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Pauline ZonneveldLocation: Last time you ate a pancake? Favorite day of the week? Favorite website besides your own? |
Q&A
Give us a brief description of you and your work.
I am a portrait photographer, specialized in animals and children. My work has a strong north European aesthetic: subtle and understated. I am a Dutch native and have called Portland, OR my home for 5 years.
Working with pets must be interesting. How do you go about getting the image you’re looking for?
I never start a dog shoot with preconceived ideas. I go with the flow and improvise as we proceed. When my clients arrive we first get acquainted and after everyone – humans and dog – is familiar and at ease, we shall start the shoot. Then it is simply a matter of patience, toys and treats and making sure the dog owners are enjoying the process.
Tell us about your ‘Good Old Dog Project’. How did you come up with this idea? Do you find it emotionally difficult to photograph these elderly pets who are approaching doggie heaven?
I have a weak spot for elderly dogs, and started the ‘good old dog project’ a few years ago. The project is dedicated to dogs that are near the end of their life due to advanced age or terminal illness. I make it my mission to portray my subjects in a positive and dignified manner that is a tribute to their courage and endurance. Every year, all participating dogs are honored in a photo exhibition that includes a haiku acknowledging the unique truth of each beloved pet.
Do the animals have fun at the shoot?
Not just the animals, the humans as well. For the good old dog project I photograph many elderly and terminally ill dogs. Very often the owners tell me that the dog is more animated during the session than they have seen their dog in quite a while. I contribute that to the special bonding experience that takes place during the photo session where the dog is the star and showered with attention and love. To see their dog happy and the beautiful images we created is priceless for the dog owner.
What’s your goal as an artist?
The goal of my work is revelation: beauty and grace in everything and anything. Even the most mundane.
Why do you chose to show your artwork on Plywerk?
The panels are beautiful and my clients love how it looks and how easily it blends with the artwork they already own. Besides, I appreciate the fact that Plywerk is a local company concerned with sustainability and their customer service is awesome.
Is there a breed that is particularly photogenic?
Contrary to what you may expect, the most photogenic breeds are shorthaired. The shape of their body can be beautifully accentuated. Also the short hair allows me to catch a sparkle in the eyes.
Do you ever photograph cats?
Coincidentally, I booked my first cat photo session. Wish me luck. And yes, the client knows it.
How do you like your eggs prepared?
Sunny side up.
Favorite coffee drink?
Cappuccino – dry with dash of cinnamon
Breakfast cereal of choice?
Mix of honey gone nuts cereal, hit the trail trailmix and dried cranberries. Every day, for years. Never get tired of it.
More about Pauline
I love dogs. I believe pets enrich our lives. Nothing beats a long walk with the dog: rain or shine. I love what I do and I do it well. I am curious about everything and am stopped by nothing. I approach every photo session with a sense of adventure and awe. I believe in the healing power of art. My photographic mission is to reveal and document beauty; pure and simple.
Win a Pauline Zonneveld print on Plywerk
Post a comment below and you will automatically be entered in a drawing to win a Pauline Zonneveld print mounted on 3/4″ bamboo Plywerk!!! We’ll select a winner at random at the end of the month so make sure you come back to the blog in early February to see if you won and to check out the new featured artist! We’ll ship it anywhere in the continental US for free. If you win and need it shipped internationally, you’re on the hook for shipping costs. Sorry to be so mean.
Your good old dog project is awesome! We never want to forget to have fun with positive experiences with our furry friends!
Pauline obviously loves dogs; she has captured their very souls in these photos. I feel I know each one
Besides, what isn’t there to like about another dog lover??
It’s great to see another N. European pet photographer in Oregon
I’m from Belgium and live at the Oregon Coast. Just starting off my pet photo path.
Love your “Good old dog project”!
Dolores is our winner! Congrats!!!
Email us at info@plywerk.com to claim your prize. Be sure to include your physical address so we can ship a beautiful Plywerk panel with Pauline’s amazing photography on it.
All those photos are…. so mooving! I love the story! Can’t wait to see the pics of cats. I say good luck with cats, cause they are not easy to picture! hehehehhehehehe….
P But I’m sure you will manage!
I think Pauline’s work is so wonderful, she captures the personality of the dogs. i especially love the senior dog project, I love the oldsters and to capture their special grace is very special.
I once had a grief counselor who was part Great Dane with some patches of Dalmatian: Zeus. We were about the same size. When he consoled me, Zeus would hop up, turn three circles, and curl into my lap like a house cat, chin resting on crossed front paws; big sigh. He’d settle in for as long as it took.
I will never forget the fun photo shoot wIth Ali my English bulldog. Pauline, thank you so much for the wonderful photographs of Ali and even more the memories I will forever hold in my heart!
I have had the pleasure of having Pauline photograph two of my senior greyhounds. She is so kind, and it is obvious that she really loves the dogs.
Was such fun taking my Kahlua in for her 14th birthday photo shoot–and yes, Pauline absolutely has a touch with old dogs. She converses with them in Dutch–I didn’t understand a word, but Kahlua certainly seemed to!
Lovely idea!
Great images, Pauline — glad you found such a cool company to connect with!
Oh my goodness!! I love your photography! The expressions you catch are a combination of sweet, kind, soulful & dignified!! Hard, i know, with older dogs, because their head contours changes with age. The doggie subjects aren’t as “pretty” as when they were younger. I would be honoured for you to shoot my senior (10+ year old) bullmastiff! Thank you for your recognition of the wonderful wisdom & beauty of older dogs, when they have become like the stuffed toy in the children’s book “The Velveteen Rabbit”. Worn hairless & frayed with years of love!