Honoring the Human/Pet connection–a powerful responsibility.
One of the responsibilities of a pet photograher is to showcase and honor the strong bond between the pet owner and his or her pet. Not all pet owners want a portrait with their pet, some just want the pet alone or if there is more than one–than all together. I do encourage portraits with their pet and if they agree then the fun challenge to showcase their bond. Thru gentle instruction and a watchful eye and a lightning quick shutter finger I capture a wide array of poses showing their unique bond.
Sometimes it is playful, sometimes serious and often times during a portrait session there is that one magic second that occurs that says it all. There have been times when it is almost the last time– as the dog or cat is going to be put down soon because of a serious illness or cancer. I can tell you that is a responibility I take very seriously.
This reminds me of the time I photographed a Golden Retreiver that was going to be put down in 2 days due to cancer. Whene we we viewing the images on the big screen-the dog dad was wiping his tears away (not with a tissue) but with a washrag from home as his tears were really flowing. Talk about a humbling, moving experience!
Patrick Nau
