10/20/2026
UPDATE: MODEL CALL CLOSED!
Thank you to everyone who submitted their dogs for consideration. The response has been incredible, and I genuinely appreciate the interest in being part of this workshop.
With so many wonderful dogs to choose from, and to keep things fair while ensuring a variety of dogs for the workshop, I'll be using a lottery style selection process within specific categories. Selected owners will be contacted directly.
I appreciate you all!
🐾 MODEL CALL | CHASING COMMUNICATION
Stellicopter Photography is searching for four distinctly different canine personalities for an upcoming photography workshop in collaboration with the Albany Photography Group.
This isn't your typical model call.
I'm looking for dogs with character. The expressive, the intense, the quietly observant, and the beautifully unconventional. Dogs whose individuality gives us something worth capturing.
Chasing Communication is a workshop built around understanding the dog before pressing the shutter. We'll explore how canine body language, motivation, expression, and anticipation influence the photographs we create.
And for that, I need four very different subjects.
THE ATHLETE
Ideally, a Border Collie with a strong work ethic, toy motivation, and experience in dog sports. I'm looking for focus, intensity, anticipation, and a reliable off switch.
THE QUIET OBSERVER
A calm, steady dog, preferably with a darker coat. This model will help demonstrate the subtleties of expression, natural light, and the importance of finding detail within shadows.
THE INDIVIDUALIST
An expressive dog with distinctive features, interesting body language, or a personality that refuses to go unnoticed. This model will help us explore composition, perspective, and character.
THE LITTLE PERSONALITY
A smaller breed with plenty of character. This model will introduce different challenges in perspective, positioning, and composition.
Purebred or mixed breed, titled competitor or professional couch potato - I'm interested in the individual, not the pedigree.
🐾 THE DOGS COME FIRST. ALWAYS.
This is nonnegotiable.
Our canine models are not props. Their comfort, emotional well-being, and willingness to participate will take precedence over every photograph.
Each dog will have a dedicated handler, short shooting sessions, scheduled breaks, and a quiet space to decompress. Additional breaks will be provided whenever needed.
Handlers will have complete discretion to pause or end their dog's participation at any time.
No forced interactions. No unnecessary pressure. No photograph worth compromising a dog's welfare.
📍 Albany, NY area
📅 Date and location to be determined
📸 Two-hour educational photography workshop
Selected models will receive complimentary professionally edited portraits from Stellicopter Photography as a thank-you for participating.
INTERESTED?
Share a photograph of your dog in the comments or send me a message with their name, age, breed or mix, and a little about their personality.
I'd also love to know what motivates them. Food? Toys? Praise? A particular activity? What makes your dog light up?
This is a preliminary model call, with final selections dependent on workshop confirmation.
I'm not looking for four perfect dogs.
I'm looking for four individuals who can help photographers understand that the most compelling photographs often begin long before the camera comes into play.
Chasing Communication
The Art of Canine Expression Through the Lens
Stellicopter Photography | Take Flight
