For week 16 of Project 52, Try it in Black & White, I am in Spain!!! I found out last year about a dog photography workshop called 'Barkelona' to be held just outside of Barcelona and I am here. It is amazing - truly a pinch myself moment. I don't have the words to describe how beautiful it is and literally as I'm typing this the church bells in the village of Olivella which is just below our villa have started to ring. Today, it is my heaven. I am here with 14 other ladies from all over the world (America, England, Ireland and Australia) and the 3 instructors for the event: Kaylee Greer of Dog Breath Photography, (the color inspiration is for Kaylee and if this doesn't make sense, go to her page and read her bio), Charlotte of Charlotte Reeves Photography and Nicole of Nicole Begley Photography. A Barcelona based trainer Ingrid Ramon is staying here with us too AND she brought her dogs, Edna a rottie and Blat a yellow lab. (Blat means wheat in Spanish.) Ingrid has lined up all of the dogs that we'll be photographing over the next several days. It's going to be a jammed packed, exciting, memorable time!
The village in Olivella is gorgeous. The stone work, the old buildings, the wildflowers and the surrounding hills are a perfect setting for photographing. We photographed 3 different sets of dogs last night. One of the dogs we photographed was a puppy named Luc. Since the theme for this week is try it in black & white, I thought Luc and his story would be appropriate for black & white photos.
Luc is a Galgo or Spanish Greyhound. I learned about these dogs and the breed's history during my stay in Spain. My heart broke when I learned more about these dogs' plight. For reasons I cannot understand, this breed originally brought to Spain by noblemen and held in high esteem, is now deemed worthless. They are used for hunting hare each season and then as part of the tradition, they are killed after the hunt. I couldn't bear to hear about their history and the torture they endure.
There are rescue groups across the world involved in improving the outlook for these dogs. We were fortunate and thrilled to meet Luc and his brother Ovi who were recently adopted. Yay for them!!
I didn't really get to know Luc but I believe this last photo probably sums him up. Just look at those bright eyes, nun ears and silly grin! Good for you Luc. Enjoy your life sweet pup!
Next up in the blog circle is Little White Dog Pet Photography - Sioux Falls, SD Be sure to click the link at the bottom of each post and you'll end up here when you are done.
PS If you'd like to see these two images in color, look at my blog post dated 4/21/16!