Ottawa Dog Blog had the chance to interview photographer, Natalie Heath from Heath Photo.

Name: Natalie Heath
Location: Kanata
Website: heathphoto.ca
Camera(s): Nikon D70s and D200

How would you classify or explain your style of dog photography?
I like to think that I capture the essence of my subjects. I love to take action photos of dogs regardless of whether it’s a dog participating in a dog sport such as agility, fly ball, disc, French Ring or Schutzhund (just
to name a few). But, I like to capture a dog’s personality during a portrait session as well. I love it when a dog “smiles”! I prefer natural, outdoor lighting but am learning the “ins and outs” of studio lighting and am happy with my progress in that domain to date.

How did you get into doing dog-related photography?
Ummm…by being dog obsessed!! When I was a kid, I used to take photos of my neighbours’ dogs with my little 110 film camera. I still have some of those pictures! I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was a child but it was a dream that was never reached. Now I get to preserve people’s memories of their dogs instead.

When did you first realize you are a photographer?
I’m not sure. I didn’t start learning how to use an SLR camera until I was in my thirties. Before then, I took a lot of pictures but could never get the results I wanted because I didn’t have the knowledge. So, I would
have to say when I bought my first film SLR and really started learning how to use a camera to get the results that I wanted.

Could you tell us some more about your work?
I really enjoy trying to capture the bond that people have with their dogs. The only problem is trying to get the humans to cooperate!! It’s amazing how many people don’t like to have their pictures taken.

Which one item of equipment would you say is the most important to you?
My mind and vision. Without that, I can’t make the images that I want to make.

What is it that inspires you to take the style of pictures you do?
My desire to capture personalities. The intensity of a dog playing at a sport or the goofiness of a puppy at play. It’s all good.

Are you a self taught photographer or did you have a mentor that showed you the ropes?
I’m mostly self taught but have had a lot of help from 2 photographers. One resides in the States and he and I communicate a lot by e-mail and when he has a seminar in northern New York, I try to get to them. The other is a local photographer, originally from NYC, who has taught me pretty much all that I know about studio lighting. He gave me the courage to start doing more “studio” type work.

How do you decide on locations & subjects?
That really depends on the client. For personal endeavours, it just sort of comes to me.

What makes you choose to shot something in B&W over color?
I generally shoot in colour but will provide black and white images on request. I just love the detail that you get in colour images.

In general, during a session, how many pics would you say you take to find “the right one”?
That depends on a lot of factors!! If the subject isn’t cooperating, it can take a lot of shots. If the subject is cooperating, it can be as little as 5 to 10.

Do you rely on lighting (natural, or artificial), or do you rely on dark-room/computer manipulation?
I use a combination of lighting and computer manipulation.

What do you do for fun (besides photography)?
I participate in fly ball and disc with my two younger dogs. I play at agility with my youngest and I like to skijor with my middle dog. I enjoy walking and being out in the woods with or without a dog. And, I hope to
get back into running if my back will let me.

What advice would you give someone who wanted to take a great photo of their dog?
Be patient! Take your time and don’t get angry with your dog. If things are working out as you planned, put the camera away, go play with your dog and try again another time.

Do you have a dog(s)? if yes, what kind, please brag about your pooch(es) here
I have 3!!

Sparky is my oldest at 11 years young. He is a Border Collie/Husky mix that I picked up at the Ottawa Humane Society. He is currently the resident couch potato and despite having arthritis in his back, he is a
very happy boy. I just love it when he’s excited and he does his little air snaps. He’s telling me how much fun he’s having!

Alika is my “middle” child at the age of 6. She is a Belgian Malinois from working lines and does not seem to understand that she is supposed to slow down at some point in time. She loves to have a job to do so I keep her active in fly ball and we play at disc and skijor for fun. She severed a tendon in her right hind foot when she was 2 so I need to be careful with her and make her rest even when she doesn’t want to. She is
quite the handful.

Eklypse is my youngest and will be 4 years old in March. She too is a Belgian Malinois from working lines but she isn’t quite as “drivey” as Alika. She has some fear issues that she is slowly overcoming and hopefully will make her debut in fly ball this year. She loves to play disc and I have been training her in agility as well. She is a total love bug and loves to snuggle.