Rachel Sloan Photography

Sorry I have been a bad blogger lately.  My poor little blog has been so neglected, but for good reason.  The good news is I had a VERY busy holiday season.  I’m excited to share with you that these past couple of months were the most successful ones I’ve ever had in business.  I have been busy fulfilling orders and helping people surprise their loved ones with creative dog photos.  I was involved in several “under cover” shoots in order to surprise a significant other or spouse with a unique Christmas gift.  :)  I also got the opportunity to do another architectural shoot, which was really fun for me because of my interior design degree and background.  I can’t tell you how happy I am to be so busy, especially since losing my full time (bill paying!) job earlier this year.  Anyways, I just wanted you to know I haven’t abandoned my blog.  I plan on blogging more regularly now that the holidays are over, so please stick around.  I will be posting a fun 2009 recap soon.  I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

The second year of our Stock the Shelter supply drive has already been a huge success.  My spare room is full of dog beds, towels, blankets, dog food, kitty ltter, and toys for shelter animals.  We recently made the 10:00 news on KNWA, our local NBC affiliate!  Click HERE to read the article and watch a video of the story.

Things have been a little slow here on the blog lately.  I have been making holiday cards and placing print orders daily.  The holidays are a busy time for me.  I’ve got several photo shoots to share with you but I have to wait until after the holidays since many of them are surprises for the recipients.  I wouldn’t want to ruin any surprises!  :)

Just for fun…since I can’t show you any new photos right now, have a look at Neill and I’s first ever holiday card.

We are real married people with holiday cards.  Ha!  I love it.

I was so sad to learn that sweet Scarlett passed away a few days ago.  Please say a prayer for her mom and dad as I know they must be missing her very much.  Here is my original blog post from Scarlett’s shoot this past spring.

April 16, 2009

Meet Scarlett, a 12 year old German Shorthaired Pointer.  Although her past is somewhat a mystery, she was obviously mistreated and had more puppies than any dog ever should.  When she could no longer produce puppies, she became useless to her previous owner.  That’s where Amy and her husband stepped in to foster her.  Scarlett stole their hearts and has been a permanent member of the family for almost 3 years now.

When I arrived at her house, Scarlett didn’t greet me at the door with a wagging tail and kisses like most dogs.  She stayed on her bed and quietly observed me from a distance.  She has been through so much that she isn’t very trusting of new people.  We decided I would just photograph her right where she was and try not to make her uncomfortable or scare her.  After chatting with her mom for a few minutes, I sat on the floor and slowly scooted closer to Scarlett’s bed.  The sound of her mom’s voice reassured her that I was a nice lady and everything was just fine.  Scarlett allowed me to get close enough to give her a treat and get some good shots of her pretty brown eyes.  She is a gorgeous girl and it was a pleasure to meet her.

You might notice her right ear is a little shorter than the left one.  Scarlett’s parents suspect that she may have been tattooed.  When her previous owners were finished breeding her, they might have cut off part of her ear to remove the tattoo.  Although her story is sad, please know that she now has a safe home where her mom loves her to pieces!!! 

Amy – If you read this, please know I am thinking about you guys, and I’m so sorry for your loss.  Give Scout and Veranda a few extra kisses…that will help you feel better.  :)

Last year my best friend Jamie came up with the idea to have a holiday supply drive to benefit shelter animals.  We worked together and gathered items for homeless dogs and cats at FAS.  We took 2 car loads of donated items to the shelter the day before Christmas.  We hope for even more items this year!  Please look around your house and see what you might be able to get rid of.  Clean out your linen closet for old towels and blankets.  The dogs don’t care if their blankets have holes in them, they’re just glad to have a blanket!  If you come across a “buy 1 get 1 free” on laundry detergent or bleach, please consider giving the free one to the shelter.  Also, Walgreens has $10 dog beds right now and I know that some little shelter dog would really appreciate a soft bed to sleep in.  Please see the list below for other items they need.

Give me a call at 479-871-2138 and I will be glad to pick up your donations.  Thanks in advance for your help!

I spent Thanksgiving with my husband’s family in Hot Springs, AR.  We had a fun weekend of relaxing, eating, and shopping.  The dogs LOVE a weekend at the lake.  Jonah is our water dog…

Hope you had a happy turkey day!

I traveled to Little Rock last week to photograph 3 beautiful Irish Setters.  Their mom won a pet photo contest and guess what the prize was – a photo session with me!  I was so honored to be involved in this photo shoot for these contest winners.  Below is Pete with his mom and dad.  Pete originally won the pet photo contest.

Next is his sister Libby Rose.  I loved her curly hair.

Last but not least is Stella.  I learned to tell her and Pete apart by her white eyebrows.

Thanks for a fun shoot Melba and Gordon!  It was very nice to meet you and your dogs.

Lucy is a 5 year old miniature weiner dog who lives in Bentonville, AR.  I got a little (ok…a lot) lost trying to find her house, so when I finally did find her house I was so glad to meet her!  She was so cute that she made me want to squeal like a little kid.  Her mom had her photos taken as a Christmas surprise for her husband, but I don’t think he knows my blog exists so I think I’m safe posting these.  Lucy’s mom loves her sooo much and has taught her lots of great commands and tricks.  She is one smart little girl.  I had so much fun at her shoot.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Lucy’s dad is from Texas, and her momma is from here in Arkansas.  I have that same Arkansas pillow!

Lucy LOVES her “birdie.”

The end.

Shannon – Thanks so much for having me out to photograph Lucy!  It was a pleasure meeting both of you.

Meet Zero.  He is a beautiful dog.  He has bright eyes, a shiny coat, and fabulous manners, and his parents are friends of mine!  :)  Black dogs can sometimes be tricky to shoot because their eyes usually blend in with their coat, but not Zero.  His handsome brown eyes show up really well.  Oh, and his ears are nice and perky and he has a perfect shiny button nose…I could go on and on about this guy.  His photos turned out to be some of my favorites that I’ve taken.

Happy engagement Melissa and Brett!

By the way…consider this your (very early) wedding gift from me.  :)  Congratulations!

Josie and Rose were so much fun to photograph.  They were very well behaved and quite photogenic.  We got a few photos at home, then we walked through the fields and woods in their neighborhood and I got to see where they run and play everyday.  They are such happy dogs!

Josie’s posture cracks me up.  The way she sits and lays reminds me of my Maggie.  Josie is the first completely deaf dog I have photographed.  I kept forgetting this and saying her name over and over.  String cheese was her treat of choice and it worked great for getting her attention.  :)

Terrorizing moles…

Rose is a lovely girl.

Their mom Toni is such a great lady.  I think every single cell in her body loves and understands animals.  I know I like a person when I see them kiss their dog.  Everyone should do this at least once a day if you ask me.  It’s good for your heart (and theirs).

Rose was worn out after out shoot.

Thanks for having me out to your house Toni.  I had a great time!

for the Smithstonians…

Yes, these are humans on my blog.  Looking good guys!