Recently, having returned from an all-breed show, I was anticipating the arrival of my hound's show win 8x10 photograph taken by Fritz Clark Photography. Fritz has been a fixture on the dog show scene here in the Northeast for what seems decades and decades and is not an amateur.

When the photo(s) arrived, I felt very let down for many good reasons. Allow me to explain. Our ring assignment was at 9:45 AM where we won two, three-point majors in both sexes of our breed with the male going up BOW. As a courtesy to judges, I usually will make a determined effort to get a show photograph. So, we sat and waited with our hounds several hours until the Judge's morning assignment schedule was completed. However, this available time slot was also the time set aside for the judge to eat lunch, finally, before going right back into the thick of things. Also, to make matters worse, there were a dozen or more exhibitors, many of them who had just gotten done with their competitions, who also wanted show photographs with this judge.

Let me say, this experience, to begin with, can be vexing and chaotic. The judge has only a few minutes to provide his services, he has a tight schedule to keep, and there is a throng of people waiting. Now, of course, it is widely known that some exhibitors can be quite nasty and rude. So, you get the idea, as if you were there. Well, it is our turn, and as I approach it is evident that my giant breed is not going to be photographed on a base, so I proceed to set up in the foreground closer to the judge. The photographer waves me off telling me I am fine where I am. Of course, as time is of the essence, I naively trust him as many others are waiting, and I set up right there or at least attempt to do so as he gave me less time to set up than we are allotted by an all-breed judge before examination! The photographer, without any helpful corrections, starts snapping away and exclaims, "all done."

We were so rushed and with all the other people remaining, I was unable to get my bitch's Major win show photograph taken. That was a disappointment as well. Fast forward to the arrival of the show photo and it is a poor example of his work. See below. Thoroughly vexed, I decided to write Mr. Clark and express my objections and disappointment. Why? Because I am sick and tired of both me and my money being underappreciated while attending all-breed dog shows. Further, I believe I speak on behalf of many owner-handlers, and those who do not complain but grin and bear it, especially those who are not part of the dog show cult exhibiting dogs every weekend from here to Timbuktu. I felt cheated. We fork over the $42.00 for two 8x10 photographs and do not say anything? Here is the excerpt of what I wrote.

"Having been involved in our sport for nearly 33 years and having numerous show win photographs taken over these many years, I must say that these two 8x10’s you just sent were poorly done. Look at the photograph, of which there were two identical shots, where clearly you could have taken a moment to ask me to reset the wolfhound’s front legs underneath himself. Instead, you just clicked away and said, “All done.” Additionally, as I approached the staging area and was in the process of moving the wolfhound forward, you interrupted me stating, “No, right there is fine.” Clearly, looking at the photo, it was not fine depicting an uncomfortable gap between ourselves and Mr. Edward Hall, and this had to be apparent to you at the time. Despite that I am not a Professional Handler nor do I regularly campaign my hounds to accrue points in the all-breed system, both my hound and I should not be trivialized. Our hard-earned money is as valuable as other exhibitors, and frankly, the photographs are disrespectful."

I sent this off, and surprisingly, I did not receive a reply. Why would he reply? Because he is in the business of client services; he is a Retailer selling his work. He should care if we buy or do not buy his product. Evidently I was being ignored so, thirteen days later, I contacted him again and asked if he received my initial complaint. Only then, did I receive a one-word response, "Yes."

To sum it up, he simply did not give a damn which I believe is indicative of a much larger issue, and not just this dog show photographer's attitude. It is suggestive of an overall mentality as civility and gratefulness rank well down on the list of positive aspects involving conformation dog show experiences. No 'thank you's' for coming, missing are any welcoming elements that make exhibitors feel convivial and appreciated. It is a 'get them in and get them out', 'let's get this over with' atmosphere, which can be very tiring and frustrating over the decades.

This particular all-breed show in question offered our New England Regional Club's supported entry. Although I did see our club show representative, who also happens to be the all-breed show chairperson, not at any time did this person say "thank you" for supporting the entry, of which I brought three entries. Despite the fact that my attendance involved expenses for an overnight stay at a hotel, food, home dog caretaker expenses, gasoline and entries of nearly $100.00. All that is left these days at many of these conformation dog shows, in my somewhat pessimistic but realistic opinion is, an "I don't give a damn" attitude.

Take a look at it yourself. Truthfully, if you find this photo acceptable, then perhaps you may be desensitized to poor quality shots and most likely have been a victim as well, one too many times.