Buckle up for a doggy family fiesta through the lens, fellow shutterbugs, as I recount my recent escapade into the canine world at a local doggy meet-up. When my daughter invited me to capture the joyous chaos of a doggy family get-together, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to immerse myself in a sea of wagging tails and furry smiles.
Two of the invited canines happened to be our very own four-legged family members – Finley and Remi, the dynamic duo owned by my daughter Lucy and her fiancé Charlie. Excitement was palpable as soon as the word “harness” was uttered; a universal canine trigger or merely a Spaniel thing? Regardless, I was armed with my camera gear and a plan: action shots with the Sony 200-600 followed by charming portraits with the Sigma 24-70 ART.
Sony 200-600 f5.6-f6/3 Sigma 24-70 f2.8 DG DN Art
The Action Unleashed: Chasing Tails with Sony 200-600
As soon as the canine party kicked off, it became evident that convincing this spirited pack to pause for portraits would be no small feat. Action shots, on the other hand, flowed effortlessly. However, my middle-aged knees were feeling the strain of constant kneeling, making getting back up a spectacle for onlookers. Shooting at their eye level brought a sense of speed to the images, with the trusty tennis ball playing a pivotal role in directing their attention.
Equipment and Settings:
- Sony a7riii with Sony 200-600 lens
- Shooting at eye level for a dynamic perspective
- Good ol’ tennis ball for attention direction
Cupcakes and Canines: A Portrait Dilemma Solved
Attempting portraits proved challenging with the restless pups. A rustic shed door provided a picturesque backdrop, but persuading them to stand still for a fast shutter speed shot was futile. The solution? Dog-friendly cupcakes, strategically positioned to capture their undivided attention, resulting in playful and adorable portraits.
Equipment and Settings:
- Sony a7riii with Sigma 24-70 ART lens
- Fast shutter speed for playful moments
- Tempting dog-friendly cupcakes for focus
The ‘Stay’ Struggle: Triumph with a Tripod
Family portraits with enthusiastic dogs can be a comedy of errors. Despite well-intentioned commands of ‘stay’ and ‘sit,’ the chaos ensued. Enter the tripod, offering stability for a group shot, albeit not without its challenges. A perfectly timed blend in Photoshop, a solo shot of the rebellious Lilly, and voila! A harmonious family portrait emerged, showcasing the pack dynamics.
Equipment and Settings:
- Sony a7riii on a tripod
- Timed blend in Photoshop for group harmony
- Individual shots for rebellious participants
Conclusion: Life’s Lessons Through a Lens
In the world of canine photography and a doggy family fiesta through the lens, flexibility is key. Expect the unexpected, adapt to the whims of your furry subjects, and seize every moment. Life, much like a doggy meet-up photoshoot, doesn’t always go according to plan. However, it’s in these spontaneous moments, captured through the lens, that true magic is found.
Lessons Learned:
- Life doesn’t always go as planned.
- Embrace the unexpected and make the most of what you’re given.
For the full series and more paw-some adventures, Click Here. Join me as we navigate the whimsical world of doggy photography, where every click is a step closer to unlocking the secrets of canine joy!
Further Reading
- Sony Alpha Universe – Explore the latest insights, tips, and gear reviews for Sony Alpha cameras, ideal for photographers capturing dynamic moments like a doggy meet-up.
- Sigma Global Vision – Learn more about Sigma lenses, including the versatile 24-70 ART lens mentioned in the blog, and discover the range of lenses suited for various photography styles.
- Dog Friendly Magazine – For dog enthusiasts and pet photographers, this magazine offers insights into dog-friendly events, destinations, and activities, providing inspiration for future photoshoots.
- Photoshop Tutorials on Blend Modes – Dive deeper into Photoshop’s blend modes to enhance your photo editing skills and create harmonious compositions, as mentioned in the blog.
- Dog Cupcakes Recipe – If you’re inspired to try your hand at dog-friendly cupcakes, this AKC recipe ensures a tasty and canine-friendly treat for your furry models.