The Wilds of Namibia

[F, Calla & Luca]

I was thinking this afternoon, that I am no longer as young as I used to be when I photographed wildlife in the wilds of Namibia. OK, it is true that I’ve never been to Namibia. In fact if you don’t count one night in Morocco, I’ve never been to Africa. But a photo safari is one of the last things left on my list of things I’d like to do as far as travel. But I digress.

I went out to photograph the dogs, hoping to start gathering photos for the calendar. It was not too hot or humid so that was a good start. Once again I realized I really am too old to be rolling in the grass trying to catch a good view of a doodle.  And although I carefully depooped the yard, we all know what was once there recently or some time ago.  

Then we start. While, attempting to remember to try to stay to the shade. Keep the sun at my back. Is the background OK? Has anyone explained these points to the dogs?  I’ve tried, believe me.

First the doodles must be reasonably groomed. Just before we start we degunk the eyes. Smooth the hair back from their temples and primp their eyelashes.  Run fingers through the hair on their muzzles. This is all most important for “Luca the disheveled”.  I know he has the most soulful eyes of any person doodle, but do others?

Do the doodles cooperate? Not a bit. After a while they no longer respond to whatever odd noises I make to get them to look at me. How easily jaded they are.

They do run after some incidental noise.

 

They turn their backs to me.

They roll in the grass.

They fight.

All this means a repeat of paragraph three.  

Focus.

Oh no, that didn't work.

Eeeks.

So 101 pictures later I have 1 or 2 that might be good with some work. Thomas Edison said "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." Photography is 1 great picture and  999 trash, in my hands, that is.

But we're having fun in the Photography Group aren't we ; ) So do come join us.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

F - this was so funny!!!  I think there should be a blooper calendar, and I love your photos.  The chances of one of my photos making that calendar - bout the same as me being America's Next Top Model.  And it is a good thing because if they made it I'd have to buy like 20, so in reality it is going to save me a ton of money.  But I love my doodles and think they are adorable so in order for me to not to feel bad - I've already come up with my consolation prize - for the first time ever I'm going to make my own calendar with all my photos.  This way I'll buy a DK calendar and then I'll have MY doodle calendar - perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

So not true! I love "Rooney on the rug", as is, unedited. And I'm sure there are others. This was really to show how much work it takes to get a really good picture. And my favorites, like last year's cover,  were really just serendipitous. Yes, I have spent a lot of money on calendars in the last 2 years. And yes, they don't pay me enough : )

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

What a fun read...because it rings so true!  But what's fun is the time spent with camera in hand watching your adorable Doods! 

[Carol and Banjo]

LOL!    F you get BIG points for trying!!!      The 4th photo is priceless!

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Oh how I feel your pain.  Luckily the memory cards are reusable.  If I had to pay for film processing I would not even get 1 good photo.  It looks think you had a fun time trying.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I say, make the dogs stay out in the yard for days and days and use your time release camera.  WALLA!  All the work is done while you eat, sleep, work, and play.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Now why didn't I think of that : )

[Cindy M, Zachary & the Frenchies]

The photo group - I would have to get a new camera that actually clicks in time to get that great shot, a new yard that the dogs could actually romp in for all those inspirational photos, (rather than  the one with a pond and desert landscape), I would have to learn rules of photography.... I think I will just take my fun photos and drool over the photos of the gurus in the group!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

I love your photo journal.  I've tried to capture "that perfect" shot - but something is always short of perfect (okay, so most often it's WAY short of perfect)!!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Thanks.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I just told my DD this weekend we are starting to take some pictures for the calendar. I have a feeling it might go like your photo session did! Very funny! They do seem to know when we are trying to get a picture, don't they? I have a million pictures of Fudge looking away from the camera. I swear she does it on purpose :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

They are very clever. Next time I think I'll bribe them since the thought of fame has had no influence.