A Trooper and his K-9 Partner C&C welcomed

[KimC]

Yesterday I was invited to once again visit the K-9 Class I have been photographing for the past several months. As it's coming to a close, I was fortunate to spend most of the day with them. During the lunch break, most of the handlers play with their K-9s/take care of them rather than having lunch themselves. Several of the handlers asked if I would take some casual shots of them and their dogs. This pair has become one of my favorites. His grandfather was also a K-9 Handler and they will be making a plaque for him with his picture and his grandfather's picture from many years ago - it will be presented at the graduation in Dec.

ISO 320; 1/640; f/4; 70mm

[rpcrowe]

Wonderful capture of both the dog and the handler. Both their expressions are super and the depth of field is excellent. You have kept the entire dog in focus while blurring the background to separate dog and handler...

Lots of people ask how to find their niche in photography. You have certainly found yours with this excellent K-9 series. I hope that you can keep covering these teams...

[Shadowman]

Nicely captured, the handler appears to be looking at you but the K-9 seems transfixed on something else and I think that adds a bit more mystique to the image.

[Mike Buckley]

Both subjects look very comfortable with each other and you. You were very lucky to have such nice light and you took full advantage of it.

[mknittle]

Really nice portrait Kim,

[KimC]

Thank you. As I know your love for dogs, your comment means a lot Richard. I have established a really good relationship with the instructors, so I hope it continues as well.

Wonderful capture of both the dog and the handler. Both their expressions are super and the depth of field is excellent. You have kept the entire dog in focus while blurring the background to separate dog and handler...

Lots of people ask how to find their niche in photography. You have certainly found yours with this excellent K-9 series. I hope that you can keep covering these teams...

[KimC]

Thank you John. It's very difficult to get the K-9s to look directly at you as they are so alert - their eyes are always searching their environment & waiting for the next command from the handler.

Nicely captured, the handler appears to be looking at you but the K-9 seems transfixed on something else and I think that adds a bit more mystique to the image.

[KimC]

Thanks Mike. I did do a tiny bit of dodging. The handler has become comfortable with me, but this is what I saw shortly after :-)



(I always stand up when they approach me like this... hence the angle.)

Both subjects look very comfortable with each other and you. You were very lucky to have such nice light and you took full advantage of it.

[KimC]

Thank you Mark.

Really nice portrait Kim,

[Mike Buckley]

I always stand up when they approach me like this

Did the handlers teach you to do that?

[KimC]

No, just my years being around animals ~ get up slowly, don't look them in the eye, camera down. Most are friendly, but I have a great deal of respect for them. And... the handler calls them back quickly.

Did the handlers teach you to do that?

[Shadowman]

Thanks Mike. I did do a tiny bit of dodging. The handler has become comfortable with me, but this is what I saw shortly after :-)



(I always stand up when they approach me like this... hence the angle.)

Nice.

[bnnrcn]

The first image looks super Kim

[pnodrog]

The dog handler must be pleased with the photographs. A good choice of clothing colours for the scene. Great soft lighting.

[rpcrowe]

Smart strategy not looking a strange large dog straight in the eyes... With some dogs, the straight on gaze can be considered a challenge and it can result in an aggressive action...

BTW: As a tip for anyone with a dog... If your dog is gazing directly in the eyes of a strange dog, break that eye contact by pulling the dogs head (on a lead of course) away from staring at the strange dog. That can avoid a dog fight or avoid your dog being attacked by the strange dog.

On the other hand, with a dog that you trust and love, gazing into the dogs eyes can relax the dog...

[DEAN01]

Late getting to this thread. Excellent portrait of dog and handler.

[IzzieK]

Me too...all that I want to say has already been said...and oh, the handle is cute, err...rrr... the dog.

[KimC]

Never late -- thank you.

Late getting to this thread. Excellent portrait of dog and handler.

[KimC]

Thank you and my brain remembered "f/" ;-)

The first image looks super Kim

[KimC]

They have all been really pleased and very appreciative.

The dog handler must be pleased with the photographs. A good choice of clothing colours for the scene. Great soft lighting.