“I’m just trying to change the world, one sequin at a time.” – Lady Gaga

The Doggie Gaga Project.  One man’s vision turned international sensation in just a few days.  And how could it not?  Lady Gaga is hotter than fire, and who doesn’t like dogs?  It is the perfect duo.  And it’s exactly why the project was featured on Regis & Kelly, and blogged about worldwide by hundreds of people.  So what does one do after creating a viral epidemic?  Duh! – make another, except this time bigger and more Gaga fabulous.  That’s exactly what the creator of the Doggie Gaga Project did and I was invited to cover the whole event from the inside out.  I got the scoop on all the key players involved  and “behind the scene” stills of the photoshoot where Jesse worked his magic once more.

Let me start by introducing the very talented and creative Doggie Gaga Team for Round 2:

The Creator: Fine Art Dog Photographer Jesse Freidin

Website: www.jessefreidin.com

Blog: http://jessefreidin.com/blog

About Jesse:  Before the success of the Doggie Gaga Project, Jesse was quickly becoming known as the authority on Fine Art dog photography. Now, his unique style and emotional portraiture are recognized around the world. His passion for dogs and analog photography shine through his work, as does his loyalty to the traditional process. When he’s not in the darkroom or behind the camera, he is hanging out with his best friend, Pancake (a 4 yr old Boston Terrier)

Long story short, Jesse a genius with this hasselblad, and his black and white prints are simply beautiful.  I was able to catch up with Jesse at his second home, the darkroom.  The place where his vision turns into physical pieces of art.  We talked shop about photography, and the future of The Doggie Gaga Project.  All in all a great day with Jesse.

Costume Designer: Rebecca Gerber

Inspiration: Kiku, 4-year old adopted Shiba Inu (she’s in the “bubble costume” from Doggie Gaga Round 1)

I had a chance to do a little Q&A session with the woman who created the looks of Doggie Gaga.  Here is what she had to say:

How did you become involved with the Doggie Gaga Project?

A mutual friends told me about Jesse’s project, it seemed like it would be a lot of fun, and a perfect fit for me.  I love sewing, crafting and making costumes.  With that said, you can easily guess that Halloween is my favorite holiday.  Last year I created a giant “Where the Wild Things” head for my boyfriend, I went as Max.

I’m also dog-crazy. After I adopted Kiku in 2005, I became a total dog-nerd.  I’m not one to dress her in outfits or anything for every day – but I’ll admit she has won a couple Halloween costume contests.

Lady Gaga has so many eye-catching outfits, how did you go about selecting which to use for the shoot?

The whole team looked at Gaga’s outfit pictures and talk about which ones we felt were the most iconic, and most easily identifiable if you just pulled out one or two aspects for a dog.  Some of Lady Gaga’s costumes are so outrageous and talked about; we wanted even a non-fan to be able to recognize it.  The challenge for me was translating her intricate and often designer costumes into outfits that were inexpensive, easy to create, and (most importantly!) comfortable for a dog to wear.

I am so impressed with all of the costumes you constructed.  I’m sure it wasn’t an easy task, which look was the most difficult to recreate?

Definitely the Telephone hat.  Since it was the most identifiable look from the video, I worked really hard making sure that a lot of details from her hat were on the dog hat.  I had to do, all while making sure  it wasn’t too heavy and or uncomfortable for a dog to wear.  The hardest part was finding a corded telephone to use – all I could find was cordless.   Luckily, Jessie found a prefect one and saved the day.

The Telephone Hat is my personal favorite from Round 2, along with the Hair-Bow from Round 1.  Which look is your all time favorite?

I my favorite costume of the whole series was the Coke-Can wig.  It was one of the easiest to make and I wasn’t sure if it was going to translate well on film.  I think the picture is priceless – the dog has such a serious expression!  My other personal favorite is my dog Kiku in the bubble costume.  She was loving the attention so much and her expression’s so cute.

I spend some time with Rebecca at her apartment where she lives with her now famous dog, Kiku, and her boyfriend, Alex.  I got to see where her craft magic happens.

Every photographer needs a wing man, well wing woman in this case…..

Jesse’s Assistant: Diana Cao aka Just DC

About Just DC:  Not only can she load hasselblad  backs with lightning speed, but she also has a way with the dogs.  That’s right, DC is a professional dog wrangler. This knowledge and experience didn’t start for her at a young age. It started when she was studying at California College of the Arts. She adopted a charming, but exuberantly energetic pitboxador who challenged her to take charge. She helped him achieve a level of balance and in return, he fueled her passion for working with dogs. DC has held various professional positions handling canines, but has returned to school to pursue what she loves the most, design. With her trusty sidekick, Duke, by her side, she continues to strive for what matters. Working with Jesse has been an amazing experience for DC as he also encourages her to go for the big things.  Jesse is lucky to have such a talented assistant by his side during his sessions.

DC invited me over to hang out and meet her best bud, Duke.  We chatted about L, and she showed me just how well-trained Duke is.  He was busting out some amazing tricks!

Jesse took Doggie Gaga up a notch in round two by introducing video to capture all the great moments he couldn’t nab on film.  He brought in the best.

Videographers: Bert DiVietri & Terra Haywood

About Bert:  Bert is a professional videographer/editor from Michigan.  He has been immersed in digital media production for 8 years, and runs his own business, iWish Production.  3 nights a week Bert performs stand-up comedy in clubs around the city.  To see examples of work by iWish Production, visit  www.youtube.com/iwishproductions

About Terra:  Terra Haywood is a senior at the San Francisco Art Institute finishing up her BFA in film. Most of her work involves experimental narrative using 16mm film and is hand processed, however, the Doggie-Gaga project is one of a few that encompasses the more light-hearted side of documentary. She admits that she would most likely be involved with anything that includes dogs and Lady Gaga. Her work has been featured in the Kitsch Gallery in San Francisco and she is currently collaborating with a local fashion designer to merge the mediums of film and fashion and performance. When not behind the camera or at school she can be found making fancy cocktails or lurking on rooftops. Visit http://www.youtube.com/user/TerraHaywood to view a reel of Terra’s work.

Here is the video Bert and Terra created about Jesse and The Doggie Gaga Project: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTPSqFa_TFY

(You can even see me in there for a second. Exciting!)

Bert and Terra invited me down to The Mission for some coffee.  These two are by far the funniest duo I have met in a long time.  Their energy when together is something that I cannot even begin to describe.  I had a blast running around the neighborhood taking photos of them.

It was truly an honor being able to spend quality time with each member of The Doggie Gaga Project Round 2.  Thanks everyone for taking the time out to let me photograph you!

Onto the main event: The Doggie Gaga Photoshoot.  The inspiration behind Doggie Gaga Round 2 was Lady Gaga’s newest song, Telephone.  The team pulled a total of 4 looks from the video: The Black and White Jumpsuit, Coke-Can Hairdo, Telephone Hat, and the Caution Tape Outfit.  They also carefully selected, from hundreds of submissions, the dogs who would sport these fantastic outfits.   The team did an amazing job coordinating the dogs and  their costume – each compliment the other and it shines bright in the photos.

The vibe in the studio was so inspiring.  I love working with other creatives, and the studio was over-flowing with talent.  It was great being able to watch everyone work their magic.  Dogs, Gaga, Cameras, Instant Film, and great company.  It was the perfect day.

Still hungry for more “Behind the Scenes” Doggie Gaga???  Well, you can fill your belly by stopping by the very talented Meg Messina’s website.

She is a fantastic photographer so be sure to check out her other work as well.

To receive the most up to date news about the Doggie Gaga Project, become a fan on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Doggie-Gaga-Project/365443474450?ref=ts

I never like to leave anyone out so here is list of people who were involved in Doggie Gaga Round 1: Ana Poe, Carolyn Pettigrew, Kyl Caragol, Tina Guenther, Connor Ciatti, and Nicole Remedio. .  If it wasn’t for their help and dedication we wouldn’t be here at Round 2.  Great job everyone!

Before I depart I have 2 announcements to make.  Earlier this year Jesse was crowned Best Dog Photographer by Beast of the Bay.  Go Jesse!  Now Jesse is up for another award: Best Pet Photographer of the Bay Area.

I am up for an award too in the same contest, but for Best Portrait Photographer of the Bay Area.  Jesse and I are both honored to be nominated.  Winning would mean the world to the both of us.  With your votes and support you can make us Number 1.

Vote ZonaFoto for Best Portrait Photographer: http://baylist.sfgate.com/zona-foto/biz/547831

Vote Jesse Freidin for Best Pet Photographer: http://baylist.sfgate.com/jesse-freidin-photographer/biz/171735

Again, thank you so much for your time and support!  Feel free to check out my full portfolio at www.czona.com

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-Roma-ma-ah!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!