01590 481286   07366 469511  info@hkwphotography.co.uk
Capturing Canine Charm: The Art of Dog Photography
Happiness begins with a wet nose and ends with a waggy tail
 
running gog, dog agility, rocket dog

Everything Pets Dog show Hordle Rocket Dog

 
Romsey show three gundogs on a straw bale
Romsey Show official photographer. Gundogs event


Welcome to my world of pet and wildlife photography, where your dog(s) take centre stage, On this captivating website page, I continue to  celebrate the intelligence, beauty and diversity of animals, with a special emphasis on our canine companions.

As a pet  and wildlife photographer based in the New Forest area, I am not only passionate about capturing breathtaking moments but also share a deep love for dogs. These remarkable creatures have brought, and continue to bring joy, companionship, and endless inspiration to my life. I would not be without the companinonship of a dog. 

As well as your pet, my aim is to capture the unique bond between humans and their four legged friends. Each photograph tells a story, revealing the essence of the animals I encounter. From playful puppies to wise old souls, my portraits capture the spirit, character, and purest expressions of dogs in their natural environments.

Whether it's a playful romp in a meadow, a contemplative gaze by the water's edge, or the exhilaration of catching a frisbee mid-air, my mission is to capture those magical moments that make your dog special. I take pride in capturing their unique personalities, immortalizing their quirks, and preserving the memories you hold dear.

In addition to showcasing our captivating images, I offer a range of services to meet your photography needs. Whether you're looking to capture your beloved pet's playful antics, document a special occasion, or create a stunning piece of art for your home, I am dedicated to providing you with exceptional results.

Not only that, I offer a wide range of products apart from photographic prints, which will have been sensitively enhanced, A4, and A3 size prints, no problem

Take a moment to explore my gallery, and photo albums where each image tells a story waiting to be discovered. Immerse yourself in the world of pet and wildlife photography, where dogs hold a special place in our hearts. I invite you to join me on this extraordinary journey, celebrating the magic of animals through my photography.

There are many stunning locations literally on my doorstep starting with local beaches and the New Forest. Another favourite location is at Downton Moot, near Salisbury

As with all my pet and animal photography sessions, the most important thing to me is that your dog is relaxed before the session starts to capture the essential character of him (or her)
During a dog (or any other small animal shoot), I expect to spend much of my time crouching, kneeling, or even on my stomach. Usually, to be at their level, or even below it.
The eyes are a reflection of the animal's soul
If the session involves a mixture of action and static shots, I prefer the action ones first.
If your dog wishes to sniff my camera, let him go ahead. I use a lens hood and filter to protect it

I aim to capture that special moment, your dog's character, through a personal and professional photography session, and to provide quality products that will be a permanent reminder of your special friend.

Dogs (as do other animals) indicate how they are feeling through their body language, and during the photo shoot, it is necessary to observe them, just as working with a human model, who can tell you verbally how he/she is feeling about the shoot. If my model is uncomfortable, firstly, it is unkind to continue, and secondly, this will be apparent in the finished product. Not what you, the customer want.

Lighting and temperature. I will not hold any photoshoots during a heatwave. Spring and autumn are my favourite time. 
Lighting will not be favourable at midday, with harsh overhead sunlight. It might be possible to work in the shade if not too hot

Being an event photographer, I love action photography, including agility, flyball, and terrier racing, and covering such events.

I photograph dogs not just as pets, but also as working dogs including gundogs, sheepdogs, and guard dogs, also appreciate that many working dogs are family pets as well.

There are many stunning locations literally on my doorstep starting with Pennington Marshes and local beaches as well as the New Forest. However, please can we be sure that your dog has good recall, or is placid and will not disappear following a scent?

When conducting a reasonably static photo shoot on location,  I like using one or two lighting accessories which can be as simple as a reflector using natural light to make a subtle difference in lifting the shadows. Another is the Walimart reflective umbrella on a stand with a flash.

Summary of questions asked before the photoshoot

Dog's name, age, breed(s), and gender if not obvious from the dog's name
What motivates your dog?
Location of photoshoot
What aspect of your dog do you want me to capture (for example playfulness, companion, chilled out, working, goofy)?
Will your dog be allowed off the lead during the photoshoot?
Does your dog have any fears or behavioral issues? Not to judge, but to be aware of any situations where it is prudent to take a breather or to walk away from a situation your dog cannot cope with. I also have a rescue dog.
Does your dog play any games, or perform any tricks?
Does your dog have any dietary restrictions or allergies?
Anything else?

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, visit this site for games to play with your dog


Puppy Photoshoots

Who doesn't adore a puppy?
As a photographer, the challenge is, that apart from playing with toys, puppies are unpredictable.
Having the puppy's owner included in the shoot is one of my favourites. regarding children, the shoot can either be password protected, or entirely private.
A puppy photoshoot could start with them being full of energy, and plenty of action photography, and end up with them tired out and falling asleep