So usually when my clients reach out to me about scheduling a session for their dog, we chat about their dog, and the kind of portraits they want to create and then start to nail down some details for their session, speaking to Kelley was no different….she told me JDs story (blog coming soon!), we chatted about her session. But then, we went off on a complete tangent about women in business, kayaking, and her love for exploring the world in her Jeep, with JD by her side. Kelley’s enthusiasm for The Lake Dog Project was highly infectious. So, for this blog, you get to hear from the dog-obsessed, adventure junkie and incredible voiceover talent, Kelley Buttrick in an article she recently wrote for the Lake Oconee Humane Society.

JD’S LAKE DOG PROJECT MOMENT

As a volunteer with the Lake Oconee Humane Society and adoring dog mom of our German Shepherd/Husky rescue, JD, I jumped at the chance to feature my handsome boy and raise money for LOHS!

I’m over the moon about my experience with Charlotte Detienne, the brilliant brain and professional animal photographer behind The Lake Dog Project.

THE LAKE DOG PROJECT PROCESS

Easy. Easy. Easy!

Charlotte is a total pro.  She dives into your dog’s story before even setting a date for the shoot, so she can prepare the best shots to highlight each dog’s personality. She asks questions about how you’re planning on displaying the images to ensure she captures the perfect moment to hang on your wall.

Closer to the shoot date, Charlotte walks you through what will happen and any preparation needed.

JD’S LAKE DOG PROJECT BIG DAY

Charlotte arrived early enough before the appointment time to chat but not so early as to stress me out.  Immediately, she got down to JD’s level and introduced herself. It was love at first sight for him!

We toured the locations she planned on using around the yard based on our earlier chat about JD’s personality and how I wanted to enjoy his portraits in our home.

CLEO’S BONUS SHOOT

When Charlotte met Cleo, our LOHS foster dog, she offered to take some shots of her as well that the shelter could use to promote this gentle giant of a dog who has stolen our hearts.  

It fascinated me how she captured Cleo’s attention differently than JD’s.  Charlotte knows how to get a dog to have fun and enjoy the moments they’re being photographed. She works with search and rescue dogs and has trained two of her own.  This woman knows dogs!

SUPERMODELS OF THE DOG WORLD

Trust me, fashion photographers have it easy compared to animal photographers. Charlotte uses her heart for dogs and professional skills to bring out the personality of every dog she meets, no matter how different they may be from one another.  Honestly, I had as much fun on the shoot as JD and Cleo did.

She turned two dogs who had no home into canine supermodels worthy of any runway!

WHAT IS THE LAKE DOG PROJECT Local Professional animal Portrait Photographer, Charlotte Detienne, is making it her mission to photograph and tell the stories our our beloved dogs, at home on Lake Oconee.  The project focuses on raising funds while creating custom artwork and will eventually become a book featuring dogs living and loving life in this area.  With each booking, she’s making a substantial donation to Lake Oconee Humane Society.

HOW MUCH IS THE DONATION CHARLOTTE GIVES TO LOHS?

Donations range from $100 to $1000 (or more) depending on what level of photo session and artwork is purchased.  Regardless of the level, this is much more than my kids’ schools were given on any restaurant’s “percentage night” fundraisers.

HOW TO FEATURE YOUR LAKE AREA DOG AND RAISE FUNDS FOR LOHS:

Visit the website at TheLakeDogProject.com