Bluebell pooch shoot

I tested my Canon 7D's autofocus today on our two crazy springers in the spring bluebell woods.

I have to say I was happier with the results of the 7D compared to my Canon 5D Mk II, but I'm not sure whether that is due to the fact that I got better at taking these action shots, or that I wasn't taking as challenging shots as last time (with the 5D Mk II).

I tried the 'leap shot' only a couple of times today as it was quite hot and Tigger was panting and looking not so enthusiastic about the idea of running back and forth jumping over a tree trunk.

The shot above is not tack sharp on the eyes and Tigger is in the shade and everything... but I think it's a fun shot, anyway.

As you can see, Tigger is constantly on the move.

Sometimes the sun is so bright you have to run with your eyes closed.

Zebedee used to be running around like a crazy thing two years ago just like Tigger now, but he is an adult now and much more sensible... after an hour walking in the sun, he started looking for a shade for a rest every now and then.

I felt a little sorry for Zebedee as I was mainly taking photos of the headless chicken (Tigger), so I thought I'd take a few more shots of Zebedee. He seemed to enjoy the attention!

Isn't he handsome? Sweet little thing. (when he's not being naughty!)

I will keep taking more action shots with both cameras to test which one's auto focus is better. Hopefully at some point I will have an opinion.

So, that's it for today... it's bye from me, and bye from Tigger's rear paws!

Zebedee is Jesus

...or so it seems judging from this photo:



Mr and Mrs Swan couldn't believe their eyes.



In truth, Zeb has to jump and swim like everyone else.

Afternoon swim

Zebedee is showing signs of actually LIKING swimming.



Not sure he has quite mastered the technique yet, though. Any lower and he'll be swimming in stealth mode.



The beach is awash with flowering plants.



And the beach is - being this part of the English coast - just pebbles.









Zeb giving an impression of a Loch Ness Monster.



But he is just a happy dog with a stick. The end.

Forrest and William

We went for a walk a couple of labradors and their people at Friston Forest today.

Meet Forrest and Willie.



Apart from a tiny growl at another springer (one month younger than Z) a couple of weeks ago, Forrest is the first ever dog that Zebedee has shown any obvious dominance behaviour against! It was kind of a shock to see Z really growl at Forrest (nine months old) when they met at Piddinghoe yesterday evening. Luckily Forrest's people are understanding and let the dogs sort out their places themselves. After a little while, Zebedee was playing fine with Forrest. It was never that aggressive behaviour, anyway, but I'm just not used to seeing him growl at all. I guess now that he is at the brink becoming an adult dog, he is trying his luck at being the more dominant one compared to those younger than him.

Well, I guess it's time to do a bit of research into what is the best way to deal with this situation. I'm not going to allow him to become a bully, but I need to know how not to crush his spirit, either. Hm, well, not that there are signs of that. Silly dog.

Friston Forest

Came across this cute thing running around enjoying himself in Friston Forest.



Interesting how you look one way and it looks like autumn, turn your head and it looks like spring.

Blur

I'm practising taking photos with more blur in the frame than I'm used to having. Trying to get it look good, but I don't think I've managed it yet. Here are some attempts, nevertheless.






Couldn't resist a daffodil or two...



One crazy dog...



Two crazy dogs...

Challenge

OK, I'm going to start taking this photo blog seriously now. My aim is to take at least one interesting, presentable photo EVERY day. But I'm not saying how long I'm going to do this for. I know myself well enough not to make a promise of doing this for a whole year, 365 days. I'm not ready for that yet. Then again - who knows! I shall see how it goes.



This photo wasn't taken especially this challenge in mind, but just happens to be the only fairly presentable photo I took today, during a lovely walk in Friston Forest with my funny dog. I seem to be fond of vignetting recently. AND I've used the square format a few times.

From tomorrow I will be making a conscious effort to challenge myself every day.

Swan Lake

There is a little pond in a little park near our local supermarket. It has a resident swan couple, and Zebedee is very interested in them.



These are the only photos I took today. Unfortunately I only had my pocket camera with me, but I kind of like these shots.

Signs before "first" signs of spring

Yesterday I said crocuses and daffodils are the first signs of spring, but I lied. I've forgotten to mention and photograph even earlier spring flowers: Snowdrops!



I've seen snowdrops here are there for the past week or two, but by now most of them have... errr - dropped. I only found a few that were still intact.



As I said yesterday, won't be long till daffodils and crocuses are in bloom everywhere.















Don't know what these buds are, but I thought they looked great.



Back on the river bank, Zebedee caught another bunny. This one didn't try to run away, though.



In the evening I went to London to see Aya and her friend. After a very nice dinner on Brick Lane, I couldn't walk past Spitalfields Market without stopping to take some photos.


















Must go and shoot in London some time soon again!