Hooray for Hollywood!

It had been four years since I last attended a National Specialty Show of the Collie Club of America, and true to the show's slogan: Hooray for Hollywood, the show committee did not disappoint.

The week was packed with events for every type of Collie fancier under the warm California sun from agility to conformation as well as those of a more social nature. One of my favorites was the live auction benefiting the Collie Health Foundation. With Bob Kelly serving as auctioneer and Gayle Ann Stepanik and myself once again in charge of the display tables, the event was both entertaining and festive. And, yes, I did end up the lucky bidder on at least one item.


Outside the ring, I had the best time photographing a young rough sable and white dog, call name Quinn, from Texas. His owner, Therese Holmes-Terrell, has high hopes for this boy and for good reason. I have no doubt that by this time next year, he will be an AKC champion. At which time, I will be able to say I knew him when...

The climax of any dog show, however, is the Best In Show (Best Of Breed at a National) judging, and my friend Judge Carl Williford made it just that by bringing his own class act to the ring. Carl himself had been looking forward to the moment for two years--since first being elected by his peers to officiate. For the final showdown, there were two dogs (males) standing in the ring, a smooth sable and a rough tri-color. Before a full house, it would be the latter, Ch. Fantasy's Rising Dragon, that would receive Carl's nod, the accompanying fanfare, and make Collie history.

The next thing I heard was the show announcer calling the 2010 National a wrap. And, all cheered, Hooray for Hollywood!

Highwire Rocks!

TRR Photography recently had the pleasure of shooting a great group of guys: Las Vegas' own Highwire - the Rock Tribute Band - and immediately became a fan. And once I actually heard them play, I knew it was the real deal!

The talent in this five-man-band runs deep. Pictured L to R: Brad Hagen - Bad-ass Bass Player, Sam McCastlin - Keyboards & Guitar, Geoff Garrett - Lead Singer, Shon McKee - Drummer, and Rob Robbins - Lead Guitar. Together, they well...rock, but don't take my word for it. Go see and hear them for yourselves!

Highwire is playing this Friday night at the Ovation inside Green Valley Ranch with The Neal Schon (of Journey) Band. Neal goes on at 8 pm followed by Highwire at 11 pm. The Highwire concert is FREE, but you will need tickets for Neal's show (which start at just $24).

For more info, please visit www.greenvalleyranchresort.com/entertainment/ovation.

Cameras and Collies

TRR Photography

Most of you who know me, know that photography is just one of my passions, the other is Collies. It was my Dad who introduced me to both, and for most of my childhood, I had a camera and/or Collie with me. In fact, it was not unusual to find me taking photos of the family Collie, Cavalier, with my Brownie. Even today, I find that cameras and Collies go well together.

To my delight this year, the Collie Club of America will be hosting its National Specialty Show and Convention, March 24 - 27, in Pomona, California. Needless to say, I will be there with camera in hand. What's more, I will be offering three different sessions to fanciers at my special show rates as shown here. Those making a reservation in advance of the National, also will receive a bonus set of eight wallets!

At the National, TRR Photography will have a display and sign-up sheet at the Laura Weiss booth. I, however, will likely be found sitting ringside with my camera aimed at the action and my favorite breed, the Collie.

For more info or to book a show session, please write trrphotography@intermind.net or call (702) 889-4011.

A Pleasant Surprise!

Yesterday was a particularly stressful day for me. However, that all changed as if by magic upon receiving an unexpected email from one of my clients, Karen Anderson, for whom I had recently photographed her champion Collie.

In her note, Karen informed me that she had reserved a full page in the show catalog for the Collie Club of America's upcoming National Specialty featuring one of my portraits. Upon inspection, I also found a pleasant surprise in the form of a special "thank you" and plug for me?! Needless to say, it made my day and reminded me of why I chose photography as my occupation. It also is why I am writing to you all now...

Now more than ever, I feel privileged to be a photographer. And, it is because of clients like you and Karen that I continue to love what I do. In turn, it is my hope that I can bring some joy to your lives. Let me begin by saying those two magic words: THANK YOU for being clients of TRR Photography!

Now Showing: The Sexy Side of TRR Photography

It began with an innocent comment by one of my male executive clients, and now I am pleased to announce the creation of my new website featuring the sexy side of TRR Photography: www.letyoursexyout.com!

While the site is still a work in progress, it is my hope that it will become a forum and resource for women like you and me--women who juggle their family and professional lives on a daily basis, but who also are proud to be women. Thus, if you know of a product or person that I ought to feature on the Let Your Sexy Out Blog, please let me hear from you. My email address is: trrphotography@intermind.net.

For now, I invite you to sit down with your favorite beverage and visit the website to experience it for yourself. And as always, your feedback is appreciated. Again, Let Your Sexy Out is about real women--women like you.

Joining the Digital Club

So, you just got your first digital camera for Christmas and are now asking yourself,"What's a pixel?" Don't feel bad. For most folks, there is a learning curve when it comes to digital capture, especially if you are over 50 and have only known film cameras.

I, however, have good news for you. Everything you ever wanted to know about digital photography--from getting up and running to sharing on the web--has been addressed in the book In Easy Steps: Digital Photography for Seniors by Nick Vandome. Don't be fooled by the title though, this book actually is a must read for anyone just joining the digital club. I especially like the "Hot Tips" featured throughout. What's more, the size, illustrations and layout of the paperback make it a handy desk resource.

As a professional photographer, I am frequently asked for tips on common issues that beguile novices from brightening dull photos to making photos crisper. And these, too, are covered in this book using Photoshop Elements. As a bonus, Digital Photography for Seniors (for over 50s) also discusses sharing photos on the web using online sites such as Facebook.

All in all, this book makes the perfect companion to your first digital camera. And with a list price of just $14.99, it's cheaper than the batteries you just purchased!

Facebook Fridays

With the start of a new year and new decade here, it's time to update your image. And, what better way to do so than with a new portrait?

Yes, you can attract new "friends" and impress old ones with a professional image by yours truly. Even better, throughout the month of January you and a friend may enjoy one of my Facebook Friday sessions (not limited to Fridays) at TRR Photography for the price of one!

This special session comes with two enhanced images--each specifically formatted in the square crop for use on Facebook--for you and a friend for only $79.

So, bring a friend and plan to have some fun! To book your session, just drop me a line at trrphotography@intermind.net, subject line: Facebook Fridays.