It is a very well-known expression (I personally think it’s a fact) that dog owners subconsciously pick dogs that look like them and in a way act like them. And if you really stop for a second and think about it, it actually makes sense. I mean, is a lazy, out of shape person going to get himself the little rocket-like Jack Russell Terrier? No, I didn’t think so either. And while many researchers say that eventually in time dogs do develop more human-like expressions and especially the ones of their owners, German photographer Ines Opifanti made the claim to the opposite in her latest photo shoot series. “Dog People” is the latest work in the Hamburg-based artist’s impressive resume, showing if dog owners can actually imitate the intuitive gestures of their own pets. She gathered about 30 volunteers for the project in order to see as many sides of the various reactions and interpretations of the “man’s best friends”. The result was an incredibly creative, witty and downright hilarious at times pictures of the dog owners who are placed side-by-side their pets trying to impersonate their face expressions. Overall, this was a great idea by Ines Opifanti that will undoubtedly put a smile on your face.
Here are Opifanti’s words on how she came up with the idea, explaining her draw of inspiration: I photographed the dogs first, letting them sit on a small podium. Owners had to interact with them, telling them phrases they know the dogs will react to. Of course they got lots and lots of praise and treats so they quickly stopped caring about the lights or the camera. It’s important that dogs are calm and relaxed, so they can show their natural behavior and are not frightened. After the dogs were photographed, the owners have to interpret and mimic. I noticed that dog people get really good in interpreting their own dogs. It’s really a fascinating thing because we’re two completely different species after all.”
How do you think, does your pet look like you, or do you look like your pet?
