■FEATURE “I think an interesting thing that nondog owners don’t realize is that every dog has its own personality. It’s very intriguing,” Martinez said. “So being around them, you start seeing their personalities. It’s easier to know when to take the right picture because of who they are.” Martinez has received positive reactions from dog owners and began the Instagram account to make it easier for them to access these photos. He has also been commissioned to take pictures of owners and their dogs for Christmas cards. Though Martinez loves taking pet portraits, he is working on two other books before he begins his dog book project. His first “passion project” includes taking photographs of Long Island City residents who lived in the neighborhood when it was “just a boat dock.” “I think their stories need to be told because I grew up in Queens and our neighborhoods have changed so dramatically,” Martinez said. “The cultural melting pot that everybody talks about in New York is Queens. And I feel like it’s not being forgotten but the stories haven’t been told yet.” It has been difficult to find subjects for his second project, Martinez added, which encourages people to dress and present themselves as they view their parents and how they view themselves. Anyone interested in becoming a part of Martinez’ projects or commissioning portraits, dog or human, can visit dennistakespictures. com to contact him.
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