When José Juan Medina adopted his dog, Drogo, four years ago, he had no idea that his new companion would inspire a hobby that would eventually introduce him to countless other dogs. He simply wanted a camera to capture memories of his beloved pup, but that small decision opened the door to a passion he never expected to discover.
Today, Medina is known for photographing dogs in one of their happiest and most energetic moments, soaring through the air with their paws lifted off the ground. His photographs freeze those split seconds when dogs are running, jumping, and showing off their playful personalities. And it all started with one special dog who made him want to pick up a camera.
One Beloved Dog Inspired an Unexpected Passion
Medina never set out to become a professional photographer. He works as a manual laborer, and photography began as something he could enjoy during his free time.
“It’s not a job. I’m a manual laborer,” Medina told The Dodo. “I bought a camera to take photos of my little dog.”
That little dog was Drogo, whose arrival changed the way Medina spent his spare time. What began as a simple desire to photograph his own pet gradually became a creative pursuit that kept him reaching for his camera.
As Medina became more interested in photography, he started investing in better equipment. Each upgrade gave him new opportunities to experiment with his pictures and capture the movements of his four-legged subjects in greater detail. Eventually, photographing Drogo was no longer enough to satisfy his growing enthusiasm. Medina began visiting places where he could meet other dogs and practice his developing skills.
He started attending dog parks and agility competitions, where energetic pups offered plenty of opportunities to photograph dogs in motion. Sometimes their families requested pictures, while other times Medina selected the dogs he wanted to photograph. Before long, his collection of canine portraits was growing, along with his appreciation for the different personalities he encountered.
Capturing the Perfect Moment When Dogs Take Flight
One of Medina’s favorite photography techniques involves capturing dogs in midair. Instead of simply photographing them standing or sitting, he waits for those exciting moments when they leap with all four paws off the ground.
The resulting pictures make it look as though the dogs are flying. Their bodies are suspended in motion, creating photographs that highlight their athleticism, energy, and playful spirit.
But getting those pictures requires more than pointing a camera at a running dog. Medina pays close attention to how each animal moves, knowing that every jump can be different.
“You’re wondering what kind of jump they’ll take, whether they’ll be fast and skillful, and if they’ll lead with their little paws,” Medina explained.
For Medina, part of the excitement comes from not knowing exactly what the next jump will look like. Some dogs move quickly, while others have their own distinctive ways of launching themselves into the air. He especially enjoys catching dogs at the height of their movement, when a photograph can preserve an action that would otherwise pass in an instant.
Every Dog Brings Something Different to the Camera
Medina has shared a video revealing how he works with his canine subjects to create his action photographs. The process gives viewers a closer look at the effort behind the images and the unpredictable movements that make each session interesting.
Although his equipment has become increasingly sophisticated, the dogs remain the most important part of his work. Their natural movements and individual personalities are what make the photographs special to him.
Photography has also given Medina opportunities to connect with the people who love these dogs. Through his visits to parks, competitions, and photography sessions, he has met numerous families and learned about their pets.
Those encounters have become another rewarding part of the hobby. Rather than simply collecting pictures, Medina enjoys getting to know the animals he photographs.
“I form a real bond with them while photographing them,” he told The Dodo.
And with so many dogs still waiting to cross his path, Medina hopes to continue meeting new four-legged subjects and capturing their unique moments.
The Best Photographs Come From Dogs Being Themselves
Looking back, Medina’s photography journey began with a wonderfully simple motivation. He wanted beautiful pictures of Drogo, the dog who had become such an important part of his life.
Four years later, that same affection for dogs continues to shape his work. His cameras may have changed, and his collection of photographs may have expanded, but the inspiration behind them remains familiar.
What Medina appreciates most is that dogs do not need to perform for the camera in the way people sometimes do. Their natural behavior provides him with all the personality and movement he hopes to capture.
“What I love is their naturalness,” Medina said. “They don’t try to put on a front. They’re just being themselves, and they always look great.”
And whenever another dog leaps into the air, Medina has a chance to capture another fleeting moment, just as his love for Drogo first inspired him to do.
Toledo, United States.