Training Siena

Yesterday was a good weather day, a bit breezy. I would like Siena to accompany me on my shoots and keep me company on my drives to locations. She is an 11 month old Golden Retriever. When I arrive at a location, I’m usually preoccupied with setting up the shot, setting up the camera and then under a dark cloth while I focus. After the setup, it is loading a film holder, determining the exposure and taking the shot. I can tell you that setting up 19thCentury photo equipment can draw some attention. A bit unnerving if your under a dark cloth and someone walks up while you are concentrating on setting your focus. People want to see and talk about the equipment, get pictures. It happens a lot. Siena, I thought might give me a bit of warning. So today, we practiced her staying in the back of the SUV as I walked around and did some location scouting. She was really good. We will develop more cues later as she learns the routine and ultimately what her job is!