14 perfectly timed photos of dogs jumping through the air

Caroline FoxAug 1, 2020, 02:23 IST

Julia Christe uses fans to create the illusion of a higher jump.Photo courtesy of Julia Christe

Julia Christe, a German-based photographer, has created a brilliant photo series that gives the illusion of dogs leaping through the air.
The inspiration was born out of Christe's family farm, where she grew up surrounded by animals and her Spanish water dog, who would leap through the air to catch Frisbees for hours.
Owners help their dogs jump onto a plush mattress so Christe can capture her shots.
She loves how the images show their different personalities.

Julia Christe, a German photographer and animal lover, knows dogs are full of personality, so she set out to capture their funny and unique facial expressions.

Inspired by her own dogs, Christe designed a creative studio setup — equipped with a fans, lights, and a mattress — to take photos that show dogs leaping through the air.

The result? Hilariously candid and yet perfectly timed photos of dogs. Keep reading to learn how Christe created her original photo series of jumping dogs.

German-based photographer Julia Christe is an animal lover who lives on a farm surrounded by donkeys, horses, goats, and two dogs.

This dog has his eyes on the prize. Photo courtesy of Julia Christe

Christe grew up watching her mother develop film in a lab, which inspired her to later pursue photography as a career.

Bad hair day. Photo courtesy of Julia Christe

Starting in 2006, Christe began experimenting with animal photography, using her dog Lucca as her first subject.

Stay focused. Photo courtesy of Julia Christe

A year later, Christe decided to bring her new dog, a high-energy Spanish water dog called Flinn, and his Frisbee into her studio to capture him jumping.

Looking good. Photo courtesy of Julia Christe

Christe was eager to expand to other subjects, but understood that certain dog breeds might not carry the same vigor for Frisbee-catching as Flinn.

This dog was definitely caught off guard. Photo courtesy of Julia Christe

"Rather than having the dogs jump after a ball or a Frisbee, I would have their owners or an assistant hold them at a certain height and then have them jump down," she said.

Strike a pose. Photo courtesy of Julia Christe

"Rather than having the dogs jump after a ball or a Frisbee, I would have their owners or an assistant hold them at a certain height and then have them jump down," she said.

To recruit dogs, Christe left flyers outside veterinary clinics, popular dog bars, spoke to friends, and even approached interesting-looking dogs on the street.

She's ready to go surfing. Photo courtesy of Julia Christe

"There are no perfect dogs. The breeds with long hair or long ears look spectacular in the wind, but others, with short hair, can have extraordinary facial expressions," she said.

Stay calm. Don't look suspicious. Photo courtesy of Julia Christe

"There are no perfect dogs. The breeds with long hair or long ears look spectacular in the wind, but others, with short hair, can have extraordinary facial expressions," she said.

When it's time to shoot, Christe positions a large light, fans, and a mattress in front of the camera.

Don't look down. Photo courtesy of Julia Christe

With the help of strong fans, the dogs appear to be leaping up through the air, sometimes mimicking a trampoline bounce.

This furry guy looks very confused. Photo courtesy of Julia Christe

Each dog has its own individual personality on show.

He's not impressed. Photo courtesy of Julia Christe

After her first series, Christe's photography circulated across social media and was met with a mix of positive responses and critical questioning.

A majestic good boy. Photo courtesy of Julia Christe

As an animal lover, Christe has been lucky to photograph more than 90 dogs, and even expanded her idea to cats.

Blinded by the fur. Photo courtesy of Julia Christe

Ultimately, Christe says the immense amount of work and collaboration with dog owners is worth it, as the results show dogs in an entirely new light.

Someone needs a haircut. Photo courtesy of Julia Christe

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14 perfectly timed photos of dogs jumping through the air

German-based photographer Julia Christe is an animal lover who lives on a farm surrounded by donkeys, horses, goats, and two dogs.

Christe grew up watching her mother develop film in a lab, which inspired her to later pursue photography as a career.

Starting in 2006, Christe began experimenting with animal photography, using her dog Lucca as her first subject.

A year later, Christe decided to bring her new dog, a high-energy Spanish water dog called Flinn, and his Frisbee into her studio to capture him jumping.

Christe was eager to expand to other subjects, but understood that certain dog breeds might not carry the same vigor for Frisbee-catching as Flinn.

"Rather than having the dogs jump after a ball or a Frisbee, I would have their owners or an assistant hold them at a certain height and then have them jump down," she said.

To recruit dogs, Christe left flyers outside veterinary clinics, popular dog bars, spoke to friends, and even approached interesting-looking dogs on the street.

"There are no perfect dogs. The breeds with long hair or long ears look spectacular in the wind, but others, with short hair, can have extraordinary facial expressions," she said.

When it's time to shoot, Christe positions a large light, fans, and a mattress in front of the camera.

With the help of strong fans, the dogs appear to be leaping up through the air, sometimes mimicking a trampoline bounce.

Each dog has its own individual personality on show.

After her first series, Christe's photography circulated across social media and was met with a mix of positive responses and critical questioning.

As an animal lover, Christe has been lucky to photograph more than 90 dogs, and even expanded her idea to cats.

Ultimately, Christe says the immense amount of work and collaboration with dog owners is worth it, as the results show dogs in an entirely new light.