Meet the Man Behind The Famous Underwater Dogs

Have you seen the photography book Underwater Dogs? It’s a unique and artistic look at dogs diving underwater to retrieve a ball. The author, Seth Casteel, is not only talented but also passionate about pet rescue and adoption. 

Keep reading to learn more about Seth’s work and how he utilizes his platform to help animal shelters. Plus, we reveal how you can get your dog photographed by the award-winning artist! 

Let’s jump in!

What Are the Famous Underwater Dogs?

The famous underwater dogs are the work of Seth Casteel, a photographer. While photographing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in his backyard, the dog insisted on being in the pool. So, Seth gave up trying to get him to pose on land and jumped in the pool with him using an underwater camera. 

The result of this unique photoshoot led to the creation of a series he called Underwater Dogs. He upgraded his camera equipment and began photographing dogs in swimming pools. The photos quickly went viral and became an Internet sensation. 

People were taking notice, including publishing houses. Seth was offered a booked deal and became a New York Times best-selling author of Underwater Dogs, Underwater Puppies, Big Dog Little Dog, and five children’s books. In addition, his work has been published in National Geographic and The New York Times. 

Who Is Seth Casteel? 

Seth Casteel is an award-winning lifestyle pet photographer and creator of one of the best-selling photography books of all time. He’s passionate about exploring the emotions dogs seem to show us. And he’s realized that many dogs have a unique connection with the water.  

Seth reveals that the dogs featured in his photography chose to participate of their own free will. Some of the pups in the underwater project had never been swimming. He said, “Dogs prove to us that if you just jump in, you might have fun along the way.”

Pro Tip: Do dogs actually have emotions? For example, do they smile when they’re happy? Find out which breeds smile the most and why.

How Did Seth Casteel Become a Photographer?

Seth Casteel is a self-taught photographer. While in Los Angeles, California, going to film and working in the entertainment industry, he volunteered to take photos of homeless dogs and cats in 2007. The idea was to help get them adopted. And the project helped him discover his love for being behind the camera. 

A dog owner hired him to photograph his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel during his volunteer project. One of the photos ended up on a magazine cover, essentially launching his career. And underwater dogs were born!

While he jokes that his friends have pushed him to be a wedding photographer, capturing the beauty and intelligence of dogs is what drives him. He admits one of the challenges of working with animals is learning their behaviors and movements. As we’ve covered here on Petrics, getting dogs to pose how you want can be tricky! So, he creates games to play with the dogs to help warm them up to him and capture those amazing moments underwater.

Seth shoots with Canon cameras and lenses. And he uses IKELITE Underwater Systems housings and strobes.

What Animal Rescues Does Seth Casteel Partner With?

Seth Casteel continues volunteering to show compassion to animals in need using his global platform. He helps rescue organizations by teaching photography workshops at shelters. Sharing professional photos of homeless pets can significantly increase adoptions. So, he sets up pet adoption programs for success by providing them with resources to make homeless dogs and cats look their best for potential pet parents.

Seth partners with GreaterGood.org and The Animal Rescue Site through his organization, One Picture Saves a Life. They provide shelter staff and volunteers with instruction and tools to groom and photograph pets who need a forever home. Animals typically come to shelters dirty, and some may have injuries that cause them to look mangy. 

Bathing and grooming dogs and cats before their photographs are shared with potential adoptive or foster pet parents helps them get placed in homes faster. While some people can overlook imperfections, it can be difficult when you’re searching for a pet online. So, Seth helps give a more accurate picture of animals that need love and family. 

What Else Does Seth Casteel Photograph? 

Seth is most known for this lifestyle dog photography, but the talented artist utilizes his camera for other beauty and great causes. For example, he published the book Underwater Babies. The playful book is also meant to bring awareness to water safety for children. 

And although dogs are clearly one of Seth’s favorite animals, he also photographs cats. He created a book called Pounce, that’s a compilation of kittens and adult cats jumping through the air.

How Can You See Seth Casteel’s Work?

You can bring Seth Casteel’s work into your home. He has authored several books that make excellent coffee table pieces and conversation starters. And he’s published children’s books. Puzzles and calendars are also available sporting his famous underwater dogs. They display his underwater dog and puppy photography.  

You can also follow Seth’s work on social media, including Instagram and Facebook.

Make Your Pet an Underwater Dog on Seth’s Next Photo Tour

You may have a chance to get your pet photographed by Seth Casteel during his Underwater Dogs Photo Shoot Tour. He travels in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia for the sessions. Your pup must already enjoy getting in the water and be a good ball retriever. 

If your dog will submerge its entire head and body to retrieve, it may be an excellent candidate! Not only would you be supporting Seth’s amazing photography, but the organizations that he helps behind it. Castell is another amazing rescue hero we can’t get enough of, and we hope you get the chance to experience his photography.

Is your dog a fan of going underwater? Some dogs are more partial to swimming than others. For example, check out what Beagles think of the water.