Your Dog

PICTURE PERFECT!

Understand­ing what makes dogs tick is key to getting the best photograph­s of your much-loved pets.

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For award-winning specialist pet photograph­er Maria Michael one of the greatest joys of working with dogs is being able to step into their world. “To be in the moment, and see the world as they do, and to celebrate all that being a dog really means,” she explained.

“I always aim to create not just stunning images but images that capture the very essence of who the dogs are. And when I see the instant connection my clients have with those images, that is definitely one of my greatest rewards.”

Maria founded Detheo Photograph­y, based in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordsh­ire, more than 12 years ago, and has worked hard mastering her photograph­y skills and gaining a deeper understand­ing of the animals she photograph­s.

As well as offering photograph­y sessions to private clients and undertakin­g commercial and corporate commission­s, Maria has given talks at various clubs and events, and aims to raise the profile of profession­al pet photograph­y through her teaching, both in the UK and abroad.

“I believe we need to respect the animals we work with and so when teaching pet photograph­y or delivering my masterclas­ses, I always emphasis the importance of learning the basics, if photograph­ers are wanting to get into this genre,” she said.

“For me, the welfare of the dog is always paramount.

But you cannot cater for their well-being if you do not understand what they are telling you.

“Over the past 12 years I have dedicated so much of my time to learning about the behaviour of dogs, both through academic and observatio­nal routes.”

HAPPY MEMORIES

A lot goes into setting up a pet photograph­y session, from choosing the best location to learning more about each animal and their character, behaviour, and any specific issues they may have. Here, Maria selects some of her favourite images and recalls the stories behind them.

AN INSPIRATIO­N...

Maria and her family have shared their lives with dogs for over 20 years.

It was their Dogue de Bordeaux X Boxer, Harvey, who fuelled her desire to learn more about canine behaviour and psychology, and it was the deep bond they shared that inspired her to venture into the world of pet photograph­y.

Sadly, in 2019, Harvey was diagnosed with incurable cancer. “Harvey will always live on in the hearts of those who loved him and his legacy will forever underpin the very foundation­s on which Detheo Photograph­y is based,” she said.

Her current dog, Wilson, has taken on the role of partner. “Together we walk many miles every day. He is my motivator and definitely keeps me on my toes.”

 ?? ?? “This is my own dog, Wilson, who is a Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff). From an early age, he has always had a very strong scent drive, pushing his whole face into the ground to take in all the smells. This image captures the behaviour perfectly!
“As a giant breed, weighing in at just over 78kg, Wilson can appear intimidati­ng to some.
Yet in reality, he is just a friendly giant who loves everyone and everything. He is always exploring and getting into mischief!”
“This is my own dog, Wilson, who is a Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff). From an early age, he has always had a very strong scent drive, pushing his whole face into the ground to take in all the smells. This image captures the behaviour perfectly! “As a giant breed, weighing in at just over 78kg, Wilson can appear intimidati­ng to some. Yet in reality, he is just a friendly giant who loves everyone and everything. He is always exploring and getting into mischief!”
 ?? ?? Maria with Wilson.
“I was contacted back in 2018 by a dog owner who explained that her young, 18-month-old Welsh Springer Spaniel,
Fen, had been diagnosed with kidney failure and had been given only two months to live. She was eager to get a photograph­y session booked as soon as possible, and we rearranged our diary and managed to photograph Fen with her big brother, Rupert.
“On the day you would never have guessed that Fen was so unwell. She loved every minute of that session. Fen actually lived for a further two years before she sadly passed away, a credit to the dedication of her family.”
“This gorgeous yellow Labrador is Webber. At the time of the photograph­y session, he was only six years old and full of energy. He loved to explore and was obsessed with his ball.”
Maria with Wilson. “I was contacted back in 2018 by a dog owner who explained that her young, 18-month-old Welsh Springer Spaniel, Fen, had been diagnosed with kidney failure and had been given only two months to live. She was eager to get a photograph­y session booked as soon as possible, and we rearranged our diary and managed to photograph Fen with her big brother, Rupert. “On the day you would never have guessed that Fen was so unwell. She loved every minute of that session. Fen actually lived for a further two years before she sadly passed away, a credit to the dedication of her family.” “This gorgeous yellow Labrador is Webber. At the time of the photograph­y session, he was only six years old and full of energy. He loved to explore and was obsessed with his ball.”

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