Oh boy, puppies, puppies, everywhere!
posted on 6th of january, 2010
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I've done a lot of pet photography but this was my first chance at shooting a litter of puppies. The breeder had invited me into her home and although I would have much preferred to shoot in my own studio, I understood her concerns about taking the puppies out of their environment. For the first shoot the puppies were only three weeks old, their eyes were barely open and they weren't moving too quickly yet. We set up in the large kitchen on the counter and I was able to get some great isolations.
Since I quickly realized I wouldn't be getting any cute expressions from such young puppies, I mentioned to the breeder it would be nice if I could capture them while they were sleeping. She said she could arrange that easily and then proceeded to take each puppy in her hands, throw it high up in the air, (all while safely holding on to it), then dropping it way down low. Just like that, one, two, three, four puppies, fast asleep. Apparently a little known trick that works only on very young puppies. I'm not saying I recommend it, I'm merely sharing the process of how I got the picture.
Four weeks later I returned to photograph the same puppies a second time. This time I hoped they would be more aware of their surroundings, specifically me and my camera, so I could get some of those cute puppy expressions. As soon as I arrived with all my equipment, I realized that the kitchen counter was no longer an option. The puppies had doubled in size and were running around everywhere. I knew that if I couldn't bring them up to my eye level, the only other option was for me to get down onto the floor. I had brought a large background which we taped to a cabinet and laid out onto the kitchen floor. I was very fortunate to have the help of three people and there was no way I could have done it without them. Two helpers would pose the puppies on the background over and over again, then jump out of the way very quickly each time, so that I could get the shot. A third helper stood over me as I laid on the floor and used a variety of noise makers, (including pots and pans), to get the puppies attention.
It was exhausting to say the least, at one point I had two puppies chewing my feet and a third on my camera strap as I was trying to capture puppy number 4. But it was all worth it as I was able to get some great shots. The breeder was thrilled the results and has invited me to come back in nine weeks to photograph a new litter, chocolate labs this time. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we can work outside. In the mean time I'll be on the lookout for new props and backgrounds.
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Tags: lab labrador litter puppies
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Comments (23)
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Great story and adorable puppies. Hope you sell loads! They would make great posters and cards. Sandra
- posted by
Heathse
on March 01, 2010 |
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Lol at the "falling asleep" process! Very cute photos.
- posted by
Georgeskyrillos
on January 30, 2010 |
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My favorite subject! Puppies are always great but at the age of nine they are great to shoot too, see my portfolio. Looking forward to see more of this!
- posted by
Studioportosabbia
on January 27, 2010 |
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So adorable, I want to scoop them up and hug them!
- posted by
Mcjanice
on January 20, 2010 |
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Adorable, can hardly wait to see the chocolate labs
- posted by
Airn
on January 14, 2010 |
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SOOOOOOOOOOOOO cute.Thanks for sharing
Debbie
- posted by
Dmccale
on January 12, 2010 |
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Puppies are great subjects, but they love to chew flash cables too..
- posted by
Sdong
on January 10, 2010 |
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Simply adorable! Good luck with them.
- posted by
Irisangel
on January 10, 2010 |
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They are beautiful!:) Love them! :)
- posted by
Justk8
on January 09, 2010 |
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Great shots! They're so cute! Well-done)
- posted by
Kaththea
on January 08, 2010 |
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Thanks everyone. I was put in contact with this breeder by a friend. It would be easy enough to find local breeders in your area if you offer them free photos for the opportunity to photograph their puppies.
- posted by
Hannamariah
on January 07, 2010 |
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I love dogs, these are great! :)
- posted by
Wildmac
on January 07, 2010 |
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Stunning pics, sure they will do very well.
- posted by
Fultonsphoto
on January 07, 2010 |
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They are very cute,congratulations for your photos and good luck with them!
- posted by
Justmeyo
on January 07, 2010 |
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OMG they are so so so cute and pictures are great!!!
- posted by
Titania1980
on January 07, 2010 |
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a lovely dog.
- posted by
Joe1971
on January 07, 2010 |
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they are so cute though!! I' sure it was lots of fun and totally worth it :)
- posted by
Keki
on January 07, 2010 |
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Sounds like it was a nice job and the result looks definitely like a great job!
What more can you hope for? Great sales of course ! Good luck to you and the breeder :-)
- posted by
Rosedarc
on January 07, 2010 |
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Hopefully someone had a point and shoot to grab some shots of the process! Kinda like bloopers in a movie. Very entertaining. You got some great shots. Thanks for sharing your experience.
- posted by
Littlemacproductions
on January 07, 2010 |
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wow, these are excellent - def well worth the hassle and your feet getting chewed - i'm sure they'll sell well too :) well done and happy new year
- posted by
Frantab01
on January 07, 2010 |
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I love puppies! Especially the two in the basket...real cuties
- posted by
Melonstone
on January 07, 2010 |
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Oh my, I want to take all of them home!
- posted by
Marilyngould
on January 06, 2010 |
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These are so cute! ;)
- posted by
Mani33
on January 06, 2010 |
Comments (23) |
This article has been read 1302 times. 2 readers have found this article useful.
Photo credits: Barbara Helgason, Barbara Helgason, Barbara Helgason, Barbara Helgason, Barbara Helgason, Barbara Helgason. |
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Barbara Helgason
(Hannamariah)
British Columbia, CA
>"Photography is about our ability to see new things and to see old things in new ways. It is all about our vision, it is never about your camera."
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