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11/14/2022

The pressure phase.
The test to reveal the heart and genetics of the dog. Though training can mask some problems, it cannot fully conceal when properly tested. How the dog responds is a big part of the protection phase. A dog with insufficient genetics might bail and leave the helper, or refuse to 'out.' Most well trained dogs survive the pressure. The strongest genetics push back and fight the helper. When told to ‘out’, they do so immediately and quiver with excitement for the chance to do it again. Strong helpers bring out the best in a high level IPO dog.

To bring the high-test pressure, the helper taps into his DNA and awakens the gladiator, the hunter, the beast. In the pressure phase, the helper explodes forward directly at the dog. If the dog doesn't move he will get run over. Things happen fast. He gives a hard stare into the the dogs eyes and he delivers two menacing stick hits as he drives the dog (note: the stick is used to convey mental threat, it never actually hurts the dog as it is a padded). The fierceness must be convincing, in the way an actor will tap into emotions to make a scene seem genuine. The best helpers take it one step further, they build to a dramatic finish where they come down over the dog at the end of the drive like the sky is crashing in.

Below is an example of fantastic finish by Jeffery Davis with Ucon vom Patiala at the USCA GSD Nationals. No helper has this naturally. It is developed by years of hammering on their craft and with coaching from the best teaching helpers.

11/13/2022

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11/13/2022

When Seconds Feel Like Hours.

The dreaded seconds when the judge is writing.

An IGP performance is subjective. An excellent example of this point was seen at this year's Malinois World Championship (FMBB). The FMBB uses four judges to score the finals. The top and bottom judge's scores are dropped, the remaining two scores are then averaged to make a final score. There were performances where the judge's scores varied by as much as 10 points. That point gap can be as much as two scoring categories. The advantage of multiple judges’ averages lends itself to factor out the extremes. As a side note, the disadvantage is the challenges it creates for a photographer. Just saying.

The German Shepherd World Championship (WUSV) uses a single judge per phase, so this individual is the only opinion that matters. When the judge's pencil is on paper, it can feel like an eternity. Certainly enough time for the whispers of doubt to creep into a competitor's head. A dog instinctively reads its handler's emotion, so there is no room to doubt in these moments.

This capture is that moment. Alessandro Moccia is a seasoned competitor and stays focused as Vadim Plotsker puts pencil to paper. The team went on to deliver a terrific performance that tied for 3rd highest in obedience phase with 92 points only two points below the top score.

Alessandro Moccia and Gustl vom Haus Pixner. Team Italy #01.
2022 WUSV IGP World Championship in Randers, Denmark

11/12/2022

The crunch attack. Reattack after the long bite.

This is one of my favorite moments to capture in the protection sequence. It can be a challenge to get since certain things have to line up that are out of my control and if/when they do line up then I need to be sure I time the shutter just right.

But out of the things that make it challenging to capture, theres one thing that needs to happen for sure: the dog needs to be game for the fight and it needs to show it in its expression. Otherwise it becomes a boring photo.

Pro tip: like a good boxer, watch the helpers shoulders. They are the first thing to move and tell you when to release the shutter. If you watch the sleeve or the dog youll likely be too late and get the moment after the dog hits.

Benny vom Roten Strum v Marcus Hampton
2022 DVG National Championship Tulsa Oklahoma

11/12/2022

One of my favorite shots I pulled from the 2022 DVG National Championship.

Nothing about this shot was unplanned.

As a sports photographer one doesn't get the luxury of a studio with light setups. We don't get a second take, we don't get to rearrange the lights, or reposition our subject to our liking. We must shoot with the conditions given to us.
That doesnt mean that we dont plan our shots. It simply means that a good photographer surveys the land and conditions around them and makes a plan accordingly. Theres always a shot in mind. Using the conditions around, a good photographer can make it happen.

What is the best shot I can make given the conditions?

Benny vom Roten Strum & John Soares
Retrieve over the flat
2022 DVG National Championship Tulsa Oklahoma