For me I photograph all types of dog from chihuahuas to great danes, but I have a real soft spot for my gundogs. I own 2 working cocker spaniels myself and they really do get under your skin.
I have recently been photographing some working tests. These photographs are from the London Working Spaniel Society test. The photography was challenging as I could not get too close and interrupt the competition but at distance there were alot of trees blocking my view.
Gundogs make a splash
With the summer weather well and truly in full swing and the temperatures soaring. So, what better time to share my latest shoot to cool you down.
I popped down to Kent to photograph a water training day with my friends at Family Dog Services.
Photographing dogs in action doing what they enjoy is definitely a favourite for me. I’m sure you will agree that these dogs were having a ball.
One thing that can always be a struggle with water photos is getting in the right place to snap them. I started perched on a fallen tree which helpfully fell into the pond. However, I just wasn’t at the right level I wanted to be at.
Try again…..
Unfortunately this still wasn’t cutting it for me and I felt I wasn’t doing my beloved gundogs proud.
I feel this is a new level of dedication to the cause.
So I ended up going in to the water above my knee in an extremely froggy reservoir. There was one aim – DON’T DROP THE CAMERA!
The dogs were all doing great and I loved the different methods of entry to the water.
Some dogs took a more thoughtful approach to whether or not to go retrieve the dummy, but it offered opportunity for a snap or two.
This wonderful lady and her gorgeous dog travel all the way from Belgium for training in the UK so definitely deserve a special mention. Check out her amazing leggings from Foxy Pheasant.
To finish off a post about gundogs, it seems only right that I include my dogs too.
First their is Nuka my little blonde pocket rocket.
There is then her older brother Red, who is more of a model than a gundog but I don’t care.
Around the circle
I am part of an amazing group of pet photographers from around the globe that participate in this weekly blog circle. Simply click on the link and go on a journey from blog post to blog post until you end up back here.
Next up is Carol Mudra
You did a great job in challenging circumstances!
Thank you 🙂
Oh yeah, you got in the water! Woohoo! That one splash photo is absolutely exquisite. Well done.
I need to buy some waders for next time haha! Thank you 🙂
I love seeing happy dogs work and play!
They are a joy to watch when they are doing something they enjoy, I smiled all day!
Thanks for sharing these! Great job! Good for you for getting in the water 🙂 My favorite is the “splash” action – perfect!
Everyone thought I was a little crazy haha it wasn’t the warmest
I totally understand the dilemma of staying out of the way while photographing dogs in trials. You did a fantastic job of capturing the action well. I have done trials, and it is grueling work. Loved the photos!
Amazing! I’ve never had the opportunity to watch ‘gun dogs’ but I think we would probably call them ‘hunting dogs’ – lovely captures – and the action shots are fantastic!
Well done, I bet that was a fun day! I repeat the same mantra to myself whenever I go in the water…”don’t drop the camera, don’t drop the camera!”. I love the image of the spaniel and the people from the waist down – those images always feel like you and the dog are in on a secret that nobody else knows about, it’s very intimate.