This week’s theme was natural light. Since I already utilize natural light in photographing dogs, I decided to spice things up a bit by introducing back button focusing. Back button focusing removes the autofocus from the shutter button and puts it on a button typically on the back of the camera. A couple of years ago I played with this option, then forgot I had set it to back button focus – cue baby heart attack!
The weather was warmish but a smidge breezy, though Axle didn’t mind (he could care less if there’s a ball to retrieve) and the biggest obstacle was the giant puddles and small ponds that had appeared each with a crust of ice below their water. My boyfriend, Kris, came with to act as dog wrangler so I could focus on back button focusing. After some navigation of mud, water and ice islands, we found a swatch of grass that would allow Axle to run without risk of slipping.
To start, stood closer to Kris. This meant lots of images of Axle running away from me, as well as coming back with the ball. Axle also has an annoying habit of wanting to play tug with the ball once its brought back…
Switched it up a bit by moving down the grassy area and instructed Kris to throw the ball at me (he only “hit” me once with a throw that rolled and bumped into my knees). Knelt on the ground, got a soggy knee and had the most challenge with focusing on Axle moving towards me.
As the sun started to settle into the tail end of golden hour, I moved a few paces closer to my boyfriend and captured Axle running parallel to me, the sun outlining him and the water he was kicking up.
A giant thank you to this wonderful man (who happens to be my boyfriend Kris!) for helping me as a dog wrangler/ball thrower. I appreciate the help a mega ton!
Next visit Beyond the Fence in New Hampshire to see her take on natural light.
Pingback: Brisbane Pet Photographer | Pawtrait Purrfection | Stunning Pet Portra
How do you like the back button focus? That’s what I have it set at all the time. I love it! Kris sounds like a great guy and he did a great job “wrangling” !!! Lovely picture of him at the end with the lighting and DOF. Axle had a wonderful day! These images are so much fun! Love the story in this post!
So, what did you think of bbf? I’ve never tried it. I know some who swear by it and others who don’t like it. I’m not sure what it’s advantages are. Love the images and the bf was a great sport – esp like the last photo of him. Nice job!
I can’t remember what life was like before back button focus. Isn’t it amazing? Great shots and what a good assistant!
Nice action photos. You captured all aspects of this adventure.
I love this series of images. Tells the story of a fun afternoon. And, BF’s/SO’s make the best dog wranglers.
Axle looks like he had a fantastic time! I loved all the different lighting examples!
Love!!
I love back button focus; it’s all I use! I learned it early on and it’s been a game-changer!
I also love your last series of images. That light is amazing!
Kris you do an awesome job as dog wrangler/ball thrower. Great action shots in natural light