Photograph info: (Third photo in this series.) This Spinone Italiano named "Mr. Green," shown with his owner & handler, was competing for Best in Breed. The Spinone Italiano is a rare breed in the U.S. and one of my favorites. They're also known as Italian Wirehaired Pointers.
In case you just tuned in:
Every winter I head to New York City for the Westminster Kennel Club Show at Madison Square Garden. The photos may be off-topic for this blog but I like to share them anyway -- I'm using them for a book about the relationship between humans and four-legged creatures.
The environment on the floor is just short of chaotic. There are thousands of people and dogs, it's crowded, hot and uncomfortable, and a real challenge to take photos. I've attended the event for almost ten years and continue to have conflicted feeilngs about it -- it's enjoyable and troubling at the same time -- but that's why I'm photographing it.
All of the images in this series were shot in ambient light (no flash) and are JPEG files processed by the camera, with little to no post-processing.
Camera settings and post-processing: Shot with the Canon EOS 5D Mark II 
Thank you for visiting Durham Township!
--Kathleen
I might be "projecting" what I'd like to think but this photo seems to capture not only incredible intelligence in the dog but a great calmness and certainty of what they are about to do between dog and man.
Lovely!
Posted by Ann from Montana on February 19, 2009 10:30 AMThis pooche has the look of a real saint....apparently not Bernard, but still......The bowed follower looks on as the Sage Spinone (Latan for "The One Who Rotates") receives a vision from beyond. (hard to say "beyond what?" exactly, perhaps beyond a tree or bush.) One must suppose inspiration is where you find it. (Like brass, pot metal, an old shoe--or anything else for that matter.)
Inspiring photography is where you find it too. And we know where to find it :~)=
Posted by david tinnon on February 19, 2009 11:09 AMStunning portrait. Am curious about your project...it sounds so wonderful. Love this!!!
Posted by Marcie on February 19, 2009 11:24 AMA man and his dog, a likable pair
Light colored hair and pink noses they share.
Practiced and prepared, they've taken much care.
All the more reason for the challengers to beware.
Is it just me, or does this dog have a human expression in his eyes and on his face? Amazing!
Posted by RD on February 19, 2009 1:51 PMYes! He has beautiful eyes.
Posted by Benjamin on February 19, 2009 8:24 PMThat is a really beautiful dog. He looks so regal and proud.
Posted by Laurie on February 19, 2009 11:02 PMI never miss the show on TV. What an amazing experience it must be to actually be there. This is such a cool looking dog. I have a special spot in my heart for all shaggy dogs. We have two ourselves...a Bouvier and a Tibetan Terrier. I'm so glad I saw your blog on VFXY. Your photographs are exceptionally beautiful and I plan to return often to see what new work you have in store.
Posted by Suzanne on February 20, 2009 8:40 PMGreat shot, the fur seems to invite for a touch to see how soft it is. And the bright eye says I'm a good, serious dog.
Posted by Ted Szukalski on February 20, 2009 11:32 PMBAUU, BAU, AU... AU....
Posted by imagina on February 21, 2009 1:36 PMVisiting Your blog is the only time that I start to regret I don't like dogs.
Posted by Marta on February 21, 2009 5:34 PMO.K. Fido, stop with the "I'm all innocent" look and show me where you buried Mrs. Johnson's cat!
Posted by david tinnon on February 22, 2009 12:14 AMSuch a wonderful picture of owner-handler and his
dog. This picture was very touching to me as I know the subjects. How would I get a print of this picture to present to them.
Ron
Posted by Ronald T. Savastano on April 7, 2009 5:14 PMWonderful Picture :)
Posted by Sandra Thomas on April 21, 2009 10:12 AM