DOGS IN FOCUS
(Coming soon)
A celebration of the world of purebred dogs by the photographer who speaks dog.
Join me in exploring the world of purebred dogs—200+ breeds from elite champions to unsung hero working dogs. If you are a dog enthusiast, breed lover, trainer, photographer, or anyone who loves dogs—this unique, hardcover coffee-table photo book is for you. The purpose of the Dogs In Focus photo book is to spread the word about the critical roles of purebred dogs in our lives.
A LIFELONG MISSION.
For over three decades, I’ve dedicated my life to capturing the extraordinary world of purebred dogs. This deeply personal mission has been about storytelling, celebration, and honoring the unique bond between humans and dogs.
My journey has been made possible by the countless handlers, trainers, breeders, and owners who entrusted me with their remarkable dogs, allowing me to share their beauty, purpose, and spirit. Their stories, paired with my vision, have shaped this extraordinary visual celebration of canine diversity.
THE PHOTO BOOK: A VISUAL TESTAMENT
This photo book is the culmination of my life’s work. It features an unprecedented collection of over 200 breeds resulting from my passion for seeking out and photographing dogs in their most authentic moments—from the “hidden gems” as family companions in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia to elite show and performance champions, hunting partners, and FEMA rescue heroes, each image tells a story of purpose, partnership, and excellence.
EARLY REVIEWS
“DOGS IN FOCUS is a masterful portrayal of purebred dogs. Every photograph invokes a quality image of the breeds unique characteristics.” — Dennis B. Sprung, AKC President & CEO
“I loved this book, the photography captured the essence of the moment in every detail. I enjoyed this book very much.” — Linda Clark, AKC All Breed Judge , Frm. Professional Handler
“Throughout the years, Miguel has compiled the best of the best of the AKC Dog of Multidisciplines. He has truly captured the spirit and majesty of each and every one of them. The book is a great reference for all dog lovers. Miguel’s photography is exceptional, and the book is beautifully designed. The photos are so detailed and evocative that they seem to capture the essence of each dog’s personality. Miguel’s love and appreciation for dogs is evident in every photo. This book is a must-have for any dog lover. It is a beautiful and informative book that will be cherished for years to come.” — Kim Moseley Duris, Advertising Manager TCCN Times, German Shepherd Breeder
“Miguel’s photography in his book is truly remarkable. The pictures of the dogs in action are particularly stunning. It’s evident that he has a deep understanding of dogs and a keen eye for capturing their essence.” — Linda Andersén Garretson, Great Strength Kennel, Mom-Breeder-Groomer-Owner Handler, UKC and AKC Conformation and Performance
“Turning the pages of this book, I study the photographs before me with delight. Every dog has a unique story to share, and it’s clearly visualized through Miguel’s camera lenses. The beautiful and thoughtful images draw you into each of their distinct niches. A wonderful testament to all these breeds and their families, combined for many to enjoy. Every one of these images have been perfectly captured and preserved forever. I’m certain the families of these dogs will always remember the time spent with Miguel, sharing their extraordinary dogs and stories. Special moments shared to create lasting memories.” — Eileen Weatherbee, Darkwater Boerboels, Breeder of Merit, Breeder-Owner-Handler
“A must have for all dog enthusiasts! The photos are beautiful and showcase paragons of each breed.” — Dr Aldrich Chan, Neuropsychologist Founder of the Center for Neuropsychology and Consciousness (CNC), Adjunct Professor for Pepperdine University, Author of “Reassembling Models of Reality: Theory and Clinical Practice”
My journey began in professional dog training in my early 20s after I discovered my natural talent in understanding dog’s behavior. After a decade of being a professional dog trainer, I found my unique calling as a specialized canine photographer. My deep connection with dogs laid the foundation for my career as a photographer in the professional purebred dog community. Read my full bio.
Honed over decades of practice, my photographic approach is simple, natural, and adaptive. The dogs are the stars of the story in my photos. I strive to create images that respect their anatomy, behavior, and breed characteristics. I work with minimal gear, letting natural light and organic backdrops—parks, streets, or nature reserves—set the scene. Each photograph is a partnership between the dog, the nature, and the available light—whether it’s the soft glow of morning, the intensity of midday sun, or the warmth of a sunset. Below are the principles that make my photos unique:
Simplicity and Authenticity: I photograph dogs in their natural outdoor environments with natural lighting to highlight each breed’s unique characteristics.
Capturing Personality: By understanding their movements and anticipating their actions, I aim to portray how dogs look and who they truly are.
Crafted Narratives: Every photograph is a carefully composed story, but not staged, from the regal stance of a show champion to the intense focus of a working or performing dog in action.
Why Purebred Dogs Matter
Purebred dogs have centuries of purposeful breeding legacies developed to preserve specific temperaments and abilities. Their predictable traits—from physical characteristics to working instincts—make them uniquely suited for specialized roles. While mixed-breed dogs bring their own wonderful qualities, purebred dogs offer the reliability of known attributes, making them ideal choices for specific work: herding dogs with innate livestock sense, protection dogs with consistent guarding instincts, and service dogs with dependable temperaments. These dogs represent a harmonious blend of purpose and heritage, carrying forward a tradition of specialized breeding that continues to serve human needs.
Looking Beyond Breed Standards
My goal is to capture far more than physical appearance. Each image reveals the multidimensional nature of the dogs—showcasing their beauty, intelligence, and purpose in moments of calm poses to fast action. This photo book features well-known breeds, such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, Labrador Retrievers, and many more, alongside less-known but equally remarkable breeds like Boycon Spaniels, Cane Corsos, and Fox Hounds. Each photograph tells a unique story of heritage, intentional breeding, and canine excellence.
What drives me is a deep respect for the connection between humans and dogs. My work invites you to look past physical traits and breed standards to appreciate the remarkable spirits that share our world. Below is the poster with a collage of dog photos representing some of the unique breeds from the book I have created as one of the Rewards of this project, in addition to the photo book.
Become a supporter
Dogs in Focus is more than a photo book—it’s a heartfelt celebration of the remarkable world of purebred dogs. By supporting this book, you’ll help preserve and share these visual stories for generations to come.
Your contribution goes beyond funding this book—it fuels a mission to honor the purpose, diversity, and heritage of dogs through fine photography. Together, let’s celebrate canine excellence, one frame at a time. Spread the Word: Share our project and any of the early reviews of the book with your network. Every share brings us closer to our goal!
The First Edition: Just the Beginning
This first edition is the start of a larger vision. Future projects will expand to include rescue dogs and working dogs in all their diversity. I’m committed to telling their stories, one photograph at a time.
