Photographs of a Family of Five Dogs

When I first photographed this family several years ago, there were three dogs: Marshall, a Border Collie mix; Toby, a German Shepherd and Chow mix; and Dinah, a Foxhound and Beagle mix. Two King Cavalier Terriers, Dude and Bogey, have since been lucky enough to join the crew, so now there are five dogs in the family. Before their photo session, I talked to their “mom,” Amy to learn more about each dog’s personality and what she wanted captured in their portraits.

Marshall, the Border Collie, was the first dog Amy and Bill (his “dad”) adopted. He is very easy-going and loves to chase a soccer ball and walk along the perimeter of their yard, right along the fence. He’s also a great big brother to Dude and Bogey who adore him, especially Dude.

Toby, the German Shepherd/Chow, is a little more independent and loves to sit or stand at the top of the hill in his yard and survey his property. I love the way his right ear goes down slightly; it makes him look slightly less serious. He has a small tumor on his nose, hence the band-aid (which is mom didn’t want edited out because she said that it is totally “him”), but it doesn’t detract from his regalness or beauty.

Dinah, the Foxhound/Beagle mix, is more reserved and very independent. Her favorite place in the yard is by the trees, part way up the hill in their back yard, and I captured photographs of her in almost the exact same spot in this session and the one several years ago. And Amy didn’t put her there (see comment above about being independent); she still loves “her” part of the yard. Dinah had a large tumor removed a week after I photographed her and is recovering well.

Amy and Bill adopted Dude and Bogey, the King Cavalier Terriers, when their original owners could no longer keep them. At first, they took them in on a temporary basis, while they tried to find a new home for them. (How many of us have had that happen??) But these two are absolute sweethearts, and Bill said to Amy that there was no way they were going to another home, so two more four-legged kids joined the family. Dude and Bogey are best friends, chasing each other around the yard at top speeds, with Dude biting Bogey’s ear. Dude also loves Marshall, following close behind as Marshall chases the ball or walks the fence line. Like many smaller dogs do, they take advantage of their size and lie on the back of the couch—being a model is exhausting, and when we went inside after our session was over, they promptly climbed up there and passed out.

I had a lot of fun photographing all of them and am glad I had the chance to do it again.

Ellen Zangla Photography—Specializing in pets and the people who love them.

Professional Photographers of America: 2015 Silver Medal Photographer of the Year