StinkEye Photography

09/02/2024

I am not a stranger to the dark
"Hide away, " they say
"'Cause we don't want your broken parts"
I've learned to be ashamed of all my scars
"Run away, " they say
"No one'll love you as you are"
But I won't let them break me down to dust
I know that there's a place for us
For we are glorious.
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me.

Nandi is available for adoption through Love, Hope, Believe Galgo Adoption Inc. This sweet, lovable girl is a big snuggle bug who loves to play and patrol the yard for pesky squirrels. While she isn't cat-safe, who needs cats when you have Nandi? She can be protective of her bed, but she's been doing well in her foster home with other dogs. Nandi is a happy, waggy little girl who would love to have a family of her own!

04/01/2024

“Lighting the Way: Techniques for Captivating Dog Studio Portraits”
Location: Crystal Lake, IL
(specific location will be given to registrants prior to the workshop)

Throughout the workshop, questions are encouraged, creating an interactive learning environment where participants can engage with the instructor and fellow photographers, exchanging ideas and insights.

Whether you're a beginner looking to start your journey in dog photography or an experienced photographer aiming to refine your skills, this workshop offers valuable knowledge and practical experience to take your craft to the next level. Don't miss this opportunity to unleash your creativity and capture the essence of man's best friend in stunning studio portraits.

Attendees should bring:
- Camera, Lens and fully charged battery or extra battery
- Laptop with Photoshop installed (Optional)
- Lunch or snacks. (There are several fast-food options available in the area if you wish to go out for lunch break)

Register for the one day workshop:
https://theisap.com/isapalooza-patenaude?

11/02/2023

I’m very honored to have been asked to be on PRO EDU Podcast on November 24th! Pro edu is an amazing Photography Education Platform with amazing artists. I’m blown away that I was asked to be a guest.

Below is the information for the Podcast.

The PRO EDU Podcast: S10 E17 - With Guest Travis Patenaude

10/11/2023

Today is World Mental Health Day. I believe World Dog Day should be on the same day as dog and animals have helped so many people through depression.

In October of 2012, I was dealing with a very dark depression and came very close to hanging myself in my garage. I luckily I realized what was happening and was able to stop myself. A week later my wife and I adopted a very scared Spanish Greyhound whose owner was going to hang her in a tree because she was no longer useful to him. The irony was not lost on me.

I spent months working with her to help her learn to trust people again, and because of this, I forgot about my depression. She literally saved my life. She passed away in April of 2015. Now when I find myself in darkness, I think about her and I can feel her next to me comforting me. This image is to honor her and to thank her. Leena is the reason My wife and I started an adoption group for the Hunting Dogs of Spain. When I said good-bye to Leena, I promised I would be a voice for her and all the Hunting Dogs of Spain. I purchased my first DLSR in August of 2014, with a goal to tell the story of these dogs through photography and show how I see them through my eyes. Leena gave me this new voice through photography and my goal is to share her story with everyone I can.

To learn more about the Hunting Dogs of Spain: https://allthatsinteresting.com/galgo-spanish-greyhound

Documentary “Yo Galgo”: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/yogalgo/299630942

Documentary “February The Fear of the Galgo” : https://vimeo.com/60542003

Please share a picture of your furry companion that is always there for you.

09/12/2023

Lost again
Broken and weary
Unable to find my way
Tail in hand
Dizzy and clearly unable to
Just let this go
I am surrendering to the gravity and the unknown
Catch me,
heal me,
lift me back up to the sun
I choose to live

A Perfect Circle - Gravity

09/06/2023

I had the honor to be on the podcast “Animal Friendly Podcast” by Samantha to talk about The Galgos and how I use Photography to raise awareness about the hunting dogs of Spain.

I hope you enjoy this talk and subscribe for her podcast.

In order to raise awareness of the plight of the Galgos in Spain, Travis Patinaude decided he had to try and fake being a photographer in order to get in…

09/03/2023

Surprised to find that my Image “Saying Goodbye” is being featured on Yahoo News from my win at the reFocus Awards for Domestic Animals.

Photographers captured the soul and whimsy pets can bring to life in the domestic animals category of the reFocus Awards' annual photo contest.

05/01/2023

DIA INTERNACIONAL DEL PODENCO

Today we honour the Podenco a breed that is so noble and proud and given the opportunity a wonderful companion .. The reality for Podencos is Spain many are subjected to a very harsh life undervalued and not afforded the respect they are owed..

A life locked away in darken buildings underground caves and bunkers often chained to the wall. A plastic bucket filled with rancid green water to drink. No soft bed to sleep on and never a full belly these dogs are expected to run until their lungs burst and they do, for their master. The reward for their loyalty, once no longer able to do their job because they have become old, sick or injured, they are abandoned in their thousands every year.

Many try to survive on the streets seek sanctuary in the countryside where they starve to death or get hit by cars. Others are handed in to perreras, where the chances of them being adopted are slim .

We can not stop the abandonment but we can make a difference we already have for hundreds of them, please share their story let the world know.

Be the voice for the Great Forgotten !!!!

01/15/2023

Submissions Are Now Open!!!

The Leena’s Humanitarian Award is designed to honor animal photographers who are undertaking important advocacy to further the companion animal cause through a shift in the human/animal relationship in the previous period (2021- 2022). The panel will consider the work towards influencing human thinking, attitudes and choices which affect the lives of animals. This body of work may be of either journalistic mission or personal artistic imperatives.

Leena’s Animal Photography Award includes:
- $1,000 cash prize
- Animal Image Makers 2024 Conference Registration - $750 value
- 1 Year membership to Unleashed Education - $468 value
- Virtual One on One image review with Melissa Farlow - $250 value (https://olsonfarlow.com/about/about-melissa-farlow)
- Pro Prints 32x48 Canvas Wrap Pro - $105 value

Eligibility
- The award is open to 18 years or older amateur and professional photographers.
- Resident of the United States of America.
- Important advocacy to further the Companion Animal cause through a shift in the human/animal relationship in the previous period (2021- 2022).
- The body of work may be of either journalistic mission or personal artistic imperatives.
- All images must be created by you.

Entry
The winner will be selected based on the body of work, and the answers to the questions in the application. The jury will pay specific attention to stories highlighting lesser-known stories or issues.

The Jury Panel:
Travis Patenaude
Margaret Bryant
Jansen Bridge

Definition Of Companion Animals
A companion animal is domesticated or domestic-bred animal whose physical, emotional, behavioral, and social needs can be readily met as companions in the home, or in close daily relationship with humans.

Species suitable to be companion animals include dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, ferrets, birds, guinea pigs and other small mammals, small reptiles, and fish. Where they may be kept legally and responsibly, domestic-bred farm animals can also be maintained as companions.

Submissions are open from January 15, 2023, through March 5th, 2023 - https://animalimagemakers.com/leenas-award

Award will be announced on April 16th at The Animal Image Makers Conference

01/07/2023

When I came up with this crazy idea of learning photography to try and tell the story of the hunting dogs of Spain, I experienced so many surprises that I’m very grateful to have experienced. I never expected to get to a level where I would win awards and be able to reach so many people with my images. As a result, I have the opportunity to honor other amazing animal photographers who are making a positive difference in the lives of companion animals.

We are so honored to be able to announce Leena’s Humanitarian Award!

Leena's Humanitarian Award was established to honor Leena Patenaude, a Galgo Española (Spanish Greyhound) who was rescued in Spain and transported to Chicago IL. Due to the abuse she endured by her hunter in Spain, Leena was a traumatized Galgo. Her adoptive family worked with her to help her have a normal life as a spoiled dog.

She also inspired her family to start an adoption group for Galgo's and as of 2022 they have transported and adopted over 200 Galgo's from Spain. Leena passed away due to cancer in April of 2015. To tell her story and to tell the story of the Spanish hunting dogs, her dad began learning photography.

The Leena’s Humanitarian Award is designed to honor animal photographers who are undertaking important advocacy to further the companion animal cause through a shift in the human/animal relationship in the previous period (2021- 2022). The panel will consider the work towards influencing human thinking, attitudes and choices which affect the lives of animals. This body of work may be of either journalistic mission or personal artistic imperatives.

Leena’s Animal Photography Award includes:
- $1,000 cash prize
- Animal Image Makers 2024 Conference Registration - $750 value
- 1 Year membership to Unleashed Educationn - $468 value
- Virtual One on One image review with Melissa Farlow - $250 value (https://olsonfarlow.com/about/about-melissa-farlow)
- Pro Prints 32x48 Canvas Wrap Pro - $105 value

Eligibility
- The award is open to 18 years or older amateur and professional photographers.
- Resident of the United States of America.
- Important advocacy to further the Companion Animal cause through a shift in the human/animal relationship in the previous period (2021- 2022).
- The body of work may be of either journalistic mission or personal artistic imperatives.
- All images must be created by you.

Entry
The winner will be selected based on the body of work, and the answers to the questions in the application. The jury will pay specific attention to stories highlighting lesser-known stories or issues.

The Jury Panel:
Travis Patenaude
Margaret Bryant
Jansen Bridge

Definition Of Companion Animals
A companion animal is domesticated or domestic-bred animal whose physical, emotional, behavioral, and social needs can be readily met as companions in the home, or in close daily relationship with humans.

Species suitable to be companion animals include dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, ferrets, birds, guinea pigs and other small mammals, small reptiles, and fish. Where they may be kept legally and responsibly, domestic-bred farm animals can also be maintained as companions.

Submissions are open from January 15, 2023, through March 5th, 2023 - https://animalimagemakers.com/leenas-award

Award will be announced on April 16th at The Animal Image Makers Conference

Photo of Leena in Spain.