I’ve been working sun up til sundown (and beyond) and was in the midst of doing about ten things at once this evening. The music was loud (Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros–well worth checking out), I was in the kind of mood where crossing things of my list is number one priority and as a result was crossing things off at an usually fast pace. I glanced over at the dogs, all snuggled in on the couch. My studio lights lay on the floor next to them; I haven’t put them away since Ashley’s session. It occurred to me that I should take fifteen minutes out of my hectic workaholic schedule, set up a light, and shoot. Shooting for myself, by myself (with the dogs) will always be one of my favorite things to do.
While doing some canine-related thesis research I recently came across an essay by the poet Ian Wedde about his Rhodesian Ridgeback, Vincent. I love his descriptions of the breed; so poetic and so bang on. A snippet:
Vincent was a Rhodesian ridgeback. They’re down as the savage guard dogs of white Rhodesian farmers. They were cross-bred by early European settlers out of the so-called Hottentot hunting dog, descendants ofwild dogs of the veldt. their improbable reputation includes being lion killers. They’re large, spectacularly lean and muscled, with very short golden or reddish hair, whip-like tails, huge jaws, and the males especially have dark highlights on their ears, around their lips and encircling their eyes. The barrel-chested males are narrow-hipped with pronounced upper thigh muscles. They’re absurdly center-fold. The bitches are smaller, muscled, slinky, with voluptous, swaying hips.
The breed’s best-known feature is the spinal Mohawk crest than runs from neck to tail. This is widely believed to give them a a permanently raised hackle that makes other dogs behave aggressively and inculcates default savagery in their own behaviour. The possibility that the ridge might have the opposite effect–of increasing their need and ability to signal good intentions–is usually overlooked.
In reality, Rhodesian ridgebacks are social, hierarchical, responsible, indolent and anxious in inverse proportion tro their Mohawk accoutrement. Their elaborately disarming displays include prancing, balletic, whining approaches to other dogs that are usually understood by the dogs but not always by their owners, and especially not by anxious leash-tuggers.
Like most social pack animals (including humans), ridgebacks get anxious about solitude, want everyone to be clear about their status, have protective feelings for their families and patiently undertake the training of acolytes. Perhaps like many social animals living in hot climates, they like lying around together and conserving their energy. They like being petted by their family and are coldly indifferent to the caresses of others.
The best part of the piece is undoubtedly the end, following a description of a run Wedde shared with Vincent:
When I come in the back door Vincent’s drinking great noisy swallows of water, and then he lies down content that whatever’s going to happen will be what happens next.
…is that not, in one sentence, why we love our dogs so damn much?
13 Comments
Gosh… this is beautiful!!! We love our dogs because they love us. And are loyal. And amazing creatures! :)
The Rhodesian is awesome and Vincent’s description was right on! The second last paragraph had me thinking – how is it possible to get it so right?! Beautiful pictures of your beautiful girls; I’m glad you took a moment with them! I think I will too!
i really dig the nose and paws shot (#652).
brilliant. the photos, the essay snippet…simply brilliant. :)
You’ve got to make time for shooting for yourself. You know what they say about ‘all work and no play’. Glad to hear you’re heading back over here, where are you going this time?
These photos make me want to curl up inside under a fluffy blanket with my dogs.
These are so great, especially the first few. Although it tends to get lost in the shuffle of client sessions and orders, it’s so important to shoot for ourselves. That’s when the passion reignites and I feel like I can continue my work, inspired.
I love Rhodies, and I’ve always wanted on. My husband is an avid German Shepherd fan and I imagine we’ll probably get a shepherd some day for him, because I belong to the cat.
Your photos are wonderful and Roux is gorgeous, as always. Do you mind me asking what actions you’re using? (Are they TRA or something else?) I’m still in the market for a complete action set and I’m only using freebies so far.
All my best.
What a beautiful breed. The nose in the paws shot just blows me away.
Ahh, it’s so the unconditional love they have for everything, everything life & everyone. Love animals. These are gorgeous, Claire. I don’t know how you managed such amazing light, but it truly is exceptional. Adorable photos.
Thanks for the reminder… I need to shoot my own pups, it has been quite awhile. I love when you post photos of your own girls, they’re always different and amazing.
Bravo Claire! That sentence did summarize our dog love. They are the simplistic beings that are always ready for the next adventure. Oh I wish we as humans could be more like dogs….Favorite picture btw is the second one of Roux’s nose.
I love it especially the description of how they greet other dogs…balletic…YES, indeed! :) I think I will go snuggle with my girl right now and get off this computer. :) Great pictures of your babies too.