DOGUE June '22: Furever Love & Pawtrimonials

The New York Pet Pawtographer

Story by Francine Cohen

Many wish that they could spend their days rolling around on the ground with an adorable puppy, or two, and get paid for it.And, for Carmen González , it’s a dream come true! This talented photographer, and award winning former chef, is the founder of NYC Pet Pawtographer, known on Instagram as @nycstreetdogs.

González' love for dogs began with her family dog, at the age of four. Many decades later she began her visual career in New York City as a documentary photographer, chronicling the city and its citizens in black and whitebefore adding color film and putting a whole new genre of subjects in front of her lens. Now, as the city’s most sought after puppy picture taker, she spends her days cajoling four legged furry models into showing offtheir personality, and very successfully so.

“My business started because of my love for dogs. While shooting New Yorkers’ comings and goings, good moments, and darker ones,I’d stop people walking dogs on the street, and ask if I could shoot their dogs for my Instagram. I have a natural curiosity for dogs. so I always want to know about their story, where they come from, and what they like..."

While her business relies on subjects that may only sit still long enough for a few quick snaps, González has developed a fool-proof method for capturing the best of a family’s beloved pet and creating frame-worthy images that

“One of the things I do differently from other pet photographers is that my sessions are not based on time. I give the pups as long as they need to capture a beautiful moment."

That patience, and willingness to get down on the ground with the dogs, whether it’s the middle of the park or in front of The Met, is part of what enables González to get that great shot.

More recently, González taught a sold-out class at B&H and shared with her students some important truths about photographing pets. And, we asked her to share her best tips with us, too!

"1. GOOD LIGHT

"Of course, lighting is very important. You want to have good light, but not too much direct sunlight."

2. GET TO KNOW THEM, FIRST.

"Getting to know your subjects makes a difference between a cute picture of a dog and one that captures everything there is to love about them. That's my secret to getting those coveted action shots. When you photograph a person, you could tell them what to do, which is not something you could do with pets. So, one of the first things I do is sit on the floor with the pups, and I play with them. I want to know their personality, and what makes them happy. I tailor to them, and they give me the best of them, in return."

González gave the best of herself last time she was visiting family in Puerto Rico. It was there that she developed the concept of Pawlendar 2022, a calendar featuring rescue dogs (known as satos) and she partnered with United for a Cause Foundation to bring it to life. The sale of Pawlendar 2022 raised almost $20,000 for area animal shelters that had housed the calendar stars featured in each month’s spread. From the Yunque rainforest to the beaches of Vieques, the stray dogs of Puerto Rico had their moment in the sun, and hopefully a better chance at finding a forever home, thanks to her efforts.

González has another Pawlendar underway for 2023, and some time on her schedule to shoot a portrait of that beloved dog who takes you for a walk every day. To learn more about her work, visit her profile @nycstreetdogs.