I have shot many sports in my relatively young career. But today, I was given the opportunity to photograph something completely new to me. Disc dogs – a competition where dogs catch Frisbees thrown by their owner. There are competitions in distance and accuracy as well as a freestyle event which is somewhat choreographed to music.
I arrived at the event in time to photograph today’s expert freestyle competition. It was awesome and a little challenging to photograph. The dogs are running very fast. At a moments notice, they can jump up and push off of their handler and go upwards of six feet in the air. It is difficult to anticipate what is going to happen and how to have your shot framed.
Just like in any other fast paced sport, your motor drive on your camera can be your best friend. Do your best to frame your shot and then with a little timing and luck, you get an acceptable image or two.
Here are a few from my take.
Matt Bilderback of Columbus, Ohio competes in the expert freestyle event with his dog, Buddy, at the Skyhoundz North Central Regional championship in Osborne Park. (C-T photo Max Gersh) ©2010
Matt Bilderback of Columbus, Ohio competes in the expert freestyle event with his dog, Buddy, at the Skyhoundz North Central Regional championship in Osborne Park. (C-T photo Max Gersh) ©2010
Jeff Duff of Louisville, KY competes in the expert freestyle event with his dog, Jesse, at the Skyhoundz North Central Regional championship in Osborne Park. (C-T photo Max Gersh) ©2010
Chip Baker of Detroit, Michigan competes in the expert freestyle event with his dog, Seeker, at the Skyhoundz North Central Regional championship in Osborne Park. (C-T photo Max Gersh) ©2010
Chip Baker of Detroit, Michigan competes in the expert freestyle event with his dog, Seeker, at the Skyhoundz North Central Regional championship in Osborne Park. (C-T photo Max Gersh) ©2010
Matt Bilderback of Columbus, Ohio competes in the expert freestyle event with his dog, Bella, at the Skyhoundz North Central Regional championship in Osborne Park. (C-T photo Max Gersh) ©2010
Matt Bilderback of Columbus, Ohio competes in the expert freestyle event with his dog, Bella, at the Skyhoundz North Central Regional championship in Osborne Park. (C-T photo Max Gersh) ©2010