tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85227602579962223922024-02-07T08:23:32.275-08:00BZ DogsThe Secret Life of the Suburban DogBZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.comBlogger2531125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-9299212506693682942020-02-14T19:59:00.002-08:002020-02-14T19:59:45.500-08:00Happy Valentine's Day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49536616611/in/dateposted/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Happy Valentine's Day"><img alt="Happy Valentine's Day" height="424" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49536616611_335c76cfcc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry: "Love you Momma"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
I love you too, sweetie.<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2531</h3>
<br />
The Golden Boys wish everybody a very Happy Valentine's Day!<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
<br />
Our Daily Challenge - Feb 14, 2020: "All You Need Is"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 3011. "Love"<br />
<br />
100x in 2020: 19<br />
<br />
366:2020 #45<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49536616391/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Happy Valentine's Day"><img alt="Happy Valentine's Day" height="424" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49536616391_d649c94459_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toby looking so earnest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
I managed to get through the shoot without anyone (looking at Toby) knocking the heart over. Whew!<br />
<br />
I knocked it over while setting it up and it made a surprisingly loud bang, so I wasn't looking forward to peeling the pup off the ceiling. :)<br />
<br />
Henry? He wouldn't have batted an eye. His only sound weakness are electronic beeps - like the sound your smoke detector makes when the battery needs replacing.<br />
<br />
Turns my normally unflappable dog into a shivering, drooling mess.<br />
<br />
We've had him since he was 8 weeks old - so whatever traumatized him must have happened before that.<br />
<br />
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2020 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-24816905100755425202020-02-07T20:09:00.002-08:002020-02-07T20:09:53.014-08:00Hairy Pupper<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49503697743/in/dateposted/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hairy Pupper"><img alt="Hairy Pupper" height="424" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49503697743_a519ff8c43_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry: "Oh, hi Mom..."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2530</h3>
<br />
Henry, where's Toby?!<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 3005. "Magical"<br />
<br />
It's Harry Potter Book Night? Who knew!<br />
<br />
120 Pictures in 2020 - #18. Burgundy<br />
<br />
Our Daily Challenge - Feb 7, 2020: "Theater"<br />
<br />
Magic? Props?? Costumes???<br />
<br />
Everything here is purchased except the wizard's cloak, which I made a year or so ago.<br />
<br />
And yes, it has a fully lined hood that works - as in I can pull it over Henry's head making him look rather like Emperor Palpatine from Star Wars... only cute. :)<br />
<br />
100x in 2020: #13 and 14<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49504423982/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hairy Pupper"><img alt="Hairy Pupper" height="424" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49504423982_913130c107_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toby: "Bippity boppity boo!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
Um... no. I didn't plan on Toby's eyes being closed.<br />
<br />
But I do think it's funny. :)<br />
<br />
On Toby Training front - look how nicely he's sitting next to the crate - which is what is under the black fabric.<br />
<br />
What a good boy!<br />
<br />
And no, I didn't try adding the wizard cloak (see Henry's version).<br />
<br />
I actually think he would have been fine wearing it, but it's a royal pain trying to keep the ruff UNDER the cloak but the tie OVER the cloak, and Toby would have started to fidget.<br />
<br />
And we are trying to keep posing happy and fun!<br />
<br />
<br />
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2020 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-62685568181587360682020-02-03T20:12:00.003-08:002020-02-03T20:12:46.398-08:00Happy Golden Retriever Day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49485593043/in/pool-dailydogchallenge/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Happy Golden Retriever Day"><img alt="Happy Golden Retriever Day" height="424" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49485593043_de05be0189_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Toby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2529</h3>
<br />
The boys wish everyone a very happy National Golden Retriever Day! (Feb 3)<br />
<br />
Who knew there was only one?<br />
<br />
They figured EVERY day was Golden Retriever Day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 3000. "Golden"<br />
<br />
Our Daily Challenge - Feb 3, 2020: "Pink"<br />
<br />
Ok... rather interesting combination of challenges today... but the guys rolled with it, because... Golden Retrievers!<br />
<br />
100x in 2020: 12<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49486082496/in/dateposted/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Happy Golden Retriever Day"><img alt="Happy Golden Retriever Day" height="424" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49486082496_a48b214726_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Henry - One Cool Dude</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2020 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-32275042075326883402020-01-19T20:36:00.000-08:002020-01-19T20:36:12.682-08:00Bags of Blue<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49412002638/in/pool-ourdailychallenge/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bags of Blue 3/52"><img alt="Bags of Blue 3/52" height="424" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49412002638_0846c07b60_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toby: "Don't forget the baggies!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2528</h3>
<br />
"I don't have a spare hand."<br />
<br />
"It SMELLS." (Summertime tip: double-bag)<br />
<br />
"It decomposes... eventually."<br />
<br />
"The city cleans it up, right?"<br />
<br />
Umm.. no.<br />
<br />
If your dog goes poo you collect the doo - even if no one is watching, even if no one will know.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
<br />
Our Daily Challenge - Jan 19, 2020: "It is Right"<br />
<br />
120 Pictures in 2020 - #113. "Useful"<br />
<br />
And it's much easier to collect and carry the treasure in a little blue baggie.<br />
<br />
52 Weeks for Dogs: This is something of a repeat of a shot I did earlier this week with Henry (with LEGO men and Cookies) that I punted on for Toby as I knew the Cookies would be too tempting.<br />
<br />
The table is one of a set of three nesting end tables, light weight and a bit rickety. I believe they were old when my eventual in-laws gave them to Hubby when he went off to college... 35 years ago.<br />
<br />
That said, they are perfect for photoshoots - their dark surface reflecting the black background most agreeably. They are just the right height, are easy to move around, and dog drool wipes right off.<br />
<br />
When done being a prop, they are tucked in corner near the sofa and do an admirable job holding magazines.<br />
<br />
Anyway, for this shoot, Toby needed to sit very close to the table and hold his head nice and high to be above the bags. The head wasn't an issue, but it took a bit of coaxing to get his body where I needed it.<br />
<br />
I did get a shot of him looking down at the bags (per Henry's Cookie original) but I liked this one better.<br />
<br />
What a good boy. :)<br />
<br />
Go Niners!<br />
<br />
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2020 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-11289249738407623742020-01-15T20:15:00.001-08:002020-01-15T20:15:22.937-08:00Cookie Train<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49392117773" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cookie Train"><img alt="Cookie Train" height="424" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49392117773_cc231b4903_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">???</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2527</h3>
<br />
Our Daily Challenge - Jan 15, 2020: "Food Chain"<br />
<br />
I was originally thinking of a "chain" (line) of Cookies, but they refused to stand up on their own. <br />
<br />
So I recruited the LEGO men to help me out.<br />
<br />
If it makes you feel better, think of the dog being higher on the Food Chain than the Cookies.<br />
<br />
Or the LEGO men, for that matter.<br />
<br />
Work with me here!<br />
<br />
I'm sure it will come as surprise to no one, but I did NOT try this shot with Toby. :)<br />
<br />
He did give me a nice profile shot, however. Baby steps... photo shoots are fun when taken in baby steps!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49392589041/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Profile of a Golden"><img alt="Profile of a Golden" height="424" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49392589041_3aa14cee36_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portrait of a Golden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
This was actually harder than it looks, as my "Studio" (aka Kitchen) is only a couple feet wider than what you see here, which means I'm flattened against the cabinets leaning over to the side (don't want to block the reflector) waving a Cookie to get Toby's attention.<br />
<br />
He stayed. He looked. And there was great rejoicing!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
<br />
120 Pictures in 2020 - #119. "You don't see that everyday"<br />
<br />
At least, Henry is probably thinking that.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 2982. "Waiting"<br />
<br />
Henry's patience was well rewarded (and all the LEGO men are safe).<br />
<br />
100x : 7<br />
<br />
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2020 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-68080358898646378042020-01-12T20:59:00.000-08:002020-01-12T20:59:05.033-08:00Handsome in PurpleToo much football, so today's shot had to be simplicity itself...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49377298786/in/dateposted/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Handsome in Purple"><img alt="Handsome in Purple" height="424" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49377298786_2b07965b69_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Henry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49376845338/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Handsome in Purple 2/52"><img alt="Handsome in Purple 2/52" height="424" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49376845338_9dd223b0e7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Toby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
Go Niners!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2526</h3>
<br />
Watching 6+ hours of football has a way of eating up the day - and they weren't even my teams!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Photography Assignment</h3>
<br />
52 Weeks for Dogs: Toby posing pretty for me. I *did* get a shot of him wearing the purple hat and Toby's head was up and his neck "normal" - but the shot above was just to sweet to pass up.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<i>Editor's Note:</i> -- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2020 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-21074369920468202132020-01-07T20:04:00.002-08:002020-01-07T20:04:48.973-08:00Business Casual<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49348738756/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Business Casual"><img alt="Business Casual" height="424" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49348738756_f970775973_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dynamic Due</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49348657516/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="My Studio"><img alt="My Studio" height="480" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49348657516_faf5ae7753_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behind the Scenes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2525</h3>
<br />
What a handsome pair!<br />
<br />
Toby was such a good boy. I was able to sidle them up together (using Cookies) without issue and Toby sat tall and straight.<br />
<br />
The collars and ties were all handmade - the collar from a pattern of just collars, modified to accommodate a dogs much thicker neck. The tie was kinda based on a dog clothes pattern, but mostly just playing around until I was happy.<br />
<br />
The "knot" is a clip-on form (thank you Amazon) plus a YouTube video by a very helpful guy who shows how to wrap a scavenged tie around it.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
<br />
120 Pictures in 2020 - #108. Ties<br />
<br />
Our Daily Challenge - Jan 7, 2020 - "Repeating"<br />
<br />
Two dogs, two collars, two ties!<br />
<br />
100x in 2020: #5<br />
<br />
<h2>
Behind the Scenes</h2>
<br />
Welcome to my "Studio" (aka Kitchen)!<br />
<br />
This is my standard setup, used for the vast majority of pictures.<br />
<br />
The black stretchy velvet fabric is binder-clipped to a pair of stacked tri-fold (science fair style) pieces of cardboard, with the fabric edges stretched left and right by additional binder clips tucked into handy drawers.<br />
<br />
The reflector is clipped to the fridge handle on the left, and the umbrella (behind which sits the flash - not used for this shot) is off to the right.<br />
<br />
The towel roll in the corner is to keep Toby from shoving a Lacrosse Ball into the hole he made in the baseboard (sigh) - yet another fix-it project on the list.<br />
<br />
Speaking of Toby, I was particularly pleased that he stayed where I put him as I'm standing a good 15 feet back to get this shot using my iPhone - originally normal focus and then this shot which was 2x.<br />
<br />
I was prepared to take this shot with just Henry, but Toby didn't want to be left out of the possibility of Cookies.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 2974. "It's Routine"<br />
<br />
120 Pictures in 2020 - #34. Daily Ritual<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Editor's Note:</i> -- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2020 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-3155448145536535422020-01-06T19:52:00.002-08:002020-01-06T19:53:58.649-08:00My Ball<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49342931851/in/dateposted/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="My Ball"><img alt="My Ball" height="424" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49342931851_5b32c043d2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking good, Toby!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49342476858/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="My Ball"><img alt="My Ball" height="424" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49342476858_7d1c7d7cca_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's wrong, Henry?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2524</h3>
<br />
... or, perhaps more appropriately "Wrong Ball" as it isn't one of Toby's precious Lacrosse Balls.<br />
<br />
We are still working on simple poses, and it's hard to get simpler than this.<br />
<br />
But he isn't slouching, his head is up, his eyes are open and I even got a little catchlight, and he's looking at me.<br />
<br />
So... a win!<br />
<br />
And I haven't a clue why Henry is giving me a sideways look. <br />
<br />
Perhaps I bumped the reflector while reaching for the Cookie cup, which was sitting on the fridge water dispenser shelf, as the reflector is clipped to the fridge handle during shoots.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
<br />
120 Pictures in 2020 - #32. Cuddly Toy<br />
<br />
This is one of the puppy toys, trotted out just for special occasions as the boys would have it in shreds in the blink of an eye.<br />
<br />
Daily Dog Challenge 2973. "Delightful"<br />
<br />
Well, *I* was delighted :)<br />
<br />
Our Daily Challenge - Jan 6, 2020: "Sphere or Spherical"<br />
<br />
100x in 2020 : #4<br />
<br />
<i>Editor's Note:</i> -- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2020 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-54351788448213402092020-01-05T18:36:00.000-08:002020-01-05T18:37:28.904-08:00Sitting Pretty<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49336561313/in/dateposted/" title="Mr. Henry"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49336561313_a9a4247e41_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Mr. Henry"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49337245937" title="Mr. Toby 1/52"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49337245937_db14ae4880_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Mr. Toby 1/52"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<br />
<h3>Dog Blog Post #?</h3><br />
Henry's the pro... Toby is... not. But he's trying!<br />
<br />
Especially when I pulled out a piece of King's Hawaiian Bread. :)<br />
<br />
<h2>Photography Assignment</h2><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 2972. "A Pop of Color"<br />
<br />
100x in 2020: #3<br />
<br />
<i>Editor's Note:</i> -- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2020 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-62464328719288604262020-01-02T20:12:00.001-08:002020-01-02T20:12:49.946-08:00Dog of MysteryTwo in a row? She's on a roll!<br />
<br />
They say if you do something 21 days in a row you'll form a habit, so two down and 19 to go.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49319913171/in/pool-dailydogchallenge/" title="Dog of Mystery"><img alt="Dog of Mystery" height="424" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49319913171_dbef9b57af_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<h3>Dog Blog Post #2522</h3><br />
You know the type... the quiet ones, down at the end of the bar. The ones that look like they are there for a reason, and it isn't a good one.<br />
<br />
<h2>Photography Assignment</h2><br />
Our Daily Challenge - Jan 2, 2020: "The Roaring 20's"<br />
<br />
I was thinking Gangster... maybe Speakeasy... but ultimately lacked the props to pull it off on short notice.<br />
<br />
This is the usual black Fedora decorated with some white bias tape, as I couldn't figure out how to make satin ribbon lay flat (tips? anyone?)<br />
<br />
The Bottle is real (originally held ginger ale) but the Old Fashioned "Glass" is plastic (safer).<br />
<br />
I also shot a version just like it plus a white Boa - perhaps our Gangster was drinking over a woman? But it looked cluttered, and being white was too bright to fit with "Dark" (below).<br />
<br />
As for Toby, we practiced "Hats" several times today and by the time of his shoot he accepted the hat without complaint. <br />
<br />
Alas, he's very stiff, lays awkwardly and is hard to reposition as he pops up every time I try to adjust anything.<br />
<br />
I think we need to have some Posing Practice along with Hat Practice!<br />
<br />
He's smart - he'll eventually figure out that popping up only delays getting to the GOOD cookies at the end.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 2969. "Dark"<br />
<br />
100x in 2020 : #2<br />
<br />
<i>Editor's Note:</i> -- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2020 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-3607418187846653442020-01-01T19:14:00.001-08:002020-01-01T19:17:17.900-08:00Happy New Year<span style="font-weight: normal;">Gee... I guess it's been a while!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
Much has gone on, and yet not much to write about. We've done a fair bit of Home Improvements (mostly in the yard) and long overdue maintenance, and the boys have enjoyed a long sabbatical (and a whole lot of fetch).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you've been following along on Flickr, you kinda get the idea.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But it's a new year, and so it's back to work!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As always, Flickr (click on image) is always the best place to go to get the latest and "greatest"!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/49313631206/in/pool-ourdailychallenge/" title="Happy New Year"><img alt="Happy New Year" height="424" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49313631206_62bb36ebee_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2521</h3>
<br />
How come I never get invited???<br />
<br />
The boys obviously were somewhere swanky last night. I really must keep better tabs on them.<br />
<br />
Henry's too laid back to get into trouble, but Toby? Well... you know teenagers.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
Our Daily Challenge - Jan 1, 2020: "Beginnings"<br />
<br />
We are basically beginning all over again with Toby and Studio Photography.<br />
<br />
And while I did manage to get a picture of him wearing a Top Hat, it wasn't pretty. :)<br />
<br />
So... the Top Hat is now sitting in the family room, and will make an appearance every time the Cookies come out.<br />
<br />
By this time next week, with luck, he'll be begging to wear a hat!<br />
<br />
For this shot, we begin with the most basic of costumes - a bow tie.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 2968. "Let's Go!"<br />
<br />
100x in 2020: #1<br />
<br />
<i>Editor's Note:</i>
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us!
<br />
<br />
<i>© 2020 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-76071100301875252452019-04-06T12:42:00.003-07:002019-04-06T13:22:49.830-07:00Training LevelsAnd now for something completely different...<br />
<br />
I'm considering starting Toby on Sue Ailsby's Original Training Levels. I followed them for Beau and Zachary, then switched to the new levels for Henry.<br />
<br />
I never quite got into the new levels, and Henry was a less than inspired student.<br />
<br />
Since both of us preferred photography, and Zachary was as far with the original levels as I was going to go, the training just kind of fell by the wayside.<br />
<br />
Enter Toby.<br />
<br />
Toby is smart.<br />
<br />
Toby gets bored.<br />
<br />
A bored Toby bats the Lacrosse ball UNDER things (bed, sofa, furniture) the uses his big brain to try to figure out how to get the ball back out again.<br />
<br />
While I admire his tenacity and inventiveness - it drives me nuts.<br />
<br />
Sooooo... we are going to give Training Levels a try.<br />
<br />
The Original ones. The ones I am familiar with, have a bunch of "teacher's aides" I made up for Beau and Zachary, and are readily available on-line.<br />
<br />
To that end - here's Toby's first video on my long-silent YouTube channel (bzfischer) : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh_mbjcF43U">Toby - Training Levels One</a><br />
<br />
I've added a link to this blog (Toby's Videos) in the bar on the right under "Other Pages" with a handy chart to keep track of the videos/levels. <br />
<br />
Beau, Zachary, and Henry's pages are also listed there.<br />
<br />
This no way will replace Photography! <br />
<br />
Mostly it's just to save my sanity (and possibly the furniture).<br />
<br />
<h3>Dog Blog Post #2520</h3><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/40530552993/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Dog Noir 13/52"><img alt="Dog Noir 13/52" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7909/40530552993_6ac43d733a_z.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Student</td></tr>
</tbody></table><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/46772967234/in/dateposted/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Dog Noir"><img alt="Dog Noir" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7865/46772967234_033f417a4f_z.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Professor?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>Photography Assignment</h2><br />
Click on images!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/47489934351/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Little Dogie"><img alt="Little Dogie" height="424" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7803/47489934351_f1c957c421_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cowboy Toby</td></tr>
</tbody></table><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2018 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-26082277983239718542019-03-23T18:57:00.001-07:002019-03-23T18:58:48.721-07:00You're Never Too OldYou're never too old to cuddle your puppy toys!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/40486523153/in/dateposted/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="You're Never Too Old"><img alt="You're Never Too Old" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7811/40486523153_5157676d26_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Henry</td></tr>
</tbody></table><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
In this case, Henry, who will turn nine years young this summer, and eight month old Toby...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/46537336665/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="You're Never Too Old"><img alt="You're Never Too Old" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7829/46537336665_820f159ce0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Toby</td></tr>
</tbody></table><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/40486523463/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="You're Never Too Old"><img alt="You're Never Too Old" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7870/40486523463_869fa2c6c3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Toby looking sharp!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>Dog Blog Post #2519</h3><br />
FWIW: I'm considering reconstituting my ancient training plans from when Beau/Zachary/Henry were youngsters.<br />
<br />
Toby is sharp, but more importantly, he's bored.<br />
<br />
Really bored.<br />
<br />
And while he enjoys photo shoots - and so do I, so that's not going to change - it doesn't take up nearly enough time.<br />
<br />
We'll see. Zachary loved learning things. Henry just wanted the Cookies. I'm thinking Toby is more like Zachary on this one.<br />
<br />
<h2>Photography Assignment</h2><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 2693. "National Puppy Day"<br />
<br />
Our Daily Challenge - Mar 23, 2019 - "Love Never Dies"<br />
<br />
119 Pictures in 2019 - #89. "Sentimental"<br />
<br />
Love the hat - purchased today for just $3! It's soft, lightweight, breathable, and just the right size.<br />
<br />
You can never have to many hats... for your dogs... right? I have a few duplicates (black fedoras and green bowlers come to mind) but for the most part they are unique in some way.<br />
<br />
Someday I should count them.<br />
<br />
Or not.<br />
<br />
100x in 2019 - #20 (Blue Check Fleece -#2)<br />
<br />
<br />
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2018 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-60527782957922915632019-03-05T09:30:00.001-08:002019-03-05T09:30:09.292-08:00Spectral Hounds<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/46360028585/" title="Spectral Hound"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7826/46360028585_7d8d218023_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Spectral Hound"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<br />
You can tell Henry hops as spins, the slight hang time with each hop being picked up in the image. <br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/46551257334/" title="Spectral Hound 9/52"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7807/46551257334_908d940b59_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Spectral Hound 9/52"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<br />
Unlike Henry, Toby spins by twisting. So, no head bobs, but you get a swish instead.<br />
<br />
<h3>Dog Blog Post #2518</h3><br />
This is always a fun shoot to do.<br />
<br />
The boys enjoy the action and the Easy Cookies, and I think the effect is cool!<br />
<br />
<h2>Photography Assignment</h2><br />
Our Daily Challenge - March 2, 2019 - "Otherworldly"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 2672. <br />
"Indistinct"<br />
<br />
119 Picture in 2019 - #60. "It's all about the light"<br />
<br />
This is 1.6s exposure @ f/7.1 with rear flash. The CFL behind the umbrella illuminates for the duration of the exposure with the flash "freezing" Toby at the end.<br />
<br />
I worked with Toby off and on all day to teach "spin" for today's shoot. <br />
<br />
It's an easy trick to teach, and he's a quick study, the repetition mostly about me being able to cue the trick without getting in the shot.<br />
<br />
Truth in advertising: Yes, I did have to clone a few bits of me out. He still needs a big arm signal to complete the turn.<br />
<br />
Next time... we'll do better next time.<br />
<br />
Such a smart boy!<br />
<br />
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2018 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-76569856083451187532019-02-25T20:39:00.005-08:002019-02-25T20:42:58.595-08:00The Elegant DogI know... I know...<br />
<br />
Have you ever let so long lapse between the last time you did something that you let even MORE time elapse because it makes you feel bad just thinking about it?<br />
<br />
(sigh)<br />
<br />
But hey, how about a few pictures of the boys!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/46249394115/in/dateposted/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="The Elegant Dog"><img alt="The Elegant Dog" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7843/46249394115_95f4d5e224_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Henry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/46249394855/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="The Elegant Dog"><img alt="The Elegant Dog" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7916/46249394855_e7a744f317_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Toby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
Toby did much better posing on the dog bed this time. He is starting to get the idea that I want his paws to dangle over the edge, and that he needs to stay put while I move to the side.<br />
<br />
The paw tuck was once again his own idea. If he had been a bit closer to the edge it would have been adorable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/46249394595/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="The Elegant Dog"><img alt="The Elegant Dog" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7845/46249394595_c3b3c2a28a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look good!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2517</h3>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 2662. "Elegant"<br />
<br />
I'm not sure folks think Elegant when they see a Golden Retriever, but the boys gave it their best.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
<br />
Our Daily Challenge - Feb 20, 2019: "Inspired"<br />
<br />
As if you don't already know!<br />
<br />
The boys inspire me to pick up the camera - in good part because they won't let me enjoy the evening until they've been paid their modeling fees!<br />
<br />
I freely admit to running Zachary through his favorite tricks and then buying his silence with a handful of cookies, just to avoid breaking out the Big Camera.<br />
<br />
Henry's perfectly happy to get the Cookies without the work, and Toby is just starting to make the connection between a posed photo shoot and a plethora of treats.<br />
<br />
Given time, I'm sure he'll be as addicted to photography as the rest of the family!<br />
<br />
100x in 2019 : #13 (pink/blue gauze)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/40198663273/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Behind the Scenes"><img alt="Behind the Scenes" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7913/40198663273_93964f18ca_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behind the Scenes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
The shoot was over but Henry hopped back up on the dog bed and posed so beautifully I just couldn't resist.<br />
<br />
I'd already disassembled the camera and flash from their tripods, so you get an iPhone happy-snappy Behind the Scenes look.<br />
<br />
Let's see... Henry is sitting on the dog bed, which has been casually draped in a length of crushed panne velvet fabric (cheap and washable). <br />
<br />
The umbrella is just off camera to the right, while the reflector (clipped to the big white fridge) is on the left.<br />
<br />
Today's backdrop fabric was very sheer so the backboards were first draped with the black velvet (not cheap) to prevent the cabinets/backboards from showing through. Yes, I know you can see it along the sides, but those aren't in the final picture!<br />
<br />
The fabric is held in place on the backboard with binder clips (we're a high-tech operation here) and a few unbreakable but kinda heavy objects at the top corners (cookie containers today).<br />
<br />
The black velvet is also clipped to the backboard as well having an extra clip on each side that is tucked into the top of the drawer to hold it taut.<br />
<br />
The "backboard" is actually two tri-fold (think "science faire") cardboard backboards, binder-clipped together at the sides with one elevated about 8" over the other to get extra height. A rubber band is looped over each side binder-clip and then looped over the nearest cabinet door pull to keep the whole thing from falling over.<br />
<br />
Did I mention how high-tech we are? <br />
<br />
The whole "studio" goes up in about 10 minutes and disassembles just as quick, with the actual shoot being 3-6 shots per dog (5 minutes each? Henry is obviously less work than Toby.)<br />
<br />
And that's about it!<br />
<br />
<br />
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2018 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-3213541869135903872019-01-14T20:01:00.003-08:002019-01-14T20:01:55.465-08:00Vacation's Over<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/46022744504/in/dateposted/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Mid-Winter?"><img alt="Mid-Winter?" height="424" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4872/46022744504_e940c77780_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry: "I think I like the beach better."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2517</h3>
<br />
I guess their California vacation is over.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 2625. "Dress Up"<br />
<br />
Seriously, how could I pass up "National Dress Up Your Pet Day"? (January 14)<br />
<br />
Our Daily Challenge - January 14, 2019 - "Warming Up or Cooling Down"<br />
<br />
This was a totally uneventful shoot - from setup to take down. <br />
<br />
Yes, I know, the picture looks a lot like the others of late - the boys sitting side-by-side with/wearing a couple props - but it's really hard to do interesting pictures when your model is trying to eat the props. <br />
<br />
Especially when you work solo.<br />
<br />
Trust me on that one!<br />
<br />
So, the general process is:<br />
<br />
1) Teach stay<br />
2) Get the pup to accept props without trying to eat them<br />
3) Work on where the pup is focusing his attention<br />
<br />
I'm pretty happy with 1 and 2. Toby's stay is good for at least one picture, often for multiples, including when I walk (backward) toward the camera to get better head positions.<br />
<br />
The last few shoots I've worked with him a few times during the day to build familiarity with the clothing/props. Today I just sprang it on him during the shoot and he acted like an old hand.<br />
<br />
That leaves 3, focus. We've been working on "Leave It" for weeks, and he's pretty reliable so long as I'm holding the treat. This week I'm going to introduce "Leave It" with the Cookie NOT in my hand. With luck, by the end of the week I'll be able to get a picture of Toby staring at a Cookie on the floor!<br />
<br />
100x in 2019 : #5 (Snowflakes)<br />
<br />
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2018 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-66152232629378847022019-01-13T20:37:00.002-08:002019-01-13T20:38:01.051-08:00California Dreaming<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/31780361397/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="California Dreaming 2/52"><img alt="California Dreaming 2/52" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7840/31780361397_b260edfe40_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Dreamin'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2515</h3>
<br />
This is one of my new backdrops. Unfortunately, it turned out to look a bit more wrinkled than I thought it would - and Henry's wagging tail didn't help.<br />
<br />
What I should have done was clamp the sides tight.<br />
<br />
But I didn't.<br />
<br />
So you get the post-processed version, where the clarity has been pushed all the way down to create a dreamy look, and a brush used to bring the clarity back just to the dogs.<br />
<br />
In other words, I cheated.<br />
<br />
But I do rather like the effect, especially given today's challenges.<br />
<br />
Don't worry, I love the backdrop, which was ridiculously cheap - $15 for 7'x5' microfiber - and I'm sure there'll be another opportunity this year to try it again.<br />
<br />
With clamps.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
<br />
Our Daily Challenge - January 12, 2019 - "The 1970s"<br />
<br />
Toby's head might look grown up, but his chest sure isn't. Every time I wanted to take a picture I had to grab his collar and pull it up again! Switching the collars between the dogs was even worse, as the fleece is stretchy and the fringe weighs it down.<br />
<br />
On the bright side (aside from the picture itself!) Toby was totally cool with the collar. He seems to have figured out that when Momma drapes things on him Cookies happen - and he's down with that!<br />
<br />
What a good puppy!<br />
<br />
2019 Weekly Alphabet Challenge - B is for Bright<br />
<br />
100x in 2019 - #4<br />
<br />
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2018 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-31248833247463513322019-01-09T20:41:00.002-08:002019-01-09T20:41:53.761-08:00AnticipationAt least it was SUPPOSED to be Anticipation, but my favorite shot was Satisfaction.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/45769274875/in/dateposted/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Satisfaction"><img alt="Satisfaction" height="424" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4908/45769274875_1105d6828b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slurp slurp sluuuuuuuuurp!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2514</h3>
<br />
A fun shoot! <br />
<br />
Yes, the results might had been better had I banished the pup and used Henry, alone. But then Toby wouldn't learn anything, would he?<br />
<br />
The spoons (yes, there's two) held Maple Yogurt - the remainder destined to be slathered on the pup's KONGs but a few spoonfuls put into service as the Prop of the Day. <br />
<br />
This the first time I've tried using yogurt for this kind of shoot, and the jury is still out on it. I would have given it a definitive thumbs down due to lack of visibility and the difficulty keeping it on the spoon long enough to get the image<br />
<br />
BUT<br />
<br />
... then I saw this image of it dripping all over the place, and, well, who doesn't love that?<br />
<br />
It is also MUCH easier for the dogs to clean up yogurt from the floor than peanut butter, which is what I've used in the past.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
<br />
119 Pictures in 2019 - #96. "A Spoonful Of..."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 2620. "Dear Diary"<br />
<br />
It was a good day.<br />
<br />
100x in 2019: #3 (I never said I wouldn't include ANY black backgrounds!)<br />
<br />
That thing in my left hand is the remote for the camera, so I suppose this is also somewhat of a behind-the-scenes shot. :)<br />
<br />
<h2>
Anticipation</h2>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/39719584423/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Anticipation"><img alt="Anticipation" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7885/39719584423_d7f7fbea3f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such good self-control!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/46684479171/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Anticipation"><img alt="Anticipation" height="424" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4850/46684479171_15905c5da0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What good boys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/46684478971/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Mr. Henry"><img alt="Mr. Henry" height="424" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4878/46684478971_7f6ee05283_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry: "See you next time!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
Lighting/Focus check site. Henry is broadside to the camera because that was my original intent for this shot.<br />
<br />
After looking at the results of the first round, I decided to retake from a front position.<br />
<br />
There were no complaints from the models about the retake. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2018 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-51088703802386590352019-01-06T19:54:00.002-08:002019-01-06T19:54:23.381-08:00Teddy Defenders!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/32766411708/in/album-72157701888704712/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="The Boys and Teddy 1/52"><img alt="The Boys and Teddy 1/52" height="424" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4844/32766411708_2a69299b3a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boys and Teddy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2513</h3>
<br />
Toby is such a wonderful, sweet puppy, so full of personality... until I tell him to "stay", and then he turns to stone.<br />
<br />
While that IS kinda what I'm looking for to take his picture, I just wish he would relax a little!<br />
<br />
Today's new experience was a wad of blankets (for height) covered by a silky/shaggy length of fabric.<br />
<br />
The fabric slipped and slid on the hardwood floor, and the pile of blankets underneath made things soft and squishy. <br />
<br />
Toby handled it well, although I could tell he (rightfully) found the experience different and new.<br />
<br />
Teddy was pretty much ignored.<br />
<br />
While I did get a few shots with Toby's paws on the Teddy (i.e. more interesting) this was the only one of the six where both Toby and Henry were even remotely on the same page.<br />
<br />
The other problem was that Henry was really tired. <br />
<br />
We watched both football games, and Toby was awake for pretty much the entire time. This meant that Henry was being pestered off and on all morning and afternoon.<br />
<br />
Poor Uncle Henry.<br />
<br />
He much prefers bursts of activity followed by an hour or three of peaceful napping.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
<br />
119 Pictures in 2019 - #51. "Grey"<br />
<br />
One of our Disney Teddys, and a favorite prop of mine over the years.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 2617. "Blue"<br />
<br />
100x in 2019: #2<br />
<br />
Today's backdrop is two yards of fleece, straight from the local fabric store. I've used it in the past and really like the nice soft look it gives to high-key shots.<br />
<br />
Fleece made up the bulk of my initial round of backdrop purchases when I first got into photography. It's wide, wrinkle resistant, and the fabric store often has it on sale.<br />
<br />
The downside is the often garish colors and simplistic patterns - neither of which is a problem with this piece.<br />
<br />
I'd actually forgotten about the "fleece bin" when I took pictures of my backdrops last weekend. It will certainly add another 3-4 good pieces for the year, under the right circumstances.<br />
<br />
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2018 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-11989676267936177572019-01-04T20:36:00.000-08:002019-01-04T20:38:41.905-08:00Happy New Year!As always - new pictures are uploaded every day or two to my Flickr stream: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/</a><br />
<br />
I'm hoping to get back to blogging here more regularly now that Toby has more freedom in the house, including the computer room - at least when someone is in it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/45856600154/in/dateposted/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Momma's Helpers"><img alt="Momma's Helpers" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7864/45856600154_3e78ef2922_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momma's Helpers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/45666401635/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Momma's Helper"><img alt="Momma's Helper" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7814/45666401635_6f3bd0b181_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry looks unimpressed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/45666402705/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Momma's Helpers"><img alt="Momma's Helpers" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4917/45666402705_b7b36a1fcd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work with me Toby - you're supposed to look IN the basket!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/45856598984/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Momma's Helpers"><img alt="Momma's Helpers" height="424" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7909/45856598984_dcd1132eab_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I guess that's better.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2512</h3>
<br />
This is my...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 2612. "New"<br />
<br />
... backdrop and floor! My main photography...<br />
<br />
Our Daily Challenge - Jan 2, 2019 - "Resolution"<br />
<br />
... for this year is to use a broader selection of backdrops (instead of, well, one!)<br />
<br />
Aside: This added a good 30-45 minutes to my setup/takedown time, mostly due to the backdrop being a bit too large for my backdrop stand within the confines of the kitchen. <br />
<br />
Mechanical Engineer Hubby came to the rescue with a few bits of PVC that allowed me to use a longer pole without spreading the stands further apart.<br />
<br />
With Toby's help, I was then able to complete the shoot in only twice as long as it would have taken without him! :)<br />
<br />
Note to self: buy a length of white baseboard!<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
119 Pictures in 2019 - #12. "Basket"<br />
<br />
100x in 2019: #1<br />
<br />
For the record - I did complete all 118 Pictures in 2018... with a dog! Here's a link to the finished album: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/albums/72157668073044669" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/albums/72157668073044669</a><br />
<br />
If dogs aren't your thing (then, well, you wouldn't be here, but...) here's the same list taken during a 5-day family vacation to Disneyland last January: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/albums/72157668448307769" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/albums/72157668448307769</a><br />
<br />
I also finished 100x in 2018, where my 'x' was "studio shots with a dog". The album is here: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/albums/72157689067275062" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/albums/72157689067275062</a><br />
<br />
It's bittersweet to scroll through the albums, as this is the first year I actually finished either of those challenges (in eight years, in the case of the first!) making me rather proud of my accomplishments.<br />
<br />
That said, knowing Zachary was there at the start and not at the end still hurts.<br />
<br />
Moving forward, I am embarking on both 119 Pictures in 2019 (same idea - new list) and 100x in 2019. The latter will be studio shots again, but trying to diversify my backgrounds this year.<br />
<br />
Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2019 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-28333818886128052422018-12-13T19:59:00.001-08:002018-12-13T19:59:32.232-08:00Golden Reindeer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/46257709832/in/dateposted/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Golden Reindeer"><img alt="Golden Reindeer" height="424" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4853/46257709832_910b4cfcf0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Reindeer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/45395106165/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Golden Reindeer"><img alt="Golden Reindeer" height="424" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4867/45395106165_f1c5bf3594_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry: "He he he!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2511</h3>
<br />
You know it's Christmas time when the Reindeer Antlers come out!<br />
<br />
Look at what a good boy Toby is. I let him sniff the Antlers, slipped them on his head while giving him a treat, and he was sold on the experience.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 2593. "Festive"<br />
<br />
Our Daily Challenge - December 13, 2018 - "Squeezed"<br />
<br />
That would be their heads... by the headbands. <br />
<br />
No, of course it's not tight. When they tip their heads down the headband slides right off.<br />
<br />
Which is why I'm standing so close - as evidenced by Henry staring at me out of the corner of his eye.<br />
<br />
Scroll over a shot and you see my Plan B image, where Toby isn't wearing Antlers, and I'm standing back by the camera so the boys are looking (almost) forward.<br />
<br />
100x in 2018 : #91<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/45395041165/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Happy Henry"><img alt="Happy Henry" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4812/45395041165_0a2f25fc74_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry - down time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2018 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-40539026317632623212018-12-09T19:06:00.000-08:002018-12-09T19:09:05.012-08:00Santa Dog and his ElfGood grief - has it really been a month (plus) since I posted last?<br />
<br />
As always, my Flickr stream is updated MUCH more frequently (a couple times a week, hopefully working its way back nearly daily): <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining">https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining</a><br />
<br />
Moving right along...<br />
<br />
Today I uploaded pretty much every shot I took, as I worked my from "easy" to "hard"...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/45339939665/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="In the Beginning..."><img alt="In the Beginning..." height="424" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4823/45339939665_6dd6b61c49_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off to a good start</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
You'll notice that for several of these shots the boys are looking straight ahead. This is because Toby's much improved stay allows me to move behind the camera.<br />
<br />
FWIW: In the shot above, Henry is looking at me while Toby is looking at my hand, which is stretched out, waving over the camera while holding a cookie.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/45339941115/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Jingle Collars"><img alt="Jingle Collars" height="424" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4820/45339941115_c12c9e5da8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry: "Toby isn't sitting up"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
Yes, dear, I see that.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/45339940325/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Jingle Collars"><img alt="Jingle Collars" height="424" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1909/45339940325_b2254cb4ae_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not bad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/46252969811/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Santa Dog and Helper 49/52"><img alt="Santa Dog and Helper 49/52" height="424" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1976/46252969811_753214fea0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was my favorite!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Let's turn it up a notch!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/46202199512/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Santa Dog and his Elf"><img alt="Santa Dog and his Elf" height="424" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4908/46202199512_20c8d53872_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Dog and his (wrinkled) Elf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/44435815850/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Santa Dog and his Elf"><img alt="Santa Dog and his Elf" height="424" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1976/44435815850_45a94f21d6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Dog and his Elf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2510</h3>
<br />
The Elf hat proved problematic, as when Toby's head was down you could see the hat but he looked worried, and when his head was up he looked fine but you couldn't see the hat.<br />
<br />
We worked multiple times on Hat Wearing over the course of the day - a few seconds here and there for lots of cookies - so by the time it came to making the shoot he was fine with it.<br />
<br />
Toby's hat is held on by a thin plastic headband, which is taped to the inside of the hat. It wouldn't hold if he was moving around, but is sufficient for shoots and goes pretty much unnoticed - at least until I put the hat on it.<br />
<br />
Henry's hat is just stuck on his head. But then, Henry's a pro at Hat wearing.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
<br />
Our Daily Challenge - December 6, 2018 - "Cube"<br />
<br />
Yes, I should have turned the package so the corner was toward the camera (sigh).<br />
<br />
But I was so focused about the REST of the shoot (hint: puppy) that it didn't occur to me at the time.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 2589. "Holiday Colors"<br />
<br />
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2018 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-91593279204767684732018-10-21T17:43:00.002-07:002018-10-21T17:44:28.448-07:00Draped Dog<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/44568785415/in/pool-52weeks4dogs/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Draped Dog 42/52"><img alt="Draped Dog 42/52" height="424" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1907/44568785415_4ddf11339c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect Pair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2509</h3>
<br />
The final shot (above)<br />
<br />
Although, to be honest, the "less than perfect" (cough) shots tend to be a lot more fun (below).<br />
<br />
Toby is laying down this week because he's too tall to be seated and make a comfortable composition with Henry laying down.<br />
<br />
And because his down is good enough that I can get the shot.<br />
<br />
The real issue was the drape - which Toby found Very Interesting.<br />
<br />
On the bright side, he found the drape SO interesting that he (mostly) left the camera alone.<br />
<br />
I guess that's an improvement. :)<br />
<br />
As before, String Cheese made a wonderful reward. It's not sticky, greasy, or crumbly - and a hit with all parties.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 2542. "A Whiter Shade of Pale"<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Not Ready For Prime Time Shots</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/30542156397/in/dateposted/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Working With Amateurs"><img alt="Working With Amateurs" height="424" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1949/30542156397_239e185599_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toby: "What's this?"<br />Henry: "A prop. Leave it alone."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/30542157537/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Working With Amateurs"><img alt="Working With Amateurs" height="424" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1902/30542157537_8a1ecd1a8e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toby: (chew chew chew)<br />Henry: "Mom!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/44568788055/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pfththththth"><img alt="Pfththththth" height="424" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1907/44568788055_25927dd14f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toby: "Pfththththth"<br />Henry: "Amateurs"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2018 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-72356164994242160322018-10-16T18:54:00.000-07:002018-10-16T18:54:06.413-07:00Ready for Halloween<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/45324100552/in/dateposted/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Ready for Halloween"><img alt="Ready for Halloween" height="424" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1950/45324100552_2d94ced1da_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Trick or Treat!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2508</h3>
<br />
Photoshoots with a 14 week old puppy (today!) can be very... entertaining.<br />
<br />
Toby has two "poses" right now - this one (which you've seen several times before) and the one where he's charging toward the camera.<br />
<br />
(sigh)<br />
<br />
A work in progress... the pup is definitely a work in progress.<br />
<br />
On the bright side, Henry dutifully stared into the pumpkin even though the only thing inside was a pile of rocks to make it harder for Toby to run off with it.<br />
<br />
What a good boy!<br />
<br />
What I really need is to draft Hubby into guarding the camera for me, although I'm not sure his presence next to the camera would be a deterrent or a lure.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> 2537. "Pumpkin"<br />
<br />
2018 Weekly Alphabet Challenge - P is for Plastic<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/44460704175/in/dateposted/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Toby vs. Drip Line"><img alt="Toby vs. Drip Line" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1933/44460704175_eae73bb7d0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toby: "Henry made me do it!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/45324107112/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Instigator"><img alt="Instigator" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1918/45324107112_67461caacb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instigator: "He he he"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2018 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8522760257996222392.post-90754104403051189552018-10-14T19:27:00.000-07:002018-10-14T19:27:54.166-07:00Busy Busy BusyAs I've said before - when you actually something to blog about you probably don't have time to do it.<br />
<br />
Here's a few highlights since the last post, or just hop over to:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/</a><br />
<br />
... to see them all.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/44536624044/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Handsome Boys"><img alt="Handsome Boys" height="424" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1978/44536624044_29efa0118b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toby at 13 weeks old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/31421001658/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Portrait of a Dog"><img alt="Portrait of a Dog" height="424" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1979/31421001658_e000e16705_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old pro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/31384737498/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Little Retriever"><img alt="Little Retriever" height="424" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1933/31384737498_375c5e0aef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Retriever In Training</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/45171841731/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bitey-Face 40/52"><img alt="Bitey-Face 40/52" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1916/45171841731_72d9293fdc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bitey-Face</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/30088074567/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="The Apprentice 39/52"><img alt="The Apprentice 39/52" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1936/30088074567_6901f37780_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Apprentice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/45024011381/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Play Time"><img alt="Play Time" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1903/45024011381_de5d0d47e5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down Time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/44113012265/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Golden Retriever"><img alt="Golden Retriever" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1980/44113012265_3c42e5c779_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under a Watchful Eye</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/44304903044/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Water Play"><img alt="Water Play" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1924/44304903044_1ea7b4aa94_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a Dog Thing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bztraining/44112969485/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bitey-Face"><img alt="Bitey-Face" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1948/44112969485_398af36aed_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Bitey-Face</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Dog Blog Post #2507</h3>
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Photography Assignment</h2>
<br />
Click on any image to see if I have anything else to say about it. :)<br />
<br />
-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailydogchallenge/">Daily Dog Challenge</a> and join us! <br />
<br />
<i>© 2018 BZ Dogs - All Rights Reserved</i>BZ Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361634052414841228noreply@blogger.com2