A couple of photographs of my pets.  I love to capture pet photography and really get great expressions from your fur babies.

Animals can make some fun images on your Wedding day.  Whether you have a best dog or a family cat, they can be incorporated in your Wedding images.  Pet photography can add a special touch to your Wedding Photography.

Dogs have been used in many of my Weddings as the “Best Dog” or the ring bearer, or just to be cute.  I have never had a dog that I didn’t like at my Weddings.

Nervous about having your pet at the Wedding?

Then go to your pet to get the images.  Bring the pet out of the kennel in the car or house and capture some memorable images with your buddy.  Most dogs love to have the Wedding party visit so that they get all the attention.

Take a carriage ride and enjoy some time being pulled by horses

Imagine your pet with you and your Wedding dress, how would you like to be photographed?

Would your pet like to interact with your Wedding guests?

Please stop by and see my Wedding Photography at

Yesterday I took my blue Weimaraner and Vizsla for a run on a seasonal road.  There was a few inches of soft snow on top so I decided not to wear my snowshoes.  It was a tough walk in but not too bad.  The dogs were having fun running down the road and exploring into the woods a small amount.  They live for this!

I was capturing some images of them in their crazy fun mode and then I heard Asta, the Vizsla, barking.  Not a good sign.   She typically won’t bark unless she is alerting Sampson to something or wants to play.  I ran as fast as I could the 100 or so yards up to find Sampson digging and pawing at something under an uprooted tree.  I called him and he would’t come.  Then he looked and his face was covered with quills.

We were a good mile or more from the car and I knew that he would let me start pulling the quills so I turned and ran, and ran, and ran.  All the time calling to Sampson to get to the car and load up.  He would stop and pull quills out along the way.  I am sure he was in pain but never whined or anything.  He just tried to get them out of his mouth, nose, and lips.

We arrived at the car and I got Asta la Vizsla in the car and she immediately went to the front car floor and wouldn’t look at Sampson.  Sam jumped in the back seat and I took off fast.  I called the vet and I was about 20 minutes away  they said.  I really wasn’t sure how many quills he had in his throat so I was a bit worried.

On the way I was able to take a few images.  These are a bit graphic so be prepared, no blood.

The Sault Animal Hospital took good care of Sampson and they were able to get some of his shots done too and clip his nails all while he was taking a time out.  It took about 1.5 hours to get Sampson through the extractions.

He is doing great today and finding time to relax.  He doesn’t seem like he has any swelling or soreness in the face.  In fact, he is playing with his toys inside and out.

Lesson, hopefully, learned by the 6.5 year old guy.  This was his first encounter.

During the winter months here in Northern Michigan I focus some of my photography talent on winter sports.  This year I will be photographing a few dog sled races, one of which will hopefully be the UP200 in Marquette, and probably the I500 snowmobile race in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan.  Since winter is a slow Wedding season, although this year it is a bit more scheduled than normal, I look forward to capturing events that I would normally not consider.  The concepts of this type of motion photography is a bit different so it allows me to gather ideas for my wedding photography.

Today I added to my arsenal of cameras with a Canon 5D.  Thank you Canon for putting all these new cameras on the market and making the older/new cameras, that are truly awesome, dirt cheap.

Dog Sled Racing in Upper Michigan ~ UP200 and Kinross sled dog races

Winter Sports Photography by Paul Retherford Photography, LLC

This coming weekend is the annual Mackinac Island Destination Dream Wedding Weekend on Mackinac Island, Northern Michigan.  The weekend is hosted by the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. The event is three days and it is set up so that all the brides and grooms have a chance to look at the locations around the island to set up their weddings.

Saturday vendors are placed in the Mackinac Island Wedding locations to speak with the attendants.  Unfortunately, I, Paul Retherford Wedding Photography, have a Wedding both Friday and Saturday and I will not be able to attend.  If you would like to speak with me on Sunday I will be available all day long.  Call me at 231.445.1793 or email me at paul@paulretherford.com

Another option is to set up a Photography Session with me on Mackinac Island on Sunday October 11, 2009.  I am donating my time and images for Images for a Cure which all proceeds go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  The Sessions are $200, this if over 50% off!, and last one hour long.  You get all of the images on DVD for your printing needs.  I also put images up on a website for you and on Facebook for you to tag and show friends.  What better way could there be to meet me and get fabulous images while you are on the island!  The sessions are open to any type of photography you wish.

Images for a Cure and Mackinac Island Destination Dream Wedding Weekend

Please visit my Wedding Photography and see why you should book me for your Mackinac Island Wedding

Find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/paulphoto

Find me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/paulphoto

A trip to the North End of Lake Superior near the Lake Superior Provincial Park is a good thing.  Not only is it beautiful and relaxing but we get the dogs out running on the beach and tire them out for days, sometimes weeks.

This particular trip I decided to use my dedicated Canon Infrared camera and convert most of the images to black and white infrared photography.  The results are unique and I love them!

The North end of Lake Superior reminds me of the Northern California coastline where I lived for over 2 years.  Very rugged terrain and sheer rock walls that jet out from the deep depths of Lake Superior.  Lake Superior is also a massive body of water that should be respected.

Lake Superior Provincial Park Shoreline

Lake Superior image slideshow below by Paul Retherford Photography, LLC

Good times once again in Canada on a weekend trip to Lake Superior.  Most of the images are in infrared black and white photography.

Enjoy!

infrared photography of lake superior and loons

floating tree 1/4 mile offshore in lake superior in canada

infrared black and white lake superior rocks in canada

Check out the Lake Superior Slide show below with lots of infrared black and white photography from my vacation to Canada

Visit Paul Retherford Photography, LLC and see more fabulous Photography

Last night we took a two hour boat ride with our blue weimaraner, Sampson, and our Vizsla, Asta ~ Asta la Vizsla around Neebish Island.  We passed through Neebish Island and Sugar Island and had Canada about 1/4 mile away.  Only saw a few boats in our trip.  I was surprised not to see anyone patrolling the border from the water.  This was their second boat ride in our jet boat and they love the smells from the bow.

We do have life preservers that we usually have on the dogs at all times but we used their leashes and held on to them so they wouldn’t try to launch at all of the birds flying from the buoys.  We did see a beautiful Osprey and a ton of turns, gulls, ducks, and geese.  Good times…

Here are a few images of the dogs having a good time.  Asta was more of a bow rider and Sampson slept for half of the trip.

jet boat with dogs in upper michigan

cruising the St. Mary's River in Northern Michigan

Asta chilling on the bow during our boat ride on the river

sampson, our blue weimaraner, napping on boat ride

northern michigan boat ride on St. Mary's River near Barbeau, Michigan

Swing by my Photography website and see some more fabulous images! Paul Retherford Photography, LLC

Harry - Wired Haired Griffon

Harry was adopted at age 1.5 and he joined his new sister Tessa at my parents house.  The two Wired Haired Griffons loved to play and then learned to enjoy life together.  Harry always took to me and he would perk up and wine when I walked in the door and mope when I left him.  He slept either with me in the single bed or next to the bed depending on his mood.  He was a happy dog who wouldn’t have ever hurt a flee.  I tried to get him out and hunt some birds, which he would do with me and my camera, but he never really wanted to see a gun.  He freaked out at loud noises and he would just quietly slink away to the basement, his safe haven.  He was a wonderful house dog that loved walks and adored his family.  He is ten now.  He was shown a great life by my parents and cared for like a kid.  I’m sure that Tessa will miss him greatly too.

You have to laugh when you see this dog.  He was so goofy and just loved attention.  Harry bounced around and loved to explore.  In fact, he would play hide and go seek with you, even though you wanted him to get in the car.  Harry was just a chill dog that everyone hopes their pet will resemble.  He will be missed by everyone who had the opportunity to enjoy his company.  He would have been a wonderful therapy dog, in fact, his happiness always changed my moods.

Harry - Wired Haired Pointing Griffon

Thank you Harry for being you and having an awesome personality.  I only hope that some day I will have a dog as cool as you!

The family took the weekend and headed to Camp Currell in Canada near Montreal River Harbour.  It was a beautiful weekend and we had a nice time hanging out on Lake Superior and with the inlaws.  The weather was mild and we had some nice hikes, put together a Lake Superior puzzle that was missing four pieces, ran the dogs a lot, had a few beverages, lots of good food, fun chats with the locals.

In Canada neighbors do not call before coming over, they just show up.  It seems like everyone is always welcome at any camp.  On Sunday, we were almost ready for dinner and we had 5 people, three groups, show up within 10 minutes.  We chatted for over an hour and crossed our fingers that dinner was chewable, it was fantastic!

The dogs LOVE Canada because they know that they get to run free and do lots of fun hikes.  They get to smell scents like moose and wolves which they don’t get much where we live.  The trees are different too so they scents are all strange to our dogs.  We have had to muzzle Sampson, our blue weimaraner, around Simon, our inlaws brittany, because Simon growls at Sampson sometimes and Sampson will show him who is the boss.  He doesn’t seem to mind it too much.

Check out the web cam up around where we stayed.

The border was easy on the way in and a lot tougher on the way out.  Lots of questions coming back to the US even with passports.

Here are a couple images from our fun up north.  There is a slideshow and video below too.  Check everything out and enjoy the fantastic scenery that we were able to enjoy while we vacationed in Canada.  The best part about it is that we are only 2 hours away!:-)  No cell phones, the slow life, lots of hiking, fishing, relaxing, and more!!!

lake superior winter

family image near beaver rock

dogs running on lake superior ice in winter

Lake Superior Web Cam in Canada

Here comes the slideshow of images from Lake Superior weekend in Canada and a few videos I posted.

Having a Wedding in Michigan, Northern Michigan, or anywhere around the World?  Do you want a Photographer who incorporates your personality and works to create truly unique wedding images on your Wedding day?  These aren’t your Uncle Harold’s pictures.

Paul Retherford Wedding Photography has been capturing Weddings for over 15 years.  I have a unique style of photography and I work hard to make every Wedding scream with emotions, personality, and help you remember your Wedding day as it happened.  My products and service are unmatched in the industry and I offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with ALL of my products and services.  This is why ALL of my past clients are referralls and they all recommend me.  I take pride in this fact and I guarantee that your Wedding images will be as fabulous as these below.  This is just a small cross section of the thousands of images that I capture on a typical Wedding day.

My coverage areas in Michigan include the entire state.  Areas like Detroit, Grand Rapids, Southwest Michigan, Lakeshore Weddings, Lansing, Saginaw, Frankenmuth, Cadillac, Alpena, Gaylord, Traverse City, Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Elk Rapids, Bay Harbor, Castle Farms, Michigan Golf Courses, Bear, Mackinac Island, Drummond Island, Marquette, St. Ignace, Mackinaw City, Escanaba, Upper Michigan, Northern Michigan, Frankfurt, Saugatuck, Grand Haven, South Haven, St. Joseph, and every Michigan city in between.

Destination Wedding coverage around the World in locations like Greece, New Zeeland, Bahama, Virgin Islands, Fiji, South Pacific, Private Islands, Beach, Sand Weddings, Resort Weddings, Hawaii, Europe, Italy, Russia, Paris, Sweden, Iceland, Alaska, Key West, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Central America, Belize, Panama, South America, Brazil, Chile, Island Weddings, Water Weddings.

This may be the last time that I get to capture the dogs in the snow this year.  The snow is melting quick now and spring is coming this Friday!  The dogs and I have found a ton of fantastic trails and areas to run in the winter time.  I love that there are no bugs.  I already see the flies starting to hatch with this warm spurt.  Not looking forward to the black flies.

I tried using some motion in the images this time and some of the images helped show the speed these dogs have when they really open it up.  Sam has had a sore shoulder so he was not as active but Asta was hilarious because she just throws her body into the snow.

I wish that everyone could observe the joy that Asta has but she is SO scared of everyone but her mom and dad, and a few family members and close friends.   Asta would be such a great therapy dog is she wasn’t scared because she is one of the funniest pets I have ever seen.

Here are a few images and then a photo slide show with the doggies.

vizsla funny

blue weimaraner

vizlsa

Check out these images of my dogs and their funny expressions.  Our dogs absolutely love running in the outdoors and there are numerous seasonal roads where you will never see a soul around me.  The dogs get to get out and be maniacs and I get a bit of exercise too.  If you would like a pet photography session let me know.  I do outdoor sessions and home sessions.

Paul Retherford Photography, LLC | Pet Photographer

weimaraner blue pet photography image

blue weimaraner running fun

vizsla running image

When your having a hard time getting going in the morning it is nice to have a pet that just loves life.  Asta La Vizsla loves her family and adores her time outdoors.  She has the funniest faces when she runs.  Here is an photo of her from yesterday to cheer you up.  Enjoy!

Vizlsa flying over the snow by pet photographer paul retherford

Paul Retherford Photography, LLC | Pet Photographer

Just found some images from this past Mackinac Island season and I wanted to share some images with you.  The images were from the Lilac Festival and include Pet Parade images and random images around Mackinac Island.  The island is great for vacations, weddings, events, parties, and weekends away.  I even ran into a bachelor party when I was strolling around.  The pet parade was fun and it was nice to see so many different dog breeds in one place.

When people think of Mackinac Island one of the images is the Grand Hotel.  The Grand Hotel is a staple of the island and is a beautiful place in the World.  The overview from the east bluff below is a nice spot in the World for seeing all of the action that happens below.    Lastly, the Old Stone Church is a favorite am0ng brides and grooms for wedding ceremonies.  The church is fantastic and very unique.

Come to Mackinac Island and take in the laid back attitude and all of the perks of having no motorized vehicles.   Enjoy the few images below!

mackinac island pet photography

mackinac island pet parade pet photography

old stone church mackinac island michigan

lilacs on mackinac island and the old stone church michigan

horse carriage on mackinac island michigan

weimaraner dog photography during mackinac island pet parade michigan

bachelor party on bikes on mackinac island michigan

greyhound dog in pet parade on mackinac island michigan

There are a number of pet friendly locations on the island.  Come for the weekend and bring your dog and a leash.  Your dogs will be welcomed with open arms.

mackinac island overview from east bluff

the grand hotel on mackinad island michigan

collie in pet parade on mackinac island michigan

golden retriever on mackinac island michigan pet parade

german sheppard at pet parade on mackinac island michigan

golden retriever in pet costume on mackinac island michigan

If you would like photography on your vacation to mackinac island michigan please give me a call and I will be happy to photograph your dog, family, friends, wedding, party, or whatever you would like photographed.

Paul Retherford Photography, LLC

Phone 231.445.1793

A fun romp in the snow on a seasonal road was the setting for these blue Weimaraner and Vizsla winter snow images.  My dogs love to get out and run, as you can see.   The faces they make when they are cruising are hilarious!  I enjoy my time with my dogs in the great outdoors.  Never saw a person on our snowshoe and haven’t seen anyone on most of my hikes in the outdoors up here.  We flushed one grouse along the road and saw a bunch of rabbit tracks.  It was about 30 degrees, just perfect for a hike.  Here are some images and then a photo slide show.

Paul Retherford Pet Photography, LLC

blue weimaraner photo image

vizsla dog image photo picture

weimaraner and vizsla dog running image

Great Lakes Sled Dog Association

The Kinross, Michigan Sled dog sprint race of 2009 was a success and I captured a bunch of fantastic images of the dogs and mushers.  I have a blast hanging around the event and I hope that you take the time to see the images and the slide show at http://www.paulretherford.printroom.com/Kinross2009

Professional Photography by Paul Retherford Photography, LLC

Kinross, Michigan Sled dog racing images for the 2009 Great Lakes Sled Dog Association race at the end of February 2009.  Photos by Paul Retherford Photography, LLC, assisted by Chris Schroeder of Rudyard, MI.

aerial dog sled racing image in Kinross Michigan by paul retherford

husky dog sled racing dog image in Kinross Michigan dog race

sled dog image from the kinross sled dog race in northern Michigan

sled dog racing image from Kinross Michigan dog racing

Kinross, Michigan Sled Dog Image from 2009 Race in Upper Michigan