This charity event took place in my three Los Angeles portrait studios, on five separate days. We raised several thousand dollars for local shelters. That makes me proud.

It was very crazy, but what fun we had! Here’s a sweet video of a few hectic hours.

Enjoy the video:

Yes, it’s true that I need your help (it’s also true that I’m a pet photographer, or rather, a dog photographer).

I’m worried. Pet euthanizations (a fancy way of saying pet killing) in California are up, budgets for caring for unwanted pets are down, and there are countless foreclosure pets crowding the animal shelters. It breaks my heart in ways I can’t describe.

I love photographing dogs. For some reason, we understand each other. I’ve had many dogs come over and sit on my feet. I guess that’s their way of saying I’m theirs. So when a dog comes to my portrait studio, I am so happy that I have to agree, I am theirs. It breaks my heart to know that these wonderful creatures can be safe and sound one day, and the next day be facing death as they sit in their cage at an animal shelter. I just don’t understand it.

I feel that I have to do my small part and so I am instituting again,
Dog Days, my dog charity event.
Click above or on the photos for more information about the dog event.

It’s coming up soon and we have appointments left over. Please help us out and tell your dog friends. Let as many people know as possible. We’re raising money to save pets. If we can save just one dog from being euthanized, I will be so happy. Click here to see some of my dog photography.

And here’s the cool thing- – you can be in the portrait too! Come on. Call us.

Here are the dates but you have to call for an appointment:

I was fortunate to be invited into the emotions of each family to hear the stories of pride, heartache, hardships and love. I was moved and amazed by their sense of honor and dignity. Several times I broke down and cried hearing about the sacrifices each militiary member and the families that stand behind them made. These are amazing people who serve our country selflessly, who protect our country and make us strong.

So, today and every day, let’s think about how lucky we are for those who gave, and give, their lives for us.

Click on Photo Projects above or click the link to read more about this project (scroll down a bit).

We are bringing our pet charity project to our Long Beach/Signal Hill Studio!

When: Saturday, February 6th 2010 from 10am to 4pm, by appointment only
call (562) 981-8900

The Dog Days of Summer pet portraits in Pasadena was such a big hit that we have had many requests to bring it to Long Beach.

So here it goes!

Call us for an appointment to have your dog photographed by Linnea.

Bring $25 and a 30+ lb. bag of pet food which we will donate to a local pet charity
and receive a free stunning 5×7 of your precious pooch!
Wear something nice and you can join in!

This year my three children turned a wonderful corner. They became much more independent and I took a great sigh. I sat back and looked at them proudly one day and realized that my best work was done. I knew then that it was time for the next chapter, to give back, because I am so grateful for having a wonderful husband and three children who are healthy.

I started looking for a project to take on so that I could give back to my community, one that would blend the three great concepts in my life: family, art and charity. When I found the Stramski Center in Long Beach, California I knew that I had found a perfect match, a project that would resonate with me. The Stramski Center is an amazing clinic of Miller’s Children’s Hospital. They are great healers to many children of special needs and their families.

When we showed the portraits that I created to the Long Beach Arts Council, they placed it in the G.L.O.B.A.L. project for October’s art’s initiative with Phantom Galleries LA.

Above is a sample of the photography project that I created. I invite you to come on October 10th at 3rd and Elm in Downtown Long Beach to see the rest of the art project.

I photograph lots of families. And of course, pets are a part of every growing family. For some reason dogs just love me. Maybe it’s because I’m a giant kid. Maybe because the feeling is mutual. And so, pet photography is just a natural extension of family photography. I’m really excited because of a special promotion and fundraiser that we are going to do.

The sounds of barking dogs will be bellowing from our Pasadena studio on August 8th as we hold our first “Dog Days of Summer” fundraising event for the Pasadena Humane Society. Bring in a large bag of dog or cat food and you’ll receive a free 15-minute session and 5×7 portrait of your furry friend. It’s going to be a howling good time!

WHO: Linnea Lenkus Fine Art Portrait Studios, by appointment only so PLEASE CALL

WHAT: Dog Days of Summer

WHERE: 545 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, 91105 (corner of California Blvd.)

WHEN: Saturday, August 8, 2009 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHY: To raise donations for the Pasadena Humane Society

By appointment only. I hope to see you there!