breed standard in your mind and put it on the dog to capture the best angle and make them look like the Best of Breed winner of the day.” That philosophy guides his every shot, even today. He employs this skilled understanding to direct each photo, asking the handler to move a foot, change the angle of the dog, or lift the head higher. He may reposition the judge, ribbon, or handler as well, all while managing the lighting and navigating the bustling atmosphere of Westminster. The final step in his process is drawing out the dog’ s breed-specific expression, which is often achieved by a practiced toss of a carrot toy or a well-timed treat. At that moment, the photo is taken, and a once-in-alifetime win is eternalized. This deep grasp of canine conformation and its nuance has become the defining hallmark of an Ashbey photo.
Since the beginning, little has changed. Ashbey still spends nearly every weekend at local shows, photographing everything from Best in Show to a puppy’ s first points to a veteran’ s emotional return to the ring. He captures each moment diligently, now frequently assisted by his daughter Andrea in his work. Together, they make a formidable team and have continued to adapt to the modernization of photography, including digitization. Nevertheless, John remains an institution. As he has for decades, John is most often seen in his signature khaki vest, trusted carrot squeakers tucked in his pocket, camera always within reach.
THE LEGACY
While Ashbey’ s photos are cherished by the exhibitors they capture, they also represent half a century of Westminster Kennel Club
history. They fill archives, history books, and articles. They are studied when researching pedigrees, revisiting historical powerhouses, or reflecting on great judges and handlers who shaped the past. His images offer what no story or written critique ever could: an opportunity to view a great dog frozen in time, exactly as it appeared on the day of its accomplishment. This collection of captured moments is one of the most accurate ways to view these great dogs of the past, unretouched and expertly immortalized, forming one of the most authentic and complete visual records of Westminster history.
Beyond a photographer, John Ashbey has become an institution of the show. When asked about his 50- year tenure as The Westminster Kennel Club’ s official photographer, he said,“ It is a privilege I feel honored to have had all these years!” For the fanciers, the privilege is in having their photo taken by someone described as“ a legend,”“ a true icon,” and“ in a class all by himself.” His enduring presence and remarkable collection of photographs speak for themselves. Those of us at The Westminster Kennel Club couldn’ t agree more and are proud to honor such a historied pillar of our sport as we celebrate our sesquicentennial show.
WESTMINSTER. There’ s only one ® 43