It’s a common belief that dogs look like their owners, but what about owners looking like their dogs? Well, German photographer Ines Opifanti is putting this theory to the test.
After adopting a puppy three years ago, she noticed her new pets amazing ability to recreate human facial expressions. “But, what about the other way round?” She said. “How easily can humans “read” our dogs’ facial expressions? I was very curious, so I posted a request for volunteers in a local, dog-centered Facebook group. I made appointments with over 30 mostly total strangers and their dogs.”
Opifanti began production by photographing the pets:”I photographed the dogs first, letting them sit on a small podium. Owners had to interact with them, telling them phrases they know the dogs will react to. Of course they got lots and lots of praise and treats so they quickly stopped caring about the lights or the camera. It’s important that dogs are calm and relaxed, so they can show their natural behavior and are not frightened.”
After she had captured the dogs on camera, the owners had their chance to interpret and mimic their furry friends, with very interesting results: “I noticed that dog people get really good in interpreting their own dogs. It’s really a fascinating thing because we’re two completely different species after all.”
Take a look at the funny and adorable snaps below!
