Dog Training & Photography

WSK9CO Club

2011-03-21T08:54:00.000-06:00

We want everyone to get the most out of their training and would encourage everyone to train year round. Join our WSK9CO club and take advantage of all we have to offer. This can be used on any dog in your household or split between friends.

http://www.wsk9co.com/WSK9CO-Club.html

Tricks Class Week 4

2011-03-13T21:23:00.000-06:00

Play Dead
Peekaboo
Hide your head
Go hide
Leg weave
Balance and catch
Roll Over
Roll yourself in a blanket - Good night
  Back Chain
   Come - to the blanket
   Down - Lay down on the blanket
   Take it - grab the corner in your mouth
   Roll over - Hold it while rolling over


Build on known behaviors
Exercise together
have them help with daily chores

When to use your dogs name and when not to use your dogs name
Name with praise
Name when they are attentive, confident and calm
Name when you want them to do an action

No Name when they do something wrong
No Name when they are stressed
No Name when you want them to refrain from doing an action

Write and turn in your routines, 2 tricks from each week.

Advanced Obedience Class Week 3

2011-03-13T13:18:00.000-06:00

This week we introduced hand signals and distance. Your goal is to be able to walk a full circle around your dog in a sit stay and a down stay. Leave your dog in a sit stay, walk across the room and then use the down hand signal to get them into a down. We really focused on how to communicate to your dog without talking and how how body language tells them more than what we think. Get out and work your dogs in public and expect the same as you do at home. You can use treats if you need to to keep their focus. Never give up and keep trying, you never know if it is you that is triggering the wrong behavior.

Dog Tricks Week 3

2011-03-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

TRICKS:
Which hand holds the treat
Shell game
Turn off the light
Fetch - Get your leash
Hide your head
Play Dead
Go to bed
Peekaboo
Go hide
Mood walk

*Use your jackpots
*Choose the right toy or object for fetch - Find a non food reward your dog enjoys
*Play train your dog to tug
*Create 3 enrichment activities - These activities are ones your dog has to use mental and physical exercises that involve you.
*Try different things to maintain focus during your training sessions.

Homework:
*Write down all of your tricks, next to each one write a goal for that trick. Once you and your dog reach your goal move to the next one.
*Start to create your performance for week 6: Week 4 tricks will be, leg weave, balance and catch, roll over, roll yourself in a blanket.

Advanced Obedience Class Week 2

2011-03-06T19:52:00.000-07:00

We talked about DOWN. Use down in all of the same positions that you would use for Sit. Also find the time when you sit down to relax or put your focus on something else and your dog will lie down on their own without you commanding it. Continue to work Sit, Front, get in, get around and of course your sit and down stay. Homework is to work your dog in public and see if you can get a reaction out of someone commenting on your training. Also take your dog on a field trip and get a souvenir to bring to class. There will be a prizes for the best place you went and what your souvenir was. Happy travels and I will see you Thursday!

Dog Tricks Week 2

2011-02-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

Technique: 5 methods of eliciting a behavior from your dog

Luring: the process of encouraging the dog to follow a treat to get into the correct position.

Molding/modeling: the process of physically guiding or manipulating your dog into position.utilize props to compel the behavior.

Mimicking: the tendency of a dog to do what the trainer or another dog is doing.

Capturing: waiting for the dog to offer the behavior unprovoked. And then reward that behavior.

Shaping: building a new behavior by gradually rewarding approximations of the behavior, requiring the dog to come closer to the goal behavior.

Spin in circle - luring
Test your dogs hierarchy of treats: hot dogs, frozen meatballs, chicken, cheese, noodles, pizza crust, carrots, green beans, steak/hamburger, liver, cheer puffs, peanut butter, shrimp, canned salmon, tuna.

Pretty or beg - modeling
Build trust in your relationship: touch paws, thoroughly inspect paws, trim nails, check teeth, brush teeth, massage ears, clean ears, wipe eyes, brush, stroke tail, rest hand on back, step over when they are lying down, roll him over, pick up.

Cover your eyes - molding post it on muzzle reward for swiping
My dogs accomplishments

Be consistent with your requests
Separate your emotional state from training
Patience

Sing - mimicry
What can you mimic? Howel/sing, bark, play bow, dig in the ground, chase a ball, tug on a rope, yawn, spot a prey, swim, jump straight up, jump up on something.

Speak - capturing knock at door
Touch the spot. Box or object in a room

Play soccer - shaping big ball
Try and get a friend to do something without telling them what it is and have them continue to try and mark each closer behavior.

Crawl - use any one of the methods

Advanced Obedience Class

2011-02-27T17:03:00.000-07:00

Week 1

Sit

Front - Sit in front of me facing me

Get Around - Circle behind me and come sit at my left side

Get In - swing your hind end to the left and get into heel position/sit at left side

Come Around - Circle behind me and come sit at my right side

Around - swing the hind end to the right and sit on my right side

With your dog on your left call them into front position

With your dog on your right call them into front position

Sit (stay) you move to the right, to the left and in front of them then circle around them

Sit Stay and go to the end of a 10 foot lead add distractions of toys, food, people, other dogs, outside distractions as well.

I will send this out every Sunday so you know where we are at. Remember work 10 min a day at a minimum to get good results. Don't get frustrated we all have good and bad days. You can accomplish these with and without treats by luring or molding them into the position. Don't be afraid to use treats we get off them pretty quickly. If you want to know if your dog understands what is being taught then in a measurable goal if they do it 200 times correctly then you know they understand what it is you are asking of them.

I really enjoyed class you are all doing great! Keep training and keep it fun! See you Thursday night! I would love to see pictures of training or post on WSK9CO facebook how training is going, I would love to see you there as well.

Dog Tricks Week 1

2011-02-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

"Sit"
"Paws Up"
Take a bow"
"Say your prayers"
"Shake Hands"
"Hoop Jump"
"Jump through my arms"
"Wave Goodbye"

When I become frustrated during training I will.....
When I compare you to other dogs, I will remember....
I will think of your needs, even when....
I will dedicate the following time to your learning....

10 Treats
Train that trick for one minute, count how many treats given out.
0-3 Too few
4-5 Try to get more successes
6-8 PERFECT
9-10 Time to ask more from your dog.

Cue Action Reward
Soft small tasty treats
75% success rate
Build on known behaviors
200 times correct and that is how you know they understand what is being asked of them.

SIT

Your dog sits squarely on her hindquarters and remains there until released.

PAWS UP

Your dog puts her front paws up on a stool, chair, bed

TAKE A BOW: Your dog bows by keeping her back legs upright, while bowing down her front until her elbows touch the floor.

SAY YOUR PRAYERS: When saying her prayers, your dog places her front paws on the edge of a bed or chair, lowers her forequarters as in a bow, and hides her head between her arms.

SHAKE

When shanking hands, your dog raises her paw, allowing guests to shake her paw.

WAVE GOODBYE

When waving goodbye, your dog waves her paw hight in the air.

Little higher!

That's it!

HOOP JUMP: your dog jumps through a hoop, either fixed in place or hand held.

The next step would be jump through my arms: your dog jumps through a large circle formed by your arms.

WSK9CO - Walk and train

2010-08-01T22:30:00.002-06:00

Starting in August I will be starting a new service. Walk and Train sessions with you dog. I will come to your home during the day and take your dog out for a walk and work the basic obedience commands, sit, down, leash manners, wait and here. Below are the packages and can be booked on a day to day, week to week or a month to month basis and I will invoice accordingly. If you know of anyone who is looking for a dog walker pass it on. What a better use of time than just out walking they get obedience work and manners as well. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Individual days you just call and book them 18.00 per time.

2 days a week $30.00 per week
2 days a week 1 day walk/train 2nd day dog park $35.00

3 days a week $45.00 per week
3 days a week 2 days walk/train 1 day dog park $50.00

5 days a week $75.00
5 days a week 3 days walk/train 2 days dog park $80.00

If you book/pay for any package for a month receive 5.00 off per week and receive a WSK9CO T-shirt

I look forward to working with your 4 legged family member.

Regards,
Joe
801.703.3870
wsk9co.com

Happiness Is...

2010-05-20T23:50:00.000-06:00

Happiness Is……

Our family of 5, or should I say 6, went out last Saturday to play baseball. What a fun time we had! The sun was out and no clouds in the sky so we decided we would play boys against girls.

The 2 girls and I tried our hardest to hit the ball and make it to at least first base. The 3 boys were playing short stop and pitching, Chris pitching and Riley short stop and outfield, well short short stop when it comes to the girls hitting.

So where is the 3^rd boy and what position is he going to play. That is where our best friend comes in. Bora played every position from catching at home plate to getting the balls that Riley would miss and bringing them to the pitcher every time.

Once, Bora got the ball while Cheyenne was heading to first base. Bora was chasing her with the ball in his mouth not knowing he had to tag her so she made it to 2^nd base! So then it was my turn, 3 strikes and out I go. It was so fun to have a dog that can play baseball with us and enjoying family time. Happiness Is…Your Best Friend playing baseball and being able to play every position on the field and making sure the ball gets back to the pitcher in the end.

iPad Review (64gb-3G)

2010-05-20T11:45:00.002-06:00

iPad Review (64gb-3G):

We’re several weeks into using the 64gb, 3g iPad. One of the first things I have to say is, if there isn’t 3g coverage and you don’t have wireless, the internet is virtually useless on this, remember the 14.4 modems? Choke, literally! Other than that, this device is truly fun to use.

Our iPad was not purchased with the intent to replace our laptop, more so to supplement it. We bought the device with our business in mind. Here are the things that came to mind in consideration for purchasing; portable evaluations, virtual portfolio, directions to new client’s homes (gps), portable registration and submissions, mobile productivity, and of course, the calendar for appointments. While there may be more, these are at the top.

We actually travel quite a bit, upwards of 1500 miles a month, in-state and out-of-state so the iPad should fit right into our needs while on the road. One huge consideration is mobile productivity while on the road, checking/sending email, writing proposals, etc. In this area, as long as you have 3g or wireless, the iPad excels. Fortunately, for pretty much the whole salt lake valley, we have 3g coverage. I’m not quite certain how far south the coverage extends yet, I would imagine the Provo area. I can tell you that 3g ends just about up north to Brigham City. After that, good luck with using the internet.

On a recent trip to Great Falls, MT I pretty much gave up checking email between Brigham City and Pocatello, ID. Although email would eventually update, it was only after a LONG delay. On some occasions I would get a sever time out, or unable to reach gmail messages. Curiously, through most of the cities in Montana that we travel through and stay in, there’s no 3G coverage…doesn’t AT&T claim coverage for 230 million people across the U.S.? Well MT must not fall within that category. I shouldn’t complain solely about AT&T though, Verizon service is dreadful from Idaho Falls to Butte, MT…don’t ever get stranded between there!

Moving on, being able to use the iPad in a client’s house and show them the portfolio of pictures is stunning. It’s also very nice to begin a slideshow and have music to it as well, that really ads to the “wow” factor. It may seem cheesy, but look at it from a consumer and presentation standpoint. When presenting the engagement pictures to your clients, their eyes light up when music beings playing. Well done Apple!

I’ve learned a new style of typing, a hybrid, if you will. My high school typing (Mrs. Hemsted) would beat my hands with a ruler if she saw me! I mainly use the virtual keyboard in landscape mode and have found that I take my right index finger and use it for certain keys since the keyboard isn’t full size. It doesn’t bother me, in fact, I have become rather efficient with it. What I do find funny is the tabs on the F and J key are there for the “home row”. How does that work with no feeling?

Emails, notes, and adding appointments are all fairly simple with the keyboard. GPS, wonderful! Couldn’t say more about it as long as you have 3G coverage! Seeing a pattern here? Using the iPad as a directional device heading to a new client’s house is very easy, there have been many times where I’ve been lost. Using this is just great!

I also found a download limit, which I’m sure is disclosed in the T&Cs, of 20mb. I was attempting to see how fast I could download a podcast that was roughly 38mb on 3G. After evaluating the size for about a minute, I received a pop up message that said the size exceeded 20mb and I should use a wireless network. Don’t see that little message prominently displayed anywhere.

All in all, we’re extremely happy with the purchase and don’t regret it. One last thing, streaming Pandora through the car radio while traveling is the BEST!

Log Haven engagement pictures

2010-04-26T16:02:00.001-06:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted. I have to admit, it's been very busy, on both fronts (photography & training).

This weekend I was fortunate to shoot the engagement pictures for Chris and Amber. The location: Log Haven. The weather was spectacular as were the clients. Below I'm posting a couple of my favs...for all, go to:

wsk9co.zenfolio.com/chrisandamber

In the first here, I wanted a selective depth of field, brining Amber in foreground, and using the rule of thirds. As far as the technical photog stuff, 50mm, manual mode, auto WB, evaluative metering, f3.5, 1/100sec. Having the poses in mind before you shoot is a must, however, not a necessity. I had written mine down and they ended up blowing off into the creek that runs behind the platform. Fortunately, another photog was with me on the shoot, Ben Haslam (www.haslamphotography.com) and went in after them! Thanks Ben!

Having Amber looking off camera left adds somewhat of a daydreaming gaze to the picture while Chris is relaxed and gazing at her from behind. Without your subject being comfortable a lot of this isn't possible, they need to be comfortable with you, and themselves most importantly. You may find that they tell you it was a unique bonding experience after it's over.

In the second shot, plain and simple, this was something that caught my eye as I was in close with them. I had moved camera right to get a picture of Chris and saw this. I made sure to tell them, stay right where you are! And finally, the third, what fun! Doing the timeless "dip".

SLC Dog-365: Day 3

2010-01-04T08:54:00.002-07:00

Ok, who doesn't love a bulldog plowing forward at a dog park? LOL, that's exactly what we saw at Memory Grove on Sunday. Wheezy is everything a bulldog should be! With six plus dogs around she had a bubble that she didn't want anyone in. She's definitely a daddy's girl too. Just six weeks ago Wheezy gave birth to two healthy little pups too.

Most shoots that I'm on I typically get down to the dog's level, Wheezy was no exception, that of course until I started getting bulldozed. It was the funniest thing ever, she would stand back five or so feet, put her head down, take a mouth full of snow then let loose. She came barreling straight forward, and **BLAM**, (just like an old Batman cartoon), hit me dead center with her shoulder. At one point I noticed huge highlight warnings from my camera, I realized during one of the hits my drive had changed to Manual. Ooops! All in all, Wheezy was awesome!

Technical; Mode Av, 50mm & 18-200mm, spot & center weighted metering, over exposed by one stop. Post processing in Lr2, increased blacks, smidg'n of recovery, and added clarity and sharpness.

SLC-Dog 365: Day 2

2010-01-02T18:31:00.001-07:00

Today was Tanner Park again, what a beautiful day out. A little over half way through the park I noticed this Great Dane, beautiful coloring (blue) and full of energy. We talked with her owner and learned a little more about her. Her name is Milli and she's just a year old.

This time I used the 50mm, over-exposed a couple stops, and was using center weighted metering. Lastly, shot in Av. All post processing in Lr2.

SLC Dog-365: Day 1

2010-01-02T12:12:00.001-07:00

For my photog friends, day 1 was very overcast and a cool 20 something degrees. I used the 18-200, spot metering, and over exposed by 1 stop because of the snow. I also used Av and post processed in Lr2.

I used Bora as the first in the series planned. We visited Tanner Park and Memory Grove. Both are off-leash dog parks and each has unique settings for the dogs. I was surprised to see very little activity at each dog park, there were very few people and dogs out. Here's a sampling of the series:

2010 Business Updates

2010-01-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

We would like to take this opportunity and thank you for your business in 2009 and continued business in 2010. We have several exciting announcements for you that we would like to share as well.

First Announcement, WSK9CO Products will now be featured on our website (www.wsk9co.com) and our online store (www.cafepress.com/wsk9co). In the online store you will find various products like the 2010 Calendar with super cool doggy pictures from 2009...take a peek, your dog may be featured and for $20.00, each house needs one! We also offer coffee and travel mugs, mouse pads, and dog bowls. So, what are you waiting for? Click on the link now!!!!

Second Announcement, WSK9CO Apparel. If you haven't seen Joe in one of the hoodies or t-shirts jump on over to the website to take a look at the various apparel choices that you have. Choices range from a simple t-shirt to an uber cool hoodie, we're big fans of the hoodies because they're SO comfortable. We also offer regular crew-neck sweatshirts and long sleeve t-shirts as well.

Third announcement; WSK9CO Referral Program. Our way of saying thank you for your continued loyalty, for referring a new client to WSK9CO for training or photography you could find yourself getting some pretty cool stuff! Here's how it works, if you refer one new client that signs up for training (of any kind) or photography you will receive a WSK9CO T-Shirt. For two referrals, you will receive a free group class or five (5) private lessons. Three referrals, free photo shoot (valued at $250). Four referrals, first, you have tons of friends...that's AWESOME! Seriously, you will receive a dinner for two from WSK9CO.

Fourth, and final, Announcement; SLC Dog-365. This will be a HUGE undertaking. Like the SLC Dog book, the concept is simple, find a different dog each day in 2010 and photograph it, hence the "365". The tough part, find a different dog each day and photograph it! There won't be a charge, just the generosity of the owner (and of course the dog). This means frequenting the dog parks as much as possible to find new dog models :) Each owner will receive a free download of their choice once the pictures are posted to the album. If you, or someone you know, would like to participate and have your dog in the book please use the Contact Us link or call Joe @ 801.703.3870. The book should be published in early 2011.

Finally, we would like to start the New Year off by offering you a 25% discount in our online gallery (http://wsk9co.zenfolio.com/) from January 1 through March 31. Use coupon code: wsk9co25 to apply the discount to your order total at checkout. Please note, this does not apply to shipping and handling. Enjoy, and best wishes in the new year.

Your friends at,

Western States K-9 College

Specialty Group Classes

2009-12-27T16:45:00.004-07:00

AKC Companion Dog Class

Cost 120.00, Existing or previous clients 100.00

Time Line: 8 Weeks

When: Thursday January 21 @ 6:00 - March 11 @ 6:00pm

Location: Camp Bow Wow

Tracking/Search Dog Class

Cost: 105.00 Existing or previous Clients 95.00

Time Line: 7 Weeks

When: Saturday January 30 – March 27 @ 11:00am

Where: First Class Jepson, Tanner Park

Dog Tricks 101

Cost $75.00, existing or previous clients $65.00

Time Line 6 weeks

When: Wednesday January 13 @ 6:30 - February 17 @ 6:30pm

Location: My Home (Jepson Ave)

select the link below to register for any of the above classes

http://wsk9co.com/grouplessonsignup.html

Help-Portrait

2009-11-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

In my previous post I provided a link to the video from Help-Portrait. To recap; Help-Portrait is a world-wide movement of photographers that are using their gifts this holiday season (Dec 12) to give back to those less fortunate. This is done by providing those in need with a free photo session along with a free picture.

I'm happy to announce that we will be working with the Housing Authority of the County of Salt Lake. The HACSL will be providing the space and reaching out to their clients. We've also secured the printing of the portraits through a gracious donation from Ray Taggart, owner of Pixe's Foto & Frame. We have four photographers and multiple volunteers including some from the HACSL!

We're still in need of donations for water bottles and snacks (granola bars, etc.). If you know of anyone interested in donating for these items please contact me right away, the date is rapidly approaching!

Must see video

2009-11-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

For those of you that read this blog and have a camera, the following video is a must see. This is an opportunity to give, and give back, period. You'll have such an opportunity to touch so many people, please give this serious consideration. I'm already planning my Help-Portrait. I'll post more as the plan becomes reality.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3BFwgf1f2I

NOVEMBER DOG TRICK

2009-11-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

TURNING THE LIGHTS ON AND OFF

1. Placing the front paws up on the wall

a. Grab some tasty treats

b. Position yourself next to the wall switch

c. Say your dogs name

d. Give the command “Paws Up”

e. Hold the treat in your fingers and encourage your dog in to reaching up the wall. (reward for any attempts) Try to get them to reach a little further each time.

f. Over several training sessions your dog will be standing on their hind legs with paws fully extended up the wall.

g. If you are having trouble with our dog’s putting that first paw up on the wall, you may have to physically but gently assist them with both of you facing the wall. Make sure you are giving the command and the treat when their paws touch the wall.

h. Once your dog is consistently placing the paws up on the wall with you standing close, step away from the wall and give the command “go paws up”

2. Jumping up on a chair

a. This is an optional step if you have a small dog that can’t reach the switch by putting paws up.

b. The command “up” will be used for positioning your dog above the ground, or a particular level, it directs them to attain something at a higher level than they are at presently.

c. Have your dog sit facing the chair approximately three feet away.

d. Have your treat ready, and stand behind the chair so that the chair is between you and your dog.

e. Say your dogs name followed by the command “up” while patting the seat of the chair.

f. Once they are up on the chair reward them with a treat. If you have to reward for small steps reward for front feet on the chair and ask for a little bit more each time.

g. If necessary physically help them up into the chair, while showing praise and treats. Be patient and keep everything positive and happy, they will catch on.

h. Once your dog is responding to the “up” command increase you’re their distance away from the chair before you give the command.

i. Remember to reward each time they succeed.

3. Turning the switch on

a. Do not begin this training step until your dog can be directed to place their front paws up on the wall within muzzle distance of the switch. Remember a dog can tire easily in this position. Keep the training short and positive.

b. Encourage them to touch the switch. Once they touch the switch with their nose, reward.

c. Position yourself right next to the switch and say your dogs name followed by the command “Lights On”

d. Initially encourage them to grab a small treat held close to the switch itself. Repeat this exercise until your dog’s nose moves quickly to the switch to get the treat.

e. Duplicate everything again, but this time have your fingers positioned at the switch without a treat.

f. When your dog tries to find the treat and makes nose contact, flip up the switch turning on the light in the room. Praise and reward them.

g. As soon as your dog is proficient at this, remove your empty fingers from the switch with and tap the switch with your fingernail to encourage your dog into touching it.

h. Again, as your dog touches the switch, flip it and reward.

i. Over several training sessions, teach them to expect a treat every time they touches the switch, and give them the visual feedback by immediately flipping it on as if they did it.

j. If you have regression in the training, back up and repeat the previous steps.

k. As you progress, be prepared to make a big fuss the first five times your dog turns the light on. Praise enthusiastically and go play with their favorite toy.

l. If your dog is touching the switch too lightly that they don’t flip it on you need to help. Very gently move their muzzle to nudge it and of course give treats. The key at this point is to give treats every time they move the switch at all.

m. Once your dog is flipping the switch on their own move away from the wall little distances at a time and give the command “Paws up” “Lights On”

n. Over several training sessions increase the distance you are able to send them.

4. Turning the switch off

a. The easiest way for your dog to turn the switch off is to paw the switch.

b. They will easily understand that they will always nose the light on and paw the light off.

c. Before you have your dog place their paw on the wall, teach them the “paw” command.

d. Grab some treats and get them in a sit position.

e. Say the command “Paw”, and encourage them to hand you the right paw and give a treat.

f. The target of their paw should be your right hand, since most people shake with their right hands.

g. If necessary, use your left hand to help out by nudging your dog’s paw out and up until it lands in your hand.

h. Nudge just enough for them to succeed and receive a treat but gradually reduce your help as they figure it out.

i. Once your dog is giving you their paw consistently for a treat, repeat everything but this time move your right hand as the target at the last minute.

j. Immediately reward them as they paw the air. With repetition, your dog should hear the command “paw” and start pawing; now you are ready for the switch.

k. Direct your dog to place their front paws up on the wall and position yourself right next to them.

l. Try and position them where their right paw is below the switch. Say their name and give the command “Paw It” Gently help the paw up the wall and guide it into pulling the switch down, then reward. This move will take a bit to get use to.

m. Repeat this training several times and then momentarily pause before helping them lift the right paw. Praise and encourage your dog when they paw anything on the wall. Later you can reward for better aim.

n. Remember the light should be turned off in this process. Your dog will receive beneficial feedback from it.

o. Once your dog is turning the light switch off on their own mover away from the wall a few steps and practice it, just as you practiced turning the light switch on.

p. Over several training sessions, increase the distance you are able to send them.

PHOTO SHOOT AT Camp Bow Wow®

2009-11-08T16:46:00.002-07:00

Thursday November 19 6:30pm

PHOTO SHOOT AT Camp Bow Wow®

Western States K-9 College presents our award winning photographer; Chris Dickinson.

Get your dog's picture taken November 19

*$20.00 sitting fee, includes a free 8x10 with options to purchase additional prints on-line.

Sign up now by clicking on the link below

www.wsk9co.com/photoshoot.html

SPACE IS LIMITED, SIGN UP NOW!

Subjects and Composition

2009-11-08T15:58:00.001-07:00

This weekend we went up to Midway with specific photography projects in mind. The first was subject placement, second was framing, and the thrid was leading lines. The beautiful thing about photography is that it's subjective. As the photographer YOU get to decide what and how you will compose your picture. Composition is a subject for another post!

The top is my framing picture. Somewhat abstract with the legs although filled with the tree braches around the left and right sides with a clear subject in the middle. This photo was taken with the 50D, 50mm lens at f/16, ISO100 and 1/100 sec shutter. What is important to note here is the metering, I used center weighted to keep the exposure of the jeans and dog in play without blowing out the sky. Post processing with done in LR2. The only things I did was a partial crop and changed the calibration to landscape.

Top middle is leading lines. This photo I saw as a black and white exposure with the train tracks leading into the stop. I also used a red filter to accentuate the sky and the thin layer of clouds. This photo was taken with the 50D, 50mm lens at f/16, ISO100 and 1/125 sec shutter. I also used the center weighted to keep the exposure for this picture. Post processing with done in LR2. The only things I did was changed the calibration to landscape, converted to B/W and added a red filter.

Lastly, subject placement. I wanted to set the dog in such a way the he was off center slightly using the rule of thirds and accentuate his size relative to the barns. This photo was taken with the 50D, 50mm lens at f/16, ISO100 and 1/100 sec shutter. I used a partial metering here to keep the exposure of the dog correct, again, without blowing out the sky. Post processing with done in LR2. The only thing I did changed the calibration to landscape.

New logo!

2009-10-29T19:26:00.002-06:00

Thanks to our friend Marne' over at http://whitneydanielsdesigns.com/ we finally pulled the trigger and had our business logo designed. We're so happy with the outcome! Marne' also provides clothing for your logo, from polos to sweats. It goes without saying; we'll also be placing a big order for t-shirts and sweatshirts, for starters!

If you're looking for brand identification for your business or want some really cool t-shirts, please be sure to stop by http://whitneydanielsdesigns.com/ , say "Hi" to Marne' for us.

October Dog Trick

2009-10-19T22:40:00.000-06:00

NOT TO BE SNEEZED AT: Retrieving a tissue upon hearing you sneeze.

Tip: Use a half empty tissue box that is always producing a tissue it will be easier for your dog to get the tissue out.

There are 4 behavior components to this trick

1. Placing the front paws up on something

2. Jumping up on a chair or couch

3. Retrieving a tissue

4. Delivering a tissue

1. PLACING THE FRONT PAWS UP ON SOMETHING:

- Grab some tasty treats and position yourself next to the item.

- Say your dogs name followed by the command "paws up"

- Hold the treat in your fingers and encourage your dog to get it. Immediately give the dog a treat.

- Try to get him to reach farther each time.

- Remember to reward your dog for even minor progress.

- If you are having trouble with your dog putting the first paw up, help them by placing their paws up and then reward.

- Once your dog is consistently placing paws up with commands, gradually move away from your dog.

- In time send your dog away from you and tell them "paws up"

2. JUMPING UP ON A CHAIR OR COUCH:

- This is an optional command if your dog cannot reach the counter that your tissue box will be sitting on.

- The command will be "up".

- Using the same technique as above.

- Encourage your dog up with a treat and by standing behind the chair or couch to get them to jump up.

- As soon as your dog is responding consistently gradually start moving away from the chair or couch.

- -In time send your dog away from you and tell them "up".

3. RETRIEVING A TISSUE: (If your dog does not retrieve it can be taught)

- Practice the retrieve with a variety of easy to carry items.

- Walk around the house handing them items and rewarding for compliance.

- Use the tissue as the object, handing it to them and rewarding for compliance.

- Us the command "get it" with an exaggerated sneeze.

- Be sure to take this in small steps.

4. DELIVERING A TISSUE:

- Once the tissue is in his mouth play the exchange game, tissue for a treat.

Teaching the steps in this trick will aid in many more tricks to come. Please feel free to post your success or areas that you are struggling in.

FREE - Dog Training Seminars

2009-10-16T22:00:00.000-06:00

Thursday October 22 6:30pm

Seminar will be held at:
Camp Bow Wow
http://www.campbowwow.com/
475 W 3600 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84115

FREE SEMINAR - ADDING A DOG TO YOUR FAMILY AND HOW TO PICK THE BEST DOG FOR YOU

Are you thinking about adding a dog to your family but not sure where to start? This seminar is for you!

We will be discussing the following and much much more:

*Things to consider when adding a puppy/dog.

*What type of dog and/or breed is best for you.

*Introducing your new family member.

Sign up today by clicking on the link below

www.wsk9co.com/addadog.html

SPACE IS LIMITED, SIGN UP NOW!

Tools and creativity

2009-10-15T16:19:00.000-06:00

If you're like me, at some point in time you'll find yourself looking at everything that passes you by and think, "wow, this would make a great picture". It may be riding or driving, or a certain angle at which you're standing. The point is that you're using your imagination and creativity to create, or make a picture. Tools help you accomplish capturing what you've seen.

Sometimes people will say (this isn't an insult to them) "you must have a great camera", or "I need to get one of those". To a photographer this can be taken as a backwards insult. To the photographer it's like saying, "you have no talent or creativity, the camera does".

Now we all know that this isn't their intentions, nor is it meant to be malicious, they just want to strike up a conversation. In fact, it could be seen as a compliment! I've become rather immune to it now, I used to think the same thing. Now I take this approach. I tell them that I have a 50D and some great glass, then I tell them the story about winning an award and how I won it. I'm not one to enter competitions, although this time I went out on a limb and here's what happened.

I was driving up the Alpine Loop on the backside of the Timpanogos and rounded a switch back when I saw these incredible colors, bright yellows contrasted by the deep blacks from the road all sitting below this crisp blue sky. I didn't have enough time to pull out my SLR so I grabbed my point and shoot and turned it portrait, snapped the picutre and this was the outcome. Now remember, this was also taken while I was driving and from behind the windshield.

The next time someone says this to you, remember, don't get insulted. Teach them, you may help them find their creativity.

Recent family shoot

2009-10-13T11:06:00.000-06:00

I remember learning that you "create" a picture, you don't "take" a picture. At the end I'll discuss the technical side to these shots.

For all photos I used Canon's 70-200 f2.8 L, I was roughly 15-20 feet away from the subjects and I also used my 580exII flash. I stayed at f3.2 in AV mode, I also kept my ISO at 100 for max clarity.

The first picture was taken around 630pm the last weekend in August. The sun was dropping fast and I had to move quickly because I had several other shoots too. The sun was low enough to get right over the couple's shoulders and create that washed out sun picture.

The next shot was taken of the same couple with their family. This one was taken just this weekend (as were the rest) up in the mountains around 9am. Talk about cold! The conditions were favorable, for winter gear, which wasn't favorable for the shots. The sun was glaring in at a terrible angle which would have cast horrible light on the subjects. Tip: light trumps location! We ended up moving around the rock to a shady side.

The next shot favors black and white. Strong blacks, bright whites. Same location, same time, same cold weather. The post processing was simple here, high-key black and white. FYI - I don't spend more than five minutes on any given photo in post processing. If you do, you're probably wasting time.

The picture of the three men, this is one of my favs. I asked the guys to stand natural and put their hands in their pockets. From there I just told them to be serious and look my way.

The next two pictures are timeless. One favoring black and white, this time however I chose to go with a low key. A softer tone from the high key.

Finally, a gotcha shot...some of the best. Just as I asked that Kim give Gary a kiss, he looked over. High key black and white.

New photo shoot!

2009-10-11T14:08:00.001-06:00

This weekend we spent doing family portraits for the Doberman Pinscher
breeder (lhkennels.blogspot.com) in Spring Creek, NV.
Talk about tons of fun, this family was 16 people strong and awesome
to work with. They did so great posing considering it was in the
mountains and only in the 30's (in the shade).
Keep watching for some previews!