Dog photography workshops
I’ve attended two dog photography workshops in recent months. The first in June and the second in August. Both workshops had a studio flash session, but the first one then moved on to the dogs playing fetch in a nearby reservoir, while the second moved to heather-covered moors nearby.
The workshops were run by Going Digital. I’ve used them a lot - they’re great value days out covering a wide array of photographic subjects. The dog photography workshops I attended were run with Caro from WorkingLine Images out in the countryside near Sheffield.
I would have been happy just playing with the dogs, even if I didn’t get a camera out - but I did take photos, many of which I love. I also received lots of tips and advice. I had my eyes opened to photographing dogs in studios and editing in a way beyond the bare necessities level that I usually use.
After ten years of using FujiFilm cameras, I fancied a change; just before this workshop, I had obtained a second-hand Leica SL. This camera feels so lovely to use and is excellent for photographing stationary objects. The action segment of these two dog photography days did show up just how lacking autofocus is for moving objects. It wasn’t easy trying to lock on to a fast-moving dog.
If money were no object, I’d keep this camera for slow photography and have another for fast photography - more realistically, I need to pick one camera to do both - so that’s in progress!
Day one - Studio and water
Day two - Studio and moors
I’ve already decided to swap cameras, and I want to practice action and flash photography with my dog. I’ll book myself on more of these workshops next year as well, as it’ll be nice to have another go after having had some practice with something that can focus on a fast-moving dog.
