A Big Dog Needs a Big View

Some dogs were made for lap blankets.

Some dogs were made for handbags.

And then there are dogs like Axel.

Axel, a magnificent Great Dane, was May’s Dog of the Month winner for Stephanie Richer Photography, and when it came time to plan his session, one thing was obvious: a dog this grand needed a setting to match.

So we headed to the Foothills Parkway.

Because big dogs deserve big vistas.

Why the Foothills Parkway Was Perfect

The Foothills Parkway gave Axel everything he needed: rolling mountain views, soft evening light, wide open skies, and that unmistakable Smoky Mountain backdrop. For a dog with his size, presence, and wonderfully expressive face, a tiny patch of grass simply was not going to do.

Axel needed room to look noble, dramatic, slightly goofy, and completely himself.

Which, frankly, is the Great Dane brand.

Photographing Dogs in the Smokies — The Right Way

This session also sparked an idea I have been wanting to explore more seriously: photographing dogs in and around the Smokies while carefully following the rules.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not exactly a free-for-all dog park, and for good reason. The park protects bears, elk, deer, smaller wildlife, fragile habitats, and millions of human visitors.

Dogs are welcome in certain places, but they are restricted from most trails. Pets are allowed in frontcountry campgrounds, picnic areas, along roads, and on only two dog-friendly trails: the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.

That still leaves room for beautiful portraits. You just have to know where to go, what is allowed, and how to plan the session safely.

Yes, the Leash Was There

And let me be very clear about something important: Axel was never off leash.

Not for a second.

For these portraits, Axel remained safely leashed with his owner standing right beside him, holding that leash. In the final images, I removed the leash and harness in Photoshop.

That is part of the finished artwork, not a sign that the dog was running loose in the mountains like he had just inherited Cades Cove.

Safety Comes First

Safety comes first. Always.

That means safety for the dog, safety for people nearby, and safety for any wildlife that may wander through. In the Smokies, “wildlife” can mean anything from a squirrel with attitude to a black bear minding its own business.

The leash stays on.

The owner stays close.

Photoshop earns its keep.

Congratulations, Axel

Axel was the perfect dog to begin this idea. He has that beautiful black-and-white harlequin pattern, a gentle giant expression, and just enough “Why are we doing this, humans?” in his face to keep things honest.

Against the mountain views of the Foothills Parkway, he looked exactly as he should: regal, sweet, and very much at home in the landscape.

Congratulations to Axel, May’s Dog of the Month.

And stay tuned. I think this is just the beginning of a new Smoky Mountain dog portrait project — one that celebrates our dogs, our mountains, and the rules that help protect both.