Happy Valentines Day from Sophie!
Happy Valentines Day from Sophie!
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Awards
Contender in the Photography Awards
Top Shot Award 22
Spring 21 Award
9Teen Award
Contest Finalist in My Favorite Pet Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Anything Animals Photo Contest
Celebrity Award
Contest Finalist in Social Exposure Photo Contest Vol 21
Contest Finalist in An Unforgettable Adventure Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Social Exposure Photo Contest Vol 20
Staff Favorite
Peer Award
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Genius
All Star
Superior Skill
Virtuoso
Top Ranks
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Behind The Lens
Location
This image was taken in the field behind our house, where our dogs like to sniff around.Time
It was early evening, and I grabbed Sophie for a quick shoot after work before the sun went down.Lighting
The image was shot with available light, with some remnants of the evening sunlight peeking through the line of trees.Equipment
I used my Nikon D800, 85mm f1.4 handheld. I like to keep it simple, especially if I'm already trying to deal with my dog(s) and props. I did have my daughter there helping as well - arranging the sign and keeping Sophie in place while I moved around so that she didn't try to follow me.Inspiration
The inspiration for this photo was a Holiday Dogs series that I did for the local online newspaper. Sophie was the Valentines Day Dog for 2019.Editing
Post-processing was mostly your standard color correct/sharpen/levels/etc, except that I did add a bit of hazy fog in the background to make Sophie stand out a bit more.In my camera bag
The equipment I normally carry in my bag really depends on what I'm shooting. For portraits of an individual I typically shoot with my Nikon D800 and 85mm 2.8 outdoors and prefer to stick with that. I usually also bring my 50mm, and use that for larger groups of people, or smaller spaces. Sports and Travel I pack my Sony Gear.Feedback
I am certainly no dog whisperer, but what has worked for me when photographing dogs is having treats on hand (always ask the owners permission before giving the dog a treat!). Dogs who are food motivated will do just about anything for you if you have food in your hand. If you are not in an enclosed space, please make sure the dog is leashed for it's safety (unless it has excellent recall), you can always edit the leash out later. If there are props or a leash involved, an assistant is a must - it's inevitable that once you set everything up and walk away a wagging tail will knock everything down, or the dog will move out of position. Have a way to get the dogs attention - a squeaky toy, a keyword like dinner or treat, or a strange noise you make with your mouth. The weirder the better, and you get the cute little head tilts. Be patient, and be ready to laugh. So very often I lay on the ground to take the shot at their level, and they get up and run over to lick my face. Best photo shoots ever. :)