to Mom and Dad. At first nothing was really clicking, but when I let the dogs into the backyard to sniff around, Delaney became very interested in just watching them. So very quickly we put on the hat that she had earlier ejected off her head like a hot potato. Never before have my dogs been used as 'bait" for a toddler so when it resulted in images such as this, I think it's time to reconsider their employ on an individual basis.

When I brought this back on the LCD of the camera during the Creative Session, I knew it was destined for sharing. The title is just one of my crazy ways of looking at things. She appears to be coming up from the garden with the planned color harmony going on. She's just a little flower!

Thoughts on Scotland

In spite of the rain that has fallen every day of my 13 days in England and Scotland, I have fallen in love with Scotland! It must have been my walk through the National Gallery of Art in Edinburgh today, when I viewed a large number of oils by a variety of painters that depicted dogs, birds, horses or other animals. It's a well know fact that UK'ers love their dogs.

Or perhaps its the sense of humor and quick wit that the Scottish possess. At our B&B in Lower Breakish, on the Isle of Skye, we met 85 year old Ruby, who had us laughing with her teasing of us 'yanks.". There's nothing I like more than engaging in some gentle teasing! A former Elem. Ed. teacher that's long since retired, Ruby entertained Kathy and I with her stories of her travels on Skye 50 years previous, her teaching days, as well as her "conscription" into the military during WWII. When you added in her thick Scottish accent, we felt like we were in the presence of a great Scot!

Then there's the tartans and clan history; some of it gruesome and 'grim," with the stories of The Clearances and William Wallace. You certainly know where you came from and what you're about if you're a Scot! In spite of dark past of plunder, I have found this country to be most friendly, helpful and caring. Our B&B hosts provided us with hiking maps and dried our wet boots for us. A woman stopped on the streets of Edinburgh to ask if we needed help when she spotted us consulting a map and I had a warm conversation with David, the trail worker.

It saddens me that I don't have a drop of Scottish blood flowing through my veins. But for a short time, it's been fun to pretend and enjoy!

Suisnich and Boreraig Walk

Today was a beautiful day in Scotland! Yes, the Isle of Skye experienced its 51st day in a row with rain, but we were able to enjoy our 10 mile hike along a lake and a glen. It was a historic walk, as years ago, marauders came through and took over the land from those who worked it, because they needed some place to raise their sheep. As ancient history usually goes, people starved and died. The ruins of their homes and hand built stones fences still remain, however, and are amazing to see. By the way, the land is still used to raise sheep - just in case you were wondering.

Here's some images from our hike BEFORE the rain came in.

Dateline Scotland: Daniel & the Cable Bridge

It's been almost a week since I've been gone to visit my sister in England and explore the Highlands of Scotland. There's not a day that it hasn't rained yet. It reminds me of my first trip to Alaska, where it rained the first 16 days of a 21 day trip.

The heather's still in bloom, as are some smaller wildflowers. The Highland mountains and their graceful valleys are beautiful, when the clouds rise high enough to catch a glimpse of their peaks. Waterfalls are everywhere, as the ground is beyond saturated. We hiked halfway up Ben Nevis today, (highest peak in Scotland) and we saw a little sun for about 1 hour. We decided to exit the rough trail before it became slick with rain and found ourselves in the parking lot just as the rain started. (On hikes, I'm known for brilliantly reading the weather and getting us out of harm's way, just in the nick of time.)

On the way down, Kathy and I met Daniel, who's put in 16 seasons maintaining the trails we'd been hiking on. Who could ignore his red beard flowing down to his green safety vest! I asked permission to photograph him and he readily agreed. We talked about older bodies and anti-inflammatory meds while his bandages completed the story. He told us of a short hike nearby with a cable bridge that we might like. He looked us up and down and pronounced that "yull be able to doo it." (Scottish accent

In a small valley with a wonderful meadow, was a cable bridge just waiting for me. One has to test oneself every once in a while, just to be sure you're really alive. After I tried my balance beam moves, a young Brittish man followed. Then his girlfriend had to give it a go. This image gives once a sense of the danger and the encouragement of her boyfriend on the other side.

Seniors Return to School

Wow! Summer blew by quickly this year and what a busy summer it's been! While everyone's thinking about returning to school, the phone's been ringing to try and fit in as many Senior Portraits as I can. Although it's busy, I always try to make each session unique and special for the senior I'm working with.

Last night was a case in point. I went to Beau's house, on the outskirts of Franklin, where there's enough yard to play a real football game. Beau's even got a pond to swim in so it was fun walking around, looking for places and angles to photograph him.

Then he showed me the snowmobiles. Beau used to race them but now they're just for fun. I had him maneuver them into the position I need to get the light I wanted. When I showed him this series of images, he got this big smile on his face and pointed to one saying, "I really like THIS one!" Satisfaction guaranteed!

This is my last post until I'm ready to show you some images from England and Scotland. I leave tomorrow to visit my sister and then head off to the Isle of Skye for some hiking. Since I'm starting to get better on the banjo, maybe a Scot will teach me some bagpipes?

Fall Family Portraits

With the arrival of the cooler weather over the weekend, it can only mean one thing - Fall is about to arrive. Young adults are making their way to campuses, kids and parents are getting ready to crack open the school books again, and today I saw a flock of gold finches getting ready to migrate.

So now's the time to get your family together for a Fall Family Portrait! September and October gives us some of the most beautiful weather of the year, and don't forget, it's WARMER near Lake Michigan in the fall. (Payback time for the Spring season!)

If your last family photo falls into the category of 4 or more years old, you're overdue. If the clothing in the image was 2 fashions ago, it's time. If that sweet toddler in the photo is now in middle school, enough said. Round up the family and let's talk locations, clothing, canine companions, etc.

For your convenience, you can book online at: http://peggymorsch.bookmonline.com It's best to book at 10 or 11 in the morning or 3 - 4 in the afternoon.

This image is a young family enjoying the beach and waves along Lake Michigan as that cooler weather was blowing in. Sam's been a favorite of mine since his birth announcement. Gotta love those long eyelashes!

Polka Dots

The other day I had the pleasure to photograph 3 siblings - 2 boys and 1 girl. The sun was out, the creek was running and everyone was having a good time. Then the sunglasses and hats came out. Oh boy! What fun when you're young and there's something new to play with!

Celia loved the sunglasses! You can see it here in this image - throwing her head back and laughing. Do you remember how the world looked the first time you wore sunglasses? I start to giggle when I look at this image.

As for hats, they can be hit or miss. What's that strange thing on my head? Fortunately, she enjoyed it - especially when her older brothers had on hats as well.

I love how these images complement each other. One harsh from the contrasty light and the other soft, made in the shade kind of look. What's fun is that they captured Celia as she is - a vibrant two year old.

Foggy Family Portrait

The other day we had a little warm air blowing over the cooler waters of Lake Michigan, creating fog along the lakeshore area. When I went down to the Lake to prepare for a family portrait, there was a good bank of fog that called out to me, "get creative Peg - work with it!" I was all set up to go when the family arrived, and after a little chit chat, the fog had walked back out onto the lake and the sun started shining through. "Try working with that now!", the fog called out.

Not one to turn down a challenge OR disappoint a family, we patiently waited, while the Lake "breathed" the fog in and out. After working a spot for a while, we walked down to the beach and played some more. When it cleared a little, we had the most beautiful light at 3:00 in the afternoon! For a moment I felt like I was near the ocean.

Mom & Dad are going to love these images, as their family is about see their oldest off to college.

Remember how quickly the dynamics of your family can change and don't forget to visually document it! Photos live on as records for future generations to treasure.

Write YOUR Caption!

This is the first post in a long time as I've been super busy lately! Everyone of my product lines (children, families, seniors and canines) is keeping me in perpetual motion so I apologize for not keeping up here. Today, however, I've got some fun for you!

The above image was made yesterday when my kind neighbor asked me if I'd like a smoked chicken to take home. "A what," I asked? He proceeded to take off the top of his smoker/steamer and showed me these two chickens, perched perfectly atop a half filled can of beer.

I looked up at him with a purely mischievous look in my eye - "I'll be right back with my camera," I cried, as I ran down his driveway toward my house. While my legs were moving, so was my brain. I was coming up with a few captions that would fit this image. If one put it into the context of the recent Health Care debates one could come up with: "If this HR 3200 passes, we could be smoked." Or there was this one: "Did you bring the deck of cards?"

OK - have at it! Let's see what captions you all can come up with. So have fun, be irreverent, take a walk on the wild side - just keep it PG13 or you'll get me in trouble!

Yoga Dogs (not)

It's been hectic around here lately! Busy with photographing families, seniors, children and canines, and all these sessions have brought a lot of fun into my days. It's really fun for me to capture these moments!

So today I bring you one of my Dogs & Their Women portraits that I made last night with Carrie, Harper and Cabot. It was a BEAUTIFUL night out on Lake Nagawicka! Nice evening sun, some puffy clouds, dogs flying in and out of the water on retrieval missions, and a good time for practicing some Yoga.

Carrie said that "as a yoga practitioner, I am constantly striving to live in the moment. It is not easy, and it takes a lifetime of practice. We humans could learn a lot about living in the moment from our dogs. They practice yoga every moment of every day. They are always living in the moment. They don't think; they react."

So I LOVE this image. In the same light, same moment, Carrie practices a beautiful yoga pose while her canine companions watch the light dance off the water. Click - that moment is now a piece of her family's visual history.

Looking for some TINY Models!

Those that know me, know that I like trying new things! From painting the house bright yellow to learning the banjo, there's not much grass that grows under my heels. So with that in mind, it's time to stretch myself and try some new imagery with little girls. Hence the "CALL OUT" for some young models in the 9 -18 months range.

I'm looking for a few little girls that I can photograph in these awesome hats! Can't you just see your daughter in these hats with a big ole' smile on her face? If you can imagine that, then let's just add a pink or lavender tutu on her rolly, polly body and we've got some fun images! Either in the studio or outdoors, these outfits are sure to turn some heads.

Give me call mom! You'll receive some free prints for your walls at home, and who'd turn that down these days! For more details, contact me at: 414.550.5340