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

Very pleased and excited to announce that two of our images have been nominated for final judging for the SWPP Pet Portrait Photographer of the Year award!

The images are of Doogle, our Cocker Spaniel (which won ‘judges choice’ award in February’s monthly image competition) and of Koda the Siberian Huskie.

The winner will be announced at the annual awards dinner at the SWPP convention in January, held at the Novotel Hammersmith, London.

Fingers and paws crossed!

Doogle the Cocker Spaniel

Koda the Siberian Huskie

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

With this image, I used a single speedlite fitted with a stofen omnibounce diffuser and a small softbox (without diffusion panel) directly in front of Doogle at about 45 degrees to give a nice contrasty sheen on his black fur. In front of a black backdrop I had Doogle sit while I placed a treat near his front paws. He is reasonably well trained and I knew he would look at the treat and then glance up at me without moving his head waiting for the command to grab it. This gave the “pose” I was aiming for that brings his ears and nose together while his eyes are clearly the focal point of the image.

I could have made a “cute” dog photograph, but I like dark and dramatic pet portraits so I emphasised the darkness by adding the negative space above Doogle’s head. It also leaves plenty of space for typesetting – for a motivation poster perhaps?

Doogle the Cocker Spaniel

Having had one of last year’s pet portraits come in as a runner up in the annual awards, and with a run of three gold awards in a row for November, January and February (there was no competition in December) I am allowing myself a bit of optimism for this year! Now I have to work at submitting another image. I have the chance to photograph ten German Shepherd puppies together, so perhaps that will be the next project – I think I might try for “cute and cuddly” this time though

If you would like a pet portrait of your dog – or cat, mouse, monkey… get in touch using the link for the contact form to the right or call us on 0141 416 5141.

Here are some images from the photo shoot.

Bud looking very regal

Thoughtful Bud

Ready for another treat

To take up this fantastic offer, contact us either by making a wedding enquiry or general query.

For just £30 you will have a professional photoshoot of your beloved pet in the comfort of your own home. Plus a free 10×8″ print!

When I say ‘professional’ photoshoot, that is exactly what it means. Imagine a photographic studio with clean bright white or deep black backdrops, studio strobe units and a creative photographer! Want to see the results you can expect? No problem. Have a look at our pet portrait sample gallery, or check out our most recent award winning image on our previous blog entry.

In addition, 10% of all proceeds from pet portaits are donated to the Dogs Trust.