I always say that I’m a photographer first and a pet photographer second.  By that I mean that I bring all of my years of nature, macro, landscape, and architectural photography to the table when I’m photographing dogs and cats.  Because of that, I lean toward trying to shoot on a more creative level than a documentary level.  Often it seems that dog owners or handlers are looking for images showing their dog’s movement in the show ring, while I’m more apt to be shooting close up portraits,  images that show the dog’s personality, or just something that catches my eye creatively.  For example in this image, I’m shooting  a repeating pattern with 3 elements…pretty standard from a compositional point of view.  Now notice how the three Golden Retriever’s heads are gradually tipping backward as you move from the dog in front to the dog in back.  That wasn’t planned, but I like it!

I’m sure a judge’s gentle touch when examining a dog goes a long way in helping the dog to relax and feel comfortable in the show ring.  This German Shorthaired Pointer looks quite content in the hands of a caring judge!  {Image from the Delaware County Kennel Club Show in York, Pa.}

I would imagine that if you were a mouse and came upon this view from your vantage point on the floor that you might be pretty scared!  That is, of course, unless the kitty is more interested in his toy than in mousies!