SHOWDOGS: Surely it often happens that group judging takes place at the same time. How do you cope when you have to be in two or more places at the same time?
Norma: I must be honest this is a problem and it has only been in the last few years that I have tried to take photos of the group winners. Generally I have concentrated more on studio type photos and special requests.

SHOWDOGS: Not many people know that you have dogs as well and that you also enjoy showing occasionally. Can you tell us about your dogs? What made you choose this breed?
Norma: When folk ask how many children I have, I generally tell them I have two of the four-legged variety. I have two Salukis and I am still not sure who owns who. They are very special and I wouldn't swop them for anything. At our first May championship show we set up a "studio" and the first pedigreed dog photographed was "Farah" - the Saluki bitch that had won Dogmor Dog of the Year in 1989. She was so gentle and aloof - I fell in love with her immediately. My first Saluki was one of her puppies - Shiraz - and she was a very special lady who went over the Rainbow Bridge in July 2002. I currently have a grizzle bitch, Serena, who is a champion and a red dog, Timmy, who must equal as the dog version of "Dennis the Menace".

SHOWDOGS: How long have you been showing dogs? Do you have plans to campaign your dogs during 2004?
Norma: Since about 1991 and have no plans to show this year.

SHOWDOGS: Which club do you think offers the best-organised show and which is the most helpful in your activities?
Norma: I have always had helpful committees to work with - it is difficult to choose one above the other.

SHOWDOGS: To what would you attribute your photography success over the years?
Norma: Persistence - attending most of the championship shows on a regular basis and also the fact that "studio" photos were offered. I love the dogs and enjoy working with them - I have tried to learn as much as I can about all the different breeds of dogs and how to photograph them to best advantage. I ask questions and appreciate constructive comment on my photos.

SHOWDOGS: Where did you learn your photography techniques?
N: I have always been interested in photography and read many books. I was for many years an active member of the Bluff Camera Club and the Durban Camera Club and while I was teaching I ran a photography club at the school.

SHOWDOGS: Do you use special techniques to get the dog looking just right, or is it just a good dose of patience?
Norma: Lots of patience is a pre requisite and then there are many little "tricks of the trade" - noises, food, toys etc

SHOWDOGS: Have you ever had to deal with impatient judges, ring stewards or exhibitors while you're taking a photo? If so, how do you react to them?
Norma: Yes I've experienced all three - the first two have got a tight schedule to keep and photographs are generally not part of that schedule - I just smile and if they are really uptight walk away and try to arrange the photo somewhere else. The exhibitors that are impatient are probably the worst because they think they are doing you a favour when in fact it is the other way round. One thing I have learnt in the dog shows it doesn't help to lose your cool - just be friendly to one & all

SHOWDOGS: When you're not running between rings at dog shows taking photographs, do you also do doggy photo shoots?
Norma: In recent years I have done a lot of doggy photo shoots and have really enjoyed them enormously. The dogs are generally more relaxed and easier to work with, especially in their home environment. I have also thoroughly enjoyed photographing other disciplines eg working trials, sheep herding, dog jumping etc

SHOWDOGS: What kind of camera and peripherals do you use?
Norma: I am currently using a standard 35mm single lens reflex camera with telephoto zoom lenses and studio lights for formal portraits. I do have all the films scanned to CD these days and am now considering a digital camera as I believe that quality of these has improved considerably. I am also spending a fair amount of time on creative work in Photoshop - you can see examples of my montages on my website.

SHOWDOGS: Do you make your photos available for people to buy at the show, or do you prefer folks to contact you privately?
Norma: As I mentioned earlier most of the photography I have done is on request, but special photos that I take at shows are available at future shows. I generally try to get contact details.

SHOWDOGS: Do you have a website where we can see examples of your work?
Norma: Examples of my work can be seen on my website www.visualconcepts.co.za.

SHOWDOGS: How can people contact you if they'd like to arrange a photo shoot?
Norma: On my website there is an order/query form to complete or contact me on my cell phone 0828941393. Unfortunately at this point in time I do not do the photography on a full time basis so I do not have a formal studio. I work from home and most of my photography is done on weekends or in the evenings.

SHOWDOGS: Thank you for your participation, Norma, and most of all, thank you for the stunning photos you allow to be published on SHOWDOGS.