Sky in the Studio {Ann Kearns: Hamilton Dog Photographer}

I held my first photo shoot in the still-under-progress studio this week and it was really just too much fun. Can I tell you what a huge difference some good lighting gear, and a decent-sized background, makes to the enjoyment of shooting animals on the seamless? A Lot. It’s huge. It’s funny how the frustration factor just disappears when what you are working with actually works! I am still not planning on offering these studio sessions, widely, until the space is all complete and decorated and spiffy, but I have been fishing around for a few doggie models and Sky was one of them. He is just so gorgeous, isn’t he? And such a really great dog. He was adopted from the Hamilton Burlington SPCA, too, by the way. I know! Incredible. This cover model of a Border Collie was homeless! I’m so glad he got adopted into such a wonderful home, and I am also very happy his Mom was willing to bring him out to my rough and tumble space in Hamilton, Ontario for one super awesome and full of fun dog photo session.

If there is one thing I’ve learned about photographing dogs it’s that you’ve gotta’ make it fun to hold their interest. You’ve gotta’ get to know your little canine subject and learn just what it is that makes him tick. Once you’ve discovered his weak spot for fun…well, then he will be putty in your hands. For Sky…it’s the Frisbee…and no dog portrait session with him was going to be complete without a little game of catch.

He is actually a really good catch…I just wasn’t very good at throwing while simultaneously taking pictures! I’ll have to work on that part…

But, once he got it, he was a pretty happy camper and we went on to get lots…and lots…and lots…more gorgeous photos of him. So many, that I feel another blog post coming on.

To be continued…