Last November, I had the opportunity to visit Barcelona, and as a dog photographer, naturally, I was more distracted by the dogs than the scenery. I admit I might have stared at the dogs longer than Anton Gaudí’s Casa Batlló. That’s a little crazy! (Though this should come as no surprise!)
It’s an incredibly beautiful city with unique and beautiful architecture and amazing food, but what impressed me most was how dog-friendly it is. Barcelonians treat their dogs as an extension of their family bringing them on walks, to coffee shops, bars, restaurants and the beach. It was a photographer’s paradise! I had a lot of time to take in the architecture and photograph dogs waiting until 7pm or later for the restaurants to open for dinner- tough for an early eater!
A Dog Photographer Goes to Barcelona
The purpose of my visit was to practice my Spanish, and of course, I brought my camera along. I was there for a week-long language immersion program through Fluenz Immersion, and I knew I was going to photograph the Gaudí architecture while there.
However, I found myself so intrigued by the plethora of dogs that I soon found my camera pointing down instead of up.
The Galgos
During this trip, I saw a lot of Galgos (the Spanish equivalent to our American Greyhound), sporting fancy wide collars on their long, elegant necks. I’m told they have very goofy personalities and make great family pets. And if you talk to any dog-lover in Barcelona, you’ll hear that there’s a huge push to adopt Galgos.
This is because sadly, after hunting season, they’re often abused or abandoned. My heart broke hearing about this. Dog rescues are working hard to bring awareness to this issue and I was so happy to see so many Galgos adopted and happily trotting around the city with their new families!
A sign outside a dog store called Barkcelona. Gotta love the name!
Here I am at a candy shop – the girl behind the counter also loves photography and wanted to take my picture!
The Anton Gaudí Architecture
Anton Gaudí’s signature architecture is seen all throughout Barcelona. If you’re visiting, you must make a trip to see La Sagrada Familia, which is his most notable work in Spain. The design is incredible and has been under construction for approximately 144 years. As you walk around it, one side looks 144 years old and the other side, much newer. Such an interesting church with amazing stained glass and intricate carved stone. The construction is due to be completed this year but there’s a rumor that Barcelonians feel it will be jinxed if finished. It will be interesting to see if they continue to update it!
This gentleman stationed himself right outside of La Sagrada Familia with his cute pup.
I snapped this shot of a Christopher Columbus statue while on an open bus tour – it was amusing to me when the tour guide said he’s pointing the wrong direction (not towards the new land).
Dog Photography Services
I would love to photograph dogs with their people all around the world. This year I had a chance to photograph them in Barcelona, Andalusia and along some of the Camino de Santiago trail beginning in Porto, Portugal. So, if you hadn’t guessed by now, I really love dogs. So much so that I’ve built my business around photographing them! As an equine and dog photographer in Florida, I love to capture posed and candid images of your beloved dogs and horses for you to display as fine art in your home so you can treasure their unique personality and your memories together forever.
My sessions are thoughtful and fun and many clients say their session felt like a play date.
If you’re interested in dog photography, I’d love to hear from you! Reach out to me through my website, and I’ll be in touch to hear all about your furry loved one and to discuss how we can make your session special.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can support the Galgos rescue mission, visit this website.
Cheers,
Every wag has a tale
