Candid shots quite simply are a capture that the subject doesn’t know is being taken, which with dogs is quite simple as half the time they haven’t got a clue what the crazy lady on the floor is doing. ha!
However, their owners are a different matter, and I feel their pain and hate being the other side of a camera. If people are over conscious of the camera you can’t get relaxed shots.
This is where my sneaky shots come in….
The loving look
So how do I capture the in between moments
After a posed shot I will usually give the ok that I got the shot and to have a break, I will often pretend to look at shots on my camera and get a few cheeky little snaps in. These are the moments when people most relax with their pets as they think the camera isn’t on them.
I will often subtly watch owners and their pets when they go off for a little break walk on a shoot, and again you manage to capture some heart warming moments between owner and pet. This is where a nice long telephoto lens helps.
No words needed
I also have the pleasure of photographing training days and competitions which are fabulous for capturing those special moments as the owners are preoccupied on so many other things than me and my camera.
Mum, you’re soo embarrassing
Sometimes I manage to capture some funny shots like the lovely Morris and his side eye when his mum threw the retrieve the wrong way. I don’t know what you think, but I genuinely think he was embarrassed and his owner loved it.
Morris is a real mummy’s boy
I also love to capture the owners hands and their dog, you can almost feel the love between these two just looking at the photo.
Candid photos really are my favourite to shoot as I feel they really capture character and bond.
Next time you are out shooting, look for those moments around the posed shots…….get snapping.
Beautiful labrador focusing on the job at hand
Around the circle
I am part of a fabulous blog circle of amazing pet photographers across the globe. Next in the circle is Nicole Hrustyk of Pawtraits.
How exciting its finally come to the day of your photoshoot for you and your four legged friend. By now we will have had a chat about you and your pet and I hopefully have a good idea of what they like and don’t like. So its time to look forward to the shoot and get ready to have some fun.
Before we meet it might be an idea to take your dog around the area we are doing the shoot to familiarise them with their surrounding and give them a chance to have a toilet break before we start. Otherwise I will not miss an opportunity for an embarrassing blooper shot haha.
If you have booked a studio shoot, then I would suggest stopping on route somewhere you can go for a toilet break as the studio has no grassy areas nearby if that’s your dogs preference.
Your photoshoot – What to bring/wear
I usually ask people to bring a magic bag of tricks for their dog/dogs which will have toys and treats in that we can use to play with the dog and get their attention throughout the shoot.
What to wear as far as your dog is concerned – just a collar is perfect, I try to discourage people putting their dogs in harnesses for a photoshoot as they don’t look great, however if there is a medical reason your dog needs to wear a harness and not a collar then maybe we can look at a safe location like a secure field where they don’t need to wear anything.
As far as you the owner are concerned, you can wear whatever you like within reason I will usually get you on the floor with your dog, so maybe no ball gowns haha.
I also ask people to bare in mind colours and wear colours that are easily distinguished from your dog, for example if you have a black dog, don’t wear all black. Again its not a huge problem as it just means we will position the dog differently so they are no directly in front of you.
Your photoshoot – What to expect
I will usually get to the location we’ve arranged slightly early so I am nice and prepared, I will also have my phone on should you get lost or have any other problems.
Then comes the fun part I get to meet you and your dog, and we can have a little chat about how you both are and whether we are sticking with our original plan or whether anything has changed.
I will have already scoped the site and have some places in mind for the shots I want to take so usually I will take you on a little walk around the places I had in mind and start snapping.
I will usually ask the owner to sit the dog in the position for the shot and walk back to me leaving the dog in the sit. I will then usually let rip with all my crazy noises to get the dogs attention. This is the perfect scenario and I am aware that lots of dogs will not sit there steady with a crazy woman on the floor making random noises in front of them. DON’T PANIC, we can work around it and I can edit you out if you are stood next to your dog, or we could change things so you are in the photos with your dog if this is something you are happy to do.
I will usually aim to get between 10 and 20 shots that I will then present to the owner after editing to choose from. Sometimes there are way more but I like to give a realistic number as an expectation in case the dog doesn’t take to being a model as we’d have hoped.
Hopefully we will have now had lots of fun being silly and have got some brilliant shots, which I will take away and edit.
I will let you know when they will be ready to view on my website and in next weeks blog I will talk through the next stages.
Around the circle
I am part of an amazing blog circle filled with super talented pet photographers all around the world.
Next head over to Tracy Allard’s page of Penny Whistle Photography next.
This month in the blog circle we are looking at the process of booking and having a photoshoot all the way through to the art being on your wall.
This week I talk initial consultation.
Making an enquiry before booking your photoshoot
The majority of my enquiries come through my website contact form and then flying in to my inbox where I can reply to you. This is why it is super important to enter your details correctly so I can get back to you.
I will go through your requirements for the photoshoot and what you are looking to achieve from it. For example, do you want a studio session with staged photographs or a session in the local park or even some action shots of your dog having fun with his or her favourite activity.
Based on your requirements I will then suggest the photoshoot package that I think best suits you and your dog. I can also add things to my packages based on your personal needs so you get a bespoke service.
Once you have decided what you would like and where I will send an invoice for the cost of the shoot, which I ask is paid prior to the day. If for any reason you need to cancel the photoshoot I ask for at lest 48 hours notice. If a shoot is cancelled after this time you will only get a 50% refund.
Right so we now have a date in the diary and we are excited to get some awesome shots of your dog. Depending on the location requested for the shoot, I will usually go and scope it out if it is somewhere that I am not familiar with so I can plan the shots I want and where. This scoping will usually be done at a similar time of day to the shoot so I can also check what the lighting is like. Of course with my studio I don’t have to do any of this as it is the same everyday.
I will also talk to you about your dog/dogs. What do they like dislike? This is important so I can start to think about how I will get the most out of your dog during the shoot. For example I usually make lots of odd noises to get the dogs to look at me, but some dogs may be noise sensitive and not like this so it is important to know as the last thing I want to do is scare your friend.
The day of the photoshoot
This is the morning I wake up with my fingers crossed if it is an outside shoot as the weather sometimes lets us down. Unfortunately as much as I would like to, I don’t do shoots in the rain as my equipment doesn’t like it. If on the morning of the photoshoot it is raining I will contact you and offer a studio session or rebook for later in the day or another day.
Next week I will talk about what happens on your special shoot
Around the circle
Next up in the circle is Linda Perdue from VP Shoots Photography.
Last week I had the pleasure of meeting one of the on of the most gorgeous big dogs, prior to which I had never even heard of.
Meet Rafiki the Boerboel a.k.a – the South African Mastiff
Rafiki
Boerboel’s were originally bred as a hunting dog for hunting Baboons and Leopards! No mean feat and Rafiki, although as big as her ancestors showed no interest in hunting and much preferred cuddles from her mum.
Rafiki and her owner
Although with correct training the Boerboel is a generally loving and placid dog it is important to remember they can weigh up to 50-80kg! You are going to need to work on your muscles if your dog decides it wants to chase a squirrel and you are attached….hehe.
This is why training is soooo important, and luckily for Rafiki her owner is also a dog trainer and is doing amazingly well with her since she was rescued several months ago.
Look at that face – no Baboon hunting here
Find our more about big dogs
This is a very brief whistle stop tour of the Boerboel but if you would like to know more check out The Boerboel UK Society.
Around the circle
Next up on the blog circle is the lovely Linda Perdue
Sorry its a shorter blog than usual this week guys, but I have been super busy away on a course training to be a dog training instructor – watch this space.
Dog collars – what should my dog wear for their shoot?
In an ideal world where dogs are perfect and always sit adoringly at your feet I would prefer dogs to be free of any dog collars or leads on their shoot. This means there is less to distract from them.
I however am a realist and understand that most people like their dog to have a collar on for safety. Although I do ask that the collars that they wear are not too bright and distracting.
The lovely Maggie with her pretty pink collar
I also ask that if possible people remove their dog’s ID tags before a shoot as most people do not want their details showing on a photograph, especially if they want to share their photos on social media.
A simple crop of a photo can hide ID tags
If all else fails there is always editing
That said collars and tags can be easily edited to fix any issues they might present, unlike the dreaded harness that is much more difficult to edit out, but not impossible.
One more no no for a photoshoot is a figure of 8/head collar, whilst they may be helpful for helping your friend not pull your arms out of their socket they do not look great in photos.
Remember we are creating photo art for your walls! You would want to look at your best in a photoshoot and so does your four legged friend.
Edit of harness removal
I know I have just gone through what I don’t want dog’s to wear in shoot. I am however a big fan of long lines. They enable dogs with poor recall to still be able to run safely so I can get some action shots. Unlike harnesses the longlines are usually fairly straight forward to hide.
Nuka had a long line on in this photo but is clearly enjoying her freedom
I am also a fan of the odd accessory for special shoots like Reds bow tie for woooing the ladies below.
Whilst we are talking collars and leads I cannot go without plugging my hobby of making paracord leads, collars and lanyards. Find out more here.
The cartridge dog collar
lanyard and lead
collar, lanyard, heeling lead and lead
Around the cirle
I am part of an amazing group of pet photographers that do a weekly blog circle. All you need to do is follow the link below to the next photographer in the circle and do the same on their page and so on until you find yourself back here. The circle will take you on a trip around the world where you can read top tips from other fabulous photographers.
In this weeks blog I share some top secret tips to help you get your dog’s attention when taking photographs.
Like people all dogs are completely different and are interested by different things. This means when photographing them we need to work out what interests them in order to stand a chance at getting a dog’s attention. If you are photographing your own dogs you will know this, but if you are photographing a client or friend’s dogs don’t be afraid to ask as it will massively help you.
Red – over here!
1 – My go to method to get a dog’s attention
Every photographer has their preferred method of getting a dogs attention and mine is slightly different and one I pre-warn clients about. Don’t panic! It’s not as bad as it sounds, but if I don’t want people I get some odd looks. If I need to get a dog’s attention I make animal noises, the more bizarre the better. Turkey and goat noises are my personal favourites, and usually a hit with the dogs.
The handsome Eddie
2 – It’s all about the squeak
Sometimes the animal noises are just too much for the dog’s and I end up with them on my head. My back up is a squeaker out of a squeaky toy that I pop in my mouth and bite it to squeak. This keeps my hands free and usually makes the most stubborn of model to look at you and prick their ears.
You can either steal one of these from the inside of one of your dog’s toys or if you don’t want to upset your pal.
You can buy them separately from somewhere like Amazon – click here
The beautiful Cosmo
3 – Sometimes the way to a loving stare is through the stomach.
Of course their are dogs that are completely un-phased by noises no matter how exciting. However there may be another way to their hearts. Ask the owner to bring some treats they are happy for them to have and let the dog see the owner give them to you and pop them in your pocket. In the same pocket I also place an empty bag that makes alot of noise when rustled. When the dog is in position but you just need them to look the right direction a quick hand in the pocket and a rustle of the bag usually does the trick. Once you’ve got the shot don’t forget to go and reward them with a treat, nobody likes a tease.
Red and Nuka do serious faces for treats
4 – Only have eyes for their pawrents no matter how hard to try to get a dog’s attention
Then there are the dogs who are so utter and truly devoted to their owners that their eyes are constantly on them. These are probably some of the easier dogs to work with as long as you can get the dog to stay in a position away from their favourite person. When you are ready to take the shot just simply get the owner to walk behind you and they can always use a squeaky toy if you require a more pricked ears look.
Nuka look a bunny!
5 – What is their favourite word
My last tip is another easy one, no making yourself look silly with animal noises or having to put a squeaker in your mouth. All dogs have that one word that makes them look at you with sheer excitement, whether that’s “walkies” “where’s daddy/mummy” “rabbits” “cats”
They will all have one, just ask the owner, although I do refrain from using “hungry” or “dinner time” as feel a bit mean.
My biggest tip in relation to getting a dog’s attention is to do your research and find out what motivates each dog. Do this and you will have a better chance of getting the attention of any dog.
Around the circle
I am part of an amazing group of pet photographers that do a weekly blog circle. All you need to do is follow the link below to the next photographer in the circle and do the same on their page and so on until you find yourself back here. The circle will take you on a trip around the world where you can read top tips from other fabulous photographers.
I am blessed to live in the beautiful county of Suffolk so the doggo’s and I are spoilt for choice when it comes to great dog walks to go on.
I list my top 5 dog walks in Suffolk favourites below, in not particular order.
This weeks photographs are mainly phone snaps as I rarely take my camera out with my own dogs as usually have my hands full. If nothing else it has shown I really should make more of an effort.
#1 Dedham to Flatford along the river
I know I said they were in no particular order but Dedham is one of my favourites.
There are two car parks, a larger one and a smaller one right on the river edge, both are pay and display.
The dogs love it as there is tonnes of space to run with the added bonus of a river along the Broute to splash in and out of.
Beautiful river banks
Unfortunately alot of other people feel the same and in the summer it is often extremely busy with people picnicing and swimming. If you want to enjoy Dedham in the summer early mornings and early evenings are best. I have had some rather embarassing moments where my dogs have wanted to join in with peoples picnics. (the less said about that the better)
Purdey waiting for his ball
If you have a kayak there is a portage straight off of the carpark and you can paddle all the way to Flatford and enjoy a coffee and a slice of cake at the cafe there. Kayaking with my dogs is one of my favourite things to do and its soo relaxing.
There is a free car park and you can walk straight into the country park and down to the riverside. From the riverside there are beautiful views down the estuary and of the Orwell Bridge.
Sunset at the Orwell Bridge
Although popular with dog walkers and families it is not often overly busy.
However, one thing to be mindful of is the tides. If you want your dog to be able to paddle try and visit at high tide. At low tide there is a large expanse of mud flats which will quickly turn a dog in to a swamp monster. You have been warned.
I grew up in Felixstowe and have always been a fan of the beach, as have my dogs.
Felixstowe beach is mainly a no go zone for dogs between May-September except for the northern end.
There is a large car park on the cliff tops, however this is a pay and display and not free.
Bare in mind that as its on the cliff tops there are numerous steps to negotiate to get down to the beach, so not suitable for mobility issues in humans or dogs.
The climb down is totally worth as there are 3 large tide pools which make a perfect playground for the doggos.
Cosmo posing by a tide pool
The tide pools make a great option to allow your dog to swim on the beach without having to worry about currents and waves for the less confident swimmers.
This is furthest away from where I live so we usually make it a day trip.
Thetford forest is a large forest with lots of paths and trials to explore. There is quite alot of wildlife so make sure you have a long line if you can’t stop your dog from chasing.
The forest is a very popular tourist destination and is often busy, but due to its size you can easily walk away from the crowds.
Little dog, Big forest
The forest is maintained by Forestry England and they charge for parking. As well as lots of walking opportunities there are lots of activities like go ape and segwaying if you want to keep the family amused whilst you and your four legged pal go exploring.
This is a new dog treat recipe a tried for my dogs. I like to keep my treats and snacks new and interesting to my dogs as I use them as rewards and don’t want them to lose interest.
A lot of homemade snacks I’ve made use peanut butter or are really stinky when cooking. Today I was fresh out of peanut butter (I know its a travesty) and I didn’t fancy making my kitchen smell so I sought out a new recipe.
So here it is……
What you will need
Get your ingredients ready
140g – Wholemeal or plain flour
1 egg
55g grated cheese
1 tin of tuna – (in spring water as this is healthier for your dog)
Where to start
1- Preheat the oven to 180 degree centigrade/ 356 degree farenheit / Gas mark 4
2 – Pop all of the ingredients in a bowl and kneed together using your hands until you form a dough.
Ready for mixing
3- Roll out the dough and cut out your shapes with a cookie cutter or a knife.
Brand them up..
4 – Place your treats on a baking tray and into the middle of the preheated oven for around 20 mins. Check after 20 mins and take out when golden. The treats will continue to crispy whilst cooling
#JM Photography
5 – Once cool let your pal do a taste test
Red pushing his obedience to the limits……
These treats were a huge hit with Red and his pals getting him to hold this treat without munching really tested his obedience!
I thought I would try out my new letter stamps and brand them up! I am definitely going to pop some in a jar for the studio to keep my guests sweet.
Around the circle – dog treat recipes
I am part of a weekly blog circle with a group of other fabulous pet photographers who have also written about their favourite dog treat recipe this week. Next go and visit Linda to see what she’s been cooking up.
When I go out on a shoot with a client and their pet as well as taking into account what the client wants to get out of the shoot, I also have my top 7 essential shots I aim to capture throughout the shoot.
7 essential shots – what are they?
1 – THE headshot
For me, the most important shot of a shoot.
A nice clear photo of the subjects head that captures their character.
Nuka’s little angel face
2 – The “what’s that noise shot”
This is one of my favourite shots to capture as in variably results in a super cute head tilt in dogs.
To capture this I usually make the weirdest possible noise I can ( my go to at the moment is a turkey impression, don’t ask) and this will make even the most chilled out half asleep pooch look at you quizzically.
Fastest finger
This shot needs to be taken quickly as the quizzical look is usually followed by the said pooch leaping on my head.
Bramble – “did you make that noise?”
3 – The relaxed sit
This is a staple photo for any session. It is nice and easy to achieve as long as the dog has a sit command in place. I usually ask the owner to stand behind me so I have the dogs attention for the shot
Yogi! Hanging out with his tongue out!
4 – The “Forest Gump”
Run Forest Run…
My aim is to capture one action shot per shoot. I will often get hundreds but, this is dependant on training and obviously the dogs capability.
For dogs that have poor recall I have previously made owners run with them on the lead. I love the action shots where the dogs are coming straight for you with ears and tongues flying! To me these shots just encapsulate sheer joy!
Beanie, living his best life
5 – The family shot
Not all clients want to be in the photos (neither do I, that’s why I take them).
I will try and encourage at least one shot with their dog. Even if its of them both walking away or an abstract shot of their paw and hand.
These might not be shots they will share on social media but, photos they will look back on and remember the bond they shared.
6 – The “don’t look back in anger”
This is when the dog looks back over their shoulder at you. Not always an easy shot to capture. As unless the dog is super lazy they are right back on your head in an instant. However, it is always a shot I will try to capture. As I love the feeling it gives and shows the subject at a different angle.
Old lady Tilly acing the look back
7 – The distant stare
The classic model pose, how can in not be included in a photoshoot. Need I say more.
Red – an absolute pro at the distant stare
Around the circle
I am part of an amazing blog circle with talented pet photographers from around the world. Next in the circle is Tracy Allard
This week in the blog circle we are talking different breeds so what better opportunity to write all about the spaniels of suffolk, my favourite breed group….SPANIELS!
Spaniels as a breed group are numerous in different breed varieties which is part of the reason I love them so much, but all with the similar characteristic of those ears.
So let me start by listing some of the wonderful different breeds of spaniels that I come across on my photography travels in and around Suffolk.
Cocker Spaniels
I know I shouldn’t have favourites but cockers are it for me. The two in the photograph below are my two working cocker spaniels brother and sister duo Nuka and Red.
I love cockers because of their happy attitudes to life and that their tails never stop wagging. They are super clever (sometimes too clever) and will take on most challenges you throw at them. Mine love to go on long walks exploring new places with me but equally love a snuggle on the sofa when we get home.
These guys to me are like the bigger slightly more ditzy cousins of the cockers. They are absolutely full to the brim with energy and so eager to please. Where the cockers will ask questions, these guys throw themselves in feet first then think about it later.
Clumber spaniels are a fairly rare breed of spaniel but are absolutely gorgeous with their droopy faces and huggable frames. They unlike the cockers and springers can at times be a little stubborn but once they are on your side are a great companion.
The clumbers tend to be slightly more mellow than their sportier relatives and have a temperament described as Affectionate, Dignified, Loyal, Gentle, Calm, Great-hearted.
Whether they’re splashing after ducks or showing off in the agility ring, canines of the Irish Water Spaniel dog breed do everything with a sense of fun. Created in Ireland as a water retriever they’re rare these days but make excellent companions for active and experienced dog owners, especially if they live near a body of water.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel can make an excellent choice for a family pet, being of medium size and with a happy and outgoing disposition. They are very good with children as long as respect has been installed on both sides, although their exuberance of youth can mean that very young children and puppies do not lean themselves to a particularly peaceful household.
They are highly intelligent and unbelievably affectionate, being capable with the relevant training to compete in agility, obedience, working tests and the show ring as well as fulfilling their main role of a much loved member of the family.
These are the five spaniel breeds that I have been lucky enough to photograph so far and hope to add more to my collection.
Spaniel breeds I am yet to photograph (my spaniel bucket list)
-King charles spaniel
-American Cocker spaniel
-Field spaniel
-Boykin spaniel
-Sussex Spaniel
-Picardy Spaniel
-Tibetan Spaniel
5 Reasons that Cocker Spaniels are my favourite Spaniel of Suffolk
1 – They are always happy!
2- They give the best cuddles!
3 – The can fetch the remote and your slippers!
4 – They love to go on adventures!
5 – They are super loyal!
Just remember if you are thinking of adding a spaniel or indeed a spaniel cross to the family they were primarily bred as working dogs and if not given enough mental stimulation less desirable destructive tendencies can be exhibited. Always do your research before choosing a breed.
Around the circle
Now you know all about the Spaniels of Suffolk lets take a trip around the circle
