My solution to these questions (and take it for what it’s worth) is to start a blog.  Now, keep in mind…this is all my opinion and the way I have done things.  This may or may not be right for you.  The only experience I can speak of is my own.  I would like to take this opportunity to not only share what I have learned, but to also show that I am continuing to learn…every day, and that is how it should be.  We, as photographers, must always push ourselves and raise our own expectations.  That being said….

Some of the things we will cover include camera gear, lighting, techniques, posing, post processing, starting a business, marketing, and numerous other topics.   Check in daily!

I am always open for questions and/or discussions.

The 2010 Working Kelpie Trials were held over the weekend of October 2nd and 3rd.  This event was organized by Doreen Kruasz and Jose Herrera of  the  Panther Creek Ranch in Balsam Lake, WI.  The trials featured over 30 dogs herding sheep and ducks in the Open Ranch, Novice, and Rookie groups.  All group levels were judged by World Sheep Dog champion Elvin Kopp of That’ll Do Ranch in Alberta, Canada.

The weekend had the feel of a family get together with most of the entries and volunteers knowing each other, even those from as far as Colorado and North Carolina.  Praises were offered to all levels, from blue ribbon winners to first time rookies whose runs were less then perfect.  Competitiveness was overshadowed by the genuine love for Kelpies and herding as a sport, even the rivalries between competitors was friendly and cordial.

Saturday started with the Sheep Open Ranch course, which was the most difficult of the courses, consisting of moving 5 sheep around roughly a 3 acre field through a series of obstacles to test the abilities of both the dog and the handler.  The handler must stay in one spot and command the dog to guide the sheep around the course and through the obstacles.  Watching these highly trained dogs move the stock around so precisely is quite a sight.  Both the handlers and the dogs are truly masters of their craft, making something like moving livestock around look like an art form.

Even the Rookie Class, consisting mostly of inexperienced young dogs, was fun to watch.  The excitement of the dogs as they get comfortable being around and moving livestock, and the handlers as they advance the training and technique of their dogs. All attendees of the event had a passion for working dogs and their skill sets.

Images from the event are now available online. We offer prints, collages and even a 8×20″ panoramic of the entire group of competitors. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at Info@CWilsonPhoto.com.

Images from herding competition are now available online. Select 4 images and we will build you a collage 8×10″ or 11×14″ print.  All images purchased will be touched up for clarity and color balance.

Note: A-Sheep images have been taken down for space reasons. If you need to see your photos email us.