The eye is the window to the soul, and it turns out that the camera can be the window to animal souls.
Humans have long wanted to communicate with their furry companions, but few of us are animal whisperers. Photographer Robert Bahou has used his skills to enable us to unearth their personalities and the motivations behind their behavior.
He presents Animal Soul, a compilation of dog and cat portraits. It is the product of many months of editing, sorting, and photographing.
What Inspired ‘Animal Soul’?
Philosophers and scientists believe that animals do have souls, and Bahou set out to capture their essence. The talented photographer reveals the inspiration behind Animal Soul in a candid interview with Dogster. Here are some insights from that conversation.
1. How Bahou Started Photographing Animals
When asked what got him hooked on capturing animal portraits, he shared that he grew up in an animal-loving household, with many abandoned pets surrounding him. He developed a fascination with animals and wanted to capture the essence of who they are.
2. Bahou’s Muse
When asked if there was one animal that motivated him to write the book, Bahou brought up Scuba, a grouchy tabby cat. The thought of using Scuba as a muse for the book came to him because of its expressiveness, and he was familiar with it.
So captivated was he by this animal that the first picture he snapped after setting his camera up was of it. It then occurred to him that he could capture the same expressions in other animals, so he kept taking photographs of various pets. He eventually had enough for a book.
3. Methods
Bahou used a different method of photographing dogs than cats. While most dogs that received obedience training could sit still, cats wouldn’t let him tell them how to behave or what to do.
So, he instructed the owners of the dogs to guide them to two cones that he placed in the spot where he wanted to take the photos. He took a different approach with cats, letting them bide their time to do what he wanted before taking the shots.
Another problem was panting – he had to consider how that would affect his photography because the outlook of the animal would be different. It meant waiting for specific moments to capture shots.
4. Selecting Photographs
Then came the process of choosing which photographs to feature. Bahou also had to consider which pets to include in his book. For example, the image on its cover is of a very timid male dog, Bahou spent some time with him and his litter of puppies.
Though the dog remained nervous, the prolific photographer knew that he wanted to have his photo on the cover after developing it.
While Bahou didn’t want the book to be about different dog breeds at first, it turned out to be just that. He found that they created interest, with individuals coming up to him and reminding him how the photos resembled their pets.
Bahou decided to include both dogs and cats – natural enemies- in his book because they go hand-in-hand. You cannot have one without the other.
5. Animal Behaviour
Bahou had to deal with natural animal instincts as well. The owner of two dog brothers told him that they wouldn’t misbehave in any way, but they started fighting over treats. They also scratched his equipment after walking over it.
6. Setting
The photographer decided to shoot the animals against a black backdrop because white would make the book look too commercial. He also enjoyed the challenge of photographing black animals against a black background.
What Photographs Show about Animals’ Personalities
1. Floppy-Eared Cat
This floppy-eared cat is a pensive creature, shown by its droopy eyes and forlorn expression (must be pondering over the possibility of its next meal).
2. Grumpy Cat
Bahou’s feline subject looks extremely dissatisfied with life, or the lack of food. It also has a self-confident, smug expression, as many cats have.
3. Curious Chi Hua Hua
This little fellow has an appraising, curious look. It could also be up to mischief, so look out, owner.
4. Sad Pug
This pup appears to have done something that it shouldn’t. It looks almost as if it’s pleading with its owner.
5. Sir Spaniel
This Cocker Spaniel seems rather cocksure, almost like one of the Three Musketeers.
6. Soulful White Cat
We meet a true animal soul. This kitty appears to have a lot on its mind and has a serious expression on its face. It must be an effective decision-maker because it considers all possibilities before deciding what to eat.
7. Wise Afghan
This Afghan Hound has tons of wisdom under its belt. You can gauge that from its all-knowing look.
8. Skeptical Tabby
This tabby seems rather disbelieving, with a smirk on its face. It lacks trust in the people around it.
9. Love in Its Eyes
This cat looks focused on its owner. The love in its heart shines through its eyes.
10. Discerning Kitty
With its narrowed eyes, this cat looks as though it assesses situations before immersing itself in them. Bahou has communicated the soul and intelligence of this animal through this image.
11. Steady Rhythm
This dog’s eyes look focused and set. He seems like a dog you can depend on to look after the home when you are not around.
12. Serious Listener
This dog looks as though he’s hanging on to every word that his owner says. He could win the first prize for Most Attentive Dog.
Bahou’s series of photographs have proven that an animal does have a soul. Try assessing your pet’s personality!
Image courtesy of Robert Bahou
