Tales From the 'Vineyard 'Seadogs' 2013 Calendar

We had the honor of chatting with Lisa Vanderhoop creator of the well-loved 'Vineyard Seadogs' calendar. At the start of our conversation we didn't know much about the history behind her photographs, the calendar, and her inspiration. Five minutes later, we realized we couldn't take credit for the captivating story in front of us, it was purely Lisa's.  

Lisa is a fascinating individual. The lesson being, there is much behind the photo, the photographer holds all the tales, secrets, and stories. Jump in.

So for all dog-lovers out there, you'll thoroughly enjoy this. For those Vineyarders who love dogs and are avid water-men and water-women, you might have met your match. 

And if you aren't a dog-lover, odds are you might just be after this:

When did the calendar start?

I started "Vineyard Seadogs" back in 2006 as kind of a whim. I have a background in wildlife/nature film making (previous to landing on the Vineyard because of my husband). I worked on many documentaries and films for several years - mostly as an associate producer (but I did do an assortment of things - writing, research, photography, sound recording, budgets, etc.). I worked on films for National Geographic, Audubon, the Nature Series, ABC, the New England Aquarium and other PBS productions. 

What was the inspiration behind its start?

It's kind of a long story (which I won't ramble on about) - but again I ended up on the Vineyard because of a relationship (my now husband - Buddy, well we have been together for 20 years so that was quite some time ago). Anyway, the inspiration behind Vineyard Seadogs was my beloved dog Amos, a Weimaraner.

Buddy brought him home one day (about 10 years ago) and he instantly transformed our lives. We took him everywhere - which included on Buddy's fishing boat, the Tomahawk. We loved our boating and fishing expeditions with our new pup - but it was during those times that it struck me - "the Vineyard had really gone to the dogs!"

I started noticing dogs everywhere in and around the waters of the Vineyard. On boats, in the surf, on kayaks, even boogie boarding. So having a photography background I thought it would be great fun to photograph some of these "seadogs".

Now thousands and thousands of photos later the new (and 7th) Vineyard Seadogs Calendar 2013 is out.

Over the years I have photographed hundreds of dogs, I am sure. Each year features dozens and dozens of new Seadogs, although I have had a few regulars. Like Winslow, Noreen Baker's dog. He is a great Golden Retriever and what a real seadog he is. Noreen manages Tisbury Wharf and Winslow spends his days swimming around Vineyard Haven Harbor. Everybody knows Winslow, and especially now because of the calendar. He's a favorite of the 'Pupparazi' for sure, quite a celeb. But I digress...

Tell us about your process and working with these beloved 'Seadogs'...

I have really, really good photo equipment, which allows me to photograph the dogs and capture them moving really fast. But I also have some underwater equipment so I can get right in the water with the dogs which definitely makes for some interesting perspectives! Often they kind of look at me like - "What???"

And again I really do love dogs and I hope it shows through my photographs (I have been told that). I can be in a pretty bad mood and go into a dog photo shoot and inevitably I am always grinning from ear to ear afterwards. They are such joyous, funny, alive-for-the-moment kind of creatures. They are just pure fun to be with.

Frustrating to try to photograph sometimes, but pretty much always fun.

Can you share with us a memorable story or about working with the dogs over the years?

I have had a few moments though. Like when I tried to photograph two full-grown Great Dane puppies. Whew, barely made it out alive I have to say. I came away with a few bruises, a scratched camera lens and I had a few tumbles along the way.

I also had this great mutt I photographed once (I'll omit the name to protect the identity!) just come up and pee on me. I took it as sort of a compliment. I think he liked me so much he was marking me. I think.

In terms of reaction about a dog that I have photographed - I will never have another dog like Enzo. I have attached a photo. He was visiting with his owners, they were from Montreal. My mother-in-law Anne who owns the Aquinnah Shop restaurant actually discovered him.

He is a Bergamasco, an Italian Sheepdog, and this breed is literally covered with dreadlocks. She called me up and shouted for me to come up to the Aquinnah Circle to see this dog. I actually had no idea what I was looking for until...bingo, there he was. You couldn't miss him. Wow! We did a photo shoot at Squibnocket later that afternoon and what a great day, what a great dog! He ended up as the cover for my 2011 Calendar and people are still talking about him. And actually he was bilingual - he understood both English and French.

I know I am probably making this too long but in terms of telling you about memorable moments or great photo shoots - there really are too many to tell you about. They are all kind of special and interesting in their own way. I know that sounds kind of sappy, but it really is for the most part true.

We humans love our dogs and so it always is kind of an honor to be included in the fold when photographing these beloved family members. One of the most poignant things for me is not only when people really love the photos but also when I sadly hear that one of my great "Seadogs" has passed on. But they actually live on through not only of course the owner's love and memories but through the photos.

Which kind of brings me full circle. 

This new 2013 calendar is kind of unofficially dedicated to my inspiration and forever Seadog, Amos. He passed away this past winter (wow, it is even now hard to write about). So he is the big picture for October. Along with the truest of quotes - "Dogs, they make us more human".

Because of him I particularly wanted to put my whole heart and soul into this new calendar. As a tribute to him and because of him. 

Lisa will be at the Sail MV art show from Dec. 8-23 and at the Christmas in Edgartown Holiday Show. 

 www.vineyardseadogs.com. Lisa offers 'Seadogs' Holiday cards as well!