The world of dog shows might feel like somewhat of a subculture, but during the weekend of the Westminster Dog Show every year, suddenly it takes center stage. All eyes are on the nearly 3,000 dogs that flock from far and wide to the big apple to compete for Best in Show. The spectacle around the show is the real prize for us viewers though, brought to life by the human and dog characters each rife with their own unique flair.
Photographer Calla Kessler has had the great joy (and enviable job) of photographing the Westminster Dog Show for the last six years, having just shot the 2026 iteration a few weeks back. Completely enamored with her photos from this year’s show, I reached out to learn more about her process and the job itself. Her responses to my questions are below.
When photographing a visual feast such as a dog show, what sorts of scenes, moments, characters, and details are you looking for to capture?
My goal at the dog show is to highlight this unique subculture. The owners, the handlers, the dogs— it’s a whole world most people are unfamiliar with. I want to highlight the intensity, the humor, and the human-animal connection, inviting people to be there without actually going. I try to go for the less obvious stuff since this has been my sixth show; how can I add to this visual narrative in a way that’s not repeated annually?
What’s the most challenging part of photographing dogs?
The urge to pet them vs. the urge to photograph them. It’s a balancing act.
What’s your process like at a dog show to create the best images possible?
Before the show, I study the schedule so I know when my favorite breeds are going so I can anticipate their arrival in the ring. Given that I have been so many times, I’m able to pace myself in a visually stimulating environment. The first time I shot it, I was overwhelmed by everything happening simultaneously. I needed to be everywhere, and it felt chaotic and directionless. When you’re scattered, you miss moments. So now my approach is patient and calm. I know what to expect, and I go in knowing the best photos are a combination of presence, familiarity, and luck.
What is it about the Westminster Dog Show in particular that you enjoy so much as a photographer? What makes that event special?
My friends call me the dog whisperer. I just love them, and every breed you can think of is there. One species but incredibly diverse. I also just really like people who are passionate about their thing. And the people who show their dogs are just that. The handlers’ outfits, the dogs’ personalities and the competitive nature of the show are what makes the photos interesting.
Having taken photos at the Westminster Dog Show for six years, have there been any notable changes in that timeframe you’ve noticed as a photographer that have affected your process and your pictures?
I’m lucky because I’ve experienced the show in different seasons and settings. Pre-COVID, it was at Madison Square Garden and the Javits Center in the winter. Then, for a couple years, it was outdoors at a Tarrytown estate and then it was at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Queens. Both me and the dogs loved when it was outside in June. The natural light was so much more dynamic than the inside of a convention center, which is really where I shine. Most photographers use flash for this event and I actually would prefer to not. The dogs don’t like it. So I am glad I have record of those deviations from the norm.
What makes photographing dogs and their owners/handlers so exciting and rewarding to you as an artist?
I just respect their hustle and they respect mine. We each have a job to do, and they’re helpful because they want their dogs to be portrayed as stars. I also have built rapport with some folks who I see year after year, so it’s always nice to see a familiar face.
Do you have any favorite photos you’ve taken at the Westminster Dog Show over the years? Are there any specific favorites from this year? What makes these your favorites?
I love shooting Dalmatians, Great Danes, Weimaraners, Vizslas, and Golden Retrievers the most, so my favorite photos tend to involve them. I’m a big dog person so my bias shines through that. Dalmatians are just so striking with their pattern and every year I do a motion blur/pan shot of them that looks like a painting. There are also certain detail shots I take every year that I redo as a self-reference to my doggy archive, like the hairbrush in the waistband or interesting nails holding the leash.
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