IN GOOD COMPANY

Photography

Josh Bryant’s series ‘Companions’ explores the way dogs’ emotions provide
an insight into the personalities and identity of their owners.

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IN GOOD COMPANY

WORDS BY Josh Bryant

As a practitioner of photography I am interested in the lives of different people. Since dogs were first domesticated tens of thousands of years ago the anthropological records shows an affinity developing between them and their owners. This has lead to vast amount of different species, varied in every possible aspect. It is argued that Individuals are subconsciously drawn towards different types of dog depending on their lifestyle and character. This could be because, like in a romantic relationship, we, as humans, tend to subconsciously match ourselves with pets that we feel we share something in common with; hence the common expression ‘dogs look like their owners’.

I believe when individuals look for a dog as a pet, at some level, largely subconsciously one will look for something that mirrors something about oneself. Someone’s choice of dog therefore could reveal hidden personality traits that would not immediately become apparent when an individual is observed or whilst listening to them speak.

In this series, by capturing the manner in the way that dogs’ emotions and intentions are suggested in their posture it may reveal the uncanny way body language and appearance of dogs often reflects their owners; thus providing an insight into the personalities and identity of their owners.

Its interesting that with confidence of the dog at their side, people offer you a glimpse into their lives that they would not normally allow; making private become public, where once they would feel vulnerable and uncomfortable.

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All images courtesy of Josh Bryant.
joshbryant.co.uk

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