the classic dog-in-a-cone rarely gets old ... at the same time, it is so rarely done with anything that is unique or at least somewhat refreshing. what makes this image stand out is its calmness ... the choice of black-and-white, the deep shadows, the minimal highlights ... and most of all, the steady stare of the dog. it is this steady stare which - i believe - speaks greater volumes than the usual maudlin looks one sees in so many images of dogs in cones. and of course, the added element of the ball, which we are left to believe this poor dog is unable to grasp within his cone, only adds to the 'story' quality of this image. wonderfully seen and executed. ~ illona
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