Ottawa Dog Blog had the chance to interview Ottawa dog photographer Wendy Beard of MuddyPawz Pet Photography.

Name: Wendy Beard, MuddyPawz
Location: Carp, ON
Website: muddypawz.net
Camera(s): Canon EOS 1Dmk2, 1Dmk3, Pentax K10D

How would you classify or explain your style of dog photography?
Dogsports – lots of action!

How did you get into doing dog-related photography?
Through owning a dog and competing at agility trials.

When did you first realize you are a photographer?
I’ve always been a photographer. I’ve had a camera since I was small.

Could you tell us some more about your work?
I cover various dogports such as agility, disc dog, lure coursing and obedience.

Which one item of equipment would you say is the most important to you?
My camera :)

What is it that inspires you to take the style of pictures you do?
The beauty and grace of the dog in motion.

What famous photographers have influenced you, and how?
Bailey and Lichfield are always in the forefront of my mind when I think of photographers.

Are you a self taught photographer or did you have a mentor that showed you the ropes?
Self-taught.

How do you decide on locations & subjects?
Given the subject, the location is easy – wherever there’s a dog event!

What makes you choose to shot something in B&W over color?
I don’t do a lot of black and white but occasionally dramatic lighting screams out for black and white.

In general, during a session, how many pics would you say you take to find “the right one”?
Portraiture is more difficult to get “the right one” than with action, I find. The hardest part is capturing how owners see their pet rather than how you see them.


Do you rely on lighting (natural, or artificial), or do you rely on dark-room/computer manipulation?
The less work I have to do in post-processing the better.

What do you do for fun (besides photography)?
Dog agility is my main sport.

What advice would you give someone who wanted to take a great photo of their dog?
Focus on the eyes and get down to their level.

Do you have a dog(s)? if yes, what kind, please brag about your pooch(es) here
Boris, Bernese Mountain Dog, almost 10
Tanja, Belgian Shepherd, almost 9
Tyra, Belgian Shepherd, 5
Indy, Belgian Shepherd, 2
Ivan, Belgian Shepherd, 1 (Ivan’s picture is the first one in this post)

I compete in agility with the older 2 Belgans and the younger 2 are also in training.
Tanja had her ATChC (agility trial champion) with the AAC and her Silver award of Merit
Tyra is a conformation champion and is 3 legs away from her ATChC. She has also titled in Disc Dog, Herding and in agility in other venues such as the CKC and AKC.