AlfieI love to take photo of animals. Like people, it's not just a case of capturing their likeness, it's about capturing their character; what makes them who they are in a single picture. This isn't that easy as we humans see living things in motion. Essentially we are watching a movie as the pets, people and animals we see are not frozen in time in front of us, but constantly moving. The way they move and hold themselves is an essential part of who they are. So a photo is literally a moment in time and that is why my approach to photography is more journalistic than posed. I always know when I have 'the shot'. The one that captures the spirit and personality of my subject and not just how they look. I love it when someone sees a photo and says "That's so-and-so to a 'T'!"
I was recently commissioned by a client to take photos of their beloved Border Collie, Alfie. Alfie is a very personable old chap who loves his owner and likes nothing better than a game of ball, where he fixes his whole being on the ball until it is thrown for him. The first shot here is of Alfie looking at his owner. He is clearly enjoying himself. The second shot shows the intent side of him, the one that concentrates completely on his beloved ball which is just out of shot. When I showed these to the client she said, "Oh, that's definitely my Alfie" and there it was, the buzz I get from taking photos.
14 comments:
What a beautiful dog! You are right... he has his face of pure delight on in the first picture and that intensity in the second.
Daisy has her "pure happiness" face and also has mastered that sad tilt with lowered chin and wide eyes that looks so sad it breaks your heart. She tends to use the latter when begging for table food from my mom and dad. She has given up using it on me... knows it doesn't work.
Beautiful shots! It's always nice to be complimented like that :)
This is simply wonderful! I don't know the dog, but not surprised that you caught his personality.
One of the problems for me is that our cats each seem to have 10 different personalities & one pic is hard to grasp them all.
Lovely shots of the dog. Thanks for coming by my place & commenting. I'm glad i'm not the only person in the world who does things they wish they could go back & change.
Oh, I Sooo understand that....I much prefer "candid" shots of people and Animals....These two pictures are WONDERFUL! I feel like I have gotten a true glimpse into Alfie's being.....Beautiful Bob-Kat---Just Beautiful.
So happy you stopped by, my dear....Sweetie is 'holding his own'...Has to take his three pills every day..(Someone comes from the Vet to give them to him...Not East for her, either--He is Sooo Damn Smart...lol...) And the day revolves around all this....
So, I was glad to get out and about, too.....!
before I read the post I thought to myself - that dog is looking at someone he loves
well done!!
he's a beauty
how are you kitties doing? I've been thinking about them
Thanks everyone :)
Dianne - My kitties are doing great thanks. Sam has his cone back on again as he made his leg bleed again. Not sure why but he licks at the bear skin until it bleeds. We are going to have to keep the cone on until fur grows back over and protects it I'm afraid.
They are both fine pictures and really capture the personality of the dog. Nicely done!
I see you are branching out into the photography as a commissioned project too, now? Best fortune for you with this extra endeavour!
Hi Rashbre. Yes, I have decided to try and build up my photography to see if it is a viable option as a career move. Several people have approached me for commissions and weddings and so I'm just building up my portfolio and reputation at the moment.
Well done.
BTW, your football comment has inspired a to-be-written-when-I'm-less-busy post. Thanks.
Cheers.
He's beautiful!!
You have mad skills shooting animals: Alfie literally comes alive in these photos!
Every time I shoot a dog, I kick myself because I don't think I'm capturing his/her spirit. You, on the other hand, have. It leaps through the screen.
It's November 7th...Hope ALL is good with you and that your reason for not posting is that you are so very busy...Just checking in, my dear....Hugs To You And Yours.
been thinking about you, and the kitties
stopped to say hi :)
saying hi.
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