Capturing Canine Complements: A Colorful Canine Quest

In the heart of Colorado Springs, against the backdrop of the iconic Red Rocks Canyon Open Space, a vibrant canine duo stole the show in a photography session that perfectly blended dogs and the artistry of nature. Meet Kindle, the seasoned 11.5-year-old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, and her spirited companion, Chaser, a 2-year-old whirlwind of energy. Together, we embarked on a journey through the realms of complementary colors.

Before we delve into their colorful adventure, let's shed some light on their lesser-known breed – the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Affectionately known as “Tollers”, these intelligent and agile dogs hail from the rocky shores of Nova Scotia, Canada. Bred for their proficiency in luring waterfowl within gunshot range, Tollers are renowned for their striking red coats, which may vary in shade from a deep copper to a golden hue. While it might sound a tad simplistic to label their coats as "orange," in my mind, it served as the perfect descriptor to juxtapose against the background of the Colorado azure sky. Kindle and Chaser, fabulous representatives of the breed, were the perfect subjects to bring my vision to life.

As we ventured along the red dirt trails, lined with ancient boulders, it became evident that this setting was more than just a backdrop—it was a stage for these canine companions to shine. With each step, the anticipation grew, leading us to the perfect vantage point where the magic would unfold. Perched atop a seemingly treacherous rock (deceptively so, I assure you), Kindle and Chaser posed against the vast expanse of Colorado's cerulean sky. The simplicity of the scene was breathtaking; the earthy tones of the rocks, the radiant coats of the dogs, and the vivid blue canvas above all came together in harmonious contrast.

“Kindle-ing”:

People are often curious to see how I create images, so here is a behind the scenes (BTS) look:

Kindle and Chaser, when not posing for the camera, are avid participants in various dog sports, embodying the Toller's innate athleticism and intelligence. From the agility courses, where they navigate with precision and grace (which also made them perfectly suited to the climbing required for this session!), to exhilarating dives into the water during dock diving competitions, these dogs exemplify the spirit of adventure and camaraderie.

Additional (unedited) images from the session, including ones that don’t use complementary color because I couldn’t resist framing them with more natural and monochromatic elements:

From Kindle & Chaser’s mom: “Kindle is the serious one. Kindle is also a jumper. She has springs for legs, and can clear a 5’ privacy fence from a standing position. She is stubborn and independent. Chaser is the wiggly one, she is also a cuddler. She loves to be near and touching me; ie laying on my feet, laying across my back in bed. She is not brave.”

The next time you find yourself amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado, with your faithful canine by your side, remember that the true beauty lies in the unbreakable bond between human and canine.

Ginger Wick Photography is an award winning dog photographer specializing in creating beautiful custom artwork of dogs & their people. Based in Parker, CO serving the Denver area.