Tall tails
Tuesday, January 27th, 2009
This tall image is actually a collection of photos of dog and cat tails! Sharon Montrose, prolific animal photographer, from Los Angeles, California has published nine books so far with her photos of cats and dogs. I love her whimsical take on her animal portraits and her unusual croppings.
Q: Besides your professional practice as a commercial photographer, you have published a number of books. Where do you find the time to work on them?
A: Strangely, I have been able to pace myself with the books even though I’ve had 9 published in 7 years. Because I love what I do, I don’t see it as work. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I get really slammed and long for balance — but with the help of my husband (who does a lot of the work behind the scenes), we make it work.
Q: How would you define your creative vision?
A: I have a hard time answering questions about my creative process and vision because I basically shoot what I feel — almost like I have no choice. I’ve never really been able to intellectualize my work.
Q: What inspires you as a creative professional?
A: My dogs inspire me to no end. Being humble inspires me. Being unaffected and true to oneself inspires me. Art inspires me. Design inspires me. Music inspires me. Nature inspires me.
Q: What made you choose animals and kids as a focus, as opposed to fashion or food photography?
A: I assisted a fashion/celebrity photographer for three years, so I pretty much knew I didn’t want to go that route! When I became confused as to my focus I started photographing dogs to clear my head – and I’ve never looked back!
Q: What is your latest project?
A: I’ve always got shoots going on for my corporate clients which is a different job and focus every time, but I’m also continuing to work on my animal series.
Q: Anything else?
A: I always have a few things rattling around in my head…. More animals of course!.
You can see more of Sharon’s work on her website and her blog. Her unique animal prints can be purchased at her Etsy shop.
