Last year, there was an incredibly cool webinar series by Chris Riel in collaboration with Emily from Inspawrationschool, in which everything revolved around action photography with dogs. Chris explained everything from A to Z during his webinars. I admire his extensive knowledge, from the technical aspects of cameras and lenses to the practical execution of taking action photos. Thanks to this series, I learned a lot and my action photos have improved significantly.
What especially stuck with me is the so-called T-rex pose. I was incredibly happy with a photo I had taken, and by coincidence, one of the subsequent webinars by Chris was about exactly this topic. He explained that the T-rex pose captures the moment when the dog’s legs are still retracted, like a T-rex, instead of fully extended. This was a NO GO for him. Coincidentally, I had taken such a photo, but since then, I know exactly the right moment to capture. In addition to this valuable tip, there are many more insights that I will definitely take with me in my photography.
After the webinars, taking action photos has become much easier for me. I now know exactly which settings to use and how to ensure the dog assumes the correct position.
Moreover, I find it a fun addition to vary during a photo session and keep it interesting and fun for the dog. Taking action photos is therefore not only educational but also a pleasant experience for both the photographer and the dog!