True Grit: Behind the Scenes

A small black Shih Tzu mix named Mushu became the star of one of my most memorable photographs. The image, True Grit, was awarded Imaging Excellence during PPA’s 2023 Merit Image Review and later earned a Silver Medal at IPC 2024. What looks like a single, effortless leap in the final print was the result of careful preparation, technical problem-solving, and a determined little dog who gave it his all — again and again.

Mushu’s session took place at a private arboretum and botanical garden in Jacksonville, Florida that was filled with wooded trails and lush plantings. For him, the woods became more than a backdrop. A fallen tree branch turned into the perfect obstacle — and ultimately, the stage for this portrait.

Working Around the Challenge

To keep Mushu safe, he was placed on a recall line. His owner stood behind me so he would run straight toward the camera, while my husband and business partner, Randy, held him at the start point before each attempt. The strobe was positioned on a weighted stand just to my left.

The challenge quickly became clear: Mushu was shorter than the branch he was leaping, which made eye-tracking autofocus unreliable from ground level. Actually, it was impossible as neither the camera nor I could see his eyes. 

I then tried prefocusing on a spot in front of the branch, but Mushu launched differently each time. Switching back to eye-tracking, I adjusted my camera angle slightly higher to grab his eye (dark eyes with a black dog can be a bit tricky in lower light, too) and then lowered my camera as he began his launch, so that the camera would be at ground level for the peak of the leap. 

It took several tries. Okay, honestly, it took a lot of tries. Thankfully, Mushu launched himself with boundless enthusiasm, but my timing and focusing took quite some time to line up perfectly. At last, everything clicked: Mushu midair, ears flying, expression locked with determination. His collar, bow tie, and recall line were later removed in post.

Lighting and Gear Choices

Camera: Nikon Z9, NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

Settings: ISO 4000, 200mm, f/2.8, 1/1600 sec.

Strobe: Profoto B10X Plus with reflective umbrella on Manfrotto light stand

Why True Grit

The finished image captures Mushu’s intensity and focus, so the title was a natural fit. It also reflects the persistence required to create it — lying in the dirt, drenched in sweat, in the middle of a Florida woodland, attracting every mosquito around, waiting for that one perfect leap.