Ollie: My star model!

[NorthernFocus]

Re-reading my previous post, I realize one could misinterpret the intended message. Not at all suggesting that one does not try continuously to improve one's craft. I am constantly trying new technique, angles, etc. in spite of the fact that it is not reflected in increased sales volume. Just trying to inject a dose of the practicallities faced in this particular market.

Mike, in your area there is a well established photographer who covers the agility circuit which could present a significant barrier to entry in that space. Just coincidental that I'm aware of that because I only know of one or two in the US and one of them happens to work in PA.

[Harpo]

Mike, in your area there is a well established photographer who covers the agility circuit which could present a significant barrier to entry in that space. Just coincidental that I'm aware of that because I only know of one or two in the US and one of them happens to work in PA.

Just my luck! Well, we'll see what I learn when I start dog training. Maybe Ill stay on the local level? Thanks for the heads up.

[Donald]

Just trying to inject a dose of the practicallities faced in this particular market.

Dan - I had not appreciated that covering the dog agility circuit was a major area of your activity. My apologies. Your website galleries and hugely informative and educational (as well as very good). Thank you for all your hints and ideas about how to approach this.

[rpcrowe]

I love them all... Great shots! Border collies have such an intense gaze and you captured it perfectly! These are the shots I would purchase if I were the owner of the collie! Congratulations!

[Loose Canon]

I don't see a bad one in the bunch, Donald! All are great!

I was just wondering at how much fun this must be for you shooting these. Quite a far cry from your usual landscapes.

What this tells me is that a photographer with a great base knowledge of things can shoot whatever he puts his mind to!

You, sir, are an Inspiration!

[Dave Humphries]

Garry has certainly expanded your photographic horizons Donald

These are great

I can see that if you are shooting these specially, it might be wise to get some of the other jumps in better positions and yes colour would be good, especially if it isn't a black and white dog

I do prefer Colin's crop of #1, I found the leaning jump post rather 'overpowering' in the original.

Like Christina; I like #2 a lot as well.

Can I ask whether these are AF or manually pre-focused?

These brightened my day (not that it was bad), thank you

[mknittle]

I like them a lot Donald. I haven't been to a dog agility trials yet but have thought of it in the past, You rekindled my interest. Thanks.

[Donald]

Thank you everyone for your comments.

Dave:-

Can I ask whether these are AF or manually pre-focused?

I pre-focused on the jump-rail and waited for the dog to get to it. For the other agility stuff I've being doing (posted elsewhere), I've been in (Canon's) AI-Servo mode, tracking the dogs as they go around the arena. I'm in awe of the extent to which the 70-200 f4L keeps the subject in focus ... constantly (except when I point it at the distant landscape behind the dog instead of at the dog itself!). The technology that makes this happen is way beyond my understanding.

I use back-button focusing, so the co-ordination between thumb (on the back-button and slipping across to change focus point) and fore-finger (on the shutter button) is becoming highly developed. As Terry suggests, above, it's great fun exploring a 'new' aspect of photography.

[Letrow]

Great photos Donald.
At first I liked number three best, because of the look the dog gives you. I have to say, after Colin's treatment and the borders added that number one looks very nice.
I wonder how close you can get to the dogs, I would love to see this with even more wide-angle, but that would probably mean having the dog jump into the camera.

[Donald]

I wonder how close you can get to the dogs, I would love to see this with even more wide-angle, but that would probably mean having the dog jump into the camera.

Peter - I have an idea to try with the Tokina 11-16mm. Normally, that would not be an option. But Ollie is so highly trained that you could probably be setting off fireworks or Cannon fire beside each jump and he'd still just proceed with his 'task'. He is a remarkable dog. There would, for example, be no problem with him being asked to jump over me if I was to be lying on the ground - Now there's an idea for a shot!

[Letrow]

Peter - I have an idea to try with the Tokina 11-16mm. Normally, that would not be an option. But Ollie is so highly trained that you could probably be setting off fireworks or Cannon fire beside each jump and he'd still just proceed with his 'task'. He is a remarkable dog. There would, for example, be no problem with him being asked to jump over me if I was to be lying on the ground - Now there's an idea for a shot!

It could work great. With a good background and Ollie jumping into your camera... I have tried with AF-S and manual focus at fixed distance and noticed that for 18mm on my FX camera (that would be 11-12mm on your Tokina I guess) AF-S worked best.
Pity my dogs won't listen and do these things.

[Mrkiks]

Wow that Ollie shure impressed me with those jumps! Superb set u got there Donald! 1st one is my favorite!