Tag: Mel Taylor Photography

Ever need a Dog Walker or someone to feed the cat?

Well, it has been a busy few months for me and I have sadly neglected my blog again so I thought I would start out on some doggy related topics that may be of interest to you!

I am lucky enough to work from home, so my three dogs have my company most of the day! Having said that I do go away for workshops, and personal development and it is not always convenient for my husband to take time off work but we usually manage to work things around. There are lots of dog owners though that do not have this luxury and have to leave their beloved pooch at home while the are at work.

Some dogs are happy with this but others may get bored or anxious and so having someone come in and check them and take them for a walk is peace of mind for many dog owners.

I recently met up with Joanna Menzies, Director of Rambles Pet Care,  to take some PR photographs for her but often meet her out and about with various dogs when walking mine. The business was founded in September 2016. You may have seen her fliers around some of the local pet stores and vets.

Hiring a dog walker can seem daunting to some owners, the thought of leaving your beloved pets with a stranger can be nerve wracking. I would be happy to leave mine in the care of Joanna and her team.

When choosing a dog walker, make sure to go with a professional and highly recommended business. So I decided to find out more about Joanna and Rambles Pet Care for you!

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Joanna, 29,  grew up in Wantage, Oxfordshire, surrounded by pets of all shapes and sizes. After pursuing a successful career in Public Relations in London, she returned to her hometown of Wantage in 2016, to follow her dream of working with animals, and founded Rambles Pet Care LTD.

Joanna says that “Rambles combines my love of animals, the great outdoors and keeping fit, three of my biggest passions!”
Joanna is supported by two other team members, Claire and Chelsea. Joanna said that she wanted to be sure she employed others that loved animals as much as she does and were honest and caring people. She states that Claire and Chelsea tick all the boxes and feels so lucky to have them as part of the team.
What services does Rambles Pet Care Provide?
  • Dog Walking
    We provide regular daily walks, or just the occasional ones when clients are stuck behind at the office. We take the dog to the best countryside spot around and allow them to enhance their senses with lots of sniffing, exercise, play and fresh air.
    We like to keep our clients updated by sharing a photo of their dogs from our walks, as well as sending a short message to let them know their precious pup is safely home.

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  • Cat Visits and Feeds
    We offer a Visit and Feed service for Cats and other small animals,  to ensure our client’s pets are kept happy and well whilst they’re away.
    Whether it’s a comfort visit in the middle of the day to combat any loneliness, or breakfast and dinner feeds whilst owners are on holiday, we can help.

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  • Pet Sitting
    For a much friendlier and more comfortable alternative to Kennels and Catteries, we offer an overnight Pet Sitting service.
    Aimed to reduce any anxiety whilst our clients are away, by having their beloved animal taken care of within the comfort of their own home.
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Rambles Pet Care is based in Wantage but also covers up to a 10 mile radius, including Southmoor, Farringdon and Didcot.

I asked Jo, what a typical day would be for her…
One of the things I love about my job is that each day is different! But typically, my day will go something like this…
06:30am: Rise and Shine! I start my day by checking my emails with a large cup of tea to hand! I may have received some last minute requests or updates from our clients, so it’s important to check this and then update the days schedule accordingly.
07:30am: Morning Feeds! The first stop of the day tends to be feeding any chickens and cats we are looking after. It’s lovely to see their excitement on our arrival in the morning!
08:30am: Puppy time! We often provide puppy visits to clients that commute into London very early in the morning. This first visit involves letting them out to the loo, playing with lots of toys to burn off their energy, and of course loads of cuddles.
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09:30-14:00: Dog walks! This is our busiest time of the day for dog walking. There really is nothing better than being out in the fresh air, walking one of our Rambles doggy clients.
We don’t offer group/pack walks, so every dog walk is different from the last and will take place in the best countryside or nature trail spot nearby, for lots of sniffing, exercise and play-time!
After each walk, I like to send our clients a photo of their dog and short update, letting them know how they got on.
14:00: Refuel! Time to refuel with some lunch, respond to any emails and check-in with the rest of the team.
15:00: Round two! Puppy Visits and afternoon Dog Walking kicks off, followed by Cat evening feeds.
17:00: Social Media! Rambles has very active Social Media channels, including Facebook and Instagram. Our clients like to see photos of what we’ve been up to, so I set some time aside to update each day.
18:00: New customer visits! It’s important for me to meet new clients face to face, so both they (and their pet) can meet me before registering with Rambles. These visits usually take place in the evenings when clients are home from work. I really look forward to meeting new clients and their four legged family members.
20:00: Hens to bed then home for dinner!
For Facebook lovers check out the Rambles FB Page
Well I hope that has given you lots of information about the services that Rambles Pet Care provide and helps you on your way to contacting her should you require any of her services.
Thank you for reading my post!

The Socities of Photographers Convention 2017

Well yes, I agree the title does make it sound a little Geeky but it is one of the major photography events of the year. So what’s it all about?

It is Europe’s largest all welcome photographic convention and is held at the Hilton London Metropole Hotel near Paddington station.

The event is attended by photographers from around the world, amateur and professional alike. There is a huge choice of seminars, and workshops to attend.

The 20″x16″ Print competition is very popular and any merits in this competition are not to be sniffed at. The entries are high and the judging is very tough!

Aspiring photographers can also have a panel of images judged for either Licentiate, Associate or Fellowship Qualifications.

There is a tradeshow on Friday- Sunday where there are many exhibitors, from all aspects of photography. A great place to speak to suppliers, see what’s new on the market and get ideas.

On Saturday evening there is a Grand Awards dinner. This is attended by 500+ people and is a great social event.

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The Gold images from the year are displayed through dinner and the awards for both Trade and Photographer are presented.

Gold Image by Clive Hall. (Sadly the photograph of my Gold did not come out well)

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The individuals go up on stage to get their awards and have a photo taken after with trophies or certificates.

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My good friend Clive Hall having his photograph taken after receiving his Fellowship Certificate. Well done Clive.

A very enjoyable event. I am excitedly awaiting the arrival of my new backgrounds and have found some great new products for my customers. Looking forward to next years event already.

 

 

A Good Start to the New Year!

Happy New Year to you all and I hope you had a good Christmas too.

The year has certainly started off well for me with a Nomination for Photographer of the Year with the Guild of Photographers. Last year I got nominated in the Dog genre, this year I have a nomination in the Equine genre.

Yesterday the Oxford Mail kindly celebrated this achievement with me in their Newspaper and also on line. Oxford Mail – on-line

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The nominated image was taken on a shoot with a lovely client and her old labrador and this handome chap. The shoot was a gift to her from her boyfriend.

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It is hard enough to get an award in the monthly competitions, each year the standards get higher and the competition is fierce so to be nominated in the top ten is a great honor for me.  The main thing for me is that I am able to produce good quality images to my clients that they love because they bring out the personalities of their animals and have something to treasure forever.

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If you would like to book a session then give me a call. 01235 763359 or 07818427876

www.meltaylorphotography.co.uk

Last Minute Xmas Ideas…

Hopefully, you will all be far more organised than I am and have all your Xmas shopping done.

If you are not and you are still looking for ideas then I still have a few GIFT VOUCHERS available for my Pet Portraits. They make a great gift for a family member, a friend, yourself or even use your pet as an excuse to get one.

The voucher includes a 1 hr Photographic session and a Complimentary 9″x6″ or 8″x6″ Glass Desk Framed image for the SPECIAL PRICE of only £30 normally £95.

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Don’t forget to get your pooch something tasty for Christmas but be sure it’s safe for them to eat. Kongs are great ideas, you can fill them with all sorts of tasty things to give variety and they can be frozen to make it last even longer. My dogs love these as both a toy and a treat.

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I hope you all have a wonderful Xmas and New Year.

TWO! – IT’s THIS WEEK!

I have been working with the AmEgos Theatre group for quite a few years now, providing the images for their posters, PR, program and the show images. I always enjoy the shows and the latest is no exception!

From the writer of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice,  Jim Cartwright, “TWO” is a story of the British pub and those that frequent it. Two actors play all characters who tell their stories.

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The AmEgos Theatre group presents this show this week  Wednesday 2nd November to Saturday 5th November,at the lovely Buscot Park Theatre.

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The Theatre constructed in 1936 for the 2nd Lord Faringdon it has recently been restored and provides an excellent venue for this great show.

A few images from last night’s dress rehearsal.  It is really worth going to see…

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Tickets are available  http://www.wegottickets.com/AmEgos (plus £1 booking fee) or Hare in the Woods, Market Place, Faringdon.

Bar from 6.45pm

Curtain 7.30pm

More information can be found on their website : http://www.amegostheatre.com/two-2016.html

Equine Art – Cotswold Preview

 

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Having spent the first part of my working life working with horses and loving every minute of it, it is no surprise that photographing them is a real joy for me. This is a side of the business I am just expanding, following my true passions and was lucky enough to be included in the June Issue of Cotswold Preview Magazine, in their Equestrian Art Special Feature.

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My Image, bottom right was taken on a Wedding Pre-shoot. It was a lovely evening capturing the couple to be but also the horses and the connection and bonds they have with their owners.

As the article states I have many years of experience of working with horse and I feel this gives me a distinct advantage for equine photography, understanding their habits, how to get them to look attentive, what is likely to spook them, how they should stand when they are really connecting with the owner.

I can come to your home, yard or meet you somewhere you like to ride.. for more information visit my website. www.meltaylorphotography.co.uk

A quote I  love is “When you are on a great horse, you have the best seat you will ever have” – Winston Churchill.

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Thank you for reading my post.

A Tribute…

May 2016 Fronts

It is always a pleasure to find one of my images in the Dogs Today Magazine and I am lucky to have been featured in many editions, last year and this year in the best dog photographs in the world section. I love the magazine and the article on the dog on the front cover was lovely.

If an image is featured of a clients dog then I provide a complimentary print of the image that is used. I contact the client as soon as I know so they can go grab themselves a copy of the magazine.

The image in this May’s magazine is of the lovely Nula…and her buddy taken on one of last years Bluebell shoots. We had a lovely play around the woods that day. The light was tricky as it was a bright day and so lots of dappled light which looks lovely but is tricky to work with from a photographic point of view.. we did manage to find some shady spots too.

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It is with great sadness that I have to say when I contacted Nula’s owner to tell her that she was featured in the magazine, I found out that Nula  had to go doggy heaven a few weeks before, due to illness. My heart goes out to her family as I know only too well the hole that is left in your heart by the loss of your dog.  I feel honoured that I was able to photograph her last year and that her owner has images that are displayed at home and will remind them of her.

Here are some other images taken on the day… RIP Nula…..and I hope her buddy is not missing her too much.

A few of my favourite image from the shoot. It is the intent look at her owner that makes this image for me.

 

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A little bit of fun is always good if the dogs are getting fed up of posing.

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This is Nula’s buddy, I have a real soft spot for Lurchers, having owned several myself. I would have been more than happy to have taken this lad home with me.

 

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The good thing about Badbury Clump is that you have a variety of backdrops to use.

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Beautiful girlie, so soft and gentle. I usually ask owners to remove collars but with Lurchers it looks better if they keep the collar on.

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One of my favourite images from the shoot.  Gives a real feel of them being at ease with each other.

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Thank you for reading my post. http://www.meltaylorphotography.co.uk

 

Dogs Today

Feeling chuffed to have another of my images featured in Dogs Today Magazine March edition. This time a lovely brown and white,  Springer Spaniel that I shot at his home. We were lucky that at the back of the garden there was a corn field so we went out there for a little play.

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The image top right is on of many lovely head shots of this handsome boy. We also got some great action shots and some of him relaxing in the garden.

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We started off getting to know each other in the garden. Just chilling and getting used to the camera.

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However, lovely as the garden was I was drawn to the corn field that sat behind the house and so we went to investigate.

This is one of my favourite shots from the shoot.

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Some dogs are more relaxed at home which was the case for this particular shoot. It was a bright sunny morning which is always a challenge. I would always prefer a bright but over cast day as the light is much easier to work with for both humans and animals.

 

We has a lot of fun in the corn.

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One of the last shots before we finished. A happy but tired boy.

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Please take a look at my website for more images. www.meltaylorphotography.co.uk

Thank you for reading my post.

 

A visit to Elston Veterinary Clinic

There is always so much to do that I don’t always have the time to Blog about some of the jobs I do at the time.

Amegos HS_0088 A little while back I was asked to do some photographic work for Elston Veterinary Clinic, based in the lovely village of Shrewton in Wiltshire.  They care for dogs cats and other small animals. Many of the images can now been seen on their website. For more information about the vets please visit their website www.elstonvets.co.uk

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The practice was easy to find and plenty of parking which as an animal owner is a great. I live in Oxfordshire and I love the vets I use and have done for years but there is limited roadside parking and normally I have to park a little distance away in a public car park which is never ideal.

The staff at the vets are all very friendly and their goal is to treat your animals as if they were their own.I really like that!

The practice is headed by its founder Dr Enid Frantilla, who is supported by other vets, veterinary nurses, receptionists and the office manger. All the team have their own pets and are very caring and enthusiastic.

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The Practice have designed a Healthy Pet Club which is a great idea, it allows you to pay a monthly fee to spread the cost of your pets preventative health care, including health checks, vaccinations, flea and worming treatments and members get offered a discount other areas of pet health care.

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So if you live in the area and looking for a great vets with loving staff then look no further.

Thank you for reading my post. www.meltaylorphotography.co.uk