Dogs and Photography
and a very personal project
Dogs have been man’s best friend for many centuries. There is countless evidence to find for this unique relationship between humans and dogs all over the world: in ancient cave drawings, old Egyptian tombs and old shrines in China. Dogs have been part of human life for as long as anyone can remember, so it only makes sense they became a beloved subject in art.
When photography was invented in the 1840s and people had their portraits taken, they often wanted a photo with or of their beloved furry companion too. Although, back then animals weren’t the preferred subjects of photographers. Photography wasn’t as advanced and fast as we know it today. Because of the slow response of the light-sensitive material in the early years of photography, the model had to sit still for quite some time in order to get a sharp image. Photographs of dogs that survived from that time usually are sharp but with a blurry head or tail.
When I got my first dog (Ben, a Hungarian Vizsla) in 2013, I was very excited. Not only because I wanted to have a dog all my life, but also because I couldn't wait to photograph him. I did not know at that time, that he would become such a big inspiration and muse for my photography. He also is my favorite companion when I go on photowalks.
In 2016 I discovered the artist William Wegmann. He is a painter, filmmaker and photographer, but probably best known for the wonderful photographs of his Weimaraner dogs. He has been photographing his dogs for fifty years and his work has been shown in galleries and museums, published in magazines and books all over the world. Most of the work he being created in the studio using a wide range of furniture and clothings. His creativity and the willingness of his dogs to pose for him seems endless.
In 2020, a friend of mine lent me her photo studio equipment and I immediately knew what I wanted to do with it: photographing my dog. Thanks to William Wegman I had enough inspiration and ideas for my own photographs. Ben, always eager to have a job, was always excited to go in the studio with me. He patiently would sit and pose having his photo taken. In the following two years, we created many wonderful photographs together.
When Ben was eight years old, he needed surgery for the first time in his life. Seeing him put to sleep for the procedure triggered my anxiety and fear of losing him. Life felt so fragile and ephemeral all of a sudden.
The surgery went well and he is snoring right next to me while I am writing these words. But back then I struggled with these feelings. I turned to Photography to help me express and process my emotions. Once he had recovered we created this little series together.
This series is about the fragility and flux of life. I wanted to express how much I cared and worried about him. I felt like I needed to protect him from all the bad and evil in the world. I am usually not an overprotective dog mom. I know he can take care of himself in most situations. But that is what I felt at that time.
I am sorry that such a cheerful topic as dogs and photography turned so grim. I guess what I am trying to say here is, photography is more than capturing happy moments, beautiful landscapes or your dog wrapped up in bubble wrap in that instance. Photography helps me to express my feelings and get a better understanding of what is going on inside me. And for that, I am very grateful.
Thank you for being here and for reading this week’s newsletter. See you next Thursday!
X,
Susanne
If you are interested in digging deeper into the topic of ‘dogs and photography’ I have a few more recommendations for you:
* The book “The Dog in Photography: 1839-TODAY” by Raymond Merritt is my favorite book on the topic. It shows the amazing bond people and dogs have created throughout history. It is full of wonderful photos. I highly recommend this book to every dog lover, even if you are not a photographer.
* If you are interested in the works by William Wegman I would recommend “Being Human” by William A. Ewing. It has a wonderful selection of Wegman iconic images in it.
* On Ted Forbes channel “The Art of photography” on YouTube is a great interview with William Wegman. You can watch it here.
* Another favorite photographer of mine is Elliott Erwitt, also known for his legendary photographs of dogs. His photos are mostly taken on the streets and always make me smile. The book “DOGS” is the one I have.
* And I also recommend to check out the Substack newsletter “Art Dogs” here on Substack. Bailey Richardson writes about pets that lived with famous artists. It is not just dogs, but interesting nonetheless.
You can support me by subscribing to my newsletter, liking the post, and sharing it with friends. It would mean the world to me! ♥️
if they would let me share a photo to reply... i'd share a painting my daughter had made for me of a photo of my pupper wearing my hat--yes I've become this person somehow--which means a great deal to me now she's gone. No one prepares us for the bonds we make with these animals. I strangely am mostly unmoved by almost all the photos of her I have. But this one once done in paint became less literal, less ouch. maybe. I rate Ben 10/10.
I miss my dog who did not like to be photographed. Maybe another dog would.