(Might As Well Jump) Jump!

Photographers Comments
Ok, so i thought its about time i introduced you all to Katie (one of the three loves in my life). Katie is a 15 month old Red Border Collie, and my loyal companion when i am out with the camera (oh, and a born poser too!). This is a shot of her practicing her agility hurdles in the garden.

See, its not all weird creepy photographs with me...

Beautiful dog, and lovely composition. So, who are the other two loves of your life?

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Ah, that would be photography and my daughter (although not necessarily in that order)

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Hi Paul .. really like how you have captured this image of Katie .. flying over the hurdle .. good comp .. Thanks for sharing ...
Cheers
Else

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"Everything has it's beauty, but not everyone sees it"
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Hi Paul,
a great shot of Katie, showing an expression of all the determination in the world. For me, it is a shame about the cluttered BG and the colours tend to mix too closely with that of Katie's coat. It might be nice to seperate the BG a little more from Katie by using a blur tool.

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Regards....Phil

If it moves shoot it. If it doesn't move, still shoot it.

I agree Phil. Unfortuntely the garden wasn't really big enough to work with. However, she is part of the display team/flyball team and will be at a couple of shows in the coming weeks, so hopefully i can get something a little better there

Paul

BTW: Anyone interested in seeing more pics of Katie can do so HERE, and you can read about Katie's puppy months HERE

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Paul you know I love your work bud, so I hope you take this as intended.

I shoot a ton of agility shots.

When shooting actual events the shots are really tough because there is no second chance and, for the most, they do not allow flash in any form.

What you have here is really nice mate. You are an excellent photographer and full of talent and creativity and an inspiration to put it modestly.

Because I know this was a home shoot i would add the following constructive crits...take or leave them mate.

You have the luxury of using flash...stick one on a mini pod with a slave or radio unit if you have it, and shoot again. Agility shots really seem to benefit from that oomph of off cam flash. As long as your pooch (adorable...oh wow adorable!!! she is) is happy to jump and jump again...then shoot loads. I have been shooting equine work for over ten years and it is really comparable to canine shoots. Focus is paramount which you have already attained. Next is posture. For the most mate punters seem to like front legs nicely tucked in with horses and at full stretch with dogs to illustrate the actual jump. This is not a rule of thumb but a good guide for at least one successful shot to keep punter sweet. You have such an advantage in as much as you have all the elements in place to get some belting shots.

Background is mega important...must be clear/clean if possible (when doing shows it is down to the course) shoot for a slightly closer image...get that action! that look of effort and determination in the pooch!.

Mate I am not trying to get you to suck eggs because I love your images. But dog and horse images (sick of them I may well be) is something I am kinda familiar with.

Hope you take this as intended buddy.

Thanks for your tips (and compliments, for that matter!), mate. I am always happy to get advice from those in the know!

Taking agility/flyball shots are certainly tougher than what i usually do, and its not really something i intend to get too involved in (Katie's training is more important - the shoots are just really something for the 'album' if you know what i mean), athough i do always strive to get the best shot that i can, so i will be playing around a bit more.

Actually, today i was exhibiting some of my work at a local agricultural/equestrian show while Katie was part of the Dog Handling Display Team. While i had some spare time i managed to try some shoots at the show jumping, which was a new experience! There are plenty more shows and events (both for dogs and horses) in our area over the coming weeks, so hopefully by the end of the summer i'll be able to see an improvement in this type of shoot.

Thanks again for your advice - its always appreciated!

Paul

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Hey bud thanks for taking the info as intended. I have a ton of respect for you as a tog buddy and hope you would do the same for me.

Gorgeous pooch BTw mate. There is money in the equine work if you can do a fast enought turn-a-round. Nowadays though the norm is to shoot and print on the day of the event using the old dye sub printer. Images soft but pleasing to the horse owners and the mark up is huge!

I'm sure there is a fair bit of interest! Judging by the turn-out today, that would have gone down well, but i think i'll stick to what i know at the shows for the time being. Much less stressful!

Oh, and thanks for your compliment on Katie (aka: The Katester), she certainly turns heads!

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