Family Dogs / Surrey Family and Pet Photographer

Family Dogs

I love taking family photographs and I also love photographing dogs. That is why I recently started a personal project called Family Dogs, with an aim to document the relationship families have with their pet dogs. To kick start the series, I photographed a gorgeous cocker spaniel Lexi with her human family. We arranged our dog and family photo shoot near Leith Hill as the family lived close by and one of their favourite things to do in spare time was to go on long country walks.

Family portraits with pets

It was a warm summer day in late summer, with sunshine coming through the clouds but with rain looming in the distance. We started our walk at the bottom of the hill, walking up the gentle slopes, sun coming through the trees. This first part of the session provided some great opportunities for group shots, the colours of the dead leaves on the ground matching Lexi’s coat. It was lovely to work with the earhy colour palette. A part of the route up towards Leith Hill has some impressive tree roots which form an amazing pattern on the ground. I knew I wanted to include these in the photographs, so I positioned Lexi for a few dog portraits. I particurlarly like black and white versions of these photographs, the textures and patterns really come through. Once we were on top of the hill, I looked around for nice spots for some more family shots. The heather was in bloom and I wanted to include it in the photos. Often when photographing families with dogs, there is quite a bit of arranging going on. Either the dog doesn’t want to sit still, the kids want to run around or both things happen making it nearly impossible to take a group shot! On this occasion, by some miracle, the family set down and just as they did so (while also looking at the camera), Lexi came from behind and poked her head through a little hole in the middle. This is one of the rare unposed, unplanned photos which just happened and turned out amazing! It is one of my favouirtes from this family and pet photo session, probably because it was so spontaneous!

Dog Portraits

Finally, a dog photo session with an energetic dog like Lexi wouldn’t be complete without a few action shots. I got Lexi to run along the paths amongst the heather and she did so with such speed that my auto focus struggled to keep up. I love taking a variety of different shots which capture memories of our pets in different situations - while frantically running around, chasing a ball, playing with another dog or a family member, or having a quiet moment. Different moments take us back and awaken memories we thought we lost.

Family Photography with Dogs

If you live in Surrey and are interested in participating in my Family Dogs photography project, please get in touch - I would love to hear from you and photograph your family and your dog(s)!

Dog Photography Gift Vouchers

If you are looking for a different kind of gift for someone’s birthday, anniversary or Christmas present, then a photography gift voucher may be the answer. I offer 1h and 2h dog photography gift vouchers. You can add extra credit to the gift certificate, which can go towards digital files or prints, or leave it up to the receipient to choose what they’d like at the end of the photoshoot. Get in touch if you have any questions!

Richmond Family Photographer / Kew Family and Newborn Photoshoot

Newborn Photoshoot in RIchmond-upon-Thames

This newborn photoshoot was organised to mark the arrival of the second baby into this lovely family. I really enjoyed getting to know, and to photograph this family. The location for the photoshoot was the family home in Kew, London. We discussed splitting the photo session and doing a part of it indoors, and (weather permitting) doing the second half in the garden. Luckly, the weather gods were with us on the day, so we were spoilt for choice.

Natural Newborn Photography

At the beginning of my photography career, I tried a few different setups when photographing newborns. I found these to be quite awkward and un-natural, and I think I have finally set on photographing newborns in quite a natural way; being adored by their parents, having a curious look during their awake time, sleeping in their cot, interacting with their older sibling(s). This little baby boy was only 5-6 weeks old during this newborn photo session but very much awake and alert nearly the whole time I was there (he eventually dozed off just before I left). I was therefore able to capture a few sweet looks, and tender moments with his parents. We spent some time in the sunshine taking family photos, where I was able to not only photograph the newborn but also the older sibling, and to take a few family photos. After all those family portraits, and outdoor time, it was time for the baby to sleep and what better way to go to sleep than with a gentle kiss from your big brother. The photo, at the very end of the slide show, melts my heart!

Surrey and London Newborn Photographer

If you are interested in having some baby or family photos taken, please contact me to discuss your ideas and requirements. I work across London, Surrey and the South East photographing newborns, babies, children, families and pets!