Guide Dog Oakley.

Portrait of Oakley.

The weather forecast was not great again today. But, it is Guide Dog Oakley’s birthday! He is 6 today. Supposed to be grown up. He’s a labrador. The two don’t go together…

We decided to do one of our favourite walks. Hengistbury Head. On a sunny day, it is glorious. Today, it was cloudy. Grey. But warm. Normally, some great views along the bay back to Bournemouth. Or, the famous beach huts. Glorified garden sheds that sell for more than most small houses. There are plenty of photographic opportunities on a good day. We shall have to go back.

Still, we do have the birthday boy. And why not? Being black, Guide Dog Oakley is notoriously difficult to photograph. Especially when he won’t stay still! But, when there is a treat in “Mum’s” hand, he can (sometimes) be pursuaded to stay still long enough to focus.

We paused at the top of the hill. The Isle of Wight to the east completely hidden from view in the mist. Mudeford (north) and Christchurch (west) not much better either. But, at least it was clear where we were.

The grey weather actually helped this shot. There was a reasonable overall light, even though by now it was beginning to fade. No shadows to contend with. However, I had to push the ISO up, open the apperture and use a slow shutter speed. Thankfull he stayed pretty still. All in all, pretty pleased with the result.

One of my better shots of Guide Dog Oakley. We will let the weather off. Plenty of time to go back to photograph the beach huts on a nice sunny day.

Photograph Details

• Taken: 8 Jan 2017
• Camera: Canon 5D MkIII
• Lens: Canon EF 70-200mm 1:2.8 L IS II USM
• Focal Length 75mm
• F/3.5
• 1/40 Sec
• ISO 640