Never work with...

[Geoff]

They say never work with kids or animals. Who are 'they' anyway?
The recent family portrait shoot that I did wanted the dog to be in some photos too, and a few on her own. Being a foxy terrier she didn't stop. It took quite a few shutter actuations and the speed of the D200 coupled with the 70-200VR to get this shot. Comments and critique welcomed:

[sirhc55]

I would always suggest to a client that they wait until the dog died, have it stuffed and shoot to your hearts content

[Geoff]

I would always suggest to a client that they wait until the dog died, have it stuffed and shoot to your hearts content

[sirhc55]

On a more serious note, I would always suggest that someone hold the animal - it serves two purposes, it keeps the animal still and has emotional continuity. . .

[gstark]

I would always suggest to a client that they wait until the dog died, have it stuffed and shoot to your hearts content

Of course, shooting it first could help expedite the other processes.

No animals were harmed during the making of this message

[Bindii]

Great shot of a difficult subject...my sister has a fox terrier...200 shots and 2 years later I finally managed to get one of it that wasn't blurred...those things literally bounce off the walls...lol

[Geoff]

Thanks Bindii - I was just about ready to pop it a quiet Valium

[blacknstormy]

Geoff - they can be hard huh? If you take some smacko's or dog chews with you - they can be used as a bribe, and let you get a shot of concentration on the dogs face - , and can get the dog to stay still long enough to get the shot you are after - but I do like this shot.

I know - and I'm sorry, but yet again, couldn't help myself - brought out some of the detail of the eye and nose - lightened the background - just quick dodge & burn job, but gives the little dog a little more life in the shot .... I'll remove it if it offends, or if you'd prefer me not to post ....

[Geoff]

Rel - nicely done. Thanks. Will have a go at doing the same!
Good idea re the smackos too!

[Matt. K]

My dog is most refined. He has his own Scmako cellar!

[Andyt]

Geoff, nice capture, but to me the DOF is to shallow, the rear end being OOF is distracting, as my eye goes first to the tail, then the head and back to the tail again. Perhaps a wider aperture?

"Rat Dogs" are hard to capture as stated, I have in the past used Rels technique of bribery, which seems to work best when its done by the owner rewarding when the dog sits and the smacko held up causing the dog to lift its head.

When using my 70-200VR now I make an effort to shoot wider and trust the VR a bit more for attaining sharpness, especially with wild life.

Cheers, Andy