Dogs of Bend, Oregon {Pet Photography}

I am always looking for a new 'photo of the day' for my Facebook page - I LOVE BEND OR.
I really enjoy capturing a dogs endless energy and happiness. Not being a dog owner myself, I am lucky to enjoy Bend's wide variety of dogs where ever I go.

Recently I got thinking how fun it would be to gather and capture some Bend doggies.
So last week I posted how I wanted to shoot some local dogs. Due to the abundance of dog and dog lovers in Bend, I very quickly had 10 dogs signed up.

Last Saturday afternoon  I meet up with these dogs and their parents, with my camera, a reflector and some props. I was a little concerned with how the dogs would behave and how they would react with one another. It all flowed perfectly, some went off for a walk and others just enjoyed checking each other out. I think lots dog treats did the trick too!
I photographed all the dogs in about an 1 1/2 hours, I probably insulted them when I called them by the wrong name or called them a she instead of a he.
I had so much fun, each dog is beautiful in their own special way, loved by their owners and fortunate to live in Bend, Oregon.

It brings me great pleasure to know that the dogs parents will have some special photos to cherish in the future.


Enjoy..

Miss Juice the runner

Hass gave me endless smiles.

Cora, at 11 weeks was too young to know the command sit. I learnt that Corgi pups ears droop and lift up as they  get older.

Joey the Pomeranian, h wasn't too sure about my big camera. It worked, he sat still and stared!

Sweet Maggie 

Betty the Bull Dog, who would do anything.

Miss Valentine

Cedar

I think he is looking at a treat in his Mom's hand.

Jag relaxing

a wise look from Jag

had to do this to Jag

Bray Bear came all bathed, can't you tell?

Capturing the passion of the Mel Brown Quartet at the Oxford Hotel, Bend Oregon

Last Friday evening at the Oxford Hotel I had the pleasure of capturing an extremely talented Jazz band called the MEL BROWN QUARTET from Portland Oregon.
Mel Brown, Toni Pacini, Dan Balmer and Ed Bennett lit up the room as they intertwined their musical talents.
It was a full house at the Oxford and everyone went home on a higher note.

Photographing a jazz band was a new experience for me and I can certainly say a very rewarding one.  Even though I was limited with lighting and space I continuously kept seeing endless moments to capture. One unexplained and strange image I keep seeing was everyones feet. It even got to the point where I asked Toni Pacini if he would take off his shoes and socks after the show. It was the first time anyone asked him that. I guess it could have been worse!

During the entire performance I could feel this wonderful energy coming from each musician as they tapped into their passion and soul. There was a connection between their passion and mine when I would look through my lens. While editing the images I had this feeling also. It is hard to explain and something I only experience with my camera.

I hope you too can feel the passion and talent of the Mel Brown Quartet in the images below.

Jill

Toni Pacini

Dan Balmer

A happy Mel Brown

Toni Pacini 

Ed Bennett

the bare feet shot !

Street Food Photography in Bend Oregon

Over the last couple of years more and more food carts have been popping up around the streets of Bend Oregon.
On a busy street in downtown Bend two food carts have been catching my eye for a while and this week I finally stopped by with my camera in hand and met both the owners/chefs of Soupcon and El Sancho.
Adjacent to one another they can be found parked out front of the Blacksmith Restaurant  on Greenwood Avenue. The best way to locate these food carts is via their delicious aromas and by the lines of people on the street during lunch time. Here you will find two friendly young men, no matter what the weather, ready to serve you between 11-2 on weekdays.
To learn more about Soupcon and El Sancho please visit their websites below or find them on facebook.

Enjoy the photos, I had fun capturing the food!

Soupcon
El Sancho

Jill

El Sancho - Mexican style street food

El Sancho cart has an eclectic flare

the perfect way to warm up.

Clam Chowder to go

Steven, owner of Soupcon.

Steven and Joel (owner of El Sancho)

the perfect corner to grab a bite.

A tasty looking filled biscuit (a scone in New Zealand)

the daily special - Chili Relleno