CANINE LOUVRE VISITOR: A PHOTOGRAPHIC SERIES

This series presents twelve unedited, widescreen photographs extracted from a 2-minute, 19-second video clip I captured at the Louvre's central fountain on a cloudy September morning. While the still images alone don't reveal the playful backstory – a water-loving Golden Retriever and a dry-land-loving Italian Whippet (details assembled from the original video) – they capture the essence of the moment. Inspired by the 2008 book "Dogs in the Louvre," this project follows the tradition of François Nourissier and Elisbeth Foucart-Walter, celebrating the canine presence in this iconic space. Additionally, this series draws influence from the legendary French-American street photographer Elliott Erwitt. Erwitt's work, often infused with black-and-white humour, serves as a point of reference here. While these photographs retain their colour, the cloudy Parisian sky effectively creates a "black-and- white" backdrop for the scene. Great photographs tell stories, and Erwitt was a master of doing this in a single image. By studying his work, one can learn how to use composition, lighting, and the decisive moment to craft a compelling narrative. Erwitt excelled at capturing the unexpected, genuine moments of everyday life that unfold naturally around us. His enduring love for dogs is also evident in his work. He was a master of capturing fleeting moments, emphasizing the value of being present and ready to catch something special; of finding the humour and unexpected juxtapositions that exist all around us. Echoing Erwitt's photographs, "Canine Louvre Visitor: A photographic Series" wants to remind us that the beauty and humour in everyday life can be easily missed. It invites us to train our eyes to see the interesting in the ordinary. Though inspired by these giants of photography, this project remains distinct, offering a unique perspective on a dog's visit to the Louvre.