Why I Started Photographing Dogs (and Why I Love It)
My Dog Photography Journey in 5 Short Points.
I started photographing dogs after creating a special portrait of our family dog, Ruby.
Friends and family saw Ruby’s photo and asked me to photograph their dogs too.
Dog portraits are now a big part of my work—both in the studio and on location.
Photographing dogs is a lot like working with toddlers: unpredictable but rewarding.
One recent session involved four sausage dogs in the studio—chaotic and brilliant.
As a portrait photographer, my background has always been people-focused, weddings, children, family sessions, and corporate portraits. But five years ago, my direction shifted in a way I didn’t expect.
It Started With Ruby…
Ruby, our beloved dog, was a huge part of our family. We have framed portraits of our children around the house, but at the time, we didn’t have a single one of Ruby. After she passed, I knew I wanted something more than just memories. So I photographed her in my studio and created a large black and white portrait in a chunky frame. Now, that portrait has pride of place in our living room.
It’s one of my most meaningful photographs. It’s more than just a picture, it’s her spirit, captured.
From One Dog to Many!
When friends and family saw Ruby’s portrait, they started asking if I could photograph their dogs too. Those early sessions were mostly on location, walks through local woods, fields, and beaches. And gradually, dog photography became a big part of what I do.
These days, I offer both studio dog portraits and location sessions across the North East (you can find me here). I love the variety and the unpredictability that comes with working with dogs. In many ways, it reminds me of photographing toddlers, you work on their terms, and once they’re ready, you’ve got a short window to get the shot.
A Sausage Dog Challenge
One of my recent studio sessions brought a message that made me smile:
“My mam was wondering if you have availability for a studio dog portrait. She has 3 sausage dogs, Ted, Mouse & Pixie (brother, sister and mum)—and we also have our long-haired sausage Monty (you photographed him before). She’d love a photo of them all together.”
Challenge accepted. With two dachshunds in our own family, I knew exactly what I was in for, small dogs with strong opinions.
The studio session lasted just 15 minutes. Four dogs, five humans, one camera and a lot of patience. But we got there. The result? A series of portraits that show each dog’s personality and the bond between them.
Why I Love Dog Photography
Whether I’m working in the studio or out on location, these sessions never fail to make me smile. There’s something special about capturing a dog’s character in a single image. And for many people, these portraits become just as treasured as the ones they have of their children.
If you’re looking for a dog photographer in the North East, whether it’s for a studio challenge or a relaxed walk with your dog and camera, I’d love to hear from you. Take a look at my website dog gallery here.
Let’s create something worth framing, get in touch here..
