This individual left his corporate career behind to traverse the globe, capturing canine portraits. He proclaims his contentment to be at an all-time high.
In his mid-thirties, disillusioned with corporate life, Fabiano decided to take a bold step. Leaving his desk job behind, he embarked on an epic journey to document the extraordinary bonds between dogs and people worldwide.
During the last two tumultuous years, Fabiano has traversed diverse landscapes, capturing the captivating relationships between man and man's best friend. He's journeyed to Greenland to photograph Greenlandic sled dogs, Germany to capture the essence of German Shepherds, and Japan to document the imperious Shiba Inus, as part of his passion project, Wags Around the World.
"I'm traveling across the globe, capturing dogs," Fabiano shares with CNN Travel via Zoom. "I've left the monotonous corporate world, and I couldn't be happier or having more fun."
Fabiano's transformation from a corporate exec to a globetrotting canine photographer began in 2022, inspired by his deep-rooted love for dogs. Although he didn't own a high-quality camera until 2020, the pandemic presented a golden opportunity to hone his skills, allowing him to prepare for his grand adventure.
As he meticulously planned his travels, Fabiano thoughtfully divided his project into four groups: wild dogs, working dogs, purebred dogs, and the misjudged "underdogs." He was eager to witness unique relationships between people and dogs, each offering a glimpse into various cultures.
His first stop was Germany, where he connected with a passionate German Shepherd owner, reaffirming his belief in the powerful impact that these bonds could have on him and others.
"I never anticipated the profound effect the human connections I'd form worldwide would have," he muses.
Fabiano credits his beloved dog Viola for guiding and inspiring him during his lowest moments, prompting him to venture into nature and explore its breathtaking landscapes. He has since come to view dogs as role models, defined by their zest for life and unwavering commitment to being present in each moment.
The experience of photographing dogs, Fabiano explains, has been a refreshing and enriching endeavor, giving him a deeper appreciation for man's four-legged companions.
"Dogs require no pretenses or poses," he notes. "In their simplicity and purity, they remind us of the beauty of our own existence."
His subsequent travels have taken him to Greenland, where he captured a captivating photo while riding a sled, earning him a prestigious award in the documentary category of the Dog Photography Awards in 2024.
In India, Fabiano recorded the lives of the country's street dogs, seeking solace and inspiration through his interactions with animal activist Satish Waran in Chennai. South Africa followed, as he captured the vibrant essence of painted dogs, also known as African wild dogs, at the heart of their dynamic habitat.
Prioritizing the underrepresented "underdogs," Fabiano traveled to Ireland to photograph restricted dog breeds and various parts of the United States to document the resilience and spirit of rescue dogs. Confronted with the reality of neglected dogs, he felt compelled to raise awareness and advocate for change.
One of Fabiano's most poignant experiences was his extended stay in Australia, where he traveled with a fellow dog enthusiast, meeting a diverse array of dogs and their devoted owners.
Photographing dogs, Fabiano admits, has its challenges. He must often get down on his knees, contending with the physical and mental demands of capturing fleeting, spontaneous moments. But he wouldn't trade this demanding work for photographing people any day.
Gratitude and admiration for his canine subjects have become a recurring theme during his journey, as he continues to marvel at their inherent wisdom and indomitable spirits.
"Every dog is a story, each one possessing a unique purpose and irresistible charm," he shares.
Yet, Fabiano's adventure has not been without its trials and tribulations. He finds himself inundated with emotions while encountering dogs in dire situations, feeling helpless as he navigates the complexities of his role as an observer and advocate for their welfare.
As he ventures to Thailand and Scotland in search of new stories and connections, Fabiano's passion for capturing the extraordinary bonds between dogs and people remains as unwavering as ever. In the end, his quest is more than just a personal journey - it's a celebration of love, resilience, and the profound connections that have transcended cultures and centuries.
Despite facing emotional challenges, Fabiano continues to be inspired by the resilience and love displayed by the canines he encounters. He shares, "I'm constantly amazed by the stories of these dogs, their unwavering spirits, and the unique connection they have with their humans." This journey has led him to document a variety of news stories related to dogs, such as the plight of rescue dogs in the United States and the remarkable bond between people and Shiba Inus in Japan. His passion for this subject even caught the attention of CNN Travel, who featured an interview with him discussing his travels and project.
