A Nature Lesson

(must be read in a hushed, "wild-america" voice)

Here we see the typical American family, in the midst of the western cultural phenomenon: The Yearly Christmas Family Photo Shoot.
What's unique about this family, is that the matriarch is a photographer herself and has exceedingly high expectations for what makes for a good portrait. She leads the pack this Sunday afternoon to the inner city of their habitat for what is called, in modern western photography lingo, an "urban session", photographed by family friend and NON-photographer, Casey Perkins. The nervous anxiety of the temporary photographer is almost palpable and the unspoken pressure from the female mounts....
Let's look in on the beginnings of the shoot, shall we??

Here we see the female of the pack insisting that the eldest pup obey her commands, lest he not be rewarded with ice cream (a highly sought-after human treat) at the session's conclusion. Alpha Male supports the female's commands, and even steps in to bite at the cub's ear when his belligerence runs amok. Things are tense for several moments as the ever-independent pup contemplates his options. Eventually, he reluctantly agrees and begrudgingly obeys. The alpha female has won this round and maintains her place in the hierarchy.




Later we come across the pack in a new location, hunting for more interesting scenes. A lovely photo, until the alpha female realizes that she is still wearing her sunglasses. She howls in frustration, while alpha male gazes on in amusement. The pups are oblivious, although the youngest one, still quite attached to his mother, looks on in curious observation.

The pack moves on, but the pups give the adults even more grief at the next location as time has worn on and their bellies are growling and dissension broods. Despite mother's insistence, this middle pup insists on irritating his mother...pulling her ears, playing rough, and attempting to wrestle.

Finally, the pups are settled with the promise of "one last shot" to complete until the ice cream is obtained, and the two eldest begrudgingly settle in, eagerly anticipating a fresh meal. But alas, the youngest pup, a mere 4 months and still a suckling, becomes hungry and attacks the mother with a vengeance, pulling at her fur and rooting for a meal.


Alpha female gives up and the pack moves on to the feeding grounds, for their ice cream treat.

Stay tuned for an invigorating look at the only 3 successful shots of the session.....