My Custom Amore Bracelet!!!

I found this amazing jewelry artist on Etsy a little while ago - "Artallnight" http://www.etsy.com/shop/artallnight?ref=pr_shop_more.  I fell in love with her sassy, sexy, cute style and seriously, I would buy her entire store if I could!  I loved her cuff style bracelets and sent her an email to see if there was any chance that she would be able to customize a bracelet with a picture of my Chi Amore....and she said "Yes"!  YAY!

I sent her this picture of Amore and asked if she could add a little bow in her hair.  I only paid $30 for a custom painted bracelet with my dog's portrait!!!  What a great deal!  I was amazed at how fast she completed my order.  She had it in the mail the next day!

When I received my cuff, I was squealing in delight!  It was so perfect!  The cuff has an adjustable chain closure on the back, so I was able to fit it to my wrist easily.  (I have a pretty small wrist so most bracelets run large on me).  It even has a cute little charm on it that says "Handmade with love".  Now, if only Santa would bring me another cuff bracelet with KC's pic on it......

Dog Modeling - Tips & Advice Part 3

Hi!  I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving Day with their family, pups and friends!!  Since our family is so far away (in Michigan), my husband, the girls and I celebrated by ourselves but had tons of fun and lots of delicious food!  Yep, KC Adogus and Amore got their very own plates of turkey and sides! 

Did anyone get a chance to practice any of the modeling tips I gave in "Dog Modeling - Tips & Advice Parts 1 & 2?  I did want to add that as far as the "Angels Eyes" I recommended, we personally do not like the "Natural" version as much.  Amore's eyes just do not seem to clear up like the did with the regular "Angels Eyes".  Has anyone else tried the natural version?  I'd love to hear your thoughts on it as well!

So, I have a few more tips & tricks that I'd like to share.  Next week I'd like to begin a series on Pet Photographers to introduce you to a few of my very favorites!  They are from all over the US, from Florida to Texas to Puerto Rico!

Tip #6 - Professional Photographer
One of the quickest ways to get your pup to noticed is professional photos!  Professional photographers have the talent, experience, props, equipment and know how to capture your dog's inner model!  Magazine editors, blog writers, and pet fashion designers are all looking for beautiful eye catching shots.  If your picture is dark, blurry, or if it has a distracting background, chances are it will not be their first pick...or second....or third...  I definitely recommend that all dogs starting out have professional shots taken to build their portfolio.
 
It's important to do a little research before choosing a professional photographer.  You want to find someone who is well versed in working with pets, and pets in clothing!!!  They will know the key poses to best display the clothing your pup is "selling". 

Also, just like any other profession, some photographers are just better than others.  Make sure you check out other examples of their work to get a feel for their style.  Ask yourself a few questions when looking at their photos "If I saw this picture in a magazine, would it grab my attention"?  What emotions do you get from viewing their work?  "If I saw one of their images in a catalog, would it entice me to purchase the product that is being featured"?  Lastly, and I realize this is very subjective but it is actually easy to see when you are looking for it, "Does this photographer love what they do?"  Passion plays through in all aspects of life!  It is easy to see and cannot be faked!  You want a pet photographer that loves to photograph pets!! 

This is a picture by professional photographer Jenny Froh www.jennyfroh.com.  Jenny Froh Photography is based in Flower Mound, TX and serves the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
info@jennyfroh.com ~ 972-998-0941.  Her pictures are a great example of what to look for in a professional pet photographers work!

Tip #7 - Cameras
What if I can't afford to have professional photos taken? What if I don't have time to schedule an appointment? I know it is not always plausible to have professional photos taken. Professional looking photos can also be taken at home! A good example of this is Nikki from www.obsessivechihuahuadisorder.com. She takes beautiful photos from the comfort of her own home!  This particular shot of Bebe has definitely caught the attention of magazine editors.  It has been featured in BellaDog Magazine, Chihuahua Connection Magazine and Pet Age Magazine!

Of course a fancy camera is great to have, but you can still take good pictures with a "middle of the line" camera.  I think the most important thing is getting to know the camera you have!  (I am still learning mine)!  One of the easiest things to start with is finding your "Macro" button.  Your owners manual should tell you where it is and how to use it.  On my camera it is a little flower button on the menu.  Here is a good article that describes what the macro button does http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Macro-Button---Get-Creative-With-Your-Camera&id=997308.  Oh, and make sure your lens isn't smudged and dirty.  You would think that I would of known to clean mine, but I didn't even think of it until I read a tip in a blog.  I looked and mine looked like it had been licked by my dog....not really sure, but a quick wipe down and my pics instantly were much clearer!


Tip #8 - Lighting
Lighting is very important part of taking good photos!  A poorly lit room can ruin an otherwise perfect shot.  Please do not commit the dark photo offense.  You can purchase nice lighting kits with backdrops from Ebay for around $70 (I have one on my wish list)!  A picture using natural day light (like next to a window) can also work. 

You can get great photos in an outdoor setting as well.  The only problem I find with outdoor shots is that it is harder to control the backgrounds.  I just love the look of an all white or all grey/black background.  If you do shoot outside, just make sure to think about your surroundings before you start.  Always try to avoid harsh sunlight (like12 to 3 pm).  The best time to shoot is early in he morning (sunrise) or in the evening (right before the sun sets).
Here are a couple of my favorite outside shots:

Tasha after winning Most Photogenic in NYC.

Millie at a wedding in Puerto Rico.

Tip #8 - Crisp Background
I mentioned this briefly earlier, but I think it is important enough to stress again.  As a pet fashion designer, I LOVE photos with nice crisp backgrounds.  NO shenanigans!  Just the dog and the product (and a cute photo prop if you have one).  You can buy photo backdrops or use white craft paper.  Just make sure whatever you use is clean and smooth, no wrinkles please.  The backdrop should cover the entire photo area.  I prefer solid colors myself - white, grey, pink, black, etc.  If you get one with a crazy pattern you risk the pattern becoming out of style and you will end up with the look of school photos in the 80's....you know what I'm talking about!

Here are a few examples of my favorite style of backgrounds:

Trixie - Nicole Geller Photography

Olive - Jenny Froh Photography



Leo - Nicole Geller Photography


Hopefully these tips were helpful to some.  I realize they are very basic tips, but they were all things that I found very helpful when just starting out.  I will cover my last few tip topics in another post next week.  Until then, snap some pictures.  Practice makes perfect!  I would LOVE to see what you come up with.  Please feel free to email your shots at kelly@kocouture.com with the subject heading "Pet Photography Blog Photos"!

Thanks and Tail Wags,

Kelly



All photos are property of KO Couture and are under copyright protection!

Mike Benee - Internationally acclaimed 'Animal Portrait Artist'.

Mike Benee - Internationally acclaimed 'Animal Portrait Artist'.

Realistic graphite pencil drawings of animals, specializing in the portraits of dogs.

I wanted to introduce you to an amazing Animal Portrait Artist Mike Benée.  His work is so beautifully detailed, I would LOVE to have one of his amazing portraits to hang on my wall one day!

Mike lives with his wife, four children and his dobermann dog in the village of Naughton, England.  He can be commissioned to produce an amazing portrait of your beloved pet!  He prides himself on recreating high quality portraits, so whenever possible he likes to visit and photograph the subject in person in order to get a feel for their personality and character.  Commissions generally take 6 to 8 weeks to finish (about 50 hours), but this time frame is dependent on his current work load.  Christmas time is very busy, so please make sure to book early to avoid disappointment!

Here are a few examples of his amazing work!  Check out that detail - WOW!

Love that he captured Buster's little smirk!

Please make sure to check out Mike's website here:  http://www.beneefineart.co.uk./  Drop him a quick message and let him know KO Couture sent ya!

Dog Modeling - Tips and Advice Part 2

Now that you have your designer dog clothing and your dogs eyes are looking bright and beautiful, it's time to get your dog used to being in front of the camera.  My dogs actually LOVE their camera time so much that when they hear the camera turn on, they literally run up and sit in front of me eagerly awaiting their time in the spotlight!

Tip #3 - Doggie ADHD
If it is hard to get your dog to sit still long enough to take a few pics, then you may find it helpful to rid them of their excess energy beforehand.  Take them for a little walk!  Make sure not to tire them out so bad that their eyes are drooping and their tongues are hanging to their knees.  A short 20 min walk will work wonders! 

Tip #4 - "Say Cheese"!
If your dog is not used to the camera, they may not know quite what to do when it comes time to start your photo shoot.  I found that my dogs miraculously turn into angels if I am offering up bits of cheese as a reward!  They will sit still looking attentive as long as you have a treat in hand.

Some photographers also like to use noise makers to get their dogs attention back on the camera.  Whoopie cushions work great and if you are a kid trapped in an adults body like me, it may give you a bit of a giggle as well!

Tip #5 - Model Poses
All dog models need to know the basic poses that work best for displaying the product they are modeling.  Here are a few examples of each pose from the pros:

Pose #1 - Side Sit (learn both left and right side sit for variety)

Pose #2: Side lay

Pose #3:  Front Legs Up
(I love this pose for long legged dogs like IG's.  It elongates the body and has a very elegant look to it.  It is a great pose for props too)!

Pose #4:  Over the shoulder

Well, there are a few poses to work on for now!  I would LOVE to see your pics if you practice any of these poses!

Tail Wags,

Kelly

Dog Modeling - Tips & Advice Part 1

One of my lovely fans asked me the other day if I had any advice on how to get her dog started in dog modeling.  I figured that it was possible some others may have this question as well, so I wanted to do a few blog posts to share what I have learned in the industry so far.

Tip #1:  FASHION

I am NOT just saying this because I am a pet fashion designer, but if you want your dog to get noticed in the pet fashion industry, the quickest way to the top is to show off your doggy couture!  Flash your goods!  :)  Just think of famous celebrities, they always are wearing the latest and greatest fashion and accessories.  Brand names & bling....they look good and you want what they have!  We aren't chasing after "the people of Walmart" to let us know the next big fashion trend now are we? 

Tip #2:  ANGEL EYES

I posted some pics of my dear sweet Chihuahua Amore on Facebook a while ago and someone mentioned that I should try "Angel Eyes" to clear up her tear stains.  I remember thinking "What tear stains"?  Since she has had the staining since she was a wee pup, we honestly thought that it was part of her markings.  We decided to give the "Angel Eyes" a go and we will NEVER be without it again!  This is a must have for doggy models everywhere.  Nothing is more distracting than a big eye goober or discolored crusty eye.  Check out the difference in our before and after:

Word for the wise, be careful about buying your "Angel Eyes" off Ebay!  We saved a few bucks by getting our previous bottle from an Ebay seller....we got an "Angel Eyes" bottle with something else inside.  It was a different texture, color, consistency....and it didn't work!!!!  We are back at square one again with the real stuff.  Luckily in only one week, we are already noticing improvement, yay!

I also wanted to add that we have NOT experienced the same great results with the new "Natural" version.  I would definitely recommend the regular formula over the natural.**

Well, I have to get back to my sewing, but I hope you have found these first few tips helpful!  I will post more in the next few days.  :)

Tail Wags,

Kelly

New Christmas Dog Dresses!!!

I have been so excited about showing off my newest Holiday & Christmas Dog Dresses!  Thank you Bebe and Nikki from www.obsessivechihuahuadisorder.com for the beautiful pictures!

This first dress is called "Candy Cane Kisses Dog Dress".  It is made out of a sparkle organza candy cane striped fabric over a red satin harness top.  The skirt is lined with a silver sparkle organza for a little extra pouf.  Red satin bow at waist line with a little candy cane charm!  The neckline is trimmed in white feathers but it's hard to see on Bebe because of her gorgeous flowing hair.  :)  Can be made with a harness D-ring for easy leash hook-up.  Custom fit to your dog and handmade in the USA!  $80 www.kocouture.etsy.com

 This second dress is called "Holiday Critters Feather Harness Dog Dress".  Made with a beautiful designer print fabric featuring sleigh, Christmas trees, and cute little deer!  Fluffy red feather skirt adds texture and movement.  D-ring for easy leash hook-up.  Red satin bow.  Velcro closure under chest and snap closure at neck.  Custom made in the USA!  Perfect for pictures with Santa or for your furkid to wear to their Christmas parties!!  $110

Pet Photography and Dog Models - Lilly

Today's featured KO Couture model is Miss Lilly! I just love this sweet little red head!  Lilly is a Dachshund and lives in South Carolina with her sister Sadie.  They love to go with their mom to her grooming shop "Carolina Paws" and show off their extensive designer wardrobe.  Lilly is fairly new to KO, but has already managed to steal my heart! 

Little Lilly has not been feeling well lately, so please say a little prayer for her!  We love you Lilly!

Lilly in her KO Couture Bella Costume for Halloween!

I choose this pumpkin!

Lilly and Sadie

Lilly is a very Patriotic Pup in her Statue of Liberty Tutu Harness Dog Dress

Love that face!