I can't believe how fast time flies. I know that's a cliche but almost three months ago I had the privilege of photographing two beautiful Chow Chows for one of my friends. It seems like two weeks ago. How does that happen?? Freedom (a gorgeous butterscotch color) is a couple years old and came to them by way of a Rescue group. The second Chow, Liberty, was still a puppy (maybe 16 wks old???) and she's the one who gave me the biggest challenge. Not because she wouldn't follow direction, but because of her black coloring. I have yet to master the trick to photographing black..... With permission from the family, I thought I would share a couple photos from that shoot:
We all loved this series, with their images reflected in the water. I'm not sure if this is the best photo, I am just sharing the few images I still have downloaded on my computer. Next is a gorgeous side-view of Freedom:
Isn't he beautiful? (and just as nice as he can be too). I know some people are wary about adopting from a rescue or shelter but with some patience and a lot of love, look what the reward is. I hate to think how many abused animals never experience love, safety or security. They get started on the wrong foot and it never goes right from thereon. Freedom is such a lucky boy in that respect and my hat is off to them for working with him. Okay, okay, moving on. Let's give little Liberty her time in the spotlight too:
Isn't she the cutest? She reminded me of a little black bear cub except her disposition couldn't be any sweeter. As a photographer, I look at these pictures and think I didn't do her justice. In so many of them she appeared to be a dark shape next Freedom, her black eyes and nose lost in the identical coloring of her coat. Someday I'll figure out the trick and we'll repeat the shoot so that you can really shine little girl! Such a fun experience on a beautiful fall afternoon. I still can't believe it was three months ago tho!!!
They are beautiful dogs! It is hard to capture darker colors such as black. I haven't figured out all the tricks with my camera yet either Kathleen. :)
Posted by: Racquel | January 11, 2009 at 11:37 AM
WONDERFUL dogs! They are so cute. Your photos are great, especially the photo at the top it is very arty with the reflection in the water, very clever/ Tyra
Posted by: Tyra in Vaxholm | January 11, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Definitely beautiful. You did a good job photographing them.
Posted by: tina | January 11, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Sometimes my black cat turns out gray when I photograph int the wrong light! Very nice photos Kathleen. Good looking dogs. My son has a rescue dog who is sweet and wonderfully loyal...gail
Posted by: Gail | January 11, 2009 at 01:09 PM
Time sure does go by quickly doesn't it? I sure hope the time doesn't all slip through my fingers before I'm able to get my craft room/green house area set us.
Those dogs sure are cute!
Posted by: Cinj | January 11, 2009 at 06:44 PM
I like your idea for the reflection shot. Very creative. Liberty shows very well in her alone shot. Just the right amount of light reflecting from her eyes.
Beautiful dogs!
Posted by: Beckie | January 12, 2009 at 01:52 AM
I guess we just keep trying until we figure it out, right Racquel? I have a black cat to practice on but he doesn't always like to cooperate. Hopefully I'll learn the trick soon...
Posted by: Kathleen | January 12, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Thank you so much Tyra for your kind comments. I am proud of the reflection idea too and the family liked those shots as well. I need to blow one of those up as I think it would be even better enlarged!
Posted by: Kathleen | January 12, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Thank you Tina.
Posted by: Kathleen | January 12, 2009 at 11:52 AM
I've gotten different shades when photographing the black too Gail. I know there has to be information out there to make this easier, I just haven't found them yet. Yay for your son adopting a rescue dog too! :-)
Posted by: Kathleen | January 12, 2009 at 11:54 AM
I hope it doesn't slip by before you get that done too Cinj. I want to see it!!!
Posted by: Kathleen | January 12, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Thank you Beckie. They are beautiful dogs and well behaved too. I agree the shots of Liberty by herself are better but when she was with Freedom, the detail all got "lost." I want to figure out how to not let that happen so bad!
Posted by: Kathleen | January 12, 2009 at 11:57 AM
They are beautiful dogs but I'm afraid that I'm just a little prejudiced. Your pictures of them are awesome!
Posted by: Darcy | January 16, 2009 at 02:12 AM
I'm so glad you are happy with them Darcy. That makes me happy! :-)
Posted by: Kathleen | January 17, 2009 at 07:56 PM