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

I met up with the very lovely Sarah Mica for a little photog meet-and-greet at the Eastern Standard a couple months back.  I really like these one-on-one meet ups with other area photographers over drinks, where we can really talk and get to know each other. Sarah and I hit it off immediately, and the deal was officially sealed as soon as she mentioned that she had two Ragdolls sitting at home. I pretty much forced my way into her house so I could photograph them. And pet them, and hug them, and braid their hair, and trade scratch ‘n sniff stickers. I have always, always wanted to meet a Ragdoll.

Ragdolls are not dolls made out of rags, no. They are cats made out of a million cotton balls that have been brushed and combed until they are at maximum puff capacity. They are named such because of their tendency to go limp when picked up. Because they are so nice and will let you have your way with them.

Here are the beautiful Nola and Bijou, making their modeling debut.

I don’t know how else to say this but I just want to dive into their chests and live there.

Last month I took a stroll through my neighborhood to meet Lucy, a 6-year-old black pug with big shiny eyes and some distinguished grayness around her snout. I love neighborhood shoots, and I love pugs! Dan has decided this is his favorite breed. They’re always so, so happy to make your acquaintance. It was bitterly cold outside so we kept inside. Snug as a pug in rug. Here are some of my favorites.

Who’s there?

Why it’s Sadie the kitty, at a young 16 years of age, deciding she’d like to make an appearance afterall.

BEHIND THE SCENES!

This is what shooting in New England is like in the winter, for all you spoiled West Coasters out there running around shooting in your bikinis in January. We stay indoors, still with our hats on, and make use of whatever lighting is available, weather it be natural lighting through a window, artificial indoor lighting, or a combo of both. But no on or off-camera flash is fired.

{ ^ Using D300 + 17-55mm here ^ in case you’re cures.
I haven’t upgraded lenses in over a year/trying to see how far I can go with the two I have.
I’m about to cave soon. }

Lucy and Sadie’s owner has already picked up his large-scale mounted prints for the home office. He selected the first and last photo of Lucy you see here, and one of Sadie in mid-mew (such a squeaky baby mew she had!). My own personal favorites, and “round one” of orders, he says. Now that’s what I like to hear! Thank you Lucy & Sadie for a wonderful shoot!

Our handsome, orange hero sought out a warm patch of sunlight coming in from the skylight in our bedroom. Which was a mess. Still is a mess. But you can’t see the detritus all around him because I spot metered on him in the very bright light, rendering the rest of the frame black. He’s on his duck rug, floating through space and time!

Here at last is Hazel, roommate and secret confidante of Hobbes. She tried to hide in boxes and on top of tucked away suitcases and underneath the long coats hanging on the coat rack, but those kinds of “oh I’m just a shy kitty don’t get too close to me” shenanigans don’t work with me, no way. I will find you all and I will pet you and then I will take your picture. And maybe try to kiss you.

Bunny, in the tub, where he’s drawn a bubble bath for two…

VanBuren, in the boudoir, where a neck massage awaits…

Happy Valentine’s Day!

OH and Happy Chinese New Year too!