From writer to pawtographer…

For me making the transition from journalism to photography is not a large leap. As a journalist I observe what motivates people and how they respond to situations and then I record it with words. As a photographer, I do much of the same only with images. The two mediums are similar because as an observer and recorder you can only work with what is presented to you. When dealing with people, for example, you can only engage them and listen to their reactions. As a photographer you are also limited. Environment, including light and spatial confines, dictate much of what you can capture. However, as with writing, if you are flexible and work with –and not against– a subject, you are often surprised by how much you can achieve.

As with writing and reporting, a photographer tends to get more from a subject when a genuine interest is expressed. Usually I am interested in everyone I interview because I believe everyone has something to say. The same goes for photography and it is easy to gain trust if you are genuinely interested in who or what is before you. But you can’t fake it because the people (and the dogs) will know!

When I interview people, I am always as interested in their histories as I am interested in their current status. I do not attempt to bully them or manipulate them into revealing anything they are not comfortable with. When I take a picture I am also not interested in forcing a moment. When I’m setting up a shot, if a dog is not comfortable with what I have in mind, I think of something else.