Natural Awakenings Pet Launch Party

Posted on March 4, 2010

The area’s newest magazine for pets is launching this Friday and there’s going to be a PARTY! Natural Awakenings Pet is a magazine dedicated entirely to natural and sustainable living for our furry companions. The event will take place this Friday, March 5 from 6-8 pm at Whole Foods Market in downtown Sarasota! There will be lots of fun activities including entertainment, a fashion show, food, games, and on-site pet adoptions. FUN!

I’m so excited that one of my photographs made the cover of the premiere edition! Check out this beautiful cover featuring my friend Karma, the Great Dane. I hear that Karma is going to be at the launch party signing pawtographs so be sure to stop by and say hi!

Polo Ponies!

Posted on January 27, 2010

I thought I’d share a few more pictures from my afternoon at the Sarasota Polo Club. These really make me miss my horse days! I’ve never attempted polo, although we did have a college team when I was at Purdue. I read that the Polo Club offers lessons so maybe one of these days I’ll have to try it out, just for fun. Sadly though, I’m pretty sure my horse riding muscles are long gone…not to mention my apparent lack of coordination!

Clydesdales | Sarasota Polo Club

Posted on January 24, 2010

I had a great time at the first annual Woof Gang Bakery Cup at the Sarasota Polo Club this afternoon. I can’t believe that after almost 6 years of living in Sarasota, I had never been to a polo match! Since I was very busy judging the Woof Gang Bakery contests, I didn’t get a chance to watch much of the action on the field, but will definitely have to make a trip back!

There were so many cool dogs who came out for this event - we had such a hard time judging. Congratulations to all of the winners! I’ll be posting more pictures soon, but thought I’d start with these beauties - the Lake Run Farm Clydesdales.

Woof Gang Bakery Cup

Posted on January 21, 2010

The first annual Woof Gang Bakery Cup is this Sunday, January 24th! The event starts at 1 pm and will take place at the Sarasota Polo Club in Lakewood Ranch. In addition to some great polo action on the field, Woof Gang Bakery will be  hosting a dog parade during halftime and will have some fun contests with awards to the top two dogs in the following categories:

Best Tail Wagging - Dogs (not the handler) will be judged on the exuberance of their tail motion.
Most Original Costume - A class to judge the dog and/or handler on their entertaining attire.
Most Mysterious Heritage - A class for those lovable pets whose features cross all lines of breed characteristics. You will not find this class at Westminster.
Terrific Pet Tricks - Show off your dog’s talent to do anything. It does not have to be outrageous!
Best Vocal Performance - Move over Barbara, get out of the way Celine. This category features canine crooners with the most unforgettable talents.
Most Glamorous - Paris, Milan, New York, Dupont Circle. This category is for canines with class and a little bit of attitude. Watch out for the paparazzi!

This should be a really fun event and I’m looking forward to being one of the contest judges! For more information and directions to the Sarasota Polo Club, click here. Hope to see you and your pups there!

Pet Portrait Day at Woof Gang Bakery

Posted on November 24, 2009

Simply Spotted Photography will be offering mini portrait sessions this Saturday, November 28, from 10 am-2 pm at the brand new Woof Gang Bakery in Ellenton! Woof Gang Bakery is located right next to the Ellenton Outlet Mall - for more information and directions, please click here to visit them online.

Mini sessions will once again be offered for only $20 and $5 from each session will be donated to Southeastern Guide Dogs. Space is limited so please contact Woof Gang Bakery at 941-723-BARK (2275) or stop by their new store to reserve your spot!

Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay

Posted on November 21, 2009

Today I stopped by the Canine Christmas event at Bishop Animal Shelter in Bradenton to meet and photograph this young spotty boy for Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay. Howie J is just 4 1/2 years old and is a Dalmatian/Pointer mix. He is very sweet and I understand that he just adores children!  For more information on Howie J and other nice dogs available for adoption, please click here to visit Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay online.

Pet Portrait Day at Holistic for Pets

Posted on November 4, 2009

I’m excited to announce that Simply Spotted Photography will be having a pet portrait day this month at Holistic for Pets’ Bradenton location! I’ll be offering mini studio sessions from 10 am - 5 pm on Monday, November 23. And the best part? These sessions are only $20, plus I’ll be donating $5 for every session back to Southwest Florida Great Dane Rescue! This is a great opportunity to have your pet’s portrait taken and help out a great rescue organization in the process. Each session includes a 5×7 print, and additional print sizes will also be available. Just in time for the holidays!

Space is limited so be sure to reserve your spot today! You can either contact me directly or sign up at Holistic for Pets’ Bradenton location in the Sweetbay shopping plaza off I-70 in Lakewood Ranch. For directions and more information about Holistic for Pets, please visit their website.

Speaking of the holidays, there is still time to schedule a custom, on-location session for guaranteed print delivery in time for Christmas. I currently have weekday and a few weekend sessions remaining. Or, if you would prefer to give a session as a gift, I do offer gift certificates and I’d love to help you design the perfect package for your pet-loving friends and family. Please contact me for more information.

I’m really looking forward to a fun day at Holistic For Pets on November 23 - please feel free to call or e-mail me with any questions, or to reserve your spot. Hope to see you and your furry ones there!

The GulfCoast DOG Pet Extravaganza

Posted on October 14, 2009

I’m so excited to be participating in The GulfCoast DOG Magazine’s 2009 Pet Extravaganza that is coming up this Saturday, October 17 at the Sarasota/Bradenton International Convention Center. This is going to be a GREAT event! There will be over 125 pet related vendors from around the country, animal rescue groups, agility, flyball, and obedience demos, guest speakers, fun activities for the kids, lots of great giveaways, and MUCH MORE! Admission is only $5 for adults, $3 for kids 6 and over, and free for children 5 and under. Well-behaved dogs (on-leash) are also welcome! For more information, please click here.

In addition to having a booth, I’m also going to be offering mini portrait sessions, with a portion of the proceeds going to the animal rescue groups in attendance. You can also sign up to win a free session - please stop by and say hello!

Doggie Dining at Lakewood Ranch

Posted on July 21, 2009

Last Thursday I attended the first “Dining with Dogs” event at Lakewood Ranch - unfortunately I couldn’t stay for the whole event, but I did manage to snap a few pictures of two very cute pups while I was there - the first is Yogi, followed by Zeppelin…as in Led Zeppelin!

Every third Thursday of the month, participating Lakewood Ranch restaurants will offer special incentives for those dining with their doggies (in the outside patio areas) from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Last week the Humane Society of Manatee County and Woof Gang Bakery were also in attendance. Thank you to everyone who stopped by my Simply Spotted Photography booth, and congratulations to Tina for being selected as the lucky winner in my portrait session giveaway!