Eightymillion

A DIY craft and photography blog. Dogs included.

Snapshots of Life Lately – Early Spring 2015

It finally feels like Spring!  The snow we got last week is gone, the robins are chirping everywhere, and the plants are starting to come alive again.  The fresh air and sunshine feel so good.
The smell of rain fills the air.  It is April after all.
So, what does one do when it’s gorgeous outside?  Take photos of course.

My Life With Dogs: Who Did This?

When something out of the ordinary happens in the house we asked the boys, “Who did this?” There’s been a few incidents lately. Someone left a puddle on the bathroom floor, dirty laundry is scattered throughout the house, or garbage (mostly paper) is removed from the trash can in the office.
No one confesses.  It’s usually their body language that gives them away.  I don’t believe in discipline after the crime. Each incident is turned into a educational moment for everyone.  As the mess is being cleaned up, I’m explaining how this type of behavior is a big “no no”.  Then everything returns back to normal.  Chaos and all.
For those of you with (fur) kids, I’m sure this sounds familiar.  
P.S. The photo above is from last Fall.  Makes me think of the cool nights and colorful leaves. Almost ready for the season.

My Life With Dogs: Waiting For Spring

All of us here are very anxious for Spring to arrive.  It’s right around the corner.  We can hear the robins singing in the morning as the sun comes up.  
Disco was happy to find his football that was buried under all of the snow.
Until the next word…

Friday’s Top 10 Link List: 9-20-13 {For Dog Lovers}

This week’s list is dedicated to all those dog lovers out there.  Beware, I might turn it into a series. 
On another note…have you noticed the day’s getting shorter?  Fall is right around the corner. 
Enjoy my finds.
*****
I have three of these in my house.
Homemade dog treats.
The 10 Commandments (from a dog’s perspective).
Grab a kleenex.  
I want all ten.
Maddie.
Dog eye chart.

The best invention EVER!
I own two of these.  Highly recommend for those who race to finish first.
Pet Peek.
*****
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Dog Photography Tips and Techniques

I love to photograph my dogs.  Surprised?  Many people ask me how I get them all to sit still for a picture.  Treats and a lot of talking is what I tell them.  When I have them all three together it’s a bit more challenging.  There is more chaos to deal with.  It’s fun chaos though, so I get creative and embrace it.  I utilize the same tips and techniques for those 1:1 sessions as well as the group shots.
So, yesterday Disco was enjoying a mellow moment by himself in the hallway.  As I walked by it gave me the idea to post a few techniques that I use when photographing him and his brothers.  He loves the bonding time as much as I do.  Things can get wild living in a home with multiple pets.  No complaints though.  It keeps life interesting.  
Truthfully, I lay right down on the floor with them.  Get down to their level.  Just imagine someone taking your photograph and having them stand over you giving you directions.  Too intrusive for me. 
I gave Disco a little bit of distance to see if he was going to stay.  His tail was wagging as I turned on my camera so that was an “all clear” sign for me.  The more practice you give yourself the more you’ll get to know your pet’s personality when using your camera.  Mute all the noises that your camera makes when taking a photo.  This way you won’t startle your subject.
I took a few shots and then moved in a bit closer (refer to opening image to this post).  
I had my camera about two to three inches from his nose.  We were both comfortable so I kept shooting.  I’ve been working with a point shoot camera for some time now.  I’m curious to see how they will do with my new cameras and the lenses.  I have yet to introduce them to the new equipment. 
Get creative with your shots.  Move around a bit for a different angle.  With consistent verbal praise his tail kept wagging and I captured some great shots. 
As I moved back away from him he reached out with his paw.  Another great angle.  Just go with the flow.  This stuff comes natural to me so it’s hard to put into words.  I hope your finding this helpful.
Disco then started to fall asleep.
A little head rub from Mommy and he was out for an afternoon snooze.
With Disco resting peacefully I though I would check and see what the other dogs were doing.  As I approached House he looked up at me and then tucked his head under the blanket.  Notice he is smiling.  
What better way to capture your dog’s personality than with a photo.
Have fun and be creative!
**Tip:  I always use Cheerios (plain) for treats when photographing the dogs.  They are small and nutritious.  I would rather give them 10 or 15 Cheerios than 10 of their regular treats.  I have to watch their waistline as well. 
Until the next word…

My Life With Dogs: Hardy The Red Nose Reindeer?

In the process of making smash books for my nieces and nephews I found myself digging through a lot of photos.  And then I stumbled upon these.  Hardy was so little here.  Where does the time go?
Before Disco and House came along it was just Hardy and me.  We always managed to find ways to pass the time.  For instance, these reindeer antlers.  I don’t remember where I found these but I thought he would look cute in them.

Hardy, the brown nose reindeer?
Until the next word…

Hot Summer Day

It is very hot today.  The last time I looked at the temp it read 95 degrees.  After work we decided to cool the dogs off by giving them a bath.  
House doesn’t like the rain, therefore he hates his bath.  Notice his left ear.  Remember the Twilight post?  Scroll down until you see his picture.  It’s one of his triggers for when he’s uncomfortable.  I know it’s not funny, but it’s cute.     
Hardy loves to roll around on the grass after his bath.  There is one drawback to this…
He always breaks the skin above his nose.  It’ll be nursing his wounds with TAO until it’s healed.
P.S.  I’m happy to report that all three of them are sleeping peacefully on the floor in front of the tv with the fan blowing on them.  
That was our day!
Until the next word…
~Jennifer 

Message From the Dog: Water and Shade

Hello, it’s Disco here.  Our Mom is busy visiting with family so I thought I would post a little something to help her out.  Not sure this has anything to do with what she blogs about, but I’m using the opportunity to give a reminder to those people that have animals. 
Today on the news I heard some lady say to make sure that we have plenty of cold water and shade to help us out in this heat.
As much as I love to go for a car ride, leave me at home where it’s cooler.  I’ll settle for a couple extra peanut butter treats instead.
  
Until the next bark…
~Disco

DIY Inspiration: Recycling Vintage Frames

I love to recycle vintage frames that I find at the flea markets and thrift stores.  It’s amazing what a can of spray paint can do.
This is my second project using the frames.  I’m exploring different options of displaying the photos in them.
This frame is plastic.  All the others have been wood.  Not knowing how to attach any hardware to the sides to create a clothesline, I had to come up with a different idea.
After spray painting the frame red I used a piece of jute twine to make a loop to serve as the hanger.
With a red frame I decided on using a black and white (my favorite) photo for the insert.  I attached the photo a piece of heavy white cardstock and then layered on a piece of black metallic paper.
There is no glass with this frame, so in order to protect the image I attached a sheet of transparency paper with brads to the cardstock frame I made.  A few small pieces of mounting putty to attach the photo inside of the frame and that’s it!
An easy project that can be completed in a couple of hours, depending on how long it takes your paint to dry.
Next, I’ll try a frame inside of a frame.  More colorful cans of spray paint and dog photos of course.  The frame inspiration came from Pinterest, the rest from my own head of ideas.
Did you miss my first project with the frames?  I’ll make it easy for you, click here and enjoy.
What fun, DIY projects are you working on?  Feel free to leave links in the comment section below.
And so a new week continues…
Until the next word…
~Jennifer  

Coming Next Week: Friday’s Top 10 List

This is what I see everyday before I leave the house to complete my “list” of duties.  Hardy has a daily routine of sitting on the rug by the door so I see him as I leave the bathroom after I’m showered and ready to go.  He turns six at the end of this month.  And the ritual continues…
Speaking of a list.  We all love them.  If your like me I tend to get “lost” within them.
Starting next week on the blog I’ll be publishing a weekly post titled, Friday’s Top 10 List.  Links to entertain, inspire, and educate you.
Have a good weekend.  Stay cool if your in the Midwest.  We are suppose to have high temps and a lot of humidity the next couple of days.
**Be sure to look at the image above once more before you go.  Do you feel as guilty as I do?
Until the next word…
~Jennifer