Puppy & Couple Photoshoot in Chelsea, London
Welcoming a new puppy into the family is one of those moments in life which each family member remembers forever! Puppies grow and change so quickly that we easily forget how tiny, playful and curious they once were.
This Chelsea puppy photoshoot was about capturing that special stage, not only through beautiful portraits but through play and connection.
A Chelsea Puppy Photoshoot with Owners
A lovely lady contacted me at the beginning of summer enquiring about my puppy photo sessions in London. An extra treat to this was the fact the owner wanted her and her husband to be featured in the photos, to capture the connection they are developing with the newest member of their family and to mark this very special time in their lives. The couple had been living in London for several years so they suggested we meet in a private garden in a leafy neighbourhood in Chelsea, a stone’s throw away from Old Brompton Cemetery.
Outdoor Puppy Photography in Chelsea
We began the photo session with a few action shots. The puppy was excited, playful and bouncy so this was the perfect opportunity to let her run around and explore, burning some of that energy. It was also the perfect opportunity to capture movement which I did with a set of walking shots. Once the initial excitement subsided, we slowed things down and photographed quieter moments of connection. After photographing puppies for more than 10 years, I’ve come to realise that puppy photography can be quite challenging because puppies rarely follow a plan. They can be excited one moment, distracted the next then shortly afterwards too tired to focus & ready for a nap. Having worked with many puppies over the years, I’ve learned to lean into this rather than to work against it. I keep the session relaxed, move quickly when the puppy is engaged, allow plenty of breaks and adapt the photography style to the puppy’s mood and needs. The result is a mixture of playful action photographs, relaxed portraits and genuine moments of connection between owners and their puppy. You can also find out more about dog & couple photo sessions in my London & Surrey dog photography page here.
Why Organise a Puppy Photoshoot?
Puppyhood is a brief moment in time when your puppy is small, cuddly, playful and super cute! Puppy & couple photoshoots are a great way of documenting this special but brief time in your puppy’s life. It is a great way of celebrating bringing a puppy home and marking the beginning of your friendship. The resulting photos are a document of your cute little puppy and the memories of all of you together. For more information about puppy photography, please visit my puppy photo sessions in Surrey & London page.
Puppy Photography in London & Surrey
I work across London and Surrey photographing puppies and their owners. I would typically meet you in your favourite park or at home, and work with you to capture your puppy’s developing character as well as the bond you share with them. Some of my previous puppy photo sessions were held at private gardens, local parks, and in the countryside. One of the great things about what I do is meeting new people and exploring lovely places in London.
About Mina | Surrey & London Puppy Photographer
Hello! My name is Mina. I have been working as a Surrey & London dog photographer, specialising in natural, relaxed photography of dogs and their owners. I have been photographing dogs and their owners for over ten years, from tiny puppies through to adult and senior dogs. My approach is rooted in storytelling, focusing on connection rather than perfectly posed portraits (although I love creating those too). Puppies can be unpredictable, which is part of what makes photographing them so much fun. I allow time for exploring, playing, resting and getting to know their surroundings, adapting the session to the individual puppy rather than expecting them to behave like a trained adult dog. Photographing dogs with their owners and families gives me a great sense of joy and satisfaction, knowing I am capturing moments which will become cherished memories with passing years. You can read more about me in the about me section of my website.
Where Can We Have a Puppy Photoshoot in London or Surrey?
I photograph puppies and dogs throughout Surrey and London, including Chelsea and Fulham, Richmond, Wimbledon, Putney and other London and Surrey locations. We can arrange the photo session at home, outside in a local park, a private garden, or your favourite walk, in the countryside or beach. You can find out what a session in a London park is like, if you visit this puppy and couple photoshoot in Dulwich blog post. This blog post is also an example of how these sessions work when you include the whole family.
If you'd like to capture this fleeting stage of life with your puppy, I'd love to hear from you.
How Does a Puppy Photoshoot Work?
Puppy photoshoots are designed to be a pleasant experience for both you and your dog. We will meet at a pre-arranged location, go for a walk, have a chat and take some beautiful photographs in the process. A puppy (&couple) photo session looks roughly like this:
1. Choose a location
During our initial correspondence, we will discuss possible locations. Typically, we would arrange the session at home, in your local park, on your favourite walk, at the beach or a combination of the two.
2. Let your puppy settle in
I will meet you and your puppy and give them a moment to get to know me and to settle in. If I may, I will have a little cuddle and play before we start with photography.
3. Start with play and movement
Puppies can naturally be quite excitable and lively so we may start the session with some action shots.
4. Slow things down
During this part of the session, I will slow things down and get you to have a cuddle with your puppy for some more personal shots.
5. Take breaks when needed
Especially important for young puppies.
6. Capture photographs of everyone together
This part of the session is really fun as everyone gets to sit down, relax and enjoy some puppy love.
Two photoshoots are never the same and neither are puppies. I always judge the energy levels and the mood of the puppy first and adjust my working style accordingly.
How to Book a Puppy Photoshoot
If you feel drawn to my work, and would like to inquire about organising a puppy photo session with me, please get in touch. You can reach me by phone, email or a contact sheet on my website. If you’ve sent an email and don’t hear back from within 24h, please check your junk folder or call me.
Puppy Photography Gift Vouchers
Do you know someone who has recently become a proud owner of a puppy? If so, have you thought about gifting a puppy photography gift voucher? Getting one is easy - you can simply contact me and arrange payment and where the voucher should be posted to, or you can go directly to my photography gift voucher page where you can make an on-line purchase. I will hand wrap the voucher and post it to you or the recipient, or email you a PDF version if you are in a hurry. Puppy photography gift voucher is a meaningful gift that not only provides a unique experience but will leave a recipient with a selection of beautiful photographs they will look back on with fondness and joy in years to come.
Puppy Photo Shoot Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a puppy photo session last?
Puppy photo sessions roughly last an hour. Puppies tend to tire quickly so working quickly is the key. I am always happy to make the session longer if the puppy is happy and up for prolonged cuddles and play, but as a general rule short and sweet works a treat.
How old should my puppy be for a photoshoot?
There is no minimum age. If a puppy is particularly young, we can arrange the photo session at home. If the puppy is slightly older and has had all its vaccines, we can meet at a park, enjoy a walk and capture some special moments.
Can we take breaks during the puppy photoshoot?
Absolutely! We take many short breaks and let your puppy regain its energy and focus.
What happens if it rains on the day of our photoshoot?
In case of heavy rain, we can move the photo session indoors or arrange a different time or day, and hope the great British weather is kinder on us.
What should we wear for a puppy photoshoot?
Please wear whatever you feel comfortable in. The best photos are the ones where people feel comfortable, and clothes play a big part in how you feel. I would suggest thinking about colours in advance and wearing something that complements the person(s) who you will be in the photos with! Neutral colours work well in photos, so do colours when they are matched between different people. Try avoiding shirts with narrow stripes, these can create an optical illusion and make your eyes go funny looking at a photo.
Where can a puppy photoshoot take place?
I can meet you at home or in your favourite park/walk/beach. We can also arrange to split the shoot between home and an outside location.
Where does your puppy photography service cover?
I work across Surrey and London, as well as the South West. I am happy to travel so if your location is outside of my free of charge travel zone, there may be a small travel fee applied to additional miles.
How long are puppy photography gift vouchers valid?
Photography gift vouchers are valid for one year from the date of purchase.
Is it worth having photographs taken with my puppy?
Absolutely! Your puppy will change so quickly and capturing cuteness, playfulness and your developing friendship will be treasured in years to come.
Can my partner be included in the puppy photoshoot?
Yes, partners and family members are welcome to join in.
Can we have photographs of just the puppy as well as photographs together?
I normally take a variety of shots. A set of images at the end of the session will have portraits of the puppy, but also photographs of all of you together walking, playing and cuddling.
Can puppy photoshoots take place at home?
Puppy photos shoots can take place at home, in your favourite park, on a walk or a beach.
Can you photograph a puppy that is nervous or shy?
I will do my best to follow your and your puppy’s lead, giving them enough time to adjust to me and come out of their shell. Puppies are curious by nature and once they see I am no threat, they will see me as a play buddy and join in the fun.
Do you photograph puppies that haven't finished their vaccinations?
If your puppy is very young or hasn't yet been cleared by your vet for outdoor walks, we can arrange the session at home. Once your puppy is ready for outdoor adventures, we can choose a favourite park, walk or other suitable location.
Can we bring treats and toys to the photoshoot?
Please do! These will help your puppy relax and re-focus during break times. We can also incorporate some of the favourite toys into the photoshoot.
What happens after the puppy photoshoot?
After the puppy photoshoot, I will edit a selection of images and after one-two weeks send you a link to a private, password protected gallery where you will be able to view and select any images you wish to purchase.
How many photographs will we receive?
You will receive between 25-40 photographs to choose from.
Ready to Capture some Memories with your puppy?
Puppyhood goes by incredibly quickly. If you'd like relaxed, natural photographs of your puppy — including photographs of you together — I'd love to hear about your plans.
Couple & Dog Photography at Isabella Plantation | London Dog Photographer in Richmond Park
RICHMOND park’s secret garden
Isabella Plantation in Richmond park is one of my all time favourite places to visit. It is a secluded Victorian woodland garden in the middle of the park, which from early March onward becomes transformed with smells and sights of camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, bluebells and many more magnificent plant species. It is a feast for the senses and provides a beautiful backdrop for photography.
Couple and Dog Photo Shoot at Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park
I was lucky enough to have not only one but two photo sessions there this year. The first one was a newborn photo session in the peak of the flowering season - everywhere you looked were beautiful shades of pink, red, violet, yellow, orange, green and blue. The second photo shoot was with a very sweet couple and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called Crumpet. We met early in the morning to avoid the crowds. It was a beautiful spring morning, the sun was shining and the air was filled with the sweet smell of rhododendrons. We started the session at still pond, normally the busiest part of the garden. Azaleas around the pond were slightly past their peak, providing a less intense colour as the backdrop. I used a nearby japanese acer tree to frame the shot and placed the couple in front of the pond. We stayed around this area to take a few more portraits of everyone together, and of Crumpet on his own.
London Dog Photographer
We continued our walk through the plantation to Thompson’s pond and Peg’s pond, stopping along the way to smell the flowers, look at ducklings and most importantly capture preciousmemories. Working as London dog photographer, I love the challenge of photographing in new places. Although I visited Isabella plantation countless times, I previously did only one dog photo shoot there, which was later in the season and after the flowering season. Therefore, this couple & dog photo session felt completely fresh and inspired me to think of new locations, backdrops and photography techniques which I previously haven’t used in this location.
Outdoor Portrait Photography
Looping around and going back towards the car park, we passed through a quiet area of the garden, filled with bluebells, old chestnut trees, rhododendrons and bracken. It was in this area where a fallen chestnut tree caught my eye, its exposed roots creating a sculptural shape which I wanted to incorporate into the portraits of my subjects.
Relaxed Pet Photography
At this point, Crumpet was getting a little tired from all the hard work of posing, so I suggested we take a short break. With everyone relaxed, I could work unobtrusively to capture a few detailed shots of the dog and a few shots of the couple with Crumpet which felt more intimate.
Photographing Dogs in Action
Outside of the plantation, and with Crumpet off the lead, it was time for action shots! I love doing these shots, especially with breeds with long ears. The resulting images are filled with joy and happiness - ears flapping, tongue dangling, leaping through the air - definition of a happy puppy!
Dog & Couple Photo Session Information
If you enjoyed viewing these photos even a fraction of how much I enjoyed taking them, and you would like to find out more, please visit my couple photography page, or head over to my dog photography page.
You can find more information on Isabella Plantation, when to visit and how to get there by visiting The Royal Parks website.
Dog Photography Gift Vouchers
This couple & dog photoshoot was gifted as a birthday present to the lovely lady of this family. If you are considering gifting a unique, personal and meaningful gift to someone, please consider my photography gift vouchers. I offer vouchers for different life stages and I am more than happy to create a personalised gift that suits your needs. Please visit my gift voucher page for more information and to see what is on offer; otherwise contact me to inquire if you have more specific needs.
About Me
Hi! My name is Mina and I work as a professional family, dog and wedding photographer. If you like my work, and would like to discuss potentially booking a photo session with me, please drop me a line at mina@minamilanovic-photography.com or give me a call on 07793 677 867. I look forward to hearing from you!
Couple & Dog Photo Session in Queens Park, Paddington | London Dog Photograph
Senior Pet Photography in London
Meet Dublin! A sixteen year old terrier cross with a spark in his eye and a spring in his step! Full of character, joy and that irresistible zest for life - he was livelier than a lot of dogs half his age. His owners reached out to me as they had received some worrying news about his health, and they wanted to capture some photographs of him while he was still feeling well. It was a bittersweet request, one I always approach with the deepest care and respect. These sessions are never easy, but they’re incredibly meaningful.
You wouldn’t guess Dublin’s age just by watching him. Despite everything, he was bouncy, curious and eager to explore. We arranged to meet at Queens Park, west London as this was one of Dublin’s favourite walking spots. The park had a great mix of paths, open spaces and quiet corners so felt big enough and varied enough in terms of photography backgrounds, but was also meaningful to the couple.
Outdoor Pet & Couple Photography
We began the session with a gentle walk along a tree-lined path tucked into one corner of the park. I always guide my clients a little during these early moments, just enough to help them feel at ease and forget about the camera. This enables me to capture my clients relaxed, enjoying each other’s company and being present.
Dog Portrait Photography
Not far from the path, we found a large fallen log—just the right place to pause for some individual portraits. Once up on the log, Dublin was happy to pause briefly from his park adventures and enjoy a few cuddles. It was also a good place to brush up on his stay command, while I took several portraits of him.
Winter Dog Photo Session at a London park
As we made our way into the centre of the park, the bandstand came into view. Bright and striking against the soft grey of an overcast day, it added a little splash of colour to the photos.I always enjoy working around bandstands—there’s something nostalgic about them. Once a bustling part of Victorian park life, many have faded into history, though some, like this one, have been carefully restored and still serve as focal points for families and communities. On this day, there was no music playing, just the rustle of leaves and the gentle laughter of a couple who clearly adore their little dog. I worked from different angles, positioning myself to capture the whole structure as well as the couple and the dog from closer up.
For more information about bandstands, you can read a really interesting article here.
By this point, Dublin was getting a little tired so I suggested we find a bench and have a bit of a rest. This worked a treat! Dublin snuggled in between the couple and enjoyed lots of kisses and cuddles. Some of my favourite photos are from this bench. They are filled with love, connection and intimacy and show just how meaningful and deep our relationship with our pet can be.
This was a great opportunity to have some close up photos of Dublin’s face. He had such curious expressive eyes that I wanted to capture them up close. I’d hoped to get a photo of his paw resting in a hand, but he wasn’t quite comfortable with that. So we decided to improvise. His owner gently resting her hand next to his, which created a lovely timeless composition..
As the session came to a close, we ended on a light-hearted note, tossing some leaves in the air to see if Dublin might enjoy the spectacle. He was entirely unimpressed, closing his eyes as the leaves fluttered down, which made us all laugh.
End-of-Life Dog Photography
Sessions like these are incredibly special. They’re about celebrating the life of a beloved pet, acknowledging the joy they’ve brought, the love they’ve shared, and the space they hold in our hearts. If you’re considering photographs of your senior dog, or if you’re approaching a more difficult goodbye, please know you’re not alone.
I offer senior dog and end-of-life dog and pet photography, and have recently joined the Tilly Project - a non-profit organisation that helps connect pet owners with photographers across the world, and provides photography, educational, and grief resources for owners experiencing pet loss or bereavement.
Booking a Senior Dog Photography Session or End-of-Life Pet Photography Session
Booking a dog photo session is easy!
1 SAY HELLO!
Drop me a line at mina@minamilanovic-photography.com to enquire about a session or fill out a form on my contact page and tell me a little bit about what your requirements are. I will send you my availablity and answer any questions you may have before you book your session. We can arrange either a weekday or a weekend session, whatever works best for you and your pet.
2 SESSION DEPOSIT
A 30% booking deposit is required to reserve your date on my calender. The remainder of the fee is payable before the agreed pet photography session date.
3 SESSION LOCATION
We will discuss location choices. I am happy to meet you at your favourite location, or provide a list of locations in the Surrey and London area. I can also meet you at home for a home pet session, or we can split our time between your home and an outside location.
About Me
Hello! I’m Mina, a pet and family photographer based in Surrey, working across London and the South East. I’ve always loved animals and have had dogs growing up who were my companions and my best buddies. In my adulthood I’ve had two cats who were there for some of my most important milestones in life.
Losing them was incredibly hard, but the photographs I have of them are now some of my most treasured possessions. They bring me back to our shared adventures and remind me of the deep love we had for one another.
I know how meaningful our relationships with our pets are, and how important it is to preserve the moments that make them special. I would love to help you capture memories of you with your beloved pet. If you would like to work with me, please get in touch.