I just love black and white dog portraits. There are few dog photographers I admire who seem to work solely in the medium:
And even though I love other people’s black and white shots, I just don’t seem to convert many of my own portraits to greyscale. I’m not sure why.
When I look at other photographer’s work I can see a clear style, but I sometimes think I’m all over the place with my images. I feel like I haven’t settled on *my* style yet, however I think sometimes we are a little too close to our own work, so I probably do have my own style and don’t realise it. Anyway, I guess it’s good to keep trying new things.
What do other photographers think about their own style? Have you deliberately defined it, or has it just happened over time?
I can imagine that not having the pressures of a client wondering how the shots are turning out or even what the people (or dogs) in the photos will think of them would be totally freeing when it comes to a photojournalistic approach, and really letting yourself go when it comes to shooting. To be able to fade into the background with a camera and not ‘touch’ in any way the scene in front of you is a very rare skill and one that many (if not most) photographers don’t possess, ESPECIALLY those working with animals. But you definitely do Mia! You may be one of the very few true photojournalist (and I don’t mean documentary-style) dog photographers out there. An admirable position indeed! But don’t stop doing the portrait/documentary-style dog photos because you rock at those as well! Hmm, I guess now we need to come up with a really good definition for both ‘photojournalistic’ dog photography and ‘documentary-style’ dog photography, because I think they are two different things. Good food for thought!
I quite like your black/white shot. That spotted tongue looks excellent in b/w. I would never say that you don’t have a “style.” You have a very photojournalistic style, as do I. The photojournalist sees all opportunities for a shot where the portrait photographer is a bit more narrow minded in scope. Keep up the good work!
Wow…thanks for the awesome responses. Grace and Jamie, thanks for pointing out my ability to do doggy photojournalism. It’s probably my favourite style and I’m so glad you think I do it well. I probably never did much of it while focussing on photos for clients and rescue organisations, but now I’m free to focus more on documenting everyday things. Living in a new country certainly helps to see interesting things everyday. Grace, I love you forever for even mentioning Elliot Erwitt in the same sentence. He is my IDOL! :)
These are awesome. I love both versions. And I agree with Jamie. Maybe what you mean is that you’re not sure what your PROCESSING style is? Because I think your photography style is definitely very unique and photojournalistic. You’re like a modern day Elliot Erwitt.
Not being a photographer I’m afraid I can’t help you with the style Mia :), but in B&W or colour, there seems to be something very strange about this dog’s tongue!
Hi Mia,
Kendra and Kim are two of my favorites as well. They make me wish I had the skills to use film. Their work is timeless and classic.
I think equally important as style is range, and you have possibly the widest range of any pet photographer that I have seen. You do documentary, true photojournalism (as evidenced in the last few shots on this blog), portraits, details, action, everything, very well, and I think that takes true talent. I say keep doing what you are doing (all of it) because your work is fantastic! :-)
You know, if I were to say anything about your style, I would say that you are really able to do true photojournalism dog photography, and are one of very few photographers who do it well. If you ever publish a book (which you should!) I will be the first in line for a signed copy!
I’m the same way. I just haven’t been able to fine my style either. Can’t wait til I do!