It was perhaps just a matter of time before Tamaranda Michaels found her true calling — contemporary fine art pet photography. “Being born with a disability, I often felt like an outsider, and was teased by other kids, patronized by some adults,” she explains. “I found refuge in the dogs in my life, where I found unconditional acceptance and love.” Michaels drew and painted animals from a very early age, then a few years ago she purchased a digital SLR camera, and “fell in love with this equally emotional medium.” She began shooting photos of her own dog, Borias. “My canine soulmate taught me the importance of following my heart, and living my passion, and Heart Dog Studios was born.”
For Michaels, the most rewarding aspect of capturing other people’s dogs in photographs is the interaction, and experiencing who each dog is as an individual, and their relationship with their human and the world around them. “A huge bonus is the looks on clients’ faces when they view their final prints, and being told how much I truly captured their dog’s personality. I feel so honored to be able to give images that bring people joy, memories that will be treasured forever.”
Borias injured his spine a couple years ago, then again recently. Michaels discovered the Animal Healing Center, where Keith Weingardt, DVM, CVA has been performing acupuncture on him since the beginning of the year. Michaels notes, “It really pierces my heart that my dog is dealing with a disability, and it is a constant worry that at some point, he could lose mobility. Especially since his whole life, he has adored running while pulling my wheelchair, and dancing by bucking around holding the leash in his mouth.” She contines on to explain that we could all learn a thing or two from Borias. “He’s such a shining example of how to live life, because he certainly isn't letting his condition get in the way of his zest for life and having a good time. He’s always just happy to be alive.”
In addition to her photography, Michaels also gives back to various animal charities including Pets Are Wonderful Support and the San Diego Humane Society. (619/218-4668, www.heartdogstudios.com) MIA STEFANKO
