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Transcription:

Laura Wombwell
Hi there, it’s Laura from Laura Wombwell Photography. And joining me today is Jack Jackson, owner of Doggy Dates and co founder of the Don’t You Want Me project. Hi Jack, ‘m so excited to be chatting with you today.

Jack Jackson
Likewise, Laura, I’ve long been a fan of your work.

Laura Wombwell
And I have yours. So I would love to know, Jack, how did you get into pet photography?

Jack Jackson
Ah, I kind of started by accident, I would say I used to work in, I don’t know why I did. I used to work in offshore finance for 20 years. And then I ended up coming to Toronto, kind of unplanned. Anyway, I ended up in Toronto, and I couldn’t work, I didn’t have a PR card. And I was at the dog park all the time with my dog and I just, I just started taking my camera and I kind of got obsessed. And then you know, really loved it. And took getting frustrated just being on automatic mode. So took a few courses. Really, that’s how it started. And then I started a dog walking company. But I would I would take my camera to the dog park. And you know, I just I would have 100 photos to go through in the evening. So it just kind of started out like that. And then I got you know, as I improved and as I learned about Lightroom and Photoshop, then I got into dog photography properly.

Laura Wombwell
So for folks who haven’t heard of Doggy Dates before, I’d love to know a little bit more about how your business is set up. So is it dog walking plus dog photography? Are they two separate entities? How does it work?

Jack Jackson
Well, so it was both. And then two weeks ago, I had to stop I’ve just stopped the dog walking temporarily for now for a six month period. I had I had a surgery and I was just struggling to kind of I went back after the surgery but it was just you know it’s quite hard handling six dogs with with just one hand so I’ve I’m focusing now on on the photography so to answer your question it is just just the the dog photography and the project work on focusing on you know, as just as really finding the three kind of jobs you know, it was just too much so something had to give.

Laura Wombwell
So within the dog photography that you’re doing right now, do you have a favorite part of your job, what’s the best thing about doing it?

Jack Jackson
I love all of it. I just I love it. And I just I don’t know about you, but I just feel so lucky that I get to do work that I enjoy. I mean we were speaking a little bit earlier, I do love editing you know I love going through seeing all of the you know picking out my favorite images. I love the editing process. I would like to learn you know there’s there’s always more that you can learn I think that’s the beauty I just love all of it. You know if on a photo shoot it just goes by in like a three hour session will just go by in like five minutes, you know?

Laura Wombwell
Is there something that you wish that the general public knew about pet photography because I feel. Like, you know, family photos have been around for a while, and you know, children’s photography and whatnot. But pet photography, I feel like now is really starting to pick up speed. So if you could say something to the pet parents out there, what would you tell them about pet photography?

Jack Jackson
It’s not as easy as it looks on Instagram. You know, I think it, you know, I think maybe just people might think pet photographer like, that is not even a real job. But I would say it is. I would say it’s almost harder than like, you know, portrait, at least you can tell a person how to stand or, you know, and for ours, it’s very much about animal behavior and getting a dog to do a certain thing. And with some dogs, that’s very easy. With others, you know, maybe not, not so much. And certainly with the kind of photography that I do. If a dog can’t take stay still for five seconds, it, it’s quite hard for me to achieve those looks. Yeah, I can put them on a leash and stuff. But in short, the answer is, it’s, it’s not as easy. It’s not as easy as it looks. And not only that, but you know, I guess everyone’s set up differently, but you know, I have an assistant, I have a proper strobe. And so people might wonder why my prices are what they are, but they’re only the same as what, you know, another photographer, like a portrait photographer would charge for, for a two hour session. So probably those two things, and but you know, I don’t know about other people’s jobs. And so it’s just kind of gentle education, you know, and, and bringing that into my, I’ll have a zoom session with everyone before with the client before my shoot. So you know, I can kind of bring it in there or,

Laura Wombwell
Yeah, so getting a sense of what your client wants in advance, so that you’re coming into the session, ready to really help that dog shine.

Jack Jackson
Yeah, I’m just, I’m managing expectations to a certain extent, as well, you know, just saying, you know, this is, it’s dog photography, the other day, dogs will do what they want to do. And we will try and you know, I have all of these little tricks, and, you know, but we will go with the dogs pace. And if the dog needs a break, then we’ll take a break. If, you know, if it’s not working, then it’s, we’re not going to make the dog uncomfortable, just to get a shot that we, you know, that makes us happy.

Laura Wombwell
Speaking of shots that make us happy, there are some incredible shots in your portfolio, including the one that I can see right behind your head with that dog jumping up in the air. I would love to know how how do you achieve your style? How, how does that come about?

Jack Jackson
So is that one? Yeah, that’s a bit of an older shot, to be honest. But you know, with that, that dark, you know, we ended up with the final final image, but, you know, that was probably about 50 jumps. And like, that was it was a trick, you know, knows a lot of tricks. So the owner was just really doing that on repeat, I’m at a certain angle trying to, you know, it’s just doing things. Just trying to capture the dog in exactly the right position. It just, it just takes time. And we just, you know, we just keep trying really. Yeah, and then just in terms, there is nothing I love more than happy dog. So, you know, I’ll always try and incorporate some running shots in where the dogs really excited. And try and really mix up what I ended up giving to the clients. It just I love happy dogs. I just love it. Just as an aside, I just set up a gift card on my website today. And I put 10 photos, and they every single one made me smile, everything, you know, they just dogs are just, they’re just so perfect. And they make us well they make me so happy and the owners are sure.

Laura Wombwell
And I think when folks are considering pet photography or booking a pet photography session, you know, sometimes owners will, you know, have these notions of what they want and how the dog you know is supposed to behave and I think just really helping people to realize that dogs are going to be dogs, dogs are gonna want to go, have fun be themselves and as photographers, like, that’s all we ever want, is the dogs to be safe and to have a fantastic time.

Jack Jackson
For sure, for sure, and you know that that’s why I said before, you know, it’s about managing their expectations, they might see, you know, one image of a dog flying through the air, but if you know, I’m not, you know, their dog can’t do that. And not all dogs, you know, that they’re all got different personality and different instincts. So, you know, I just say that we will, we will try and work to, to the, to their favor, you know, and just bring out the best in their dog. And that’s really all we can do.

Laura Wombwell
In addition to meeting with clients and doing client photography work, I know that you are involved in some really special projects that that are close to your heart. So you are the founder of the Don’t You Want Me project? What can you tell us about that?

Jack Jackson
So I’m the co founder with my project partner is She’s based in Brighton in the UK. So the project is just about kind of elevating the store the stories and lives of queer and trans people with their rescue dogs. Yeah, I mean, I guess I would kind of describe it as it’s like Humans of New York, except for queer and trans people and rescue dogs. You know, so we’ve got there’s the photo element, obviously. But then there’s also the narrative part which of the project which we’ve found, has really become, even though it’s a photo project more important than, than the photo because it’s, you know, I guess these people are telling a story about how their rescue dogs have changed their life.

Laura Wombwell
That’s amazing. I would love to dig into a couple of these photos if you don’t mind.

Jack Jackson
Sure.

Laura Wombwell
So Jack, this is one of my absolute favorite images. What can you tell me about this dog and their human.

Jack Jackson
So Stella is my barber. And she is, she is someone that is as obsessed with her dog as I am with mine. And I haven’t found many people that are as crazy about their dog as I am. And still it is so stellar. It’s my barber. This is Jada, her dog. The dog is totally actually totally comfortable there. So the dog used to go to work with seller all of the time. And I was just talking to her asking how, you know, I just said to you look, I was talking about the project. And I said, Listen, like, do you want to be involved? And, you know, then we were just talking about what we would do for the for the image. And, you know, Jada was she’s just so used to being at the barbershop that’s like a home to her. And I just thought it’d be hilarious with her on on the on the barber chair. And I couldn’t believe you know, what dogs are like, you know, if I didn’t think we would get that image. I didn’t think that Jada would stay there. But she did. I wanted to turn the hairdryer on and actually get her ear going back, but that was probably pushing it a little bit too much. But yeah, Stella is amazing. You know, she, since I’ve known her, which I guess about four years. She stopped drinking. She’s in a much happier place. And in part, you know, it’s because of because of having Jada in her life. So, yeah.

Laura Wombwell
I think it’s so incredible that you’re able to highlight how as much as when we rescue a pet, they rescue us too.

Jack Jackson
For sure, for sure that that’s what the reason what the whole project is about. But, you know, there’s obvious similarities between rescue dogs who, you know, maybe don’t don’t have any one and may become fearful, or whatever may have some issues because, you know, and maybe, let’s just say, some trans kid that’s been thrown out of home, you know, it’s gonna affect them. And, you know, it really, the whole project is about kind of showing people, the, you know, when, when you give, when animals have everything that they need to thrive than they do, and they can completely transform, you know, they can be a terrified dog, like shaking in the corner, too scared to do anything to becoming a well adjusted happy animal. And it’s really the same with with people, you know, maybe they’re not shaking in the corner, but maybe they use other coping mechanisms or, or whatever. And, you know, I guess some, some part of the project is also about looking at reasons why. Why some queer and trans people could end up in these in these positions. And it’s not because they’re queer or trans, it’s because of the discrimination that they face. Yeah, that’s so in touches on those those issues as well. As well as being, you know, very positive, inspiring stories to help, maybe younger people, and then there’s the, you know, there’s the other side of it, which may be helped some more mainstream audience understand, understand things a little better.

Laura Wombwell
So I know, within the Don’t You Want Me project, there are a few exciting things happening. So if folks wanted to get involved, either as supporters or, or if someone wanted to reach out to tell their own story, how do we do that?

Jack Jackson
Just via the website, there’s a form on the website in either donate or sit for a session. And then it really all flows from there, it’s a little bit of a process to take part in the project, just you know, just because, because of the kind of the storytelling aspect really. If they wanted to take part, so all, you know, the criteria for taking part, you just have to be part of the LGBTQ community, and have a story of transformation. And it doesn’t need to be around mental health. It could be another story entirely, you know, maybe you are in a job that didn’t really love, you’ve got your rescue dog, then all of a sudden, you just thought no, I need to I need to change things up. I want to work from home with my or whatever. And it’s, you know, it’s a story of like, like a life changing event. Just a story of transformation as a result, excuse me, of the rescue dog.

Laura Wombwell
Wonderful. And so I understand that this project has has grown over time and and that recently, you’ve had sort of some some exciting new things happening. What can you tell me about that?

Jack Jackson
Yeah, we had I still can’t believe it really. We had so pet value approached us in May time. So April, May, when they came on board, you know, to do something for pride for us, which was great. And they produced a video using some of the participants from the project, which was, that was lovely. They also donated actually $10,000 to our rescue grant fund. But the news that’s going to be coming out on Monday is that they are funding a cross Canada tour of the project. So I’m going to be visiting. The first stop is Barry I believe. And then Halifax I think for Trans Day of Visibility Winnipeg, Vancouver, Calgary. And it’s going to end in Toronto in June for pride. So super exciting. So, and what myself and Deb always wanted to do, excuse me was, you know, we wanted to, to, to, to visit other cities, you know, there’s only so many stories that we can tell in Toronto, and she’s in Brighton. You know, there’s only so many people. And we did try to do some FaceTime photo shoot sessions. But I think for this kind of project, you really need to be in person, you know? You need to be with them. Do doing that session? I think so. Super excited, super excited. I can’t wait. I can’t wait,

Laura Wombwell
Jack, that’s amazing. That is such a phenomenal, phenomenal opportunity. And and the passion that you have for this work is it just, you exude it. So it’s so amazing that it’s being recognized? And that you’re going to get to share this project with people all over Canada?

Jack Jackson
Yeah, you know, it feels like just the beginning to be honest, Laura, you know, I do, it was always the intention that we would, we would turn this into a book and that we would, you know, that we would visit lots of cities and tell lots of stories, and it’s not about it’s not about visiting the cities, it’s about the, the awareness that can come from this, you know, I always say this, this project is, you know, it’s dedicated to all the people that didn’t make it. And, you know, I think for anyone, no one really, like, likes to hear this. But, you know, the attempted suicide rate is about 43% for trans people, you know, and, in some of these, these stories, you, you know, you see how hard someone has had things, what they’ve gone through, you know, and even myself, what, what I went through, it was the worst time of my life, and I’m older, you know, I had life experience, and I had the support of my dad, some of these people, you know, they’re young, I have no idea how they, how they have survived. And that is what the project is for, it’s for raising awareness of, of these issues that affect queer and trans people. So that’s kind of why I, I love the project, I love it so much, you know, I get to meet community and rescue dogs and, and do a job that I love. I love every part of it. I love working on the narratives with people, I love bringing the stories out. But, you know, it’s meeting these people and, and allowing this project to have some impact. That’s why I do it. I’m driven. We have worked so long and so hard on this project, you know, obviously for the, there’s been no money making element from it. And that’s why we do it. You know, that’s why we do it. It’s, it’s very, I lived this project.

Laura Wombwell
So, so wonderful. And and so important. So I cannot wait to keep watching your journey with this and and see where it takes you. Before we end off today. I would love to learn a little bit more about you as I’m sure the folks watching would. So obviously, I’d like to talk about your pets. So who lives with you currently?

Jack Jackson
So this is my dog. She is the love of my life. I am obsessed, and I’m really obsessed. So her name is Jet Jackson. She is nearly five. I’ve got seven tattoos of her on my body. And if it hadn’t been for COVID I think I’d have a few more. She is you know, she’s a typical boxer. She’s completely crazy. She’s a clown. She makes me laugh every single day. She is an absolute sweetheart. And I couldn’t have got through the time in my life. Four and a half years ago without her and I couldn’t have got through COVID without her. I just I don’t know how Yeah, you know, I know that the pandemic has affected people differently. But you know, as a single person, I, I just don’t know how people did it. So, yeah, she is. Yeah, she’s my world.

Laura Wombwell
And what are some of your favorite things to do with Jet?

Jack Jackson
Honestly, we’re just walking in the trails. Right. I love that. Really anything that gives Jet zoomies and is, is a good thing for me. I just love her love watching her having the zoomies.

Laura Wombwell
It’s absolutely the best when they get the zoomies.

Jack Jackson
Laura, it’s really bad. You know, you asked what my favorite thing to do with her is and I just, I actually just do everything with her. So, you know, I only actually leave my dog when I go for, like go to the gym every day. But when I do a photo shoot in, so you know, I’ve got a photo shoot tomorrow morning. And so I normally would leave her you know, about three mornings a week. But aside from that, I do everything with her. She comes to the supermarket. During COVID I actually took Jet to the gym.

Laura Wombwell
That sounds like the best life. Yeah, yeah. So before we end, I have some rapid fire questions for you. Are you up for it?

Jack Jackson
Go for it.

Laura Wombwell
Alrighty, off the top of your head. Cat or dog?

Jack Jackson
Dog.

Laura Wombwell
Favorite breed?

Jack Jackson
Boxer. No. Can I have two?

Laura Wombwell
Yes.

Jack Jackson
Boxer and pitbull.

Laura Wombwell
Yes. Nice. What is Jet’s favorite treat?

Jack Jackson
She’s got a thing right now for duck necks.

Laura Wombwell
Oh, interesting. Yeah. Is Jet full of beans, full of dreams, or full of something entirely different.

Jack Jackson
She’s full of both of those things. And she’s also full of bad farts because she’s a boxer.

Laura Wombwell
If Jet were to be played by a human actor in a movie, who would play Jet?

Jack Jackson
Someone with lots of energy. Maybe someone like do you know Eddie Izzard?

Laura Wombwell
Yes. That’s amazing answer. I love that.

Jack Jackson
Lots of energy but then going off on different different tacks all the time.

Laura Wombwell
Yes. Excellent answer. The last one, if money and time were no object, what is one amazing thing that you would love to do with Jet?

Jack Jackson
I would actually love to have, I can’t take her on the Canadian Tour for with Pet Vau, but I would love to do like maybe a West Coast, like America trip with Jet. Just a massive, massive trip, you know, where we’re just, I mean, it would be very similar to what we do now. Together constantly. But just to be exploring kind of like different areas. You know, like, I’d love to do the breed on the West Coast of America wants but I’d love to like do it with her.

Laura Wombwell
That sounds amazing. Jack, it has been such a pleasure to chat with you today. Before we end off I would love to know how can the southwestern Ontario pet community best support you and your business and your projects?

Jack Jackson
Oh, that’s a really kind question. I’m really you know, any kind of publicity that we get around the the project even just sharing that would be wonderful just so that you know, we the more people that know about the project, then we can have more more people take parts. That would be really nice. And then just one thing on on the project actually more. As of right now we have we we have one grant recipients so we are We’ve given someone, a rescue dog, someone from the LGBTQ community, it’s actually a refugee, trans woman, she has a rescue dog from save us grant, and then other partners. That’s supporting her going forward, we’re going to, we’re gonna change the structure of that a little bit. And we’re going to be supporting numerous people, but in a different way, like not with a rescue dog. And I just mentioned that because that is also very much a part of a part of the Don’t You Want Me project, very much giving back. You know, it’s not just about our I’m a photographer, and I want to do a passion project. And, you know, it’s about actually helping these people in the community that being vulnerable and sharing their stories

Laura Wombwell
And so if folks who are listening wanted to contribute to that grant fund, are they able to donate

Jack Jackson
Oh, yeah, this? There’s a Donate button on on the website. There. Yes, there is.

Laura Wombwell
Perfect. I will make sure that we have all of those links right here in this. Great, Jack, it has been an absolute pleasure chatting with you today. Is there anything else you’d like to say to the pet parents out there?

Jack Jackson
I think the dog said it all. But no, listen, thank you. Thank you for your time, Laura. Thank you for reaching out. And I’m

Laura Wombwell
Jet’s like, that’s it. We’re done now.

Jack Jackson
Yep. Time to go. But listen, seriously. Thanks for for reaching out. And you know, I’m glad. That’s it.

Laura Wombwell
Well, thanks, Jackk. It’s been a pleasure. This is Laura from Laura Wombwell Photography. Joining me is Jack Jackson of Doggy Dates and the Don’t You Want Me project and we both hope along with Jet, you and your pets have an awesome day. Bye.

Jack Jackson
Thanks so much Laura. See you!

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