You might think you know what a dog would look like as it dives below the surface of water to retrieve a ball, but check out these photos and think again. When you see photos of dogs diving for a ball that is sinking into a pool, you will be amazed how surreal the near weightless conditions of the water makes the dog look. These shots are priceless in the way they capture a dog’s lips going flying as if the wind is blowing at them while making their ears and fur flatten back against their body. Watching a dog’s jowls expand as their mouth opens in an almost vicious looking way to grab the toy that has become their only focus, produces an almost perfect image of a dog lost in his own world of joy. After all, one of the biggest reasons we are so fascinated with our dogs is their intense determination to enjoy life, while doing what comes natural for them regardless of the obstacles in their way.
Casteel who has been seen on Animal Planet first began photographing dogs underwater about 18 months ago when he was asked to do a portrait of a King Charles spaniel who wouldn’t stay out of his owner’s pool. To get the right photos he began by testing different weighted objects that sink at different rates to get the right image of the dog. The dogs all dive into the water voluntarily, says Casteel, who initially tested the idea with a simple point-and-shoot camera. Seth holds his breath for up to 90 seconds while he sits in the pool, wearing a snorkel mask. He’s taken photos of more than 60 dogs from all over America, and even went to Australia to photograph dogs diving into pools for owners who paid his travel expenses. His photos have become so popular he’s getting calls from all over the world by pet owners wanting underwater portraits of Spot jumping into the pool to retrieve a toy.
His fame grew after a selection of photos he took in Californian went viral. Someone unknown to him posted them on Reddit and Google+. Before he knew what had happened, his phone started ringing 24/7 from curious reporters and pet owners all over the world. Casteel says he will only do photo shoots with dogs that already feel comfortable in the water so all he needs to do is grab his snorkel as the owner starts tossing various toys for their dog to retrieve. All photo shoots are done on location and never in a studio. A few photos are of Casteels dogs also.
Casteel is the founder of Second Chance Photos. he is also the CEO / Photographer at Little Friends Lifestyle, Pet Photography along with being a marketing Consultant at Los Angeles Animal Services. Casteel can be contacted via email at info@littlefriendsphoto.com or call his studio at (310-386-2961). Check out his blog Little Friends Lifestyle to see more of his work.
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