2016: One Spot, Twelve Shots
Posted: January 3, 2017 Filed under: Places I Like | Tags: Audubon Park, Dogs, Golden Retriever, Harper Lee, Monthly Photos 2016, New Orleans, NOLA, Parks, Pet Photography, Pets, South Louisiana, Tallulah, Thek9harperlee 19 CommentsThis time last year, my humans and I created our own little 2016 photo challenge: Select one location and go there once a month to take a photo of me with my sister, Tallulah Bee. We chose a little willow tree in New Orleans’ Audubon Park, partly because we knew a willow tree would change throughout the year but mostly because it was close to the parking lot and we knew that in summer’s peak heat we’d want a location that wasn’t too much of a hike. We decided to take the monthly photo at the end of each month (mostly due to procrastination) and in the morning (due, again, to the heat that we knew would make summer photos challenging). We posted our pictures each month on Instagram. Today I’m sharing our year in pictures with you.
After our January photo, Mommy wondered if Tallulah Bee would ever learn to look at the camera (#easilydistracted). By the time February rolled around, the duck population in the pond behind us had greatly increased since the previous month, adding immensely to the degree of difficulty in getting a good photo (#yummyduckpoop, said Tallulah). In March, we had zero cooperation from my little sister. She was obsessed with sticks and water fowl . . . anything but the camera. That’s ok. I managed to notice that the grass was turning green again, and our sweet little willow tree was budding out. I also managed to smile for the camera (#professional).
April was full of showers, which the little willow tree definitely seemed to enjoy (#muddypaws). Tallulah and I should have enjoyed the last of the cool spring temperatures. By May we were starting to feel summer’s heat and appreciating that decision early on to pick a photo spot that was close to the parking lot (#melting). June’s photo was technically taken the first weekend in July. It was the only month throughout the year that we cheated; but notice that Tallulah was finally looking at the camera . . . more or less (#smallvictories).
Our July photo was taken on a super hot morning, so I opted for a little rest in the cool grass . . . which made Tallulah look like a giant (#perspective). The next picture pretty much sums up our August photo shoot in front of the little willow tree. Despite the unbearable heat, I was ready to pose. And Tallulah? She just wanted to eat grass. Mommy wondered how much longer we could use the “she’s a puppy” excuse (#excusesexcuses). We thought (hoped) August would be our last sizzling monthly photo session in Audubon Park. Wrong! Tallulah and I were desperately looking for autumn (#farinthedistance).
October, November, December 2016
October’s photo was yet another challenge: migrating ducks, duck poo, and the heat that lasted through Halloween. As you can tell, Tallulah was super hyped, while I was not so amused. What you can’t see is my human daddy holding Tallulah still. The magic of editing (#thatswhytheycallitaphotochallenge). Three magical things finally happened for our November photo: 1) We finally had cool weather. 2) Tallulah and I finally both really looked at the camera. 3) Mommy finally brought treats, which is why the second thing finally happened (#humansarehardtotrain). Mommy says that our December photo is her favorite, and not because it was the last of the year, haha. She loves this one because it shows our pure joy . . . and because Tallulah didn’t notice the swan in the background. It only took 12 months (and about a thousand snaps of the camera), but we managed to get the perfect shot (#practemakesperfect). We’re currently scouting locations for this year’s monthly photos. Finding a spot without ducks and duck poop is a priority. 😉
My mom has thought about doing this for a few years now, but we can never decide on the spot and then we never get around to doing it. Nice job! They told Mom in a photography class to give this a try.
Your mom really ought to try it in 2017. You have actual changes in your seasons, so it would be really interesting. Plus, Madison is still growing, so you would see the changes in her. Just a word of advice to your mom: places with duck poo and water fowl do not make good spots. 😉
Love all the shades of personality that shine through year-round.
We have no shortage of personality shades around here. 😉
All of your pics were charming! Good luck finding your next location. It might be a kind of a hard assignment if you have that many ducks around. 😉 🦆
Thank you. We’re going to do our very best to steer clear of any water for our 2017 series. Perhaps a parking lot in the central business district?
It’s hard to look at the camera when there are more interesting things going on
Unfortunately for my chief photographer/Mommy, Tallulah finds the camera lens to be the absolute least interesting thing ever.
So do I brilliant minds think alike
Haha! Mommy offers your photographer he deepest sympathies. 😉
Every picture tells its own little story. Cool challenge. Great job, girls! Can’t wait to see your new duck-free spot.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
They are all fabulous! A spot without ducks might be a good idea though hehehe!
Taking a photo each month in the same place is such a great idea. I love several of the poses and understand the need to keep the walk short in the New Orleans summer!
I think I’m going to try that! I loved your photos and I think the pups personalities where showing in each photo!
Monty, Harlow, and Ramble
http://howsamseesit.blogspot.com/
Love all your beautiful pictures!!! Very nice post to read. You all did a great job:)
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ppssttt – Happy Valentines Day beautiful. Will you be my Valenpig? XOXO – Bacon
Photos are awesome. I think photos of dog are always cute and heart taking.
Thank you so much. ❤