Heather Ogg Photography

Dogs in Canada Magazine - October Issue

2008-10-02T18:08:00.010-04:00

Check out my new ad in the October 2008 issue of Dogs in Canada!

For those of you who don't know the story behind the photo of our dog Maggie used in the ad, here it is again:

Around our house, my kids like to play dress up with our dogs. The dogs are so used to having their photos taken that as soon as we set up the studio they come along and sit in all of the shots. Because we were taking vintage portraits, the costumes were out and so my kids started dressing up the dogs. Although Maggie looks pretty fed up in this photo, all the other photos taken during this session show her happy-go-lucky self. This mid-blink shot made us laugh so much it has become a family favorite. It is our tribute to all the dogs who have ever played dress up with little girls and boys.

SPCA Monteregie Website Design

2008-10-01T17:50:00.007-04:00

Although many people are concerned about social responsibility and animal rights, they may not necessarily have the means to donate financially to organizations like the SPCA Monteregie. I believe there are many creative ways people can donate within their means. On the heels of the recent scandal at the Montreal SPCA, I wanted to help my local SPCA. I decided to donate a newly designed website and some photography to the SPCA Monteregie, on Montreal’s south shore. And as a result, I have made some wonderful new friends!

I redirected their marketing strategy towards the fact that these are great pets and that people can do great things by adopting them. I adopted one of my dogs, a pure Labrador Retriever named Charlotte, at the SPCA Monteregie eight years ago and she has been a wonderful dog.

The new website is online at www.spcamonteregie.com and has new and continuously updated information with features such as a direct link to petfinder.com, online donation capability, advertising, a new blog, and more.

The Flower of Flanders Poppy Wins Best in Show

2008-09-19T18:11:00.006-04:00

Well you all know by now that I really like Bouvs. Here is an ad I did recently using a shot from one of my photo shoots. The ad was for a fabulous Bouvier des Flandres breeder, and new found friend, in Knowlton, Quebec. It was for a series of dog shows in the Maritimes which included 15 judgings in 3 cities. What made it even more exciting was winning Best in Show with show and judging concurrent with the Maritime Group 7 judging. For a breeder and kennel it does not get better!

Lovable Lily

2008-08-31T11:52:00.012-04:00

Here is Lily the chocolate lab who is obsessed with her Kong toy, and the family pool. When we pitched the kong in the water she jumped in and actually swam down to the bottom to retrieve it. Then she swam around with it in her mouth and brought it back to us to do it again and again. She was so happy it was hysterical. She is too cute! I love them labs!

Back in the Saddle

2008-08-18T15:44:00.012-04:00

We are back from Prince Edward Island after an extended stay. Our brakes died on our last day and so we got 3 extra days on the island. Excellent! Brackley Beach on a beautiful sunny day is a great place to wait for a tow truck. Can't complain about that.

I found myself exercising our dear friend's racehorse in the mornings which was an absolute dream for me! I also played the fiddle on the Montague 8-enders Curling Club float in a parade in Murray River. You can imagine my surprise when I heard my name screamed from the sidelines by our friends Dougal and Annie from Ontario. Hilarious! So of course we had them out to the farm for an afternoon of fun.

This year we had a total of 31 Oggs which was lots of fun, but made all logistics quite hellish. I have SO MANY photos I cannot possibly post them on my blog. So I am back, and things are crazy busy!

Famille extraordinaire

2008-08-18T15:02:00.006-04:00

On their way home from PEI to France, our niece and her lovely family stayed with us and got to visit Montreal. Of course, I couldn't let such a beautiful family leave without photographing them! Merci Jess !

The Pupparazzi Returns

2008-07-11T17:01:00.008-04:00

I returned to photograph more of Charlotte and Boaz with their new clips and by the end of the shoot they were exhausted. Do you know how hard it is to exhaust a Bouvier??? A lot! We were very busy playing for hours and I must admit that I the next day I was feeling it! But look at that dog. What a beauty! I feel like a kid when I'm playing with these dogs. I laugh the whole time. What a joy!

Beautiful Bouvier des Flandres Breeder

2008-07-11T16:30:00.014-04:00

Last week I was fortunate to get to photograph more Bouviers for a first class breeder. Photographing for a breeeder is different in that our goal is to show off the breed, which wasn't hard to do considering the calibre of dog and how well trained they were. We hooked this working breed up to a cart and it was wonderful seeing a dog so happy at her work. We also had a bunch of fun playing 'hide the cookie in the birdbath' with laughs all around. The great thing about hanging with dog people... is hanging with dog people. They just get you. I am completely hooked on this breed; intelligent, well-behaved and a sense of humour. Great dogs!

Boxer Bailey

2008-07-11T16:19:00.008-04:00

Introducing Bailey, Prince Edward Island's latest hell raiser. Kidding! Bailey is the sweetest little love bug you'll ever snuggle. And the puppy smell... umm... puppy smell...

New Macro Nose Lens

2008-07-06T18:34:00.010-04:00

I am thrilled with my new Macro (Nose) Lens. Charlotte and Maggie helped me take it for a test run and it's great. My dogs love having their photos taken. It's so funny!

Beautiful Baby Guillaume

2008-06-21T17:42:00.008-04:00

Introducing beautiful Baby Guillaume. What a cutie! We took both natural light and studio shots during this session and 3-month old Guillaume was just yummy.

But when this photo of Baby Guillaume appeared in the shape of a heart I was a little freaked out. So although I’d like to say that it was my idea, truth be told it was all Guillaume’s doing.

Love Them Bouvs

2008-06-15T07:38:00.010-04:00

Bouviers are incredible dogs! This was my first time interacting with this breed and I'm sold. The very fabulous Charlotte and Boaz looked like huge medieval beasts romping and playing on their farm, but were actually incredibly gentle giants. I was on the ground taking shots while they ran and played. Just when I thought they were going to crash into me at full speed, they'd just tap me enough to make me loose my balance. I laughed so much I was snorting. And I don't normally snort. I'm going back to take more photos and I can't wait to see them again!

More Vintage Portraits

2008-05-30T14:57:00.011-04:00

Finally more vintage portraits! I have had this idea for months and finally got around to taking the shots. You may know from past blog entries, that I love all things vintage. These photos will go fabulously with previous vintage shots I took of my other daughter. I now have a set of timeless portraits of my girls to keep for all time and I am thrilled.

Gift Certificates; A Great Idea for an Original Gift

2008-05-22T19:40:00.008-04:00

Here are my newly designed Gift Certificates; an ideal gift for friends, family and co-workers. I worked in a corporate office environment for many years and can remember the collection envelopes getting passed around when someone was getting married, having a baby, or retiring. Then came the inevitable, "What do we get them?" How about a Gift Certificate for a photo session? It's a very special gift that will last a lifetime. Gift Certificates are available from $50 and up. It's a great idea, so pass it on!

Beautiful Baby Session

2008-05-14T15:35:00.023-04:00

I have had a great response to my free baby and maternity sessions! The first baby session went very well and Baby Mathieu was absolutely adorable. Thank you Mathieu! I have had many people contact me to say they are interested, but please note that you must book your session in order to receive the free session, $150 value, 30% off my regular print and DVD prices. Minimum purchase of $100 required. So contact me and book your free baby and/or maternity session today!

Artist Susan Pepler Still Fabulous

2008-05-14T12:26:00.007-04:00

I went to a fabulous art show in Knowlton, Quebec on Mother's Day. Susan Pepler, my dear friend of 20 years, was holding her May Flowers Art Exhibition at the Brome County Museum. It was, as she is; fabulous. We studied Illustration and Design in College years ago and even then she was a super talent. I used to say that we could both draw a straight line on a drawing pad, and you could tell which one was Susan's. I am lucky enough to own two of her paintings, which provide me with inspiration and joy. Susan continues to exhibit throughout the year with plans for another show in Knowlton this July. I highly recommend you spend a lovely afternoon surrounded by the beautiful works of Susan Pepler. Particularly if you, or someone you know, is in the market for some fabulous original artwork.

Visit http://www.susanpepler.com/

Product Photography

2008-04-30T10:48:00.006-04:00

Family Portrait Session

2008-04-30T10:27:00.012-04:00

Here is a fun family portrait session I did this month. These beautiful kids got together and did a photo session as a birthday gift for their mother. Aren't they beautiful? Of course they are, they are my step-children! LOL. (Okay so I'm a tad biased.) Thanks darlins'!

Free Maternity & Baby Sessions

2008-04-23T19:24:00.019-04:00

I am offering free maternity & baby sessions to the first 3 people who contact me! This is a $150 value. You will also receive one 8×12 print as well as 30% off of my regular print prices. Babies should be newbies to one year, and will be natural light shots in your home. I photographed my own babies in the past, resulting in close to a gugillion photos, however that was pre-digital, and I want to grow my portfolio. This is a very limited time offer valid in the greater Montreal area. Minimum purchase of $100 required. Please contact me if you are interested!

Romy, Victor & Edouard

2008-04-23T19:14:00.012-04:00

Here are the very beautiful and funny Romy, Victor and Edouard! These kids were great during our photo session which included both studio, and natural light shots taken in my home while the kids played with my dogs and musical instruments. A big thank you from me to this extremely photogenic bunch!

Allegro & Figaro

2008-04-08T10:31:00.007-04:00

Many people ask if I photograph cats. The answer is yes! I love cats and was lucky enough to photograph two lovely Balinese cats this weekend; Allegro and Figaro. They were so elegant!

Photography Totes Available Soon!

2008-04-02T16:35:00.018-04:00

I am looking into offering these photography totes to my customers. Choose your favorite photo from our session and have a snazzy bag made. Available in small, medium or grande, microfibre of leather trim with choice of 4 interior colours; red, green, pink or black. Fun!

Lab Puppies at the SPCA Monteregie

2008-03-25T19:52:00.007-04:00

I spent my morning photographing this beautiful chocolat Lab. Her littermates are up for adoption at the SPCA Monteregie south of Montreal. We got our beautiful black Lab Charlotte there 8 years ago and she has been a wonderful dog. So if you know someone who is looking for a beautiful pet, tell them to visit the SPCA Monteregie.

Photo of the Month

2008-03-16T14:14:00.005-04:00

Around our house, my kids like to play dress up with our dogs. The dogs are so used to having their photos taken that as soon as we set up the studio they come along and sit in all of the shots. Because we were taking vintage portraits, the costumes were out and so my kids started dressing up the dogs. Although Maggie looks pretty fed up in this photo, all the other photos taken during this session show her happy-go-lucky self. This mid-blink shot made us laugh so much that I couldn't help but post it. It is our tribute to all the dogs who have ever played dress up with little girls and boys.

Vintage Photo Shoot

2008-03-16T10:56:00.023-04:00

I love things with history; antiques, estate jewelry, old farm houses, flappers, Model T's and retro design styles. Everything from the 1920s through the 1940s had such a fabulous look and feel.

With that in mind, I wanted to try photographing vintage portraits of children. So I called on a few old girlfriends I studied Illustration & Design with in College, to grab their kids and come over for pizza, photos and fun. Children are naturally beautiful, but photographing them can be a challenge if you try and control the shoot. You have to let them do what they want to capture a nature look. So be quick and take lots of photos! We had a great time, including face painting for the kiddies afterward by Nancy of Doodlebugfaces.

Thanks everyone!

Jukki & Kooza

2008-02-07T16:26:00.001-05:00

Two exceptionally wonderful dogs stole my heart last weekend. Jukki, a Siberian Husky, and Kooza, a cute-as-it-gets Beagle mix were an extremely entertaining duo having serenaded me in true husky fashion. Brilliant!

Nose of the Month

2008-02-07T16:05:00.001-05:00

My favorite shots tend to be the ones I miss!

Digital Photographic Imaging Demystified

2008-01-18T11:13:00.003-05:00

I love taking pictures. I love getting out of my studio, going on-location and being with my clients. I love the action and fun of a shoot. But afterwards, I love sitting in my studio (dogs underfoot) and taking the images to a whole new level.

Digital Photographic Imaging is what people refer to as 'photoshopping'. It is post-shoot production work. The photo shoot is just the beginning. Just as film photographers used to work in the darkroom, today photographers use Photoshop to enhance photos and turn them into works of art.

Most clients do not realize that photographers are spending a substantial amount of time after the shoot on digital imaging to give them the best photos possible. Some purists consider it cheating. But I disagree. Photography should be looked at as an art form, in a state of continuous expansion and growth.

Photo of the Month

2008-01-13T15:20:00.001-05:00

This is my dog Charlotte, named after Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. You will see alot of her throughout my work. I love going out with my dogs and taking their photos. She and my other dog Maggie are so used to having me take their photos, they actually bump the camera lens with their noses. They know it drives me crazy! I have so many photos of dog noses it's pretty hilarious.

How did I get here?

2008-01-13T15:01:00.000-05:00

I have been a professional graphic designer for 17 years and photographing for 26. But in between Creative Arts, and Illustration and Design studies at college, I was a veterinary assistant with aspirations of becoming a dog trainer. However the creative in me chose to pursue design and photography, which lead to a very successful career.

I have had a lifelong love affair with cats, dogs and horses. I was one of those ‘horse-crazy’ girls, obsessed with getting a horse that would live in the backyard. The fact that so many other kids had the same imaginings proved it to be within the realm of possibility.

After 15 years working in design studios and corporations, I decided to leave my senior graphic design job in the aviation industry to start my own home-based Creative Design business; Updriven Productions, so that I could be home for my two young children, and two dogs.

Over the years I have been asked to photograph a number of weddings and events. My husband, who studied photography in college, was a constant source of support and encouragement. Then a client of mine who has mold detection dogs asked me to photograph her dogs, and all the pieces started to fall into place.

So this is my horse in the backyard. Being a dog photographer is in the realm of possibilities, all things considered. I am now focusing both the design and photography sides of my business on the animal industry. And I couldn’t be happier.

Local photographer gone to the dogs.

2008-01-13T14:22:00.001-05:00

Local photographer Heather Ogg is focusing on pet photography. In addition to 17 years in Design Communications, Heather has been photographing since 1982. She is a passionate designer, photographer, musician, and animal-lover.

“Most people know me as a designer, but my photography experience goes even farther back starting in 1982, and my design style has always relied heavily on great photography,” comments Heather. “So I have officially launched Heather Ogg Photography specializing in landscape, people, event and particularly animal photography.”

Her love for animals, particularly dogs and horses, is naturally leading to a large portion of pet portraits in her portfolio. Before studying design, Heather worked as a veterinary assistant in Dorval and had aspirations of becoming a trainer with Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. However she decided to pursue design and photography and couldn’t be happier that animals are now playing such a large role in her business.

“Photographing dogs is not graceful work. You’re either crawling on the floor dragging lights around, or up to your butt in snow.” She laughs. “But it gives us a keepsake of a cherished family member we only get to enjoy for a little while during our lifetime.”

Heather’s work will be on display at the Lakeside Art Festival being held at the Saint Bruno United Church in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec on Saturday January 26, 2008 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Admission is $8.00.

Heather grew up in Montreal, Canada, where she studied Creative Arts, Illustration & Design, and Photography. She has worked in design studios as well as in corporate environments, and now runs her own Creative Design & Photography business; Updriven Productions, located on Montreal’s south shore in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec.

For more information contact Heather Ogg at:
heather@updriven.com
514.554.5141