"The Silence of Dogs in Cars"
Fine art photographer Martin Usborne has a unique vision of man's best friend. His book "The Silence of Dogs in Cars" is a entrancingly intense emotional study based on his memory of being once once left in a car as a child. "I don't know when or where or for how long, possibly at the age of four, perhaps outside a supermarket, probably for fifteen minutes only. The details don't matter. The point is that I wondered if anyone would come back. The fear I felt was strong: in a child's mind it is possible to be alone forever."
That deep-seated fear and his affinity for dogs led to his often dark series of images where very often the canines look sad or bereft, gazing forlornly through car windows, but really show a range of emotions... not unlike humans. The cinematic photos reinforce the connection between people and dogs.
Just keep in mind that no dogs were "harmed" in the making of these photos... all the photos are staged.
Photo of Alfie
"The Silence of Dogs in Cars"
Maus
When the London-based Martin Usborne, who specializes in portraiture and animal photography, came up with the idea for the series of fine art images he first thought to look for real dogs abandoned in cars. He ended up staging the images to duplicate his own experience and fear of being left in a car.
The cars seemingly act as emotion incubators in which one sees many entirely relatable expressions and reactions. The images, shot over three years, emphasize the connection between dogs and humans.
"The Silence of Dogs in Cars"
Prospero
Many of the photos were taken at night, adding to the feeling of loneliness and desertion.
"The Silence of Dogs in Cars"
Shep in a camper van at the beach.
Usborne wants viewers to consider the plight of animals at the hands of humans as they view his photos.
"The Silence of Dogs in Cars"
Burt
Though the dogs look forlorn in many of the photos there's often humor as well.
"The Silence of Dogs in Cars"
Congo
Usborne didn't expect to see so many reactions by the dogs; some sad, some expectant; some angry, some dejected.
"The Silence of Dogs in Cars"
Hector
Usborne seems to have diminished the boundaries between animals and people by capturing such subtle "human" emotions from his dog models
"The Silence of Dogs in Cars"
Bones
"The Silence of Dogs in Cars"
Ruby
"The Silence of Dogs in Cars"
Prince
"The Silence of Dogs in Cars"
Hector
"The Silence of Dogs in Cars"
Margaux appears expectant.
"The Silence of Dogs in Cars"
Wistful Winnie.
"The Silence of Dogs in Cars"
Milo
"The Silence of Dogs in Cars"
Buzz
"The Silence of Dogs in Cars"
Chara
"The Silence of Dogs in Cars"
Boris
"The Silence of Dogs in Cars"
"The Silence of Dogs in Cars" is Martin Usborne's third book. His other books include "My name is Moose: modern life through a dog's eyes." He has recently published "Where Hunting Dogs Rest."
Usborne is represented by Lee Marks Fine Art for print sales.
For more: Martin Usborne's website