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  • Welcome to my blog!

    I have had a camera of one type or another in my hands since I was 8. I have had pets in my life since I was born. I've decided that photography and pets are a match made in Heaven, and it is my desire to produce images that will make every proud pet owner or animal lover drool, run around in circles, howl at the moon, or purr at ear-shattering decibel levels. I enjoy photographing just about everything, but I love working with animals, creating works of art that preserve their unique personalities for years to come.

    I currently live and work in Greenville, SC with my husband and our dogs. We just recently moved back to this area after 3 years in Houston, TX and 4 years in Abu Dhabi, UAE. I have the extreme pleasure of working a job I love by day and fighting at night for a corner of a king size bed which is somehow dominated by two Shih Tzu. My travels have led me to amazing parts of the world and, likewise, to some pretty amazing people. This good fortune of meeting and working with great people...and their pets...has continued with each move. You can see more of my work in Life + Dog Magazine and on Facebook. For you tweeters, follow along on Twitter. Thank you for stopping by. Mel Hammonds

    Photo courtesy of Renee Carolla Photography, Greenville, SC

Heaven Has A New Sheriff

Sunday, April 28, 2013 Posted in Dogs, Location Shoots

 

 

 

It is hard to believe that it has been a month since Lindsay and Scott had to say goodbye to their beloved 19 year old MaryJane (A.K.A. MJ). While their hearts are broken, and she will be forever missed, they have nearly two decades of memories and stories of her antics upon which to adore and reflect.  Those of us who were fortunate enough to have known MJ are pretty certain that she is keeping everyone entertained and in line up above.

I first met MJ and her family at a birthday party for a friend’s dog about 2 years ago, and photo shoots and friendship ensued. MJ had two Sheltie siblings, but there was no doubt that she was the boss and matriarch of the household!

MJ had a rough start in life but was rescued from a dumpster by a dad who treated her like a queen. When he started up his business, she was a constant at his side, and she went on to lead a wonderful life and have everything a dog could ever want.

But in more recent years, she became a regular at her mom’s store where she might even be found assisting with the modeling of products:

We spent some time together last spring working on a Day In the Life shoot, documenting the above images of MJ at work as well as following her engaging in some of her favorite activities…..

Including satisfying her penchant for McDonald’s french fries….

She may  have liked my salmon treats as much as the fries….she’s the only dog I have ever worked with who nearly ripped the treat bag from my belt, and I have worked with some pretty large and treat crazy dogs!

And it’s hard to forget one of her greatest passions:  Car Rides! We captured this fun series of her riding through her neighborhood during our first session together:

I will be forever grateful to MJ for connecting me with her parents and for having had the privilege of documenting that spunky personality that seemed to endear her to everyone she encountered. Sometimes there are just no words to express our sorrow for others at difficult times, but I am hopeful that images will help. Ride on, MJ, and may Heaven rejoice at your presence and welcome their new sheriff with open paws.

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by Mel Hammonds

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“It’s Alive!”

Wednesday, January 9, 2013 Posted in Uncategorized

 

 

“It’s Alive!”

My blog, that is. Neglected…..but alive.

It has been awhile, and the silence has not been due to being idol. In fact, much has happened and is happening, so this post will be heavier with words than images just this once.

Much like the puppy pictured above, this year will be full of  new adventures and moving forward with great purpose. Many of you may not yet know that I have relocated from Houston, TX to Greenville, SC which is like coming home as I lived here previously for 10 years. But my pet photography business was launched in Houston, and I have many wonderful friends and clients as well as family there. I will be returning several times a year for shoots and visits, so if you are interested in getting on that list of shoots, please make sure to email at fetchmel@aol.com or leave a comment below. Spaces will be limited for obvious reasons. I look forward to building a new clientele here in the Carolinas, and I cannot wait to make use of this beautiful mountainous scenery!

My work as a contributor for Life + Dog Magazine  will continue. In fact, travel has already occurred  to Los Angeles and Atlanta in the last several months for some exciting photo shoots for upcoming issues.  I am pretty psyched to continue to work with this team of amazing people and dog lovers as well as to expand my role with an additional blog on the Life + Dog website (coming soon).  This will complement a “photo tip” style column in each issue.  As always, images from client shoots will be submitted for inclusion in the magazine, so your pup could be among the pages for all to see!  The magazine is now available nationwide at the majority of Barnes & Nobel stores.

My husband and I will be building “The Dream House” this year, so I have to be honest with myself and know that this will limit the number of photo shoots and projects that I’ll be able to schedule. That being said, I hope to pursue a couple of new ideas and artistic endeavors while continuing to volunteer for animal rescue groups and provide high quality artistic imagery for my clients.

I always love to hear from followers, so if you have thoughts or suggestions or if you are interested in having me travel to a city near you for photo shoots, please let me know!

Oh, yeah…..let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! After 4 years in the Middle East and 3 years in Houston, I am ready for some snowy pet photos!

More to come soon!

 

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Berkley: A Survivor

Saturday, September 15, 2012 Posted in Dogs, Location Shoots

 

 

I was hired to photograph Berkley as a surprise gift for his mom’s 5oth birthday. I literally showed up an hour or so before the party after she was dressed and ready to go. Unfortunately, she had to reapply some makeup afterwards because she so loved her husband’s gift of a photo shoot that she started crying. These are the types of experiences that reinforce my love for my job.

And because it was a party, it was necessary to don the appropriate attire. Even though it was a party for his mom, Berkley seemed to know that he would be the true center of attention.

Probably one of the reasons Berkley’s mom had such an emotional reaction is that she almost lost this little man several years ago.  Remember the tainted food tragedy in 2007 ….the food contaminated with melamine?  Berkley was a victim and nearly died.  Sadly he lost 2 of his dog siblings because all 3 of them became gravely ill; and against the odds, Berkley pulled through. He is their survivor, and that is truly a reason to celebrate.

Below are a few more images from Berkley’s shoot:

Berkley’s story serves as a great reminder to us all to be mindful of what we feed our pets.  It’s important to read labels and to stay up to date regarding food and treat recalls. Currently there is a huge suspicion that chicken jerky treats from a variety of manufacturers (primarily in China or that have these treats made in China) are causing illness and in some cases, death.  You can find out more about pet food safety at www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary.

 

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Yetta: Full of Surprises

Friday, July 6, 2012 Posted in Dogs, Location Shoots

 

 

In the midst of spring travels I received an email from a prospective client about a new arrival to her family and a request for a photo session if all went as planned…..a surprise shoot for a special someone in her life. I was delighted when I got the exciting news as puppy shoots are some of the most fun for me personally. You just never know what you’re going to get.  The calm face above that fit into her momma’s hand lasted only a few moments until Yetta got pretty comfortable with the Strange Lady with a Camera.

First, she had to show me one of her favorite toys and give me the “I dare you to try to take it away” look…..

……followed by a jaunt through the house…….

She slowed down briefly to allow one quick closeup on the couch:

I soon found myself in a situation which I’d never experienced. Like I said, with puppies, you never know what is going to happen next.

What to do when an American Bulldog puppy has wrapped your pant leg around your ankle and won’t let go? Contort into whatever position it takes to make a picture!

Then it was time to go out for a potty break…..no surprise there:  puppies need lots of those!

This little one was feeling pretty comfortable on her turf already and was extremely playful and happy.

And if you’ve been following me for awhile, you know that I have a thing for cute doggy bottoms….

Yetta enjoyed being outside with new territory to explore but soon began to wind down…..

We headed back inside to cool down, and I was hoping for the opportunity to capture some sleeping puppy pictures. Like newborn babies…..there’s something so precious and innocent about them when they are sleeping….

And yes, that dog face on the bed was a total coincidence!

She played hard, and she slept hard….and we just couldn’t help but have a little fun…..

Shhhhhhhhhh, she’s still sleeping…..

I hated to go, but I left our session at this point. She didn’t even stir when I gathered my gear and treats, but I had no doubt that she would be awake soon…..and full of more surprises.  Thank you, Julie and Jason for allowing me the opportunity to capture such a special time in your little one’s life.

 

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