Artist Statement:

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The idea behind this photograph was inspired by the word “abandoned.” I wanted to portray the idea of abandonment with dogs because most people only think of people being abandoned, not pets. Dogs are special.  They need love and attention and should not be pushed to the side.  Without this love and affection, they feel neglected and unloved by their owners.  My family and I got a new puppy over the summer and we are afraid that the new puppy is getting more attention than our older dog. It is important that you spread the love evenly across both dogs so neither dog feels left out or abandoned.

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My process behind shooting this photograph was first being outside.  Dogs play outside, so it was a perfect environment to show how one of the dogs was not being played with. I chose to use both dogs in the photograph to demonstrate that the older dog is not being shown the same love that the other dog is.  He is feeling neglected looking at his owner play with the new puppy as he sits and watches.

Having the camera angle behind the older dog makes it seem as though you are seeing the situation from the dog's perspective.  The dog is watching the puppy and the owner play from a far, and we can feel the disconnection between them because we are seeing the picture from the viewpoint of the older dog.  

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This photograph is eye- opening for my family and I in realizing that we need to spread the love amongst both of the dogs.  One of the main reason we got another dog was so that they could both play together, and to keep each other company.  If one of the dogs is feeling left out, their short lives with us will not be as enjoyable or as filled with love.