I photographed this Tibetan Spaniel today with my Canon 135mm lens with built-in soft focus.  I adore this lens and feel that it beats any other method I’ve tried for achieving a soft focus look (filters, software, Lensbaby soft focus optic, non-glare glass, etc.).   The bonus is that this lens is f/2.8 which is great for pet photography.  The downside is that it’s only 135mm and not a zoom, so it limits my ability to get close to the subject.  Still, when the moment is right, it’s the perfect lens!  I think I’ll be pulling this one out of my bag more often in the future for pet photography.

This is probably my favorite dog show image from this year.  I saw this little girl playing with the beagle and she kept getting closer and closer.  I just waited and then THIS happened!  I love the gentle way she’s touching him and that little kiss on his nose with the dog looking back at her is just precious! 

The Saluki in front is Pearly Ann with her son Mackie in the background.  They, along with another of Pearly Ann’s offspring, were at the Chester Valley Kennel Club dog show in Ludwig’s Corner, Pa. a few weeks ago.  All were being shown and their owners asked if I would mind holding onto Pearly Ann while the other two went into the ring.  Of course I was honored that they would trust me to hold their dog and I was thrilled to help!   Pearly Ann is very protective of her “kids” and when they went into the ring, she watched their every move.  I was warned that she might cry or howl when left behind, but if I talked to her, she would be fine.  Pearly Ann and I became fast friends.  I hugged her and talked to her the whole time as we watched her kids showing off for the judge.  When it was her turn, she romped around the ring like a puppy, impressing everyone with her grace and “showdogship”!  Good girl Pearly Ann!  🙂  Below are more images of Pearly Ann and Mackie.  Both so beautiful!