My little brother Oakley has been with me for about a week and a half now. I only see him every once in a while, and the little guy really looks up to me. So when he’s with me it’s like having a second shadow (who keeps trying to steal your toy).
It’s no secret (rather ironically) that I am in fact the superhero dog who goes by the name of BATDOG. My brother Oakley has always idolized my superdogness, and has been bugging me for sometime to let him into the club – er, cave.
You may have seen my post on Facebook recently where I showcased for the first time BATDOG and Robin. But that’s not what this post is about. Ultimately, Oakley strives for the celebrity lifestyle – the flashing lights, the glamour, and of course the chicks.
So for the past week and a half I’ve been teaching Oakley one of the key parts in being a celebrity dog, and that’s how to take celebrity photos.
Now even though I’m usually the one in front of the camera, I am also a (self) acclaimed director. I introduced Oakley to my personal photo studio, where I had him take the set while I hopped up on the director chair. And as usual for a job like this, I needed my thinking glasses.
Tip 1: Don’t Be Shy
For Oakley’s first official studio modeling task, I had him sport a pair of neon pink undies while I proceeded to instruct him on how to properly “work it”.
He was reticent at first to strut around in his pink underwear while under the gaze of a camera, but I explained to him that men who wear pink exude confidence – and that’s what you need to be a celebrity. Some people may presume that this is just my form of having some fun with my bro (which is possible to a degree), but I assure you I have his best interests at heart.
Tip 2: Provide an Attention Incentive
It can get distracting with all the flashing lights and camera shutters and whatnot (particularly for Oakley), so I had to keep his attention with nice incentives. For Oakley it’s a treat – for me it’s usually a squeaky ball.
I also found that if I told Oakley a complicated or funny story, I got a good visual reaction from him.. Or in other words, it brought out his super-cute face.
Tip 3: Stay Still
Focusing on a treat is one thing, but staying ‘still’ is another. So learning to hold your composure for photos does take practice. I am quite used to it, but Oakley not so much. This is where I coached him on taking baby steps. I got him to stay still for only a few seconds by saying “stay”, and then rewarded him. We practiced this for a while, steadily working up to longer times. He found it fun and was proud he was doing such a good job!
Sidenote: through this exercise I realized I should probably invest in some new lenses..
But in any case, they’re only meant to help me think more sophisticatedly, not actually to see better, so I guess it doesn’t matter.
Tip 4: Positive Reinforcement
Oakley is an attention-loving dog. So after a few good photos, he really appreciates some happy positive affection. For Oakley, just a pat on the back from his big bro (and maybe a little treat) is all he could ask for. When I’m on a shoot, my positive reinforcement usually comes from my sideline babes.
Tip 5: Always be Flexin’
I always make a point of flexing in front of the camera. It’s become second nature.
After Oakley started to get the rhythm of the camera clicks, I slipped off my director chair and joined him for a few shots (couldn’t resist when the weights came out). This is our body builder cover photo.
Notice the upright, proud and pronounced chests, high chins, and flexed shoulders.
And then for Oakley’s most exciting moment – the BATDOG & Robin shot!
I think just being Robin was all the positive reinforcement Oakley needed.
He wasn’t raised under the camera, but he’s a natural (I guess that comes in being my brother).
Tip 6 (and the only one you need): Make it Fun and Loving
When it comes down to it, a truly great photo just represents the moment. So the more fun, entertaining, and loving the experience is, the better photos you get. I for one have come to recognize that the camera means personalized attention, playtime, fun, and affection – as well as the delayed benefits of fame, babes, and self-indulgence.
And after all that good work in the studio, one of our favorite things to enjoy together.. is ice cream : )
That was a blissful moment, and the camera caught it.
Keep clickin’,
~ Crusoe
Hi Crusoé,
This is great ! My dog looks up to you too, she will be happy to see that lesson!
Have you ever tried to teach Oakley how to smile? This would be so cool too.
Thanks,
Karine & Kalie
Haha, might have to work on that one.. ; )
Such wonderful pic shots, you are a terrific director (even with dirty thinking glasses) and I can tell Oakley adores you. So glad you have each other, even if it’s for visits. Glad to see the totally natural pic of you two gobbling up the ice cream!!! <3
Thanks Teresa!
Another great post, of course! Love those two! Makes me smile every time. Looking forward to more of your adventures!
Thanks Susie!
Wow – I’m impressed with your directorial debut, Crusoe, and with Oakley’s A-List performance! Would have loved to have seen of video of you two eating that ice cream cone, which you both so richly deserved! Maybe next time!!???
Love you both – you’re the most handsome and photogenic weens I’ve ever seen!!!! Can’t wait to see what shenanigans you guys are up to in your next blog!
Lots of love to my favorite weens! Chris (Oregon)……xoxoxo
Might just have to do a video of that sometime.. : ) Thanks Chris!
Awww! Poor Oakley! He really looks uncomfortable in the pink ‘Speedo’ type undies. We are your fans, now and forever; remember that! But, I LOVE the Robin outfit and the work out photo. All that flexing in one picture…I feel faint! C-have you given him some tips on dodging the paparazzi? I think he is ready for that.
Sensible, sentimental, splashy, splendid and single,
<3 Bonnie Lee
Thanks Bonnie! Oakley’s not quite as used to the dress-up part of being a celebrity. I think he was more awkward than uncomfortable 😛
Paparazzi tips are a good idea too! : )
[…] photos as we posed proud and graciously for the camera. Luckily, Oakley has just recently learned how to take Crusoe-caliber celebrity photos, so that came in handy […]
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