80 | 100 Project Underdog
from the series 100 photos - 100 stories
Foto Koch celebrates 100 years and we tell THE best stories! Today's story comes from photographer Andre Kn?we and he tells us about his project 'Underdog' and how he manages to get such creative dog pictures!
Project Underdog - Andre Kn?weA sunburn and wine
One warm summer evening, my wife and I were sitting on the terrace enjoying a good bottle of wine. Our German shepherd mix Yamm was lying at our feet, sleeping blissfully. The sun was just disappearing on the horizon when we stumbled across a video on YouTube of someone in a department store, in Latvia as it turned out after research, photographing a dog from below standing on a transparent plate. As a photographer as well as a dog owner, I was immediately "on fire" for these shots. The very next day I started to think about it. Which material of the plate, which light and how much and anyway and...and...and...
Project Underdog Andre Kn?weThe proof of the pudding is in the eating
Animal welfare was also an issue from my point of view, I was immediately aware that I would not take an animal on the plate that would not tolerate it. After a long discussion with a glazier, we decided on toughened safety glass. After about a week, the pane was ready for collection and the experimentation could begin. Various attempts failed due to the light setting, and the other components were also changed again and again. Our Yamm mastered all the test shoots with his calmness of mind. At some point I was satisfied with the result and started to offer it. I am very proud of the fact that dog lovers are prepared to travel several hours to have their soul pets put in the right light. What a difference a nice warm summer evening and a nice bottle of wine can sometimes make!
You can find more pictures of the photographer on his website or on Instagram.
