A photographer takes expressive portraits of dogs that show they have as much personality as any human

Talia LakritzMay 23, 2020, 01:20 IST

Django the dog poses in one of Elke Vogelsang's portraits.Courtesy of Elke Vogelsang

Photographer Elke Vogelsang takes expressive portraits of dogs.
She coaxes amusing faces out of them by making funny noises and using tools like kazoos.
She hopes to capture the humor and unconditional love dogs bring to their owners' lives.

There's a reason dog adoptions have spiked during the pandemic. Their unconditional love and companionship provides profound comfort during stressful times.

Photographer Elke Vogelsang knows this firsthand. Her love of pet portraiture started as a creative outlet in the midst of difficult struggles, and grew into her passion. She now has over 150,000 Instagram followers and has collaborated with pet companies such as Pedigree and Fluff & Tuff.

Vogelsang spoke to Insider via email about her work and revealed how she captures her playful portraits.

Read the original article on Insider

During a stressful time in her life, photographer Elke Vogelsang found comfort in her dogs, three Spanish rescue mutts named Noodles, Scout, and Ioli.

"Stinkin' Cute." Courtesy of Elke Vogelsang

"I decided to start the project, despite my husband being in hospital, or rather because of it," she said.

"Sunday Mood" featuring Scout. Courtesy of Elke Vogelsang

By the time Vogelsang's husband made a full recovery, photography had become her passion.

"I'm Down Here" featuring Noodles. Courtesy of Elke Vogelsang

She tailors her portraits to the temperament of each dog she works with.

"Late For Netflix Evening" featuring Noodles. Courtesy of Elke Vogelsang

She coaxes the dogs into making surprised faces with a variety of tools.

"Oh That Corgi Smile" featuring Socke. Courtesy of Elke Vogelsang

Vogelsang says the key to capturing the perfect pet photo is "patience, trust, repetition, and lots and lots of bribery."

"On A Diet Caught Eating Peanut Butter" featuring Ernie. Courtesy of Elke Vogelsang

"Every session is funny or emotional in some way, as dogs are natural comedians and mood-lifters," she said.

"That Wonky Horizon" featuring Django. Courtesy of Elke Vogelsang

As more and more people turn to pets for company and comfort during the pandemic, Vogelsang hopes her photos capture their humor and companionship.

"Fluff and Tuff Pile of Toys." Courtesy of Elke Vogelsang

Their unconditional love continues to inspire her to work.

"Why The Bubble Face?" featuring Scout. Courtesy of Elke Vogelsang

I tried dressing up while working from home for a week, and I'd rather live in leggings

Cookies on the Business Insider India website