Webbed Paws are Good for Paddling
Saturday, August 2, 2014 by Denise Subject MatterDogs of Manatee County | Furry Fairy Tale Ending | Pet Photography | Plott Hound
Paws may not have thumbs, but look out, some are webbed!
Let me introduce you to a handsome, very multi-talented, webbed-paw canine by the name of Ollie! Ollie was adopted from the Manatee County Animal Services, and is thought to be a Plott Hound Mix. He has a gorgeous, red brindle fur coat and appropriately floppy ears. Those ears ‘get the job done.’
Ollie, say hello!
Would you believe the above photo was one of the first shots I took and turned out to be the one I chose for the Dogs of Manatee County calendar? I didn’t realize I had the shot until I was in post-production, so I have more to share with you.
So what is up with the green tube, and where are we?
Ollie’s Mom told me how one of his favorite things to do in Manatee County is swim in the family pool. He helps himself to the pool whenever he can, and uses his hound-dog-howl to alert his family members that they too should go swimming...preferably with him...preferably right now.
And if you try to tell Ollie, “But I don’t want to get my hair wet,” or even better, “I don’t like the way I look in my swimsuit!” you might as well prepare yourself for this:
EPIC puppy-dog-eyes that just scream “SERIOUSLY!?” Dogs just don’t appreciate body image issues.
I chose to do the photo shoot in my own backyard because I thought that our tall, evergreen hedge would contrast nicely with Ollie’s red fur.
And regarding that fantastic, neon green pool float?
I remembered seeing on my favorite Pet Lifestyle blog, Pretty Fluffy, a certain adorable bulldog photo shoot by Missy Moo Studio that used pool floats in a really fun, adorable way that inspired me to try one with Ollie.
And this shot, “Splash” by Loose Leashes, inspired my composition and usage of the pool tile as another graphic element.
Once Ollie was in the pool swimming, we took turns throwing a ball in for him to fetch. We tried to do a jumping into the pool shot, but Ollie was way too clever! Every time we’d throw the ball in, it didn’t matter how far away the pool steps were, he’d go use those to get in. So instead of a ‘jumping’ shot, I got these clumsily stepping into the pool shots where his expression is practically priceless! Oh Ollie!
After about a half an hour, maybe forty-five minutes of swimming, I decided I probably had way more than I needed, and it was time for Ollie to get out of the pool. He did his doggie shake, and then we dried him off with a towel. It was just starting to rain (typical Florida, don’t you love it?), and I couldn’t resist getting this last shot:
I’m lucky to have such fun-loving volunteer models and supportive pet owners! Thank you for your time and enthusiasm!
Denise
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