Blending Realities: Valeria Cassina – Dog Photography Awards Studio Category Winner
Valeria Cassina is an innovative photographer whose work uniquely captures the essence of canine companionship and the intricate bond between humans and dogs. Her award-winning image, « Metamorfosis Canina, » triumphed in the Studio category of the prestigious Dog Photography Awards 2024. In this striking composition, two dogs stand on either side of a mirror, which reflects the back of a woman, creating a visual illusion that elongates the bodies of the dogs. This captivating interplay of reflection and form not only showcases Cassina’s technical skill but also invites viewers to explore themes of identity, connection, and the transformative nature of the relationships we share with our pets.
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HOW DID YOU GET INTO DOG PHOTOGRAPHY?
As you know, I’m from Argentina. When I was younger, I wanted to study psychology. When I arrived at the university, next to my building was the TV and cinema department. In a second, and two fights with my mother… I ended up studying that career. Over time, I decided to specialize in photography.
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YOUR WORK « Metamorfosis Canina » EARNED YOU THE TITLE OF DOG PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR. CAN YOU SHARE THE STORY BEHIND CREATING THIS IMAGE?
It’s not a photoshoot prepared as such, the customer who comes to the studio with his pets, is in who I find that point of inspiration; it lends itself to something that I wanted to do or I just thought about it at that moment. In that case, my client came with her two dogs and I decided to compose this portrait with them.
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THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS, WHAT POSED THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FOR YOU?
Controlling pets and their instinct, it’s the most complicated part of photographing animals. The complicity with the client or model, it’s created during the photoshoot. In this way, I arrive to get the best version of my work.
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WHAT DOES WINNING THE AWARD MEAN TO YOU?
When I got the news, the first thing I did was share it with my work-friend and family. Winning a prize outside your comfort zone, in another country… is very rewarding. And being able to sneak around among the best photographers in the world… is perhaps something that can’t be explained with words.
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LASTLY, CAN YOU GIVE US A GLIMPSE INTO ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS YOU’RE CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
I’m currently on a personal project because I love animals, especially dogs. Life in the art world makes it difficult for family reconciliation in most cases. Pets have become members of our family, that faithful friend who awaits your arrival everyday, who enjoys long walks, who understands unconditional love. The Kan project captures in photographic portraits the eternal bond between pet and artist. The one that allows your talent to fly high but keeps you grounded.
More about Valeria Cassina: http://www.valeriacassinafotografa.com
