There are many talented pet photographers out there, but what charmed me about this one is that a portion of your payment will go to the rescue organization of your choice.
A couple of Los Angeles-based female photographers simply wanted to merge their talents and knowledge of photography with their love for animals and pets. And from the looks of their images and happy customers, everyone wins.
For every package (except The Basics package) that is booked, a portion of the package price will go directly to the rescue organization of your choice. Fleabag Photography will make the donation under YOUR name and will give you a copy of the receipt/proof of donation.
You can even feel free to call the rescue to confirm your donation has been received. Donation amounts are based on the package chosen, ranging from $50 - $100, and is completely tax-deductible.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Craig Tracy, shown working above, first started body painting in 2002 and opened his Louisiana gallery, Painted Alive Bodypainting, in early 2006.
Using a traditional paintbrush, an airbrush, sponges and finger-painting, Tracy's body paintings each take approximately one full day to complete. He uses a different model's body (and in some cases, multiple models) for each image.
above: " Toes" by Craig Tracy
His work has been used in several ads and other commercial applications. Being from New Orleans, it's not surprising that he has many jazz related images, but my favorites, without a doubt, are his nature and animal works.
above: "Elements" by Craig Tracy
The images of his work in this post are actual photos of body art in which Photoshop was NOT used.
Eminence (Lion): the process:
Tiger (on breast): the process:
Twee Fwog (his title, not mine): The process:
Shelter (Elephant): the process:
"O": before and during:
South Side: the process:
Koi: the process:
Inferno:
Inclement:
His stunning illusory image of a tiger was created with three models to increase awareness and benefit a cause that is near to the heart of the artist:
Tigers have always been his favorite animal and when asked to aid in the effort to protect, repopulate and re-wild this the most endangered tiger in the world, Craig immediately said yes. "Only 100 South China Tigers are reported to remain alive and if my body painting can help increase that number by one then I'll have lived with purpose." states the artist.
The photographs included in the auction are a wonderful selection of everything from animal portraits and action shots to celebrity photos and more by well-known and well-respected artists. You can view all the participating photographers list here.
Below are a few of the photos that will be up for auction, in no particular order:
Alen Mac Weeney: Carl Fischer: Deborah Turbeville: Firooz Zahedi: Gosta Peterson: Nick Brandt: Raymond Meier: Richard Phibbs: Slim Aarons: Andrew Zuckerman: Steven Sebring: Sylvia Plachy: William Wegman:
You can preview the rest of photographs which will be available for auction here. You can register here and begin bidding in advance. For auction bidding guidelines, go here.
Auction info: On Tuesday, April 27, 2010 the Society will host its Third Benefit Photography Auction at the DVF Studio, 440 West 14th Street , NYC. The event, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm, will include live and silent auctions of the photographs, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Honorary Chairs are Grace Coddington, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Adrien Brody. Cornelia Guest is the Chairman and we are pleased to announce that Jamie Niven, Vice Chairman of Sotheby’s will preside over the live auction.
The evening will honor Martha Swope, legendary photographer of dance, theater & music.
100% of proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of New York's veterinary clinic and Vladimir Horowitz & Wanda Toscanini Horowitz Adoption Center. For ticket information please call Sandra DeFeo at (212) 752-4842.
Humane Society of New York Mission Statement: Since its founding in 1904, the Humane Society of New York has been a presence in New York City, caring for animals in need when illness, injury or homelessness strikes. Today our hospital and our Vladimir Horowitz and Wanda Toscanini Horowitz Adoption Center help more than 30,000 dogs and cats annually, and their numbers continue to grow. The Society has long been noted for its innovative, highly individualized approach to animal care; its pioneer attitude is now reflected in programs coming to the fore nationwide. On any given day the Society is responsible for hundreds of animals with diverse needs. For many, the Society is the only place they will find help.
