Author's Corner

By Lauren Lewis


Although he’s published nine previous titles, renowned pet photographer Jim Dratfield says his latest work, A Dog For All Seasons, may just be his most important. “It is a reflection of [dogs] lives through the stages of a year,” he says. “It celebrates dogs and the four seasons, which after all, is the life cycle.” Dratfield, whose client list includes Jennifer Aniston, Oscar de la Renta, and Henry Kissinger, has made a name for himself by showcasing the spirit, personality, and beauty of human’s best friend through impressive photography. He recently took some time to chat with Tails about his new book, favorite seasons, and tips for capturing our four-legged pals on film.

What inspired A Dog for All Seasons?
Dogs offer different parts of themselves in the different seasons. I love to watch a dog frolic in the ocean during the summertime, and just like a child they often will play in a pile of leaves in the autumn. My dog loves to catch snowballs in the winter, and in the spring when all of life feels renewed you might see [dogs] catching the scent of a flower in blossom!

What’s your favorite season?
My favorite season is indeed spring. After feeling bound in by the chilly temperatures there is nothing more refreshing than the sense of beginning that spring gives us. Spring’s renewal can be captured through all five of our senses—and always, always offers us a sense of hope.

How about your favorite season for photography?
I would have to say autumn. When I am shooting in color the variance of tones and textures are so wonderful to capture on celluloid. It is not too cold nor too warm for dogs, thus you don’t get the hang down of canine tongues that you might get in the heat of the summer, nor do you find me cursing as I am shivering trying to press buttons on my camera on a freezing wintry day!

How did you get your start as a pet photographer?
I had always played with photography as a hobby, but as a professional actor working on Broadway and in television I feared leaving one struggling art form for another. I started out by accident. I put together images of my then dog, Kuma (an Akita), and had planned to send out various images of him to casting people to get their attention. But what it actually did was get mine! I realized how much I enjoyed photographing animals; their purity of soul, no mugging for the camera...I fell in love with the medium and my life took a very dramatic change of direction which I have never regretted. To this day I bask in the joy of capturing our furry friends on film.

Any images in A Dog for All Seasons that are particularly memorable for you?
There are many that I am most proud of. I think there is one very simple but lovely image coupled with a quote that says “dog” to me. It is a Jack Russell mix with a tennis ball nearly the size of his head grasped in his mouth complemented by the quote: “Fun is good” -Theodor Geisel (aka Dr. Suess). I think that this image and this quote sums up the philosophy of a dog’s life without any flowery words—simple but most true!

Does your dog Caleb make an appearance in any of your published work? How does he like the camera lens?
Caleb, Caleb, Caleb...My poor black Lab fellow has been most patient with me—he has had dedications and been in author shots with me, but alas has not had his own feature role in one of my books. I kid that we are in therapy working this out. I do however have a book idea that would give him his due, but for now mum’s the word. However, should it come to fruition I’m sure he’ll howl with delight!

Do you have any tips for our readers when it comes to taking snapshots of their own furry friends?
The key to this is patience. Animals are glorious in that they offer us truth through their actions and their expressions, but they are not models per se and you have to be willing to accept this and be patient. The payoff is that indeed they will give you wonderful images—but it may be on their terms and you may have to wait it out. Animals are sensitive to our emotions so stay positive and stay focused with that camera and sure enough you will get wonderful, wonderful imagery.

For more information on Jim Dratfield and his work, visit his website at
www.Petography.com.