Leroy is one of those dogs who survived hell and yet maintained an adoration of all people, a love of companionship form other dogs, and the ability to positively represent his breed and rescue dogs everywhere.
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portrait photography
I got to interact with a rescue horse who had survived abuse and had long term behavior challenges because of it. Just like dogs, a horse has an innate personality but they can also be molded by their treatment and experiences. My contact with dogs and horses has taught me that every animal has different needs when working with them. It is our primary job as photographers to make sure each animal feels safe and respected while we document them.
Everything on the internet - but especially headshots - represents your brand. Reputation is tremendously important and that really starts with the first image that people see of you. If “there is no second chance for a first impression,” it’s all the more important that your headshots portray a positive and professional image.
This personal project kept me inspired and driven. It gave me amazing experience and challenged my abilities. I got to work with new breeds and personalities. I got to play with new lighting and colors. It absolutely made me better at my job.
“I am passionate about this profession because I enjoy being a listener and source of support for those sharing stories of trauma, life challenges, resiliency, hope. Making a human connection with others while providing a space for individuals to be vulnerable in an otherwise world that can feel chaotic and unsafe at times motivates me to show up for them consistently.”
We think dogs are some of the most amazing creatures, they challenge us to be better humans and give us a sort of unconditional love. This is exactly what the Christmas spirit embodies. So this Christmas, we decided that if you can Deck the Halls, you can Deck the Dogs!
“There was a summer I spent at the hospital volunteering 8 hours a day while my mom was working there as a nurse. I had spent a lot of time on the floors, making hourly rounds on the patients and asking if they felt comfortable or if there was anything I could get for them. I had a lot of free time, so I would spend it talking to the patients on the floor. I realized that I really enjoyed just talking to and getting to know them. When they had questions about their care, I wanted to be able to explain what was going on and how it impacted their health.”
“We've been through everything with him. He's very special to us. I've had him since he was 20 minutes old. We went through vets telling us at a week old to take him home and wait to see if he will survive. We went through the uncertainty of his injury and not knowing what his life would be like. To now, we have this happy, healthy boy who is an absolute joy. It's been a journey and I'm so glad to have these photos to document how special he is.”
I think professional photos do a great job of preserving the memory of who you and your family are at that point in time. Life seems to move forward so quickly. Fortunately a camera shutter opens and closes fast enough to capture little slices of it for us to reminisce about later. It's important to remember these slices of our lives because without memories of the past, the future is oftentimes less exciting.
“It is meaningful to have professional images of Bailey because he is part of our small family! I feel joy seeing how happy and handsome Bailey looks in his photos.”
“I love what I do because I'm able to help people when they are in need. Someone who's too sick or injured to work has their entire life upended. Giving some type of security to that person is an incredible feeling.”
I always enjoy having puppies in the studio. As a pet photographer in Toledo, I am often looking for ways to challenge myself and become better at what I do. I try to work with all sizes, breeds and ages. Volunteering with a local animal rescue, Planned Pethood, has given me opportunities to photograph dogs who might present some challenges. Some rescue dogs are nervous about meeting new people, some have current health issues and many do not have formal training. If I stay patient and make them feel comfortable, I can document each dog despite their circumstances.
Olivia was truly a dream to work with. She has a beautiful smile and great sense of style. She also adores her sweet senior dog, Maizy. Olivia is a 2021 graduate from Springfield High School in Holland, Ohio. She was planning to schedule her photos in the fall but it ended up working out perfectly to have a spring session.
I had amateur photos taken of my senior dog a couple years before he passed away and those photos mean the world to me. I wanted to have some for Beau as well because unfortunately, Saints do not live long. Also, Beau is considered a “special needs” dog – he suffers from a mild case of cerebellar hypoplasia. He is an ambassador for rescue, the breed, and special needs dogs everywhere.
“I’ve worked with other photographers and dogs, but Rebecca is special. She connects and cares for every creature and they sense it. She works to create an experience that’s joyful for you and your pet. Whether it’s a family photo or a solo shoot, Rebecca will capture stunning images.”
I’ve discovered over the years that I need to become more present in the current moment. Anxiety is rooted in the fear of the future and depression is rooted in the loss over what has passed. Since dogs are firmly entrenched in the present and are neither thinking of the past or future, I both envy and seek to imitate Kismet’s ability to live in this very moment. Time is precious, and she doesn’t spend her days wishing for what she had or worrying over what is to come.
Rebecca Trumbull Photography specializes in documenting furry loved ones. This Toledo photographer believes that all life is important and should be celebrated. While lamenting the long, cold, drab winters we get in northwest Ohio, I decided to come up with a February theme that would help to break the monotony of the season. I felt that a month all about animals was the way to go. Fluff-uary is not just about furry friends like dogs and cats, I happily celebrate all creatures that enrich our lives and give us companionship.
We joke about Patty, saying she has a magnetic personality that every dog cannot resist. They fall utterly in love with her and she is always a favorite. I can tell you that dogs really do judge character well. Patty pours her whole heart into rescue work. She fosters dogs consecutively without breaks. She transports foster pups on her day off to vet appointments, adoption events and photo shoots. Patty doesn’t just talk about rescue, she lives it. And the dogs can tell.
Rio was adopted as a puppy from Planned Pethood Inc. here in Toledo. Now almost 10, she has become an irreplaceable part of her mom’s life. Quinn adores her “princess” Rio and spoils her in every way. Still appreciative of Planned Pethood’s work even today, Quinn entered their raffle fundraiser for a pet photography session I had donated. Rio got her opportunity to model for me downtown at the Toledo Metropark, Middlegrounds.
Why did you include your dog, Ryder, in your photos? Ryder is our family! He will be 2 on August 1st, 2020 and he is a labradoodle. It’s honestly hard to remember what our life was like before we got him. He’s kind of been like our baby before we have a human baby, as he’s helped facilitate communication and responsibility. Having him has been a little bit of a warmup for parenting. We also include him in all of our vacation plans and try to take him with us when we go places if he’s allowed. So, when I thought about getting some maternity photos taken, we of course wanted to include him.