I've started doing dog photography!

[katej215]

Minkee just wondering whether if would be a viable proposition, if a couple of us from a similar(ish) area got together at an agreed venue and hired you for a photoshoot -perhaps that way it would negate your travel costs?

[minkee]

Wonderful ideas and thank you for the support everyone

I think the reason this particular one got me worried was because he's listed as a 'trainer' at a certain rough-tough sounding dog school (not going to name names). I'm more hoping that HE doesn't start telling ME how my methods are wrong, than trying to change him I will definitely be memorising that "May I suggest" line, so thank you for that

You make some really great points about Pepper too, Scout is just the same with her 'serious face' for her ball. It will certainly be interesting and hard work getting to know and work with all sorts of different dogs. And of course I'll share the results here

I would love a 'positively photo shoot meet' - lets do it

[rachel540]

I would love a 'positively photo shoot meet' - lets do it

Yes!! Lets do it!

[jacksdad]

I would love a 'positively photo shoot meet' - lets do it

will it be making a west coast USA stop ?


those are some really good pictures.

[Nettle]

Getting flattering expressions - buy yourself a rabbit squealer from a shooting/sporting goods supplier. They aren't expensive or difficult to use. Then you can make a soft noise that sounds like a rabbit in distress - guaranteed to put a keen expression on most dogs' faces!


Training philosophies - IMO when you are engaged to take photos it is not the time or place to enter into this kind of discussion no matter how keen we all are to help improve people's knowledge. If they want to find out more at the end of the session - great opportunity. If they don't want their dogs treated with food, it might be due to veterinary issues, so explore tactfully to see 'if we could make an exception just for the photos as I've found it works better than anything else'. Or else waggle or squeak a toy.

Otherwise you are going to waste time - and time is money - and also alienate a lot of clients - and they are your business now. Sometimes as professionals, we have to agree to differ, and the client does have the last word on how their dog is motivated. Ater all, none of us would be all that impressed with a photographer who was alpha and dominance and shouted commands at our (mystified) dogs


Just my opinion - you do as you wish - but I thought I'd say.

[minkee]

I've made an executive decision to skip this one The 'friend of a friend' who knew them says she doesn't like him, is wary of him, and would steer clear. This backs up my gut feeling and so I'm going to listen to it and give it a miss. This is not to say that I'm anti-anyone-who-trains-that-way, just an instinct about this particular PERSON rather than the method.

AS this one is only asking for one of my 'portfolio building' (ie. free) sessions then I don't feel any obligation, and am going to pick some people that I do know over him.

Thank you again for all the help and suggestions

[minkee]

In case anyone was interested - I found a tactic that I like via a children's photographer. She says that she tells the parents that - for the duration of the session - their children can do no wrong. If they want to jump around, shout, throw rocks at her head, whatever, it's all OKAY. Because to get the best photos they have to feel free, at least for that short amount of time, from societal restraints and worrying and she definitely wants no tears or tantrums.

So I think that's something that I could use. That no matter what training style is used, it's irrelevant, for that session their dog can do no wrong. If there are any concerns or dangers (ie. recall) we will manage the situation to eliminate them (ie. long leads). That way, we can focus on having fun and getting nice relaxed photos of their dog.

I have a session soon with a dog you may recognise, so look out for that

In the meantime here's Breeze's sister who we met up with yesterday. Vogue!

[jacksdad]

Vogue!

looks more like blue steel to me


great pictures

[Flyby]

If I had to take pictures of a CM Negative Reinforcement trainer, I would do it, send him the rubbish photo's and say "Sorry chum. Best I could do. Your dog just seems terribly sad and miserable about something, but here's my bill". You have to show these trainers who's boss even if you have alpha roll them a couple of times...

[ClareMarsh]

In the meantime here's Breeze's sister who we met up with yesterday. Vogue!

This reminds me of Tim Flach's work http://www.timflach.com/

[minkee]

I thought you might enjoy a couple more pictures, though we're delving into cat and pig territory here, too!

[Ari_RR]

Beautiful.
That's a serious looking cat

[Flyby]

I have nightmares about hamsters. Don't we Odin?

[Erica]

Oooh, that guinea pig picture is adorable!

[minkee]

I'm sure Odin could handle a hamster

That was the first time I'd seen guinea pigs up close, seriously cute! weekweekweekweekweek