Snap du Jour

A traveling bear whose daily activities and encounters are professionally documented. A bear-a-day keeps the frowns away!

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“The Year of the Bear” 12/31/2016 • 8:04pm • 1/160 sec, f/6.3, ISO 200. Canon Mark III.

Notes: It’s hard to believe, but this year and daily posting project has finally come to an end. Filled with ups, downs, in betweens and all kinds of progress, it has been quite an adventurous rollercoaster ride. But having Teddy along for it has been one of the very best things I have ever made the conscious effort and commitment to continue doing, not just as a way to honor the memory of my pops and his furry love, Bosworth, but as a way to build my own confidence, my own point of view, my own memories and thus, my own story. Perhaps most poignant is that it never felt like work, rather it kept me inspired during the unavoidable ebbs of the past twelve months, and as a result, it has strengthened my heart and soul. 

To everyone who happened to follow along, thank you. To everyone who participated, thank you. To those who took special care in assisting (you know who you are), thank you. To Teddy, I say thank you, I love you and I promise to attend to your stuffing...or lack thereof. And to the Great Bear, thank you for staying with me.

p.s. - It ain’t goodbye, it’s see you next year...post-hibernation! 

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“Looping” 12/30/2016 • 5:24pm • 1/100 sec, f/4.5, ISO 1600. Canon 6D.

Notes: We had our last engagement and, come to think of it, our last photo session period of 2016 this evening with lovely couple Jillian + Matt at the scenic Saguaro National Park on the east side of town. Having made the first executive decision to turn left onto “Loop Drive”, we meandered down the narrow, winding road and parked for our first set of picturesque portraits. With those successfully snapped, we hopped back in our cars and made the rather unfortunate second executive decision to head back from whence we came...only to find out it’s a one way road. After a good chuckle, a sincere apology to the RV driver who had to stop and renegotiate himself and said vehicle and some talented turning magic, we were back on track and onward to more fabulously epic snaps further down the loop. The bear was quiet throughout our little mishap, but couldn’t wait to climb up the “WRONG WAY” sign in jest afterwards. “It’s just like life Mum, with the twists and turns and things you learn!” he cooed. 

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“Forte-ified” 12/29/2016 • 4:58pm • 1/80 sec, f/4.5, ISO 3200. Canon 6D.

Notes: There was no better family session to end the year with than the amazing and hilarious Forte family. Having both the honor and privilege of photographing dad Craig (light blue, center) and sons Michael and William for head shots and senior portraits over the last 18 months, it was that much cooler to be asked to capture their 2016 holiday with extended relatives. Moreover, each and every member was genuinely intrigued by the bear and welcomed him into the family circle in the living room with open paws post-session, enjoying the story behind this daily photo-op project with great interest and smiles. Teddy and I left with warm hearts and one of our favorite portraits to date.

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“Box-ing” 12/28/2016 • 1:05pm • 1/160 sec, f/4.5, ISO 200. Canon 6D.

Notes: Our current mattress was bit on the firm side so we picked up some bedding help yesterday at Tar-jay, namely a 4inch thick foam pad support that is totally, amazingly awesome. The bear, however, found the box it arrived in far more entertaining, peeking out through the carved hole Gran had made in an attempt to repurpose it into a kitty house. Alas, the felines were not nearly as impressed as Teddy, so roughly five minutes after his playtime (as captured above) it was chopped up and placed in the recycle bin. The good news is his human mum will sleep far better, resulting in a much happier one all around.

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“If The Paw Fits...” 12/27/2016 • 10:55am • 1/160 sec, f/3.2, ISO 1600. Canon 6D.

Notes: Two days post-Santa Bear had us out and about in much reduced traffic, thankfully avoiding the holiday return rush of yesterday to go forth and conquer our errand list. Our first stop was at our favorite shoe megastore, DSW, where Gran picked up new walking sneakers while Teddy snuck a portrait amidst the shelves of shoes. “I just want to organize them all mum!” he declared before hopping back into the camera bag for check-out. A bear after my own heart, that Teddy.

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“Candy Cane Lane” 12/26/2016 • 8:30pm • 1/50 sec, f/2.8, ISO 3200. Canon 6D.

Notes: We’re in a Christmas coma today so we’re throwing back to our jaunt through the Winterhaven Festival of Lights a few nights ago, specifically Candy Cane Lane where Teddy hung gallantly on a cane, waving a paw at the wagon riders as they whisked by singing carols. With more holiday recovery on the schedule today, we shall return tomorrow reenergized and ready for a new photo-op!

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“Junglin’ Bells” 12/25/2016 • 10:04am • 1/500 sec, f/9, ISO 200. Canon 6D.

Notes: It’s officially Christmas time and Mother Nature brought some wintry fun to the southwest, dusting the Catalina Mountains with snow and refreshing the air with a cozy crispness. The bear couldn’t wait to see it so we took a mid-morning drive to go “junglin’” (a.k.a. explore the back roads with no destination in mind) like my pops did with Gran when they were youngsters, ending up at Bear Canyon trailhead where Teddy found the perfect rock upon which to take in the spectacular view. “Family traditions, at their best!” he remarked as we spent time enjoying the stunning panorama, the clean, brisk air and each other’s fabulous company. Ah, we’re lucky to have such great family and such great memories. Happy holidays to all! 

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“Scrabble Eve” 12/24/2016 • 8:04pm • 1/60 sec, f/2.8, ISO 2500. Canon 6D.

Notes: ‘Twas the night before Christmas and Gran, the bear and I partook in one excellent and highly competitive family tradition: Scrabble! As we await Santa Bear’s arrival, we’re buckling down with our letters, wine and combined merriment with great gusto. Who shall win? TBD...

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“Merrymaking with Miele” 12/23/2016 • 1:38pm • 1/250 sec, f/4, ISO 640. Canon 6D.

Notes: What makes a trip to Barnes & Noble better? Hanging with a totally awesome golden retriever, that’s what! Arriving at the store doors, we were greeted by the lovely and lovable, 11 year old Miele, who was equally jazzed to make Teddy’s acquaintance on her red plush bed. Having just survived a tough bout of liver cancer earlier this year, this adorable pup was feeling happy and extra merry while sharing nuzzles with the bear who continues to ask if we can adopt her (”the cats won’t mind, I promise mum!”). She’s in great human hands with handler and foster mum Susan F., so we made a donation and thanked all for the best entrance to book-buying ever. For more information on SAGRR - click here!

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“Polar Bear” 12/22/2016 • 7:27pm • 1/60 sec, f/2.8, ISO 4000. Canon 6D.

Notes: The night finally came for the annual stroll through the Winterhaven Festival of Lights, just a short block from Gran’s house and a must-do tradition in town. Along with pal Rachel, we quartet of fine folks/bears trotted out to see the spectacle on foot and paw. Teddy had noted a photo of a “gigantic polar bear!” on social media located in the mix of it a few days ago, so we were not to head home without a proper portrait of him with said gigantic polar bear. Thankfully we found it nearly half way through our jaunt and were graciously allowed a quick photo-op by the inflatable’s owners, resulting in one ecstatic bear (despite looking rather relaxed ‘en scene’). Another year of light merriment down! 

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“Laser Tag” 12/21/2016 • 9:55pm • 1/60 sec, f/2.8, ISO 3200. Canon 6D.

Notes: Ollie is back!.....for the evening at least, before a return exam tomorrow morning to make sure things are running....smoother. In an effort to keep things moving along, Teddy picked up the quintessential kitty toy: a laser pointer to encourage proper exercise/playtime. The bear had a ball with our awesome orange fella who is anything but a convalescent this evening, rolling around and scampering after the “red dot that must die!” for a solid half hour. Five paws up for continued recovery for the felion!

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“Vet Buddy” 12/20/2016 • 11:50am • 1/125 sec, f/4.5, ISO 1600. Canon 6D.

Notes: We were feeling optimistic after last week’s visit to the vet for Oliver the feline’s minor tail abscess, but despite it healing up well, we loaded him up for another trip this morning for, well, a rather delicate matter regarding his rear-end (a.k.a. constipation). Ollie’s always been a real trooper when it comes to adventures in carriers, including cross-country moves, NYC subway rides and various housing situations, but I could tell he was feeling pretty uncomfortable and stressed when we arrived in the lobby. Teddy didn’t waste a second, climbing up on the waiting room bench to offer comfort and soothing words to his furry compatriot before we headed into the exam room. While it appears that our awesome orange fella will be spending the night for monitoring post-sedation, x-rays and um, enemas...the bear and I shall be ready to go in the AM for love-cuddle-hug duty as soon as we can scoop him up and take him home. Here’s to lil’ Olliekins feeling -literally- less poopy! <3>

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“Wrapper-Upper” 12/19/2016 • 6:38pm • 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 1600. Canon 6D

Notes: Having completed our first Santa Bear errands today and thus arriving home with gifts aplenty, I was a little daunted by the amount of goodies to disguise. But Teddy eagerly took over the gift-wrapping helm, whirling off paper and twine “just like that Martha Stewart lady!” (while fancying himself a gift-wrap crown king) and had everything concealed within twenty minutes. I tell ya, those paws were made for wrappin’! 

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“Director Teddy” 12/18/2016 • 5:40pm • 1/160 sec, f/4.5, ISO 100. Canon 6D.

Notes: With the launch of our Great Bear Media social media platforms this weekend, Teddy has been in high spirits and was more than willing to channel his inner director ‘bear-sona’ this evening as we practiced quick lighting set-ups for on-location shoots this week. It’s an exciting time for this dynamic duo and we can’t wait to show more website work soon!

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“Foliage Bear” 12/17/2016 • 4:38pm • 1/500 sec, f/4.5, ISO 1000. Canon 6D.

Notes: It takes a little longer for fall to appear in the desert but it sure doesn’t disappoint when it the fall foliage finally arrives. Teddy has been jonesin’ for a photo-op atop a changing tree and with our last family session before Santa comes on the U of A campus this afternoon, his luck ran high with some wondrous and bright yellow oaks near our scouted locations. He quickly hopped up and admired the transforming leaves before hopping back down into my arms to head back to the parking garage. “Ah mum, isn’t nature just the best?” he sighed. “No Teddy, you are,” I replied. 

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“Hotdog!” 12/16/2016 • 11:40am • 1/80 sec, f/2.8, ISO 1600. Canon 6D.

Notes: Technically, it’s already the 17th in my brosef Ben’s part of the world - a.k.a. Shanghai - so Teddy asked to dedicate today’s post to his birthday with one of his most excellent pieces of art from high school days that we discovered while reorganizing Gran’s shed. The bear was impressed at what good shape the “wildcat eyes” is still in and equally impressed with Ben’s artistic aptitudes AND his former pen name “Hotdog”. From all of us humans and bears on the other side of the world, happy birthday brosef!

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“Playin’ Cards” 12/15/2016 • 7:44pm • 1/80 sec, f/2.8, ISO 2500. Canon 6D.

Notes: Hallelujah! We finished our wedding film AND three senior galleries AND a rough draft of our ATO documentary...AND it’s only Thursday. But, we also received our new batch of business cards for Great Bear Media which ultimately made Teddy’s day as he inspected them with careful attention while uploading files for client viewing. Taking a few minutes to kick back and appreciate all the work done so far this week was great but with such new, awesome marketing materials at paw, we’re more than inspired to keep working our furry tails off!