Pet Photography Project 52, Week 35: Patience
Our Pet Photography Project 52 week 35 lesson is about patience. I think any dog photographer must master this skill. I do not consider myself a patient person at all however the one exception is when I am photographing dogs. I have all the patience in the world at my dog photography sessions.
I returned 2 days ago from the northern coast of Oregon. (As a side note, I LOVED IT!!!!) I'd not been to the area before but it was heaven to me. The temperatures varied from highs of 65-85 and there was no humidity. Like I said, it was heaven. My husband stayed on the west coast for work. When he got home, I told him that the dogs and I talked and we all want to move to the west coast. (To those who know me, this is no secret!)
My experience as a dog walker and pet sitter really helps me with understanding dog behavior and trying to predict their movements. That is a beneficial skill set when photographing dogs. It doesn't always work out like I plan though and I keep thinking I need to start a blooper reel to capture some of the moments I'm not expecting.
As a fairly new photographer, I don't always have a lot of confidence during my sessions. However, during the photo session with Dakota the dog photographed below, I had a feeling we were making magic. It's the first time I've ever had that feeling during a session. I wasn't disappointed when I saw the results.
Is it okay if I am jealous? I want my dog in this photo. As a photographer, I want to capture moments that make memories for dog owners and I know Dakota's mom and dad will treasure this image forever and that's exactly why I love doing this.
This is Dakota a 6 year old german shepherd mix visiting Cannon Beach from Denver. She was pretty predictable and easy to photograph but these sunset shots did require patience while we waited for the sun to set and while I waited for exactly the right moment as she zoomed around the beach.
This is Sadie and for our photo shoot she is the one that needed some patience. ha! Trying to capture her lightning fast speed and the ball in the same frame required several takes on my part! She was a good sport and I don't think she minded at all although I'll bet she slept well that night.
Sadie is a rescued terrier mix that lives in Cannon Beach. To say she loves tennis balls is an understatement. To say that Sadie is loved by her mom is an even bigger understatement and getting to meet them and see the bond between the two of them was one of the highlights of my time in Cannon Beach.
The other part of this lesson we could write about was 'awaiting your foreground'. During my photo session with Dakota, I was awaiting my background. Does that count because I was waiting for the sun to drop in the sky. In the last photo, I was watching my foreground for sure. I asked Sadie's mom to keep an eye on the tide and let me know if the waves got close as I was lying on the ground!
This is a blog circle and next up is I Got The Shot Photography, Elaine Tweedy. Serving the Northeastern PA region.. Be sure to continue to click the link at the bottom of each post to read each dog photographer's post on patience and dog photography. I'm curious to read the others' posts. Have a great weekend everyone!