K9 Agility last weekend

[NorthernFocus]

Finally got to shoot an agility trial for the first time this year. I was a bit rusty getting started. Forgot a few camera settings etc. But things turned out OK in the end.

Same as with any other photography, some elements always work. Like color and eye contact.

1.


2.


3.


4.


5.


Then sometimes it's all about content.

6. "Woooah, that's a long way down!"


7. This dog barks all the way around the course.


8. Flowing hair always looks good. And sometimes mistakes make for great shots. This dog's handler crossed him up so the dog is trying to turn in mid-air. He's also barking to let the handler know he's not happy about it. Made for a good photo but slowed the run down.

[gratefulgordons]

Nice moments captured there. I really love the look and moments of the slalom and the rot.

[kdoc856]

Very nice shots, Dan What F-stop where you using? Any adjustments to your AF (given all the dogs are moving into the camera)?

[Mike Buckley]

Very enjoyable, Dan!

some elements always work. Like color and eye contact.

Some of these work just as well or better in black-and-white because the color can distract attention from the dog's eyes.

[John 2]

What a great set of shots Dan. 2, 3, 4 and 7 in particular. 3 is just special.

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for the comments, everyone.

Very nice shots, Dan What F-stop where you using? Any adjustments to your AF (given all the dogs are moving into the camera)?

I believe these were all shot at f5.6 which is wide open for the 80-400mm lens I was using. On a few shots I went up to f8 to try and capture dog and handler together but I don't think any of these were at that setting. AF settings were single point, continuous, tracking delay turned off.

...Some of these work just as well or better in black-and-white because the color can distract attention from the dog's eyes.

Let me paraphrase, "you will never understand the true power of the force unless you come across to the dark side..."

[Mike Buckley]

Let me paraphrase...

Excellent paraphrase!

[deetheturk]

Great captures Dan, I used to compete at this with one of my Rottie's about 20 yrs ago, you have brought back many fond memories

[bnnrcn]

Hi Dan I can feel their excitement here at home . I loved #2, #3 and #7 .

[Shadowman]

Nicely done, you had very good positioning to capture those expressions.

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for looking and commenting, guys.

Nicely done, you had very good positioning to capture those expressions.

It took me three or four trials to figure out the sport and how to predict which way dogs will be looking coming out of tunnels, over jumps, etc. If it is a good dog/handler team the dog will be looking at the next obstacle. Another variable is the handler. You have to try to anticipate where they will be depending whether you want them in the shot or not. The handlers walk the course as a group before each event so you can get a good sense of which side of the obstacles most people will be on. So if you study the course layout and watch them walk it, you can find a settup with a clean BG, probable eye contact, and minimized chance of the handler getting between dog and camera.

If it is not a good dog/handler team all bets are off. But it can make for some great shots with contorted body positions as the dog tries to figure out where in the heck its person is going and tries to adjust in midair. On good teams the dog will often bark at the handler if the handler does something unexpected or confusing. For anyone who likes and understands dogs it is really interesting to watch and a blast to photography.

[Marie Hass]

Just lovely, Dan. All of the photos. Eye focus is spot-on, as is shutter speed.

I love watching dogs at work, especially when they are so lovingly displayed by an excellent photographer who obviously loves the sport as well.

Marie

Marie

[FootLoose]

All good shots, Dan. Some of the older dogs look a bit stressed ... or are they just excited?

The 3rd is my favourite of the set.

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for the kind words, Marie. Glad you enjoyed the photos.

...Some of the older dogs look a bit stressed ... or are they just excited? ...

That's just the effect of still photography capturing moments that are invisible to the human eye. All of these guys were pretty happy campers. Even the one that looks like it's slamming on the brakes at the top of the ramp. It actually did not stop at all. That's just the "freeze frame" effect. Makes for an interesting shot though Out of 150 dogs or so, there are typically half a dozen or so that look like they would rather not be there. But that is usually stress related to being in the ring with all of the activity around them. I've taken hundreds of frames of the rotty over the past couple of seasons and I'm always amazed at how goofy/scared he looks in stills. In person he's an intimidating looking guy and is a beast on the course.

The dog with the tongue hanging out was probably the most stressed of the lot. It was panting all day and it was really cool outside. Nearly every shot that I got of that dog it's panting.

[terrib]

Beautiful work, Dan. Your explanations once again emphasizes how planning and subject knowledge is paramount to great photographs. Your study of the event paid off.

[Brownbear]

Fantastic images! #2 and #3 are my favourites. I adore these agility shots of yours. It looks like an event that is lot of fun to photograph.

[flashback]

Dan, ALL great shots. Impressive, to say the least. If I'm gonna pick a favorite it has to be #7, nothing like a dog exuberant.

[FlyingSquirrel]

Dan, great images. I always enjoy seeing your pet photos because your passion comes through. #3 is just phenomenal.

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks, guys. Shooting these is a lot of fun. I've gotten to know quite a few of the people and dogs over the past couple of seasons and have learned a lot about the sport. After looking at literally thousands of photos and watching over a dozen events now, I can spot good and bad form, good dog/handler teams, etc. I can tell by the photos which teams are improving. The dog Matt mentioned in no.3 belongs to a vastly improved team. That dog's name is Riley and she is one of my favorites. She is so sweet and mild mannered on the sidelines. In the ring she's all business and her eyes are so intense. Fun to watch.

I made it out again this past weekend. If I've got some good stuff I'll post a few.