Canine Olympics (more for pleasure than C&C)

[KimC]

A little over a week ago, I volunteered my time to photograph the K9 Olympics. It consisted of 25 teams from local police, state police and Department of Corrections. Last year they had a bad experience with their photographer, so this year they asked if I would be willing to assist them since I had so much experience with the police and K9s. It was the first time they had ever given anyone full access, which I was honored to have received. The conditions were very difficult - 95 degrees, not one cloud in the sky, and a 6 hour competition. I was thankful for the shade trees in the morning, and I quickly learned that I needed to drink A LOT of water if I was to last the whole day.

As I know some of the forum members enjoy these images, thought I would post some -- the conditions were far from perfect for making pictures; however, all the handlers loved the images, and that's all that mattered.

#1


#2 - This officer had the hardest job of the day He was the decoy and was dressed in that very heavy bite suit for the apprehension exercise. He is exceptionally kind to the K9s and always has their best interest in mind.



#3


#4


#5


#6


#7


#8 - I left the hot spots on this one -- as it tells the true story of the searingly hot day.

[Donald]

Thanks, Kim. These are a pleasure to look at.

As you suggest, hugely challenging lighting conditions. You handled it really well. These images are the evidence. I'm not surprised the handlers are happy with what you've made for them.

[Rita]

Well done Kim. This is a very enjoyable set. It is no surprise that they are so happy with your work.

[Mike Buckley]

It's great to see that an organization recognizes problems with photography and is willing to reasonably cooperate with a skilled photographer. I mention that in this day and age when so many employees of non-profit organizations are measured by the number of hits their organization receives in social media that the quality of the photography rarely matters.

Great series! What is happening or is about to happen in image #5?

[KimC]

Thank you Donald.

Thanks, Kim. These are a pleasure to look at.

As you suggest, hugely challenging lighting conditions. You handled it really well. These images are the evidence. I'm not surprised the handlers are happy with what you've made for them.

[KimC]

Thank you Rita.

Well done Kim. This is a very enjoyable set. It is no surprise that they are so happy with your work.

[KimC]

Sadly the prior photog decided to give the newspaper something sensational when it was supposed to be a family event to support local charities. They know me well enough to know, I'd never head down that road.

#5 was part of an obstacle... where the dog follows the handler thru a set of obstacles, hiding behind the handler at each one. This team has a lot of experience. The more experienced dogs actually come up in-between the handlers legs, which this K9 did a few seconds later.

Thanks for the comments Mike.

It's great to see that an organization recognizes problems with photography and is willing to reasonably cooperate with a skilled photographer. I mention that in this day and age when so many employees of non-profit organizations are measured by the number of hits their organization receives in social media that the quality of the photography rarely matters.

Great series! What is happening or is about to happen in image #5?

[bnnrcn]

Very nice set Kim

[KimC]

Thank you for your comment Binnur.

Very nice set Kim

[rpcrowe]

Great set Kim... Beautiful dogs in wonderful working conditions...

[Shadowman]

Nice series, good action shots.

[IzzieK]

I thoroughly enjoyed each and every shots here, Kim…but if I am going to have a favourite it will have to be #6…dogs will do anything to get their ball and play…and I suppose this one here had just finished doing a task and he is trailing his master with his yellow ball. Excellent shots, all of them.

[Stagecoach]

An enjoyable set Kim. Unfortunately we do not get to always choose the lighting but when you capture the action like these it compensates for it

[KimC]

Thanks Richard - love the working dogs.

Great set Kim... Beautiful dogs in wonderful working conditions...

[KimC]

Thank you John.

Nice series, good action shots.

[KimC]

I'm glad you enjoyed them all Izzie. I have to tell you #6 was a crowd favorite, he went last, and he had so much enthusiasm it was inspiring. I said to someone, if I was a canine, I would want to be his -- he gave his dog 200%. You are correct, the ball is the reward and they get it after each task/obstacle.

I thoroughly enjoyed each and every shots here, Kim…but if I am going to have a favourite it will have to be #6…dogs will do anything to get their ball and play…and I suppose this one here had just finished doing a task and he is trailing his master with his yellow ball. Excellent shots, all of them.

[KimC]

That's the truth Grahame. Thank you for your comment, glad you enjoyed them.

An enjoyable set Kim. Unfortunately we do not get to always choose the lighting but when you capture the action like these it compensates for it

[mknittle]

Great set Kim.,

[chauncey]

Damn girl, those are all great shots.

[RandyRFJP]

Great series of photos. They give an excellent overview of what must have occurred at the event. Thanks for sharing them.