The 500px Photographer Spotlight invites you to dive into the minds and methods of the incredible photographers who shape our community. Discover the unique journeys, creative insights, and inspiring stories behind the stunning photos we love.
Meet Maggie Gongolevich
A Spain-based photographer whose work beautifully blends her love of dogs and the outdoors. What began with motorsport photography in Poland, where her rally images appeared in print, has since evolved into capturing the bond between animals and nature. With fresh inspiration drawn from travel, landscapes, and her own dogs, Maggie’s photography tells a story of passion and discovery.
Maggie, at what point did you realize photography was your passion? Was it a gradual realization, or an instant epiphany?
My father was an artist at heart. When I was little, he loved drawing and taking photos of nature and of me, but I always hated being photographed. I realized that if I showed interest in his camera, he’d focus on teaching me instead of pointing it at me. It was an old Zenith, and it was beautiful; my plan worked, I was able to learn from him instead of always being a subject in his photos.
Let’s go back to the very beginning. Can you tell us about the story behind your very first camera?
Which one? It’s hard to say which was my very first. I grew up in Poland, where we mostly had access to Russian cameras. My dad had an old one he didn’t use anymore, so I started playing with it, though it wasn’t great.
Later, for one of my birthdays, I got a simple compact camera that allowed me to take photos on school trips and around my town. I always made sure to buy the film with the most frames and always two rolls, just in case.
What’s harder—getting the perfect shot, or getting the pet to sit still for it?
It depends on the pet. For me, the perfect shot in pet photography is a mix of the photographer’s vision and the dog’s expression at the exact millisecond you press the shutter. Some photos were saved by the dog’s expression at the right time, and others turned out great because everything went according to plan. For example, one of my dog, Suki, is a natural-born model.+
She’ll stand still, jump over obstacles, and always look her best whenever I have a camera. The other three? They’re stunning too, but getting a good photo of them is more about luck than planning.
The bond between a photographer and their subject is paramount, especially when that subject happens to have four legs. How do you cultivate that trust before the lens is even uncapped?
Sometimes the camera itself sparks their curiosity, and a curious dog is already halfway to a successful photo shoot. But there’s no one-size-fits-all. It depends on the animal’s personality. Some need space, some need encouragement, and the super-excited ones often need to be ignored a little. It’s all about adapting to the situation and the model in front of you.
Do you secretly think some pets are natural models, and others just aren’t?
Of course, and not secretly at all!+
My dog Suki is a complete supermodel, while the others are not as comfortable, and one is even completely camera-shy. When I first started photographing at the shelter, I noticed the same thing. Some dogs, who probably had never seen a camera in their lives, somehow just knew to stand tall and look their best. Others, not so much.
What’s one thing people don’t realize about photographing animals until they try it?
We often see perfectly posed animal photos online, with tutorials on how to place their legs or direct their gaze. But in reality, most dogs aren’t that well-trained, and even well-trained ones may behave differently in front of the camera. I think many people don’t realize how random and chaotic it can be, but that’s also the beauty of it. Some of my best shots came out of complete chaos.
Is there a landscape you’ll never tire of photographing?
For me it would be mountains and the ocean. Nothing in between, really. Mountains look different every single time, and with the ocean, I adore the colors and how they change depending on the weather.
What’s a hidden gem destination you think more photographers should know about?
Tabernas Desert in Spain. It’s just one of many spectacular landscapes in this amazing country, but it brings completely different vibes from what most people imagine when they think of Spain.
How do you feel that photography has changed the way you see the world around you?
I don’t think photography changed that, I was drawn to it because of the way I see the world. I’ve always noticed details, gestures and found beauty in the scenes in front of me. Photography simply became my way of expressing that.
Do you have a recent or upcoming shoot or project you would like to share or promote?
I’ve recently started exploring equine photography. I now have my very own equine model, so I’ll definitely be sharing more horse photos on my feed soon. Stay tuned!
Read more 500px Photographer Spotlight interviews: Andrea Gambirasio
