Dog Dish Diet Photo Shoot

I worked on my manuscript for Dr. Greg’s Dog Dish Diet: Sensible Nutrition for Your Dog’s Health for more than a year. After the first edit, I did some rewriting. Then, for

Tucker leaning in for a kiss.

good measure, I put the manuscript through a second round of editing.

This is the phase that I call the slogging-through time. It’s the heavy lifting, and you feel as though you are so far from the finish line that you’ll just never see your book published. And believe me, once you finish writing even the first draft of your book, all you can really think about is the finish line and holding that hot-off-the-press first copy in your hand…My Book.

Make up! Quiet on the set!

I think the first time I thought I’d actually see the finish line and have a printed copy in my hands was when we shot the cover art. It had been a warm week here in Gilroy, California. We were all worried that a long shoot would be hard on the models.

The models, now that’s another story…several good dogs that local search-and-rescue dog trainers Mary Cortani and Deleta Jones worked with. They spent a couple

It didn't take long for me to lose my chef's hat.

of weeks training all those dogs to sit at the picnic table together.

To keep the shoot as easy on the dogs as possible, photographer Rosemary Rideout planned the session for late in the day. Our California days usually cool towards evening. Rosemary also scouted the location. She knew what she wanted going into the shoot. Props were arranged for ahead of time. All I had to do was show up with my beloved shadow, Tucker.

We tried several settings at and around the table

He's eating the props...and a lot of olive oil!

and in the field with the golden California hills in the background. All-in-all the shoot went smoothly. Of course, you can’t expect dogs to sit still and remain attentive for too long. We have a lot of outtakes with dogs looking in the wrong direction, standing on the picnic table, turning their backs to the camera (yes, Tucker, I’m talking about you)  and even running out of camera range.

And truth be told, my arms got tired holding that heavy platter of fresh, wholesome foods…that platter that the dog’s couldn’t take their eyes off of. If you have any doubts that dogs will eat carrots, green beans, raw chicken, potatoes and olive oil…well just look at the dogs in these outtakes.

They've got their eyes on the raw chicken thigh in my hand.

The day was controlled mayhem at best, but Rosemary coped and managed to get her cover shot. Dogs at a picnic table…it may just rival dogs playing poker.

If you need a photographer and you live in the northern California area, Rosemary Rideout is available. Here is Rosemary’s website.

Tagged as: california veterinarian, Dog Dish Diet, dog food, dog health, dog nutrition, Dr. Greg's Dog Dish Diet, Greg Martinez DVM, healthy dog food, healthy eating for dogs, veterinarian