pamperedpuppy // luxury lifestyles for dogs

Picture Perfect

A bug makes you itch but a woofer is something you can love, so it's official; I'm changing the word shutterbug to shutterwoofer. Seattle-based shutterwoofer Erin Vey's fine art photography is a world-class treat. In her beautifully realized photographs, the essence of each dog is captured such that it is a joy to behold. Terriers, bulldogs, retrievers and other of Erin's co-woofers romp, roll, smile and wag. The French phrase tranche de vie, meaning slice of life, is applied to oeuvres that show life as it is. I declare that Erin's heartwarming dog photographs are tranches de chien.

Erin's own chien is Gracie, a lovable Great Dane. If in one photo Gracie is in a field of tall autumn grasses looking confident of her nobility, in another we see her in spectacular frolic over winter snows. Here, Gracie's paws are holding a glittering brooch, there, she is peering through a sun-drenched window, and we feel her keen awareness that something of riveting interest is outside. By the time you have delighted in a full portfolio of photographs of Gracie, you'll have the distinct sensation that you know her. She becomes as familiar and as wonderful as Scooby-Doo, Marmaduke and the Jetsons' Astro, only more poignant for being shown in photos rather than in cartoons.

In 2004, Erin Vey was a cubicle prisoner looking for a permanent way out of the soul-suffocating grind. She undertook studies in the art of photography. In 2005, she began shooting human social functions as well as canines. By 2007, she had gone completely to the dogs. "I've never been happier," she says.

Individual woofers, barkers and tail-waggers may have their humans schedule an Erin Vey photography session for them. Details and contact information are available on her web site (www.erinvey.com).

I asked Erin which she considers the most important factors for achieving a prize-winning shot of a pooch. "The single most important thing I do before I pick up my camera, "she says, "is to spend about 10 minutes interacting with the dog and its owner, getting an overall feel for the dog. I ask questions about the dog's daily activities, where they like to hang out and whether they have any behavioral issues. The dog's personality will then dictate the look I want to create. For me, it's important to get a range of shots, including full body, close up, details and moments of interaction with the owner. Most importantly, I believe an artistic shot is one that comes from the heart and reflects the voice of the person behind the camera."

Manifest in Erin's portraits of dogs is her cultivation as a photographer. Asked about her influences, she says: "I look outside the dog industry for most of my inspiration, weaving bits of what's going on in the photography world into my work with canines. I closely follow many fashion, children, and wedding photographers, and love artists who are constantly questioning, pushing the boundaries and asking "why?" through their images. Going beyond the expected or comfortable really inspires me." She cites as three among her favorites John Michael Cooper, Elliot Erwitt and Brigitte Lacombe. Annie Leibovitz too has been a significant influence. Little mystery attaches to Erin's enthusiasm for Elliot Erwitt; his classic shot Felix, Gladys and Rover shows a Chihuahuita, a woman's booted feet and a Great Dane's front legs.

I asked Erin what she might do were she invited to shoot a dog's portrait aboard a megayacht. Her answer made me smile in the way that drinking fine champagne at an al fresco table on a teak wood aft deck might. "I always like to add an unexpected element any time I shoot. I think to myself "Where would people expect me to go?" and then turn around and head in the opposite direction. I try not to plan my shots in advance and tend to rely more on my gut to guide me. Aboard a megayacht, I'd look for interesting lines, angles and textures that compliment the dog and highlight the environment. But, if I had to pick one place to start, I'd put the dog right in the captain's chair."

Erin has a deep and abiding concern for animal welfare. I asked whether she encourages people to let her know of worthy dog charities. "Absolutely, "she affirms. "I do this first and foremost for my love of dogs. Everything else comes second. If I can use what I do to benefit animals around the globe, then I will be a very happy girl." Erin was only too happy to let me ask Gracie what she has to say to Michael Vick. "I poop on you," woofed the truly Great Dane, in a tone of righteous indignation.

Erin believes that before shooting any subject, photographers must know their cameras inside and out. And the more one knows about Photoshop, the better. She recommends Brian Peterson's book Understanding Exposure along with Scott Kelby's Adobe Photoshop CS3 for Digital Photographers and/or Bruce Fraser's Real World Photoshop.

Erin has some charming words, the fruit of her particular experience working with puppies. "The first problem with puppies is, they always have their nose to the ground, sniffing for something to put in their mouths. Yet a lot of what makes a good image is a subject's eyes. The second problem is that their attention span is as good as non-existent. With puppies, the best thing to do is to tire them out. Put the camera aside and interact with them to the point of exhaustion. This takes time and patience. But it's ultimately worthwhile, because a tired puppy will be much slower and might actually stop to look at you or your camera instead of launching themselves into it."

In her travels, Erin has found one of the golden rules is patience - and a strong stomach, to boot. "Most of the funniest moments I can remember have to do with bodily functions," she says, getting ready to bring us to the edge of a major doggy gross-out. "I remember shooting a dog (whose name I will withold!) when he decided to take an extended potty break. Unfortunately, he had developed a taste for his own waste. I turned around when I thought he was done and he was having a little snack. It was all over his mouth." Bad boy!

Where would Erin take Gracie to be photographed if she could go to any one place in Europe? Mamma Mia!; is the response I got ever a testimony to Erin's enchanting photographic imagination! "I'd definitely take Gracie straight to the Statue of David in Italy, and ask her to sit right in front of him looking up. The main shot I see in my head would be a profile shot of the two of them looking at each other. Then I might stand directly behind her and focus on her head with David blurred out. Or I might go behind David and shoot Gracie through his legs. I imagine most museum visitors would probably have no idea why I was shooting a dog with David, but I can guarantee those images would be both artistic and wildly funny."

In sum, Erin says this: "I feel so fortunate to be able to combine my love for dogs and photography into one of the coolest jobs ever. It certainly has not been an easy road. There's been self-doubt, criticism, and bumps along the way. But the human and dog clients I work with make my journey truly incredible." One look at that pic of Gracie leaping for joy in a snowscape, and you have to agree that the world is richer for Erin making her journey. Erin Vey can take a bow, and we can all say wow. Bow wow!

All images © Erin Vey. Used with permission.