Photographer, Peter Thorpe, who is based in Bristol in the UK has a Christmas tradition that goes back over 24 years that involves transforming the family pet into another animal and then uses the image he captures as his Christmas card for all his friends, family and clients.
It first started with Paddy (pictured below), in antlers and a red nose back in 1990, and when he sent it out, he was then asked what he would be doing next year … and so the tradition was born.
Over the 24 years, with 2 dogs and 3 children, this wonderful tradition has persisted, and so it has now built up into quite a collection, and has not only now brought him to the attention of the UK’s national media, but is also going viral on the Internet.
Now you might be tempted to think “Photoshop”, well if so, then you are wrong, he has (so far) resisted the temptation to do that and instead makes his own sets and props, then uses rather a lot of food bribery.
You might think that doing this would be almost impossible, but he apparently spends about two weeks planning it all, and explains …
She is a very sweet and gentle dog, and is very happy to be dressed briefly for the photos.
‘We don’t make her do anything she doesn’t like. And she always gets a treat afterwards.’
So here are a three more of my personal favourite pictures …
If you would like to see even more, then you will find his collection over on his blog here.