Hello Jason KB fans! It’s that time of week again, so herrrrrrrrrrre’s Sebastian!

This week I will be bashing away at the keyboard with my paws waxing philosophically about the intricacies of big dog/little dog relationships. Case in point: Lola and Tommy. 

Lola is the oh-so-ladylike poodle and Tommy is the spunky little Yorkshire terrier/pomeranian cross. Have you ever wondered just how us dogs are able to identify another animal as a dog, even though they may look totally and utterly different from us? Think chihuahua meets great dane. Strange, no? Even though they’re completely different, the chihuahua knows that massive great dane is another of its kind, and the great dane, if it can avoid stepping on it, knows the chihuahua is another dog, too. The jury is still out as to whether or not the great dane would think the chihuahua is a puppy, but the point is, us dogs aren’t phased by looks and size and this can help to explain why some of the greatest dog-friendships form between little dogs and big dogs. 

When Lola and Tommy came by the studio, I was immediately intrigued by their size difference and so put on Jason’s my reading glasses, to make me look smarter while I sat and thought about it. Lola had lots of energy and Tommy had plenty of attitude, and they really made a great pair. In the end, I came to the conclusion that for a pair like Lola and Tommy, they don’t see another dog that looks vastly different from them, they just see a friend, despite their size. Everybody all together: “Awwwww!” 

Enjoy some photos of Lola and Tommy below and don’t forget to check out their album on the Jason KB Photo facebook page for more great photos.

Sebastian out!

Get ready for some quality reading because Sebastian is back at the writing desk!

Did you miss me? I certainly missed you, Jason KB fans, and now I’m here to introduce to you a fabulous little dog family I had the pleasure of meeting awhile back. These three Labrador Retrievers were some of the sweetest, most down-to-earth canines I’ve ever met. When they came over to the Jason KB studio for their photo shoot, they politely shook hands with Jason and Angus upon arrival, wiped their paws on the door mat, and then inquired after my own well-being. How sweet! They even brought a homemade pie,  filled with doggie treats,  for all of us to share and enjoy. Much to my chagrin, Angus and Jason passed on the pie, claiming “indigestion” from the night before. Those two could really learn a lesson in social graces from us dogs; we’re much too polite to ever turn down food! 

But I digress. 

Once we had dispensed with the pleasantries, Jason and Angus got down to business and the photo shoot was a great success. Have a look for yourself below. Moon is the oh-so-cute brown pup, Rocket is the gangly teenager, and Lexie is the gorgeous and dignified eldest. Moon was absolutely bursting with energy and never slowed down, even for a second. Rocket was torn between acting all grown-up and playing with Moon, and so spent a little time doing both.  Lexie was the epitome of a well-behaved, sweet dog. She made sure to keep the other two in line and politely chatted with myself and Jack while the photo shoot went on. She even had a cat-y convo with Walter about the merits of different brands of catnip. What a classy lady!

Enjoy some photos of the fabulous trio below. 

Don’t forget to check out more photos of this trio on the Jason KB Photo facebook page.

- Sebastian 

It’s a beautiful day and I have some more beautiful pictures to share with all of you!

May I introduce: Katie & Foster!

Katie’s the beautiful brown Lab and Foster is the gorgeous (but not as gorgeous as me) golden retriever.

Just look at how those coats shine.

Don’t forget to check out more photos of this duo on the Jason KB Photo facebook page.

-Sebastian

The photo session I’m going to talk about today is a most rare and special photo shoot. Why, you ask? Because it made me question my whole identity.

Here’s the thing. When a golden retriever meets another golden retriever, there’s always this moment of shock and awe, if you will. It’s as though we’re all amazed that we’re not the only one; not the only golden retriever in the world. Logically, I know I’m not the only one, but every single time I meet another GR, I just can’t believe my eyes.

When Luke, Mabel and Millie came by the studio, it was like I had seen a ghost. Well, maybe not a ghost. More like my reflection. In duplicate! See, Luke and Mabel are both golden retrievers too. I think they were just as shocked to see me as I was to see them. Thankfully Millie, a rottweiler, was there to settle us all down.

Once the three of us got over our initial golden retriever shock, all four of us got along splendidly. Luke and Millie are an old-fashioned, lovely couple with the charm and etiquette to match. Luke’s the kind of dog to tip his cap to you and give you a wink, and Millie’s the sort of lady to blush at every compliment. That is, she would blush, if dogs were capable of blushing.

And then there’s Mabel. She’s a bit of a newcomer, taking on a Dog Apprenticeship, you might say, but Luke and Mabel have welcomed her into their family with open arms paws.

I invite you to check out our facebook page for more photos of the adorable trio!

-Sebastian

Did you know Jason’s photography is currently on display at a number of pet supply retailers and service providers throughout the city? Would you like to check out some of these works of art? We thought you might!

In the coming weeks, the Jason KB Photo blog will be featuring a series of posts detailing the display locations of Jason’s work throughout Toronto. So, if you happen to be in the neighbourhood, why not check one out? This is a great way to see Jason’s style of photography in person and get a sense of what artworks of your animals would look like.

For those living in Bloor West Village (and those who often find themselves in Bloor West Village), you can head on down to the Bloor West Village Animal Hospital. Opened in March, 2009, by Dr. Christopher O’Toole, the Bloor West Village Animal Hospital provides veterinary services to Bloor West Village and the surrounding communities. They offer wellness programs, digital radiology, acupuncture, surgical and dental procedures, dental radiology and hospitalization on site. Dr. O’Toole and Oscar, his wheaten terrier, also like to frequent nearby High Park, so you might just see them next time you’re out for a walk.

Bloor West Village Animal Hospital is located at 2100 Bloor St. West, unit 8, Toronto, M6S 1M7. Don’t forget to have a peek at the Jason KB Photo art display while you’re there and say ‘Hi!’ from us.

After a light breakfast of kibble strawberries with clotted cream and pink champagne, I thought I’d peruse through some of Jason’s older work. It turns out, not all of his photo sessions have made it onto the blog. When he asked me to act as a blog writer for him, I thought it was because he was such a fan of my prose. Now, I suspect, it’s just because he wants me to do his work for him. The sly devil. Next time he walks by I’m going to “accidentally” swipe him with my tail. How do you like them apples, Jason?

Anyway, without further ado, may I introduce: Ralph. Ralph’s a handsome mini schnauzer. Now, at the time when Ralph dropped by the studio, I still hadn’t graduated from *cough*journalismschool*cough*, so, I never got the chance to interview him, but here’s what the boys had to say about his trip to Jason KB Photo:

Ralph’s a really great dog. Very sweet. He was a little nervous at first and a wee bit scared, but after awhile, he got comfortable and his personality really came to the fore. He really opened up after the first few frames and started telling, what must be, his favorite joke. He kept saying, “I mustache you a question; do you like my mustache?” He was really great, really very sweet. He also loves his marrow bones! Sebastian tried to sneak a nibble, but Ralph insisted there simply wasn’t enough to go around. If he let Sebastian have a bite, then Jason and Angus would surely want some too, and there simply wasn’t enough for that! What a character. All in all, we had a great time with Ralph!

Not enough to go around, indeed. Do you see that size of that marrow bone?! All I wanted was a taste, Ralph. Just a taste! I guess with a mustache like yours, you’re used to getting your way. Anyway folks, enjoy some photos of Ralph below!

- Sebastian

Reader’s Digest:

“Looking to really treat that pet lover in your life to some luxury? Consider custom pet portraits. While many specialty pet stores have their own portrait services, we found Jason KB Photo, based out of Toronto, Ont., to be the classiest. They offer customers a home consultation service, a professional two-hour pet portrait session, and a refreshment stocked ordering appointment. The portraits are to die for, so why not go that extra mile to immortalize your furry companion?”

ivillage.ca

“If your pet covets Lassie, Morris, Seabiscuit and, even, the Angry Birds’ famed celebrity status, maybe it’s time to reward their wannabe model tendencies with a paparazzi session. (Willie and Flipper, you’ll just have to wait.) Toronto-based pet photographer Jason Krygier-Baum’s candid and stunning photographs of dogs, cats, horses, budgies and parakeets are so worthy of wall art and greeting cards they will have your pet striking a pose, preening, and even puckering up under the mistletoe, for the camera.”

Who wants a treat?!

Sebastian is back again!

I’ve just returned home from my weekly Irish dance lesson (Don’t laugh! It’s a beautiful form of expression!), and I’m reminded of a charming little fellow that we had the pleasure of hosting at our Toronto studio not too long ago. His name was Chi Chi and rumour had it that this dog was a fantastic dancer.

With a name like Chi Chi, one can only expect fabulousness, and I’m happy to report, Chi Chi did not disappoint. He walked into the studio like he owned the place and had everyone eating out of his paw within five minutes. Everyone except Walter that is, but Walter’s a bit of a moody know-it-all, and no one really likes him, anyway.

Chi Chi and I bonded immediately. That’s the way it is amongst dancers. We just understood each other’s passion so perfectly. I tried to engage him in a dance-off, throwing down some of my fiercest Irish Dance moves, but Chi Chi was having none of it. After some encouragement from Angus, Chi Chi finally agreed to show us some of his moves– but only if we all turned away and didn’t look at him! I guess he’s a little bashful.

Anyway, we were all able to catch a glimpse or two of this graceful dog in action, but for the most part, we’ll just have to take his word.

Below are some photos of the playful Chi Chi. Enjoy!

-Sebastian

Packs of 8 cards are available for $20 (plus shipping and HST) through our Etsy store.

To learn more about Helping Homeless Pets be sure to visit their website and facebook page.

On Monday, December 5th at 8:00 pm, I will be giving a talk on all matters relating to animal photography at a talk hosted by the Toronto Camera Club.  Audience members will get a behind the scenes look at the Jason KB Photo approach to working with and photographing animals.  A question and answer session will follow my presentation where I will happily answer any questions that you might have about photographing your pets.

If you are interested in attending, please contact the Toronto Camera Club for further details. Hope to see you there!