In the 1960s, children across the United States gathered around the family television to watch Saturday morning cartoons. One of those cartoons was Underdog.
Much like other superheroes, Underdog lived a nondescript life until he needed to transform into his alter-ego to save the day.
I was reminded of that cartoon when I came across the work of photographer Claudio Piccoli—the Italian-born photographer specializing in dog photography.
But what’s so special about that? Many dog owners, including photographers like me, take pictures of their dogs. So why has Piccoli been selected as a Nikon School Master in Italy?
Because his subjects do things that my dogs don’t.
Piccoli captures stunning photographs of athletic dogs in flight.
His portfolio features images of dogs leaping over their owners, catching flying discs, and hurdling over limbs along trails.
More athleticism than my dogs exhibit as they lounge in the home office with me during the day.
It highlights these fleeting moments in time that may otherwise go unnoticed.
The expressions on the faces of the dogs show determination, focus, and (dare I say) joy.
PHOTO CREDIT: A screenshot of the titular character from the animated televison series, Underdog.
