Wet dog

I knew what I wanted, but it took 22 tries over a 10-day period to get it--it

turns out that it's easier to herd cats than to get the sun, a dog, a creek,

and a photographer in the right place at the right time. What do you think?

It says a lot for sticktoitiveness, Leslie. I think knowing what you want and having the patience and skill to finally achieve your aim says a lot about you. I could use a little more of those qualities myself. The result speaks for itself. You got the picture; did he get you?

The spray is so incredibly detailed and well contrasted against the dark areas that I though the pooch was shaking off talcum powder.  I tend to think the image wouldn't have been as impactful if it didn't involve the lighting that immediately had me transfixed.  (By the way, for you cat lovers, how many times have you seen a cat do this?)

Not only is this a wonderful photo - but your patience reminded me of the Nat Geo photographer and the half-shorn sheep (google Cary Wolinsky half shorn sheep). The framing and background in your pic are spot on.

Beautiful, worth the time and effort. Being a dog person I know how difficult this must have been. Very well taken and presented. Best regards Ken.

Well, after 10 days the dog is clean ;-).  Wonderful shot and perseverance... Mike 

Nice capture and presentation, well done.

Thanks very much! It's comments like yours that inspire me to persevere--your feedback means a lot to me, and I appreciate it immensely!

 

Jack - she does get me regularly enough that I keep a lens cloth ready; my lens hood seems to be getting more of a workout as an umbrella than as a shade (though it did double duty here).

 

Michael - thanks for the comment on the lighting--that's what had grabbed me 10 days earlier, and that's what determined the timing of the forays. I was only going to get the backlit droplets against a shaded bank during the first half hour after sunrise. The nice thing about winter is that sunrise happens at a civilized hour.

 

John - Thanks so much for the heads up on the half shorn sheep--what a great story! Here's the address if anyone else wants to take a look--it had me laughing the whole time: http://www.carywolinskyphotographs.com/half-shorn-sheep-story  (and also had me very glad that I'm dealing with a sheep dog instead of a sheep)

 

Ken - Yes, dogs! She's a 2.5-yr-old Australian shepherd, and I've had her now for just over a month. She'd been re-homed twice due to her high activity level, and now she's got a permanent home with me--I still can't believe how lucky I am. She's calmed down beautifully, probably because she spends about an hour a day trying to catch seagulls. I get a mile walk every day while she runs a marathon at sprint speed. 

 

Mike - Clean, wet, and sandy! I'm considering starting a beach in my front yard using the sand I sweep off the floors.

 

George - Thanks so much for the encouragement!

 

Definitely perfect timing- which, as you describe, takes time and planning- well done!

This is a really beautiful capture, Leslie. In this case, I think the green leaves in the background actually add a lot. Nice capture.