Dog Run

By Michael Crouser

'I find that when I am in the dog runs, I am nearly invisible to my subjects. . . They play like little boys throwing one another down a hill on the school playground. They practice in their play what nature has said they must know. Dominance, defense, breeding and agility. And I am often nearly on top of the dogs in useful obscurity, making the first pictures of my life that actually make me laugh.' Internationally renowned photographer Michael Crouser captures the thrilling intensity of dogs at play in his collection of photographs called "Dog Run." Crouser catches both rare and provocative moments'split seconds of intense play that give an intimate glimpse into the expressive personalities of his dynamic subjects. The photos were shot in neighborhood dog runs, where the dramatic action is all about dogs being dogs away from the influence of their masters. The stunning photos spotlight the candid interactions of the dogs'chasing, taunting, wrestling, flirting? displaying the energetic craziness that only emerges when dogs engage with other dogs. The result is a collection of unique images that are raucous, vaguely ferocious, hilarious, and even poignant'much like the dogs themselves. The book is composed of ninety black-and-white photographs and features an insightful foreword by poet Mark Doty. Michael Crouser's "Dog Run" offers a surprising and revealing look at the very essence of dogs.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670020370
• ISBN13: 9780670020379
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Viking Studio
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 1.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 8.7" x 11.2"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Striking and absorbing

I highly recommend Dog Run! It doesn't matter if you're a "dog person" or not--this is a great collection of strikingly detailed black-and-white photos. It has so many wonderful moments, with the subjects totally absorbed in a world that has nothing to do with humans--though many appear almost human in their postures and expressions (if one can use that word). Obviously a skilled photographer, Michael Crouser has captured dogs interacting in ways that are both child-like and warrior-like--and often comical, too. Some of the photographs are like portraits; others strike me almost as visual short stories. Some are as much about the composition as the subject matter, highlighting an interesting detail or pattern captured by the camera. All of them are extremely good, rich and absorbing. Dog Run is a great book!

Insightful, raw beauty

Dog Run is by far one of the edgiest, most innovative collections of fine art dog photography I have ever come across. These are photographs of dogs being dogs when they think no one else is watching (or don't care). The raw intensity captured on the faces of these beloved pets as they interact with other canines is exquisite. Any dog owner or voyeur at a dog park has witnessed the same fleeting excitement, fear, and playfulness that Crouser has elegantly captured in this series.