PAWS & CLAWS

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BASIS

This project was a photography-based assignment requiring us to create a cohesive photo book. It was my first real introduction to photography, and I approached it with curiosity and excitement. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to focus on animals, a subject that felt natural and inspiring to me. What started as an idea to photograph dogs quickly evolved into a broader concept. I eventually titled the project Paws & Claws, representing the mix of animals I captured some with paws, others with claws all contributing to the diversity of the collection.

VISION

My vision for Paws & Claws was to highlight the variety of animals through intimate, expressive imagery. I wanted the photo book to feel natural, observant, and full of life. The goal was to capture personality, texture, and emotion in each shot, creating a warm and engaging visual experience that showcased both the gentleness and the wildness found in different species.

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PROCESS

To bring this vision to life, I visited both the Biodôme and the Écomuseum, spending hours photographing animals in their environments. Since this was my first formal photography project, I experimented with angles, lighting, and composition as I learned how to use the camera more intuitively. I paid close attention to movement, expression, and atmosphere, capturing a wide range of animals some with soft paws, others with sharp claws each reinforcing the theme of the project.

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As my skills improved, I returned to the Écomuseum a second time to retake several photos. This allowed me to apply what I had learned, refine my technique, and produce stronger, more consistent images. Through this process of trial, error, and revision, I developed a deeper understanding of timing, framing, and visual storytelling.

OUTCOME

The finished Paws & Claws photo book became one of my favourite and strongest projects. The final collection presents a diverse group of animals photographed with care, curiosity, and genuine enthusiasm. The images come together to form a cohesive narrative that feels personal, warm, and visually engaging.

The project exceeded my expectations and gave me a newfound appreciation for photography as a creative medium.

TAKEAWAYS

This project had a significant impact on me as a developing creative. Paws & Claws sparked a lasting love for photography, inspiring me to purchase my own camera and continue exploring the craft in my personal time. I learned how rewarding it is to step into a new medium, experiment freely, and allow passion to guide the final outcome. Most importantly, I discovered that enjoyment and curiosity often lead to the strongest creative work a lesson that continues to shape how I approach future projects.