Bella
Nov, 2015Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This image was taken during a dog photography course in Cheshire, England. It was wet and cold weather so wellies were definitely needed. In order to get to the dog's level we were constantly crawling on the sheep dung covered grass. And because you often had to be quick to jump down and get the shot you didn't always have time to look where you were dropping and so the inevitable happened. Clothes were quick to go in the wash when we got back. So glad I managed to get this shot of Bella in one of her rare stationary poses. She was like a bullet most of the time shooting around after her handler's toys.Time
This was early afternoon. We had driven to a couple of different locations in order to get a variety of shots of the different dogs that were our models for the day. The dogs had a great day running around the fields after their toys and swimming out to retrieve them from the lake. Although it is not always easy to hold yourself steady when stood in a couple of feet of water. I also had to lift my camera up quickly when the dogs splashed heavily past me when going for an action shot of them running along the water's edge.Lighting
A cloudy overcast day gave us a nice soft light with no chance of harsh shadows on the dogs meaning there was no detail lost in their coats due to hot spots or blown our areas.Equipment
I used my Canon 5D MIII for this shot with the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 lens. A great combination, especially for capturing this portrait and for fast moving, hyperactive dogs.Inspiration
A lot of the shots we were going for were generally action shots of the dogs running, jumping, splashing through water etc. I was hoping that I could get a good still portrait and I reckon I got that. You have to be ready and quick with working dogs like these as they are not still for very long.Editing
Because there was little colour to the image and the dog being all black, I just knew that this would work much better in black and white. After the initial conversion, as I recall, I added a little contrast and clarity and darkened the edges in order to bring more attention to Bella. Sharpening was then applied at the end of post.In my camera bag
I generally carry my Canon 5D MIII with a Canon 600D for backup. As I am generally a portrait photographer, I carry a Tamron 24-70 f2.8 for wide angle or group shots and a Sigma 70-200 f2.8 for more intimate portraits. I also usually have in my bag a Canon 430EX II speedlite as well as cleaning equipment for the lenses.Feedback
Shots of animals are generally best when shot at their eye level. So be prepared to be rolling on the floor much of the time. Old clothes are a must. Don't go out on a dog shoot in your best shoes and designer gear, especially when the fields are inhabited by sheep: you never know what you are going to be rolling around in, although I am guessing you can imagine.
