The Story Behind the Photograph #6

Les Telford

“NON!” was taken in May 2026 while I was in Dublin for its street photography festival, walking from the city centre towards the finish of the City Half-Marathon, where I hoped to get a photo or two. En route I happened to spot the developing stand-off between recalcitrant dog and possibly long-suffering owner from a little distance away and moved swiftly to ensure I didn’t miss the photo opportunity with my 50mm lens. As a former dog handler, I’m always drawn to potential images of dogs and their owners. It’s fair, though, to say that the French bulldog is not my favourite breed. It’s also fair to say, as a former translator, that French is not my favourite language! This is actually the second in the resulting sequence of three photos, which I titled “A canine tale in 1 minute 18 seconds”. The dénouement? The frustrated and, I suspect, embarrassed owner took the pragmatic decision to give in, scoop the uncooperative dog up in her arms and simply walk swiftly away 78 seconds after my first photo. Why do I like the image? Because the situation immediately made me smile (Schadenfreude?), and I instantly recognised it as a keeper.

About me

A retired translator (and retired volunteer mountain rescue dog handler) who has been a street photographer, off and on admittedly, since the 1970s, i.e. since before I had even heard the term. I’m predominantly an observational hunter of moments, shooting with either a 28mm or 50mm lens. Mostly digital, though I still make the occasional foray into film photography.

IG: @les.telford