This story has been updated to correct an inaccuracy.
Almost a decade ago, Bloomington photographer Darbi Haug opted to get an older dog; now she owns a bustling photography business, thanks in large part to her canine, Alf.
“I didn’t want a puppy,” said Haug, founder of Project Alf, where she photographs aging dogs (and other pets of any age).
Stephanie Yoder, a Bloomington physical therapist, arranged a photography session for her mature golden retriever, Sunny. The timing proved to be perfect, as Sunny unexpectedly died a few weeks later.
“When we come home, Sunny’s just smiling (in Haug’s pictures) at us,” Yoder said. “It’s comforting. I’m so glad we had Darbi take those pictures.”
Sunny’s smiles live on for the Yoder family of five thanks to Project Alf and Haug, who is also a speech language pathologist and Indiana University grad (master’s degree).
The beginning — scrawny, lanky, black-toothed: Alf
Haug and her husband, Eric Haug, were finishing college and moving to Bloomington when they rescued their first dog, Alf, in 2018. Alf was 8, scrawny, lanky and black-toothed.
Alf lived as a junkyard dog when a shelter in Indianapolis rescued him. He didn’t understand living in a kennel with clean blankets and barking neighbors. After about a year, the Haugs saw the shelter’s “dorky looking picture of him online.”
So they met him.
“Alf was super awkward with his body,” Darbi said. “I don’t think he was ever in someone’s home. We were respectfully surprised. How is this dog still alive?”
Photographing dogs, usually older ones
Darbi taught herself to encourage dogs, particularly older ones, to unleash their adorableness. She works with all kinds of dogs though and will take on other genuses, too.
“If someone wants their spider photographed,” Darbi, who is arachnophobic, said, “I’ll just use my telescopic lens.”
Nor does she run from aggressive dogs. “I’ll just bring along the right equipment.” And for the bashful, she brings treats. For the pet owners, she says to “just be honest with me.”
That honesty begins with a questionnaire for the pet owner. “I almost went to veterinary school,” Darbi said. “I have experience. And I know what not to do.”
One trick that works in public areas is Darbi sauntering by with her camera, pretending not to know the dog’s family.
“Senior dogs can have longer photo sessions,” Darbi said. “The pet is less mobile. I can get some great pictures. And, I can move around the pet.”
‘Man, this dog is still kicking!’
Alf was the catalyst for Project Alf, Darbi’s photography business, which emerged last fall. He also spurred the Haugs to adopt additional senior dogs. In late 2020, 10-year-old Onyx moved in (and enjoyed barking like a seal). The Haugs ensured that the final 18 months of this hefty black-and-white dog’s life brimmed with snacks and kisses.
Interestingly, Onyx died but Alf, who had arrived before him, kept thriving. “Man, this dog is still kicking!” Darbi and her family would say, all smiles.
Aging and in shabby shape, Alf appeared to the Haugs to have another year or two to live. He made it another five years instead.
Everyone was a friend, in Alf’s opinion. “Our vet loved him,” Darbi said. One evening, Alf’s charm and persistence persuaded veterinary staff to admit a patient (a cat) after the office had closed for the day.
Project Alf’s future
More great pictures will keep coming, partly because Eric Haug is a software engineer and, as such, produces clever techie lures. There’s a tennis ball attached to Darbi’s camera. Other devices are in the works.
Brendon Ruff, an attorney in Fort Wayne, dislikes being in photos. But he and his girlfriend, Emma Staicer wanted pictures of their Shetland sheepdog, 8-year-old Simba.
“Simba had been raised in a home where I think the kids were afraid of dogs,” Ruff said. He and Staicer worked with Simba to socialize him.
“Simba is our world. Emma’s and my phones are filled with (our own) pictures of Simba.” The couple, however, wanted professional shots they could display forever.
“Most of (Darbi’s) pictures were candid (not posed),” Ruff said. “It helps that Simba is definitely persuaded with food.”
If you want a photo session
Project Alf provides three photography packages, all of which include a print release for the pictures:
(A) 30-45 minutes, location of choice, at least 35 photos costs $250;
(B) 15-20 minutes, location of choice, at least 20 photos costs $175;
(C) Rainbow Bridge session for pets at end of life costs $100 and includes a 10-15 minute session, home setup, at least 15 photos. (Rainbow Bridge sessions are scheduled within 72 hours due to a pet’s declining health.)
Discounts may be available for financial hardship.
Any tips are put in a fund Darbi uses to sponsor the adoption fee of a senior animal waiting to be rescued.
For more, go online to www.projectalf.org/ or email Darbi at darbi@projectalf.org.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Every dog has its day: Bloomington photographer focuses her lens on aging canines
Reporting by Connie Shakalis / The Herald-Times
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