Ian Chantler  

Spaniel Springing by Ian Chantler

August 2026 - Spaniel Springing

About the Image(s)

Mid June and I was invited by the local radio station Mix 56 FM to take some photos of their stand at the Royal Cheshire show this is a massive event were everyone from the farming and agricultural concerns meet up bring their best livestock etc,I had no idea how massive the show ground was think it covered most of Cheshire,Mix 56 had a stage in front of their stand and were showcasing young local music talent and they asked me to photograph the acts performing for publicity for them,between each act I had about 45 minutes so did a bit of wandering not too far and came across the dog agility arena I managed to catch this Springer Spaniel clearing one of the obstacles,I am not happy about the piece of equipment in the top left hand corner but this was the only place I had a clear shot of the jump without anything in the way.


How I did it

Canon EOS 5D Mk III lens Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM f5.6,1/1250s, ISO 200 focal length 73mm Raw file adjusted in photoshop,cropped all round and opened up the shadows, and brought down the highlights sharpened with a high pass filter.

6 comments posted

Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
Ian, perfect timing and a good action shot. I understand that in this group everything goes, so you could have removed the distracting items with the AI tools available in ACR or LightRoom. I would also reduce the brightness of the green field.   Posted: 08/04/2026 15:15:21
Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Hi Isaac
Many thanks I will most certainly reduce the luminance on the greens,I only have CS6 to do all my editing so AI is a non starter for me but I may consider using the image in a PJ comp so I cannot remove anything for that.   Posted: 08/05/2026 10:54:03
R Gary Butler   R Gary Butler
Ian, Isaac makes a good point. But on the other hand, I also think that the ramp on the left and the fence in the back add some depth and dimension to the image. You did capture the dog at just the right moment. there is a bit of a claim in the dog's eyes. I might suggest that you lighten them a bit and sharpen them just to touch. All in all very nice picture.   Posted: 08/04/2026 21:36:29
Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Hi Gary
Many thanks I will most certainly look at lightening the area around the eyes it was a very very bright contrasty day,but I will look at it.   Posted: 08/05/2026 10:55:57
Erik Rosengren   Erik Rosengren
Hi Ian, Isaac and Gary have made points however I believe your image works both ways, with or without the background structures. Excellent timing on the dog's jump.   Posted: 08/07/2026 18:45:42
Guy Davies   Guy Davies
Ian, you have caught the action splendidly with the dog perfectly placed. As for the apparatus in the top left, I think it adds context and improves the picture. I feel that sometimes we are influenced by conventional 'rules' of judging where we are always looking for something to say about distractions. This bit of equipment fits in with the subject and the tonal range so is not really a distraction.

I agree with the others about lightening the eyes just a little.   Posted: 08/08/2026 16:47:00

 

Please log in to post a comment