A Study in Concentration: Motionless, Lily surveys the wooded hillside
With the start of a New Year, I decided that I needed to take better photos of my dogs to accompany my blog as I launched into it’s second year. I toyed with the idea of buying a better camera than my current point and shoot… but knew it would be much more complicated to work, etc. Then, on good old facebook, I saw Robert Floyd‘s announcement about his upcoming series of photography workshops…
Robert and I first met when he enrolled his dog in one of my Therapy Dog Training classes. His dog was great in the classes and showed lots of promise as a therapy dog. But, after the series of classes ended, I didn’t see Robert and his dog again for about 3 years. We recently reunited at a Labradoodle event at Berkshire Hills Labradoodles and it was there that I learned that Robert is a professional photographer. So, when I saw his announcement about photography workshops on facebook, I decided this is it – my New Year’s project… I stepped right into action – and with Robert’s expert guidance – I purchased a very good camera and enrolled in his complete series of workshops!
Very good camera… complicated? Yes! But the workshops are great. I’m learning so much. I’m absolutely intrigued with the art of creating beautiful images of my dogs (and other things – like my grandson, other family members, and the sunsets that I love so much).
Today was a perfect winter’s day for me… I don’t like the cold and winter in general – because we have very few sunny days… but today, there was a freshly fallen snow, the air was crisp, and the sun was shining. I grabbed my snowshoes for the first time this winter – and with camera in hand – the dogs and I headed out to the back field. As the sun shone over the light powdery snow, the surface glistened like thousands of sparkling diamonds. The dogs were in ecstasy. It was their kind of weather too. They romped, they scouted, and they hunted for squirrels (those elusive squirrels). Ever so silently, motionless most of the time, they watched for their prey. And – I snapped one image after another. I experimented with different techniques (those I could remember… I’ve only been at this for 2 weeks and have a very long way to go!!!). I kept snapping until my fingers started to freeze.
Anxious to see if I shot anything decent, I unstrapped my snowshoes and made a beeline to the house, the dogs flew to the door ahead of me and while they settled in by the fire, I unloaded the afternoon’s images. I do like some of what I see… but Robert? I know I have a long way to go with this new adventure. It’s going to be a great journey. Hopefully my readers will soon be looking at far better photos of my wonderful dogs…
Cynthia, we give out free hand warmers to Gallery’s Workshop participants. Looking forward to seeing your new images when you return. Creating images of dogs is most rewarding on so many levels. Releasing your shutter over and over will be more exciting through the upcoming months…and beyond. Fine portrait of Lily!