Step into the whimsical world of Andrius Burba’s Underlook project, where everyday pets are transformed into mesmerizing art from an entirely fresh angle. This groundbreaking series, which began with a simple idea inspired by a cat on a glass table, now encompasses everything from fluffy kittens to majestic horses, offering a unique, intimate glimpse into the charming underside of our animal companions.
For ten years, Lithuanian photographer Andrius Burba has been enchanting animal lovers worldwide with his innovative Underlook project. What began as a simple observation of a cat on a glass table blossomed into a full-fledged artistic endeavor, pushing the boundaries of pet photography and inviting viewers to see familiar creatures from a truly surprising perspective.
Burba’s signature style involves photographing animals from underneath a glass surface, meticulously capturing their paws, bellies, and often bewildered or playful expressions. The result is a series of images that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also reveal the individual personality of each animal in a wonderfully unexpected way.
The Genesis: From Under-Cats to Global Sensation
The Underlook project initially focused on felines, aptly named Under-Cats. Burba photographed them at an international cat show in Lithuania, immediately captivated by “their cute little paws which were impossible to resist to look at.” These early images laid the groundwork for the project’s expansion, demonstrating the potential of this unusual vantage point.
The success of Under-Cats quickly led Burba to broaden his horizons. Dogs were the natural next step. He observed that while “cats were adorable, dogs are more playful” and their obedience often made for “more interesting photos.” To accommodate a wider range of canine companions, from tiny Pomeranians to larger breeds, Burba designed a special glass table.
The Ultimate Challenge: Under-Horses
Perhaps the most ambitious undertaking of the Underlook project was photographing horses. Capturing these magnificent, 600 kg (approximately 1,300 lb) animals required an extraordinary level of planning and execution. Burba famously stated his goal: “I knew that all I needed is to get a 600 kg horse on a glass, dig 3 meters into the ground, put my camera under a big glass and take a shot.”
This monumental task involved a team of over 40 people, two months of meticulous preparation, and specialized equipment. A large hole, nearly 10 feet deep, was dug into the ground to place the camera. A giant pane of ultra-strong glass, weighing 400 kg (around 900 lb) and measuring 3 x 1.75 meters (9.8 x 5.7 feet), was then positioned over it. To prevent any damage, the horses wore custom-made rubber horseshoes.
Such large-scale animal photography projects demand not only artistic vision but also significant technical prowess and safety measures, as detailed in discussions on specialized photography platforms like DPReview, highlighting the complexity involved in capturing such unique shots.
The technical gear used for the Under-Horse series included a Nikon D810 camera, a Nikon 35mm f/1.4 lens, and four Profoto ProHead Plus flashes, emphasizing the professional-grade setup required for such a demanding shoot. These tools are often preferred for their reliability and image quality in challenging studio environments.
The Art and Impact of the Underlook
Burba’s photographs are more than just technical marvels; they are works of art that evoke a range of emotions. They are playful, surprising, and often a little silly, but at their core, they offer a profound new way to connect with the animals we thought we knew so well. From the fluffy underbellies of kittens to the powerful musculature of a horse, Underlook transforms the ordinary into something magical.
The black background used in many of Burba’s shots strengthens the surreal effect, making each animal appear as though it’s floating in space. Their floppy ears, wagging tails, and soft fur drift towards the viewer, creating a dreamlike quality that is both adorable and thought-provoking. This distinctive approach to pet portraits is gaining traction, inspiring many to explore unconventional perspectives in photography, as noted by various creative and art blogs like Creative Boom.
Connecting with the Community: Beyond the Lens
The fan community has embraced Underlook with enthusiasm, drawn to the project’s ability to spark joy and curiosity. Comments from viewers often highlight the sheer delight found in seeing these familiar creatures from a novel angle, with many expressing surprise at the details revealed:
- “They look like they’re dancing.”
- “I love the little feet ses!”
- “My question is, how did they get an horse on a glass table?”
- “Beautiful cat! ♥ ♥ ♥ I love the beans! Cute kitty!”
- “Horse looks like a rock star! This is probably the cutest horse one.”
These reactions underscore the universal appeal of Burba’s work, which resonates with pet owners and art enthusiasts alike.
The Future of Underlook: New Horizons
The Underlook project continues to evolve. Andrius Burba has shared his extraordinary work through books and various online platforms, including his popular Instagram (underlook_project) and Facebook (GetUnderlook) pages. He harbors plans to establish his own studio, a dedicated space where he can freely explore and develop new ideas for his photography.
In a post on Bored Panda, where many of his stunning photos are often featured, Burba even hinted at the possibility of photographing tigers in the future. This audacious vision speaks to the ongoing ambition behind Underlook. Regardless of the species, Burba’s core mission remains steadfast: to surprise viewers and to illuminate the hidden beauty and unique character of animals from an utterly fresh, never-before-seen perspective.
