Eightymillion

A DIY craft and photography blog. Dogs included.

My Life With Dogs: The Bark Magazine Feature

This week our copy of The Bark magazine arrived in the mail.  Being longtime subscribers we enjoy all the articles, advice, and photos each issue contains.  But this publication is extra special.  House, Hardy, and Disco were featured in the Smiling Dogs section on page 29.  How incredibility cool is that?
A couple of months ago we submitted a photo of them and later received an email stating that they were chosen for the upcoming Summer issue.  We’re beyond excited!  This is one of our favorite sections in the magazine.  As previous issues passed by I would always say to myself, “I should enter the boys.”
Check out their photo below along with all the other Smiling Dogs!  Such a fun series.  Anyone can submit a picture. Pick up a copy today at your local bookstore and follow the instructions on how to enter.  They also have an online gallery they update weekly filled with more adorable faces.  You can browse through those here.
*This isn’t a sponsored post.  All of the opinions are 100% mine.  Just two crazy dog parents who are proud of their pups!

My Life With Dogs: Loyal Companions

Life has been very busy lately.  So much that I’ve been neglecting my little space here on the blog. Not intentionally. I really need to start an editorial calendar for posting.  If my ideas are written down on paper I have a better chance of implementing them.  Can you relate?  That’ll be my goal for the week.

Now, let’s talk about the cute photo above.  Aside from my non-stop running in and out the door I’m still greeted with a playful smile from my three sons.  It’s during these busy times that I’m grateful to have more than one dog. Sure, they might fight one another from time to time, but they do keep each other company.

“They motivate us to play,
be affectionate,
seek adventure,
and be loyal.”  ~Tom Hayden

My Life With Dogs: Puppy Breath

Why is puppy breath so irresistible?  Those who can’t resist snuggling with a new pup know exactly what I’m speaking of.
Last week I was able to meet my friend’s newest member of the family.  Her name is Bonnie.  Of course I pulled out my camera for her first mini photo session.
She’s absolutely precious.  Her sweet eyes, her gentle bark, and her…puppy breath.
*images captured with a smartphone.

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: Photography Using the Sports Setting

I’m taking big steps with my photography in regards to my DSLR camera.  I decided to experiment with the sports setting using my dogs.  My comfort zone is with auto, so we’ll see how this goes.
I’m aware that there may be a shutter priority setting on my camera.  Which will remove more of the blur. Figuring out how to use that feature is another topic.  I’m pleased on how these shots turned out today.
You’ll see that Disco loves to jump off the deck.  He even taught House how to do it.  We don’t promote it by any means in fear they might injure a leg or two, but once that door opens…Our next deck will have extra boards strategically placed to prevent this.
*Bonus:  The boys burned off a lot of energy and took an early nap. 

My Life With Dogs: Easter Egg Hunt (2014)

The weather was gorgeous today so we decided to have an egg hunt for the boys.  They loved it!  And of course I had the camera out. Enjoy the video and pictures.  Happy Easter!
P.S. The basket was mine from when I was little.  So yes, it’s vintage!

My Life With Dogs: Who Let The Dogs Out (Natural Light Photography)

You can take great pictures with natural light.  No extra equipment is required, just your camera and chosen subject.  I tend to navigate towards this type of setting.  It’s my comfort zone.  There is no doubt that nature provides the best light.
Overcast days are good for natural light photography.  The cloud cover acts as a diffuser.  I crave these kind of days.
The other day (you guessed it, overcast) I had every intention on raking the yard, cleaning out the flower beds, and weeding the garden.  The boys were running around the yard enjoying the fresh air.  Within five minutes, I dropped the rake and picked up the camera.  No regrets, the yard work will still be there, the moment may not.
Until the next word…

My Life With Dogs: First Day of Spring 2014

We are all very happy that Spring has arrived!  I captured this image of Disco right after their evening meal, around 5pm.
It sure looks better than the image I took this morning before leaving for work.  Crazy right?  First day of Spring and we woke up to an inch of snow.  No worries, the warm day melted it all.
Until the next word…

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…