Photography session with a large dog named Buck
Often when photographing rescue dogs, we don’t have much information about the dog(s) we are going to photograph. Sometimes we get a snapshot of the dog, or perhaps a few little personality traits - but we don't know what exactly to expect. The most common thing we run into is ‘shy dogs’. Or a dog that doesn’t do well with meeting new people (there are exceptions, but this is pretty normal). Our latest rescue dog photography session is an owner surrender – the owner is sick and looking for a new home for her dog so that he is safe.
Meet Buck. Buck is about 2 years old, fully grown, weighing in at about 80 pounds and once he knows you, well let's just say you're a friend for life!
Buck was shy at first, protective of the personal dog trainer who brought him to us. We let Buck have his space – talked with his personal dog trainer and enjoyed the park where we meet. Since we also have a dog that has some issues with new people, situations and other dogs - it's pretty easy for us to just chill and ignore the dog for a little bit while they figure out that we are 'good humans'.
We placed a small ball where we wanted Buck to sit, lay down, stand (really it didn't matter) - just hang out here somewhere big guy. He laid right down, the ball in front and stuck the pose - wow, from being shy to doing this?
Well, wasn’t long before Buck thought all the wonderful attention he was getting made up for anything else he might have been thinking. Buck looks like he has known us a long time now! Truthfully, it's been about 30 minutes, but he warmed up to us pretty quickly. Very happy, relaxed pose for the camera.
You want me to sit here? Sure – not a problem.
Play with the ball – sure – oh and thank you for bringing it, that was kind of you.
Ah, I caught it! Buck is saying I caught the ball - I am saying I caught Buck with the ball in his mouth (it didn't stay there very long so being quick is definitely a good part of the photography session game with animals).
And after some treats, some attention and a little play time – well, what better can a dog give but some wonderful kisses! Trust me when I say there were a lot of kisses - because my partner, Jim, was getting licked all over his face because he smelled like turkey.
Buck is available thru Maxx and Me Pet Rescue located here in Tampa, Florida.
Buck's personal dog trainer, Dara Crystal, is available in the Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater area if you need some help with your dog(s). The website for Crystal Clear Dog Training is located here https://crystalcleardogtraining.com/
Interested in Pet Photography Session?
If you would like to discuss or book a custom pet portrait session, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call/text Linda at 813-610-2671 in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough/Pinellas/Pasco/Polk counties in Florida). We have flexible rates and packages to fit most everyone’s budget as we believe that having wonderful photographs of your pet is important to so many people.
Blogging with Pet Photographers
This is a personal project that I try to participate in each week (as much as possible). This post is part of a 'blog circle' which is with several other Professional Pet Photographers around the world. Each week a different theme is provided to the group and we, as pet photographers, interpret the theme in our own way. Follow the link provided at the end of each of my blogs to the next pet photographer's blog - and when you arrive back at my blog - you've completed the entire circle of blogs for this theme. For more pet photographers sharing their take on this theme, head over to Seattle Pet Photographer Holly Cook highlights on of her most recent photo sessions with Mossy Wonder at the beach.