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When it comes to photo subject matter, dogs are without a doubt my favorite. Don’t get me wrong, I love the felines as well. But dogs have an energy about them that makes a photo shoot so very rewarding. It’s not just that they offer an abundance of picture-worthy moments, it’s also the bonding experience that comes when you truly connect with a dog. It’s that connection that makes for truly unique pet portraits. There are a million German Shepherds in the world, but only one in front of my camera. If my images can visually separate a dog from the pack, I’ve done my job. It’s challenging. When I get it right, my clients instantly see and recognize the dog they know and love. As a volunteer for local animal shelters, my images just might inspire a family to welcome a rescue dog into their home. I’m not sure it gets any better for me.

As Real as it Gets

The best part about working with dogs is that they are sincere in everything they do. There’s nothing rehearsed or fake about their behavior. When they’re hungry, they eat. When they’re thirsty, they drink. When they gotta go, they go (not an uncommon occurrence at a pet photo shoot). They have no agenda, no politics, no prejudice. It’s a dream scenario for a photographer who seeks authenticity in their work. The less I interfere with a dog’s natural look and behavior, the better the images. Other genres of photography aren’t so organic, save for maybe street photography. Dogs don’t act differently when the camera comes out. I can’t say the same about humans.

Call of the Wild

There’s a wild spirit in every dog that I strive to capture in my photos. Even the most domesticated Yorkie has a teeny, tiny wolf stirring inside.In a successful photo shoot, I’ll capture at least one image that conveys this to the camera. It might be a look, or a gaze off into the distance.It can be the attentive perk of the ears or the tail. It could be a crouched posture, a readiness to sprint or pounce. I like to remind myself and my audience that dogs set aside some of their most coveted natural instincts to provide us humans with companionship, safety, and service. I celebrate this wild spirit and make it an integral part of my shot list. I prefer not to use costumes. I know many pet parents love it and I’m happy to accommodate their wishes, within reason. But costumes in my opinion, devalue a dog’s natural character. In some cases, a dog may be fearful of putting on an outfit and I absolutely will not force them against their will. I also won’t try to pose a dog. I may try to get their attention, to look into the camera. But for the most part, I like to let them roam the space and do what comes natural to them. If I’m alert and on my game, I’ll snap the shutter when it counts.The result is a genuine moment saved for all time. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of dogs to photograph. I hope I get to photograph them all.