Meet my location scout
My walks may never have happened if it weren't for our dog Copper. We adopted him from a local rescue as a puppy, and he quickly became an essential part of our lives. He is a beautiful mix of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Chow Chow, fox, and teddy bear. My partner and I would take turns walking him around our neighborhood and going to the local dog run. However, it was during his first trip to a state park where Copper came alive. He dragged us up and down steep hills, stopping only to explore a new scent or stream. His enthusiasm was infectious and he looked like he was smiling ear to ear.
As a location scout, Copper is everything I could want. Dependable, full of energy, and not content until he has explored all the possible shoot locations. I can credit several of my images to his stubbornness on our walks and I have learned over the years to trust my scout. I will typically shoot until I think I have the image for the day and then put my camera away for the rest of the walk. Suddenly, a strong pull on the leash will drag me into the woods, through mud, or across a stream. Copper will ease up and I will look around and notice an interesting plant, or a cool tree texture. Sometimes I will just stop and enjoy the moment with him. If we have taken a long walk, Copper will lie in the car close to my back and chill as we drive home.
Copper as a puppy, showing off his ball-chasing speed and watching the sunrise on a walk.
My four-legged companion is with me in my studio daily. He checks in on me, barks at delivery people, and waits to catch sight of our neighbor who sits on her porch, armed with bags of treats to distribute to neighborhood dogs as they pass. Sometimes I lose track of time while I'm working, and Copper takes charge by reminding me when it's almost dinner time by brushing his paw against my leg. He's a bossy boy and won't stop until I turn my computer off.
This Christmas Eve, Copper turned 14 years old. I know that he's well into his third act, but I try not to dwell on it. Instead, I prefer to focus on the here and now, just like he does. Every morning, I lie on the floor next to him, gently wake him, and ask, "Who wants to go for a walk?" He's always good to go.
