Have I mentioned that we're not getting any sun here? Not much anyway. However, late on Friday afternoon, we found ourselves sitting in the car at the park. The sun peeked its face out for a few moments, and Cuppa asked me to take some pictures. I hadn't brought my camera, but she usually remembers hers. So, I smapped a few and then a few more.
It wasn't as dark as it seems in the following photo, but I used exposure compensation to make it seem that way. If you don't do that in these kinds of pictures, the sky will probably come out looking a lot less vivid that you would like it to. I certainly like the way that this one turned out. (You might like to click on this one for a better view. Sometimes, they look very over-sharpened on the compressed view.)
When we first arrived there was a human throwing balls to a border collie. After they left, another human and border collie came along. We've seen this one before; he's quite superior, and his workout is a sight to behold. Below are two composites in which I attempt to capture some of the flavour for you.
Above: the owner points north (in the blurry portion) to send the dog off in that direction. He then turns to throw the ball south, and the dog sprints eagerly in that direction. You can see the collie going by in a blur as he heads from north to south. The guy hasn't thrown the ball yet, but the dog knows that he will.
Below: in this composite, you can see the dog in the ready position before the throw. I have seen him crouch even lower and almost shake in anticipation. This is also a composite, and the dog will usually be quite a bit further away from the human than what he appears to be in this photo. Then, he'll bring his trophies back to lay at the master's feet. In this case, you see him carrying two or three Frisbees (I've seen up to five), and he will lay them down as instructed — in the correct spot and in the correct way. Sometimes, he has to neaten the pile before master will be satisfied. It's really quite amazing.
I am sure that Cuppa will post another photo or two before too long ... but she's asleep now.
Wow! That first pic is AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteI agree...love the sunset through the trees.
ReplyDeleteI've watched people throw sticks and balls for their dogs and there is an easy rhythm to it...ours, while she was with us, would sit and look at us like we were nuts.
That's quite the remarkable dog. Mine loves to play fetch too, but frisbees are a no no because he manages to destroy them on route back to me with his chompers. Also, he only drops a ball at my feet if I trade it for a cookie.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos!
Say, you're darn good with this camera/picture stuff. What fun. Beautiful sky, wonderful pups. (I've got to take a digital photography class - I'm missing out on a lot of the potential of this technology)
ReplyDeleteI love border collies. They are so intelligent. But, they definitely need to "work" in order to feel happy.
ReplyDeleteThe sunset photo is lovely.
our border-collie mix has decided that if we're just gonna end up throwing the ball/Frisbee/whatever, then there's no point in bringing it back.
ReplyDeleteLove the picts, even from a camera not your own......
What beautiful pictures! The sunset photo is especially appealing. Sometimes I think the world is most beautiful as it begins to get dark. And the dogs? Oh, yes! My dog keeps me sane. LOL
ReplyDeletePeace,
-Chani
Watching a trained border collie in action is pure delight.
ReplyDeleteYou make it sound so easy, this digital photography. I have yet to read my owners manuel, and hope to learn about the enhancements you speak of. Your sunshine there looks positively exquisite.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures!! Looks cold where you are, though!
ReplyDeleteI notice that the man is throwing the ball with the aid of the "ball throwing thing" (can't remember what they call them.) My kids swear by those and it makes it so much easier to get a good throw. The picture of the tree and the sunset is magnificent. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteP.S.
ReplyDeleteI now have the "sunset" picture as my new wallpaper.
Thanks.
My friend had a border collie who helped carry in the groceries. He would carry meat in his mouth and never punctured the shrink wrap. He would also launch himself into the pond and retrieve three different sized items at a time. I visited his family every summer and when I would pack to leave he would lay between the closet and my suitcase and cry. He made me feel special and loved. And he was always busy, always working.
ReplyDeleteThat first picture is especially pretty. I especially liked it in its larger format.
ReplyDeleteWe have friends with 2 border collies they enter in events. They really will try to herd cats.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures! I didn't know dogs could be so well trained. I better start working with Sammy.
ReplyDelete