As I'm taking photos at the breed national next year, I went along to our royal show for practice.

These are my favourite shots and what I think show the dog in good light? I would appreciate any help.












I ended up taking about 500 photos for 50 or so entries, as I took a quick burst of 10 shots for each dog in the ring so that I would get some proper movement shots.

Nat

They look lovely to me.

I think these are beautiful!! Do you find it hard to find a spot to shoot from? I have been doing groups but the problem is when I am on the side of the ring opposite where the dogs are being gaited, the rest of the group entries are on my side of the ring, standing in my way! So I have tiny windows of people and dogs to shoot through in the hopes of getting a good frame of a gaiting dog. They also often gait behind group signs, tent poles, flower pots, etc.

It looks like you had a nice overcast day making perfect lighting conditions for this!

Natalie, your shots are lovely. I feel you did a great job.
Always watch the stack. Make sure you check out the breed to see how they
usually want to be presented. Three quarter head position seems to be the
most often asked for. Go to the toy store for unusual noise makers since some
dogs will react to a new sound.
Great luck.

James, I totally agree with appreciating the images just as they are. I like these images, especially the moving shots.
I have found that some dog show owners seem to repeat the same things when it comes to giving a critique of photos. When I have shot for "show" people I try to give them what they usually expect and then shoot for myself to try to get a special look. Sometimes what they thought they wanted was not really what they liked the most.
Little things like watching the flowers over the topline on photo 4, may cause the owner not to purchase that shot. By moving slightly to have a clear green grass over the back of the dog may be more pleasing to the owner. (Unless they do not like that feature of the dog and are trying to hide a fault.)
Sort of like being at a beauty pagent and trying to show the best features for their advertising.

These are great! I would have loved to get shots like these when I was showing my dog.

Is it possible to use a flash under those conditions? I would think the slightest pop from your flash would put a nice catch light in the dogs eyes, I think all animal shot need some reflection in the eye.

I also think you should try to shoot a little lower. Get a good monopod and it's simple to shoot at eye level. I'm not sure it that's what people want, but I believe at or just below eye level is the most interesting and realistic. Angle down shots from above the animal puts them in a less flattering position.

Overall you did capture well exposed images. If you can shoot a flash, try slowing your shutterspeed and selecting rear curtain sinc and do some experimenting. . .

Good luck.

It is not usually kosher to use flash at either dog or horse shows, for the exact reason you describe. I have been yelled at for just BEING ringside before as a horse was spooking

I have used flash at a dog show, but, I was asked to. They were also St Bernards who don't spook easily AND it was a fun show