We are excited to bring you new fun apparel and gift items that benefit local rescue groups and feature Hoylarious “adult” comics created by Sean Hoy. Check them out on our gift shop by clicking here.

Sean’s comics have been designed exclusively for A Dog’s Life Photography with the intention of taking a stab at puppy mills and irresponsible backyard breeders. Wear them proudly to show that you are against “pets for profit” and you support the animal rescue community.

Click on the cartoon of your choice below to purchase apparel and gift products:

Visit the Hoylarious section of our gift shop today!

Design personalized gifts at Zazzle.

We’ve got you covered!

We’re in the process of moving our gift shop over to a new service but we have lots of cool stuff up there in time for the holidays!

Design a personalized gift at Zazzle.

By Susan Schmitz, owner of A Dog’s Life Photography

Co-authored by Arizona Basset Hound Rescue

Is now available for purchase

Proceeds benefit the Arizona Basset Hound Rescue

Dogs are not just simple household pets. They play many different roles in our lives. They sail through life with us like a yacht captain, cooking up experiences like a chef, while driving us to tears or laughter like a chauffeur. Bassets In Hats portrays how dogs wear many different roles in our lives… They wear a lot of hats.

~ Susan Schmitz

Preview the book below:

Available in three different price points. Click on your desired version to be directed to Blurb to complete your purchase:

Premium Version (Hardcover with premium paper) – $46.95
Standard Version (Hardcover with lighter paper) – $41.95
Economy Version (Smaller book with softcover and lighter paper) – $19.95

Fine Art Portraits of your pet by Fiona Purdy

Fiona is a wonderful artist that has recently partnered with A Dog’s Life to offer you exquisite custom paintings of your pets. She specializes in horses but she also paints other animals. Here is an example of a portrait that Fiona recently created from a photo taken by A Dog’s Life Photo…

The original photo:

Here is the amazing final painting. Trust me on this… the photo of the painting does not do it justice. When I saw this work of art in person, I was in complete awe! The amount of detail and the rich colors are absolutely remarkable. Fiona is one incredibly talented lady.

Please read the following interview with Fiona to lean more about her and her incredible work:

How did you get started with animal portraits and how long have you been doing them?

I’ve been painting animal portraits for 20 years.   I originally started painting my friends and family’s pets and horses on river rocks.  Using river rocks I was able to create a three dimensional portrait (I could paint the rock to look like the entire animal).  Word got around and before I knew it I was painting portraits for many pet owners.   I stopped painting on river rocks about 12 years ago, I now paint exclusively on canvas.

I have painted well over 200 portraits for many satisfied clients. I have painted dogs and cats, many horses and some unusual pets, such as a ferret!

Portrait commissions now make up approximately 50% of the paintings I create, the other 50% consists of my own original paintings, I specialize in painting horses.

Why do you paint pet portraits?

 I really enjoy creating one-of-a kind original paintings featuring people’s beloved pets.  There is a special magic to having those special creatures in our lives immortalized on canvas.

I get a huge amount of pleasure capturing not only the pet’s likeness, but also its unique personality.

But  more important that that, I believe I’ve been given this talent not for me, but to bring joy to other people’s lives.  The buzz I get when the client experiences that joy when they see the finished painting is an amazing experience!   I cannot tell you how humbled I am when an owner is overcome with emotion when they see the portrait of their treasured pet.  Even more so when the animal has passed on.   I feel incredibly blessed to be able to do such good with this gift I have been given. 

Where is your work on display?

I am primarily a self-representing artist, my website is my on-line gallery.

I participate in many art shows, a couple being Hidden in the Hills held every November in Carefree, Arizona and the Celebration of Fine Art show held here in Scottsdale in Jan/Feb/March every year.

Studio West Gallery in Anthem, Arizona recently started representing me, they currently have many of my original paintings on display.

What medium do you use for your art?

I paint in acrylics on canvas.  I use acrylics for their fast drying time.   My portraits are very detailed; if I used oils the long drying time would mean that it would take me far too long to finish a painting.

How long does a typical commissioned portrait take?

My portraits are very detailed, therefore are very time consuming.  The size, style and number of animals in the portrait determines how long it takes me to complete one.   A simple, small portrait (4”x4”) will take me 2 or 3 days, whereas a large (24”x 36”) commission including one of my hand painted borders or a detailed background can take 8 weeks or more.  The typical portrait size is 11”x14” or a 16”x20”, these will usually take me 3 to 6 weeks.

What is the average size and cost of a commissioned portrait?

My portrait prices range from $350 to $10,000 dollars. Price depends on the size, style of portrait and number of subjects.  Most of my portraits I am commissioned to create are in the $800 – $3,500 price range.  Sizes range from 4”x4” to 30”x40”. 

To many people that sounds like a lot of money.  However you have to understand that this is a one-of-a kind piece of original fine art, featuring your beloved pet or horse. It takes tremendous skill, talent and time to capture their likeness and personality. The portrait gives joy every time it is looked at.  It is also an heirloom; it can be handed down to the next generation.

When you view it that way, I think you would agree it is worth every penny!

How does the process work to have a portrait done?

I work from photographs, provided by the owner.

If the client is in the Phoenix area I like to personally discuss with them the details of the portrait and also meet the animal.  This way I get to know the pet.  However, if this is not possible, the details can be discussed via telephone or email.

I require a 50% deposit before starting the portrait.  Once received, I create a sketch which l email to the client for approval before starting to paint.  When I’ve finished the portrait I will personally deliver it, or ship it to the client.

I offer a money back guarantee, I stand behind my work 100%.  If for any reason the portrait is not to the client’s liking, they are under no obligation to purchase it.

But, I’d just like to say that not one of my clients have ever been unhappy with the final portrait.

Are you currently offering any specials?

I want everyone to be able to afford to have a portrait created of that special animal that shares his or her life.  To that end, I am now offering a budget friendly portrait. 

I am now offering a 4”x4” portrait of any pet or animal.  The price is only $350. The canvas I use is a gallery wrap (this means that all 4 of the canvasses 1 1/2” wide sides are painted) and comes framed in a 6”x6” bamboo shadow box frame, which allows the painted sides to be visible.

The portrait is also available without a frame (it can be hung without a frame because all sides are painted). The unframed price is $300.

I have to tell you this is a real bargain!  For such a small amount, you can have your pets immortalized in an original painting.  How cool is that? At this price it also makes a really great gift for that pet or animal lover you know.

Here is a sample of a framed 4×4 painting:

 What is your website/contact info?

Any one interested in seeing some of the portraits I have painted can visit my portrait gallery on my website:

http://fionapurdyart.com/collections/20597

If they are interested in having me paint an amazing portrait of their dog, cat, horse (or any animal)  I can can be contacted via my website, email: fionapurdy@cox.net or give by phone: Studio: 480-563-8399 or Cell: 602-770-0529.

I would be honored to create a beautiful portrait of their pet that they will treasure forever!

 Perhaps you also know that they produce wall graphics of fun kid’s stuff like super heroes, cartoons and Disney characters. Here is an example of fairies in a little girl’s room:

What you probably don’t know is that they also do custom wall graphics that you can create from your own photos. Here is an example of some clings that I had made for the playroom wall at Zippity Do Dogs in Phoenix.

One thing to note is that to get a photo blown up this big, it needs to be a really sharply focused, high resolution image. If you are not a professional photographer, you can definitely accomplish this if you have a nice camera that has a bare minimum of 6 mega pixels and you take the photo outdoors where there is plenty of natural light to allow you to use a fast shutter speed (try using your “Sports” or “Kids and Pets” mode since they automatically set your camera to a fast shutter speed which will make the image sharper). Or you can just book the time and talent of your friendly local photographer (A Dog’s Life Photo can hook you up!).

If you happen to be a professional photographer, you’re in luck because Fathead just announced a new program for professional photographers. By joining the program, you will receive 25% off all of your custom orders. The program is real new and they don’t have a sign-up form on their website yet. So, just head on over to Fathead.com to check it out and then send an email to KatieBenages@Fathead.com letting her know that you want to join the program. Be sure to give her a link to your website so she can confirm that you are a pro.

• I have completely revamped the Dogs Life Photography website. It’s slick and clean! Now, I am sure that some of you may like the old site better because it was a little more “fun”. I needed to make this change because I am moving into the commercial stock photography business and needed a more professional look. Check it out at www.ADogsLifePhoto.com.

New Website Design

• I’ve finished adding all breeds from the Tails of Rescue book to the I’ve Got It Ruff section of the gift store. The store itself is still under construction and will be taking on a total facelift real soon. It’s real ugly right now. So, pardon the dust while you complete your shopping.

• I’ve added some cool new Basset Hound designs to the gift store. Click Here to check them out. There are many more to come as I work with the Arizona Basset Hound Rescue on a new Basset Hound photo book. Stay tuned for details.

• The Tails of Rescue book is now being sold at the Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe and at Choice Pet Market in Glendale

• I have launched a new stock photography website that allows companies and graphic designers to purchase high resolution digital files of photos of rescue dogs for commercial purposes, such as advertisements, product labels, website design, etc. This site also offers high quality photo and canvas prints of your favorite A Dogs Life Photography photos. Click Here if you are in need of some classy dog art to hang on your walls.
• I have a new assistant/intern that is helping me out with some photo sessions and photo editing. She is a fellow dog lover, budding photographer and she is active in the rescue community. Hopefully she will let me snap a few photos of her to post here to introduce her to you all!
• Last but certainly not least… I am starting a brand new photo program that is FREE to local Phoenix area dog rescue groups. Details will follow in an email to the rescue groups after I nail down all of the little details, but here’s the skinny:

1. Rescue groups are allowed one free in-studio photo session per month of one dog that is currently up for adoption.
2. The rescue group will receive high resolution digital photos to be used for adoption ads, website design, flyers or any other marketing purpose.
3. I will set up a dedicated photo product store on A Dog’s Life Photography’s Gift Shop for each participating rescue group and a portion of the proceeds of all sales of photo products sold will be donated directly to the respective rescue groups.
4. Photos from each session will be sold as stock photography and a portion of proceeds of sales will be donated to the rescue groups.

Rescue groups – I will get with you on the details in the next week or so. In the meantime, if you would like to get on the schedule for photos before the slots fill up, visit the calendar page on this site and send an email to susan@adogslifephoto.com with the days/times that you would like to book.

A Dogs’s Life Photography is working with the Arizona Basset Hound Rescue to bring you a new line of Basset photo products.

This is an effort that will be in progress for the next few months and will end with a coffe table photo book featuring the best images of the bunch. But for now, there is a good head start on some super cute stuff that is ready for purchase. Products include:

• Standard photo prints
• Canvas gallery wraps
• Framed prints
• Customizable greeting cards
• T-shits
• Sweatshirts
• Aprons
• Coffee mugs
• Calendars
• Mouse Pads
• Magnets
• Stand-up cut-outs
• Puzzles
• Tote Bags
• Key chains

Here are a few suggestions of ways to put these photos to good use in your home:

A framed print of a Bassset in a cooking pot with vegetables to hang on your kitchen wall or printed on an apron:

A canvas gallery wrap of a Basset taking a bubble bath to hang in your powder room:

A personalized birthday card for a fellow dog lover:

A coffee mug with a Basset flying high (like you will be after a caffeine fix):

A photo of an angel Basset for a baby’s room:

A t-shirt of a dressed-up Basset so you can look fancy even when you are dressed casual:

Visit www.BassetHoundPhotos.com today to get your stuff!

Proceeds benefit the Arizona Basset Hound Rescue.

Hey Phoenix area rescue groups – Your turn for breed specific items to benefit your organization is coming soon. Stay tuned for details.

So, the printing of “Tails of Rescue” has been delayed a bit, AGAIN. I expect to have the books from the printer by December 11th. No worries, you will still be able to receive your copies before Christmas. The good news is that you can see your favorite Tails of Rescue dogs on the new “I’ve Got It Ruff” product line. Although the shop’s website is still really “ruff” while it is under construction, it is open for business.

I only have a few breeds up there right now and will work on adding about 25 more over the next few weeks. Normally I wouldn’t think about launching a website that is this incomplete and messy. However, I know that you all are starting on your holiday shopping and I wanted to give you the opportunity to put some of these awesome products on your shopping list.  If you have a breed that you want to order something on that you don’t see up there yet, just email me at susan@adogslifephoto.com and I will get it up there for you.

Show your support for rescue dogs in need of medical assistance by sporting a fashionable and (hopefully soon to be) trendy “Ive Got It Ruff” T-shirt.  Coffee mugs, mousepags, dog bowls and doggie t-shirts are also available. 20% of proceeds of all sales will be donated to the PACC 911 Emergency Medical Fund.

Visit www.IveGotItRuff.com to place your order today!

Rescue groups that provided the featured dogs – If you would like to promote these products on your websites, please feel free! Let me know and I will get your breed up there ASAP and send you a link to your breed’s page in the store.

To bring you exquisite custom portrait paintings of your canine family members.

Fiona’s passion for animals shines through in her paintings and her attention to every minute detail brings them to life. She uses acrylic on canvas to capture your dog’s personality in a manner that you will cherish for many years to come. Fiona specializes in painting Arabian horses but has also been painting pets for many years.

All great portraits start with a great photo. If you have a photo that was previously done by A Dog’s Life Photo, a digital file will be provided to Fiona at no cost to you. If you have been contemplating scheduling a time for a photo session, now is the time to do it! for a limited time, if you make a deposit on a portrait painting from Fiona, you will receive a 10% discount on your Dog’s Life photo session.

Here’s how it works:

• Contact Susan at A Dog’s Life Photo to schedule your photo session appointment or to request a digital copy of a photo that I have already done for you.
• Contact Fiona to discuss what type of portrait you want, such as; style, size, color etc. She will also talk to you a little about your animal so she can get a feel for his/her personality.
• She will email you a jpeg of a rough pencil sketch of the portrait.
• You approve the sketch. If you want changes, you guys discuss, she revises the sketch and emails you another jpeg. This will go on until you are happy.
• When you give the go-ahead, you send Fiona a 50% down payment to get going.
• Fiona paints a work of fine art featuring your beautiful animal.
• She emails you a jpeg of the final painting.
• You approve, send her the balance of the payment and shipping costs.
• She sends you the portrait.
• You open the package, gasp with delight, and with a big smile on your face, you hang the portrait in a prominent spot, where it gives you joy every time you see it.

It’s that easy! But wait, it gets better!

If you purchase a 16″x 20″ portrait or larger she will include, at no extra charge, your choice of one of the following:

10 – 5”x 7” prints of the portrait -or-

30 – 5 1/2” x 7 3/8” note cards printed with the portrait (and with envelopes of course!)

This is a $ 100 value – Free!

If you are considering giving a portrait as a holiday gift, you must do it now!! Click here to visit Fiona’s website to check out her amazing work and to find out more details about her services and prices.