Some people are terrified of pit bulls because of their large, blocky heads. Lynn Terry, a photographer, is inspired. “They have that perfectly shaped cranium that looks good from any angle. They are usually cheerful and enthusiastic “Terry explains. “However, I could be biased because I adore them as dogs. I’m a huge supporter of the underdog.”
Terry started posing her beloved, gorgeous pits in a dog-friendly version of a photo booth about a decade ago. The images were for a charity calendar for a local animal rescue organization, and they were a major hit. For a period, Terry went on to other endeavors. In 2014, she resurrected the booth for Valentine’s Day promotion. After her dog died, she resolved to ensure that others would have enduring images of their beloved pets.
Bumper and Willis, two pit bulls from St. Louis who were both saved from fighting and are now well-loved, spoilt pets, walked in and started licking and mugging each other. Terry had the distinct impression that she was on to something extraordinary. She explains, “I knew right away.”
The entire globe soon found out.
Terry became an internet sensation almost overnight. And now she’s published a new book called Tails from the Booth, which contains dozens upon dozens of these amazing photographs. Many of them are pit bulls. Some are from different breeds of rescue dogs. A few aren’t even rescues. Everyone gets an opportunity to show off their most ridiculous angles.
“I genuinely believe that animal rescue is responsible for my work,” Terry explains. “Through my photographs, I’ve been able to help these groups raise much-needed funds. In exchange, I’ve been able to create a large body of wonderful photography.” Bumper and Willis, the canines who kicked off this endeavor, have had a wonderful couple of years, according to their mother, Kelly Garrison. When their many fans identify them out and about, they enjoy the attention. Garrison is ecstatic at the prospect of her dogs helping others.
“I hope that via their funny, fun-loving expressions, everyone can see the true spirit of pit bulls,” Garrison says. “It’s hard to believe that our two, who we just wanted to photograph, have become such a well-known pair.”
You also haven’t seen the last of these guys. Terry has a new photo series in which Bumper and Willis star. Pitties as Pin-Ups is the title of the photo she took for the Mutts N Stuff 2016 calendar. This time, they’re also confounding expectations.
“For the filming, Bumper had to do some ironing and laundry,” Terry explains. “Willis was also a librarian. He doesn’t mind dressing like a lady.”
