Tag: Photographer

2017 GSEM Gun Dog Chalenge

In the months leading up to the first Gun Dog Challenge of the year, there isn’t a whole lot of time to think about photography.  When you are the one responsible for making the show happen, there are a lot of factors to think about other than pictures of the event.   Still, I find […]

In the months leading up to the first Gun Dog Challenge of the year, there isn’t a whole lot of time to think about photography.  When you are the one responsible for making the show happen, there are a lot of factors to think about other than pictures of the event.   Still, I find that good images are the best marketing tool for any event, so I do make an effort to grab a few while the event is going on.  It also allows me to walk the field and see how things are going.

On March 18, the Greater Southeast MI chapter of RGS held its annual Gun Dog Challenge.  It was a slick snowy wet morning, but the show must go on.  Despite having to make several changes to the schedule, we pushed through and made it happen.  Given the juggling of the morning schedule, I was not able to grab too many images.  I did try to get some video, and now I need to figure out what to do with it.  I can shoot video, but I really am pretty dumb at editing it.  

The weather cleared by afternoon, and I was able to be in the field a little more.  By the end of the day, spirits were up, and it appeared that everyone had a great time.

Because this is “my” event, all digital images are just $5.  And, all money made from this event will go back into the Gun Dog Challenge coffers to help make these events possible.  Don’t be shy… 

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A Fresh Start

Well, it has been a long time coming, but it had to happen.  It’s time for a fresh start. On March 10, 2012, I purchased the domain www.sportdogphoto.com.  I knew absolutely zero about websites, and was relying on the experience of a couple good friends to get me started.  Being that I had no clue what […]

Well, it has been a long time coming, but it had to happen.  It’s time for a fresh start.

On March 10, 2012, I purchased the domain www.sportdogphoto.com.  I knew absolutely zero about websites, and was relying on the experience of a couple good friends to get me started.  Being that I had no clue what I was doing, and that there was going to be a learning curve to building a website, it was decided at the time to build the site under a sub domain, and then transfer it to the primary once I had everything in place.  I’m sure that some of you noticed that when you went to my site, the domain was newsite.sportdogphoto.com.  

As time passed and I took longer than expected to get everything set, I began to build pretty good search ratings on the “temporary” domain.  Even when I had things at a comfortable place, I wasn’t sure how to move my content over to the proper domain.  Ergo 2017.  5 years is enough and it was now time to make this happen.  I decided that since I was going to have to basically rebuild my site at the new domain, that I might as well give it a fresh look while I am at it.

And, here we are.  I like simplicity and ease of use.  I try not to over infosize(yeah, just made that up) my visitors, and let them get to the places they want to go.  I hope that this new site provides the necessary content that people are looking for, while still engaging new visitors.

So, whats new?  Well, not a whole lot is exactly new.  I have fresh home page that while similar to the old, has a cleaner menu and allows the viewer to browse the images uninhibited by the menu or content.  I am constantly building my collection of images available for stock commercial and editorial use.  I have so many images on so many drives, it will take some time to go through them all and get them loaded on the server.  I will also be adding new images as I go. 

I am also hoping to be a little better at keeping this blog stocked with fresh content.  What that will be, I haven’t quite decided yet.  Leave a comment below, and let me know if there are any subjects you would like to read about.  I am thinking besides covering events, I may also cover some general photography tips, thoughts, and occasional rants.

All in all, this is the right step to be taking.  I hope you will continue to help make Sport Dog Photography the go to service for all your dog, hunting, and outdoor photography needs.

 

 

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2015 Year End Review for Sport Dog Photo

It really has been a great year for Sport Dog Photography.  There are still many things that I would like to be doing to further my business, but this year has brought me many growth opportunities.  The intent of this post isn’t to bore you with wordy details, rather to highlight some of the things […]

It really has been a great year for Sport Dog Photography.  There are still many things that I would like to be doing to further my business, but this year has brought me many growth opportunities.  The intent of this post isn’t to bore you with wordy details, rather to highlight some of the things that have taken place in 2015.  I was fortunate to be able to expand into some new areas this year, and also was able to see many familiar faces, as well.  If you take the time to read to the end, there is even a little surprise that most of you don’t know about….But you’ll just have to keep reading to find out.

Probably the biggest achievement for me was making my business official.  In January, I filed for my LLC.  I had been putting it off for a while, as I had been running the business through an older company.  Now, the photo business is officially Sport Dog Photography LLC.  Nothing really changes for most of my clients, but it makes things easier for me, and adds a layer of protection.

The spring started off pretty typical with a few RGS events.  It is always fun to get out int he field with old friends, and make a few new ones along the way.

Toward the middle of 2014, I was asked to shoot the 2015 Michigan Sporting Clays Championship, by Michigan Shooting Centers.  It was great to be able to see some of the pros doing their thing on the course.  It is hard to be creative when watching basically the same thing over and over, but those are the situations that make you better, and keep you thinking.  I would love to pick up a few more events like this, in the future.

As fall approached, I had lined up a few different hunts, including my first waterfowl hunt.  While grouse and upland hunting are what I love to do, I am also equally drawn to the duck blind.  The nature of duck hunting lends to certain challenges for a photographer, but I welcome them all, and adjusted as needed.

Of course there is there is grouse season.  And, while I may not get to hunt as much as I would like, I consider each step into the woods a blessing, and whether I am carrying the gun or the camera, I am creating memories.

This year was the first time that I decided to publish a calendar.  I have toyed with the idea in the past, but wasn’t really sure who would want it.  I created one this year primarily as a “thank-you” for some of my clients.  I then put the remaining prints online for sale.  To my surprise, I sold out in about a week.  I have more in stock now, so if you are reading this and want one, I still have a few left.  Below are some of the images in the 2016 SDP Calendar.  Follow the link to purchase one for yourself.

And now, if you have been looking through this post only looking forward to this big secret project, well here it is.  Since I started doing photography professionally, I have always told people that I don’t shoot wedding or babies.  Well that still holds true for the most part.  I prefer shooting events, dogs, and hunting.  It’s what I feel I am good at, and what I have chosen to focus on.  I was approached by a friend early in the year wondering if I would be willing to shoot her wedding.  I said no, and gave them some options of other photographers that I feel do an excellent job of capturing weddings.  Apparently she wasn’t going to take no for an answer, and eventually I agreed to take on the task.  As I said up front, I think it is important to try new things as a photographer.  It keeps your mind fresh, and makes you think beyond what your are comfortable with.  So, that being said, I did it!  They were looking for a photojournalistic style of coverage, and I felt that I could provide that.  I will admit, when it come to posed shots, I struggled, but the rest fo the weekend felt pretty natural.  I was honored to be a part of their special day.

Am I a wedding photographer now? NO.  Would I do it again given the right circumstance?  Maybe.  Was I pleased with the outcome?  Yes.  So, you be the judge, or better yet, keep your negative comments to yourself…just kidding…sort of.

Ehde Wedding Photo Highlights

Thanks for taking a look at my year end review.  I look forward to seeing many of you again in the coming year.  I have a couple things already lined up for 2016, so if you are thinking of booking and event or shoot, please contact me soon.  I am hoping for an even better 2016.

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New Puppy in the Sport Dog Family

If you follow my Facebook page, you probably have seen that there is a new puppy in the Sport Dog family.  My brother-in-law brought home the latest edition on Friday.  Unofficially at this point, he will be registered as “Fair’s Lost in D’Nile” call name “Moses”.  They picked out the name Moses, I coined the […]

If you follow my Facebook page, you probably have seen that there is a new puppy in the Sport Dog family.  My brother-in-law brought home the latest edition on Friday.  Unofficially at this point, he will be registered as “Fair’s Lost in D’Nile” call name “Moses”.  They picked out the name Moses, I coined the registered name.  We shall see if it sticks.  Yesterday, I was able to get some formal shots of the little guy.

I am looking forward to seeing how this little guy turns out as a duck dog.  We will be getting him started early and get lots of practical training in.  But for now, he just needs to learn how to sleep through the night.

If you have plans to bring home your newest family member, or have a new puppy that you would like shots of, please contact me.  It is always fun to capture the unexpected moments of young dog just getting its legs.

 

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Pulling the Wool – Border Collies Working

Normally when someone wants shots taken of their dog(s), they are looking for your standard portrait, or a dog on point or some other creative pose.  The reality is, most of my contacts are hunting dogs, and people want to remember their dog doing what it does best. A couple weeks ago, I was privileged […]

Normally when someone wants shots taken of their dog(s), they are looking for your standard portrait, or a dog on point or some other creative pose.  The reality is, most of my contacts are hunting dogs, and people want to remember their dog doing what it does best.

A couple weeks ago, I was privileged to be able to shoot a few border collies at work.  These dogs live to herd sheep.  If you have one, and don’t let it work out its natural abilities, you are doing yourself and the dog an injustice.

sheep, dog, border, collie, shepherd, working, dog

 When I was approached about this shoot, I really could not wait to just go witness these dogs at work.  Even had I not been able to photograph it, I still would have gladly made the trip to watch non-hunting breeds doing what they love to do.  The first dog I got to watch was named Emmy.  She is a ball of energy and she loves those sheep.  She would barely approach me when I met her at her home, but once she saw me in the pasture, she decided I was alright.

sheep, dog, border, collie, shepherd, working, dog

 It really was amazing to see a dog so dedicated to its craft, that it would barely take its eyes off of the sheep even for a moment.  Even when taking a break, you could tell that she just wanted to get back to herding those sheep.

sheep, dog, border, collie, shepherd, working, dog

Well, it turned out that Emmy has a littermate sister that likes to work sheep as well, and with her came her brother and older sister who also wanted their time in front of the camera to show off their skills.  I was more than willing to stay in the field and watch each dog put on their display of talent.  First up was Wren.  With the same energy as her sister, she immediately took command of the flock.

sheep, dog, border, collie, shepherd, working, dog

sheep, dog, border, collie, shepherd, working, dog

Next Moss hit the field.  He immediatly made wide sweep along the border of the field to “sneak” up on the sheep.  He is an incredibly intense dog, and kept his purposeful low stance the entire time.

sheep, dog, border, collie, shepherd, working, dog

sheep, dog, border, collie, shepherd, working, dog

Finally there was Abby.  She is an older dog that moves a touch slower, but when she works the field,  you would never know her age.  She was the friendly one, and even came back to walk with me out of the field when we were finished.

sheep, dog, border, collie, shepherd, working, dog

sheep, dog, border, collie, shepherd, working, dog

  This truly was quite the experience.  I really hope I get the chance to go back and see it again.  On a side note, it was humorous to watch all the cars along 119 pull off the road and get out and watch as each do worked the flock.  I really can’t blame them, though.

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An Upswing for SDP

As it turns out, the first weekend in October 2013 would be an upswing for SPD and my upland bird hunting “career”.   Several months back, I was invited to attend and shoot the Al Litzenberger RGS chapters banquet and sponsor grouse hunt.  I am quick to jump at opportunities to work with different RGS […]

As it turns out, the first weekend in October 2013 would be an upswing for SPD and my upland bird hunting “career”.   Several months back, I was invited to attend and shoot the Al Litzenberger RGS chapters banquet and sponsor grouse hunt.  I am quick to jump at opportunities to work with different RGS chapters, so I accepted the invitation gratefully.

On my way up to Harbor Springs, where the banquet was to take place, I took advantage of a couple hours in the woods on the way up.  I stopped on some state land where I had hunted once before.  Last year, the area held a decent number of grouse, so I figured that would be a good place to hit for a short hunt.  As the dog and I made our way through, it quickly became apparent that the grouse were not here as in the year before.  The rain was also picking up, and not making for an enjoyable stop.  My dog doesn’t get a whole lot of time in the woods, so I wanted to give him a fair chance to find some birds.  We only flushed on woodcock, which he had a solid find on a running bird and made a rather impressive retrieve, given his history.  Not bad for a quick run through the water logged upland.

Dog, Corbin, Woodcock, Dog photographer

That evening, I attended the Petoskey chapter banquet.  It was a great event, and lots of money was raised for successional forrest habitat.  I did have the chance to meet and have a conversation with John Eichinger, the president of the Ruffed Grouse Society.  He is a great guy with a great vision for the future of the organization.

The following morning, I met up with the group I was to head into the field with for the day.  I had picked up John E. on the way to our morning hunt.  We convened at place called Maple River Farm.  This is a large tract of private property situated in northern Emmett county, that has been carefully planned out by owner Paul Keiswetter.  We entered a building on the property dubbed ‘Grouse Hall’.  This is a beautifully and meticulously built hunters dream lodge.  No detail has been left unaccounted for.  We met up with Paul, Keith Creagh(Michigan DNR Director), and Rex Schlaybaugh(NRC commissioner) for the mornings hunt.

Grouse Hunt Blog Lodge-2

The rain had not let up from the night before, so we took time to tour Paul’s facility, and learn about the history of the farm and what has done there to manage for grouse and woodcock habitat.  As the morning went on, the rain let up a bit, and we decided to take to the field.  Making our way back through the property, we drove past a couple of the areas that Paul had worked with Al Stewart on, in his efforts to create sustainable upland habitat.

We parked the trucks, donned our hunting gear, and loaded the guns(and camera).  Paul guided us through a small patch of mixed young growth, with his setter energetically leading the way.  The rain had let up, the the under brush was wet, but navigable.  It wasn’t long before the dog had found point, and a bird took to the air.  With a quick miss, we carried on.  The birds were plentiful, and there were lots of chances for hits and misses.  In total, we put up about 14 woodcock, and 8 grouse in a 1.5 hour hunt. They even bagged a couple of those to brag about later.  I was able to grab some great photos of both the hunting party and even some birds.

As noon approached, the rest of the hunters were headed to Grouse Hall for lunch, so we packed up and headed back to the lodge.  Lunch was great, and it is especially gratifying to have a big bowl of hot chili after a soggy hunt.

That afternoon, a large portion of the hunters embarked on a tour of the property that we had hunted, and go to see first hand the fruits of sound habitat management.  The tour was led by Al Stewart, who escorted the party around.  I was offered to trade the camera for the gun, and head out into the woods with our regional director Bruce Wojcik and a guy from the chapter named Dennis.

They made the call to put Corbin(AKA Special) on the ground for the afternoon.  I warned them that he is not a champion hunting dog, so I wouldn’t take responsibility for his antics.  However, he surprised me and went right to work.  We don’t hunt with groups too often, so I had no idea what to expect.  Rather soon into our hunt he put up a pair of woodcock.  I shot one, and he retrieved it.  I was feeling better about his performance already.  He proceeded to put up 15 WC in a short 2 hour hunt.  We shot 3 in total, and made our way to the trucks to ready ourselves for the dinner that evening.  I was proud of the old hound and how he handled that afternoon.  We parted the field just in time to miss the heavy downpour that continued on into the evening.Grouse Hunt

That night, everyone in the hunting party were treated to a wonderful wild game dinner at Chandlers in downtown Petoskey.  It was the celebration of a successful days hunt, combined with the fellowship of those who were like minded in their commitment to preserving our hunting heritage and habitat management.  I was honored to be able to be a part of the day.  Thank you to everyone for allowing me to tag along and document this fantastic adventure.

The next morning I headed out early, and met a couple friends for breakfast before heading out to give one last good effort at bagging a grouse that weekend.  We drove down state for a while, and finally pulled off on a 2-track the had a small aspen stand adjacent.  Once again, Corbin was invited to hit the ground, this time with a couple seasoned grouse dogs.  Again I was nervous, as he doesn’t have a whole lot of experience working with other dogs.  The first area produced a couple birds, but no shots.  We quickly moved on to the next, with no luck there either.  At the third spot, we saw one WC but were still empty handed.  We ended the day empty handed, and sweating profusely from the now warm humid weather.

I wasn’t complaining, as I had one of the best bird hunting weekend of my life.  I really hope this is the start of an annual tradition in my schedule.

 

 

 

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Ultimate Air Dogs…Photography Lesson Learned

While attending Outdoorama this weekend, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to grab some shots at the Ultimate Air Dogs competition.  Of course I wasn’t the only photog there, because, who doesn’t want to get shots of dogs jumping into water, right?  Well, I had to learn my lesson the hard way, but I am not set […]

While attending Outdoorama this weekend, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to grab some shots at the Ultimate Air Dogs competition.  Of course I wasn’t the only photog there, because, who doesn’t want to get shots of dogs jumping into water, right?  Well, I had to learn my lesson the hard way, but I am not set up for shooting fast action in low light situations.  Of the few shots that I did get to turn out, they were grainy, and not what I was hoping for. Using a flash wasn’t an option, but given my equipment, I’m not really sure what I could have done differently.  Oh, well.  I had a good time watching, and even ran into a couple competitors that I have met through different dog venues.

 

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“The best of both worlds”…APLA Michigan

Up until a couple years ago, having a dog was never really that important to me.  After all, I’ve been hunting for many years, and usually did just fine.  I did know that if I were to ever get a dog, that I wanted a chocolate lab.  I don’t really know why, but I just like them.  Now that I have one, and one that likes to hunt, my outlook has changed.   When I learned that there are labs that can point, that changed my outlook even more.  To have a chocolate lab that will point…that’s the best of both worlds.  I now have my sights set on a pointing lab, as soon as my dog has worked through his useful years.  I’m in no rush to replace him.

One of the biggest reasons I wanted to check out an APLA event, was to watch these dogs in action.  It is also a good place to make some connections with people and trainers.  The other reason… taking pictures of dogs doing water work is never boring.  The sheer determination and enthusiasm with which these dogs perform, is inspiring.

On Saturday, I was invited to shoot the APLA Michigan hunt test, by my friend Dave.  It was beautiful day to be out watching these dogs.  The event was held at Omega Farms in Williamston, MI.  Even with both man and beast present, there were wild ducks and geese flying past all morning.  It is great natural setting for a dog test.  The tests were held on several different ponds and fields that simulated hunting scenerios quite well.  Because of the high level of certification that was at stake, I was not allowed to shoot the entire event, but I was able to grab some nice images.  Below is a slideshow of the event.  You can visit the full photo gallery HERE, to view and purchase photos, or use the menu above to search through sportdogphoto.com.
Enjoy.
Dave

 

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Work in Progress

A Work in Progress

Like this website, my blogs are a work in progress.  I am not the best a keeping a blog, but I have tried in the past, and will continue to do so as I find time.  My first blog is all about Michigan’s great outdoors.  It started as a blog to review michigan campgrounds, but soon took on new life forms, and now I cover all of my adventures around the state.  You can read that here. http://michiganoutdoorexp.com.  My most recent post is for Holiday Park Campground, located in Traverse city, MI.  A great place, I might add.

I have decided to continue that blog, because I have already built content on it.  It is a work in progress, and will most likely undergo a URL name change in the near future.

As for Sport Dog, I will keep a blog of the events that I attend and shoot.  Probably not the most exciting reading, but it will be a way for me to add some back story to the photos that are posted on my site.  If you just look at  the albums, it may kind of all run together.  Sometimes a picture is worth a 1000 words, and sometimes it may take a 1000 words to develop a picture.  I appreciate you stopping by, and hope that you will continue to follow this blog for the latest news from Sport Dog Photography.

The Latest

Now, to the latest.  I would like to expand my collection of fine art photo’s, and offer them for sale, at what I consider reasonable prices.  I have looked at many art photographers works, and some of the prices are quite high.  I understand…if you are making a living as an artist, the money has to come from somewhere.  I am fortunate, and am not relying on that as my sole income.  I am just hoping to share some of my art with others.  I am also working on an art print that I will be offering for sale, with all of the profits going to a specific ministry.  I would like to do this periodically, and hopefully benefit some  groups that need it.  In the mean time, check out my website, or you can see my other art prints here.  Here is one that I have been working on lately.  Enjoy.

-dave

 

 

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