Gillian Hersh Photography

08/26/2022

Happy International Dog Day! 💕

Here is a story about Kavik, a decidedly handsome Dutch Shepherd, who, with a single bark, signaled the turning point in a new and best chapter in his life.

In the initial days following his adoption, Kavik, wanting to be the perfect house guest, didn't made a sound. Then, one momentous day, he let out a single bark that might or might not have rattled the windows. That single bark spoke volumes! Kavik was not a guest! He was finally in his forever home--a really, really excellent one at that--and his turbulent days were behind him. He was surrounded by HIS people who would keep him safe and loved and he knew it to be true. Woof!!!

Now that he is comfortable enough to speak up (as he should be!), his signature single bark (trademark pending) is reserved for the most essential of requests, including, but not limited to: Let's take a walk, How about I retrieve the ball, Shall we have a snack and Allow me to beat you at a staring contest (Okay, not that last one, but those eyes!). And his people are happy to oblige. If only we humans could communicate as succinctly!

He is never far from his people or they from him.

💕 In honor of International Dog Day, please feel free to share a photo of your cherished dog(s) in the comments! 💕

07/30/2022

Tally, with her one ear painted a delicate fawn color, is the perfect combination of sweet and spirited. When the studio lights were a little intimidating, we discovered that a game of fetch would ease her worries. Soon she was striking a pose with expressions that could melt even the most stoic of hearts.

Tally is a very loved girl, who has been by her mom's side through the toughest of times, providing support and accepting it as well.

Not long ago, they welcomed a new family member, Luna, who eventually won Tally over, despite having the boundless energy of a puppy. That's fortunate, as now Tally can tell Luna all about the ways of world.

Tally, you are a special girl and I'm so glad I got to meet you!

I create photographic memories of pets that bring joy and beauty into people's homes. My expressive portraits are very often my clients most prized possessions. I love that my work allows me to spend time with animals and to give back to animal charities.

06/24/2022

Allow me to introduce you to the oh-so-handsome and delightful Bentley. Some of the things I was lucky enough to learn about Bentley include the following: he is a highly regarded destroyer of toys, a ball chasing enthusiast and very much enjoys a day out on the town sporting his best bowtie. At home, Bentley has a sudden urge to inspect the undersides of the furniture when his dad tries to clean his face with a soft washcloth. When Bentley was a little floofy puppy, his dad took him to a class with other bouncy floofs (but he was still the smallest!). The teacher encouraged Bentley to walk along a plank, but he thought it seemed like a nonsense idea and firmly planted himself on the ground. It looked wobbly. Breaktime came along, the teacher turned her back, and Bentley confidently hopped up on the board and trotted across. We love Bentley for his independent spirit, his excellent sense of humor and so much more. 💕 BTW, Bentley is a Biewer Terrier. Yes, I had to look that up. 😃 It was a pleasure to meet you Bentley and I can't wait to show your dad all your beautiful portraits. Prepare for cuteness overload!

06/06/2022

When Nicole describes her girl Meesha as a tremendously sweet dog with a kind heart, she is not exaggerating. Gentle and trusting, Meesha eagerly participated in her photo shoot, enjoying the exchange of treats for posing for the camera. Even though it was almost 14 years ago, Nicole can still remember the moment she locked eyes with puppy Meesha and just knew that they were meant to be together. Nicole hadn't planned on bringing home a dog that day, but, thankfully, she trusted her instincts and the two have been best friends ever since.

04/25/2022

Upon arriving at the studio, Max announced that he would give this photo taking business a try, but that, in the past, he'd typically given the paparazzi the slip. I mean, who needs all those flashing lights in your face? I agreed, so we decided to play some games instead. Max is a BIG fan of fun and games. He demonstrated his treat catching skills (really good) and tossed a toy around the set like a pro. All the while, his family was there to cheer him on. Max was delighted to discover that you can be a superstar in front of the camera WHILE playing fun games. Max's smile is joy personified.

04/15/2022

Not so long ago, Archibald, also known as Archie, lived on the streets of Mexico. As is sometimes the case with rescue dogs, parts of his history are known only to him. What we do know is that Archie, with his Disneyesque looks and supremely affable personality, was lovingly scooped up by a rescue group and his photo went out via the Internet as available for adoption.

When Heather saw his photo she was captivated and realized she was destined to bring him home, which she did, within 24 hours. Learning to rely on a single human was new to Archie and took a little getting used to. Fortunately, Heather is a patient and loving variety of human and, before long, the two were as bonded as could be. The joy that they share is the best of the reasons that we have dogs and dogs have us.

This portrait captures Archie's soulful side, but he has an immensely expressive face that spontaneously and frequently shifts from thoughtful and gentle to joyful and mischievous. All the while, his ears change position atop his head as though they have important stories of their own to tell. Heather and I jokingly speculated that these portraits might not just be artwork for her to enjoy, but would serve double duty as Archie's headshots for when the talent agents come calling. I think seeing Archie on the big screen would be good medicine.

04/07/2022

Maddie wiggled her way around the studio, smiling and spinning and keeping a close eye on the treat bag.

Knowing that she'd been on many fun trips, I asked her to share her most favorite adventure in her 12.5 years, but she just looked at me contentedly, so I'm guessing there are too many to choose just one.

However, her devoted mom Jen described that, when they are on one of their frequent excursions and Maddie gets tired, Jen pops her into an ever-ready backpack so Maddie can rest while continuing to take in all the sights and smells of their surroundings. Maddie is not a little dog, so seeing her tucked into a pack on her mom's back is much to the delight of passersby. I smile just picturing it.

Maddie, I hope to see you out on the trails!

03/29/2022

Four years ago, this regal fellow was a potato-sized fluff ball snuggled up amongst a litter of schnauzer babies. Cody is an english creme golden retriever, but when he needed someone to care for him, a schnauzer mom kindly allowed him to join her litter. Not long after, a human mom by the name of Ann came along to take him home and they've been each other's family ever since.
Ann shared just how grateful she is to have Cody in her life, particularly as he's provided great comfort and companionship through the years.

03/26/2022

This handsome and happy fellow has a penchant for sitting in laps and, understandably, no one has had the heart to tell him he's significantly bigger than a chihuahua. 🥰 After Atlas had a proper sniff around the studio he demonstrated for me first-hand how a dog doesn't have to be small to situate oneself in a lap. Atlas, I have to agree. You are a joy to be around AND an expert lap dog.

03/22/2022

At 20 years old and with little sight or hearing, Gumbo was remarkably calm, yet wonderfully attentive, for his moment in the spotlight. He posed on a comfy chair, then lounged on an ottoman covered with a fluffy blanket. Gumbo's mom Heather describes him as a "warrior" and "relentlessly resilient." It's hard to believe that Heather's constant companion for the last 15 years was days away from having his life cut short when she rescued him from an overcrowded shelter. Thankfully, these two found their way to each other and have shared so much over the years.

03/14/2022

At fifteen, Dino (r) doesn't see as well as he used to, but that didn't stop him from quickly getting the hang of this fashion model gig and showing off his oh-so-adorable self like a trooper. Seven-year-old Ginger (l) has the cutest dance moves and will gladly offer up "Sit Pretty." Don't get me started on those delightful, smile-inducing ears! 🥰

03/11/2022

New product alert!

More and better images of this to come, but here's a quick snap because I'm excited to share. :) I have two new folio boxes for clients to choose from and they are both amazing. This one is wood and comes in natural, white or black. It holds as many as 20 matted images and the best part is that you can use it as a frame, swapping out images as you like. The lid is hinged on one side and the entire piece is very well made.

😍🤩🥳