Interview with Erin Vey – Dog Photographer

An Introduction to Erin Vey:

Hi!  I’m from Seattle, am married to my best friend, and together we have a beautiful 5 1/2 year old Great Dane named Gracie. Photography has been my hobby for so many years I can’t remember what I did before then.   I have always had a passion for dogs and being able to combine those loves (photography + dogs) has been one of the most rewarding adventures ever.

What gave you the idea to specialize in dog photography?

I have always loved dogs.  The kind of dog lover that sees a dog on the side of the street and feels compelled to stop, pick up the dog, and spend days trying to find their home.  So when it came to photography, the decision was a natural one as to what I would specialize in.  For awhile, I was shooting families, weddings, seniors along with dogs but the time quickly came when I kept hoping for dog clients only.  So I scrapped everything else (that was making me good money) and focused 100% of my time on dogs.  The risk was absolutely worth it.

How does photographing dogs compare to photographing humans?

They are definitely different.  With humans you are able to ask them to stand a certain way or try to evoke some kind of feeling or emotion out of them.  With dogs, the only thing you can really do is follow them around and capture them as they are.  I love to work with dogs because they have this amazing zest for life.  They aren’t worried about their skin, weight, how their hair looks, or what anyone is thinking about them.  They just want to play, be loved, and have a great time.

How do you get the dogs to cooperate?

Each dog is an individual with a personality.  Just like humans, you have to take some time to figure out what that personality is.  With dogs, that personality usually dictates how I ask them to cooperate.  In general I would say dogs are either treat or toy motivated.  It is up to me to figure out which one it is.  When those 2 things fail, I use my secret talent for barking.  I can bark really well.  So well that most people think it is a dog down the street.

What type of equipment do you use?

I shoot with the Canon 5D MK II and my go to lens is the 24-70 f/2.8 or the 70-200 2.8 IS L.

What’s the average length of your photo shoots?

The majority of my shoots are 90 minutes.

Do you photograph any other pets besides dogs?

The occasional cat may wander in front of my camera, but I usually only accept dog clients.

Why do you think it’s important to get your dog’s pictures taken?

Just like me, my clients consider their dogs important members of the family.  They bring laughter, forgiveness, loyalty, adoration, and love into our lives.  So it only seems natural to me to create beautiful, photographic memories of them to enjoy for a lifetime.