Meet Erin Vey

I am a dog lover first.

A photographer second.

By some random chance of fate, I was able to combine the two loves into the coolest job ever: A Dog Photographer

I grew up in a family where dogs were always an integral part of our lives and most importantly, members of the family. Most of my childhood was spent with various Basset Hounds of the lovable but extremely stubborn variety. We never had less than 2 at any given time, sometimes 3, and the occasional stray that one of us would bring home for a visit.

After a short stint doing portrait work, which I still love, I realized my true calling is capturing the essence and personality of dogs. Upon reflection, I feel that my time doing portrait work was not wasted. Because of it, my experience with portrait work flows beautifully into working with people and their dogs.

My husband and I are owned by the fabulous Miss Gracie, a 5 year old Great Dane who brings energy and life into our house. You’ll see her around here a lot, she loves having her portrait taken (at least I like to think so). She is a complete Diva and if you stick around long enough, you'll know what I'm talking about!

What an amazing adventure this has been so far. I’m so glad you are here experiencing it with me.

Engaged

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Chris + Jess are part of our extended family and are getting married in October. Although weddings are usually not my cup of tea, I am so honored to be able to shoot their wedding for them.

I got a chance to take a few days off over the holiday weekend, but I did pick up my camera briefly to take their engagement photos. We shot in beautiful Eastern Washington where most of my very favorite images originate. The light there is so beautiful and rich.

We wanted to make sure to get Lola + Sam into some of their images. Since they won’t be able to be at the wedding, we will make sure that their pictures are at the wedding so they will be there in spirit!

I’ll be the first to readily admit that I have no idea what I’m doing with engagement pics. I find shooting couples very challenging and way outside my comfort zone. When I’m not sure what I’m doing, I just default to making sure that we have a lot of fun. So we spent the afternoon trespassing, playing with the wind, dodging cars, and having cocktails.

Isn’t that how every engagement session is?

Here are a few of my faves.

Posted in clients, personal | Tags: Dog Photographer, Engagement, Erin Vey, golden retriever, Puggle, Seattle Dog Photographer

by Erin

11 comments

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beth - no long critique here, they are beautiful! I thought I was on the wrong blog for a moment! I love the last 2. I could see either one as an album cover.

Alex D. - Beautiful shots of the couple. Way to break the comfort/genre barrier. Your best bet is to say something clever to get people in the poses you want. Make them feel comfortable. Compare them to celebrities in a relevant way. If you want a girl to strike a certain pose, reference a popular photo of a celebrity doing a similar pose. Bring photos! Whatever helps you relax with the model. Don't be afraid to "not" do what the client asks you when it comes to things like engagement photos. You picked some great locations, and the poses are very relaxed and casual compared to standard engagement photos, which is totally awesome on your part. My only criticism is that you should use the same composition for the shots without the couple's dogs as you did the shots with them. The dog shots go the extra mile as far as composition goes. The other shots are almost perfect, they just feel a little "centered."

Jon and Lynn - Great job. We really like the fine work you did in these and look forward to the wedding photos. No pressure... Jon & Lynn (Jessica's in-laws to be)

Karrie Baker - You did a fantastic job!! Man, that blue dress looks AWESOME in those photos!!

Liz - Beautiful work!! You did a wonderful job.

Mernie - Beautiful photos! I especially love the colors in the top photo. Interesting that you left the paint can in the background. I find it symbolic, as relating to the work that is ahead for an engaged couple.

Kat Speyer - Hey Erin! These are wonderful engagement pictures... you did a GREAT job! That second image is superb. :-)

Kim Hayes - they are lucky to have such a talented cousin! ;) I looooove that last shot!!

claire - erin i think you did a beautiful job. i know what you mean though; engagements are such a far cry from dog photos. but you're truly talented with a camera, and these reflect that. i love that second b&w shot!

Amy Parsons - These are gorgeous. I simply adore #3. It took my breath away.... I love all of your work, you do such a fantastic job at anything you do.

Deann B. - I am so in love with that second image... they are lucky to have you, Erin!

Dog Photographer Erin Vey » Lifestyle Dog Photographer

Meet Erin Vey

Engaged