Shar Pei Dogs and Photography

Have you ever tried to get a professional photograph of a Shar Pei dog?

Believe me, it’s not easy and I speak from experience. After thinking I’d come up with the perfect birthday present for a man who has everything, I booked an appointment with a skilled young photographer in Barnard Castle.

As Shar Pei’s go, the dog behaved well but then they’re not known for their easy manner and quick response – they don’t leap after sticks and their ears are too small to prick up at the sound of a squeaky ball - which is obviously necessary for natural-looking photograhs.

For the first ten minutes Winston moved obediently from side to side, graciously accepting nibbles of cooked chicken and looking reasonably amenable.  After that, he lost interest and the poor photographer had to move from one position to another, even lying on her back to get better poses of him! 

By the end of the session I thought she might have a nervous breakdown and I did my best to reassure her that some of the pictures were certain to represent the Shar Pei breed; that is haughty and aloof.

It was probably a ridiculous idea of mine and next year I’ll buy Chocolates and After-Shave as usual, but I must say I await the results with interest.

"Life of Pi."

Richard Parker keeps Pi at bay.

Some time ago I mentioned a favourite novel of mine – "Life of Pi," - a Booker prize-winner by Yann Martell.

It has now been made into a film and yesterday I saw that film and loved the story even more.  For two hours I was mesmerised by the Indian boy, Pi and a Bengal tiger called Richard Parker.

The film’s gentle beginning has beautiful scenes of India and the family’s zoological gardens, but these are soon overtaken by the noise and chaos of a storm at sea with the tragedy of a shipwreck and Pi’s struggle for survival against both the sea and the tiger.

Suffice it to say that if you enjoy adventure; daring and bravery as well as the most beautiful photography and seascapes, then this is the film for you. It even has a surprise ending.

I strongly recommend it.