Nick Ridley Photography ... The UK's Leading Dog Photographer

PUBLICATIONS
Nick has written two photography books, both are available from all good book shops or directly from GMC Publications (contact pubs@thegmcgroup.com) He is also Gundog Editor for the Sporting Shooter magazine.

HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH PETS

ISBN 1-86108-242-8

The book contains chapters on:

Equipment: You do not need top notch gear to capture your pet on film. This chapter outlines the various kit available through high street stores. Both digital and traditional film cameras are covered as are flash units, tripods and that most important accessory .....the humble crisp packet !

Animal Behavior: Don't worry this isn't an advanced lecture on the complexities of animal behavior ! But it helps to know how your pet will react when you point the camera at it....will it smile or will it bite. This chapter tells you what to look out for and various techniques to help get your subject to relax.

Natural / Environmental Portraits: this is my favorite chapter....gundogs in the field, sheepdogs on farms, cats under lavender bushes, this is all about capturing your pet in the great outdoors. Lighting, composition and in-camera techniques are all covered.

Indoor / Studio Portraits: if its raining outside then do not despair get out the flashgun and an old curtain and take some formal pictures. If you have a mini pet (hamster, gerbil, ferret etc.) why not make a "real life" set on the dining room table, the step by step guide will tell you how.

Action Shots: okay this part is dedicated to "Mans Best Friend"....the dog. Whether they are jumping, swimming, running or just having fun you can capture the amazing agility of your dog in action. Shutter and film speeds along with various technique's to get that once in a lifetime image are explained fully. Of course once you have read this chapter it won't be just a "once in a lifetime" picture !

The Digital Solution: digital photography is growing at a fantastic rate and the computer is king of digital imaging. What do you need and how do you do it ?....check out this chapter if you want to crop or remove unwanted elements from your pictures. Don't worry this isn't full of tecno blurb !

The Final Frame: you've read the book.... you've taken the best picture ever..... and now what are you going to do with it ? Well here is the answer, mounting, framing and hanging your photograph is all covered.....Good title for the last chapter !

HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH DOGS

ISBN 1-86108-332-7

This instructional and inspirational book will appeal to dog lovers and photographers alike. Top-grade equipment is not essential for taking a good photograph, more the ability to "see" a good picture and Nick's easy to follow text and stunning photographs reveal the tricks of the trade.Beta (part of the Nestle Purina Group) have endorsed the book and it was launched at the Purnia stand during Crufts 2004. The book contains over 160 images and chapters covering:

Advice on photographic equipment and accessories : Information on the basic cameras and gear available, the two main forms of image capture (film and digital), flashguns, studio flash units, and those special extras, such as squeakers and whistles.

Dog Behaviour: The very act of pointing a camera at a dog can cause varying degrees of reaction in the animal. Nick provides vital information on the personal space/ fear circle of dogs, on eye contact and pack instinct, and techniques to use and avoid during a photographic session.

Technique: How different kinds of natural light affect an image; mastering composition, using the rule of thirds; using the correct point of focus to produce stunning images; understanding shutter and aperture settings and dealing with black dogs.

Photographing puppies: How to get puppies to stay still, photographing groups of puppies. Useful tips when choosing locations and props.

Dogs at work: From herding sheep to sniffing out drugs, the dog does it all, and photographing gundogs, sheepdogs and guard dogs at work or in a working environment is covered here, with emphasis on the dog in its natural environment for its breed.

Dogs at rest: Some of the most endearing images of your dog can be taken when it is relaxing, but this section also covers "formal" portraits with backgrounds / backdrops and flash lighting, as well as use of longer lenses and depth of field.

Dogs having fun: Chasing balls, swimming, jumping and also agility dogs. Techniques for action shots - use of slow and fast shutter speeds.

The digital dog: Includes techniques for removing unwanted elements, and changing colour to black and white.

PUBLICATIONS Nick has written two photography books, both are available from all good book shops or directly from GMC Publications (contact pubs@thegmcgroup.com) He is also Gundog Editor for the Sporting Shooter magazine.

ISBN 1-86108-242-8

The book contains chapters on:

Equipment: You do not need top notch gear to capture your pet on film. This chapter outlines the various kit available through high street stores. Both digital and traditional film cameras are covered as are flash units, tripods and that most important accessory .....the humble crisp packet !

Natural / Environmental Portraits: this is my favorite chapter....gundogs in the field, sheepdogs on farms, cats under lavender bushes, this is all about capturing your pet in the great outdoors. Lighting, composition and in-camera techniques are all covered.

Indoor / Studio Portraits: if its raining outside then do not despair get out the flashgun and an old curtain and take some formal pictures. If you have a mini pet (hamster, gerbil, ferret etc.) why not make a "real life" set on the dining room table, the step by step guide will tell you how.

The Digital Solution: digital photography is growing at a fantastic rate and the computer is king of digital imaging. What do you need and how do you do it ?....check out this chapter if you want to crop or remove unwanted elements from your pictures. Don't worry this isn't full of tecno blurb !

The Final Frame: you've read the book.... you've taken the best picture ever..... and now what are you going to do with it ? Well here is the answer, mounting, framing and hanging your photograph is all covered.....Good title for the last chapter !

ISBN 1-86108-332-7

Advice on photographic equipment and accessories : Information on the basic cameras and gear available, the two main forms of image capture (film and digital), flashguns, studio flash units, and those special extras, such as squeakers and whistles.

Dog Behaviour: The very act of pointing a camera at a dog can cause varying degrees of reaction in the animal. Nick provides vital information on the personal space/ fear circle of dogs, on eye contact and pack instinct, and techniques to use and avoid during a photographic session.

Technique: How different kinds of natural light affect an image; mastering composition, using the rule of thirds; using the correct point of focus to produce stunning images; understanding shutter and aperture settings and dealing with black dogs.

Photographing puppies: How to get puppies to stay still, photographing groups of puppies. Useful tips when choosing locations and props.

Dogs at work: From herding sheep to sniffing out drugs, the dog does it all, and photographing gundogs, sheepdogs and guard dogs at work or in a working environment is covered here, with emphasis on the dog in its natural environment for its breed.

Dogs at rest: Some of the most endearing images of your dog can be taken when it is relaxing, but this section also covers "formal" portraits with backgrounds / backdrops and flash lighting, as well as use of longer lenses and depth of field.

Dogs having fun: Chasing balls, swimming, jumping and also agility dogs. Techniques for action shots - use of slow and fast shutter speeds.

The digital dog: Includes techniques for removing unwanted elements, and changing colour to black and white.

PUBLICATIONS
Nick has written two photography books, both are available from all good book shops or directly from GMC Publications (contact pubs@thegmcgroup.com) He is also Gundog Editor for the Sporting Shooter magazine.