Senior Dog Photography in London: Aston's Clapham Common Photo Session

Some photo sessions stay with you long after the photos have been delivered. This was one of them. A few weeks ago I was contacted by a lovely couple who inquired about a senior dog photography session in London, with their beloved Pomeranian Aston. The couple was interested in having an outdoor lifestyle shoot in Clapham Common, during sunrise or sunset. They wanted natural outdoor photos of the three of them enjoying each other’s company, nothing too staged. His health had been deteriorating and they wished to capture his personality, energy and the special bond they shared while he was still feeling happy and enjoying life. They hoped to create photographs that would always remind them of Aston as he really was.

A natural dog and couple photoshoot at Clapham Common

We met on Clapham Common during a cloudy evening during the first of the heatwaves earlier this summer. Despite the weather, the conditions were perfect for a relaxed outdoor photography session.

I was instantly charmed by Aston. He was small but mighty! Full of character, incredibly sweet and friendly. I have to admit that I had always thought of Pomeranians as rather pampered little toy dogs, but Aston quickly proved me wrong! He was beautifully behaved, incredibly cuddly and very affectionate, while also being quite the poser in front of the camera. That combination made him a joy to photograph.

For a natural dog photography session, I don't want every photograph to look posed. Instead, I like to allow dogs to behave as naturally as possible and photograph the interactions between them and their people. For this session, that meant a mixture of walking photographs, relaxed portraits, cuddles and playful action shots.

“Thank you again for capturing such beautiful memories of us with Aston. They mean so much to us. We can’t wait to share them with our family and friends and to treasure them forever.”

— Alba

Capturing Aston's personality

We began the shoot with a few sitting and walking photographs before giving Aston the opportunity to show off his athleticism and capture his more energetic side. I always try to include a mix of images during a pet photography session. Alongside beautiful dog portraits, I like to capture movement, personality and those little interactions that tell the story of a relationship. These are often the photographs that become the most meaningful as they capture something completely recognisable about your dog, and your interaction with them.

Golden hour on Clapham Common

Halfway through our session, the clouds began to part and we were treated to gorgeous soft light, the type photographers call “the golden hour”. It was the perfect way to finish our session, with everyone enjoying the evening and each other’s company. The changing light also gave us a lovely variety of photographs, from softer portraits to images of Aston moving through the grass with his owners.

Clapham Common is a wonderful setting for an outdoor family and pet photoshoot because there is plenty of space to move around and create a variety of images, even on busy evenings like this one.

A senior pet photography session to remember

This senior pet photo session was a joy to photograph from beginning to end. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the couple and Aston, and unravelling different sides of his personality. More importantly, I feel so honored that my clients put their trust in me to capture their special bond with Aston, and I am glad that I was able to leave them with a treasured memory of their time together.

Since the session, I discovered that Aston had sadly passed away.

His owners were incredibly grateful that they had chosen to have their photographs taken when they did, while Aston was still himself, happy, affectionate and full of life. That is one of the reasons I believe photographs of senior pets are so important.

When we live with our dogs every day, it can be difficult to notice how quickly things change. We remember the walks, the cuddles, the funny habits and the companionship, but photographs allow us to hold onto those memories. An outdoor senior dog photography session doesn't have to be about saying goodbye. It can simply be about celebrating your dog exactly as they are today.

When should you book a senior dog photography session?

There isn’t a single right time to book one. Dogs are considered senior from about age 7 and above, depending on their size, breed and an individual’s health.

Some people contact me when they start noticing changes in their dog, like more sleep, reluctance to go up and down the stairs, or if they have had a health scare (like in the case of Aston). Others, on the other hand simply want to document this stage of their life.

If your dog is elderly, unwell or approaching the end of their life, I would generally recommend getting in touch sooner rather than later. The session can always be adapted to your dog's needs. We can take things slowly, include plenty of breaks and choose a location where your dog feels comfortable. For some dogs that might be their favourite park; for others, a garden or their own home may be a better choice. The most important thing is that your dog is comfortable and that the location feels like them.

End-of-life pet photography in London

I also offer end-of-life pet photography for families who want to document the relationship they share with a much-loved pet during the final stage of their life.

These sessions are, similar to senior dog photography sessions, gentle, relaxed and centered around your pet. I will meet you in your home, or your favourite park and photograph you and your dog interacting, cuddling and playing, as well as details like their paws, the way they look at you or their much loved places around the house.

If you are considering an end-of-life pet photography session, you don't need to know exactly what you want before getting in touch. I am always happy to have a conversation, answer questions and talk through what might work best for your dog and your family.

For additional information and support, The Tilly Project is an international organisation connecting pet owners with end-of-life pet photographers and providing resources around anticipatory grief and pet loss.

Remembering Aston

I feel incredibly honoured that Aston's owners trusted me to photograph this chapter of their lives together.

Aston was much more than a beautiful little Pomeranian in front of my camera. He was a much-loved member of the family, and these photographs are now a record of the personality, affection and joy that he brought to their lives. Below are a few more photographs from our session. I hope you enjoy going through them all as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Looking for a London pet photographer?

If you have a senior dog or pet and want to capture the relationship you share with them, please get in touch. You can read more about senior dog photography sessions, how they are structured. what happens during and after the session and much more on my Senior Dog Photography page. I provide natural, relaxed senior dog and family photography in London and Surrey. I would love to hear about your dog and what you would like to remember about this stage of their life.

About your photographer

Hello. My name is Mina, I am a family and pet lifestyle photographer based in Surrey, photographing families and their much-loved pets across Surrey, London and the surrounding areas. My approach to pet photography is rooted in storytelling, focusing on telling your family’s story. My style is unobtrusive, natural with a focus on candid moments. Rather than expecting children, couples or dogs to sit perfectly and pose for the camera, I prefer to give everyone space to interact, play, walk and simply enjoy being together. The result is a collection of photographs that feels personal to you.

Family and Pet Photo Session with Teenagers in Wandsworth Common | London Family and Pet Photographer

Family Photoshoot with teenagers and puppy

I recently photographed a really sweet family with two teenagers & puppy in Wandsworth. My brief was to photograph the two teenagers and their teenage puppy, a 9 month old golden retriever called Juno, to be used as Christmas cards during the upcoming holidays.

Outdoor Family Photography

We decided to do a home-park split, starting with some relaxed outdoor photographs on Wandsworth Common and going back home for more cozy images. It was an overcast day, the light was lovely and the common was bursting with autumnal colours, giving a gorgeous warm tone to the photographs.

Dog Action Photogrpahy

We started this family and pet photoshoot with some together photos, but soon the 9 month old puppy became restless and needed to move a little. She loved chasing leaves so I thought an action shot of her jumping to catch leaves would be fun. My two helpers gathered a bunch of leaves and on coundown they threw the leaves up in the air and Juno excitedly went after them. I love the resulting image - it is full of energy and movemet, and to me symbolises the joy of autumn.

Wandsworth Common Family and Pet Photography

Since golden retrievers love water, and Wandsworth common happens to have a large pond with a beautiful little feature bridge, I decided to use it as a backdrop and take the next set of photographs there. The love between the two teens and Juno was evident, and so I wanted to capture all the cuddles and kisses which were given out in bountiful quantities.

Family Portrait Photography in London

The rustic bridge on Wandsworth common was the perfect place for a group family photo. The trees in the background provided a colourful, but plane background, and the gentle uphill raise provided a pleasing perspective. We paused here for a few moments, for me to take a few frames of the family together, and the children on their own with the puppy.

Portraits of Teenagers with Puppy

Before heading back home, I wanted to capture each teen with their beloved puppy, and also take some photos of them having fun together, running around in the field.

London Dog Photographer

Finally just a few portraits of June before it was time to leave the park. By this point she was tired from all the running around, and kept relatively still for me to take a few portraits of her in the dry leaves.

Family and Pet Photo Session at home in Wandsworth

It was then time to head back home, snuggle on the sofa and capture a few quiet moments. I very much enjoyed working with teenagers and their puppy, learning what their interests are and hearing about their ideas for potential photos. I thoroughly enjoyed this family and pet photo session, and I hope I meet this family again to see what they are up to in a few years time.

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Book a Family and Pet Photo Session in London and Surrey

If you’d like to book a family and pet photoshoot, please contact me though my website, or email at mina@minamilanovic-photography.com. I would love to capture memories of you and your family and pet enjoying each other’s company.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Gift a Photography Gift Voucher This Christmas

If you know someone who’s just got a puppy, or would like to surprise a dog lover in your life with a unique gift, then why not consider my family and pet photography gift vouchers? You can purchase a one hour, or a two hour photo session, and gift a fun experience together with captured memories which will be cherished in years to come. Please visit my gift voucher page, or contact me directly to discuss your requirements. Thank you!