March 2015

Well, the last month has had quite a variety since my last post taking me down a few routes that I hadn't previously considered.  The vast majority of my time has been taken up with the Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey Dachshunds group covering a wide variety of Dachshunds.  This has been a very entertaining learning curve on a breed that I had very limited knowledge of.  They have all proved to be absolute fun to shoot,and each of them have very distinctive characters.

Along with the Dachshunds, another visit to Croft Farm to shoot their latest pack member willow. She is going to be an absolutely amazing Border Collie when she grows up. Agility dog, helper and companion all rolled into one showing the true intelligence and adaptability that they are renown for.

Something new that I have brought in is helping members of the Dachshund group to get out with their own cameras and have a go at capturing the moments that they talk about but at ground level where all the action is.  Miniature dogs require getting down to their level unless you have a convenient trench system nearby.  For alot of the Daxies it's also a new experience for them being able to be at eye level with their owners.

The latest divergence for myself was attending the Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre in Twyford to try my hand at Avian photography.  This is a totally alien world, but I see it as a great training aid and also getting a chance to see some absolutely amazing birds of prey.  The chance to work in small groups with these birds at such close distances is very well worth the time and effort of getting there, and I would suggest that no matter what your photography skills are, they are more than capable of providing you with a package to suit at a very good price.  www.feathersandfur.co.uk

As we move into April and the days are getting longer, I aim to try and get out and see how many more breeds I can shoot, with a Leonberger being at the top of the list.  As well as the normal work I am also working towards my submission to the Guild of Photographers as Qualified in a professional level.  A very high professional standard to be achieved in all aspects, so a few late nights to look forward too :)

10 February 2015

10 February 2015

Now that the new year has passed, and all the chaos has run it's course it's back to doing what I love.  January has seen quite a fair few opportunities appearing in the horizon,but I had the opportunity to shoot 2 Rottweiler pups from the same litter with their owners.  This was a good opportunity for them to stretch their legs in an open environment and also incorporate a spot of socialising as well.

For a bit of fun Albie accompanied us for a bit of a leg stretch and to allow Rocky some interaction.

Also joining the group was Rocky's partner Breeze.  Avery confident but gentle natured female who is happy to to keep an eye on the boys and make sure they stayed in line.

Rocky enjoying the experience of new sights and smells with the occasional puddle.

The second member of the litter was smaller in stature but definitely big in character.  Ace was accompanied by a brilliant Labrador pup called Simba.  Together they are partners in crime in just about every way you could think, but it goes to show how adaptable and sociable the Rottweiler is along with an eagerness to learn.

These two remind me alot of our Rottweiler and Labrador, little Ace may be smaller, but he can surely stand his ground.

These two decided that being nice and clean wasn't really an option, and had managed to get covered in all sorts within the first 40 meters!

Towards the end of January, a very welcome return to posing infront of the lens was made by the ever popular Quincy.  Having known him for over 6 months and having the opportunity to see his target fixation with any shape or size of ball, he never fails to raise a smile.  Quincy lives with two Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and they seem to have rubbed off on him, as he regards himself as one of them.

There are more photos that I would love to show, but that is why I have a website ;)  Thanks to all that have taken part and also allowed mean opportunity to help showcase your dogs in a different light and emphasise their truly unique characters.

31st December 2014

This is my first blog, and has been a long time coming as I have gradually started to build up RSA Photography to where it is now.  The last year has seen me (and my family) having to learn and overcome many different aspects of running a photography business, and the pressures involved.  It has been hard, sometimes frustrating, educating but most importantly enjoyable being able to travel and meet passionate owners and some absolutely amazing dogs on the way.

I have to thank my wife and daughter for putting up with the editing time, lost weekends and the laundry. A very big thank you to Kevin Wylie (KSG Photography) and Jay Tighe (Field of Dreams Photography) for giving me the inspiration and guidance to follow through with everything.  Your input has been greatly valued and appreciated.

People ask me how I got into dog photography.  It was purely by chance that I needed to practice panning shots for motorbikes, and having 4 dogs in the house, I realised that I have the perfect training aid.  Now, having 2 Cocker Spaniels,  a Rottweiler and a Labrador, all bring a certain amount of chaos and randomness, but I found that as I practised more, their characters came out even further and I was able to capture images that you generally miss when just watching them.  At this point I decided that dogs are the way ahead!

Alot more practice ensued, which continues to include friends dogs being roped in on any given opportunity, in order to keep the skill set at the right standard, and also to try out new techniques.  The ability to call on a wide variety of breeds with very diverse backgrounds has proved to be  a challenge sometimes, but by just meeting these dogs, I have learned that there is an amazingly widespread misconception about a large amount of breeds that I feel is my place to address by capturing what they are really like and not what the general media has decided they are like.  Too many times this year, peoples misconceptions have been changed due to them actually being able to associate with so called devil dogs, only to find that they have been totally mislead.

  

During the year I was introduced to the Guild of Professional Photographers.  This really opened my eyes to what a professional standard is, and how much work I needed to put in to ensure a consistently high standard throughout all the work that I produce.  The help I have recieved in all aspects,cannot be explained in a few words, but it has been a massive asset for me.

Sprocket (EBT) - totally deaf but this hasn't removed her zest for life.

Zara - She has had a very troubled journey, but is now coming into her own with her new owner taking up the mantle of bringing out the best in her.

Albie and Lulu in the Stay.

Airborne Rottweiler - Lulu. 

This cheeky chappy is Quincy,he really thinks he is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

For those of you that I have been lucky enough to have as clients, I thank you for being given the  opportunity to show your companions as the amazing animals that they truly are, and being able to overthrow the misconceptions.  To all my friends who have supported me through this, be ready for more episodes of random chaos and mud as the new year beckons.

I wish you all a very happy new year and look forward to seeing you all next year.