The Artful Majesty of Dogs: Winnie Au’s ‘Cone of Shame’

Brooklyn-based photographer, Winnie Au, has created a stir with her unique coffee table book titled Cone of Shame. Celebrating the intersection of animal resilience and editorial artistry, Au’s book features 60 dogs wearing custom-designed cones, transforming a usually discomfiting accessory into fashion with a cause.

In her work, Au masterfully showcases each dog’s personality against a tapestry of abstract shapes and vibrant colors. The dogs, many of which come with their own quirky traits, are photographed not just for aesthetic pleasure, but for a significant cause – supporting rescue dogs with urgent medical needs.

• Each cone is conceived by designer Marie-Yan Morvan, who has been collaborating with Au since 2017.
• The series aims not only to elevate the visual representation of the ‘Cone of Shame’ but also to assist pet parents economically by contributing a portion of sales to Animal Haven’s Recovery Road fund.
• Wiinnie Au’s dedication to capturing not just the likeness, but the essence of her furry subjects has been a tenet of her photography career, which includes a variety of dog portraits, from regal at-home setups to candid captures at dog parades.

But what’s it like to orchestrate a photo shoot with a crew of pawed models? Au shares her endearing and often hilarious experiences behind the lens – from a dachshund reluctant to stay put to a komondor that required a pre-shoot bath marathon. The charm of these sessions is undeniable, as Au peppers her portraits with humor and unexpected moments of canine charisma.

Despite the unpredictable nature of her subjects, Au offers advice for aspiring pet photographers: provide a serene environment akin to a dog spa, ensure an intimate setting with familiar people and plenty of treats, and carefully cast your dog models, considering their temperament and comfort. It’s this careful planning and affection for her subjects that resonate through every page of Cone of Shame.

With her book, Au isn’t just creating memorable images; she’s part of a larger effort to transform the image of ‘Cone of Shame’ into one of pride and advocacy for rescue dogs. The book serves as a beautiful tribute to the photographer’s own journey with her beloved dog, Tartine, whose memory inspired this project.