Harry Israelson photographs the bizarre cuteness of dog costume contests

Date
8 November 2016

Harry Israelson is annoyingly gifted at whatever he turns his hand to. Whether it be directing a music video of sky dancers, photographing a hot air balloon convention, or even filming a feature length concert in the middle of the desert, Harry’s your man. For his most recent project the photographer took a trip to a halloween dog costume contest (obviously), and created this creatively wholesome series.

“It’s strange how it happens, but over the years I’ve developed a certain eye.” Harry explains, “It isn’t intentional, but I keep coming back to similar themes. Old people, tourists, and dogs have found their way into a lot of my photos, many of which occupy lush and luxurious environments.” Based in Los Angeles Harry’s photography is frequently plush with pastel coloured landscapes presenting his sun soaked home.

Yet, when Harry drove down to Long Beach from LA, the weather was atypically overcast creating an alternative look to the rest of his portfolio. On the day, Harry says “there must of been at least 300 dogs, many dressed to match the costumer of his owner”. On describing the personalities of the contestants, Harry said their temperament varied. “Some dogs looked insecure, some elated, but most looked as though they had been through years of costume play and had simply given in.” While normally at ease on shoots, at a dog costume contest the photographer was a little out of his depth. “There were some veteran pet photographers working the event, all of which wielded squeaky toys to get the dogs’ attention. I suppose now I know how it’s done.”

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Harry Israelson

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Harry Israelson

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Harry Israelson

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Harry Israelson

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Harry Israelson

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Harry Israelson

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Harry Israelson

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About the Author

Lucy Bourton

Lucy (she/her) is the senior editor at Insights, a research-driven department with It's Nice That. Get in contact with her for potential Insights collaborations or to discuss Insights' fortnightly column, POV. Lucy has been a part of the team at It's Nice That since 2016, first joining as a staff writer after graduating from Chelsea College of Art with a degree in Graphic Design Communication.

lb@itsnicethat.com

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