Another ‘at home’ pet photography session in aid of Dogs Trust today with three elderly dogs. Amos, Mishka and Pearl. No time to teach these old dogs new tricks, but we managed to capture their characters all the same.

Another pet photography session in support of Dogs Trust charity today, with Basil and Alfie the Yorkshire Terriers. Very cute and playful, both the boys were real stars in front of the camera although they just saw it as a new playground…great fun!

This session was a good example of planning ahead, i.e. knowing what I wanted the image to look like and timing. The Yorkies weren’t too interested in staying still for very long so we used a pre-arranged maneuver to capture them for a split second in just the right ‘pose’. Although the last image here shows that even when the timing isn’t perfect, you can still get a great expression. I doubt a human subject would approve if I captured them pulling this face, but it definitely works for pets!

Notice the catchlights in the eye(s) – this is important when photographing dogs as it really enhances the expressions, especially if they have dark iris areas. But that’s enough of the tutorial for now, please enjoy the images and leave some feedback on the blog if you have a moment to spare.

Another successful pet photography session as part of the Dogs Trust fundraising competition completed. This time for two German Shepherds, Zac and Zico.

The dogs presented a challenge that all pet photographers have to deal with – panting! One or two images with the tongue lolling about is cute, but not for all of them. Fortunately, a little patience goes a long way and I managed to get the desired shots – even with the two of them together. Good boys!

Hear are three images from the session that seem to show the apparent progression from tongues out to both away. I love the interaction shown in the second image.

Remember, all it takes to have your very own on-line image gallery with your dog(s) and be in with a chance to win a canvas print or even £300 in cash is a £5 donation to Dogs Trust.

Find out more, or book your session now by emailing woof@saycheese.me or calling 0141-416-5141.

Hot on the heals, or should that be paws, of the first of the Dog Photography competition sessions I had the pleasure of working with Muffin, Amber and Totts. All very friendly and very photogenic.

(It shouldn’t be too difficult to work out what the dogs names are from the photos – they suit their names quite well!)

To book your session and to be in with a chance to win a canvas print or even £300 cash, see the competition blog entry here for details.

We are offering up three gift certificates worth £40 each which can be used for an ‘at home’ pet portrait photography session.

All you have to do is suggest a caption for this image of Doogle the dog posing with the “Pet Photographer of the Year” award. He was the subject for the winning image.

The entrants of the best three captions will each receive one gift certificate.

Further details, terms and conditions and contact information can be found here:

Pet Portrait Photography Competition

Another day, another dog.. and what a dog! The variety of canine breeds never ceases to amaze me especially considering that they all originate from a fairly recent ancestry, and today’s marvelous example is a Rhodesian Ridgeback called Kinza. Boistrous and friendly but obedient, exactly what a large puppy should be. The photo shoot went very smoothly and all the boxes were well and truly ticked.

Something that I was keen to capture was a single shot of Kinza’s distinctive ridge of hair along her back and lovely expressive face. I think it sums her up perfectly.

It’s always satisfying when clients are happy with their images, and when they keep coming back then you know you are doing something right!

Today took me to an ‘at home’ studio portrait session for a couple of chocolate Labrador dogs. I had already photographed one of them, Yoda, a while back so it was nice to have the opportunity to do the same again and this time including her new companion Olivia.

Mandie the Collie was a good wee soul and let me capture some lovely shots of her, although I think the treats helped just a bit.

Mandie the Collie

Pet Photography

Ten Puppies in a Row

Taking a more relaxed pace we got some shots of more manageable groups. Thankfully the vinyl backdrop is easy to wipe clean!

Fluffy Trio

Peekaboo!

Puppy Playtime