Teaching a Class at Barkworld Expo {Atlanta Dog Photographer}

My father is a retired teacher. He was an EXCELLENT professor who was beloved by his students. While I had great appreciation for what he did, and the skill with which he did it, never, no never did I have any desire to follow in his footsteps. Frankly, I just never pictured myself (pun intended) in a classroom--there were other career paths that seemed more appealing at the time. And everyone knows, of course, that teachers' salaries are modest at best. The irony, of course, is that after pursuing a career in advertising sales, reputed to pay fairly well, I'm now a starving artist. Go figure.

So it's a bit surreal to find myself in this position. I've accepted an invitation to teach/lead a workshop at Barkworld Expo, held here in Atlanta, this September. Yep, there I am.....on the page of guest speakers. Sure, I wrote the bio and submitted the photo, but it's still quite an experience to see it live on the website. The headshot of me is by my friend Jan Madert, btw--first time I've used it! Here's a screen cap (that's me, bottom left):





The timing of the request was definitely serendipitous. Initially I contacted organizer Denise Quashie about exhibiting at the event. Then I received a phone call from her, and we discussed the possibility of a class/workshop. She and I quickly hashed out a concept for a useful, practical approach for dog owners, and it was a done deal. At the time, our beloved and elderly labrador Lucas was increasingly frail, and I knew we probably would not have him much longer. Our situation is not unique: SO many pet owners have faced the loss of their furry friends, and no matter what the circumstances, it's a difficult thing to experience. Photographs and images of pets who touch our lives go on even when they cannot, and as such are priceless. Many people, I've found, realize too late that they have precious few images of their pets. That's part of the reason Nina Parker Pets was created: to provide pet lovers with the opportunity to have authentic, creative, artistic images made of their pets. Shortly after I agreed to teach at Barkworld, I took some time to shoot images and video of Lucas and create a remembrance piece. Only a few weeks later, we had to say goodbye to our sweet boy, so of course I was hugely relieved to have worked on the project when I did.

I've already begun working on the curriculum and outline, and I'm really excited to share it. There is definitely a need for more people to invest in portraiture for their animals, and this class doesn't detract from that in the least. But obviously a professional photographer can't document every moment of every day: only the owners get to enjoy all the habits and expressions and mannerisms that make their pet unique, and it's important to capture those things and treasure them.

So, Barkworld attendees.......here I come! Get ready to have some fun. :)