A Man and His Dog | Photographing Larry and Raylan | Bayfield, Colorado

October 30, 2017 by Sherie Croft | Bayfield and Durango, Colorado Photographer

Most of us are familiar with the saying, "a dog is man's best friend" and in my experience that's often true. This week I got to spend a little time photographing Larry and his dog, Raylan, who fit that descriptive saying perfectly.

As a portrait photographer, calls and inquiries usually come from women, eager to have family photography sessions and children's portraits made. In the world of portrait photographers its unusual to get a call from a man looking for a portrait session of any kind. When Larry called and asked me to make portraits of he and his dog Raylan, I was excited and really wanted them to have a great experience.

Pets have always been an integral part of my life, even when I wasn't in a living situation that accommodated them. I've always managed to work them into my life somehow, even when I didn't have my own. Naturally, they are key subjects in my photography and I love showing their relationships with their humans and their personalities in my images.

It can be challenging to make good pictures of a black dog. Because of their coloring they can disappear into the background or lose their features in the shadows. One of my priorities was finding a location that would contrast with Raylan's coloring so he would show up and also allow for Larry and Raylan to have some freedom to be themselves, have a good time at their photo shoot without distractions, and give me the opportunity to photograph their personalities and relationship as best friends.

I think we accomplished that and it was a lot of fun!