Photographing Dogs Through Every Life Stage
“Which is the most important age to photograph a dog”? This is a question I get asked all the time. My answer might surprise you.
ALL OF THEM!
Our dogs change so quickly. One day they’re all paws, curiosity and puppy breath and before you realise it, they’re calm, knowing companions with sugar faces and familiar routines. The time we have with our dogs is NEVER long enough. Even if they live a long life. We always want more of that unconditional love from a dog who is tuned in to your every mood like no other being on the planet.
Our dogs deserve to have every stage of their life remembered. Not just how they looked, but WHO they were.
As both a pet photographer and dog trainer, I photograph dogs in a way that respects their age, personality and emotional needs. Because the best images don’t come from perfect obedience, they come from trust.
Puppies: Brand New, Wiggly, Curious and Baby Sharks!
Puppies aren’t meant to be still. They are discovering a whole new world with vigor! The most meaningful puppy photos allow movement, exploration and play and capture pure joy instead of showing control. These images capture and preserve a fleeting season that passes way too quickly. Puppies grow like weeds!
Adolescents: Awkward, Emotional, 100% Honest
Teenage dogs are often misunderstood. Their confidence fluctuates with fear periods, their focus disappears with anything shiny or interesting and they often have big feelings as they navigate the world. Photographing this stage requires patience, flexibility and understanding of dog behaviour. All of this knowledge results in images that feel real, not forced and showcase the energy this life stage encompasses.
Adult Dogs: Confidence, Character & Connection
Adult dogs have settled into themselves. Their true personalities are clear and their bond with their people is DEEP! This is where photography slows down and we capture the presence, expression and the life you share together. This time together is precious as your dog is still active and “in their prime” able to showcase their mobility, and playfulness, but also able to really “be” in a moment with their humans.
Senior Dogs: Grace, History and Quiet Love
Senior dogs carry a calm wisdom. They’ve been with you through thick and thin. They know you better than you know yourself. They’ve earned the right to be by your side until the end and we’re so grateful we’ve been able to share this life with them. These sessions are gentle, unhurried and comfort-focused. In these sessions, we honour a life well lived and the deep connection that word’s can’t express.
Celebration of Life Sessions
Sometimes a photo session isn’t about capturing a stage of life, but honouring a lifetime.
Celebration of Life sessions are created for dogs who are facing a serious diagnosis or whose time with us may be limited. These sessions are never rushed and never clinical. They are calm, gentle and led entirely by the dog. As both a photographer and a dog trainer, my priority is always emotional and physical comfort. These sessions are paced slowly, with plenty of rest and quiet moments. There are no expectations or pressure to “perform”. These sessions focus on the connection between you and your dog. The small familiar moments that feel like home. Presence, touch and quiet love.
For many families, these photographs become some of their most treasured belongings. Not because they mark an ending, but because they celebrate a love and bond that will always exist. If you are navigating this season with your dog, know that these sessions are approached with deep compassion, flexibility and care. I will always endeavour to schedule your session in as quickly as possible. Speak to your local Vet who carries my Gift Vouchers for these very sessions, this will mean, you will save by not having to pay a session fee.
