40 Dogs, Two Days and a Worthwhile Cause!

Some photoshoots are about more than just taking beautiful photographs and this was one of them!

I was lucky enough to be invited to spend two days at ‘The Pawfect Day’ doggy daycare, photographing all the lovely dogs to raise money for Charity.

Arundawn is a small independent Dog Rescue based in West Sussex dedicated to helping dogs in need of a ‘second chance’. Meg regularly fosters dogs from Arundawn, giving them a safe and loving home from home, whilst they wait for their forever family. At the daycare, the team work closely with the dogs to help them settle, build confidence, socialise and experience all the things that will prepare them for life in their new home. She is currently looking after Larry and Cola! (both absolutely gorgeous)

So when Meg asked me to come along, I couldn’t wait to be involved.

With 40 dogs to photograph over two days and the weather forecast set to rain - we had to have a backup plan. Thankfully, the weather gods were kinder to us than expected and we didn’t have as much rain as we were preparing ourselves for. The dogs came down in groups for their photos and still had plenty of time to play and get on with their usual activities.

After all, the best photographs usually happen when dogs are simply doing what they love!

Pushing Myself to Be Better: My First International Pet Photographer Competition

When it comes to photography, I have always believed that there is always more to learn, another technique to master and another way to improve.

So, this year I decided to push myself and enter some of my images into The International Pet Photographer Awards and if I’m honest, entering was a little daunting!

There is so much talent in the industry and when it comes to competition, every technical detail is scrutinised.

I was incredibly excited to receive my results and, most importantly, to receive feedback on my work. As a photographer, you have an emotional connection to your images and it’s easy to see what you like. Having experienced judges look at your photographs from a completely different perspective allows you to see your work in a new way.

For me, this competition wasn’t about collecting awards, it was about learning, challenging myself to look critically at my photography. Every piece of feedback is something I can take to my next shoot. I want to create an image that makes you stop and smile, an image that captures their personality, an image that reminds you of them exactly as they were.

Studio portrait of a dachshund in a rustic wooden bowl

More Than a Prop: The Vintage Charm of the Classic Hat box in Dog Photography

Whilst the dog is always the star of the show, please can we just take a moment for the Classic Hat Box, as there is a lot more to this little prop than meets the eye. It carries a rich history that adds a touch of timeless nostalgia to every portrait.

Hat boxes were essential travelling gear back in the 19th Century. Top hats, bonnets and fascinators were delicate investment pieces and had their own boxes made from cardboard, bentwood or leather to keep them pristine and packaged correctly on long journeys.

These beautiful hat boxes were a symbol of status and would signify style and sophistication. The initials G.S.C. stand for Gwendoline Spencer Churchill, who was sister-in-law to Winston Churchill.

So, here is little Roo, small enough to sit on this prop, which has a story of its own!

Studio portrait of a dog, sat on a vintage hat box