Q&A: Los Angeles dogs

When David Mora began to shoot photos of his friends’ dogs and post them on Instagram, he realized that their furry faces quickly dominated his feed. To spare his followers that may not love dogs as much as he does, he decided that the pups deserved their own account, thus Los Angeles Dogs was born.

Since creating the account in January, he has shot hundreds of dog photos throughout the sprawling streets of Los Angeles. He also volunteers for the rescue group Karma Rescue, shooting portraits of dogs for their Web profiles with hopes of increasing their chances for adoption.

“At first, my goal for sharing these photos was to allow us to somehow see ourselves in the dogs,” he said. “But then, photo after photo, I realized the goal should be to see our dogs in us.”

Below, he tells the #SoCalMoments team a bit more about his experience with Los Angeles Dogs.

What do you want to capture in each portrait?

I attempt to capture their personality and that special something that endears them to their forever family. Every dog does something that melts your heart and makes you forget they’ve just destroyed your Oliver Peoples glasses or Bose ear buds. If I can capture that special something, I am very happy.

How do you approach your subjects?

I’ve never been accused of being shy! I come across dogs often and I ask people if I may say hello to their pup. Every dog is awesome and I really can’t help but play with them. I mention I’m a dog photographer and ask if I can capture the cuteness for my Instagram blog. Most dog lovers are thrilled! We all snap and post camera phone pics of our dogs. Hearing people say, “that’s so him!” really makes my day. Having my camera on my neck and my iPhone open to the Instagram account really helps to legitimize the moment.

How do I approach the dogs? I would say, without embarrassment, that I surrender. I drop to my knees. I talk like a fool. I welcome slobbery kisses, and give ‘em too. I rub bellies and squeeze butts. I give my love and, without fail, they show me their soul.

What’s next for “Los Angeles Dogs?”

I’ve just launched a website, www.LosAngelesDogs.photography. I hope to one day publish a photo book which pays tribute to how their everyday antics and their love challenges us to be better people.

Follow Ebony Bailey on Instagram and Twitter.

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