THEPROINTERVIEW
Never work with animals, so the old saying goes, but try saying that to selfstyled dogtographer Kaylee Greer, with her amazing, awardwinning puppy photo portfolio...
HAVING delivered an engaging and very colourful Super Stage talk at The Photography Show at the NEC in the UK last September, it would have been remiss of us not to bring Canon pro Kaylee Greer’s work to the wider PhotoPlus audience. Judging by the length of the queue at her post-talk Dog tog raphy book signing, it was clear that there’s a lot of interest on this side of the pond in Kaylee’s work, which brings out the character and soul of her inevitably cute canine subjects. Taking a photo of a dog can appear relatively easy, especially if it’s a family pet, but Kaylee’s work is next-level. To find out how she established, finessed and found an audience for her furry and characterful captures, we caught up with Kaylee for a lesson in ‘dogtography’…
So, tell us, what first attracted you to photography?
Photography is like a magical superpower. It’s this surreal ability to freeze a moment, and I was always so drawn to the possibilities of that. Photography lets us immortalise a tiny slice of time, slide it in our pockets, and keep it by our hearts forever. Then, we can pull that image from our pocket at any time to look at when we need it most. Photography is persuasive. It can change narratives and rewrite the endings to stories.
It can help humanity form entirely different opinions. It’s this beautiful and intoxicating process with limitless possibilities for how it can change and inspire, and that drew me in from the very first moment I understood the concept of what it was.
Were there any photographers who inspired you?
As a dog photographer myself, I would be completely remiss not to mention the true pioneer of dog photography: William Wegman. Wegman’s work profoundly established that dog photography could be a legitimate and respected art in the eyes of the viewing public.
His work with Weimaraners and their various versions of anthropomorphised comedy in his imagery captured the hearts of so many people across the world. It was Wegman who first immortalised a very specific brand of canine whimsy in a still image that would go on to stand the test of time and inspire thousands of artists and photographers to come.
What really helped to launch your photographic career?
My biggest and arguably most important break was nailing a three-part television series deal for Pupparazzi with National Geographic a few years ago. Before that point, my career had already reached sky-high heights way, way beyond my expectations, but getting to share my story with a national audience on a primetime television spot was an indescribable boost for my work, my brand and my message.
How do you promote your work,
