How are a dog show and an airport experience similar?

I didn’t know they were until I attended my first dog show.

An airport is the best place to see a big slice of America. It is a human’s version of a dog show agility test (more on that shortly). First, there is all the fidgeting and bellyaching in the security line. Then there’s the rush for coffee (or the bar). And finally, there’s life at the gate simply watching people. Entertainment at its best!

There’s a big slice of America at a dog show, too.

I attended an impressive event hosted by the Golden Retriever Club of Greater St. Louis (Missouri) at Purina Farms. Consequently, it didn’t take long before I felt like I was back at the airport, but not just any airport. For example, the “passengers” here had four legs and were dressed to the nines with shiny coats and collars. And like airport passengers, the dogs were of every size and breed. Each had its own personality that shone through as clearly as those of the eclectic passengers on a flight to Las Vegas.

But it was the owners that stole the day at the agility course. So, more on that in a bit.

So many great first impressions of the dog show

A lot of words came to mind when I walked into the large building: busy, important, organized, intense, entertaining and love.

Yep, love. Just like at an airport, where love spews from all directions. But I digress.

All those other words are true about airports.  

The show had all the trappings of a place where serious work was happening. At the same time it gushed with amazing potential for the visual arts. Undoubtedly, read that as cool dogs ready for a dog show photographer’s camera.

Here are a few first impressions of the show:

• Relaxed and, yet, not relaxed. Everywhere I looked there were blankets, rugs, kennels, coolers and chairs. Everyone was chill. The large event building looked like one of those disaster-recovery shelters set up by FEMA (but in a good way). Beehive is an overused analogy, but it fits here.
• It was all business. My friend Doug Hippler is a member of the club. With wife Sue, they are long-time owners of golden retrievers in St. Louis. Doug is typically jovial and outgoing. However, not on this day. Small talk wasn’t on Doug’s mind. For example, he was in charge of something important at the event. And like all the volunteers, Doug had his game face on.  

• A three-ring circus. Again, in a good way. Most of the owners and their pets were camped out in the middle of the large room, surrounded by activities and events. One of the rings was the agility course, which took up about 20% of the space. It was teeming with support folks. The agility area reminded me of an Apple store, where there are often more people to help than there are people that need help. It was all very impressive.
• Even the dogs were serious: There was little barking. Nevertheless, it was obvious these dogs were pros. Most of the pups were in their kennels, but a few were doing some last-minute warm-ups with mom or dad. I wanted to pet them all, but the little voice inside me said that probably wasn’t a good idea.
• Treats rule. If you ever need convincing that the way to a dog’s heart is food, this is the place to come. Not surprisingly, Purina gladly hosts these events.
• Love. While a serious event for those in competition, the love and affection for their dogs was obvious. And seriously, who doesn’t love dogs?

All of these good impressions came before I saw the big event, the agility course. Things only got better.

Agility event was low hanging fruit for a St. Louis dog photographer

The setup for the agility event was technical. For example, several volunteers with fancy tape measures made sure that the course was familiar and consistent for the participants. 

But then I was confused. The course looked like a maze. There were no signs. No arrows. How would the dogs know which way to go? Concern began to creep in.

Patience grasshopper, I told myself.

Then came a scene straight out of a movie (The Walking Dead came to mind). One by one, the participants started walking the course, until they were all out there. They were bending, waving, pointing, turning circles and talking to themselves as they walked. Thankfully, a few were smiling, which momentarily made me feel better because I knew The Walking Dead zombies couldn’t smile.

But who were they talking to? Pointing to? Were they signaling other zombies/walkers to come help them? As proof, I present Exhibit A below.

Thankfully, help was on the way.

It all made sense once the agility competition began

Within 10 seconds of the first pup’s start, the mystery was solved. 

Mom or dad ran the agility course with their dog!

All the gyrations, whispering and waving were their tools to keep the dogs on task. For example, the handlers were constantly giving the dogs instructions as they raced through and over the obstacles. Additionally, they kept the commands to simple words: jump, over, up, tunnel and many more. It was impressive.

I was so impressed that for a fleeting moment I thought I about turning over a new training leaf with my two goldens. Sadly, it remains fleeting.

Dogs will do the darndest things

Despite all the preparation, not all performances were flawless. Some even had funny moments. For example, one small dog let out a bark at the end of each jump on the course. It was like a tennis player grunting after a returned shot. We doubt the bark made the dog faster.

Another speedy participant got ahead of its mom and veered off track midway through its race against the clock. The owner’s frustrated wail of “nooooooo” instantly got our attention. Everyone watching felt her pain. 

I photographed the agility event for about 30 minutes and came away with a few winners in the gallery below. Also, see more of our “pet” photos here: golden retrievers, Wemaraner’s and wild horses.

As a professional dog photographer, I viewed the show as a visual feast. Certainly, the relationships between the dogs and their handlers is special.

A dog show photographer’s tips for dog show enthusiasts

Here are some quick tips for capturing great memories from these vibrant and dynamic dog show photography events:

• Embrace the action. Try snapping photos of dogs in motion. Whether they’re trotting in the ring or playing in a moment of downtime, action shots bring their personalities to life. And it seems dogs are always smiling when they’re active.
• Focus on details. Highlight the unique features of each dog—a perfectly coiffed tail, a shiny coat or an expressive face. Additionally, don’t forget the eyes. Great animal photography–wild or otherwise–starts and ends with eyes that are in sharp focus. 
• Capture the connection. Some of the most touching moments happen outside the ring. Look for interactions between dogs and their handlers, or even candid moments of dogs being, well, dogs.

For professional-quality photos, nothing beats a professional dog photography session. It allows for creative angles and a stress-free environment tailored to your dog’s personality. 

From dog show enthusiast to forever friend

Beyond the structured competition and the ribbons, what stood out most was the joy these dogs bring to their handlers and spectators alike. 

Dog shows aren’t just about showcasing perfect coats and precise movements. They celebrate the individuality and charm of every dog. And they are a fantastic spot for a professional dog photographer in St. Louis that loves dogs.

Todd Gurley is a photographer who has come to the professional party late, but has had a big boy camera since he was 14.

Todd’s love of photography always had an outdoor focus. It started with sports, evolved to landscape, and then wildlife and birds.

And now pets!.

Based in St. Louis, Missouri, but an Arkansan at heart, Todd lives with his partner in crime of 50 years Sheila and about 250 pounds of dogs. They have two golden retrievers named Gracie and Ellie and one black lab named Norman. And bringing up the rear is an additional 10 pounds from Sally the rescue cat. She’s in charge if you are wondering.

Todd has this other business with his son Drew called Redbird Advisors. Oh, and he now has this website which was first discussed 25 years ago.

No wine before its time!

P.S. The photo above was taken on our way to the summit of Mt. Quandary, a 14,271-foot peak in the middle range of the Rockies, south of Breckenridge. Colorado. There are 58 named “14ers” in Colorado, the most of any state.