Elke Vogelsang - For the love of pet paw-traits

Fourteen years ago, Elke Vogelsang stumbled upon her true passion for photography, all thanks to her adorable dog, Noodles. Living with her perfect model at home, Elke found a creative outlet that would not only allow her to express herself but also provide a much-needed distraction during challenging times.

As Elke delved deeper into the world of photography, it became more than just a hobby; it was a way for her to cope with the stresses of her life, particularly as she navigated the emotional toll of caring for her mother-in-law, who was living with dementia.

Determined to document her journey, Elke set a goal to start a picture-a-day project beginning January 1, 2010.

However, just before she launched into this new endeavour, life threw her an unexpected curveball. “Shortly before this, at Christmas 2009, I found my husband unconscious in the bathtub,” Elke recalled.

This harrowing moment changed everything. Her husband had suffered a severe brain haemorrhage due to a ruptured aneurysm. Thankfully, their dogs, Noodles and Scout, sensed something was wrong and alerted Elke, allowing her to act quickly.

In the face of such overwhelming circumstances, Elke made a pivotal decision.

“I decided to start the project despite my husband being in the hospital—or rather because of it,” she explained. “I wanted to try to keep up a bit of normality and have something like a visual diary for my husband while he was in an induced coma.”

During this turbulent period, her dogs became not just her muses, but a source of comfort and joy.

Often finding themselves in front of the camera, Noodles and Scout helped her focus on the brighter moments, even amidst the chaos. This experience solidified her love for capturing the essence of animals and the special bond they share with humans.

Fast forward nearly ten years, and Elke has transformed her passion into a thriving career as a full-time animal portrait photographer.

She has accomplished some remarkable feats along the way. In 2020, she won the prestigious title of Comedy Pet Photographer of the Year, which was a highlight of her career.

She also participated in The Photography Show's March virtual event, an experience she described as “super exciting” and an honour to be part of.

In addition to her accolades, Elke has authored two books: Nice Nosing You and Workshop Hundefotografie.

These publications showcase her unique approach to pet photography and offer insights to aspiring photographers looking to capture the charm of animals.

For those interested in seeing her work, Elke shares her stunning pup portraits on social media under the handle @wieselblitz, and she even has a dedicated Instagram for cat portraits, @wieselcats.

Her creativity and talent shine through in every post, drawing in followers who share her love for animals.

In terms of equipment, Elke has a preference for Fujifilm X cameras, with the X-T3 being her go-to choice for commercial and editorial projects.

For outdoor shoots, she typically opts for prime lenses, while indoors, she relies on the Fujinon 16-55.

“I use it in the wide-angle range for some funny shots and at around 55mm for more elegant portraits,” she explains, showcasing her versatility in different shooting environments.

“Being able to spend my time with photography and animals is a dream come true,” Elke shares, reflecting on her journey from a challenging personal experience to building a successful photography business.

Through her lens, she not only captures the beauty and personality of pets but also finds joy and fulfillment in her work.

Elke Vogelsang’s story is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience, reminding us that sometimes our greatest passions can emerge from life’s toughest moments.