A Q&A with photographer Kat Hanegraaf showing love for our pets and neighborhood with her newest event: Valentine’s Day Pet Portraits + Block Party.
The unofficial NoHo motto is: “NoHo is only as great as its people.” This winter we are highlighting some of our awesome creative neighbors in the NoHo Arts District. This week features Kat Hanegraaf, a North Hollywood-based photographer who’s put together something snazzy for the neighborhood – Valentine’s Day Pet Portraits + Block Party on Sunday, February 6 from 12-6PM. Book your pet a portrait and enjoy drink specials, pop ups and raffles all for a good cause.
“What’s better than pet portraits for a good cause?
Pet portraits for a good cause while you imbibe!”
Why did you create Valentine’s Day Pet Portraits + Block Party?
I am a firm believer in doing things that fill your cup. If I’m able to bridge connections among neighbors and small business owners, while snuggling animals and drinking for a good cause, that overflows my cup.
Why did you choose to help Angel Hanz For The Homeless?
I learned about Angel Hanz For The Homeless from our local community board members Paula June Cantu and Russell Wolff, and fell in love with the nonprofit’s mission. Not only do they provide accessories and food for animals in need, but they also provide emergency medical care for those animals. Our unhoused neighbors who are guardians for these animals also receive clothing, haircuts, and lunch at their monthly gatherings in our local park. It’s just incredible that they’re able to offer such assistance to humans and animals alike; in this case, many of whom do not have a voice of their own.
What donation will you make to them?
I will be donating 20% of all profits from the pet portraits to Angel Hanz For The Homeless.
What are some of the drink specials at participating venues?
Some of the confirmed drink specials are:
513 bar will be offering:
-Well drinks & draft beer for $5.13
-Corona or Pacifico with a shot of Mi Campo Repo for $13.
-Their custom drink created for the event named The KatcheBox Cocktail for $12, with 20% of all proceeds from this cocktail also being donated to Angel Hanz.
Brews Brothers will be offering their Happy Hour specials on food and drinks for the duration of the event.
Hop Merchants will be offering $1 off all drafts, their happy hour special.
The other businesses involved will be doing either a specialty cocktail, happy hour pricing, or a combination of both.
What are some of the raffle prizes?
Some raffle prizes: KatcheBox will be donating one of their gift boxes as a raffle prize, Kiki Kreme will be donating several jars of their product for the raffle (all-natural and amazing for noses and paws), Night of the Living Pets is donating a 60-minute dog walk, and I will be raffling off a half hour portrait session.
What are some of the pop up shops?
Vesca Botanicals will be doing a pop-up shop with their plants, with the focus being on pet-friendly/non toxic plants. Rodeo Co is putting together a gift basket with a bandana, treats, and hat for the raffle. Varias Lunas is offering up their dog candle for a raffle item. Big Al’s Feed and Pet has four gift baskets they are putting together.
Any suggestions on how to prepare our pets for the photo shoot?
Practicing a simple “sit and stay” command would be HUGELY helpful to aid the portrait process in going smoothly/efficiently. Our food-driven, four-legged friends master this command fairly easy. Treats will be donated from Big Al’s to aid in this process during the event, but if you have a picky eater, bring some of your own tried and true favorite treats from home.
Any pet styling tips?
Props or outfits are ALWAYS welcomed! Beyond this, make sure your pet has a collar or harness that you would like them to be photographed in. Naked pets (no harness or collar) are a no-no. While the shoot area itself will be gated off and leashes will not be required during their session, we would like to take every safety precaution possible.
Is there something you’d like to add or highlight?
These sessions began at my photography studio back in Philadelphia, prior to moving to L.A. They evolved into this glorious, fun-filled event where even pet-less humans could come socialize for a good cause. Neighbors meeting neighbors, supporting local small business owners, and petting animals… what could be better?! My goal is to hold no fewer than three of these events per year, with different themes and benefiting a different rescue/shelter/animal based non profit.
What:
Valentine’s Day Pet Portraits + Block Party
When:
Sunday, February 6 from 12-6pm
Where:
Check-in Location: 513 Bar – 11100 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601