Posted on November 9, 2012 in Animals, Pet Photography
Here are two of my most favorite breeds … the Clumber Spaniel on the left and the Sussex Spaniel on the right. The Clumber is believed to have originated in France from a cross between a Basset Hound and an Alpine Spaniel. They are good hunters as their distintive slow rolling gait allows them to come up very close to the game. The Sussex originated in the county of Sussex, England in the 1800’s. They have a very good nose for hunting and a golden liver color that is unique to the breed. [This image is from The National Dog Show Presented by Purina 2011].
Posted on November 8, 2012 in Animals, Pet Photography
It’s fun to watch the dogs being groomed at a benched show. Some breeds are wash & wear and others require a ton of dedication to grooming in order to look their best. Here’s an Afghan Hound who is “in the salon” at The National Dog Show Presented by Purina last year. “In the salon” being the area where the dog’s kennel/crate, grooming table and supplies are set up at the show hall. Seeing the amount of grooming required for a particular breed is important to consider when you are thinking about which breed is right for you and your family!
Posted on November 7, 2012 in Animals, People, Pet Photography
Last year was the first time I had an opportunity to be on the show floor duing the Groups and Best in Show judging at The National Dog Show Presented by Purina. It was awesome! What I quickly learned, however, was that the ideal set up would be to have two cameras – one with a long zoom and the other with a shorter focal length lens. I used my 70-200mm lens for the show and at times it wasn’t long enough and at other times it was too long, depending on where dog and handler happened to be. The action was fast & furious when they were moving around the ring. Here’s a shot where I could have used a longer lens …. who doesn’t love a big old hug from a Komondor? I am following up the original shot with a cropped version of the same image [see below].
Posted on November 6, 2012 in Animals, Pet Photography
It’s almost here – The National Dog Show Presented by Purina. I must say, it’s one of my favorite shows of the year because it is very “spectator friendly”! The show will be held on Saturday, Nov. 17th at Oaks, Pa. and this is a benched show. That means that all of the dogs must remain in their designated benching area for the duration of the show unless they are in the ring, being groomed, or doing their business. There are only 6 benched shows in the United States and it’s a great opportunity for spectators to meet the dogs, talk to the owners/handlers, and learn about the breeds. At unbenched shows the dogs are allowed to leave after judging. For the next week I’ll post images that I took at last year’s National Dog Show. From a photography standpoint, the benching area offers the poorest lighting conditions of just about any indoor show I’ve attended. The Group/Best in Show judging in the arena makes up for it with bright lights and glitz for the TV cameras. If you can’t attend this show in person, tune in on Thanksgiving Day immediately following the Macy’s Parade to see what you missed!
Posted on November 5, 2012 in Animals, Pet Photography
One of my favorite show dogs – Oakley – “GCH CH Mt View’s Ripsnorter Silver Charm” – is currently the #1 dog in the country all breeds. Watching Oakley and Phil Booth in the ring is pure magic!