Gray Malin’s Stunning Vacation Photography: Celebrating Dogs in Iconic Destinations

Gray Malin’s Whimsical Dog‑Centred Shots Capture the Essence of Travel Dreams

Last Updated: January 7, 2025

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Photos by Gray Malin

Since 2011, photographer Gray Malin has been turning the world’s most celebrated beaches into dreamscapes from a doorless helicopter. Over the years he has become an internationally renowned visual storyteller and a New York Times bestselling author, known for images that promise escapism. His latest book, Gray Malin: Dogs, shifts the lens onto our four‑legged companions, honoring the universal bond with canine friends. The result is a collection that is as aspirational as it is endearing.

In Gray Malin: Dogs, the photographer documents dogs enjoying the finest travel experiences across bucket‑list locations. From the Beverly Hills Hotel to Palm Springs, Aspen, Nantucket, Paris, London, and New York City, Malin places canines in iconic settings—whether a suite at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée overlooking the Eiffel Tower, or beside a pristine vintage Ford Bronco on a wind‑blown beach with a blue longboard leaning by its side.

Welcome to the Plaza Hotel

The images present a playful, whimsical homage to old‑world glamour, inspiring viewers to book their next getaway—with their dog in tow, of course.

Malin’s aim is to transport viewers. “All of my photography centers around escapism… When you see my work, you should feel transported to a joyful place, whether it be real or fantasy,” he explains.

Sankaty Head Lighthouse I, Nantucket

The book was conceived in memory of Malin’s own dog, Stella, who passed away as the project neared completion. “She was 15 years old and lived a beautiful life,” Malin recalls. “She would travel with us, and I would photograph her on vacation for fun.”

His breakthrough came after featuring a Bernese Mountain Dog in an Aspen shoot. The resulting image—Bernese beside vintage skis—garnered widespread acclaim and spurred the full collection of dog‑focused photographs.

Surf’s Up, Nantucket

Working with dogs demands meticulous planning. “Each shot is carefully curated,” Malin says. “We style each set, often with vintage props to evoke timelessness—I never want people to know the year the image was taken. We collaborate with a lead dog trainer to cast the dogs and guide owners or trainers, positioning each animal exactly as seen. The only item we remove before the dogs arrive is the food!”

Pool Day, The Beverly Hills Hotel

Location logistics proved even more challenging. “The most difficult part is gaining access to such remarkable venues and working within tight windows,” he notes. “When shooting at The Beverly Hills Hotel or a public spot like The Top of The Rock, we film early to avoid disturbing guests. For Aspen Mountain, we had to get the dogs up the gondola before the ski season opened. And patience with dogs is essential!”

Sunbathers, Top of The Rock

One of Malin’s favorite images captures Dalmatians strolling through the inner courtyard of the Palais Royal in Paris, beside an art installation of striped black‑and‑white columns by Daniel Buren. “I love the juxtaposition of the dogs’ spots with the striped columns and the French architecture,” he explains.

The Arrival, Aspen Private Airport

Malin believes the emotional impact of his work lies beyond composition or styling. “When I hang artwork in my own home, I consider how it looks and how it makes me feel,” he says. “These images simply bring a smile.”

This article originally appeared in the award‑winning Modern Dog magazine. Subscribe today!