Hope

Hope
Originally uploaded by fwisneski

I work with an amazing group of people that go into the Baldwin Park Shelter every other week to photograph, video tape, and upload a bio of 70-80 homeless dogs, in an effort to help get them adopted and rescued.

That group is http://www.unitedhope4animals.org/ And they work tirelessly beyond the every other week photo shoots to talk with potential adopters, foster several of the animals, keep the images and bios updated, and upload all this info to FB, www.adoptapet.com , and the like.

This image symbolizes all of the work the hard work that goes into this effort, and exactly who we are fighting and hoping for.

Best Friends

Best Friends
Originally uploaded by fwisneski
Rule #1 No clutter in the background.
Rule #2 Choose your location carefully
Rule #3 Watch for lens flare
Rule #4 Forget the rules

This image was taken in a mall parking lot. A brief passing moment of my daughter and her service dog Major. But wow, what a moment. These 2 have been working together for 3 months, and have quite the bond. My daughter is a type 1 diabetic, and Major is trained to detect fluctuations in her blood sugar.

Yep. A parking lot in the mall. You normally wouldn't even bother to bring out your camera. After all, there are rules that need to be followed. But then, you wouldn't have this image. And the only rule I've ever payed attention to, is to "listen to your gut"

For more info on their story, go here: A Guardian Angel for Stella

Waiting

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Originally uploaded by fwisneski

Stella and Major waiting for mom at the Huntington Beach Dog Beach.

Did a light vintage effect to it in Lightroom

Dog Beach

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Originally uploaded by fwisneski

Took the family down to the Huntington Beach Dog Beach for the very first time yesterday. 11/27/11. It was 85 degrees, and the water was great!

The family had a blast, and here you can see Major really enjoying himself.

A happy lab is a tried lab. Covered in sand. And salt water. With a tennis ball in his mouth . ;-)

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Originally uploaded by fwisneski

Today I ran the San Dimas Turkey Trot 10K. After that race was over, my daughter participated in the kids race. I had a blast running with my daughter today. A year ago, this was not even a remote possibility. Such an amazing feeling. Loved it all!

A big thank you to Robert Abitia for shooting this!

Eerie morning

Eerie morning
Originally uploaded by fwisneski

Really happy with the way this came out. IPhone 4 and Instagram

Dia de Los Muertos

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Originally uploaded by fwisneski

I shot the annual Dia de Los Muertos event at Turner Live Oak in Monrovia for the 3rd year in a row. This year, I was told that I couldn't use flash. I'm always up for a challenge, so I set my camera to ISO 2000, and 1/30 sec. I only had my 24-105 f4 with me, so I used f4. The limiting of my settings I actually found very freeing. I had to tell myself that "It is what it is" and I was pleasantly surprised by what turned up.

The violin

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Originally uploaded by fwisneski

Shot a wedding on Saturday (my last of the year) and they had a Mariachi group perfoming. My assistant shot the group, while I go some detail shots. I like the way this one turned out

Margo's Bark

The family went to the Race for the Rescues on Sunday. One of the vendors there raising money for the cause was Margo's Bark Soda Company, an amazing company that gives all it's proceeds back to shelter dogs and rescues. We knew about them as they have offered up money to help get critical dogs out of shelters, and we bought a 4 pack of soda to try out.

It's really good soda! Next time your at Whole Foods, pick up some. Or go to the website and order it. The money goes to a cause very near to our hearts. And as always, please stop by A Guardian Angel for Stella

Good Low Major!

Good Low Major
Originally uploaded by fwisneski

Major, our diabetic alert dog (DAD), alerting us to our daughter's low blood sugar, using the bringsel (the baton in his mouth). We were in the midst of thousands at the Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Patch, with farm animals, BBQ's, and lot's of other scents and distractions going on. He really does shine when we are out and about in public.

The look on my daughters face shows you exactly how she felt at the time.

For more info about Major, and DAD's in general, go here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Guardian-Angel-for-Stella/253843297977243

"Saving the life of one animal may not change the world, but the world will surely change for that one animal"

Wind in her hair

Wind in her hair
Originally uploaded by fwisneski

As my daughter and I were running some errands Saturday night, we had the windows down. It's been a while since it as so nice that we didn't have the AC on. We were listening to some good tunes (I believe at this point it was the Smashing Pumpkins), and having a good time. I looked in the mirror, and saw the shot. I took a couple, 1 with me, and 1 without, but I really like the way this came out. It makes me smile, remembering how great the evening was, and the fun we were having.

Shot with the iPhone, obviously :-)

What my son does in the middle of the night ;-)

What my son does in the middle of the night ;-)
Originally uploaded by fwisneski

My son has been editing his film in the middle of the night. Cup of coffee in hand.

Seriously, he was watching the new Muppet Movie trailer on Youtube, but he was holding onto my coffee mug. Yes, that mug is mine. And I LOVE that coffee mug. :-)

Power Pole Zooms By

Power Pole Zooms By
Originally uploaded by fwisneski

Just a quick grab shot using the iPhone and Instagram. Sometimes you get lucky!

Major Goes Hiking

Having diabetes sucks. Being a kid with type 1 diabetes is even worse. Not having a pump, and still doing injections probably sucks even more. There are no impromptu runs to Baskin Robbins, no cake at a child's birthday party, the general highs and lows that come from everyday life, that on top of everything else, now play havoc with your blood sugar levels.

But as a kid, having a dog is awesome! And having a well trained dog, that loves to do some of your favorite activities is better. And if that same dog get's to sleep in your bed, well then, that's the best!

One of the great things our family loves to do (my daughter and I especially) is go hiking, and our favorite place to go is the Eaton Canyon Falls. It can be anywhere from a 1.5 mile to 4 mile trek depending on where you park, but my daughter is always game for it. So we took Major, our in training diabetic alert dog (DAD for short) on his first hike back to the falls.

It's All In The Eyes

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Originally uploaded by fwisneski

This little puppy is one of 9 litter mates available at the Baldwin Park Shelter. The eyes just struck me. You can see my silhouette reflected in them. Such a cute little puppy!

Major is focused!

Major is focused!
Originally uploaded by fwisneski

We've had a very busy week around here, and for us, Sunday was a play day. We spent time with friends in the morning, and in the afternoon, we went to my mom's house to introduce her to Major.

She has a pool, and I was curious to see if Labs really love the water, and I wanted Stella and Major to have a bonding activity. I've never had a dog that liked to get wet. Well, it became very obvious that he REALLY loves the water. Here you can see his focus as he goes after his other love, fetching a tennis ball.

It was fun to watch him move so beautifully, from the run, the jump, and the swim.

Peace & Harmony

Peace & Harmony
Originally uploaded by fwisneski

On Major's first full day at our house, we introduced him to the ladies. Very happy to report that the intro's went off without a hitch. Of course, he did have ME as his wing-man. :-)

57 North

57 North
Originally uploaded by fwisneski

On my way to shoot a friend racing in a triathalon. I had 10 grand in gear on my back, and my iphone. :-)

Major and the girl

Major and the girl
Originally uploaded by fwisneski

We will be working with Major, and bringing him home for real time diabetic training tomorrow. Our family is SO excited to get this opportunity. Stay tuned for what will be a barrage I'm sure of photos from this new Dynamic Duo!

Via Flickr:
Having a training session with Major, our potential Diabetes Awareness Dog

Dog day afternoon

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Originally uploaded by fwisneski

Spent Sunday morning at the North Central Shelter photographing their homeless dogs for the network list. Spent the afternoon editing said pix with more dogs at my feet. They have no idea a new member will be joining them next weekend...

The big white one is our Dane Roxy. The black one is our 12 year old Rotty, Smidge.

Save me

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Originally uploaded by fwisneski
I am drawn to this shot. I take it over and over again. The eyes draw you in. I just want to save them all...

Major, The Diabetic Alert Dog

Meet Major. Major is in training to become a Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD). DAD's are trained to sense high and low blood sugar levels in diabetics. We were approved to get a DAD for our daughter earlier this year. Major is in training with Guardian Angel Diabetic Alert Dogs. Normally, service dogs come from reputable breeders, that maintain very high standards. In this particular instance, that is a good thing, as the amount of training these dogs get is astounding. They cost anywhere from $6,500 - $20,000 based on that training, and they are expected to be serving their "person" for a very long time. As such, it becomes very important to know all about the animals history, and to get a guarantee against hip issues, blindness, or other issues that may be prevalent in poor breeding.

The Dogs of the Baldwin Park Shelter

Hi everyone!

I know it seems like I've been gone for a while, unless you follow me on Facebook...

I never went anywhere, I have just had a major change in focus, both personally, and with my photography. Shortly after leaving Tri, I noticed that Sonia Tapia (a fellow Tri Alum and amazing photographer) was doing a lot of work with homeless animals at the Baldwin Park Shelter through a group she works with called United Hope for Animals. Those of you that know my family understand that both through my wife's work at Adopt A Pet and our own rescued dogs both big and small, this is something very important to us. I asked Sonia if she would let me tag a long, and the rest is history. I found passion in my photography again. Feeling, importance, responsibility, emotion, happiness, and yes, much sadness. But it's all there. Thank you for allowing me to become part of the team Sonia, it means the world to me.

Thank you # 44

Thank you # 44
Originally uploaded by fwisneski
My family has been fund raising for a DAD (Diabetes Awareness Dog) for my type 1 diabetic daughter. Every time we get a donation, we take of picture of her holding a thank you sign.
A Guardian Angel for Stella

This time, we let my son in on the act :-) and I think this one is my favorite so far.

For more info on DAD's, here are some links:

www.guardiandiabeticalertdogs.com/

www.diabeticalertdog.com/

iPhone HDR Sun rise

iPhone HDR Sun rise
Originally uploaded by fwisneski

Had a little fun on my run this morning with the Camera+ app, and the HDR setting. It was a gorgeous morning.

Puddingstone Sun Rise

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Originally uploaded by fwisneski

Started running around Puddingstone Lake 3 weeks ago. The sun rises have been amazing! Shot with my iPhone

Malibu Sunset

Malibu Sunset
Originally uploaded by fwisneski

Walking along the beach where Sunset meets PCH

My son

My son
Originally uploaded by fwisneski

My son found my wife's glasses. My camera was sitting on my desk, so I snapped away. I love the HUGE eyes!

Life's Prizes

I talk often about being thankful. Grateful. Appreciative. I struggled for years with all of those. Asking for help. Assistance. Acknowledging you can't do it alone. I still struggle with these. But I'm getting better.

The end of last year/beginning of this year has been all about change for me. Mostly personal, health related. Several changes involve throwing some things against a wall to see what sticks. But I have faith. This week is the 3rd anniversary of my heart attack at 38. And while that alone wasn't enough for me to quit smoking, the last 3 months of my life have gotten me prepared. My 10th wedding anniversary just passed too. I've been very reflective these past couple of weeks. Some may even say to the point of paranoia. But I'm feeling better. And it's getting easier. And I am tending to things that needed some maintenance. And I'm happy. And today I came across this, and needed to share. It was an ad campaign for the United Technology Company:


Most of us miss out on life’s big prizes.


The Pulitzer.


The Nobel.


Oscars.


Tonys.


Emmys.



But we’re all eligible for life’s small pleasures.


A pat on the back.


A kiss behind the ear.


A four-pound bass.


A full moon.


An empty parking space.


A crackling fire.


A great meal.


A glorious sunset.


Hot soup.


Cold beer.


Don’t fret about copping life’s grand awards. Enjoy it’s tiny delights.


There are plenty for all of us.





Relish the small pleasures. And be grateful. Thankful. Let someone else know they contributed to your good mood. Help someone else. Enjoy. Relax. Share. Give out a nice "That'll do Pig". A hug. Let someone know you appreciate the things they do for you. And don't expect anything back. It will come back to you. I promise

Who Wants To Go On A Photo Walk?

I miss you guys. The camaraderie, the war stories, the photography, the beer...

So what's say we get together for what should be an amazing photographic opportunity? On Saturday, February 5th in Chinatown, The Chinese Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 112th Annual Golden Dragon Parade at 1:00 in Chinatown to celebrate the Chinese New Year. All the details are here: http://www.lagoldendragonparade.com/

Perhaps we could meet at Union Station or Olvera St at noon and head over. So who's in?

Happy New Year!

"We will open the book.  It's pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity, and it's first chapter is New Years Day." ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Here is hoping you and yours find this New Years day happy, healthy, and ready for anything. As I reflect back on 2010, I can honestly say it was an amazing year, with many lessons learned, and new appreciations granted. So many of us look at a years passage as a marker of time, getting older, getting closer to the end. I prefer to look at it more like a road map, with markers showing where we've been. Prior to 2010, and even during a good portion of 2010, I was racing to see how quickly I could get to the end. That all changed for me on 7/30/2010, when I was reminded of what really, truly is important to me. For that, I will always be fond of 2010.