Over the past few years, French photographer Sophie Gamand has captured our hearts with her dreamy portraits of pit bulls and funny shots of dogs during bath time. Now, we're happy to announce that Gamand has crossed over from photographer to author with the release of her first book. Her charming Wet Dog series, which documents the intimate experience of grooming, has been published as a 144-page collection just in time for Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month.
More than 120 portraits–many of which have never been seen before–capture the hilariously expressive faces of drenched canines during their least favorite activity as they mirror human emotions like judgment, despair, and anger. Gamand says she chose to photograph bath time because it's an unnatural process for dogs, yet it's become a necessary activity as a direct consequence of the pooches' cohabitation with humans.
“Dogs have become more than animals and have acquired a status of persona, especially in big cities like New York,” Gamand explains on her website. “People here have difficulties developing meaningful relationships with their peers, and often turn to dogs instead. The dog becomes the confidant, the best friend, replacing spouses or children. Throughout the past millennia dogs have been subdued, manipulated genetically, trained, modified into perfect companions. Dogs are the first example of Man acting like a God towards Nature.”
You can buy Gamand's book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, iBooks, and other retailers. Wet Dog will also be available for purchase at the official launch and book signing this Sunday in Brooklyn.
Above: Wanda
Buddy
Diamond
Oscar
Marnie
Britney
Chivila
Commando
Pancake and Chelsea
Coco
Chuchi
Benji
Nicole
May
Chelsea
Pucci
Sophie Gamand: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Wet Dog: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | iBooks
My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Sophie Gamand.