Blessing of the Animals ~ Montana Dog Photography

There's a wonderful group in my new community - the Flathead Valley Multi-Faith Coalition, a coalition of the many faith systems practiced in the Flathead Valley. Shortly after moving here I attended the most beautiful and peaceful protest organized by them where I first met Pastor Darryl Kistler of the Community Congregational Church. Today Sugar got to participate deeper in the spirit of our new community by attending their Annual Animal Blessing in Kalispell. Here are a few shots from today including Pastor Kistler blessing dogs, Sugar included, and getting blessed back.

Kodachrome, Adieu ~ Montana Documentary Photography

I've been happily shooting digitally for the last 3 years. Prior to that my passion was Kodachrome slide film for my documentary and fine art work (weddings were always shot on negative film and I don't think my dog photography could have be done in a non-digital world). Like many photographers I just LOVED the beauty of Kodachrome and how it rendered my world view. As Kodak announced last year that it was discontinuing the film it's no surprise to learn that a lab in Kansas just processed the very last rolls of Kodachrome. The honor was given to photographer Steve McCurry. Read about the final lab run here.

Below is a sample of images I shot on Kodachrome with everything from Nikon's FM2, F4 and F100, to an Olympus point-and-shoot. I feel very deeply about this selection of images - some are very personal and some are the first images I took that made me fall in love with photography. I included rounded edges to convey the feeling of looking at the chrome in the original Kodak slide mount. All are now part of photographic history. For more of my documentary/fine art work visit laurengrabelle.com.

Yappy Hour! Update - Montana Dog Photography

Thought this shot was great visual evidence of the good time that was had by all the dogs here yesterday. The dirtier the pool the more action and canine fun witnessed by their people while they sipped Mango Mojitos and enjoyed the beautiful day before the thunderstorm that came through town.

Yappy Hour! Update ~ Montana Dog Photography

Yappy Hour! continued into its third week here last week. Some regulars and their people are showing up. Even one of the dogs from Mission Pawsible came to show off their artful selves before being displayed somewhere in the community in anticipation of an auction event that will benefit four non-profit groups. Sugar continues to be a bit upset about all the dogs and their people having fun in her space, but no worries ~ she'll get over it and join in the fun soon.

Hope to see you all again this week! For details on Yappy Hour! click here.

Montana Bear Food + Lauren Grabelle ~ Montana Fine Art Photography

I'm pleased to announce that fine art prints of my Montana landscapes are now available to view and purchase at Montana Bear Food on Electric Avenue in Bigfork, Montana. After being an online only business Melissa & Sean Bonnet opened their store this spring with a goal of supporting local artisans and their great products. I'm really flattered to be a part of their space and get to do business with them. They are wonderful people and know how to make others comfortable and happy.

All prints available at Montana Bear Food include free shipping within the US (or $30 to Canada) and come ready to hang. They are traditionally printed on photographic paper and mounted on foam, smoothly trimmed. Additional sizes available. My prints will also be available via their updated website soon.

~ thanks, scott ;)

Yappy Hour! Reviewed ~ Montana Dog & Pet Photography

Great review and photos in today's Flathead Beacon. Please be sure to come any Thursday through the end of August between 4-7pm.

Looking forward to meeting you and your dog/s!

For more information on when, where and why click here for a detailed blog post.