Sam Herding

Sam Herding, originally uploaded by dangeresque2.

This is my currently-favorite puppy trying to play ball. He's a Border Collie mix, and he has that stare that you see when he wants to move something around or is waiting to pounce. Here, he's waiting for me to throw his ball up so he can chase it.

This shot was with my 20D and my too-sharp 50mm lens. I had the camera set to 1/320s @ f/3.2 using ISO 800. It allowed me to show his eyes in focus, perveying the feeling of intensity that he has when he's in this "mode". He just stands there almost motionless with his gaze fixed. It really mystifying that such an energetic dog can just stop and stare - he'll hold a pose like this for 10 seconds or more if you have him captivated.