Rex @ Lake Elmo, MN
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog
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Aug, 2015Views
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Awards
Zenith Award
Legendary Award
Staff Winter Selection 2015
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Peer Award
Superior Skill
All Star
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Behind The Lens
Location
This is Rex a Bernese Mountain Dog. In August of 2015, I was shooting a dog show in Lake Elmo, MN. A friend was showing her Bernese and I stopped by the show ring just as Rex was coming to a stop. He looked up at her with excited anticipation. He was expecting a treat for his jog around the show ring and I got the camera on him just before he turned away.Time
This shot was taken late morning on a bright sunny day at an outdoor venue. At a dog show you don't get to choose the time of day you shoot or lighting or angles. You have to make the best of what you are given according to the show schedule, the breeds you are trying to capture, and the layout of the ring. This is especially true of an outdoor show. You need to make best use of the light while trying to get into a decent position to photograph the dogs while they are moving around the ring.Lighting
Dogs don't pose for the camera. Getting a shot like this outdoors with catch lights in his eyes and fairly even lighting on his face was very lucky. At a dog show you have limited access to angles and often have to shoot at a fairly long distance. You must try to position yourself in such a way as to provide an opportunity to get the best shot possible with available light when the dog and handler turn toward you, stop, or are broadside to the camera.Equipment
This is one of my favorite photos from that day and it was taken with a Canon EOS 6D and Canon EF 100-400mm f/1:4.5-5.6 L IS lens. Camera settings were f/5.6, ISO200, shutter 1/250th, focal range of 400mm. I do not use a tripod or monopod because one needs to be very mobile, constantly focused on a moving target, and ready to shoot a series of photos to get that one important shot. I use a shoulder sling to distribute the camera weight and for maximum mobility. Did I mention that you have to keeping moving too? You can't set up in a single position and catch the shots that make people happy.Inspiration
I love Bernese Mountain Dogs and since my friend did not have any photos of her and Rex in the show ring so I wanted to give her a few for her show album. This particular one was a result of keeping the camera at my eye and waiting for something "different" to happen.Editing
Dog show photos usually require some minimal post-processing. A little contrast, clarity and sometimes vibrance are normal depending on the color of the dog and background. I often use some vignetting to frame head shots. In many cases, due to the crowded venue, tents, posts, fences, chairs, straps, etc., it is necessary to remove some unwanted items from an otherwise good shot. I try to minimize this by choosing a shooting position that eliminates as much clutter as possible but it is not always an option. Dog show attendees tend to wear bright colors so I often find my eye drawn to that bright yellow jacket in the background of my perfect shot.In my camera bag
When I travel to dog shows, or pet photography sessions, I always take my EF 70-200 f/2.8, IS lens, a 50mm f/1.8, and specifically for dog shows my EF 100-400 IS lens. I will usually trough in an 18-135mm f/4.5 in case the space is limited and I need a little wider angle. Indoor dog shows and people's homes are always notorious for bad lighting so fast lenses are necessary to compensate. I do not like to use a flash because it is distracting to the dogs (or other pets) and will sometimes cause them to shy away. At dog shows the distances preclude using a flash. I don't use tripods at in-home shoots but I do take a yoga pad so I can lie down and shoot. It is especially useful in wet grass or on hard surfaces.Feedback
Dog shows and in-home pet photography are tiring! Once you start shooting you cannot put the camera down even for a second. When you do, the dog (or other animal) will do something that would have been the shot of the day and you will miss it. Pet portraits such as this one are difficult since your subject is not going to do what you ask. Whenever possible get to know your subject by sitting down at its level and talking, petting, giving treats, and generally getting the animal to be relaxed. Introduce the camera while you are doing this so it isn't a scary object later on. Getting the proper angle to use whatever light you have available is your next concern. Have the pet's owner or handler stand behind you and/or off to one side depending on what angle you are trying to capture. Always try to get down to the animal's head level as much as possible. Shooting when looking down at an animal is not only boring but doesn't give a proper perspective of the head and face. As much as possible you need to get the animal to be himself and move around. Try for even lighting on the head or some halo back lighting for best results. Be prepared to take a lot of shots. Use a fast shutter speed to stop action and an open aperture to minimize depth of field. Try to set up your shots so you have a consistent, even background color. Use a wall, grass, a handler's skirt, or a portable backdrop if you have one for in-home use. If you want to shoot a dog show you need to spend time around the show rings and develop a feel for what is happening. Each judge has a routine that he or she goes through and you need to know what it is so you can position yourself accordingly. Knowing where the dogs will be, how they will turn, where they stop, and the best angle to show off the dog are all important aspects of dog show photography. When everyone is just standing around and nothing seems to be happening keep your camera on the dogs and handlers! That's when my favorite candid money shot happened. The dog jumped up and "hugged" the handler and it became a full page ad in one of the national dog show magazines. Good luck and have fun!
