On-location Session ~ Cosmo the Siberian Husky X Border Collie

“I’ve got something for you to photograph!” was the random text message I received from a friend a couple of months ago. Knowing my friend is into cars and had no pets, I assumed it would be his latest car, but I soon found out he’d just adopted a puppy! Cosmo came in for a play around in the studio soon after and he soon proved to be an amazing model. He was only 14 weeks at the time and already so mature and smart, so I couldn’t wait to take some on-location shots of him too.

A few weeks later, I headed out to the property where Cosmo lives for that very reason.

Most people think Cosmo is a White Swiss Shepherd and he certainly does have that look about him – but his mum is actually a Siberian Husky and his dad is a Border Collie. Cosmo, his mum and all his litter-mates were surrendered to rescue after their human mum couldn’t care for them any more. All the puppies in the litter were pure white!

Some of them had red noses and some had black. Cosmo is definitely the former!

At just a few months old, Cosmo was an absolute joy to photograph. He soon learned that he only received treats if she stayed in the same spot for me. Some dogs take a lot longer than others to work this out, but with Cosmo it was almost instant! You can almost hear the gears turning in his head as he works things out, such a smart boy, I am guessing due to his parentage.

We’ve been having some amazing weather this winter in Queensland, with lots of clear, crisp days with very little cloud. This was one of those days, it’s a photographer’s dream and it makes sessions so much easier to shoot when the light is consistent.

Spring was definitely on it’s way though with blooms already out all over the place. I know this is a bit girly, but I couldn’t resist posing Cosmo in front of the pretty pink flowers. He’s going to hate me for this when he’s older!

We’ve had many discussions about what colour his eyes will end up. When I first met him at 14 weeks old, his eyes were a sort of greeny blue and now just a couple of months later they are more yellowy. Both my Great Danes, Kaya and Luna, had eyes that changed through lots of colours as they grew up, though they both ended up with ambery brown eyes. We’ll just have to wait and see how Cosmo’s turn out!

Cosmo is lucky enough to live on a big bush property and often accompanies his dad around the place while he chops wood. He loves exploring! And I was loving the light. I know I do go on about light a lot, but it really makes all the difference in photographs, I think it brings them to life and gives them a sense of vibrancy and place, transporting you there and allowing you to feel the mood.

As the sun was setting, we went off exploring on one of the trails with Cosmo leading the way. He has the best tail – so long and full! I am really looking forward to seeing this boy grow up, he’s beautiful inside and out. I think if there were any of his litter left when I found out about him, I would have gone and stolen one of his siblings for myself!