Today’s WordPress Daily Prompt brought by the word Buddy! Of course, all of you know where I’m going with this, as there is no truer friend than a four-legged friend!
Of course, it is impossible to pick a favorite from among our dogs, as that is akin to selecting a favorite child. So for this prompt, I’m going with our oldest dog, Darwin.
Darwin having fun!
This photo is from about 5 years ago, when he was only 9 years old! At his current age of 14-1/2 years, he sleeps a bit more, but still knows how to have fun and play, which is amazing. He may have some health issues at this time, but we’ve got those well in hand, and, as long as his quality of life is good, our buddy, Darwin will continue to live forever! (I know that I can’t have that wish…)
Do you have a buddy like this?
Technical Details
Captured with a Canon EOS 1D Mk III using an EF 70-200mm f/2.8L lens. Exposure settings were 1/400 second at f/8 and 400 ISO.
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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15 thoughts on “Daily Prompt – Buddy”
Wow, this is a gorgeous photo, Frank. Thank you for posting it!!! What breed of dog is Darwin? I don’t currently have a pet, although I love them. 🙂
Darwin is the oldest of the four Cardigan Welsh Corgis that grace us with their presence.
This image is from a shoot I did with him at one of his last agility trials; there was this nice little stream and since he loves water, I figured we could get him to run through it. I found a spot in the stream where I could stand a little lower to get at Darwin-eye level and a couple of runs did it 🙂
He loves splashing through the water, although these days (he’s nearly 15), he spends quite a bit of time sleeping, interspersed with periods of running around like a puppy 🙂
I have 4 rescue dogs and recently loss one to cancer…..it was a very sad time and I still tear up when I think of him. He’s sprightly for his age. My dogs are lazy….sleep and wait for food or cuddles. I am sure your 4 keep your family well entertained. They give so much unconditional love don’t they.
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It’s always hard to lose one to old age. We lost our mutt, who was our first dog 3 years ago, and I still see her standing at the top of the stairs from time to time.
Our dogs keep us pretty busy. They do agility, herding (both sheep and ducks), and barnhunt. Keeping corgis busy is important, as a bored corgi is a source of mischief 🙂
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I grew up in a village and was surrounded by animals ….my first pet was a duck! I can imagine the excitement you live amongst. A bored dog can be trouble….I had a Rottweiler who was restless she chewed her own bed! The kids lives are much richer having pets especially dogs…. Teaching them responsibility and discipline as well as a huge capacity to love. I have not heard of agility before reading your post. Looks like lots of training involved.
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Lots of training is true!! It’s good for humans too.
Wow, this is a gorgeous photo, Frank. Thank you for posting it!!! What breed of dog is Darwin? I don’t currently have a pet, although I love them. 🙂
Thank you, Debbie!
Darwin is the oldest of the four Cardigan Welsh Corgis that grace us with their presence.
This image is from a shoot I did with him at one of his last agility trials; there was this nice little stream and since he loves water, I figured we could get him to run through it. I found a spot in the stream where I could stand a little lower to get at Darwin-eye level and a couple of runs did it 🙂
Oh that’s great, Frank. There just seems to be so much joy coming out of his eyes… it’s almost palpable. Thanks again for sharing 🙂
You’re so right about the level of joy, as Darwin has joie de vivre down to a science.
What a beautiful ‘auld mannie’, enjoy your precious times together 🐾🐾
Thank you! He’s a grand old man and he knows it 🙂
Darwin is adorable. Harry is my buddy and my constant companion who goes everywhere with me. What a gorgeous photo.
Our dogs are our best friends! No denying that!
Absolutely no denying!
Lovely photo of Darwin having a splash. I have a couple of buddies too and can’t imagine life without them.
He loves splashing through the water, although these days (he’s nearly 15), he spends quite a bit of time sleeping, interspersed with periods of running around like a puppy 🙂
We have 4 Cardigans and they are a blast!
I have 4 rescue dogs and recently loss one to cancer…..it was a very sad time and I still tear up when I think of him. He’s sprightly for his age. My dogs are lazy….sleep and wait for food or cuddles. I am sure your 4 keep your family well entertained. They give so much unconditional love don’t they.
It’s always hard to lose one to old age. We lost our mutt, who was our first dog 3 years ago, and I still see her standing at the top of the stairs from time to time.
Our dogs keep us pretty busy. They do agility, herding (both sheep and ducks), and barnhunt. Keeping corgis busy is important, as a bored corgi is a source of mischief 🙂
I grew up in a village and was surrounded by animals ….my first pet was a duck! I can imagine the excitement you live amongst. A bored dog can be trouble….I had a Rottweiler who was restless she chewed her own bed! The kids lives are much richer having pets especially dogs…. Teaching them responsibility and discipline as well as a huge capacity to love. I have not heard of agility before reading your post. Looks like lots of training involved.
Lots of training is true!! It’s good for humans too.