William Wegman might have been an artist academic quietly painting and teaching in a university some place in obscurity.
Except for one thing.
Along the way he got a dog, a Weimaraner. And that has made all the difference.
He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1965 and a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1967.
Although his first love was painting, he became interested in photography and filmmaking.
While teaching at California State University, Long Beach in 1970 he acquired Man Ray, the first of the famous Weimaraners that have appeared in his photographs and videos through the years.
In 1986, a Weimaraner named Fay Ray came into his life. Her puppies and grandpuppies were added to the cast, appearing in a series of photographs and books for adults and children.
His works have appeared in major galleries all over the world.
His film and video works have been featured on Sesame Street, Nickelodeon, Animal Planet, and Saturday Night Live.
The first two videos below should bring back happy memories to many of you. The third features Wegman introducing his dogs and his photography.
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Love it; especially the pictures.
Posted by: Becky | February 27, 2012 at 07:53 PM
I love William Wegman!
Posted by: Pup Fan | February 28, 2012 at 05:40 AM
Very lovely, I just don't like the dog in the tree. LOL
Posted by: Jodi | February 28, 2012 at 06:33 AM
His dogs are what made him know to the common man. He has a unique take on a subject that most can relate to in some manner. With a different subject perhaps some of his audience would not be included.
Posted by: Bailey | February 28, 2012 at 06:37 AM
I agree about the dog in the tree being questionable, but the rest are great! Thanks for sharing him with us!
Friar Don, OBR
http://exposeyourblog.com
Posted by: Don | February 28, 2012 at 08:38 AM
absolutely love it..
Posted by: jackie | February 28, 2012 at 05:08 PM
Don't you wonder sometimes if some of the fabulous blogging photographers could have a future as artists? I love William Wegman. Thanks for sharing these videos.
Posted by: Pamela | February 28, 2012 at 05:29 PM
I love all the photos! But my favorite is the pup stuck in the trees!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
Posted by: Linda | February 28, 2012 at 06:00 PM
I love the dog in the tree! Weis are such photogenic dogs.
Happy leap year! x
Posted by: geogia little pea | February 29, 2012 at 02:30 AM
I love Wegman's work. I wish my dogs were as photogenic.
Posted by: cube | February 29, 2012 at 07:43 AM
I remember learning about Wegman and Man Ray on the Weimariner episode of Dogs 101. It's so cool he has been able to make a living celebrating these gorgeous animals.
Thanks for sharing the Sesame Street footage. Nothing like nostalgia!
Posted by: Kristine | February 29, 2012 at 10:48 AM
Thanks so much for sharing this. I've seen these photos here and there, and have loved them. Great hearing about Wegman and Man Ray.
Posted by: Ellen | March 01, 2012 at 07:34 AM