A Chance Encounter with the Newlands Hunting Hounds
It was sunny with cloudless skies, a great day for landscape photography, so I set out to capture the beauty of Newlands Valley, a scenic area located just a few miles from home. Armed with my trusty old MPP 5"x4" camera, I had no idea that this outing would turn into a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
While focussing up the first shot, using a black cloth over my head so I could see the focussing screen and adjust the bellows, I heard a commotion coming from the road. Curiosity piqued, I lifted back the black cover and was met with a breathtaking sight: a massive pack of dogs running towards me! I quickly swung the camera around and shouted at the pack-masters to hold the dogs still so I could get a shot.
When the dust settled and the baying hounds calmed, arranged in an almost perfect line-up across the road, I realised that I had a rare opportunity to capture an incredible shot. The dogs seemed to be eying me up, and licking their lips a bit too much. So, without hesitation, I swung into action (basically to save my arse) and took one single frame, without any chance to refocus. To my amazement, the image was pin-sharp when I received the processed print a few days later.
After the impromptu photo session, the pack-master asked if I would be willing to take some shots of the Newlands Hunting Hounds in their kennels. Eager to make the most of this unexpected opportunity, I reached for my old Nikon FM cameras and followed the entourage back to the kennels.
The resulting images are some of my longtime favourites. I captured the hounds on Kodak Tri-X 400 black and white 35mm film, in all their regal glory, showcasing their strength, beauty, and unique personalities. Looking back on that day, I still can't believe my luck. Although I no longer have my beloved MPP 5"x4" camera, or the Nikon FMs, the memories and photos from that encounter with the Newlands Hunting Hounds will remain with me always.
Copyright © Dave Foster