Have you ever noticed how when you hold a camera in front of most people, they completely transform? They alter their body language and their expression in an attempt to create the most pleasing representation of themselves possible.
This is completely understandable, in the days before digital cameras let us snap as many photos as we please, it was assumed that those images may very well outlive us. But even so, it can make capturing the true essence of a person very difficult if they, without even realizing it, go to such lengths to make themselves virtually unrecognizable.
Dogs, photographer Robert Bahou has found, don’t react to the lens in quite the same way we do. Because dogs don’t feel a self-conscious need to adjust themselves, his photographs capture a “truly honest moment between [the subject] and the camera.”
His unique ability to cut right to the core of these gorgeous models gave way to the idea for “Animal Soul”, an artfully curated book compilation of Bahou’s most stunning photographs of dogs (and cats).
In his book, Bahou hopes to capture “the humanity and expressiveness on the faces of domestic pets.”
Much more than simple snapshots, these sincere portraits display an amazing vulnerability and range of emotion.
Bahou, who was born in Jordan and is now based in Amsterdam, was inspired by his childhood and a lifelong affection for animals.
He recalls, “I grew up surrounded by cats and dogs, in a household where stray animals from the streets would come and go as we looked for safe homes for them.”
“Why animals? Other than the fact that I grew up with them, and have a profound fascination with what goes on in their minds, I believe that capturing a faithful, telling portrait of them is surprisingly easy.”
Find out more and check out Robert’s full portfolio here!
If you’re moved by these portraits, mosey on over to Robert’s Kickstarter page where you can help make his dream a reality and put these insanely photogenic pups in the paws of dog lovers everywhere!
All Images (except for those weird Gifs) via Robert Bahou