Portrait of a cross dog
During my Town Dogs project I often went to Bookmongers, the secondhand bookshop in Brixton, south London. Rosa would usually be there, greeting customers and enjoying their attention. And I would always leave with too many books.
Over the months I took many pictures of Rosa and this is one of my favourites. Why? I love the direct eye contact – and the way she’s curled herself into a ball. As humans we sometimes read too much into dogs’ body language, but that day Rosa made herself perfectly clear. Curled up on her sofa, she wanted to be left in peace. It was time to put my camera away.
For me, an appealing expression and a telling gesture help to make a strong portrait. What do you look for in a good portrait? I’m interested to hear.
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good question re portraits, Richard. it makes me think. I guess I look for a unique expression, but with my dogs, I find myself taking a photo when they look especially pretty.
or totally dorky.
I need to think on this.
sorry I’m so far behind on things. the story of my life.
You’re being hard on yourself, Susan – don’t ‘over think’ things.
I feel rather like that today, Richard.
May you get some peace then, Ann.
What is Rosa a cross of, Mastiff and Poodle?
No pun intended in the title, Eliot – she was simply cross at being photographed. All the same, I’m sure she’s a mix of Mastiff and something else (I don’t have a clue what the other ingredient is).