Autumn Dog Photography in London: Why This Might Be My Favourite Time of Year
I love Autumn. I love the crunch of the leaves and the different colours in the trees, and I love to pull out the slow cooker, candles, sweaters, and fully embrace the cosy season. And, very conveniently for someone who spends a lot of time lying on the ground with a camera, I love what it brings to dog photographs.
London is taking its time with the autumn colours this year, though. Some of the places I've been photographing look more like spring or summer now than they did in actual summer, simply because they're green again rather than desert yellow. The trees haven't quite caught up with my enthusiasm for the ‘Ber months.
But autumn dog photography in London doesn't depend on every leaf turning orange on cue. There is plenty to enjoy while the season finds its feet: softer light, cooler mornings, changing textures, and dogs investigating everything the ground has to offer.
If you've been imagining photographs of your dog among golden leaves but are wondering about rain, mud, or whether they would cooperate, those are all things we can plan around. You don't need to arrive with a perfectly trained dog and a promise of sunshine.
Love these warm woodland colours? We can plan your photographs around the places your dog enjoys exploring. → Explore Outdoor Sessions
What I love about photographing dogs in autumn
The golden and brown hues are a large part of it. When fallen leaves begin to cover the ground, those colours become part of the whole photograph, surrounding the dog rather than sitting somewhere behind them. There is texture under their paws, depth through the trees, and all those warm tones that work so beautifully with the portraits I love creating.
Autumn also gives dogs something to do. A floor full of leaves is a floor full of things to investigate, and I enjoy photographing that curiosity. Their nose disappears into something interesting, they pause to listen, or they look back at their human before continuing along the path. Those little moments belong in a session too.
The cooler weather can be more comfortable for dogs than summer heat, and sunrise becomes a slightly more sociable time. If the early start for a summer sunrise session has put you off, autumn may feel more manageable.
There is a trade-off, of course. A later sunrise can mean more people and dogs are already out, so I still think carefully about the timing and location. For a dog who needs space, an easier alarm clock isn't the only consideration. We want a morning they can actually enjoy and feel at ease.
You don't need sunshine for beautiful photographs
Some clients assume we need lots of sunshine for beautiful outdoor photographs, which can make a bright summer day at midday seem like the ideal time for a session. But I won't photograph dogs in harsh light. I'm always looking for softer light, whether that means meeting around sunrise or making the most of a cloudy morning.
I often say I'm like the reverse of that famous groundhog: if I can see my shadow, I don't want to shoot. Clouds are nature's diffuser, softening the light across your dog's face and coat rather than spoiling the photographs.
I love golden light when conditions allow, but that gentle, low sunlight is very different from the strong overhead sun at midday. An overcast morning can be just as beautiful, with the colours and textures of the surroundings still very much part of the photograph.
So if you're looking at a cloudy forecast and imagining dull photographs, please don't worry. Cloud and rain are different conversations, and you don't need to wait for a bright blue sky.
No bright sun? No problem! An overcast morning will suit your photographs beautifully. → Explore Outdoor Sessions
Choosing the right autumn location for your dog
I photograph dogs throughout London and Surrey, and choosing where we go starts with your dog. I want to know what they enjoy, what makes them uncomfortable, and where they feel able to relax.
For dogs who love exploring or need a little more space, I often recommend larger places such as Epping Forest or Esher Common. Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common are other locations I enjoy photographing in, depending on the dog and the plans for their session.
But a large or well-known location isn't automatically the right one. Hampstead Heath can be wonderful for a confident dog. I recently photographed a very comfortable dog there during a busy period, with no issues at all. For a dog who needs more space from other dogs or people, a busy location may mean their human spends more time on alert than relaxing into the session. I’m always taking in our surroundings on the dog’s behalf and will advocate for them whenever needed, but choosing somewhere quieter can help their human fully relax and enjoy the experience, too.
Sometimes a smaller place they visit regularly is the better choice. If your dog knows a local patch of woodland or local park, and happily explores it every week, that familiarity matters. We don't have to trade their comfort for a famous backdrop.
For nervous or reactive dogs, choosing the environment and timing carefully is especially important. I've written more about that in No Dog Left Behind, if it's something you've been worrying about.
Have a favourite walk in mind? Tell me about it, and we can consider whether it would suit your session.
What if my dog won't sit still or can't be off lead?
They can still have beautiful photographs. A 10-minute sit isn't an entry requirement, and neither is perfect recall. There is room to explore, move, and do all the things that make your dog who they are.
Most of the dogs in my photographs are actually on lead. I use a show lead during sessions, and a long lead can be useful where appropriate. So if you've looked through my portfolio and assumed those dogs must all be off lead, that isn't the case.
We work with what your dog enjoys and feels comfortable doing. A dog who loves moving gives us plenty of opportunities for action photographs; a dog absorbed in their surroundings means I tactically roll around on the ground because they’re doing a lot of the composing for me. You don't need to turn an autumn walk into an obedience test.
My No Training? No Problem guide goes into this in more detail, especially if your first thought is that your dog would never behave like the ones in my photographs.
Your dog can stay safely on lead while we create photographs you'll love.
If you're looking for a dog photographer in London, explore Outdoor Sessions to see how we can plan an experience for your dog.
What happens if it rains?
That depends on the dog, the weather, and what you want your photographs to look like.
Light drizzle doesn't automatically mean we need to rearrange. If the dog is comfortable, a little rain can make photographs wonderfully atmospheric. I once had a client with a working Labrador who actively wanted to photograph in drizzle. Their dog loved water and enjoyed the rain, so it captured the authenticity around their favourite types of walks together.
Theo, my miniature pinscher, would never consider a photoshoot in the rain. She loves photography. She’s actually quite obsessed with it. She does not love being wet. Both dogs are giving us useful information about the sort of session they would enjoy.
There are practical considerations too. A short-legged dog can become soaked underneath quite quickly, and a doodle's coat may look very different when wet. If you would rather your dog didn't look damp in their portraits, that's completely reasonable.
I approach clients' photographs in the same way I approach those of my own dogs: I want them to look their best and enjoy the experience. If the forecast the day before shows rain that would make that difficult, I'm happy to reschedule. The same applies to high winds or conditions that would make the session uncomfortable or unsafe.
And if the weather changes unexpectedly?
I am very particular about checking the weather, right up until I meet you. Even then, I use judgement about what's happening locally rather than treating the forecast as a guarantee.
On a recent Sunday, the fog was so thick when I left home that I could barely see. As we travelled towards the session location, though, I could see it clearing. I trusted that it would have lifted by the time we started, and it had.
If things change for the worse while I'm on my way, I'll make a judgement call. If the weather deteriorates during the session, we'll discuss whether continuing makes sense and whether you want to. Where it's safe and practical, we might take cover and wait. Otherwise, we can pause and reschedule the remainder of the session for another date.
Your dog being relaxed and safe matters throughout the session, including after we've started taking photographs.
A little preparation for autumn SESSIONS
A towel and brush are useful additions to your session bag, so we can tidy paws or freshen up their coat if needed. If your dog is particularly enthusiastic about muddy puddles, keeping them on lead gives us a little more say in which ones they run through.
I aim to be considerably muddier than your dog by the end. Getting down to their level is part of how I photograph them, so sensible clothing is essential on my side of the camera too.
What to bring to your autumn session
You don't need an elaborate collection of equipment. A few familiar things and some practical preparation are absolutely fine:
High-value treats: chicken, cheese, or hot dogs, for example, depending on what your dog enjoys and can eat.
A favourite toy or ball: useful for getting their attention and rewarding them.
Water and poo bags: the everyday walk essentials.
A long lead, if needed: we can discuss this when planning your session.
A towel and brush: particularly helpful for damp paws, muddy legs and coats that collect bits of woodland.
Weather-appropriate clothes for you: including footwear you're comfortable walking in. Clients who wish to be in some of the photographs with their pets sometimes bring a change of shoes to swap the walking boots for the ones that match their chosen outfits on the day.
I also give every client a bag of Waita Pets treats during the session. If your dog becomes a fan, you can use ABPHOTO10 for a discount.
Toys and balls aren't usually there for constant play throughout the session. They're attention items and rewards, although a ball can absolutely become part of an action photograph. There may be a point when I ask you to throw it at me while I'm lying in the mud. A perfectly normal working day, honestly.
And please think about clothes you’d be happy to appear in, because I encourage humans to join their dogs for some photographs too. You can choose something that feels like you and still be dressed for an autumn walk. And of course, you can also say no to being photographed and focus on your dog instead!
If you do want some photos together, I approach photographing you together the same way I photograph your dog: no “say cheese” or stiff posing. I find a lovely frame or shape in the surroundings, then invite you both into that space for a moment together. You might chat to your dog, give them a cuddle (if they enjoy that), have a little training session, or simply enjoy being beside them. I’ll document the connection that’s already there, in the ways you naturally show it.
You're welcome in the photographs too. Sometimes it’s the most candid moments which are the most beautiful. → Explore Dogs & Their Human Photos
From an autumn walk to something you live with
Part of what I love about these colours is how beautiful they can look in finished artwork. The warmth of the woodland, the texture of fallen leaves, and your dog within it all can become a photograph you see every day at home.
The session gives us the experience of making it together. Afterwards, you can choose the photographs and products that mean the most to you. I've written more about why photographs deserve a place in our homes, if you'd like to explore that part of the experience.
An autumn walk with your dog, and photographs to keep
If crunchy leaves, soft light and time exploring somewhere your dog enjoys sound like your kind of morning, I'd love to help you plan an autumn session.
I currently have Sunday 25th October available for an Outdoor Session, while it remains available. We'll choose the location around your dog, discuss what you'd love from the photographs, and keep an eye on the weather together.
Visit my Outdoor Sessions page to find out more and enquire about photographing your own dog this autumn.
Autumn dog photography: your questions answered
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No. Soft clouds can create beautiful, even light for dog portraits. I think of clouds as nature's diffuser, and fine art photography sessions don't depend on bright sunshine.
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Yes. Most dogs in my photographs are on lead. I use a show lead during sessions, and you can bring a long lead where appropriate.
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Light drizzle may be fine if your dog enjoys it and you're happy with the look. I monitor the weather closely and am happy to rearrange if conditions would affect their comfort, safety or appearance. If weather worsens during a session, we can pause and reschedule the remainder.
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High-value treats, a favourite toy or ball, water, poo bags, a long lead if needed, a towel, a brush and suitable clothing. I also provide a bag of Waita Pets treats during the session.
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I work throughout London and Surrey. Locations can include Epping Forest, Esher Common, Richmond Park, Wimbledon Common and Hampstead Heath. But I will happily shoot anywhere. We choose according to your dog, so a familiar local place may suit them better.
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No. They don't need reliable recall, a perfect sit, or the ability to work off-lead. Read No Training? No Problem for more reassurance.
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Yes. We plan the location and timing around their individual needs. My No Dog Left Behind guide explains more about my approach.
