The Vizsla

Canon 7D Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 ISO 400 1/4000 f/4.0

Another moment during a day of when I was photographing wildlife. A gentleman was walking his Vizsla, the smallest of the pointer/retriever breeds, though its size is 22 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weighing about 45 to 60 lbs.

All natural lighting no modifiers, photographed at about 10 am in the morning. A portrait position, not often seen, worked well for this moment. 

Border Collie/Blue Healer Mix

Canon 7D Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 ISO 400 1/800 f/4.0


When I photograph pets whether it be for fun or during a photo session, it's moments like these that make the shot. A dog at play is less stressful both on the photographer and subject. A posed photograph is nice, but, an action photograph tells it like it is. All natural light, this is called "Backlighting"

Kids and Pets

 Border Collie/Chocolate Lab mix  

Canon 7D Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 ISO 400 1/250 f/4.0

My good friend, Kate Edson, invited me to do a family portrait session which included her pets. Kate's daughter and "Molson" a Border Collie/Chocolate Lab mix made great subjects that day. A special moment captured, naturally. All natural light, no flash or modifiers used. 

Great Dane

Great Dane and Model

Canon 7D Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 ISO 200 1/400 f/4.0

Here's another moment when the unexpected occurred. During this photo shoot with my lovely model Miss Elena, a gentleman was walking his Great Dane. My quick thinking, I asked the kind man if we could use his companion for a couple of shots and as you can see, he kindly allowed us.

Weather condition, mid afternoon, sunny bright. What more can I say, most photographers hate this condition, however, one has to make the most of it. Backlighting, that is, the sun at back of subjects and you got it, no flash. How did I expose their faces, I overexposed my setting, it's that simple. Makes for a high contrast shot with specular highlights, no worries, you can see their faces.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Canon 7D Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 1/1250 f/5.6 ISO 400

I will have another posting of this breed this fall.

Here's another example of a surprise when I was photographing song birds at Claireville Conservation in Brampton Ontario. I mentioned before to be prepared for the unexpected, you just never know who's companion and what breed will show up. This gorgeous Rhodesian Ridgeback appeared out of no where and was in a perfect location for this portrait. I'll let you research this breed and you'll see why I loved this moment. More to come about this breed later this fall. I'm excited about the shoot I have planned. 

Condition of this day, became light overcast, no flash, all natural lighting. By now you are saying, majority of his shots are light overcast, is there a common denominator? Most certainly, professional photographers prefer this condition, especially when doing wedding portraits and families etc. 

Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky

Canon 7D Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 1/500 f4.0 ISO 400

No matter where you go, there will always be, someone's dog going for a walk on their own. I was on a photo shoot with two professional dancers at the Distillery District downtown Toronto. While I was waiting for them to change their outfits, this beautiful Siberian Husky strolled on by. Do you remember watching the Littlest Hobo? 

"Maybe tomorrow, I'll want to settle down, until tomorrow, I'll just keep moving on"

Always be prepared for surprises, you never know what will come around the corner. All natural light, slight overcast day, no flash.

Man's Best Friend

Whippet

Canon 7D Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 1/800 f8.0 ISO 400

A Gentleman and his Whippet. I had the pleasure to meet this man at a conservation trail in Newmarket this past spring. I asked him if I could photograph his whippet, he was very kind and allowed me to do so. Afterwards, we exchanged emails and I kindly sent him a portrait and this shot.
Story telling in a photograph is as just important as a typical portrait. Never pass up moments like this, they tend to have that "Hallmark Card" look.
Weather conditions, overcast, no flash, all natural lighting.