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Monday, November 9, 2015

A Sunrise Adventure

Shyla and I were out at sunrise this morning, and it was the best part of my day.
I've been getting used to a smaller and lighter camera, a "micro four thirds" camera. I bought it because of my latest spine problems. It is much lighter than my DSLR, and I hope it will save my spine some wear and tear.

It has been tough to learn what all the little buttons and dials do on my new camera. In contrast, I can operate my DSLR in the dark while almost asleep (e.g., taking star photos). Because I'm clumsy with the new camera, I've been hesitant to use it for photos of Shyla at sunrise. I need to work very fast to get good photos in those first few minutes after the sun rises. Using a camera that I know well, like my DSLR, is a huge advantage.

The first time I tried to use the new camera at sunrise, I hit an unknown button that locked up every control on the camera. I said some choice words as I tried to undo whatever I'd done. I got almost no photos that morning although I eventually figured out which button I'd hit to "lock" the controls.

This morning, I tried the new camera again at sunrise. I got my first photo without hitting any unknown buttons.
Then, I hit a button that made everything in my viewfinder turn weird bluish color. It only took about a minute to fix that mistake, and then I made another photo.
I thought that things were rolling smoothly at that point but I was wrong. Before I took another photo, the autofocus stopped working. I checked the controls to see if I'd accidentally hit one, and nothing seemed out of place. I was ready to give up when I decided to turn off the camera, take off the lens, and then put the lens on again. It worked!!!

But Shyla was mortified at the language I'd used during that snafu. She covered her face in embarrassment.
After that, my camera operation went smoothly but we'd missed some of the best light of the sunrise. Ah well. Live and learn.

I set Shyla up for one more photo before we got moving. However, she was obsessed with something off to my side and behind me. I wasn't too concerned, especially because her eyes looked so beautiful from that angle. So I kept snapping away with my camera without checking out what she was staring at.
When she lifted her head and gazed so intently in that direction, I decided I'd better take a good look behind me.
When I looked, I was in disbelief. A buck was grazing about 20 yards behind me. I absolutely cannot believe that Shyla didn't move from her spot. After I saw him, I reminded Shyla to "stay", and I walked toward him to encourage him to move along. He bounded away, and Shyla still didn't move from her down-stay on the boulder.

To say that I was proud of Shyla at that moment would be an understatement. Since I have taken positive training to a new level, focusing on playing and strengthening my relationship with Shyla, she tends to make the "right" choices without me saying anything. The fact that she "stayed" with an exciting buck so nearby while I was obliviously taking photos of her is a great example!

Way to go, sweet girl!

28 comments:

  1. well you just made it clear to me that it is not so much the camera as the skill of the photographer. Even your most experimental pictures are beautiful. And Sweet Shyla.....what a girl. Bert, who knows well not to bother the wildlife would have had a hard time holding still with a big buck that close.

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  2. It is frustrating when you change from equipment you know so well to something entirely new. But you got some lovely shots. It is indeed satisfying when your dog stays even when there is something as alluring as a deer in sight. Way to go Shyla. And way to go KB.

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  3. WOW! That is some very effective training!

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  4. Good luck with your new camera, I'm sure you'll master it soon. These are beautiful shots!

    What a great girl Shyla is!!

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  5. Poor Shyla, trying hard to cover her ears rather than hear all that salty language! I thought your pics were all lovely.

    You have done such a masterful job training the Mountain Girl, I can't even imagine her staying under those circumstances!

    Cheers!

    Jo

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  6. Way to go, Shyla! There can't be a camera in the world that doesn't love you!

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  7. That are super photos, BRAVO! new equipment is always a challenge, specially for my momma who never read instruction sheets :o)

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  8. My friend, Even with the best camera I doubt I could get the beautiful photos you do-you are so gifted KB. Shyla looks beautiful in any light and the connection between the two of you is tangible; I love it.
    Still lifting you up concerning your spine. Stay warm today, looks like we are in for a good storm. We got a storm warning at 4:30 this morning-but it wasn't for today,but tonight.
    Hugs,
    Noreen

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  9. Now THAT is an achievement, Shyla! I'm an obedience school valedictorian, and I'm not sure if I would've been able to hold that stay!

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  10. Despite much training and impulse control work, I would wager my dogs would have been in the next county in short order of sighting the buck!

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  11. You may have had a few technical challenges, but the photos are gorgeous as always. It's incredible that Shyla stayed put with a buck right there! It's hard to imagine how a dog could be better trained than that. I'm sorry you're still having spinal troubles and hope you are better soon.

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  12. Awesome Shyla for staying. Hope you are feeling better!!

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  13. You are so good sweet Shyyla, and beautiful too!

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  14. That Shyla is so smart, we would have barked and created a big commotion....our big sister got a new camera with lots of bells and whistles and she is trying to figure it out also. stella rose

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  15. Oh, well done, Shyla! My dogs would have been a blur!

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  16. Your new camera is a great idea, and those photos look wonderful ,as good as any others with the heavy DSLR. And with a big lens, they are heavy. My 550D is heavy enough, Hugh's model is too big and heavy for me.

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  17. What a good girl!! And any learning curve is tough. You'll get it down and it looks like it will take great photos for you.

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  18. Mom always has a hard time with night photos no matter what she tries
    Lily & Edward

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  19. Your new camera did a splendid job!! Shylas fur just glows in every photo!
    Good job Shyla,,, for listening to the words your moms says,,,, by staying ,,,,and just looking.
    love
    tweedles

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  20. Awesome photos, it's all in the photographer and the subject, not just the camera. I don't blame you at all for wanting to carry something lighter. And the photos are still beautiful.

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  21. Beautiful photos of a beautiful dog.

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  22. Wow-what a good girl! That is beyond impressive! Sending her extra jackpot treats for being so good! xoxo

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  23. We would not know you used a different camera - the shots are beautiful.
    Good Girl Shyla! to stay and just look at the deer. You are a remarkable girl
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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  24. Now we know why we have a aim and shoot camera. Full marks to Shyla, we terriers wouldn't have stayed. The chase would have been on...or at least some barking.

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  25. Ma pushes buttons unknown buttons on her camera all the time, the klutz! I swear, that woman is all thumbs! Usually on her crappy point and shoot camera, all she has to do is turn it off, and on again. Good thing...or that thing would be a paperweight by now! BOL
    Shyla, you are one FABulous gurl!!! I am so proud of you too!!! High paw!!
    Oh, and you look most beautifuls! ☺
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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