pamperedpuppy // luxury lifestyles for dogs

In Focus

David Sutton and Doberman
© David Sutton

14,000 fuzzy legs, 7,000 perky ears and 3,500 wet noses. Here's another number - 13 - that's the number of years David Sutton has specialized in capturing images of dogs at his popular Chicago studio.

Those are some impressive numbers, but they don't mean much to Sutton. Instead this soft-spoken Midwesterner would like to be known for the relationships he's built with his clients and their pets. Through his work he says he's, "acknowledging that our dogs don't live very long... these photos are a way to keep the creature alive."

Of course there's a dog involved in Sutton's story of how he found his way into this unusual career. As a commercial photographer in the 1980's, Sutton was mostly snapping portraits of humans. But in 1993 Zane! (Sutton insists upon the added punctuation), a mixed-breed pup, found Sutton. As owner and dog were getting to know one another Sutton snapped a few soulful black and white portraits of his companion. Sutton was so pleased with the finished product he shared the proofs with the members of Zane!'s doggie training class. The other dog owners praised the work and encouraged Sutton to take on pet photography in earnest. After a bit of well-timed media exposure, Sutton found an eager audience of owners wanting to obtain quality renderings of their dogs.

Now well established in his career, Sutton has the luxury to use his talents to give back to the animal-loving community that supports him. Zane! was fortunate to find a good home, but what about all the animals waiting in shelters, longing to be matched with loving owners? Sutton is overwhelmed by the need to provide support to institutions caring for disadvantaged dogs. That's where the Dog Days Calendar project comes in.

© David Sutton

Roger Gibonni, the owner of Walden Press, came up with a fundraising project for homeless pets. For three years Walden Press and Sutton Studios teamed up on the Dog Days calendar project: Gibonni provided the printing and Sutton the pictures. The calendars were distributed to animal welfare organizations, humane societies and animal shelters. These dog organizations sold the calendars and kept 100% of the profits.

After Walden Press discontinued the project, Sutton took it upon himself to bring back the calendars. Unable to secure high quality printing services, Sutton collaborated with other business owners in the dog community and sold ad space in the back of the calendar to subsidize the printing costs. Thanks to Sutton's devoted efforts, 10,000 Dog Days 2007 calendar will be available this fall. (Calendars cost $10, visit www.suttonstudios.com or www.pawschicago.org to find participating organizations).

It's a testament to his dog-loving nature that Sutton took on the calendar project on top of his busy studio schedule. As Sutton tells it, he's lucky to get to work with his clients. Each new portrait session brings the chance to meet new friends. He says, "Dogs are inherently funny, they always make me laugh." For Sutton, it's all about the relationships. "The process begins the minute I walk into the waiting room. I kneel down to meet the dogs at eye level and I let the dog come to me. I never force my affection on them." Next Sutton opens the door and lets his fuzzy customers investigate the 2000 square foot studio. The photographer says he wants each pet to feel comfortable in the surroundings before he begins snapping pictures. After the dogs give the room a good sniff and satisfy their curiosity, Sutton often offers his canine guests a little treat. And since Sutton measures in at 6'3", it is important to send his dog subjects the message that he is friend, not foe.

Sutton tries to be polite to his animal guests and never tries to push them beyond their limits. A sitting can last anywhere from 20 to 90 minutes. After more than a decade behind the lens, Sutton says he knows when he gets "the shot," the one that captures the essence of his subjects. Sutton sets two goals for each session: to provide exceptional photos and equally exceptional customer service. And his efforts seem to pay off. "Virtually everyone that comes in is thrilled," says Sutton.

© David Sutton

Two to three weeks after the portrait session, the client will return for a print ordering consultation. Sutton or another member of his team will review the proofs with the client and help select photos to be printed. Approximately four to six weeks after the consultation, the prints are ready for pick up.

A Sutton Studio portrait is definitely a luxury experience (sittings start at $395 for a weekend appointment or $275 midweek), but to Sutton's clients, the price seems to be a bargain.

Gregg Weinstein, a Chicago bar owner, and Rex, Weinstein's mixed breed dog, recently sat for a portrait session. Years ago, Weinstein provided food for an art show featuring Sutton's work. He was impressed with Sutton's photos and grabbed a brochure. Weinstein kept meaning to schedule a sitting, but distractions got the best of him. A few months ago, Weinstein's girlfriend picked up the Sutton Studio brochure from Weinstein's desk and surprised Weinstein (and Rex) with a sitting.

Weinstein ended up loving the less posed photos, and selected a close-up of Rex's nose. When asked about why he felt the photos were important, Weinstein says, "This dog is so special, he's the best thing in my life. When he's gone someday, I want to make sure I've got something special to remember him."

Anne-Marie St. Germaine owns her own public policy and communications firm and is a devoted Sutton Studio customer. On her recent visit she brought two dogs (Charlie and Potter) and her cat (Leo) to the studio.

Dog Days 2007 Calendar Cover
© David Sutton

St. Germaine rationalizes her expensive purchases in this way: "I'm convinced the Sutton Studio experience isn't so much a splurge as it is THE way to capture the essence of special relationships between the very closest of friends."

You won't find this highly praised photographer jetting around the US to cash in on his title as "The Best Pet Photographer in America" (according to Forbes FYI). The 48-year-old photographer has built his fame and his fan base all from his studio in Evanston, Illinois (30 minutes outside Chicago).

Sutton isn't looking to do much travel as his family (wife, Lynntia, and 5-year-old daughter Alisha) is in Chicago. He is careful to balance work and family time. Sutton possesses staying power in a market that is getting increasingly competitive. The photographer recognizes his rivals, but feels his photos set him apart.

In Sutton's world, dogs have achieved an iconic status. It appears that clients will continue to search him out for the photographer's gift of capturing a moment in time. Long after a loyal friend has fetched his last tennis ball, Sutton's clients will have a piece of art commemorating the special bond between them and their best friend.