Ready for My Close-Up

Is your pet ready for their “Close-Up?” When I first conceived of the idea for Bell’s Furry Friends Photography (BFF Photography for short) I thought about all the ways I could get my name out there. Then, it came to me as I was cleaning. An exhibition of my work! Isn’t that always the way?

As I researched gallery exhibitions, my mind went to unique ways to pull people in. I could approach a gallery and see if they’d host me. But I’m not famous like Wegman. I am, however, well-connected in the Bangor pet community. I thought a pet fair and art show would be just the ticket. Summer seemed logical.

Save The Date

So, drum roll, please, on July 12 from 6-9 p.m. I’ll be holding “Ready for my Close-Up” a pet fair and art show at the Sea Dog Brewing Company at 26 Front Street in Bangor. This is, however, a people-only event. Please leave Fido and Fluffy at home in comfort.

The fair and art show also provides visitors with a chance to learn about all the components of pet photography and how they affect the photos. What’s even cooler about this event is that I pulled five local pet-centric businesses to help me kick off Bell’s Furry Friends Photography and two AMAZING non-profits. Over the next two weeks, I’ll introduce them to you in-depth.

Here’s the skinny on who will be there:

• Best in Show Paws is owned by Shannon and Dave Byers and based out of Lamoine. This business focuses on pet paw care and trims. They own greyhounds, which means they’re awesome.
• Dogn’i Apparel is owned by Cynthia Rollins and based in Bangor. Cindy creates custom collars, leashes, matching shoes, belts, and a ton more for pets. Her work is amazing! She made some things for my greyhound, Laura.
• Green Acres Kennel Shop is owned by Don and Paula Hanson and based in Bangor. Green Acres is a full-service pet center offering grooming, training, pet food, treats, daycare, boarding, and behavior consultations. Laura loves going to visit her friends at Green Acres and always comes home tired.
• Mutt Nose Best is owned by Jenny Dwyer and located in Bangor. Mutt Nose Best creates grooming and pet care products that are eco-friendly and even better, don’t contain harsh preservatives and chemicals. You can find her products throughout the United States. She’s looking to go global soon!
• Veazie Veterinary Clinic is a veterinary clinic in Veazie. Owned by Dr. David Cloutier, operated with two other vets, and a full staff of vet techs and professionals. Veazie Vet is very involved in the community and full-pet health. They even have a rehabilitation arm that helps pets suffering from a variety of illnesses or injuries feel and live better.
• And, of course, there’s my business!

Admission for “Ready for my Close-Up” can come in the form of a cash donation, a pet supply item, or both! I will split admission items between Bangor Humane Society and the Eastern Area Agency on Aging’s Furry Friends Food Bank. The event is for people only, so make sure to leave Fluffy at home in air-conditioned comfort.

The reason I chose these two causes for this inaugural event is simple. I feel strongly about supporting both of them. If you’re a follower of Bell Imaging & Design, then you know that I host yearly fundraising portrait sessions that benefit the Furry Friends Food Bank. It’s important for individuals and businesses to give back. What better way to do this than my event?

All attendees receive a ticket for the door prize drawing. They can enter to win drawings throughout the night. I have set a lofty goal of $2,000 cash and 2,000 pounds of pet food and supplies. The money and supplies go a long way to help needy animals in the area as well as to offset costs.

I hope you consider coming and supporting these businesses and non-profits. I can’t wait to share more of these amazing partners with you. Keep checking in to see what’s new. Give your furry BFFs a hug. They love you!