Pet Portraits - Charity Event - Dog Portraits - Arizona Dog Photography - Crescendo Pet Photography

Last weekend was the annual Portrait with Your Pet event that I have done for the past three years, proudly partnering with Tracy Wosaba of Spiritual Whimsy. This year, the beneficiary was the North Shore Animal League America. Despite a much lower turnout than last year, we still managed to raise almost $800 for them, the worlds largest no-kill animal shelter!
Here are some of my favorite images from Saturday. First up, Bert debating the merits of attacking the squirrel.
Dixon was regal and stoic, until the last frame when he became a dog!
The Bauer corgis were so well behaved and snappy in their holiday collars!
Many of those who came out to the event were past clients, like the lovely Issey. As always, she looked marvelous in her blingy collar.
Sonnie was too cute in his jester collar. I think he was watching his sister Shadie for this shot.
Here is one image that was too cute not to share! This is Marmaduke and his boys. All 3 have such expressive faces!
This sweet pup was so gentle and calm. Handsome, too!
Miss SugarDog was another past client. Her sister DaisyDog was running around somewhere with the kids, but SugarDog was sitting pretty for this shot.
I met Tank for the first time and was in love instantly. This snorting, huffing bundle of cuteness had so many expressions I could have photographed him all day. He even smiles on command!
This was the lone cat brought in for the event. Tienda is a Bengal cat, rare and beautiful. Like most cats, though, she was none too keen on the idea of being asked to pose for her portrait. I think this shot sums up her exact feelings.
In a few days I will post some of my favorites from the second day of the event. For a bonus shot of Tank guaranteed to make you smile, head over to my facebook fan page here!

News Flash - Crescendo Photography Accolades

I am not one to beat my own drum or rabidly self-promote BUT I am over the moon about my latest news. Read all about it! I already celebrated with a box of hand-packed Godiva chocolates last week, but now I am going back into my corner and quietly celebrate some more.

Photographer Marnie McCown Accepted into the WPJA

Chandler, Arizona – November 12th, 2009 – Marnie McCown today announced her acceptance into the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), an International, membership-based organization representing professional photographers skilled in the documentation of weddings and events in a candid, unobtrusive style. As a WPJA member, Ms. McCown joins the ranks of some of the most talented wedding photojournalists in the world as judged by their technical, creative and visual aptitude.

Leading the way in Wedding Photojournalism, WPJA represents the most discriminating talent around the world technically, creatively and visually. Members are held to strict membership standards regarding image quality and content, technical and creative technique, website and marketing professionalism, business ethics and communication.

“I am very pleased to have been accepted into the Wedding Photojournalist Association,” states Ms. McCown, owner/principal of Crescendo Photography. “To be recognized for my ability and photographic style is really satisfying and to be in the company of some of my favorite photographers makes this a true honor.”

Through Crescendo Photography, Ms. McCown provides engagement and wedding coverage to clients, locally and internationally, in a comprehensive and inconspicuous way. “Marnie captured all the moments of my wedding, big and small, and yet I forgot she was even there, it was like magic. She does amazing work!” explained one client.

To learn more about Marnie McCown, view her portfolio, request a media kit or schedule an interview, visit www.crescendophoto.com or email her at info@crescendophoto.com


# # #

Family Portraits in the Park - Phoenix Family Portraits - Crescendo Photography Portraits

Autumn is THE season for family portraits in most of Phoenix. The temperatures are bearable and, with any luck, overseeding has taken hold and the parks are green and lush. Such was the case last week for what is probably my favorite family portrait session every year. I have been photographing Kelly and her family for the past 4 years and each time I marvel at how much the girls have changed. K & A are smart, funny and sweet and I cannot believe how grown up they look! Luckily, our session was about 2 weeks later than in past years, which meant we had green grass. BUT, we also had to dodge the sprinklers! Luckily, Kelly brought a blanket.Here are my two favorite famiy portraits from our session

I love to play with the theme of Grant Wood's painting, American Gothic (1930). I frequently conjure up the image when directing my clients. Something about the simplicity of the iconic image inspires me and I enjoy playing with variations of it. Of course, my clients always look happier than the paintings subjects! This is the inspired shot...

A bonus image from this session is on my facebook fan page here. Check it out and become a fan!

Children's Portraits - Studio Kids Photography - Arizona Childrens Portraits - Crescendo Kids Photography

So, last Friday I had a mini-session marathon for kids in their Halloween costumes. Princesses seemed to be most popular and I wanted to share two of my favorites. Little Misses H & B came as Disney princesses, Cinderella and Snow White. H was perfect as Cinderella!! The hair and dress worked perfectly!

Miss B was adorable as Snow White. A perfect little princess, complete with a wand...or was it a rpyal scepter?
A bonus image of these two is on my facebook fan page here. Check it out and become a fan!

Pet Portraits - Dog Portraits - Arizona Dog Photography - Crescendo Pet Photography

For the past several years I have been fortunate enought to partner with Tracy Wosaba, owner of Spiritual Whimsy to host a "Portrait with your Pet" event raising money for a charitable cause that benefits animals. This year is no exception! Our event is November 14th in Phoenix and November 15th in Gilbert and benefits North Shore Animal League America, the world's largest no-kill shelter. When we plan the event, I always try to change things up so our repeat guests can have something new for their portraits. This means I design limited edition custom holiday cards each year that feature my guests portraits. It also means I use different sets for the event. In years past, I have used a more formal set and a mid-key generic backdrop. This year, I am using a high-key white set up to firmly place the focus (pun intended) on the relationships of the pets and their people. On Sunday, I photographed Tracy and her inspiration, Sedona. Here are 2 of my favorite images from our session.

Sedona looking at Tracy, her stylist, to see if her hair was "just so".

Two blondes on high-key! I teased Tracy that this shot and another would be the portraits used when she was featured in Oprah's magazine.
If you like what you see, check out my website at Crescendo Photography. If you want more information on the Portrait with your Pet event, shoot me an e-mail. Don't wait until the last moment...each year we sell out of available times early!

Children's Portraits - Studio Kids Photography - Arizona Childrens Portraits - Crescendo Kids Photography

When it comes to children's photography, I love to shoot in a way that shows personality. I am not much for perfect poses. Instead, I want to capture the uncertainty, giggles and exuberance that comes with being a kid, whether I am shooting outside or in studio. Here is are two of my favorite shots from Friday. Little Miss K came as Snow White and wasn't exactly excited about the shoot to begin with. By the end, she was having a blast! How cute is she??

Pet Portraits - Dog Portraits - Arizona Dog Photography - Crescendo Pet Photography

As the well-loved human of three dogs, I really think my life has been enriched by their presence. So much so, that I can't imagine a day without any of my pups. My friend Bridget is the same way. She has been dealing with a tragedy in her Golden Retriever, Bailey. Due to the unkind nature of the cancer Bailey has, Bridget wanted to be sure we had ample opportunity to capture their relationship on camera. Bailey is sweet, silly, loving, lovable and very devoted to Bridget. As we wandered around the park and the home site, Bailey would trot around on whatever little doggie adventure she cooked up, but never strayed too far from Bridget. I hope I did their special relationship justice. Here are my favorites from the session.

Wedding Photography - Arizona Weddings - Crescendo Photography

Even though autumn in Phoenix is rolling in with 100 degree temperatures, it is the perfect time to plan your winter or spring wedding! Come see me tomorrow (Sunday October 18th) at the Bridal Open House at the Hilton Phoenix/Chandler! I will be in the Ballroom, by Az Family Florist and Dillard's. Stop by and say hello!

Children's Portraits - Studio Kids Photography - Chandler Children's Photography - Arizona Childrens Portraits - Crescendo Kids Photography

This week has been devoted to dogs, but today I am sharing two of the cute kids I have photographed recently. First up, is this this pint-sized precious girl. Initially, she wasn't too thrilled with the idea of being there, but as you can see we ended up getting some smiles and giggles!


Another cutie was this little cowboy. He was so easy to photograph. Very interested and animated, he was the definition of adorable!

Dog Portraits - Pet Photography - Studio Dogs from Crescendo Photography

Continuing the parade of pups from Saturday's event, here are a few more of my favorite images:
This is Amber, whom you met the other day. Out of the basket, she is even more adorable!

Meet Vegas! This little lady, sporting her bling, was incredibly funny! Like most Boston Terriers, she was all geared up and smiling. While she seemed concerned with the lights and the lens, she still posed like a star. Despite her wall-eyes, I still think she is really cute in an alien sort of way!

Finally, this is Sandy. I think she was my favorite dog of the day. Sandy is a mature girl and looks to me like a Boxer/Golden mix. Calm, sweet and wanting nothing more than to lean in for cuddles.

Sandy reminded me so much of my Boxer, Rebel. They are the same age (11) which is considered beyond the twilight age of the breed. Her 'mom' brought her to the event to have her portrait made so they would have a reminder of her when she is no longer with them. This resonated with me since not a day goes by that I don't cuddle with both of my old boys and delight in all the joy they have brought me over the years. To me, nothing illustrates love like an old dog.

Pet Portraits - Dog Portraits - Arizona Dog Photography - Crescendo Pet Photography

This Saturday past I had a great time photographing a pet portrait event to help a local pet resort celebrate it's 10th anniversary. As usual, there were bundles of cute pups and by the end of the day I was covered in fur and puppy spit and you know I loved every minute of it! More to come later this week, but for now here are a few favorites from the event!
This is Jane and Petey. I met them last year and I think Petey remembered me, because he came in wagging his tail like crazy!

Oliver and Maggie Mae are also repeat clients and looked so perfectly fluffy they seemed like stuffed toys. Check out their smiles!

This is Amber. While it was her first shoot with me, I hope to see her again when she is all grown up, since she is only 4 months old. I guarantee when she is full-grown, she will NOT fit in the basket!

Children's Portraits - Studio Kids Photography - Arizona Childrens Portraits - Crescendo Kids Photography

This week I had the pleasure of photographing several really cute kids. The week started off with this precious and sweet bundle of energy. Little Miss "H" was a joy to photograph - a complete natural in front of the lens. Not a cheesy smile in sight! Here is a sneak peak of her session. J'aime le béret!!

Pet Portraits - Dog Portraits - Arizona Dog Photography - Crescendo Pet Photography

How do so many days pass between my posts? Where does the time go? Nonetheless, it is Autumn in Arizona!!! That means while it may still hit 90 during the day, the mornings and evenings are perfect, with a slight chill in the air. As I gear up for lots of October sessions, I took some time to shoot some pet portraits on the set I will use for my October 10th event at Pete & Mac's Pet Resort in Gilbert. Proceeds from this event benefit Maricopa Animal Care.
My dogs modeled for me and I think the results are great! If you would like to have your pets portrait made, call Pete & Mac's or send me an e-mail.
Baby in the Pumpkin patch.
The bandit who stole my heart!
Want a Christmas or Hannukah pet portrait? Check out my Portrait with Your Pet event on November 14th & 15th. This event will benefit North Shore Animal League America, the world's largest no-kill shelter!

Chandler Portrait Session - Studio Portraits - Portraits in Studio by Crescendo Photography

Well, I am actually making progress and catching up on all the project edits, slideshows and albums! This thrills me to no end, because a) I love to check things off my list and 2) I want to share some great shots of a gorgeous couple!
I have the honor of photographing Jill and Aaron's wedding this November and while they already had an engagement session, we hit the studio to play and shoot some more. You may remember their puppy Ruby Love from several posts ago, but here are some hot shots of the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs.!
I wanted to play with a vintage feel for their session, so I tweaked the color on these. An homage to silver gelatin dry plate processing look of early film days.
After warming up, these two really had a lot of fun. I love it when engaged couples flirt with each other!
Not quite Rita Hayworth and Glen Ford, but close.
An earthier feel to this shot, sort of early 70's, soft and sexy.
Of course, I had to include one more of baby Ruby Love!
Jill and Aaron, thank you for a great session!!