Michael Hrankowski  


Hunde Verbot (Dogs Not Allowed) by Michael Hrankowski

March 2025 - Hunde Verbot (Dogs Not Allowed)

About the Image(s)

While going through some old files I came across this image I took way back in 2001 while in Vienna, Austria. Probably taken with my old Nikon D7100.

I freshened it up with Topaz Gigapixel and some tweaks in Lightroom Classic. I debated whether to clone out the partial text at the right of the frame but since it was part of the poster, I decided to leave it given the Street Photography genre. Thought we all could use a little bit of humor.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
10 comments posted




Andres Valdespino   Andres Valdespino
Michael, certainly got a smile from. The dog posture appears as if it actually understands the sign and sad about it. The kid in the ad is looking in same direction and his joy is a great contrast to the dog. Nice shot.

Question - as this group is general photography, would it have been an option for you to make additional adjustments (not allowed in street photography) for submission in this group? Or was it just your personal decision to adhere to the protocol for street photography? I'm curious.   Posted: 03/05/2025 21:39:45
Michael Hrankowski   Michael Hrankowski
Andres, thank you for your comments. I'm glad you found it as funny as I did. As to your question, it was my personal choice to stick to the traditions of the genre. But, of course, unless one is entering the image into a competition with strict rules, the photographer is free to go all out with artistic expression.   Posted: 03/06/2025 08:52:55



Kieu-Hanh Vu   Kieu-Hanh Vu
Hi Michael,
You have captured a great sense of humour in this image! All the 3 elements work well together to tell a funny story: The boy with a stuffed dog in his arms, the sign of "Dog ban", then a dog sitting right below the sign. The boy also seems to laugh hysterically which is a big plus to the scene!
For street photography, I'd recommend to adjust the uneven lighting on the boy's left face and the dog's fur a bit, if possible. Thanks for sharing your street photography. Now I learn more that dogs could be banned in some Austrian parks.   Posted: 03/06/2025 17:10:16



Michael Hrankowski   Michael Hrankowski
Thank you, Kieu-Hanh. Yes, I see that I could have toned down the highlights in the boy's face. Thanks for the suggestion.   Posted: 03/06/2025 17:46:20



Mary Ann Carrasco   Mary Ann Carrasco
Michael, what a humorous street photograph and, yes, we can all use that these days! I chuckled. I like how it all clicks...the boy in the poster is laughing so hard, no dogs allowed signage and then the dog sitting there taking it all in. Great image.   Posted: 03/15/2025 14:59:44
Michael Hrankowski   Michael Hrankowski
Thanks and glad you enjoyed it!   Posted: 03/21/2025 16:24:25



Ruth Sprain   Ruth Sprain
Michael, the combination of the sign, dog, and laughing boy create a humerous statement. The position of the dog works as if he's taking in the whole scene and purposely disobeying the sign. I'm glad you included that faint line of ground that the dog is sitting on too. Your photo works well for street photography.   Posted: 03/17/2025 15:28:17
Michael Hrankowski   Michael Hrankowski
Thank you, Ruth.   Posted: 03/21/2025 16:25:35



Joan Field   Joan Field
Michael, congratulations on finding that sign. I find myself wondering if the post was part of the the no dog concept originally or not. The kid looks very happy with his stuffed dog. Catching the black dog below was very aurrendipitous and makes the total image quite comical. Good job with the photo and yourr German.   Posted: 03/19/2025 21:03:57
Michael Hrankowski   Michael Hrankowski
Thank you, Joan. Sometimes serendipity makes for great photography.   Posted: 03/21/2025 16:27:52