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Sheltered Dogs

GOT EXIF?

EXIF (which stands for Exchange Image File Format) is, loosely defined, the data that your digital camera collects about the image you captured.  Understanding your EXIF is understanding how you used camera to get that shot.  This blog is jokingly called GOT EXIF? Because while it is vital to understand how you used your camera to capture that image, it's the starting point of your photographic journey.  You can understand the exposure triangle backward and forward, but that doesn't mean you'll make great images.  As one instructor quipped when he saw my GOT EXIF? t-shirt - "Hmmmm. Got EXIF? Know what to do with it?"

I'll be sharing stories about shoots I've done, pictures that got away, and my journey as a 'tog in northern Virginia.  I hope I can share some tips and some laughs with you. Have questions? Shoot me an email! 

Deb Cobb

deb@debcobb.com

Sheltered Dogs

March 14, 2013  •  Leave a Comment

 

I met some fun dogs who are looking for homes this week during a photo session at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.  If I didn't already have 3 dogs, I would have snuck at least one or two of them home with me!

 

 

You need several things when you are shooting studio portraits of dogs: a contained space; some good treats; a squeaky ball; and a few assistants (or wranglers as they are sometimes called).  Also - think safety - sandbag, sandbag, sandbag your stands! You don't want any pup to get injured during a shoot, and you don't want your gear to get knocked over and damaged - by the dogs OR you!  

Your subject may need some sniff time to relax a bit - the backdrop and light stands have new smells and noises.  Talk to the dog, be positive and encouraging and give them treats for good behaviors.  The dogs I was photographing had varying degrees of basic obedience, so we were treating to build trust, and get them to remember their manners (and, occasionally, to look up!).  For those dogs that aren't as food-motivated, the squeaky ball usually gets their attention.

 

I want to tell you this is Falcore the Luck Dragon (from the movie NeverEnding Story), I'll have to update you on this dog's name - but he has a great personality!This guy reminds me of Falcore The Luck Dragon from the movie The NeverEnding Story.  He was a fun dog.  As soon as I get his name, I'll update the blog.

 

Doesn't Bub just say, take me home, I'm a lover? Bub is about 9 and a great little beagle.

I think Bub is saying, "Take me home, I'm a lover!" He is about 9, a beagle, and available for adoption at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.

 

Roxy is an 8 year old Dachshund/Beagle mix available for adoption at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. If I didn't already have three dogs, I would have snuck her home with me!Because food is involved, occasionally you get a great shot like this one! Roxy was such a cutie - and had some great poses during our session together. She is available for adoption at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. 

 

Laila is a boxer who is about 7 years old. She was a great subject to work with and such a beautiful face. I could have photographed her for an hour!Laila is a beautiful boxer.  She's about 7 and currently available for adoption at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.

 

All of these dogs (and other dogs and animals) are currently available for adoption at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. Go check them out and adopt one! They have lots of love to give.  The photo session was a lot of fun. Hopefully these pictures will help these dogs find their new homes!

That's it for tonight! I'll leave you with the doggie wisdom my pups have taught me:  treat well and treat often!

 

Deb Cobb

deb@debcobb.com