FAQ
GENERAL
Why are you doing this?
I love dogs and I love photographing dogs. This is an exciting opportunity for me to meet all of the different breeds and meet them firsthand as well as learn about all of the dogs’ incredible stories. I also wanted to create a project to represent and celebrate both purebred and rescue dogs to demonstrate equality, create unity within the “dog world”, and help promote responsible dog ownership.
Why call it Project DOG?
In a world where the word “dog” is becoming more politically charged than ever, Project DOG represents the evolving nature of modern perspectives by bringing together and illustrating the one similarity that all dog owners share – LOVE. The “Project” in Project DOG is about celebration – no longer are dogs seen as victims, no longer do they command our pity. Project DOG is a working title that reflects the “work” that we all have to do to make sure that ALL of our furry friends get the respect they deserve.
How many dogs are you going to photograph? The goal is to photograph all 150+ recognized AKC breeds, x2 (purebreds & rescues). That’s well over 300 dogs!
Do you have a grant? No grant however different avenues of support are being pursued. Until then, consider it just a project that’s close to my heart. If you are interested in advertising or becoming a sponsor for Project DOG, please email info[@] projectdog.net
THE BOOK
Will you limit the number of breeds in the final book? No. The ultimate goal is to include all 150+ current AKC recognized breeds (this does not include the misc or FSS classes). Additional breeds from the misc and FSS classes will be considered after completion of the standard breeds.
If my dog is chosen, do I need to fill out a release form for him/her? Yes.
Do you have a publisher? Working on it …any takers?
If my dog is photographed, is he/she guaranteed to be in the book? It is not a guarantee that your dog will appear in the book. It is the goal that all 150+ AKC Breeds are represented, however multiple dogs of each breed may be photographed in the process.
If you take pictures of my dog, what do I get in return? In addition to receiving a complimentary professional photo session, you will get a proofing link to view proofs and a downloadable link to download all web-friendly images. You are free to purchase books and additional prints/products a la carte.
THE WEBSITE
Who are the dogs on the website? The dogs on the site are primarily dogs who have been submitted for consideration in the book. All dogs are free to submit profiles for the site – all dogs are welcome!
Where did you get the rescue information? The rescue information listed is associated with each rescue dog submission form – they are REAL rescues where REAL dogs came from!
I submitted my dog but he/she is not on the website. Where’s the profile? Currently only submissions with photos are being added to the website. If you submitted a form without a photo, or your photo has not been received, the profile will not be posted however your dog has been listed on the official project roster for consideration. If you would like to submit a photo, please email kira@projectdog.net and tell me the name of your dog so that I can dig up your submission form and upload the info!
Who designed your website? I did… consider it a work in progress.
SUBMISSIONS
What is the deadline for sending in the submission form? Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all breeds have been found.
I live outside the US. Can I submit my dog? Yes, all dogs from around the world are welcome to be submitted for the website however only dogs from the target cities will be considered for inclusion in the final book.
Can I submit my deceased dog for the website? Unfortunately I can only consider dogs who are alive for the book component of this project, however you are free to submit your dog’s profile for the website.
I have more than 1 dog, can I submit them all?YES! You can submit all of your dogs – just make sure you submit them individually.
Many breeds accept multiple colors and sizes. Will you shoot all the colors and sizes? I will photograph as many dogs as humanly possible – this includes accepted sizes and colors. (example, Poodle includes standard, miniature and toy, black lab/yellow lab). If photographed, it is not a guarantee that your dog will appear in print.
Do I need to send a photo when I submit my dog? You don’t need to, but it helps… and photos will be used to to help narrow down candidates if there are many submissions for a particular breed.
Are you considering mixed breeds? Yes, mixed breed dogs are welcome to apply and will be considered for the “rescue” dog counterpart for each breed. Unfortunately due to the nature of this project, purebred Hybrid/Designer dogs will not be considered for the book but are welcome to submit profiles for the website.
SELECTION
What criteria are you using to choose the dogs you will photograph? The decision will be based upon the responses received in the submission form as well as the photo received. If you have not submitted a photo, I may ask you to send one in, should your dog be a final candidate. Please keep in mind that the more detailed your dogs information is the higher the chance your dog may be selected. Make sure to fill out each of the fields to the best of your ability. Other factors that weigh in are location and number of dog submissions received per breed.
How many dogs will you choose in each city? The goal is to receive enough dog submissions so that about 20 dogs per city can be selected. This number may be somewhat loose since there are higher concentrations of dog breed diversity in some cities than in others.
Who chooses the final dogs? I will be the primary person selecting the final dogs to be included in the book. Some of the dogs will be chosen purely based on breed type and number of breed submissions per city, while other, more popular breeds will be chosen by YOU! Once we reach a selected number of final dogs per breed, we will have an online vote to determine which dogs will be photographed.
How will you determine which dogs will require an online vote? This decision will ultimately depend on how many dogs apply and where they are from, the rarer breeds being selected first.
THE PHOTOSHOOT
Where are you doing the photoshoots? The photoshoots will take place in an agreed location of the dog owner’s and my choice in each selected city (upon reason). The photo session is meant to capture the personality of the dog in its natural environment, so a location that compliments the dog or is a favorite stomping ground is preferred. I will shoot anywhere except in dog parks or off-leash dog areas, as they are too much of a distraction to most dogs.
What if my dog doesn’t behave? Please do not submit your dog if he/she is not trained. It is very important that your dog be well mannered during the photoshoot and know how to sit and stay (for at least 5 seconds, please). I understand that dogs will be dogs, and I don’t expect them to act perfectly, but I do expect you (the owner) to help manage your dog’s behavior during the photoshoot, as I am not a professional trainer and I need to focus on taking the photos.
Does my dog need to be off leash during the photoshoot? No, your dog can stay on his/her leash, no problem. I do not, however, take photos of dogs in choke chains or prong collars, so if you use a choke chain or prong collar on your dog, please bring a different collar to the photoshoot.
Can my dog wear clothes in the photo?I prefer that you do not dress up your dog for the photoshoot, however if your dog regularly wears clothes you may bring them along for consideration.
Any other questions? Email kira@projectdog.net
For official rules, click here.
