Before adopting Bitsy, I was never one for taking many pictures; I usually rely on my friends and family to document our special occasions. Since Bitsy came into my life I have started taking more photos and I’ve really enjoyed it! I am no means a pro but I’ve started looking for tips and inspiration online and have found several dog photographers who are taking some amazing photos! I thought I would share a few of my favorites with you so you can enjoy the fun.

1.) Benjamin Grelle aka The Frogman

This guy is hilarious. The Frogman is a Missouri-based photographer and humorist who takes dog photography to a whole new level by making pups look like they’re barreling through outer space. The dogs are photographed with their heads hanging out of car windows, their faces flapping in the breeze. Grelle then adds an out of this world space background behind each dog.

Grelle says the idea came to him one day when he noticed how dogs passing by in car windows often looked like they were traveling at unimaginable speeds. Grelle enlisted the help of his father to take the photos and then he added the outrageous space backgrounds. Grelle features a variety of types of dogs, including his own pup, an adorable Corgi named Otis.

2.) Seth Casteel

Seth has a great series called Underwater Dogs that is both amusing and beautiful. Each dog is photographed underwater, some frantically seeking tennis balls, some looking coy, and others looking absolutely majestic. Seth’s book Underwater Dogs is one of the best selling photography books of all time. Seth also photographs homeless animals to help them find loving owners! Check out his work at www.sethcasteel.com.

3.) Sophie Gamand

Sophie’s photographs are really amazing to me because she manages to take such a wide range of photographs. In one series called Wet Dog she captures the dogs during one of their least favorite activities: bath time. Gamand says, “Exposing the dogs at a vulnerable moment enabled me to capture their wide range of expressions. Poignant looks, despair, anger and even judgement can be read into their eyes.”

Gamand has several interesting series featured on her website and her love and repeat for dogs is clear and infectious. One of the series of a collaboration with Free People. Free people commissioned Sophie to do a series with adoptable shelter dogs. In this photoshoot they wanted to invoke royalty so each dog was photographed in a beautiful and unique crown. Another favorite of mine is Sophie’s series called Watchdogs. We traditionally think of watchdogs as big and scary breeds. However, in this series, she photographs toy dogs. She explains, “Aren’t these dogs becoming some sort of emotional ramparts against the world? Security blankets for women who are afraid to go out into the world alone? They are like little soldiers, sidekicks, confidants, best friends. With them by the side, these women never have to feel alone and exposed anymore.” You can see Sophie’s work at http://www.sophiegamand.com.

4.) Dog Breath Photography

This photography company is run by a woman named Kaylee Greer. Kaylee’s website explains: “Her photographic style is drawn directly from the inspiration she finds inside the soul of a dog. She is fueled by the joy, whimsy, and unrelenting happiness that is so uniquely canine.” I think this sentiment captures Kaylee’s work perfectly. Her photographs and vibrant and feature a lot of bright colors so they almost have a sort of magical feeling to them. Each photograph is unique; one pup is dressed like a superhero (complete with cape and mask), another is perched on top of a car overlooking a scenic cityscape, while another is looking up at the sky during sunrise on a beautiful beach. You can take a look at her work at http://dogbreathphoto.com/. I’m thinking about getting a print or two of hers for my living room.

5.) Elke Vogelsang

I find the pictures of German-based photographer Elke Vogelsang to be really interesting. The photographer as three dogs that he really loves named Stout, Noodles, and Ioli, whom he considers them family members. He often photographs them against a black background which is a stark contrast from much of the other dog photography I have seen but it’s very effective. He really seems to capture his pups’ personalities; you can see their soulful spirits and fun nature shining through.

Even though these photographers are very different from each other in style and what they capture, I find that they have several commonalities. Each photographer has a sincere appreciation and love for dogs that shines through the work. They also have a unique and interesting take on the world; they are able to take something and make it almost magical.

Looking at their photographs reminds me to enjoy my own unique perspective and take photos that appeal to me. If Bitsy does something hilarious or weird or adorable I try and do my best to capture it, both so that I can remember the moment and I can share the fun with others.

If you have any dog photographers that you particularly like, please let me know in the comments below so that I can check them out!