My ESS picking up a pricked bird (Action Shot)

[Fran]

They are both wonderful pictures, I think I prefer the second shot, everything is in focus, I'd like to see more of the dog, but that's being picky.

I kept looking at the first shot, and whilst I do like it, a couple of the things started to nag at me.The first was the blood on the pheasants head, and the second, the fact it's eye was closed (could n't understand why people found the birds expression funny at all TBH, what's funny about being shot?). I know it's all part and parcel of shooting, and the dog was doing it's job in retrieving wounded game, but somehow I found it a little disconcerting that it was seen to be amusing?

Or am I just being over sensitive?

Both very, very, good pictures, taken by someone that knows, that to get a good picture of a dog, you have got to get down and dirty.

Andrew

That's one of the elements that make this photograph powerful in my opinion. I also felt sorry for this pheasant I shot, seeing his expression on the picture made me look at it in a different way. He was very badly wounded (neck, and several other impacts in the upper body), but was still running hard when my dog caught it. The whole action took maybe 30 seconds at most between the time I shot the pheasant, and the time it was brought back to me and dispatched.

[monkeyboy]

They are both wonderful pictures, I think I prefer the second shot, everything is in focus, I'd like to see more of the dog, but that's being picky.

I kept looking at the first shot, and whilst I do like it, a couple of the things started to nag at me.The first was the blood on the pheasants head, and the second, the fact it's eye was closed (could n't understand why people found the birds expression funny at all TBH, what's funny about being shot?). I know it's all part and parcel of shooting, and the dog was doing it's job in retrieving wounded game, but somehow I found it a little disconcerting that it was seen to be amusing?

Or am I just being over sensitive?

Both very, very, good pictures, taken by someone that knows, that to get a good picture of a dog, you have got to get down and dirty.

Andrew

That's one of the elements that make this photograph powerful in my opinion. I also felt sorry for this pheasant I shot, seeing his expression on the picture made me look at it in a different way. He was very badly wounded (neck, and several other impacts in the upper body), but was still running hard when my dog caught it. The whole action took maybe 30 seconds at most between the time I shot the pheasant, and the time it was brought back to me and dispatched.

You spot on Fran, it is a powerful image, and I have n't got a problem with it at all, a gundog doing exactly what it should be doing, pursuing wounded game, so that it can be humanely despatched, i just can't see amusing anywhere in the shot.

Andrew

[Fran]

I've contacted the photographer, and he's apparently looking for opportunities to cover other shoots or to gain access to some nice pieces of nature in the UK. The pheasant shots were taken in Belgium, but he's studying in Essex. He's a young guy who's very passionate about taking pictures of nature in general and country sports in particular. If you happen to know any opportunity that might help him out feeding his passion, please do not hesitate to contact me and I'll provide you with his contact details!

[Harry]

That's a good point about the manner in which the photos were taken. You have just got to get down to doggy level if you want shots like that. A lot of shots are unmistakeably taken from a standing position. Down on one knee is okay, but on the ground is what makes such photos special. A dogs eye view I suppose. Great second photo.

Harry

[craigavonjoe]

Not funny as in HAHA because the bird had been shot,
Funny as in 'it is behind you'.......

Never mind.

[elcourtbayspringers]

Super picture mate.

[madspangle]

wow, fantastic picture !!!! and a fantastic looking dog !!!! STUNNING !!!!! you must be so proud !!!

[cockermadblonde]

thats stunning!