The July 12 launch of Dogs of Mansfield is a celebration of dogs in our community and the deep bond between humans and their four-legged companions, beautifully captured by local photographer Sandra Lording.

Owners of the 85 dogs featured will see the book — a 130-page full-colour production — on the night for the first time, a tribute to a diverse range of canines across various settings in pictures and words.

Sandra, who runs Mansfield’s Sandra Lee Photography, explained how the genesis of the book came about.

“I wanted to try out a new lens with the idea to photograph dogs in autumn using a 135mm prime lens which gives a shallow depth of field,” Sandra said.

“This involved getting down low on the ground and shooting from a distance which creates a blurry background.

“More than 12 months ago I invited expressions of interest from dog owners, with 150 registered for the project,” said Sandra.

“It was a great way to highlight and feature the dogs in a coffee table book,” she said.

Once there had been one photographic session with each dog, they were then eligible for at least one photograph in the book.

While the initial idea was to take advantage of last year’s autumn colours, photographic sessions were as varied as the subjects themselves.

Locations included Sandra’s High Street studio, shearing sheds, retail shops, the Mansfield Botanic Park, and a moody shoot in a pine plantation at the Delatite Arm on Lake Eildon.

“I really gained insight into what it means to have a dog in your life,” said Sandra.

“Dogs play a vital part in the psychological wellbeing of their owners and others.”

The book features Connie the guide dog, Fleur an assistance dog, and Maisey and Gruffalo, therapy dogs that work in schools with young children.

Other images capture the spirit of working dogs, small and large dogs, playful scenes, and more reflective poses.

“Everyone was great to work with, and the photographic sessions were a wonderful collaboration with the dog owners,” she said.

Sandra asked the human friends to provide some text about their dogs, which gave the back story about their relationships and the importance in their lives.

Each story is a glimpse into a special connection between the dog and the owner, as well as some big personalities.

One example is US-born four-year-old mini dachshund Ranch, who confesses, “I know I am adorable, but I am also a naughty little handful.”

Another is the cheeky seven-year-old Gordon, a Jack Russell terrier photographed at Ink Bookshop.

His owner, Charlotte Lindsay, described him: “He is very social, if somewhat untrained, and loves all other dogs regardless of size or attitude, which means he often escapes from Ink to follow a new friend up to the Botanic Park or to play in the median strip (not ideal).”

He also has a great home life swimming in the dam and going on walks with his other doggie friends.

Each image is a portrait of each dog’s unique characteristics rather than action shots.

What’s next for Sandra?

“I’ve been asked if I’d consider doing a Horses of Mansfield book, so that’s something to think about.

“I’ve also taken up golf recently, so you never know, I might get back to my sports photography roots and develop a project around golf or sport,” she replied.

Sandra loved working on this latest project, Dogs of Mansfield, which is proudly photographed, designed, and printed in Australia.

She also believes the book has broad appeal for all dog lovers — both locally and further afield — as an attractive addition to anyone’s coffee table.

For anyone interested in attending the launch on Saturday, July 12 at Sandra’s studio at Shop 1/12 High Street, Mansfield, please register online at:

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1420587

Books will be available for sale, and two of the dogs featured — Gruffalo and Maisey — will be there.