Dog Photographer of the Year 2008 - Under 16s winner

Daniel Combes won the Under 16s category of the 2008 Dog Photographer of the Year Competition. His prize was to spend a day with dog photographer Marc Henrie.

My Photographic Day with Marc Henrie by Daniel Combes

I was fortunate to win the Under 16 year’s old competition: “I Love dogs because….” 2008 run by the Kennel Club. The prize was a day with top dog photographer Marc Henrie.

Marc Henrie and his wife came to my house to teach me some tips about to capture a dog. He also brought some interesting cameras such as a Hasselblad and some SLR film cameras.

First Marc showed me how to use his Hasselblad properly; I found it heavy and hard to target with but felt like a professional. We used my dog bramble as a dog model in my garden and he told me how to position the dog, especially the feet position and the head position.

He said that it is best to put them in front of a good background that will make them stand out. Also we went out into the local park and took photos of three dogs together.

I really enjoyed his visit to my house and look forward to visiting his studio in Hammersmith in a couple of weeks.

A couple of weeks later I went to his studio. It was well equipped with cameras and lights. We used the studio to take photos of his two dogs. He taught me how to get the exposure right in front of a white background. I really enjoyed the day at his studio and it has given me a lot of confidence to take photographs of pets. Also it has made me want a studio of my own.

Marc Henrie – Specialist in Animal & Portraiture

When I learned of the Kennel Club’s Dog Photographer of the Year Competition I was very delighted. This competition allows every dog owner the opportunity of showing what they could achieve with their cameras as it is the eye that sees the picture.

The standard of entry for the competition is very high particularly for the under 16’s. Daniel Combes aged 14 from Staines was the 2008 winner and his thought, detail and presentation was excellent.

As part of his prize we spent some time taking studio and outdoor photographs of different dogs. I taught him about different backgrounds and which ones set off the subject and positions that favoured the breed whether in a relaxed or show type pose.

I immediately saw a gifted photographer with his first shots. We discussed his pictures and moved into the studio where the situation is very different. I explained to Daniel about lighting techniques for Dogs, positioning and exposure.

Daniel likes natural casual photographs which he produced with first class results.

I look forward to seeing these year’s entries and would like to congratulate the Kennel Club Picture Library for organising this competition.