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.

Flat Coated Retriever

Flat Coated Retriever

Canon 7D Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 ISO 200 1/80 f/7.1

This photograph was taken mid afternoon, bright sunny day. 

Dogs do not have to be looking at the camera, a look away can be just as dramatic, like photographing a model. I take into consideration all possibilities that I can get when opportunities like this arises. Retrievers love the water, either close in shot like this or an environmental shot is good as well. Remember, get the catch lights in the eyes, all natural light, no flash used.

Miniature Eskimo Dog

Canon 7D Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 ISO 800 1/125 f/5.6

Light overcast day, in the shade, backlighting to hightlight the fur, all natural lighting. Dogs that have dark eyes need accent light to give "Life" to the eyes. It's all a matter of finding the right location and being aware of your suroundings. All natural lighting, no flash or modifiers used.

Weimaraner

Canon 7D Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 ISO 2000 1/2000 f/5.6

When photographing your companion outdoors, lighting is important to show off the highlights on their coat. On this day, it was a light overcast, perfect for outdoor photography session. The right location and timing is key to a great shot. A DSLR and a good lens combo is important as well. I recommend a fast lens, for example an f/2.8, great in low light conditions, and of course, the cost can be heavy on the pocket book.