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 and Buddy 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](https://i0.wp.com/www.gershphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/skyhoundz7.jpg?resize=700%2C760&ssl=1)
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 and Buddy 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](https://i0.wp.com/www.gershphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/skyhoundz6.jpg?resize=700%2C467&ssl=1)
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 and Jesse 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](https://i0.wp.com/www.gershphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/skyhoundz5.jpg?resize=700%2C467&ssl=1)
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 and Seeker 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](https://i0.wp.com/www.gershphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/skyhoundz4.jpg?resize=700%2C852&ssl=1)
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 and Seeker 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](https://i0.wp.com/www.gershphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/skyhoundz3.jpg?resize=700%2C467&ssl=1)
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 and Bella 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](https://i0.wp.com/www.gershphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/skyhoundz2.jpg?resize=700%2C467&ssl=1)
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 and Bella 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](https://i0.wp.com/www.gershphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/skyhoundz1.jpg?resize=700%2C467&ssl=1)
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