K-9 Olympics C&C welcomed

[KimC]

This weekend, my husband and I attended something called K-9 Olympics. Basically, State Police, Local Police, and officers that work in prisons, come together to compete with their K-9 partners. The officer and their dog is required to go thru a rigorous obstacle course, as well as, demonstrate the dog's obedience. As you can imagine, it's a very competitive group. We really enjoyed watching, and it's something we would def go to again.

I decided to bring my camera, to get some practice in. It was difficult shooting as we were all behind a large orange fence and there were lots and lots of people. I wished I could have jumped the fence and gone in there with them... but made the best out of what I had... these are just a few of a series I ended up with. My goal was to capture the connection between the officer and dog, or the intensity of the competition.

#1



#2 - the dog/officer were supposed to go under the log, the dog was trying to go over, and she was pulling him off.



#3 - loved the intensity of this officer...



#4 - This dog had amazing heart - look at that valiant effort!

[Digital]

Kim, nice set of photos.



Bruce

[Ziggy]

You have posted a very enjoyable series.

Have to ask. Is that dog wearing a skirt in the first shot?

[rpcrowe]

Marvelous series. You certainly succeeded in capturing the relationship between handlers and dogs. I enjoyed seeing the images and would like to see more if you have them!

[IzzieK]

Ziggy....very funny!!

I am with Richard here...I'd like to see more...this is a very nice series and so I thought I'd like to just go for a favourite amongst them though it was hard, but I finally petered down to image #3 -- very macho Type A looking guy. By his look, I wouldn't want to annoy him...He should be in the Men's Warehouse advertisement...

[wilgk]

Well done indeed, both on your photos & story of the event behind them.

[Shadowman]

Nice series and some humorous moments.

[KimC]

No, all the stuff in the background. :-( I would so like to photograph these teams one-on-one...

You have posted a very enjoyable series.

Have to ask. Is that dog wearing a skirt in the first shot?

[KimC]

Thanks for the kind comments everyone. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this...

Since some of you asked to see more images, here are a few more:

#1 - One task was the officer had to pick up the very large dog and walk a fairly long distance with them. This captures the love she has for the dog... the softer side of a police officer.



#2 - This one is for Izzy since she seemed to like the officer in the third image above ;-) Again -- check out the kindness on the man's face -- they obviously care greatly for their partners.



#3 - This is one of my personal favorites. I love the movement in this one, and I just really liked the raw intensity of this officer.



#4 - This one has been a favorite of my friends.

[Mike Buckley]

This is an absolute wonderful set, Kim. It shows the emotions and enthusiasm of the dogs and their handlers as well as the overall setting. You were lucky that you had such diffused light in many situations and you very skillfully took full advantage of it. You are really branching out into various types of photography and doing it well.

[bnnrcn]

Hi Kim, very nice set.

The IQ of the images in the secondly uploaded part looks better than the first and the whole set conveys the feeling of excitement very well

[KimC]

What a special comment Mike -- thank you. Lighting was tough -- sunny and mid-dayish. Glad when a few clouds came in, and thankful for the obstacles in the shade.

My brother is a State Trooper and he's going to see if I can photograph a k-9 training class that is currently at the academy... fingers crossed it works out. :-)

This is an absolute wonderful set, Kim. It shows the emotions and enthusiasm of the dogs and their handlers as well as the overall setting. You were lucky that you had such diffused light in many situations and you very skillfully took full advantage of it. You are really branching out into various types of photography and doing it well.

[KimC]

Thanks Binnur. Assume IQ means Image Quality?

Hi Kim, very nice set.

The IQ of the images in the secondly uploaded part looks better than the first and the whole set conveys the feeling of excitement very well

[rpcrowe]

My brother is a State Trooper and he's going to see if I can photograph a k-9 training class that is currently at the academy... fingers crossed it works out. :-)

This series should go a long way in getting you permission to shoot the class.

[IzzieK]

Kim...You forgot to look...for me -- I like both #3 in both sets. The one you said for me is the chubby one but with a nice smile, cutie but...the next one to that is my favourite guy who photographed well on both shots...Oh well....

[KimC]

LOL Izzie! I was scratching my head about that -- I should have re-read your comment. Ah yes, I should have known - #3. I have a series on him and all my girlfriends are going crazy over them :-)

Kim...You forgot to look...for me -- I like both #3 in both sets. The one you said for me is the chubby one but with a nice smile, cutie but...the next one to that is my favourite guy who photographed well on both shots...Oh well....

[KimC]

Thanks for the good karma Richard - appreciate that.

This series should go a long way in getting you permission to shoot the class.

[bnnrcn]

Yes Kim

Thanks Binnur. Assume IQ means Image Quality?

[IzzieK]

LOL Izzie! I was scratching my head about that -- I should have re-read your comment. Ah yes, I should have known - #3. I have a series on him and all my girlfriends are going crazy over them :-)

Looking at the whole series was purely enjoyable...so looking for flaws is not even in the agenda there....maybe I should ask our police unit here if they can do a show like that...we have real dog show here but it is in the city but not like that...they hold it at the Purina Farms facility. I have never been there but always intended to go...I like the K-9 variety better...Well done girl...!!! they are all good shots...

[KimC]

Thank you Izzie. You should -- they prob have something similar. It wasn't well advertised, I happen to see a small poster one day when I stopped into a coffee shop.

Looking at the whole series was purely enjoyable...so looking for flaws is not even in the agenda there....maybe I should ask our police unit here if they can do a show like that...we have real dog show here but it is in the city but not like that...they hold it at the Purina Farms facility. I have never been there but always intended to go...I like the K-9 variety better...Well done girl...!!! they are all good shots...