Behind every portrait is a photographer with a personal story. Elke Vogelsang’s journey to becoming a renowned dog photographer is a testament to how art can emerge from life’s challenges.
In an interview with Bored Panda, Elke shared, “I live in Germany with my husband and two dogs. When my husband fell seriously ill, I turned to photography as a way to manage the stress and focus on something positive. With additional responsibilities, including caring for my mother-in-law with dementia and my own mother, my time for myself was limited to walks with the dogs. I started bringing my camera along, which eventually led me to begin a one-picture-a-day project as a creative outlet.”
What began as a way to cope with personal difficulties has evolved into a successful career, providing a unique and intimate glimpse into the lives of dogs through Elke’s lens.
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We were curious about what motivated Elke to transition from taking personal photos to becoming a professional photographer.
Elke shared: “Experiencing dramatic life events often prompts you to reevaluate what you want from life. Although my job as a freelance translator was stable and went well, I felt a lack of creativity and found myself stuck in a routine. This led me to take the leap and turn my photography hobby into a career. Now, years later, I’m successfully working full-time as a professional photographer. It’s a dream come true that I hadn’t anticipated, and I see it as my personal ‘silver linings’ story.”
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Elke began her photography journey by focusing on shelter dogs and shared how they have influenced her life.
“My dogs bring immense joy, relaxation, and laughter into my life. They are not just pets but muses, friends, and family. All three of my dogs are rescues, and they’ve had a profound impact on our lives. They’re Galgo Español mixes rescued from kill shelters in Spain. In Spain, Galgos are used for hunting, and once they are no longer useful or are injured, they are often abandoned or killed. Fortunately, some find a second chance through rescue organizations.
I wanted to give back by supporting these rescues with my photography. When I started my career, I photographed dogs from my local shelter to help them find homes, and I continue to do so. It’s a rewarding experience that benefits both the dogs and the shelters. Additionally, I have traveled to Spain and Morocco to document the efforts of dog rescue organizations there, furthering my commitment to this cause.”
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We also asked Elke how she captures the unique personalities of each dog.
Elke shared: “Over the years, I’ve had the chance to meet and photograph hundreds of dogs, each with their own distinct personality. Every dog is different, and I continually learn new techniques to bring out their individuality. I ensure that the dogs enjoy the process by keeping sessions fun and engaging, using play, praise, and treats as incentives. The key to capturing their unique traits lies in a combination of patience, enjoyment, and positive reinforcement.”
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Elke’s photos often blend humor with heartwarming moments. We asked her how she achieves this balance.
Elke explained: “I often play with the concept of humanization to capture a range of emotions. Sometimes, a dog’s skeptical or surprised expression might be a result of something simple, like a treat landing unexpectedly. I enjoy showcasing various emotions that may only last for a fraction of a second. The camera allows me to freeze these fleeting moments, revealing subtle expressions that might not be visible to the naked eye.”
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Elke also shared some advice for those facing challenges and looking to start a creative hobby like photography.
“Photography offers endless opportunities for creativity. There are countless ways to capture a subject, so explore different techniques and shoot as often as you can. Most importantly, have fun and make sure your subject enjoys the process too. I’m not an exceptionally talented photographer, but I made a point to take photos every day. Even on busy days filled with other responsibilities, I found time to take a few moments for myself and capture an image,” Elke advised.
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Finally, Elke shared her thoughts on the misconceptions about shelter dogs:
“There are still many stereotypes about shelter dogs. People often assume that if a dog is in a shelter, something must be wrong with it. However, dogs end up in shelters for a variety of reasons unrelated to their behavior or health. For instance, an owner might pass away, a dog might come from an unwanted litter, or the dog could be removed from a neglectful or abusive environment. Sometimes, pets are surrendered because their owners didn’t understand the responsibilities of pet ownership, had to move to a place that doesn’t allow pets, or the dog is no longer able to perform tasks due to age or injury.
Even dogs that have experienced severe abuse often have a remarkable ability to recover with the right care, patience, and love. Well-run shelters work hard to match dogs with suitable homes and will help potential adopters understand whether a particular dog is a good fit for their situation. Shelters and rescue organizations have many lovable dogs of various breeds and mixes, including puppies and purebreds, all looking for a new home. I found my own canine companions through these channels, and I believe you can find your next furry friend there too.”
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