Dog Portraits
My husband and I are traveling house-sitters and pet-sitters. These particular dogs are from a pack of eight dogs, all rescued from the street in Mexico. The do...
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My husband and I are traveling house-sitters and pet-sitters. These particular dogs are from a pack of eight dogs, all rescued from the street in Mexico. The dog pack went for a 90-minute off-leash hike every morning!
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NIKON D750
Aperture 32/10 ISO 1250 Shutter 1/2500 Focal Length 1000/10 
San Andrés Huayapam, Oaxaca, MX
Aug, 2022Views
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Awards
Contender in the Photography Awards
Achievement in Originality
Zenith Award
Top Pick Award
Outstanding Creativity
Absolute Masterpiece
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken on the outskirts of the village San Andres Huayapam, in Oaxaca, Mexico, in the foothills of a large mountain range.Time
This was taken during late morning light. As traveling house-sitters, we're responsible for taking care of other people's pets while they're away on vacation. This particular house-sit, we had 11 'temporary pets': 8 rescue dogs and 3 kitties. The 8-dog pack requires a 90-minute off-leash hike through the Oaxacan foothills every morning! It was an amazing experience, as the dogs would lead us on their favorite trails, then return us to their home, as if they were the ones walking us. Halfway through the hike, we would stop for a water break, where I captured this portrait of Momo.Lighting
When photographing pet portraits, I like to look for dappled shade, to help create an interesting but simple background, which allows the pet to stand out.Equipment
This was shot on a Nikon D750s, with a 100mm lens.Inspiration
Momo has been described as a 'uniqo perro' (unique dog) and I think her face speaks for herself. As traveling house-sitters, I like to gift each of our hosts with a small gallery of pet portraits. In this instance, it was quite a challenge getting unique pet portraits for ELEVEN beloved rescues, showcasing each personality. But this photo has captured the essence of Momo :)Editing
My post-processing is always fairly simple; I use Lightroom to make minor adjustments.In my camera bag
I always carry two Nikon D750s camera bodies. I primarily use a 50mm, a 24-70mm mid-range zoom, and a 100mm macro (my longest lens). Now that I'm traveling, I carry a Rokinon 24mm tilt-shift, for landscapes and portraits, along with a vintage Polaroid camera and a modern "vintage-esque" PaperShoot camera. My light bag contains four speedlights, each with various MagMod modifier options, two lightstands, and a (rarely used) tripod. Of course, I always prisms, extra memory cards, batteries, assorted bungee cords, gaffers tape, and other things that might come in handy. I use a BlackRapid camera strap, if shooting with one camera; and I use a HoldFast double camera strap, if shooting with both cameras.Feedback
When photographing pets, patience is key. They will give you their best looks when they're relaxed and comfortable. After all, we can't ask them to smile!
