Two Flatcoats were to be my last fall session of the year, an unexpected change in my schedule, as I had a sad cancellation, but the timing of the leaves were perfect for these two. You might remember Sardou, who I photographed two summers ago. This session is with Sardou’s daughter, Polaire (Artic Sun’s Caldera at Thira WCX *** – Qualified All Age), and Po’s puppy, Hibou, (Caldera’s Intrepid Traveler) just shy of 18 months. Flatcoats don’t mature quickly (physically or mentally!), especially males, so Hibou is looking a bit gawky at times, but yet you can see his potential. Right now he is off training for field trials, following in his mother’s talented footsteps, so I feel lucky to have met him.
Meet Hibou!
Typical puppy! For the most part during sessions, I let the dogs do what they want, and I simply follow them around, hoping for good light and angles.
Hibou was very good at choosing where he wanted to wander and explore.
I do occasionally toss a rock in a certain direction to get them to trot to a patch of flowers, but for the most part, the session isn’t posed except for a few downs or sits if the dog decides he or she just wants to keep going. Flatcoats tend to want to keep going…..so we did stop in a few places that were especially pretty. He has the sweetest expression, and I love the close-up backlit shot of him in the flowers (he’s hiding the little devil inside, as you’ll see later).
His mom, Po, is a beautiful, athletic girl.
She was a bit more mellow, at least for the moment (can you see I am leading up to something?), so I have a lot of relaxed photos of her.
Change of locations! Along with changing colors, we had to include some mountains! And I decided a family portrait was necessary, which was easier said than done!
We had a lot of ear cleaning and grooming going on for a while…..Hibou does love his mother!
Now that’s a lovely portrait! Po on the left, and Hibou on the right. Lets take a few more shots….
Or lets not! They took off and broke into an intense play session, and all I can say is that you better watch where you are standing around these two!
Hibou notices the lake….and they both head down to check it out. These last photos, backlit and with sun flares, certainly not technically perfect….it makes no difference to me. I love the spirit of these two as they run together and back up to us.
I normally end with a beauty shot. I will include one of Hibou, running in front of some gorgeous colors, but the final shot is of mother and son, very obviously bonded as Hibou grooms her ears and she simply stays where she is, a look of bliss on her face. Thank you Karen for coming up to Telluride for this session, I do apologize as to how tardy I’ve been, but I know you understand what I went through after your session. I appreciate your patience!
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