Camera Plus Dog

28/10/2024

CALL OUT to outstanding watch me grow participants.....

I will be shooting pure white on the 9th of November and don't expect to do so for several months after this date, so this is the final opportunity to finish watch me grow sessions.

Please reach out to secure your session time so we can tick off those final shots!

(For those interested in these super cool growth series, books are currently closed due to medical reasons and the inability to commit long term as these take up to two years to complete).

26/10/2024

There’s nothing quite like meeting a "rainbow pup"—those incredible souls who bring warmth, healing, and love back into a life after loss. This season, I’ve had the joy of meeting a few, like this gorgeous little pup "Georgie," the newest member of one of my client’s families. Georgie has already made such a profound difference, reminding us all that, even when it feels impossible to love again, or when the thought of another loss seems overwhelming, there’s always room for more love, joy, and new paw prints.

12/10/2024

In loving memory of “Calico”.

This sweet girl spent her entire life giving to others and she continues to do so as her body was selflessly donated to research, to help train the next generation of veterinarians.

The bond she had with her owner was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I know how incredibly broken she will be and all those who crossed her path in nursing homes visits over the years.

Sending love to her family 💕

(Calicos family chose to do her end of life session while she still had a little spark, so we captured her memories in the winter sun a few months back).

09/10/2024

Introducing ''Ocean Valley'' - I feel so blessed to say that she is mine and took the opportunity to capture her on our 2024 Christmas set recently.

Ocean joined our family a few months back and after weeks on the street her beautiful foster carer nursed her back to health and then we took over from there. It's been so rewarding watching her improve in health, gain confidence and find her new way of life in our home where she is always warm, dry and fed. Her little personality is beginning to shine and we are seeing a much braver girl swipe things off the coffee table, climb, get the cat zoomies and spend most of her days relaxed enough that she can snooze from dawn to dusk.

She was rescued by Valley Cat Rescue - and selected especially for us by one of my longest standing and amazing clients (and rescue superhero) Kelly. We may be her 6th, but we're definitely going to be her last - welcome home, Ocean.

21/09/2024

Ralph arrived with “apology flowers” …..turns out he didn’t need to, but I got to keep them anyway!

Love my clients so much, especially the ones who have dogs like Ralph 🙈

20/09/2024

Heading into a busy weekend of Christmas Sessions! Let's hope all the pooches find their session as relaxing as Lola.

Don't forget we are no longer shooting from the Coal street studio and have a pop up space for all Christmas sessions. Reach out if you have lost the details.

We've had a lot of reschedules this year mostly due to health - if you'd like to be placed on the waiting list please reach out as there have been a few very last minute sessions up for grabs

~M~

17/09/2024

Proud to announce I have made the top 50 for the animal category of The 2024 Mono Awards. The Mono awards are open to photographers all around the world and are the largest awards dedicated purely to black and white photography.

Only 4% of entrants make it this far, so it feels like a win already being recognised by a panel of 12 incredible judges. Cross your paws that it does well during re-judging!

14/09/2024

We've just finished shooting the 2024 Christmas Range for Rover Pet Products - I must say the only thing more amazing than these Aussie made products are our beautiful little models who represented CPD perfectly. I couldn't possibly be any prouder of them. An extra huge shout out to Super Jeff (wearing the little jester hat) who excelled so much I had a chat to his pawrents about furthering his modelling career!

If you're ready to start Christmas shopping for THE MOST important family member, have a look at these products before they sell out.

05/09/2024

It's come to my attention that a few our existing clients have missed a christmas session. There are still a few place left for existing customers only. If you missed out, please shoot me over an email [email protected] asap

If you're a new client and would love the opportunity, chances are very slim, but of course you are welcome to put your details down on our waiting list. Please email with the subject title "waiting list" and include details such as pet names and breeds, if adults or children will be in the shoots, if your pet has requirements such as not being around other dogs, your mobile number and so on.

Cannot believe how quickly these sessions have rolled back around!
~Maree~

26/08/2024

It's INTERNATIONAL DOG DAY! A day dedicated to honouring and appreciating the special bond between humans and dogs. Today serves as a global reminder of the immeasurable contributions dogs make to our lives, whether as loyal companions, working partners, or as incredible Assistance Dogs.

In true dog loving spirit, I spent the morning scouting for an up coming photo day in a yard full of dogs and left covered in fur, slobber and mud.....The perfect morning, especially today!

01/08/2024

FRIENDLY REMINDER - Christmas Pawtrait bookings open tomorrow night at 8pm (Friday 2nd Aug). They will only be open to our VIP customers and in order to book you must be a member of our Facebook VIP group (Camera Plus Dog "Pawtraits") - as that is where the link for booking is posted.

Due to reduced capacity to shoot, we are expecting it to sell out within the hour - so please set a reminder prior to the time if you are hoping to make a booking.

All details are in the private group. If you are an existing customers and are not in thte vip group - please send a request asap so I can add you.

https://www.facebook.com/share/9pNJnkf9TyzpNqim/

15/07/2024

Just a little update on 2024 Christmas sessions. Our dog friendly venue is Mayfield is now secured and we will be shooting for just 6 full days this year (approx 60 sessions).

We're shooting much earlier in the year due to the heat (no air conditioning at this venue) and possible third knee surgery in November.

Sessions will go on sale on 1st August - with sessions only available to existing customers. A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking.

Unfortunately this venue will make cat's tricky! Please feel free to contact me to discuss.

~Maree~

27/06/2024

CHRISTMAS UPDATE ……

Yes! Christmas shoots will be happening this year - Here’s a sneak peak at our 2024 Christmas drop.

As we head in to our 7th year of Christmas shoots, it’s hard to find something unique for our customers who have been coming every year, but I love this drop- it’s so luxe and will be stunning in photos.

Christmas will be structured very differently this year with just three full days of shootjng at the end of September and then another three in mid October. Dates to be confirmed soon. Shoots will take place in mayfield - details to come soon.

Unfortunately Christmas will only be open to our vip customers this year due to my limited ability to shoot injured.

Bookings will open once my venue is secured.

Maree xox

13/06/2024

A little write up about the comp over the weekend - Thanks Newcastle Weekly!

https://newcastleweekly.com.au/dog-grooming-competition-newcastle/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0NlwKK_X4PuUNgwHLdIuV7JgcwdhwNH_EYgVpuPRFLYo6II0zC9LPt54_aem_AUYqwZT5PTrEKltZA56g_t_ZhQH2cRX5b2UW2RlFSqaIllZ0X7sfAevhMGHWjpoQ3yKqQ5-p5FcJLQs_6naoZpkI

More than 100 pooches from across the country looked their best at Newcastle's inaugural Novogroom dog grooming competition at the weekend.

09/06/2024

NovoGroom 2024 - Wow. What an experience! Thank you so much for trusting me to capture the event.

Over 30 hours of set up, shooting, packing down and editing over the last two and a half days...... and many more hours of editing yet.

To all those waiting for photos - I endeavor to have the first batch up tomorrow, so keep an eye on the gallery. I will continue to update it over the next several days until all photos are finalised.

Despite photographing over 5000 dogs over the last several years, today was my first every Bedlington Terrier, who took our Best In Show with her very talented groomer Ally Cosentino.

Well done to all the groomers, it was truly inspiring to what you at work.

07/06/2024

Something different for camera plus dog this weekend! I've managed to fit my studio set up into a tiny scout hall kitchen to ensure the competitors have beautiful photos of their work at NovoGroom.

This is such an exciting event for Newcastle and has been a labour of love by the organiser, who also happens to be one of my long term clients.

If you're looking for something to do, swing by and watch some of these gifted groomers, along with some novice groomers competing for the very first time at the scout hall in Ida St Mayfield. The competition will run from 9-5 both Saturday and Sunday with over 70 people competing! (No dogs and remember not to distract groomers).

See you on the other side of an estimated 18 hours shooting and 10 hours editing! (For those wondering about my leg, yes it's a terrible idea but I committed to it long ago so I'm determined to see it through ).

04/06/2024

CASTING CALL!

Where are all my cocktail drinking ladies at? I’m urgently seeing some talent for a short film clip TOMORROW 3.30pm in Charlestown.

No talking required, simply sipping a cocktail in a bar with some other people and having a good time doing it!

Ideally age 20-30 with an engaging smile

01/06/2024

It's been quite some time ...... so I thought I best come back with a with a bit of a BANG! Today was my first day shooting since I closed the studio and it was wild, quite literally.

I took the studio set up and create a space inside Paws for Perfection salon. Whilst I was originally trained to work on site and set up in all kinds of weird and wonderful places, it had been many years since i'd been pushed out of the comfort of my purpose built studios, so it was a great trial run, especially with the NovoGroom comp next weekend!

This was a personal interest project for Jacinta, one of my long term clients and super talented groomers and this is one of her own dogs ""Yumi" the Shiba Inu. She absolutely nailed the ex*****on and it all took place with pet safe products in a loving environment.

So what do you say, can I now add "Tiger" to my portfolio!?

28/04/2024

Anyone else have a dog bucket list? (Dogs you MUST own before you die). After meeting my first Finnish Lapphund "Loki" several years ago they've been on my list ever since - the more I meet with their owner, the more it cements the idea that I absolutely must own one eventually.

This is stunning "Salla" who came along for a photoshoot to celebrate her recent Australian Championship and her striking son "Rapha" (right). Their mum drove all the way from Canberra to meet with me once again - I always look forward to their visits and a little bit of Finnish sass!

26/04/2024

Black on black with sunning little "Sully". Despite being just 6 months old, this little fellow is up to some amazing things, training as a scent detection dog and conservation hero to be! He is already brave, bullet proofs and unwaveringly devoted to please his handler. We are so excited for his adventures ahead.

25/04/2024

Today, as we gather to remember the courage and sacrifice of our servicemen and women on Anzac Day, let us also take a moment to honor the unsung heroes who stood alongside them—our fallen animals.

In times of conflict, animals have played pivotal roles, serving faithfully alongside our troops in various capacities. From horses carrying soldiers into battle to dogs aiding in search and rescue missions, their contributions were profound and their loyalty unwavering.

Their sacrifices, though often overlooked, were no less significant. Many animals endured the same hardships as their human counterparts—facing danger, injury, and even death in the line of duty.

On this solemn day of remembrance, let us pay tribute to these brave creatures who answered the call of duty........... without hesitation.

21/04/2024

If you know, you know! ..... Her owner was wanting a Tay Tay inspired pic, here's what we came up with for "Swift" the koolie.

17/04/2024

It's a little Wednesday Wave from clever girl "Lexi"!

15/04/2024

Irony at it's finest, my very last shoot in the Camera Plus Dog studio was in fact a cat! Completely adorable and owned by one of my very dear friends who I connected with over 12 years ago through rescue. A special way to end the day with rescue baby "Moose".

14/04/2024

And that’s a wrap!

Never could we have foreseen what the past 14 months held in store for me, but I've endeavored to maintain my composure and exit my space (and the industry, at least temporarily) with dignity and grace.

My final photoshoot at the Camera Plus Dog studio was a kitten! Isn’t that just irony at its finest and a perfect little chuckle, on what was an emotional day.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support, kindness, flexibility, and understanding as I've tried to steer the business through restricted capacities. Your enthusiasm, no matter the circumstances, has been a constant source of encouragement.

In this space, I've crafted numerous internationally acclaimed photographs, a victory I'll carry with me despite the emotional weight of closure.

For those feeling a bit anxious - rest assured, my plan is to capture Christmas (unless a third surgery is confirmed and intervenes). However, it will be on a much smaller scale, limited to existing customers and smaller groups. I'll remain active on social media, the best place to stay updated on developments.

Just remember, it's not goodbye, it's just a "see you later". I'm nowhere near done!

~Maree~