Cone of shame becomes cone of delight in Winnie Au’s photo series and book “Cone of Shame” (Union Square & Co.), created with the help of designer Marie-Yan Morvan. The series-turned-book offers a whimsical take on what are formally called Elizabethan collars, devices that dogs wear after surgery or injury to ensure they don’t disturb the vulnerable site.
Costumes: Both Au and Morvan conceived ideas for cones; inspirations came from everywhere: sea urchins, cotton candy, spaghetti, a pile of ugly wires, the moss growing on a mountainside, she says. “It was really fun to work on and see the world through the idea of turning it into a cone.”
Compositions: Once they had a cone in mind, they decided which type of dog would look best wearing it, and on what type of background. “From a composition standpoint, I saw the dogs as part of a work of art, another texture and shape to work with in a sculptural moment.”
Challenges: “There is very little precedent for bespoke cones,” says Au, so they had to ideate from scratch. Sometimes a concept did not work—for example, they liked the idea of a whipped cream-themed cone, but spray foam made the cone too heavy for the dog. A few of the cones worked best when hung from fishing line attached to a pole rather than being placed directly on the dog’s neck.
Giving back: The “Cone of Shame” series was partially inspired by Au’s late corgi Tartine, who had throat cancer, and after a month of chemotherapy, had to be euthanized. “The whole experience was so difficult and sad, and it made me acutely aware of the high cost of medical bills for dogs,” she says. Proceeds from her “Cone of Shame” book, released this month, will be donated to rescue dogs with urgent medical needs.
Amanda Arnold is a senior editor.
Tags: pet photography