Seth Casteel - Underwater Dogs

The photo shoot was meant to be on land. Roll around in the grass, eat some treats, dig a hole, take a nap. I am talking about the dog, of course, although these things are part of my routine, too. SPLASH! It wasnt long before Buster went headfirst into the pool, emerging as a totally different-looking dog. And then SPLASH again. The on land shoot was now officially an in the pool shoot.

I was snapping away, but I quickly realized that these werent the shots I needed. Buster was actually submerging during his pool rampage as he pursued a small tennis ball that he would knock in on his own. I thought, Hmm, what does he look like under the water? I left, bought a point-and-shoot underwater camera, zipped back, and jumped in. The resulting photos would be the beginning of this series of underwater dogs. Through the course of shooting, I have worked under the water with more than 250 dogs. Goldens. Goldens.

A Boston Terrier. A Yorkie. A Pug. Most of the dogs featured in this book had never been underwater until they met me, and some had never even been swimming! Not only did they participate of their own free will but they had fun! This is what I love about dogstheir attitude toward life. I am passionate about dogs unique personalities. Their range of emotion is similar to ours.

That is why we relate to them, and why they relate to us, and why together we forge deep friendships. My series of underwater photos shows a side of dogs that we never get to see. If you look at a Dachshund, for example, you do not see any evidence of a wolf, but its there, somewhere deep within. Modern dogs are domesticated animals who embrace their friendship with humankind, but they also have a primitive side, and they jump at the chance to get in touch with their wild instincts. Sometimes all it takes is the toss of a ball and an invitation into the water. Underwater, dogs show vividly what retrieving really means to them, and how wholeheartedly and intently they engage with the world.

Our dogs are our heroes. They teach us that if you just jump in, you might have fun along the way.

Gidget Border Collie, 6 years

Apollo Red Labrador Retriever, 8 years

Callaway Golden Retriever, 8 years

Rarity Golden Retriever, 12 weeks Buster Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, 6 years

Clifford Labradoodle, 7 years

Coraline Olde English Bulldogge, 2 years

Rex Boxer, 3 years

Clive English Springer Spaniel, 8 years

Clyde Golden Retriever, 12 weeks

Herbie English Bulldog, 2 years

Dagmar Chesapeake Bay Retriever, 10 years

Dakota German Shepherd, 4 years

Sadie Staffordshire Bull Terrier, 3 years

Glory Mini-Labradoodle, 3 years