Four-Legged Photo

A Gargoyle in Portland

2011-11-19T21:57:00.001-08:00

This dog looks so much like a gargoyle that her owners couldn't get this idea out of their heads. They wanted an artistic shot of their dog Molly in her full gargoyle glory. Funny thing is that Molly is a goofball: all jumpy and kisses. Then, you put her in her wings and she channels the most stoic Notre Dame gargoyle! Now this was a unique and fun shoot.

Heart and Soul

2011-11-18T15:05:00.000-08:00

At just 6-months old, this gorgeous and unique-looking Labradoodle, Tate, was all heart and soul. Love him!

Christmas Shoots Have Begun!

2011-11-08T15:01:00.000-08:00

It may only be November, but the holiday shoots have begun! I do a variety of different photos for the holidays from a classic family photo with the dog to the goofy dog with a Santa hat. Here's one I thought was a bit funny from a recent shoot.

Who's naughty and who's nice!?!

Italian Sights & Pets

2011-11-01T14:58:00.000-07:00

For the first time in years I traveled with my professional camera. Usually, I take a point-n-shoot variety to make things simple. But it was Italy and it was my honeymoon! Here's a few photos of Italy and the pets who live there.

Venetian Pug!

A relaxed Venetian kitty.

This is cat in Tuscany we called Merlot. He was more than happy to eat my left-over pasta!

Me and Steve. :)

www.fourleggedphoto.com

2011-10-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

Pet Photography Holiday Sale!

It's that time of year again and our wildly popular holiday sale is about to begin. We have just 20 spots available for our Studio and "Fall Color Sessions." These sessions are 1/2 off regular prices and include a 10% discount on all purchases!

Additionally, gift certificates purchased in November come with an 11x14 print ($85 value!).

Or view our website information section: http://www.fourleggedphoto.com/#mi=1&pt=0&pi=9&p=-1&a=0&at=0

Pet Photography Class

2011-06-16T12:30:00.000-07:00

I am teaching a pet photography class on the 26th of this month at Newspace Center for photography. There are a few spots left! If you are interested, don't worry about the lighting requirement. I will do a crash course in studio lights. Just bring with you a digital or film SLR camera and be prepared to learn the tricks of the trade! Here's the class link: http://newspacephoto.org/class/pet-photography

And by the way...here's a few of the dog "models" you will be photographing.

Four-Legged Photo on TV!

2011-05-10T16:26:00.000-07:00

Did you catch me on kptv Channel 12 this morning talking about my work with the Oregon Humane Society? If not, check it out here: PHOTOGRAPHER CREATES CAMPAIGN FOR THE LUCKY 7

Spring in Portland...Boots 'n Paws

2011-04-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

This morning I shot at the Waterfront here in Portland. The trees were in full bloom and I couldn't have asked for cuter models! Grab your dog and go frolick by the Steel Bridge while it still looks gorgeous!

New Lucky 7 Valentine's Spotlight: Wicker at OHS

2011-02-14T16:47:00.000-08:00

This is Wicker, a dog from the Oregon Humane Society that is looking for the right home, maybe yours? Today, Wicker is ready to find his Valentine! I just photographed him and 6 other animals at OHS as part of the Lucky 7 project. Read more about it on my website in the "Lucky 7" portfolio: www.fourleggedphoto.com

Here's a note from Wicker: I am at Lexi Dog on 6100 SW Macadam Ave. Portland, OR ( 503-245-4363 ). Come meet me there! Hi there! My days are usually spent playing fetch in the back yard, taking long naps and spending time with my loved ones. I also walk nicely on leash. My favorite toys are tennis balls and I love to carry them around, retrieving and I even know to "drop" them for the next toss. I am very affectionate and love to receive all the attention I can get. I am used to a quiet home with adults and would prefer to keep it that way. The best part about me is that I have good house manners! I'm looking for a place where I can be spoiled and loved.

To find him online through OHS: http://www.oregonhumane.org/adopt/detail.asp?animalID=101718

Make my day!

2010-09-28T11:40:00.000-07:00

I just got back from the Oregon Humane Society where hundreds of gorgeous animals are excited to find a new home. I regularly photograph their animals that need a little extra exposure. My prints of these animals are displayed as a fine art exhibit at a dozen local businesses. Let's help these animals find their forever homes!

This time I focused on an aspect of each animal that I found unique. Here's the latest and greatest:

Scarlet: smart and affectionate

Sasha: loves dogs

Puppies: find one at OHS or your local shelter first

Kita: heart of gold

Catsper: Mr. Dapper with a great personality

Freckles: super friendly and still hopeful

To read more about them, check out the "Lucky 7" portfolio on my website: www.fourleggedphoto.com or go to www.oregonhumane.org

The Lucky 7 in Black and White

2010-07-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, The Lucky 7 is an art show that I display around town and on the web to help the long-term residents at the Oregon Humane Society find homes. I photograph seven animals every other month who are having trouble being placed in the right home. There are museum-style displays of the photographs at about a dozen different businesses who are very supportive of animal rescue: Intel, Cupcake Jones, The Dog House, Mt. Hood Medical, Cafe Destino, Lexi Dog (multiple locations), PetUtopia & The Burrito Bar. Every two months, the photos are replaced by volunteers with the current batch of seven animals.

It's amazing to me how this project has grown over the past year and a half. New businesses regularly contact me wanting to display the photos, wanting to help educate about the number of amazing animals just waiting for homes.

Here's the new batch of photos, all taken in black/white with an eye for photojournalism. Most of these pets are just being themselves, not looking at the camera. My favorite photo is Presley just being a hound dog. Please enjoy the photos here or at the businesses and consider adopting an animal that really needs and deserves a forever home with you.

Presley

Freckles

Tulip

Rayleigh

Autumn

Pepper (bonded with Autumn)

Getz

To view the pets at OHS, click here: http://www.oregonhumane.org/

The Islanders

2010-07-02T01:42:00.000-07:00

We were found on Sauvie Island, born to a wild mom. We are currently in foster care and being raised as house cats. In just a couple of weeks we will all be big enough to find our forever homes. (Right now we weigh just one pound each and are still growing!) If you are interested in adopting one of us, please email Alicia at fourleggedphoto@gmail.com and she will put you in contact with our human foster mom. We are each very unique and our foster mom would love to tell you all about us. Thanks!

Cedar Mill Veterinarians & DOGS!

2010-06-11T14:13:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of photographing the Cedar Mill Veterinarians with their dogs. In a couple of weeks, they will have new big photos on their walls of their dogs. We are also going to be photographing/framing/spotlighting one client's dog at a time who has a great survival story. And there are some amazing stories to tell! I will do my best to keep you posted about each of those special dogs.

It was so fun to watch these 3 dogs play in a field near the vet hospital. The first dog is Finn and his person is Dr. White. He is the "incredible flying dog!" Finn can't seem to get enough of the frisbee or that mud. As I write this, my pants are still wet and muddy from the shoot!! To me, that's a sign of a great photo shoot.

These dogs are Dr. Bailey's: Zuzu and Saucy. There's nothing like a good romp in a muddy field!

Cedar Mill Vet has been in business for over 20 years, just did an extensive remodel and has boarding areas for both dogs and cats. They are very friendly and always a joy to visit! For more information about this clinic, check out their website.
http://www.cedarmillvet.com/
12790 Northwest Barnes Road
Portland, OR 97229-6018
(503) 644-3101

Doggie Dash!

2010-05-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow on Sat the 15th we will be at Doggie Dash selling sale priced photo sessions/gift certificates for only $75. And here's the really cool part: ALL of that money goes directly to the Oregon Humane Society. Come out with your pooch and stop by the Four-Legged Photo booth!

Fruit-Sized Kittens

2010-05-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

It's almost kitten season again at all the shelters! This is a sneak peak at some photos that will go in the summer mailing from the Oregon Humane Society. I wanted the photos to be unique, say something about summer and show how little this kittens really are. My favorite is that calico with the pineapple.

Raylah Needs a Home

2010-04-13T15:46:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! As most of you know, I regularily photograph the long-term residents at the Oregon Humane Society to raise awareness and help them find homes. Oregon Live just featured one of these "Lucky 7" animals.

Check it out and forward on this link to anyone looking for a cat: http://www.oregonlive.com/pets/index.ssf/2010/04/pet_of_the_week_10-year-old_ra.html

Poofy Laid an Egg

2010-03-29T15:39:00.000-07:00

Good news...one of my 3 chickens just laid her first egg this morning! How do I know which chicken laid the egg? Well...due to her breed, Barred Rock, she will only lays brown eggs. Penelope will lay white eggs and Bella will lay greenish eggs (sometime soon I hope!). Here is the proud girl, all grown up now with her first egg.

The egg again!!

Noel the literary wonder

2010-03-26T13:00:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know that I adopted the sweetest little cat From Cat Adoption Team on Christmas Eve. Her name is Noel. Just a quick update to let everyone know that she is doing great and shows signs of learning very quickly. She has already mastered the Sunday paper and is thinking about joining my book club.

Rex...aren't I handsome?

2010-03-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

This amazing dog is Rex. His owner was inspired by a scene from the Soprano's to bring him in for a photo shoot. Whatever the reason, I am glad he did it. His vision for his dog's portrait was something regal, if a little over the top. We had fun getting some different shots and Rex was the perfect prince.

The Hippest Hound (Spring)

2010-03-12T13:00:00.000-08:00

Did you know that each season, The Hip Hound just off of NW 23rd St, picks one of my client's dogs to be "The Hippest Hound?" An 11x14 framed photo of the dog is displayed prominently in the store. The owner receives a $25 gift certificate to the store and the 11x14 photo (when the next dog is selected). To qualify, you just have to bring your dog in for a shoot!

This Spring, the lucky winner is Loki. You can read all about him on the The Hip Hound website. He has quite a good story about how he helped his young human recover from a liver condition at a young age.

Now, this boy makes organic dog treats for his dog and other dogs too. He sells them at LeoandCompany.etsy.com.

Rats and Pups at OHS!

2010-03-08T13:15:00.000-08:00

I opened my mail this weekend to find a couple of my photos on a letter from the Oregon Humane Society. I shot these last month, so I had almost forgotten about them. I was excited to see this sweet little rat as a full color image on the back of their envelope.

These puppies were featured in their letter too. They were raised in foster care with an OHS staff member. Their mom, pregnant at the time, was rescued from an awful puppy mill.

And by the way, all of these puppies were adopted last week within days of being back at the Oregon Humane Society. Funny little side-note...I received an email this morning from one of my wedding clients (yes, I photograph weddings too! aliciadickerson.com) that she adopted one of these pups. Small world!

Oregon Humane Society Shoots

2010-01-29T10:00:00.000-08:00

The Oregon Humane Society has so many great animals up for adoption, it's always my pleasure to take photos to help promote their cause.

These little pups went out as the cover photo in a recent mailing. And in case you were wondering, they were adopted immediately!

This is Cookie and she finally found her forever home on her third adoption. This photo is going to be the cover of the next OHS quarterly publication.

Engagement Session with...the dog!

2010-01-25T17:37:00.000-08:00

As some of you know, I am also a wedding photographer: aliciadickerson.com
I ALWAYS encourage couples to bring along their dogs to their engagement session. Unfortunately, I have only been to a couple of actual weddings where the dogs were able to attend. Holly and Chad were recently engaged and this photo was taken on the Eastbank Esplanade in Portland.

The dreaded question I often get is "Do you prefer to photograph dogs or people?" I stammer a bit at this question, but you can probably guess the answer!

Two Dozen Shoots!

2010-01-25T17:27:00.000-08:00

December was one busy month! I didn't have a free second to blog with all the pups needing their photos done for the holidays. I ended up doing 26 photo shoots in December. Here's just a couple of my favorites.

This is Jasper being the perfect dog model.

These two dogs were made into a 24x30" canvas wrap. What a great gift!

Denali was snuck out of his owner's house by a friend for this surprise Christmas photo shoot. He is now the homepage of my website. Good dog!

Pretty, Pretty Retired Kitty

2009-11-13T20:55:00.000-08:00

This is Hermes, a 10-month old cat who is already a champion. He is retiring from the life of a show-cat and his owner wanted photos to document the occasion. Hermes is excited to relax and be a house cat. It takes a lot of work to be so beautiful all the time!

Those eyes!

Cats love "da bird"

Those whiskers!

It's all fluff...

Rucks Rules' Family Photos

2009-11-04T11:26:00.000-08:00

If you don't know Ruckus the bulldog, you have to check out his website: http://www.ruckusrules.com/
He is an extraordinary dog with high ambitions & a kind heart! That's him in the front with the bow tie. He brought 3 other dogs and 6 humans for a family photo shoot. I just hope we have a few more days of this gorgeous fall weather!

Fall Photos

2009-10-20T17:43:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again...time for gorgeous fall photos of your family and dog. I took this photo today at Laurelhurst Park. It's going to be their family Christmas card. It's not too late to call and schedule your appointment! 503.281.6222

Doggie Palooza

2009-09-30T18:03:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I had a booth at the second annual Doggie Palooza at the World Forestry Center. It was so much fun meeting all the different dogs (and people!). I took photos of 26 dogs during the event. All of the dogs did great in front of the camera, despite the craziness! The money goes towards my "Lucky 7 Photography Project" with the Oregon Humane Society to help promote pets who are having a little trouble getting adopted.

First, here's the official tester of my photo booth. Thanks Dad!

And here's the pups!

Your photos were mailed out today. To see all your photos online, go to:
http://www.aliciadickersonstore.com/Four-Legged-Portraits/Doggie-Palooza-Photos/9811278_pBaCx#666331789_YGdzW

Chicks!

2009-09-16T15:24:00.000-07:00

I am excited to introduce my new baby chickens! They are tiny and comfortably living in the basement for now. They will be able to move outside to their coop in November. This was their first trip outside and they loved it!

I am so little!

"Pecky" has just a few real feathers growing on her wing.

It's a tough job!

2009-09-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

I have been working with North Portland Veterinary Hospital to redo all their wall photos. With over 40 staff, it's a pretty big place! I did custom photo shoots and included about 8 staff members and their pets. The pictures are now hanging and depict dogs, cats and even a couple of chickens. We had one dog who couldn't make it to our photo shoot day, so he came for a make-up photo shoot. And wouldn't you know it...he was dressed as a PIG! I adore pigs (and of course dogs too!) and had a great time with this little dog. And if you are in need of an excellent vet in Portland, check out North Portland Veterinary Hospital. Their staff (and their pets) are wonderful!

The Littles (adopt us!)

2009-09-02T16:28:00.000-07:00

"The Littles" are 3 sweet little kittens who are almost ready to find their forever homes. Their human foster mom found them abandoned in a pile of tires on Sauvie Island when they were just a week old. For the first few weeks she fed them every two hours, even in the middle of the night. Without a cat mom, their chances of survival were 50/50. These three have done great and were more than happy to strut their stuff for a photo shoot. I just couldn't resist putting their photos online. Their foster mom's house is already full with dogs and cats, so she is looking for the best possible homes for The Littles. If you are looking for a new kitty or know someone who is, drop me an email and I can put you in touch with their foster mom.

Grizzelda enjoys her golden years

2009-08-21T16:27:00.000-07:00

I first photographed Grizzelda, her two humans and the cat, J.C., a year ago in my studio. Now, she is enjoying her last few weeks of life. I have had the privilege to photograph many dogs who were about to pass. It's a bittersweet time. Grizzelda is one of those wonderful dogs whose health is starting to fail, but she remains happy and fully engaged in life. Dogs never cease to amaze me. Her owner told me that she will go out of this world with her tail wagging. That's beautiful.

60th Birthday Surprise

2009-08-20T21:56:00.000-07:00

Tuff's owner was surprised on her 60th birthday with a huge (24"x36"!) print of him in the forest. I met her husband and best friend for the photo shoot at their stables when she was out of town. Tuff is the love her life, so it was my job to capture his calm spirit and handsome presence. I love being around horses and can't wait for the next horse photo shoot!

Who's in the Doghouse?

2009-08-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

I just photographed three sweet dogs for the opening of "The Dog House," a new doggie daycare in Portland's South Waterfront neighborhood. These are the owner's dogs who get to go to daycare every day!http://www.thedoghouseportland.com/ghouseportland.com/

The dogs did great and will be displayed behind the store's counter for everyone to see!

The Dog House is also displaying a full set of my
"Lucky 7" photographs. These are the photos of long-term resident dogs from the Oregon Humane Society who are looking for homes. Best of luck to The Dog House for their opening this Friday!

The Dog Show: Photos!

2009-08-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to "The Dog Show" opening on Thursday night. There were about 200 people and dozens of dogs. The show runs through September 19th, so you still have time to go see it. Here's some photos of my exhibit "Finding Home," complete with the big frames made from an old/well-loved dog house.

(photos by Andie Petkus Photography)

The Dog Show

2009-08-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

It's almost time for the big opening of my exhibit! Please read all about it and I hope you can come!

A day at the beach!

2009-08-08T09:07:00.000-07:00

When it was 106 degrees in Portland, Maya, Steve and I headed to coast for a few days! Maya enjoyed digging holes into the wet sand and becoming a mer-dog.

The Dog Show

2009-07-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

In August I am participating in a dog-themed art show entitled "The Dog Show." Click on the flier for more info. On opening night I will be doing photos of dogs with the proceeds benefiting animal rescue. My photo display is based on the theme "Rescued: A Life Fully Lived" and will highlight about 50 dogs from the Oregon Humane Society along with 3 stories of people and the dogs who rescued them (and vice versa!). More to come as we get closer to the event!

School Photos for my Pets

2009-07-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

So, I just photographed and printed some big prints of my 3 pets for the walls. I wanted them to look somewhat like school portraits. Beaumont, my spotty cow-cat, is young and I think this looks like his 1st grade portrait. He is a spaz in real life, but he put on a good face for his first portrait session (at least for about 2 seconds!). Maya, my Aussie-mix, is going through a phase. She is exploring her individuality and mentioned something about punk. This is her 8th grade photo & am sure it will pass by high school. And Roscoe P. Coltrane is posing for his 5th grade portrait. He's looking older and a little bigger, but is feeling a bit awkward. He hopes the girls like his wild collar and won't make fun of him. I think he will grow into quite the charmer!

A Puppy For Your Thoughts

2009-07-23T15:34:00.000-07:00

My new card line is called "A Puppy for your Thoughts." Details to come very soon! Here's the logo:

First Posting: Lucky 7 Pets!

2009-07-16T15:50:00.001-07:00

This is the first posting on my new blog and I am excited to show the new photos from the Oregon Humane Society! Every other month I photograph a handful of their long-term residents in hopes of finding them homes. I post their photos on my website, http://www.fourleggedphoto.com/, and put their photos around town at 8 local businesses. You can read more about each pet in the "Lucky 7" porfolio on my website. And please spread the word about these awesome animals who are looking for their forever homes!