Front and Center

The Black Lab, front and center.  Eiden Photography's "most often viewed" and "most commented on" photograph, according to site stats.  It's one of our personal favorite photographs, too.  And Paulie, the black lab in the photograph,  has been the most challenging client, to date.  I recently saw through a friend's Facebook post that Paulie passed away this week.  I immediately thought of this image, taken last fall, and wanted to post a tribute to him.

Every time someone sees the photograph of Paulie, they immediately ask, "HOW did you get that dog to do that?"  Well, it wasn't easy.  Let's just say, we learned a little something about the personality of Paulie that day.  Paulie does and Paulie chooses.  Usually, with pet portraits, it's easy to get the shot early in the session.  The dog is curious about who you are, what you're doing, what all the equipment is, and they just naturally look when you say "ball".  And if "ball" doesn't work, "treat" always does.  Not with Paulie.  We knew going into the session that getting a portrait of Paulie was very important to the clients.  He was getting older, and the family wanted to capture their time with their sweet four-legged friend.  Paulie could care less.  He was all over that park, all over the shots, and doing anything but looking at the camera.  The session was wrapping up, and Mike was a nervous wreck.  He knew he had still not gotten "the" shot that the clients had really wanted.  As a last ditch effort, we said we'd give it one more chance.  Lucky for us, Paulie was finally tired from all that running around he had been doing, and just sat down.  Finally, after 45 minutes or so, he just plopped down.  So, we instructed the family to sit down, quick!  Sit!  Stay!  At that point, we were giving commands to anybody that would listen, the dog, the kids, family, everybody....just freeze, puh-lease!

And we crossed our fingers.

We didn't try to pose them or set the scene.  There was no time for camera, setting and/or lighting adjustments.  We just wanted them somewhere in the shot.  Then, with a slow and steady,"wait....wait...wait" a treat was placed right on top of the camera lens.  Paulie couldn't take his eyes off of it.  Haha, we had him! Wait, click....wait, Paulie, click, click.  And Mike yelled, "Got it"!  Good boy Paulie, Good boy!  Rest in peace, sweet Paulie.

In honor of Paulie, we're going to run a photo contest.  If you've followed the blog, or are a fan of Eiden Photography on Facebook, you already know that this is something we do from time to time.  If you're not a fan, head on over and "like" us on Facebook.  Or, check out our website, and follow the facebook link there.

Watch for contest details to be announced later today!

-Mike & Leah