Behind the Scenes with Detection Dogs

Spent several days just outside of Atlanta with a group of detection dogs and their handlers. It’s always exciting and inspiring watching the connection between a human and dog set on a task. There’s a reason these guys are the best in America.

Location

Training grounds were intense. A hotel, a gas station, a police station, and several other buildings. These dogs had to find planted explosives and do it quickly.

The Session

Fast. Unpredictable. These aren’t the kind of shoots where you give direction. It’s about staying alert and letting the action happen. One second you’re tracking a puppy mid-pounce, next you’re backing up from a German Shepherd locked in. Nothing about this was staged — which is exactly how I like it.

This Frame

Caught this right after a drill. Pup sat down like he was thinking through everything that just happened. These pups just find it as one big game of retrieve and they couldn’t be happier doing it.

Gear

• Fuji X100VI

• FX3 for Video

• Natural Light only since we were always on the move

What Stuck With Me

The contrast. Puppies being goofy and still figuring it out, versus older dogs tuned into their job. Everything felt like it had weight to it — even the play.