It all started as a hobby! I studied German Language, History and Philosophy (a long time ago) and worked for years as a freelance editor. The last year before I started working as a professional photographer I worked for a creative digital agency. I live in Waltrop, Germany – that’s pretty near to Dortmund, I am lucky enough to travel all over on so many trips to major cities in Germany and Europe to photograph amazing dogs.
I started photographing dogs in 2010 but did my first Snapshots - with treats in 2013.
The Treat—Shots happened by accident. Back in 2013 I bought a portable flash system for outdoor shooting and wanted to figure out immediately how I can freeze motion and how to get sharp results. The day the flash arrived was a rainy day, so I started the testing in my living room and placed my labrador Lotte in front of the “cam and flash”. But what happened? She sat there and didn't move... So I started throwing treats (hey, she’s a lab) and the action began. I noticed much later, when deleting the data, how funny some images were.
You can imagine that I have probably one of the best jobs in the world. Nearly every dog loves me because I am the treat guy! No rule or commands just treats for doing nearly nothing. That’s pure joy – for the dogs and also for me.
My days are busy I start between 7 and 8 o’clock in the morning with emails and social media, between 9 and 10 is the time for my own dogs Anni and Lotte. Often the first client photoshoot starts at 11. Most of my days are filled with photoshoots, lots of photoshop, admin work and again time with my dogs. Most weekends I am out at shooting at events.
I release a calendar every year. I select and present my favourite shots of the last year there. It’s always a big A3 Art Calendar with big formatted pictures. 2021 will be the first year with a choice of 2 calendars. I am still deciding between “Seniors” or “Black dogs“. I will keep you posted!
I simply love what I do. I love my dogs for their manner, their comedy and their heart. These are exactly the moments I want to see in the pictures I take of all dogs. That's why I always start with observing them for a while and then the question - When do I find my dog the sweetest or most beautiful...How do I get the dog for my photo exactly in this position or get the movement… mostly the answer is lots of treats... If I solve the problem, I get super shots and mostly the answer is lots of treats!
You can visit Christain on Instagram here
Photos © Vieler Photography #photography