GUEST BLOG: LIN GIBBONS ON DOG PHOTOGRAPHY

Guest Blog

It’s been a while since we had a guest blog from another photographer – with the possible exception of Paul Fernandez’ post about digitising and archiving a few months ago.

Today – Lin Gibbons, a friend who is a specialist dog photographer in Gloucestershire.

To contact me for any kind of photography, click here

Guest blog: Lin Gibbons

I’ve known Lin for about 15 years. I was already photographing pretty seriously when we first met, and she has developed her passion for dog photography since then. Like Dylan Vidovich, she is a Canon user, and unlike him, exclusively so.

Living in the village of Beckford, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Lin’s photographic world is probably more naturally doggy (and horsey!) than mine as a Bromley-based photographer. Her own dogs are Hungarian Vizslas – one of those lovely breeds which looks noble when stood still but happiest when running full pelt! Here she is on the joys of being a specialist dog photographer.

Lin Gibbons photographer cheltenham dog shows

On being a dog photographer

As a dog photographer, I have learnt to expect the unexpected!! What is it they say? “Never work with animals or children”. Well, maybe I should have opted for corporate product photography where the objects are static, or even wedding photography where you can politely ask to take the shot again, but no, I opted for the most challenging yet also the most rewarding type of photography where your subject can be charming, cooperative and also unpredictable. All on the same day!

Lin Gibbons dog photographer Cheltenham Gloucestershire Kent Bromley photographer 115826

Lin Gibbons dog photographer Cheltenham Gloucestershire Kent Bromley photographer 115816

I love dogs. All dogs. In fact, I prefer them to most humans! I like to photograph them in their own homes, inside, outside, working, in the show or agility ring – anything.

Some types of dog photography are more challenging than others. Getting 5-week old puppies in a basket for maximum cuteness appeal is one of them. But also a lot of fun. You need a lot of patience and sometimes I have spent a whole day with a litter of puppies just to get “that shot”.

Although my collection of cameras and lenses has grown over the years, I mainly shoot with a mirrorless Canon R5 and my go to trusty 70-200mm lens so that I am not in the dogs space. I also find this combination works well for speed and for action shots where lighting conditions are not always ideal and you are not allowed to use a flash (at dog shows etc). Some dogs are inquisitive and come right up to the lens and try to peer down the hood. Others shy away and I sit or lie on the floor for quite a while before the shoot for these cautious dogs so that they feel comfortable.

Lin Gibbons dog photographer Cheltenham Gloucestershire Kent Bromley photographer 115819

Lin Gibbons dog photographer Cheltenham Gloucestershire Kent Bromley photographer 120120

I admire other dog photographers’ work – the people who shoot wonderful portraits in a studio setting. This is not my thing. I like impulsive, in-the-moment, natural shots and I would like to think that this is evident in my work.

Some people have asked me if I’ve ever been asked to photograph an ugly breed of dog. There is no such thing as an ugly dog! All dogs are simply fabulous in my eyes – they never complain that you have not done them justice or caught “their bad side”. Unlike their owners, they never want the photographs touching up in photoshop either to eliminate their double chin or smooth out their wrinkles. They are simply amazing to photograph and I know with absolutely certainty that I never want to be anything else but a dog photographer.

A few extra questions

I put a few extra questions to Lin:

How long have you been photographing seriously?

Whilst it has always been a long-term hobby of mine, I have been only seriously photographing dogs for the last 7 years.

What got you into it – photography itself or dog ownership?

Dog ownership was a key part. I realised very early on that you could never achieve that shot yourself of a dog gazing lovingly into their owners eyes with your own camera and therefore I wanted to be able to capture that for others.

Lin Gibbons dog photographer Cheltenham Gloucestershire Kent Bromley photographer 115812

Lin Gibbons dog photographer Cheltenham Gloucestershire Kent Bromley photographer 115823

Any strong reason to go for Canon? What was your first “serious” camera?

I opted for the Canon after visiting a camera shop and just holding all the cameras in my hand. I felt comfortable with the shape of the Canon – I just liked it! My first serious camera was the Canon 7D MKii and I still think it’s a fabulous camera.

Where can we see more of your work?

I have a Facebook page which showcases most of my work. You can also find me on Instagram. I prefer word of mouth for recommendations and I like to keep things low key for now as I am retired and do not want my photography to become a full time work load.

How can someone book you for a photoshoot with their dogs?

I have all the necessary contact details on my Facebook page and of course even if someone does not have Facebook, a quick Google of my name will soon find me. Each person’s needs are different and I do not offer packages. Every shoot is bespoke.

Afterword

It has been a long time since I last saw Lin in person – though we keep in touch via Facebook etc.. I already have a debt of gratitude to her – she recommended the cafe where I first met Sarah, my wife of ten years. Now I owe Lin a blog article too!

I think I probably also owe her and her beautiful daughter Beth some modelling fees for the chance to take their picture one time we met up. This has always been a favourite.

As for my own dog photography, I am a bit allergic to the beasts. All the same, I love them. Three favourite shots below – all far less energetic and more “posed” than Lin’s excellent work. Perhaps I need to get out more! But it goes to show that, even with dogs, every photographer will have a different eye.