Dogs with Stories by Mardo El-Noor captures New Zealanders with their four-legged friends. Part dog photography book, part glimpse into everyday life, it celebrates the relationships that make our pets such an important part of our homes and routines.
Having followed the Dogs with Stories project on Instagram for some time, I was excited to see it become a book. There is something special about being able to slow down and enjoy these photographs on the page, rather than scrolling past them on a screen.
New Zealand dogs and the people who love them
This art book showcases about one hundred canines and their owners. Each photograph tells a story about the bond between a dog and the people they share their life with, bringing personality and a sense of place into the portrait.
The carefully composed scenes take you into homes and workplaces around New Zealand. From cosy living rooms to busy offices, the settings are part of the story rather than simply a background. They offer a glimpse of the routines, interests and spaces that dogs share with their humans.
That is what makes the project appealing to me: it is not just a collection of dog portraits. It is a celebration of life with dogs, including the people and environments that help make each relationship distinctive.
Mardo El-Noor’s colourful approach to dog photography
El-Noor’s attention to detail is evident in the carefully arranged scenes. There is a quirky abundance of activity to take in, while vibrant colours and thoughtful composition give each photograph its own character.
For photography enthusiasts, the appeal is in looking beyond the dog to the whole scene. How do the setting, objects and people work together? What catches your eye first, and what do you notice on a second look? These are images to spend time with, not simply glance at.
"Dogs with Stories is Mardo El-Noor’s desperate call for attention, camouflaged as a vanity project and disguised in a book of pictures and text."
A coffee-table book for dog lovers
This large, impressive book makes a statement on a coffee table at home or in an office. It is an inviting choice for visitors to browse, whether they are drawn to the dogs, the photography or the glimpses of New Zealand life.
As a gift, it brings together two interests that often overlap: a love of animals and an appreciation for visual arts. It could suit a dog owner who enjoys design, a photography enthusiast or someone who likes discovering creative projects with a local connection.
If you are looking for a copy, visit the Dogs with Stories page at Beatnik Publishing for current book details and availability.
Dogs with Stories: a preview of the photographs
Here is a selection of images featured in the book. Take a moment to enjoy the settings and the details around each dog, as well as the dogs themselves.
