Li Ward photographer of pets and weddings. Fat Orange Cat Studio is a fresh and candid boutique photography service in Boston, Massachusetts.

The more dogs I come in contact with, the more I want one. I asked the boys what they thought of a new canine companion, and they said, Oh sure! Remember when Mocha (mom’s dog) came to visit those few times? Remember how she’d come into the room and immediately I, Bunny, would plant myself in the back, and Veebs would take position up front, and Mocha wouldn’t know which way to run so she’d just stand there crying? Big baby tears coming out of her little poodle eyes? And how we licked our chops and glared at her until she peed? Wasn’t that fun? So yes let’s get a dog!

They’re so mean.

I spent some time this Sunday at a fabulous new shop called Pawsh Dog Boutique in the Back Bay, just off Newbury Street. It was a beautiful spring-like day (which didn’t last of course; started snowing during the night. New England I hates you sometimes) and the beautiful people and their beautiful dogs were out in full force.

Here is a fluffy Bichon who came in the store with just a leash on her back…

…but left with a snazzy new raincoat. Ha ha!

Those black ears in the corner there belong to Balki, one of the proprietors of the store. He was VERY taken with the camera. I’ve never met a dog or cat who was so aware of it. He saw me taking a photo of the Bichon and her new raincoat, and made a beeline right over and blocked the lens with his face. Me me! Take a photo of ME!

Hee!

Momentarily distracted by treats

Pawsh is having a second grand opening in early April to celebrate the launch of their new salon service. There will be a dog masseuse, a pet psychic (!) and a photographer – me! I’ll be documenting the festivities, and taking dog portraits in the store. F-U-N. I’m so excited about it, so looking forward to it. Many thanks to owners Nancy and Mike for their willingness to have me participate. So Boston-area dog owners, stay tuned for the date and time! It should be a lot of fun.

We heart Boston!

Let’s take a very short break from pets to look at some wedding photos, shall we?

I shot my first wedding on Sunday. It was lovely, intimate, and low-key affair. Low-key being the key word, because I wouldn’t have agreed to shoot this wedding otherwise. The couple asked me after seeing some of my pet photography, and my first reaction was UH OH, gotta go. But before I could make a break for it, they quickly explained, “It’s going to be casual! Very casual! No sweat!” And I was sweating it, believe me. Like I’ve said before, my photography skillset does not include posing. However, after this weekend, I think it’s something I’d really like to hone. It is not an easy thing to direct people, have them pose yet look natural, and make them feel at ease all at the same time. The result is you kind of have to talk while you shoot. I can walk while I chew. But I can’t talk while I shoot.

I tried.

Not bad for a slightly posed shot, right? Everyone looks so dashing!

And sharp too! This was also the first time I used my Speedlight SB-600 flash in any significant capacity.

The venue was held in a mansion-turned-club with ornately carved ceilings and rich wood-paneled walls. There was some natural light, but not enough for me to be confident that I wasn’t going to end up with more blurry shots than not. So rather than take that risk, I decided to use the flash.  And I used it almost exclusively, which was scary and unprecedented. I was so outside my comfort zone that I was really surprised – and relieved – when some of my first test shots with the flash yielded very pleasant results.

I kept the flash exposure compensation at -7, head at a 45-90 degree angle so the flash bounced off the low white ceilings. So despite the size of the rooms, I was able to get even, non-harsh looking lighting, and everyone’s skin looked smooth and creamy.

Here is my lovely assistant fetching the reinforcements. Yes I drank on the job. I downed that first martini in 3 gulps.

The DJ and MC’s playlist.

Heels, looking on.

This is one of my favorites. I made a creative call and deliberately went for a grainy look in order to heighten the romance.

OK the truth was, the flash didn’t fire. It was towards the end of the night and the batteries died. So while they kissed I stood in front of them cursing. How’s that for romance? But nevertheless I like this capture so much that I decided it was worth salvaging and presenting, even if it is technically imperfect.

But this my favorite shot of the whole evening.

I asked them to sit in middle of the small sea of chairs. Someone behind me shouted, “KISS!!!” The bride brought it all home when her light hand fluttered to his face. A+. Go Team!

Thanks to H. and T. for having faith in me to photograph their special day, and for allowing me free reign!

So what did I learn after shooting my first wedding?
1. It is a full body workout. I am kind of ashamed to say that I woke up the next morning and couldn’t move. Did I shoot a wedding or did a Mack truck run me over? Hard to tell.
2. The external flash is my friend. I’s not skerred of you no more!
3. It is definitely possible to shoot all day with just one lens, if it is an excellent one. The 17-55mm f/2.8 continues to prove its worthiness and versatility. And I totally didn’t need that stinkin’ telephoto lens.
4. After insisting that I take a strictly “photojournalistic” approach to photography, I’m starting to see the merit and creativity involved in posed shots. I’d like to do more weddings if only to hone this skill.

But I’d love to do it only as a second shooter (Boston wedding photogs – call me!). Pets are still my #1.