My "bugg" (fancy made up word for a cross between a Boston Terrier and a Pug) turns 10 this weekend. Hard to believe I've now spent 10 years with...
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My "bugg" (fancy made up word for a cross between a Boston Terrier and a Pug) turns 10 this weekend. Hard to believe I've now spent 10 years with my very best friend EVER, Gromit!
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Dogs at Play Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Pets In Action Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Animals And Rule Of Thirds Photo Contest
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
All Star
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Outstanding Creativity
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Mandala
February 17, 2017
I really enjoyed looking at all the doggie photos. You capture their essence and joy in their spirit. I think it's wonderful that you care so much for dogs. I myself could never live without their companionship.
JennaVee
February 18, 2017
Thank you! We love doggies - and i'm a strong advocated for senior rescue and the spirit of #adoptdontshop - we are so lucky to have the ability to share our lives with so many doggies! I wish I had room for more!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
We have a fabulous park near our house - it's just far enough from downtown that it's rarely busy on weekdays, or approaching sunset on the weekends as families head home from their day out. I have held several photo shoots there, and knew it would be the perfect spot to let my doggy run off leash for a bit!Time
This was at the end of a work day, and it was mostly cloudy. Even, warm lighting overall.Lighting
This was between rows of trees, on a grassy area. I made sure I was exposing for my dog when he was in the brighter areas, and didn't really shoot him if he ran into the darker, shadier areas under the trees. I tried to keep him in the center of the grass with encouragement and cheering and treats, where the light was the best.Equipment
This was handheld, with a Nikon D700 and a Nikon 70-200 2.8 lens. I love that lens at 200 wide open!Inspiration
Gromit is my best friend. He came home at just 5 pounds, when he was 8 weeks old. He's turned 10 this summer, and every year I take photos of him around his birthday, so I can look back at him growing up and getting older. I love this photo because it really captures his enthusiasm and smile, despite all his old-man white fur. I loved that I was able to show he's still "got it" even as he's slowing down.Editing
One of my favorite things about photographing a pet like this is that aside from a little cropping or adjusting a horizon, there's virtually no post to be done. I take a ton of photos and only use the ones that have the elements I am looking for and the right focus, and expression. Gromit will never care that you can see his missing teeth in this shot!In my camera bag
Nikon D800 (and now my D700 as a backup), Nikon 50mm 1.4 is my go-to lens, Nikon 20mm 2.8 for landscapes, and then a 70-200 2.8. Nikon SB900 flash. Extra memory, batteries, lens cleaning cloth, and usually a Snickers bar and a water.Feedback
Be flexible! And plan on taking a LOT of frames. Dogs (and kids) are so unpredictable - you have to be ready to move on the fly, and have a lot of patience. An ability to make rapid changes to your settings is helpful, too. If you can get a rough idea of your settings and then make little changes it's a lot easier. It would be upsetting to have a "great shot" ruined because it was way too over or under - so aim for the ballpark. Take many, many photos, and then pick the couple of winners. Never be afraid to throw away the majority of your shots, and always be willing to do one more take. We must have had my dog run back and forth on the grass a half a dozen times, with me shooting the whole time.