With the start of the new year, seems like a good time to get back to discussing how to compose shots that dramatically capture the action during a Schutzhund routine. The next series of posts will focus on the Protection routine. First up – the blind search.
The blind search is a challenge to capture as the dog and handler are in constant motion moving down the field. There are many vantage points from which to take great shots, but you can’t be in all places at once. If you are taking pictures during training, there will be many more opportunities to move around and take photos from different angles. During trials, photographers – even the event’s official photographer – are usually asked not to be on the field to avoid distracting the dogs. Photographers on the side lines should also consider their position to minimize distractions. Suggest finding a spot in the stands where you can zoom into the action rather than being on top of it. If you’re at a club trial, try to position yourself so you are not directly in the line of sight of the dog.
As with the obedience exercises, it really helps to know the routine and to analyze your best vantage point for the shots you are trying to capture. As noted in earlier posts, consider the position of the sun and the background. Also, watch where the judge and trial secretary set up so your are not blocked from getting that perfect shot. If you’re at a trial, watch a couple of teams and see how they move down the field as well as how the judge and trial secretary move. Chances are the judge and trial secretary will take up similar positions for each dog / handler team. Also note whether the blind search is right-to-left or left-to-right. In addition to the dog and handler moving down the field, there are three other key elements, including the dog actually searching each blind (judges want to see the dog looking in each blind), how tightly the dog runs around each blind, and the interplay between the dog and handler as the handler directs the dog downfield.
The real trick to getting great shots is to decide just what you want to capture: the release to the first blind, the dog searching the blind, the tightness of around each blind or the handler directing the dog. For example, to get shots of the dog moving across the field in front of the handler and the handler directing the dog to the next blind, set up at the end of the field or maybe at a slight angle. A lot depends on the power of your zoom. If your goal is to capture the release to Blind 1, try moving closer to that end of the field where you can zoom in on handler and dog team. As the dog and handler move down the field, this is one instance where following the dog is your best bet, if you want the dog in focus. If you want the handler in focus, then track the handler.
If your interest is the dog looking into each blind, then pick a blind and track the dogs as h/she come into the blind and then leaves again. Consider varying your position from standing where you are looking down at the dog to getting down closer to the dog’s level. If you are like me and don’t have the best knees, use a beach chair! Of course, you have to find a spot where you’re not photographing through a fence, which is often tricky. Easier to do during training than at trials.
Another consideration is whether to focus in tightly while you’re shooting or crop in later. Again, it depends, but if you’re trying to capture the emotion and expression of the dogs and handlers, you will have to focus in. Not easy, I know, but give it a try – you won’t be disappointed. Also, I strongly recommend that if you’re camera has a burst mode, where you can shoot continuously, use it! It’s very hard to snap the shot at just the right moment. You will have better luck with the burst mode.
The slideshow below shows examples of photographs I’ve taken over the years of the blind search. Note: WordPress publishes all the photos associated with a particular post into the slideshow, so there is some duplication with the images above. Sorry about that.
While I’m happy with some of the images I’ve taken, I’ve yet to master photographing this exercise. So, don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the shots you want right away. Except for perhaps the courage test, the blind search is the hardest protection exercise to shoot. It takes practice and an element of luck. Happy shooting! Let me know if you have any questions or share your ideas. Also, I would love to see examples of your work!
Art of Schutzhund Photography 