Action photographers have long known that they way you get the money shot is 1 part preparation and 9 parts perspiration. While all the advanced effort is important, some subjects simply require effort. In the days of film, that meant lots of images and the hope you got the right one. in the digital era, it still means lots of images but you know more quickly if you captured the curtail moment or not. It does not change the fact the moment is gone and you can’t go back but at least you know. Faster sensors, less noise, better processing, good glass, VR (vibration reduction), and bust mode auto-winders help to get better images that tolerate more cropping, and more chances to capture the perfect frame.

Sadly, I shoot with an older camera (circa 2002) that does not have the faster sensor or the better processing or the VR or the bust mode auto-winder. I do have good glass – even if it is 18 years old and been around the world 5 or 6 times.

Still, I take lots of pictures and I try to be as prepared as possible for when the money shot might avail itself. Today was pretty close. When I back inside and warming up, I reviewed the frames. There were some near misses, and then this – not perfect by any means but a nice representation of the impact a good snow storm can make on a very happy Pug …

120mm (35mm equiv) @ f2.8 for 1/4000s

The snow has stopped falling. The sun is out. The walks and porch have been shoveled clean. It’s time for some fun in the snow – as I have often said, "I hate snow but Zen loves it so much, I tolerate it." I can add to that, that it makes for a rare photo opportunity for this neck of the woods …

snow on the holly ………………. and in stereo

it’s not the Christmas card, but it is real

Zen really does enjoy the snow !

I don’t live in New England. I turned my back of snow and have not looked back. Last winter we had all of one morning of snow. I was very happy with that. Then this year happened …

This will be the last “health related” post for Zen – at least I truly hope so. In a couple of weeks we will start agility training again and see how much she (and I remember).

As I mentioned in my last update on Zen (about a month ago), we’ve been trail walking. With the heavy snow on Valentines Day, the trails have been a real work out – more for me than Zen but it’s been really good fro both of us. The added stimuli as well as the increased walking resistance of the snow and the varied terrain have made a huge difference in her leg. She appears to have full range of motion back and is nearly uniform in her hid quarters.

This past week we started some strait line running exercises. Zen loves chasing snowballs so I’ve been hurling them out in the hay field as far and long as my arm can manage. I’ve been watching her gate, pace, and stride. All are greatly improved over a month ago.

A week ago, I ”let her loose” to play with Jessie. Zen didn’t have her endurance but she did have her dexterity. Another good sign.

Once the rest of the ice/snow melts and the grass dries out, We’ll be working back to more photo opportunities  like the one here ! (Of course, “jumping will be one of the last pieces of equipment we tackle – just to be on the safe side.)