Musings About the Calendar

[F, Calla & Luca]

This post is not about me or any known DK member. Just musings as the midnight hour of the calendar deadline approaches at least here in the East. What if you are a world class photographer? But you have a unattractive less attractive doodle.We could ask the question, are there any such things? Aren't all doodles attractive? Especially to the people who love them. Should your doodle be in the calendar? Great picture, sharp, clear, gorgeous setting. Ordinary doodle. But then in the hands of a great photographer the soulfulness of a doodle's eyes comes through doesn't it? What if you have a spectacular doodle. But you are not at all a photographer?

Needless to say all the calendar submission preoccupation has gotten to me. Should I have carried a brush and camera around a lot? Should I have bothered the doodles so much? Aren't they dogs and entitled to be messy? I have seen some fabulous pictures of wet doodles though. But then the dogs did get dried liver treats for today's last minute shoots. Maybe they thought it was worth it all. At least I don't force them into costumes : ) But at times it reminds me of the Westminster Kennel Club and the backstage primping that seems insane to me.

Can anybody capture with a camera the love you feel when you look at your dog? Any thoughts?

[Camilla and Darwin]

I don't think she was trying to portray anything harsh or mean either. I just wanted to put this out there because I don't want people to have a negative view of this awesome competition, or feel that it's unfair or stressful. I feel unhappy that people seem resentful about the competition, it's supposed to be fun! I keep getting the feeling from little statements here or there that I should feel bad for submitting photos. Well I don't think I should, I have tried hard just like everyone else. I hope that nobody feels like they shouldn't submit for any reason! I have seen so many amazing photos this month and they have nothing to do with cost of equipment or experience. Adina has a really hard job ahead of her!

The first year I entered the competition the photo chosen to be on the cover was spur of the moment and taken by a point and shoot camera. I just don't like the statements saying that the photos chosen are somehow less special because they are "stiff" or "posed". Everyone who submits a photo to the calendar loves their photos, and all of them are amazing. Spur of the moment, posed, groomed, not groomed, etc. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I just wrote a response that I hope explains my views better. I always encourage people to submit because you never know and it is fun although for the more obsessive and competitive among us, not me of course : ), it can be a little challenging. My best shot also was a spur of the moment shot I took when I first got my dSLR. I think someone on DK suggested I submit it. I hope you feel that I encouraged you in the olden days although I was trying to be honest.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I loved and appreciated your criticism, and they truly helped me. I mean, a lot. :-)

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Agreed! And it's a good thing to write how you feel so others understand.

I hope people don't think that way but once again lots of people and opinions in one place - ha ha, is what makes this place special.

I for one admire your accomplishments and would hate to think you would ever feel like you shouldn't enter...that certainly would not be fair.

+ and just so you know, I never primp Daisy, she is always perfectly groomed! LOL especially her feet (new photo for my posts)

[Bonnie and Kona]

Darn it, Lisa! I was sure you were spending hours every day primping Daisy! ;o)

That girl of yours is just stinking adorable! 

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Bonnie, likewise on your Kona....and of course Owen isn't hard to look at either.:o)

[Bonnie and Kona]

;o)

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Camilla ~ you have helped so many of us and continue to do.  I believe I take away something from each of the photo discussions that makes me at least try to think about some of these things when I am actually out there taking photos.  I just enjoy taking photos, even though few are really good, but they do capture the my moments.

As far as the calendar photos,  I did send in couple, but would be totally shocked if one were chosen. That being said, it will not keep me from trying ever year. I never give up. 

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Camilla, these were just thoughts running through my head and not my true viewpoint. Yes it does get stressful but we all chose the level of involvement we want. I don't resent the great photographers although I do envy them a bit and aspire to be like them. I realize that for many reasons it's a goal I may never fully attain but one's reach should exceed one's grasp. Gee, I might get bored if all my photos were perfect.

I also secretly, well not so secretly now, take some pleasure in how far you have come as a photographer and editor. I remember being somewhat critical of those early Darwin photos : ) I don't feel the calendar process is at all unfair. We all have a shot, literally. The selection is of course subjective but how could it not be since beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. Adina also has to consider balance for the photos, variety and seasonality etc. It's a daunting task.

Your help with editing the photos is greatly appreciated I know. You did a great job and spent lots of precious time on it. And getting out there and taking pictures is good for all of us. Capturing memories, improving skills all important. And the idea of primping my doodles, especially Luca, like a show dog gives me chuckles. Mr. Disheveled would never make the ring : )

[Camilla and Darwin]

:-) Sorry for the little rant. I guess I had some calendar musings as well.

I remember your criticisms the first year and second, and they were extremely helpful to me. That is why I love the discussion in the photography group, opinions and critiques are one of the best ways to improve. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Camilla, I think you are a HUGE asset to DK and I have told my DH a thousand times how you helped with everyone's photographs and how nice that was to do. Thank you!!

[Bonnie and Kona]

You and Darwin do this group a huge service every day. We all love you to bits! 

I don't take photographs, but because you are consistently so generous, I have always thought I could ask you for help if I ever did! You have such a generous heart.