Dog Days of Early March

So my next assignment in Advanced Techniques is the single flash assignment.  Normally, I avoid using a flash at all costs.  I like using ambient light and I think a flash is distracting and I usually prefer blending into the background.  But, since I don’t really have a choice with this assignment, I headed out to the Columbia Kennel Club’s annual American Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

Trying to master flash is kind of frustrating and it made me miss a lot of moments.  But, I am happy with what I got.  Perhaps I was a little inspired by Magnus Wennman’s photo essay “Dogstyle” that won in Pictures of the Year last week.  He used a lot of direct flash in his story so I tried to take the same approach.  I could have done better but, hey, it was a learning experience…

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Taylor, a standard poodle, came all the way from Las Vegas, NV to compete in the Columbia Kennel Club's annual American Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show at the Boone County Fairgrounds outside of Columbia, MO.

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Ms. Ellie, a collie, awaits her turn to be groomed by owner Julie Hinrichsen and her daughter Julie of Topeka, KS. One of the Hinrichsen's claim to fame is a collie that became the Texas A&M University mascot.

Jackie, a Pomeranian, is prepped by her owner Donna Nelson of Emporia, KS.  It can take up to 6 hours to prepare a dog for a little over 3 minutes of showtime in the ring.

Jackie, a Pomeranian, is prepped by her owner Donna Nelson of Emporia, KS. It can take up to 6 hours to prepare a dog for a little over 3 minutes of showtime in the ring.

Banjo, a 175 pound St. Bernard, gets groomed by his owner Jeanne Woods of Warrensburg, MO.  Banjo's owners said he can eat three pounds of dog food a day and still has some growing to do.

Banjo, a 175 pound St. Bernard, gets groomed by his owner Jeanne Woods of Warrensburg, MO. Banjo's owners said he can eat three pounds of dog food a day and still has some growing to do.

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