Ideally, for a ‘portrait’ photo like this the model should stand about a metre or two away from the photographer to make the composition works, and create a good balance of space between the model and the lovely background. Ideally.

Today’s model was somewhat  undisciplined. He flunked his first training at puppy school because he was way too playful and easily distracted. The instructors were not too happy with him (true story) so we agreed the best way was to drop out and train him ourselves. Looking back, it’d probably better if we stayed and persevered,  soldiered through the humiliation of being ‘those couple’ who couldn’t control their pup until our dog was trained properly.

This morning plan was to have him sit down facing me and stay there (while I walked away to have a bit of distance) so I can get a nice portrait photo of him with a nice background; a portrait that would be Facebook profile worthy, if you will.The execution was a total disaster. A metre or two away from me was a metre or two too far away from me according to him. He could not stand it. Remember, this school drop-out has no self-discipline, what can you expect. He was only happy when his nose was pressing (wet and coldly) on my legs, so his head was  in the perfect position for a caress. To say that he is untrained and spoiled would be an understatement.

Even as I was writing this post he was resting close to me with his head on my foot. Gotta love him! He is made for loving, not to provide security (nor guiding/hunting for game/fetching stuff). His 42 kg of love and adoration being is there for us 24/7; ready to give cuddle, licks and occasional nibbles. He is instrumental in keeping this family’s stress level low and keeping us calm in ‘challenging’ times.

For those who are interested, this photo was taken by the lake Burley-Griffin. Just park at the National Library parking lot, and from there you walk straight down towards the lake. Bruno and I were hanging out there to cool-off after our morning run. It was a brilliant autumn morning, a perfect day for a run. Just look at his grin.