A Masterclass in Professional Humiliation
Moss exploring on her first day home
I have a brand new puppy in my life. It’s been years since I lost my last much loved dog and I finally felt ready to welcome another wee soul into my home.
As a pet photographer, I also believed getting a puppy would be synergistic - a content opportunity if you like.
Having had many dogs in my life in years past, I thought I was prepared; this is not my first rodeo I thought smugly.
What a puppy actually is, is a daily reminder that confidence is a scam.
The Audacity
Moss has already perfected THE LOOK.
I genuinely thought:
“This will be great for behind-the-scenes content.”
Well, yes, but behind the scenes of what?
A crime scene?
There are toys strewn about the lounge floor as if they have all been shot in some big gun battle.
My Camera lenses all get thoroughly smeared with a large wet nose before being ‘washed’ with THE tongue.
Light stands serve a dual purpose of climbing frames.
Reflectors are clearly designed to be attacked on sight.
Equipment bags radiate “weak prey energy”.
I own a load of precious photo gear and a puppy who believes all of it exists purely for her enrichment.
“Use Your Training Skills”
Ah yes; the skills.
It is past my bedtime and Moss is launching off furniture, stealing socks that were actively being worn while trying to convince the cats to join in the fun.
And Bjork (one of my cats) is sorely tempted.
The Photos
An Agility Champ in the making
I have photographed:
Nervous rescues, senior dogs with arthritis and cats who hate everyone however, none of them have been as impossible to capture as Moss is.
So far most of the resulting images include:
A forward moving blur
A sideways streak
A blur with teeth
A blur actively chewing my reflector
Moss has:
Zero respect for my profession, no interest in composition, the belief that anything that moves should be mauled, along with an advanced degree in destruction.
Sir Spike TidMouse will not be mauled.
In Conclusion
I realise I am photographing a small hairy land shark with zero impulse control, and a personal vendetta against my camera.
And quite frankly, as soon as she gives me that little head tilt of comprehension I fall in love with her even more than I ever thought I could…
