Annual Magazine
your complimentary copy
featured session with
the mark family quick tips for a
perfect portrait session PET FRIENDLY RECIPES to make your dog drool!
grooming tips for
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of our favourite
toys & treats your pets will love
furry family ALSO INSIDE: • • •
LETTERS FROM YOU MEET OUR PHOTOGRAPHER THE PORTRAIT PROCESS, FROM SHOOT TO PRINT
AND M UCH MOR E!
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Location, Location, Location! pg 13
Meet Caitlin pg 4
The Original Paw Print pgs 14-17
CONTENTS MEET CAITLIN .................................................................04 Get to know the photographer behind the lens. Caitlin lives and breathes for her own family of furkids - her souldog Lyra and two cheeky kittens Ava and Pan.
Imagine owning beautiful, quality pet portraits that reflect the soul of your best friend. Personalised artwork that makes your heart sing with joy. Photographs that you will cherish for a lifetime. Ragamuffin Pet Photography specialises in creating stunning artwork that captures everything you love about your furry family. Renowned for her earthy style and cheerful patience, Caitlin McColl combined her passion for animals with her professional expertise to create Ragamuffin Pet Photography, a leader in the industry of animal portraiture. We travel to the homes of pet owners throughout Victoria and Australia to create artistic photography that celebrates wagging tails, soulful eyes, funny quirks and above all else, unconditional love. To enquire about booking your own Ragamuffin Pet Photography session, call 0459 027 945 or visit www.ragamuffinpetphotography.com.au 2
LETTERS FROM YOU ......................................................05 Our Ragamuffin families are always gushing about their experience. Read some of our favourite love letters, or visit the facebook page to interact with other fans.
furry family fabulous ............................................06 An insight into one of our favourite sessions with some tips on how to make your own session a success.
THE RAGAMUFFIN PROCESS ........................................08 A quick guide to the timeline involved in a Ragamuffin Experience, from shoot to print.
RECIPES FOR RAGAMUFFINS .......................................10 Treat your dogs with delicious honey apple muffins and stop by the blog for more pet friendly recipes.
It’s a date! ....................................................................12 What to expect on the day of your session, with tips on locations, rainy day strategies and how to make the most of your shoot.
The Dog Hero pgs 18-19
Groovy grooming for perfect pooches pgs 26-27
What to Wear pgs 32-33
The original paw print .............................................................14 Introducing the Original Paw Print, our exclusive approach to pet photography. You won’t be able to resist commisioning your own once you see the striking options available!
the dog hero ..............................................................................18 An extract from our interview with Little Muse, a collective for Australia and New Zealand’s leading lifestyle photographers.
Post Production .......................................................................21 Heard the term but not sure what we’re talking about? A brief explanation of the intricate digital work that goes into every Ragamuffin portrait.
Golden Hour pg 22
Your Style on Display pg 22
the story of love ......................................................................28 Is your wall space non-existant? Do you adore artisan coffee table books? Ragamuffin Albums tell the story of your pet.
toys & treats ...............................................................................30 Some of our favourite pet friendly products, from doggy bakeries to kitty whirly balls.
what to wear ...............................................................................32 Our wardrobe recommendations for your session, including tricks to make you look fabulous and tips about what you should avoid.
frequently asked questions ................................................34 FINE ART PRINTS ............................................................................22 A CD won’t make you cry tears of joy or evoke your happiest memories. We’re dedicated to providing you with the highest quality artwork that you will be able to enjoy for a lifetime, with three stunning fine art options ready to hang immediately in your home.
FEATURE PROJECT: MISUNDERSTOOD .......................................24 Our plea for sense and education with regards to Breed Specific Legislation. Let’s make safety and fairness our top priority.
GROOVY GROOMING .....................................................................26 Want to bring the salon into your home? Here are some handy hints and tips for easy grooming of your pets.
In-Home Design Consultations pg 8 3
MEET
Caitlin
Hello! My name is Caitlin, the artist behind Ragamuffin Pet Photography. I live in a very colourful home with my very scruffy family: my highschool sweetheart, Johnny and our three rescued furbabies. Our girls are Lyra (pictured with me here) and her two cheeky feline sisters, Kirjava and Pantalaimon. Their unconditional love and loyalty fills me with joy every single day. You will recognise Lyra throughout my work - she is my best friend, my muse, my inspiration and has become the mascot for Ragamuffin Pet Photography. The second passion of my life is photography. I picked up my first little point-and-shoot camera at the tumultuous cusp of puberty, and threw myself into exploring my world through a lens. I discovered that I feel my most ALIVE behind the camera. By the time I was 16, I had started winning awards and exhibiting my work internationally. I studied fashion photography in London and then New York City on a scholarship. In 2008 I moved to Melbourne with Johnny to complete my Bachelor of Arts in Photography. I enjoyed photographing perfect, beautiful people (duh! who wouldn’t?!) but deep down I was aching for something more. More meaningful, more passionate, more SOUL. And so, at 20 years old I launched Ragamuffin Pet Photography. I didn’t have a speck of business knowledge, but I did have a camera round my neck, a heart full of love and my scruffy little family by my side. Turns out that is all you really need, because now I am the proud owner of this very HAPPY and successful boutique business. I spend my time creating beautiful artwork and meeting sweet furry ragamuffins ~ life is awesome!
RAGAMUFFIN PET PHOTOGRAPHY
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letters from you
Ken Cavanagh What a fantastic experience - a great photographer who genuinely loves and ‘gets’ dogs, and can really capture their personality. The dogs had a blast, got lots of cuddles and we got some fabulous images of our furry family. It’s so good to find a photographer who works in the dogs environment rather than making the dogs try to work in a studio.
Susan Taylor Ragamuffin Pet Photography brought out the best side of our girl, Sally! So much time was spent gaining her trust, patting and playing with her that Sally’s happiness shone through in the photos! We are so happy with the way Caitlin captured her personality.
Karena Buddy
Thank you so much - my husband was so surprised and happy with the beautiful portraits of his dog, Brooklyn. They looked wonderful! Thanks again Caitlin, you did a fantastic job!!!
Philippa Chalkitis
It was an absolute pleasure to have Caitlin come to visit us and capture the preciousness of our gorgeous dog. She truly has a special talent for this kind of work.
Emily Lorenzo
Thank you! You are so amazing with animals. My pets had a ball during the photoshoots (pun intended!). I love that you never pressure the animals to pose for the camera or to be in a certain position. My pets were completely themselves and relaxed.
Claire Byast A GREAT EXPERIENCE! We have two old dogs - a black lab and a blind pug. Caitlin was so patient with both of them. She made them feel completely at ease. Our blind dog is usually quite grumpy but he was putty in Caitlin’s hands. The photos are incredible - beautiful pieces of art to hang on my wall. Highly recommended.
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO CAITLIN@RAGAMUFFINPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.AU
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SPOTLIGHT ON: THE MARK FAMILY
FURRY FAMILY FABULOUS Rachel and James have so many pets they could run an animal shelter. Which is exactly what they’ve decided to do. Earlier this year they opened their hearts and arms to animals in need with “The Mark’s Ark”. This passion for rescued pets started when the couple adopted Bruce the Ridgeback X, Tess the Border Collie and Charlie the Pug. We photographed the trio enjoying the freedom of their favourite park. A truly WANT TO SEE MORE FUN FAMILY SESSIONS? Check out our ragamuffinpetphotography.com.au for recent shoots and session information. 6
“Caitlin is amazing at her job. Our photos are gorgeous and I know that she loves animals as much as she loves photographing them. I would recommend her to anyone looking for beautiful shots of their furkids.” - Rachel Mark
beautiful sight when you remember that none of them had a happy start to life! Since their portraits were designed to appear above the mantle, I advised Rachel and James to go with a simple canvas series. Soft and natural, these finished photographs reflect the bond that this animal loving couple shares with their furkids at the Mark’s Ark.
CHARLIE
Charlie was rescued from a puppy farm, with a terrible, untreated eye infection. She was very shy and completely untrained when her parents adopted her, but with a lot of love and care Charlie has blossomed into a happy, snuggly little pug.
TESS
Tess is the eldest of the bunch, at a sprightly 11 years old. When she was only 2, Tess almost lost her life because her owners decided they didn’t want her anymore. Luckily, she was rescued and now Tess spends her days chasing balls and playing with Bruce, her doggy husband.
BRUCE
Although Bruce the Brave just turned 9 years old, he still acts like a puppy! His parents think Bruce was probably chained up for most of his life due to the deep scar around his neck. He had loads of fun at the park during our session - even managed to sneakily nab Charlie’s favourite squeak toy!
GET THE LOOK
Decide before the session what look you are going for. Where in your home will your portraits be displayed? The Mark home is full of natural textiles and warm colours, so we headed to the park for earthy tones that were guaranteed to match their decor. If you have a modern style, perhaps the clean, fresh feel of a beach session would be more suited to your home? A funky, graffitied alley will look fantastic in a home with bright, bold colours.
TIME TO RELAX
Calm your own lens nerves, as your furkids will definitely sense if you are tense. Remember, relaxed parents have more fun, which helps your pets feel more comfortable for the best shots.
OSCAR’S LAW
Visit oscarslaw.org for more information about puppy farms.
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the ragamuffin process FROM SHOOT
TO PRINT
Here at Ragamuffin Pet Photography, we appreciate that life can get busy! Here is a helpful timeline to help you to understand the process we will go through to create your treasured memories:
2 WEEKS
2-3 WEEKS
After discussing any of your specifications and wishes, you will fill in the Client Welcome Form online. This form helps us customise your session so that it suits you and your family perfectly.
It’s time for your in-home ordering session and design consultation. For your convenience, interstate families can have their ordering session online.
BEFORE YOUR SESSION:
2 DAYS
BEFORE YOUR SESSION: We send you a short confirmation text and weather check.
THE DAY OF YOUR SESSION:
Caitlin will start the session slowly, letting your animals become familiar with all the equipment and the new situation. Lots of yummy treats and toys are involved here! Prepare to have fun during our session it’s time to shower your pets with love.
1 WEEK
AFTER YOUR SESSION: We start narrowing down the images from your session to the very best of the best and begin the process of editing. We also post a sneak peak online. 8
AFTER YOUR SESSION:
At your ordering session you will see your 25 artist selected proofs for the first time. They will each be fully processed in the Ragamuffin signature style for ultimate wow-factor. We will guide you through the ordering process to ensure that you own the perfect products, sizes and photos for your home, style and budget. We will also design your gorgeous album or measure your walls for a beautiful display of your portraits for your home.
4-5 WEEKS
AFTER YOUR SESSION: Your artwork and albums are ready for pickup! At this time we also provide a client care packet which will ensure a long life for your artwork. feline crazy! no cat is too shy with the Ragamuffin Patience Policy
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recipes for ragamuffins These honey apple muffins go down a treat for special occasions - Caitlin baked them for Lyra’s 2nd Birthday. Check out the Ragamuffin blog for more pet friendly recipes and other ways to spoil your pets.
Makes 12 regular muffins, or use a 24-cup cupcake tray if you’re baking for a puppy party.
Ingredients:
~ 4 cups self-raising flour ~ 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ~ 1 tsp. ground nutmeg ~ 4 tbsp. honey ~ 4 tbsp. vegetable oil ~ 1.5 cups water ~ 2 eggs, well beaten (keep the shells) ~ 1 apple ~ 2 carrots ~ 3/4 cup rolled oats
1. Preheat your oven to 200*C and grease your muffin tray. 2. Whisk the eggs and crunch up the shells. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, honey, oil, eggs, shells and water. 4. Whisk together with an electric beater. Make sure the mixture is well combined before you start whisking, otherwise you will end up with a flour-y, egg-y mess all over your body and your kitchen (spoken from experience)!
5. Peel and grate the apple and the carrots. 6. Mix in the apple and carrot with the egg/flour mixture until it has a thick cake mix consistency. Add more water if necessary. 7. Divide the mixture evenly between the muffin cups. Sprinkle the rolled oats on top. 8. Place in the centre of the oven and cook for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Give them to your pets to enjoy!
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“
Thank you so much. You are friendly, professional, relaxed and take gorgeous photos! I am always impressed watching you lay down in the dirt to get the perfect shot, not even thinking twice about getting dirty! I would happily recommend your services to others. Thank you from the bottom of my ~ and all the rescued furkids ~ heart for all of your fabulous work for Pets Haven! We LOVE working with you, and playing with you, and visiting you and your awesome family!!!
“
~ Kirstie Scicluna ~ Pets Haven Animal Rescue Foundation
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It’s a date!
what to expect the day of your shoot
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Location, location, location: Usually we will start at your home, photographing your pets in their most comfortable environment. We recommend staying in the home for cats, but if your dog is confident in new surroundings, we can move onto a second outdoor location. We scout locations constantly and we are always open to your creative suggestions!
Off Leash: We try to stick to off-leash friendly locations. However, your pet’s safety is our number one priority, so if you are not confident in their recall or you choose a location that isn’t off-leash friendly (e.g. urban shoots) then leashes can be removed digitally.
Pets are fun!: This shoot will be full-on fun, complete with laughs, hugs and play time. You can’t fake love; when you’re with your pets, exuberance and spontaneity take over for the most natural, honest images. Be yourself!
Time flies: We work quickly capturing natural images so photography doesn’t feel like a chore. The Ragamuffin Patience Policy means there are no time limits on your session, so don’t stress if your pet takes a while to warm up to strangers.
RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY Outdoor shoots often offer the best available light and surroundings for your pooch portraits. But if Mother Nature threatens to rain on our parade, don’t worry, we’ve got: Plan A: We’ll call to discuss our options and reschedule for another day.
Treats for the sweet: We will bring lots of yummy treats for your pets, that will have us making best friends in no time!
Plan B: We can stay inside your home for your session. Plan C: Adventurous? We have the skills and protective gear. If storm chaser weather develops, 13 we’ll finish the session inside.
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paw print THE ORIGINAL
Highly stylised and imaginative artwork featuring your very own furry family. The Original Paw Print is an exclusive service from Ragamuffin Pet Photography. Read on to learn more . . . 15
A NEW TAKE ON FAMILY PORTRAITS
paw print THE ORIGINAL
The Original Paw Print combines personalised pet portraiture with high end gallery-style artisan photography into one spectacular piece of art for your home.
“What I love most about my home is who I share it with.�
At your pre-shoot creative consultation you select from a range of concepts, each with a different narrative, environment and vision. Using the brief as a guideline, we will then design, construct and photograph an extraordinary and completely unique image featuring you own furry family.
complicated doggy tricks are required. You can trust the experts, because we have devised strategies to achieve flawless results whilst working with unpredictable animals. We are committed to making sure even the most independent kitty or energetic pooch can feature in an Original Paw Print.
Although the final result will make your pets seem like animal stars, no training or
Imagine decorating your home with a limited edition super-large print that has been customised to suit your style, family and lifestyle AND it features your furry best friend!
WANT TO COMMISSION YOUR OWN PAW PRINT? Enquire online at ragamuffinpetphotography.com.au or call 0459 027 945 to discuss your options with Caitlin
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PROJECT 52: THE START
The idea for the Original Paw Print was sparked when Caitlin challenged herself to create a unique portrait featuring her own furkids every week for one year. Project 52 soon gained a huge fan base, eagerly awaiting each week’s new creation. The themes and concepts created through Project 52 form the foundation of the Original Paw Prints.
SOMETHING SPECIAL
We can guarantee that there is no one else in the world creating the same kind of highly stylised and imagination-based photographs as our Original Paw Prints. Tney are a world apart from traditional studio-based photoshoots and even completely different to our usual natural approach pet photography. Part of the thrill in commissioning your own Original Paw Print is the knowledge that no one else will have a piece of art like yours.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
The Original Paw Print is an all-inclusive service, from start to finish. Everything is covered, from the pre-shoot creative consultation, to the session itself, to the final huge Fine Art Print.
FINE ART PRINT
Choose between canvas, framed, mounted or metallic high quality, archival grade options to display your Original Paw Print. Our most popular size is 30x40”, but dimensions can be customised to suit your space.
HIGHLY ACCLAIMED
“Caitlin McColl’s scruffy ragamuffin Lyra not only gave her unconditional love . . . she inspired the launch of her successful boutique business. It’s grown quickly – much quicker than she expected. People have a very special bond with their pets and they want to document that with a high quality, artistic photograph. Many didn’t know this was even an option, but word is spreading fast…” (Put Your Mate in the Frame, Paula Beauchamp, The Herald Sun) 17
the dog hero
Little Muse Collective is the Australian and New Zealand destination for the ‘best of the best’ of lifestyle photography. Celebrating beautiful shoots, inspiring words and pictures that move you, Little Muse is everyday life told in amazing imagery by our nation’s very own photographic talents. Here is an extract from their interview with Ragamuffin Pet Photography . . .
If dogs had heroes, Caitlin McColl from Ragamuffin Pet Photography might just be it.
This beautiful documentarian of people and their pets has given much of her time (and heart) to applying her art to the very practical application of creating ‘adoption worthy’ profiles for animals that need homes. Fundraising, campaigning and beautifying pound puppies are all part of the day when ‘giving back’ for this passionate photographer. Little Muse: Tell us a little bit about your ‘giving back’? I absolutely adore animals and believe strongly in balancing the social and financial dividends in my business. I get so much joy in my life from animals that I feel like I owe it to them to help as much as I can. . . My most meaningful work comes from the time I spend photographing rescue pets. Most animals now find their “forever home” via online profiles. Consequently, a poorly photographed animal often doesn’t even get the chance to meet potential families. Compelling photographs that capture the personality and beauty of an animal can be just the thing to spark a potential adopter’s interest (or twinge their heartstrings). To be part of such a life-changing process is so special. We only need to increase shelter adoptions by 3% to stop the unnecessary killing of adoptable animals, and I’ll never stop fighting to do my part in striving to achieve this. Little Muse: What does your involvement entail? With my rescue photography, I’m either rephotographing pets who have terrible snapshots on their profile, or photographing newly rescued animals who have no portrait at all. I often photograph pets in their foster homes, since they tend to be more relaxed and comfortable in their own environment. I treat each animal like a Ragamuffin client, and essentially give them a mini session to ensure they get a real “WOW” portrait. Little Muse: What’s your favourite thing about it? My favourite thing is learning that an animal I photographed has found their forever home! What better feeling could I have than knowing I helped give an animal the safe and happy life that they deserve? Plus, playing with fuzzy kittens and playful puppies isn’t tough work
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Little Muse: What are the challenges? Obviously there are a lot of sad aspects in photographing orphan animals. I found it particularly heart wrenching to
ex-racing Greyhounds. You could clearly tell the difference between the dogs who had been with kinder trainers and those who weren’t so kind. One sweet girl, Sally, had shocking teeth from years of neglect and she was in so much pain. It was difficult to meet these dogs, many of whom had been discarded before they’d even had a chance to reach their racing “potential” – victims of a disposable mindset in a culture that values quick money and quicker dogs. Another predictable challenge is not adopting every animal I photograph. Sometimes I just connect with a dog or a cat in a way that breaks my heart. I wish I could take them all home! I just have to focus on creating the best portraits possible for these babies, and hope that it’ll help them find their forever families. The rescue groups that I volunteer for work so tirelessly for these animals that at least I know they are in good hands. Little Muse: Can other photographers get involved? Absolutely! I am a Service Professional member of HeARTS Speak, an international organisation that unites animal artists and animal rescues. Photographers around the world are using their art to make a difference in the lives of animals. I would definitely encourage any animal photographers to join us in our fight for a deeper understanding and better future for the voiceless. I also donate $25 per session that I book, which is another good way to consistently give back. Rescue groups have constant costs, from vet bills to food to bedding, so it’s great if you can donate money as well as your time and talent. Little Muse: What would you tell other photographers about giving back? As a lifelong animal activist, there really is no better feeling for me than giving back to animals in need. I am sure that all photographers will have a cause close to their heart. It’s just a matter of working out the best way to donate to that cause. Once you discover the thrill of giving back you’ll be hooked, I guarantee it. What better way to feed the soul?
To read more from this interview and to view more beautiful imagery from local artists, visit www.littlemusecollective.com Visit heartsspeak.org to learn more about the HeARTS Speak Organisation and our efforts to help animals in need.
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“You think dogs I tell you, they will be there ~R
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s will not be in heaven? e long before any of us� Robert Louis Stevenson
Post production is an all encompassing term for the digital editing and design of photography. Skilful post-production takes years to learn, and requires vision, knowledge and time. It takes patience and an eye for composition to capture the perfect image in camera, but it takes a whole other level of expertise and imagination to transform those photographs into works of art. The Ragamuffin style of post production has a vintage, earthy, organic look that complements our natural approach to pet photography. Every one of the photos you view in your Ordering Session has been individually post-processed with the unique style differentiating Ragamuffin Pet Photography from any other pet portrait business out there. We use both Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop in post production. We creatively manipulate hues, textures, tones and shadows to create art that is soft and warm with rich colours and depth.
Search for Ragamuffin Pet Photography on YouTube for a fun demonstration. 21
FINE ART PRINTS Our fine art prints are all ready to hang immediately. Choose between Canvas, Mounted or Framed options. Our frames are handmade locally from rescued and recycled timbers and are available in three traditional colours. Mounted prints are secured onto a thick, black sheet of hardwood for a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Artistic canvas prints are stretched over Eco-select frames to bring the gallery look inside your home. Classic prints are also available: unframed and unmounted loose photographic prints on lustre paper.
your style on display Is yours a sleek, modern home? A rustic, country abode? No matter your decorating style, your home design consultation will allow you to make the most of your beautiful Ragamuffin portraits. Expert advice in selecting the right images, products and display designs for your photos takes the stress out of ordering. Whether yours is a mighty mansion or a cozy cottage, enquire today and we’ll work together to ensure your portraits are as much at home as you are.
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the golden hour When scheduling an outdoor session, we recommend shooting during the last two hours before the sun sets. This special window, known as “The Golden Hour�, is when the light from the sun is at its most perfect. With its long rays diffused across the entire sky, the light creates a flattering glow and shimmer for deliciously warm portraits. To determine the Golden Hour in your location, visit golden-hour.com Co-ordinates for Melbourne: 37.78:144.96
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Fine Art Project: Misunderstood Personal fine art projects feed the soul, the mind and creativity. “Misunderstood” is a series of portraits featuring beautiful bull breed dogs. It’s our plea for sense and education regarding Breed Specific Legislation.
About the series: We must wholeheartedly thank all of the sweet souls involved in this project. After it was completed, “Misunderstood” was published as a calendar and exhibited on huge 2x3m banners in Federation Square. By focusing on the appearance of a dog, BSL endangers public safety.It fails to promote responsible dog guardianship, to punish bad behaviour or to listen to the experts. It also propagates media-driven hysteria and misunderstanding about certain dog breeds and has never been shown to reduce dog bite incidents. Deed not Breed laws like the Calgary Model promote tougher licensing, stronger enforcement, and better dog safety awareness. These laws have been shown to significantly reduce the number of dog bite incidents. Deed not breed is the safest, fairest and most logical way of our future.
To see more portraits from the project, visit ragamuffinpetphotography.com.au To learn more about BSL, we suggest rspca.org.au or defendingdog.com 24
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GROOVY GROOMING how to prepare your pet
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WASHING
Place a non-slip mat in the tub if you are going to wash your pet at home. Remember that pet stores also often have dog baths that you can use, if you don’t want use a groomer. Using a pre-diluted soap free pet shampoo, wash your dog from the back towards the front, leaving the head for last to stop that wild shake.
BRUSHING
Use a brush suitable for your dog’s coat. Lift her legs to access the friction area where hair can knot. Work in the direction of hair growth for a good finish. Keep an eye out for parasites or foreign objects while you brush.
TRIMMING
You have to be careful with sharp clippers and wriggly pups - if in doubt, use a professional groomer. Ensure any hair that falls into your dog’s face (especially their eyes) is trimmed before your session.
WINDOWS TO THE SOUL
Gently clean any sleep or eye gunk from around your pets eyes. Those beautiful close-up portraits will reveal every detail, so we want their eyes to sparkle!
COOL CATS
Cats are naturally very attentive to their own hygiene and cleanliness. I’m sure you’ve seen your kitty wash herself several times a day. Although they can often take care of themselves, grooming can also be a very enjoyable bonding exercise for both of you. Schedule grooming sessions for when your kitty is relaxed - maybe after exercise or eating. Use a brush or comb to keep your cat’s hair in good condition. Brushing will remove dirt, spread natural oils throughout her coat and prevent tangles. It also helps minimise hairballs.
PRO GROOMERS
Of course, you can also book your pet in for a pamper session at your local groomers before their Ragamuffin photoshoot. Visit our website for some suggested professionals. 27
the story of love
A custom-designed Ragamuffin Organic album showcases your favourite photographs from the session. They are the ultimate luxury keepsake for pet lovers - with smooth, heavy pages, rich colours, lay-flat margins and beautifully textured covers. Let your album tell your pet’s story - their favourite spot in the house, the twinkle in their eyes, the way they run and cuddle and play. This is a treasure that you will look through with a smile on your face and love in your heart, time and time again. Each album is one-of-a-kind. Handmade with organic paper, from renewable resources, they are environmentally friendly and magnificent to view. The Standard albums (8x10�) are 20 pages long, though Mini Albums and Super Albums are also available. There are four beautiful colours to choose from: Holi Red, Alabaster White, Rustic Brown and Lush Green. The optional matching burlap and organic cotton case will keep your album safe and clean. 28
(Modern coffee table style albums also available)
INTERESTED IN AN ALBUM FOR YOUR PET? Check out ragamuffinpetphotography.com.au to also see the Modern Album and Mini Album ranges. 29
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TOYS & TREATS
Tried and Tested! These are some of our favourite pet products, loved by everyone in the Ragamuffin family! We’ve listed where you can easily buy these items online, but be sure to check out your local pet store as most of these products are stocked throughout Australia.
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the Ragamuffin Gift Guide
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$5-$30 - the Dog Snack Bakery: Reward your furkids with a baked gourmet snacks, homemade with natural and healthy ingredients and baked right here in Melbourne. These go down a real treat!
$35 - etsy.com: Dress your pets up with the custom collars and leashes available from artists on Etsy. Our kids have collars with matching bows and flowers - cute!
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$30 - petzcentral.com.au: Lyra’s favourite toy - the included thrower is useless but the ring itself provides the best games of fetch! Your dogs will love the way it bounces, swerves and rolls as they try to catch it.
$65 - mypetwarehouse. com.au : Reduce shedding by up to 90%. This pet brush is a miracle worker and drastically reduces the amount of fur that ends up on our couches and all over our clothes! The company has a wide range of shedding solutions to suit every animal and every hair length.
$20 - vetproductsdirect.com.au: Sight, sound and touch are key senses used when hunting prey. This Play Circuit incorporates all three and is specially designed to entice, engage and entertain a cat while appealing to his natural hunting instincts. The Peek-aBoo track design allows cat to see, chase and swat the ball. This is our cats’ FAVOURITE toy and they play with it by themselves all day long.
$26 - fishpond.com.au A little fun for the humans. I Could Pee On This and Other Poems by Cats, by Francesco Marciuliano, has us giggling with every page. We are sure that the author can read cat minds - or perhaps she really is a kitty!
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE PET PRODUCTS! SHARE THEM ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
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What to Wear
Some of our most heartfelt portraits occur whilst capturing the love and bond between animals and their humans. Even if you feel a bit camera shy, we recommend that you dress appropriately just in case.
WEAR
simple accessories ~ bright colours and layered looks ~ clothes that flatter your body type ~ clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty ~ make-up that is slightly heavier than usual ~ solid colours, which usually photograph best ~ stylish shoes (bring flats if you choose heels) ~ whatever makes you feel confident & comfortable ~
AVOID
sunglasses ~ wrinkled clothes ~ logos and bold patterns ~ sleeveless shirts and shorts ~ big or distracting pieces of jewellery ~ wearing contrasting tones to your pets ~ you should dress in dark tones if your pet is dark coloured and light tones if they are light coloured.
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“When you look at your life, the greatest happiness is family happiness.� ~ the Joyce Brothers
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frequently asked questions Where are you located? We are located in Melbourne, Australia. We work in your home, giving you full, undivided attention so you don’t need to worry about who is next “in line” or deal with the stress of a crowded portrait studio. We travel all around Melbourne and Victoria and we also take interstate bookings.
Can I be photographed with my pet? We love it when humans get involved in their pet’s session. Some of our most beautiful portraits come from capturing that look of utter, unconditional love between an animal and their human.
Why choose custom, high-end photography? Your pet is part of your family. We believe that everyone should own more than snapshots of their best friend. Investing in a professional, high quality service will leave you with amazing images that truly capture the soul behind their eyes. Custom photography is ultimately about choice, experience and finding a professional who takes the time to get to know your pets and your needs. Do you only photograph dogs? No, sir! We also photograph cats, horses, rabbit, birds and any other animal friends who make your life happy!
Can you photograph my human children with my furry ones? Yes - these sessions are so much fun! We have Working with Children checks and lots of tricks to ensure fantastic portraits of your all of kids. Can I buy a gift voucher? Yes - our Gift Vouchers are beautifully presented and include a Print Credit for the ultimate WOW factor. You can purchase a voucher online. Can we have a group photo? Of course! If you have your heart set on a portrait of the pack, then we will use our experience and photographer’s secrets to ensure that’s what you get!
My pet is a tad crazy... are photos impossible? Don’t worry – we’ve worked with a lot of animals, and we very rarely have “perfect” models. That is why we formed our Patience Policy. We go slow and steady with shy animals, and promise to keep up with the hyper ones!
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Are we stuck inside if my dog can’t be off leash? Definitely not! Those pesky leashes can be completely removed in Photoshop!
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“The best pet photographer around!” ~ Susan Taylor, Founder of Homeless Hounds Rescue Victoria
ENQUIRE ONLINE OR PHONE 0459 027 945 WWW.RAGAMUFFINPETPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.AU FIND US ON FACEBOOK
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