Sweet Surrender

SWEET SURRENDER

Elaine Dennis

From my conversations with Photographer Frank Bruynbroek  

You take such incredible black and white photographs, which truly capture the soul of "man’s best friend.” Was there a pivotal experience that inspired you?

When my dog Rosalie died I promised her that I would use my talent to contribute to the welfare of animals. I developed a concept for a book that would feature portraits of rescued dogs.

Having always done so many things in my life, I came to a crossroad where, for my sanity, I needed to choose one thing to focus on and pursue.

 I wanted to make a difference with my photography, I wanted to inspire. I had no idea that my dog images were so powerful.

I did one exhibit to help a foundation and the response was so overwhelming, that it opened my eyes. I knew that my pictures went further than just dog pictures. I touched a very sensitive cord, almost as if it was a reflection of us, of our society.

Where did you develop and hone your visual and photographic skills or did it come more naturally to you?

I ‘m self-taught. I think that the emotions behind an image are way more powerful than a beautiful technically produced photo.  I just saw an exhibit in NYC of a man (Morislav Tichy)  who dedicated his life to shoot 3 rolls a day with cameras that he built with cardboard boxes and plastic lenses. Everything is out of focus, under or over exposed and yet so powerful. 

I still shoot film; I like the magic of it. There's an element of surprise when you look at your proof sheets. I see three aspects in my photographic approach. When I take a portrait, it's like a romantic affair. When I know that the subject in front of my lens has total trust.

It's a high to know that I create a climate where the truth can’t hide. That's when the image is haunting and mesmerizing.

 I never crop my pictures.  I'm always framing even when I don't have a camera around my neck. Finally, the tremendous joy is to develop perfect timing because unconsciously you know exactly what you want, when you want it. You learn to own it.

What was one of your most memorable photo sessions?

I was at a calendar signing session at Whole Foods when a woman walks in and bursts into tears as soon as she sees the two big pictures on display. She proceeds to tell me that her old dog is about to die any minute. She wanted to go to the vet that same day to put him to sleep, but in the morning the dog looked better. 

For many years, as an art collector, she had been looking for a photographer to capture the dog's essence and never clicked with anyone. She asked me to come and take her dog's photo before it was too late. I promised her that I would show up the next day. I went - her adorable black curly dog was barely moving and it was raining. Since I use natural light it would not be simple.

I lifted the dog to where I thought I could possibly take his picture. As soon as I was all set up, an unexplainable thing happened:  it stopped raining, the clouds parted and the sun shone directly on us. The dog got up, his weak legs were struggling and he sat for me. He gave me all kinds of great expressions, played with me, teased me and after 45 minutes he went back to a lethargic mode and lay down. The sun went away, the clouds closed and it started raining again. A few days later I showed up at her office with the proof sheets. Everybody was in tears; the dog had just died that morning.

Tell us about your recent project with Cesar Millan (the Dog Whisperer).

I have a lot of respect for Cesar. The first time I met him, even though he wasn't as popular as he is today, I knew that he was very special. It takes a teacher to know one. He's a very gifted, idealistic,
down to earth human being. I think that he raised the bar for all of us. He touched people and created a ripple effect in order to give a lot of dogs a second chance.

He makes us feel that any issue can be worked on especially if we are willing to admit that we, the owners, have a lot to do with the dog's behavior. We change, our dog changes. I love the fact that he roots for the breeds with a bad rap.

The calendar was a beautiful collaboration with the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation, especially with Sean Hawkins, the Director of the Foundation. He is such a gentleman and was a pleasure to work with.
The result is a beautiful, classy calendar that I'm very proud of.

All Photos courtesy of Frank Bruynbroek, all rights reserved.