what a team

In May of this year I attended my first ever dog show. Stephanie and I both adore dogs and I was definitely counting down the days until we could go.
As much as I love dogs, I must admit I was equally excited about getting a chance to photograph so many breeds under one roof. I had recently got my new zoom lens in the mail, so I was amped at the prospect of being able to possibly fill a frame with a single dog--anything but a huge collection of really wide-angle shots with 50 different small ambiguous pups in one frame! All of this, of course, was based on the assumption that floor access would be pretty limited and I would be stuck behind a rail in the stands. I was so wrong.
I was shocked at how freely I (and anyone) was able to roam the floor. Not only could I take shots of the competition itself, but I was afforded an awesome opportunity to meet breeders, handlers and their dogs (of course!) one-on-one.
That brings me to this particular picture. I will say that I was not a fan of all the breeders and handlers I came across. For many, this was a job...and that was it. The dog was carted around like a glorified suitcase and there was no connection with him/her like a pet--a connection I and many others enjoy with our dogs. Have a look at this picture. I feel as though I captured a great moment between a beautiful dog and his owner. When I look at this picture I can't help but think she is saying to him, "This is only a show...No matter what happens, you're still my puppy."
I'll take a scene like this any day over a starched suit handler holding a subdued "show dog".