Surrey Pet Photographer | Autumnal Dog & Owner Photo Shoot in Lightwater Country Park
Autumnal Dog Photo Session
Autumn is my favourite time of year for family and pet photo shoots. The light is softer, the colours are warmer and the air is filled with autumnal scents. Nature is slowing down and in the process creating the most wonderful experience for all the senses.
Surrey Dog Photographer at Lightwater Country Park
My client received a dog photography gift voucher from her family, and wanted to arrange a dog photo session with me at Lightwater Country Park in Surrey. We met at the car park and went on a circular walk, through the beech forest, past a heather hill, golden brown brecken and through the woods again. The stunning backdrops were plentiful and provided ample opportunity for portraits, action shots and portraits of my client and her pooch together.
Dog Photography Gift Vouchers
If you would like to purchase a dog photography gift voucher, please get in touch or visit my store. Photography gift vouchers are a fantastic present for a dog lover. They make unique and meaningful anniversary, birthday or Christmas presents.
About Me
Hi! My name is Mina. I am a Surrey family & pet photographer, based near Dorking in Surrey. I use documentary-style photography to capture candid moments of you, your family and pets enjoying each other’s company. If you would like to discuss booking a photo session with me, please give me a call or contact me through my website.
Surrey Dog Photographer
If you have a dog, or a family and a dog & would like to find out more about my photo sessions, please visit my family photography page. I love photographing singles, couples, and families with their dogs. So, if you’ve just bought a puppy, have a young dog or a senior dog and would like to capture some memories with them, please get in touch and we will arrange a pet photo session - relaxed, joyful and fun!
Get in Touch!
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.
Family and Dog Photo Session in Paddington, London W9
A Heartwarming Family & Pet Photo Session in Paddington
Last spring, I received an email from a client who had been gifted a photography voucher for a baby and dog session. Her family wanted to capture some special moments for their daughter’s first birthday, so we began planning for a shoot later that year.
Fast forward to October, and we found ourselves meeting at their charming home in a quiet mews in Paddington, London. It was a crisp yet pleasant day, with overcast skies and just enough sunshine peeking through to keep things cozy.
Team Work For A Successful Family Photoshoot
The family was simply delightful—so playful, warm, and full of love. They really enjoyed spending time together, playing games with their daughter and sharing joyful moments. In my ten years as a family photographer across London and Surrey, I've learned that a successful session is truly a team effort. While I set the scene and guide the direction, it’s the parents' involvement that brings those authentic, candid moments to life. The more engaged they are, the more natural and creative the photos turn out.
At Home and Outdoor Family & Pet Photo Session
We started the session right outside their doorstep, spending around 45 minutes in the mews. The little one, their adorable daughter, had so much fun playing with her parents and their gorgeous black cockapoo—being thrown in the air, cuddles, tickles, and a fair bit of running around with the dog. Of course, there were also a few posed shots, and their dog made sure to steal the show in a few of them. In fact, I got creative and even used the pup to frame a portrait of the little girl. He was a star, and rightfully so!
Children Photography
When photographing families with young children, I often find it helpful to take a short break midway through. A snack, a change of clothes, or just a moment to unwind gives the little ones a bit of a boost for the second half of the session. After a quick breather—and some fun hide-and-seek portraits with their daughter inside—I suggested a change of scenery. We made our way to a nearby private garden for the next round of shots.
Autumnal Family & Pet Photography
As soon as we stepped through the garden gate, the sun finally emerged from behind the clouds, giving us that perfect autumnal glow. The golden light added a touch of magic to the family portraits, as well as some sweet couple shots and more playful images of their daughter.
Family Dog Action & Portrait Photography
To wrap things up, we headed back home for some action shots of the family dog. I had a little fun with this one, positioning him on top of a neighbor’s car (he was quite the model!). It was the perfect ending to a beautiful day of family and pet photography.
Reflections on Family Photography
Every family is unique, but what I love most about these sessions is how they capture the essence of connection—between family members and their pets, between parents and children, and the moments that truly tell a story. Photography is about more than just posing for the camera; it’s about creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.
Booking a Family Photo Session
If you are considering hiring a professional family photographer you’ve come to the right place! To find out more about family photo sessions, please visit my family photography services page. If you’ve already made up your mind, and you would like to book me in for a family session, or to mark your child’s first birthday, or baptism please contact me on mina@minamilanovic-photography.com or send me an enquiry though the contact form on my website. I look forward to hearing from you!
Photography Gift Voucher
Photography Gift Vouchers make unique and personal gifts for any occasion. Whether it is Mother’s Day, a first birthday, an anniversary, your beloved family pet, a baptism or arrival of a new family member, family & pet photography will capture precious memories which will be cherished in years to come. Contact me for more details, or visit my Store to find out more.
About Me
Hello! My name is Mina, I am a professional family & pet photographer based in Surrey, England. I love meeting new families and helping them capture the joy of their family. If you would like to find out more about me, please visit my “About Me” page. If you would like to know more about my family photo sessions, please visit the “Family Portraits” page. To discuss your upcoming family photo session, or family event like christening, birthday party or anniversary, please get in touch - I look forward to hearing from 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.
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!
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!
Puppy and Couple Photoshoot on Wimbledon Common | London Pet Photographer
Puppy Photography on Wimbledon Common
I love my job, but for this particular photo session, I had to pinch myself! Photographing a morkie puppy in the middle of autumn, on Wimbledon Common was totally dreamy!
Wedding Photography with a Dog
When this couple asked me to photograph their London wedding next year which will include their little bundle of fluff I immediately said yes! But who was going to wait until next May to meet this precious little girl? Pre-wedding photoshoots were certanly a thing a few years ago, which gave me an idea to use this as an excuse for a chance to photograph the puppy (and the wedding couple of course!). I really wanted to get some snuggly cuddly photos amongst the backdrop of beautiful autumnal colours and luckly everyone involved was up for it.
Autumnal Puppy Photoshoot
It was an overcast day, and we’ve arranged to meet at Wimbledon Common - the perfect setting for outdoor images. The Common provides so much variety in terms of paths, vegitation, colour, texture that I was spoilt for choice. Autumnal colours were absolutely gorgeous and the weather was palying the ball. Drying oak and beech leaves provided warmth (in terms of colour) and an opportunity to play chase leaves and play games.
Outdoor Puppy Photography
I tend to keep puppy photo sesssions to one hour, as puppies easily tire and need more rest than adult dogs. With a pocket full of treats and a positive attitude, I worked quickly to get a variety of poses and backdrops, including action shots of the puppy running, family portraits, playful shots and a few puppy portratis.
We finished shoot with a set of playful photos under a beech tree, after which it was truly a time for a puppy nap!
Book a Puppy Photography Session
Would you like to arrange a puppy photography session for you, your friend or your family member? You’ve come to the right place! I love working with families and their dogs, and capturing memories which will be treasured in years to come. Contact me on mina@minamilanovic-photography.com, or through my website contact page and tell me all about your puupy!
Puppy Photography Gift Vouchers Surrey and London
Gift a unique gift to a dog lover this Christmas, or for any other occasion. Not only will you be gifting a unique present and experience, but the receipient will recieve a set of beautiful professional photographs which will provide lasting memories in years to come. The puppy photoshoot can take place at home, in a park, on a beach or wherever it is convenient! My puppy photo session gift vouchers are valid for a year. The price of a one hour puppy photo session gift voucher is £145, and it includes:
One hour shooting time
My time on the day
Travel within 30 miles of RH5
An on-line gallery with 25+ images available to purhcase (digital products sold separately; please contact me for more information)
A 9x6’’ print