We’re passionate about photography for so many diverse reasons. To us, our dogs are family. We have professional photographers at our events to take photos because doing so gives us satisfaction, nourishes us, energizes us, or in many ways, photography sustains us. Our dogs give us so much joy that it is contagious to see them so happy doing something they love. Fast CAT photography is all part of the experience of running with Black Knights Coursing and we want to help you get the most of your experience with us.

SAFETY FIRST

Safety is our main goal and one of our core values for our events. If at any time you feel the safety of yourself or your dog are in question, please let one of our event staff know as soon as possible. There are three main things you need to be aware of when running your dogs in Fast CAT. THESE ARE MAJOR SAFETY CONCERNS AND SHOULD BE OBSERVED AT ALL TIMES.

ENSURE YOUR DOG’S LEAD/LEASH IS NOT TANGLED IN THER LEGS OR FEET.
NEVER ATTEMPT TO FORCEFULLY STOP OR STAND IN FRONT OF YOUR DOG WHILE THEY ARE RUNNING (ESPECIALLY AT FULL SPEED). This is extremely dangerous for both you and your dog, and is also counterproductive to the main goal which is to let your dog chase and/or catch the bag as fast as possible.
ALWAYS BE AWARE OF WHERE THE WHITE STRING IS and never touch, stand on, or place between your feet.

PHOTO LOCATIONS

For our events, we have photographers placed in two primary locations. Start Line and Catch Pen images are the most popular among Fast CAT enthusiasts, and these locations provide the best possible images of your dogs. The Start Line images provide a glimpse of what it’s like for your dog when the chase begins. The images from this position are all about INTENSITY, from both human and dog. Catch Pen images are incredible to see the results of your dog’s chase efforts. There are four primary photos in this location, Dog Running, Dog Focus, Bag Hits, and Special Moments. Running photos show their whimsical faces. Focus shows when they key in on their target. Bag Hits are the holy grail of these images and are EPIC.

START LINE TIPS

Q: WHAT IF MY DOG HAS NEVER RUN FAST CAT BEFORE?
A: Welcome to our family! We love our new FAST CAT runners and want you both to have a blast. There is only one way to find out if your dog will chase the “bunny” and we are happy you chose Black Knights Coursing.

Q: WHERE SHOULD I STAND FOR START LINE IMAGES?
A: Stand on the side of the lane opposite where the photographer is positioned. Photographing the same corner without distracting the dog is very difficult. We don’t want to distract your dog more than is necessary during their run.

Q: HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN TO RELEASE MY DOG?
A: Your release queue is when you hear the Huntmaster say “TALLY HO!” A good release takes good timing and practice so please be patient with yourself and your dog.

Q: WILL I BE IN THE IMAGESS WITH MY DOG?
A: Yes. Since you are in close proximity to your dog when releasing it is very difficult to photograph one without the other. If you prefer not to be photographed you can always ask a friend or other event participant to release for you.

Q: WHAT IF MY DOG DOESN’T RUN?
A: It is perfectly normal for your dog not to want to leave his person or be a bit shy at first. There is a lot going on so being patient with them is key. We can always reset the run if they don’t take to the bag right away. We can also run them after they have a chance to calm down. They give us what they give us and that is all we can ask of them.

Q: WHAT IF MY DOG IS UNSURE OF PEOPLE HE DOESN’T KNOW OR GETS DISTRACTED EASILY?
A: Often known as “stranger danger” that is no problem for us. Just let us or our photographer know and they will gladly give your dog the space they need.

CATCH PEN TIPS

Q: WHAT IF MY DOG HAS NEVER RUN FAST CAT BEFORE?
A: We encourage you to stand near the Finish Line for their first run, just don’t cross the timing poles! When your dog starts their run wave your arms like crazy and make a lot of NOISE to get their attention. Once they show interest in running towards you, RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN TO STAND BEHIND THE PHOTOGRAPHER. It may seem like a simple suggestion, but you would be surprised how many people stand directly in front of the camera completely obstructing the photographers view of the dog. Whether they chase the bag or run straight to you, the photos will be epic.

PRO TIP! Your dog may even jump on and bite the bag, which is exactly what you want them to do. If they show interest in the bag and go after it, praise them! They will learn it’s what you want and their next run will be incredible.

Q: WHERE SHOULD I STAND FOR CATCH PEN IMAGES?
A: STAND BESIDE OR BEHIND THE PHOTOGRAPHER to get great images of your dog running straight towards the camera. If they aren’t interested in chasing the bag they will likely be interested in getting to you.

Q: CAN I STAND AT THE FINISH LINE FOR MY DOG’S RUN?
A: This should only be done for your dog’s first run ever. NEVER STAND AT THE FINISH LINE FOR YOUR DOG’S ENTIRE RUN. Not only does it limit photographic options, but your dogs may slow down when they see you and not finish their run at full speed.

Q: SHOULD I FORCE MY DOG TO STOP WHILE HE IS STILL RUNNING/LASSO HIM?
A: LET YOUR DOG FINISH THEIR RUN COMPLETELY BEFORE YOU APPROACH THEM. The primary goal is to let your dog chase, catch, and hit the bag if they choose. Those bags cost less than five cents each, and we have plenty of them. The only time you should force your dog to stop running is for an injury.

SPECIAL MOMENTS

HAVE A SPECIAL IMAGE REQUEST? ASK AWAY.
Special moments happen all the time during our Fast CAT events. If you are proud of your dog, — and who isn’t? — our photographers are ready to capture that! When your dog finishes their run, pose for the camera! These photos make great memories. Our photographers can also create special images for you after the day has finished such as at our photo booth setup, local scenery, or even custom images. They also offer private and commercial sessions (booked separately) in addition to event photography. They are here for you and your dogs and will love creating memories for you!

MEET OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS

Our photographers are dog lovers too! Saying hello will let them know you are interested in their services. If photos are your thing, and trust us we get it, please make sure the photographer is in place and ready for your dog’s run.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER’S INFORMATION?
Our event photographers will have contact information available at the event site but we have also linked them in this post.

WHEN & WHERE WILL MY IMAGES BE AVAILABLE?
You can expect your images to be available for purchase at the event photographer’s website no longer than 14 days after the last day of the event you attend. If that time frame changes we will update our website and social media platforms with the latest information.