Your Guide to Booking a Dog Photography Session in 2026
There is always a moment - somewhere between the first enquiry and the first hello - when I realise a human has been thinking about this for a long time. Sometimes it is the wish to celebrate a birthday or a rescue story. Sometimes it is the quiet desire for artwork that does justice to the dog who shaped their life. And sometimes it is simply the sense that time moves quickly, and they want to hold on to something real.
Whatever brings you here, welcome. If you are reading this guide, chances are you are thinking about booking a dog photography session in 2026. This is your comprehensive, gently reassuring walkthrough of what that looks like with me: what to expect, how to plan, and why early bookings help us create the most beautiful experience possible for your dog.
I only take six sessions per month so that each dog receives dedicated attention from nose to tail. As I write this, January already has only two sessions left, which is fairly typical. I book out around a month in advance. But before you worry about timing or diary clashes, let me gently walk you through how it all works.
Because at the heart of everything below is one simple truth:
Your dog will always set the pace. I am simply here to listen, to guide, and to create something beautiful with you.
“We were in awe of what she achieved with our dogs and delighted with the artwork that now has pride of place in our home.” - From Stephanie’s 5* Google Review
Beginning the Journey: How Booking Works
People usually find me with a mix of excitement and relief. Excitement about creating something special, and relief that their dog will be understood exactly as they are. My first reply is always the same warm invitation: tell me about your dog, and show me a photograph if you are happy to. I want to know who they are, not who you think they have to be for the session.
From there, things unfold gently. Once a date that suits you is confirmed, the session fee secures it. That fee includes:
a consultation call to tell me all about your dog and what you would like to achieve together
the photography session
a reveal session where you get to view a gallery of 15 to 20 lovingly retouched choices
a 12x10-inch fine art matted & mounted print
the matching social resolution digital file
Whether you choose an outdoor session for £149 or a studio session for £99, both include the same print and matching social file. The included 12x10-inch matted print is a beautiful starting point, yet many clients feel drawn to additional artwork when they see their gallery. Dogs make a house a home, and displaying their portrait thoughtfully often feels like the natural next step.
Most choose handmade wall art or fine art prints, and the average spend ranges from £800 to £1,300. There is never any pressure from me. Decisions are made at the reveal session, only if the artwork speaks to you.
These pieces become heirlooms, carrying your dog’s story forward long after the session is over. Take a look at my full Product Guide here.
Why Early Booking Matters (But in a Calm, No Rush Kind of Way)
Although bookings for 2026 are already open, this guide is not here to pressure you. It is here so that whenever you find it, whether at the start of the year or right in the middle of summer, you know what to expect.
Six sessions per month means space for only six stories. That keeps the experience gentle, unhurried, and deeply personal. It also means some months fill quickly, especially:
February to July
September to December
I shoot on weekdays and weekends, and I do my utmost to find a time that works for your schedule. But it is good to know that outdoor sessions often take place at sunrise or during the golden hour in late afternoons. In summer, sunrise might mean a 4.30 am meet. Clients are sometimes surprised by this, but when they see the soft morning light wrapping around their dog's fur, and have these wonderfully mindful moments with them in the birdsong, they understand why those early alarms were worth it.
It is always better to take the slot rather than risk missing out, as long as you have considered the financial commitment and know you can be available on the day. Once you are in the diary, the planning begins, and everything becomes real.
Choosing the Right Session for You
No two dogs are alike, which is why no two sessions feel the same. Here is a gentle overview of the types of sessions I offer, and how to know which one might be right for you.
Outdoor Portrait Sessions
These are perfect for dogs who enjoy sniffing, exploring, strolling, or simply being happy outdoors. We choose the location together, usually starting with places that hold sentimental meaning. But truthfully, I can make woodland from a handful of bushes and urban magic from the corner of a quiet street. What matters is the dog and the light.
Outdoor sessions last between one and two hours and give us space to let the dog warm up gradually. Movement is welcomed. Curiosity is celebrated. Stillness happens naturally once the dog trusts the process.
Studio Sessions in Your Home or Mine
Studio sessions are calm, simple and quietly beautiful. They take place at my home in Wimbledon or at yours if you have the space. Because it is a familiar environment, dogs settle more easily. Even nervous dogs find comfort in being on home turf.
I introduce every dog to the equipment the same way: slow, positive associations, time to sniff, time to think, and no expectations. A light pops here, or a backdrop rustles there, but nothing is ever forced. This is where minimalist portraits, expressive close-ups and personality-filled headshots come to life.
Pets and Their Humans
More than ever, I photograph dogs with their people. These portraits are often the ones clients treasure most. Even if you join for just a few frames, you might be surprised by which images stay with you. I always gently encourage it; nothing is ever forced, and clients never regret saying yes. You are the most significant part of your dog’s story, which deserves to be celebrated, too.
“She did a fab job of capturing him (and us!) and created some genuinely beautiful pieces which we will be really glad to have to look back on and display.” - From Charlotte’s 5* Google Review
Cats, Working Dogs, Seniors, Puppies and Other Pets
If they have whiskers, paws, scales or opinions, I can photograph them. I have photographed cats, hamsters, geckos and more. Puppies have their own package to capture all stages of that fleeting first year of rapid growth with you. Senior dogs have my whole heart. Reactive dogs have my deepest understanding.
Because each animal is unique, there is room for all of them here.
What Happens on the Day: A Dog Centred Workflow
One of the first things that surprises new clients is that I ignore their dog when we meet. Not in a cold way, but with deep respect. I wait for the dog to initiate contact. I study their body language. I mirror what they tell me.
Every session begins with a little walk together. The dog gets used to my presence, my voice, my movement. Nothing is asked of them. No commands, no behaviours, no pressure. Only when they show comfort do we begin to shape gentle poses. And even then, posing is really just me showing you how to use a piece of cheese or chicken in the right spot and waiting for that perfect micro moment.
Lure, click, treat.
Look, click, treat.
Turn, click, treat.
If they sit or stand beautifully, wonderful. If they stand awkwardly with one paw half lifted, also wonderful. Authenticity is the whole point. I use gentle, reward based training techniques throughout the session, so the dog always feels like they are simply playing a game with me rather than being asked to perform. The photography follows their lead, never the other way round.
I combine ethical training methods with a documentary photography mentality, which leads to stunning fine art portraiture which captures your dog authentically.
Experience That Puts You at Ease
Trust is such an important part of choosing a photographer. If you are wondering whether you can trust me with your dog’s story, I hope my experience helps put you at ease. Over the years I have photographed with brands like Giorgio Armani, Barbour, Weatherbeeta and Zesty Paws, placed first in the WPE Awards, and been recognised by The Guild of Photographers as both Image of the Year runner up and a Top Ten Pet Photographer. In 2025 I was commissioned by The Royal Kennel Club to photograph their twenty one dog salute for their rebrand outside Windsor Castle. These opportunities have shaped my craft, but the heart of my work is always the same. Your dog’s comfort comes first, and every image begins with understanding who they are.
If Your Dog Is Nervous, Reactive or a Bit of a Wild Card
This is one of the most essential parts of this guide.
Your dog does not need to be perfectly behaved. They do not need to sit still. They do not need to be comfortable around other dogs, off lead, or confident in new places. Those are myths we can let go of right now.
Here is what you can expect if your dog has specific needs:
If they cannot be off lead
That is completely fine. Most of the dogs you see in my portfolio were safely on a lead during the session. With a bit of retouching magic, the lead disappears, but the safety stays.
If they are reactive or shy
This is where my background with reactive dogs becomes invaluable. I have worked closely with many anxious or worried dogs and have completed a course in canine reactivity. I choose locations carefully, plan quiet routes, and adjust the entire session to support your dog's emotional well-being.
If they do not like cameras
Gentle, reward-based desensitisation is our friend. Nothing is rushed. Everything is flexible. Their boundaries are always respected.
The only rule is this:
No dog is left behind. Every dog deserves beautiful photographs made with kindness.
Light, Locations and What elevates a photograph
When clients ask what the most important element of an outdoor session is, they often expect me to say sunshine. But sunshine is rarely the goal. What we need is light, not glare. Soft, diffused, gentle light that wraps around your dog's fur without casting harsh shadows.
That is why we shoot at sunrise, golden hour, or under soft cloud cover. If the sun is too intense, you will find me gently guiding you into pockets of shade. Bushes become forests. Woodland becomes a sanctuary. Even city streets become quiet little stages early on a Sunday morning.
Location does not need to be perfect. It only needs to be safe and meaningful.
“It was as though Amie had captured the real live essence and the soul of my dog on camera.” - From Minna’s 5* Google Review
A Quick Walk Through the Experience After You Book
Once you choose to book with me, this is what you can look forward to:
A consultation call to discuss locations, timings and anything your dog may need.
The session itself, which usually lasts one to two hours outdoors or up to one hour in the studio.
Your reveal session will be around three weeks later, where you will see 15 to 20 fully retouched choices.
Choosing your artwork, whether that is a fine art float panel, a print box, a collection of digital files, or anything else from my product guide.
Delivery of bespoke wall art is usually within three weeks of the session date.
This part often surprises clients the most. Seeing their dog the way I saw them on the day is often emotional. I hear a lot of quiet gasps, a few tears, and many soft laughs.
If you are already feeling a little spark of excitement, you are very welcome to explore the product guide or book a complimentary call with me. There is no pressure, only possibility.
FAQs (Expanded with Your Real Questions)
Here is a selection of the most helpful questions I am asked, answered simply and honestly.
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They do not need to. Movement aids authenticity.
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We plan strategically and choose quiet or private spaces.
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Light rain can be beautiful. Anything heavy, and we reschedule.
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I always encourage it. You will not regret it.
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Yes, as long as they are from the same household.
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Usually around six weeks from shoot to delivery, depending on diary availability.
If you have other questions, you can always ask me directly. Curiosity is welcome.
Why Artwork Matters So Much
Everyone should have a beautiful photograph of their pet. Not stored on a phone, but presented in a way that honours who they are. That is why I focus on handcrafted wall art rather than digital-only offerings. A photograph becomes something altogether different when it is printed with intention.
My personal favourite is the fine art float panel. It has a presence that feels both timeless and modern. I have several on my own walls, including my own dog's portrait and some of my favourite client images.
When clients hang their artwork, it becomes a daily reminder of a dog they love and the day we created something extraordinary together.
A Final Reflection and Invitation for 2026
Whether you book early or stumble upon this guide months from now, what matters is that you are here. Thinking about honouring your dog. Thinking about creating something lasting. Thinking about a portrait that will outlive the year, the decade, and even the short chapters our dogs spend beside us.
If you feel ready to begin the journey, you are warmly invited to explore the portrait page, browse the product guide, or book a complimentary call with me. I would love to meet your dog and tell their story in the most meaningful way I can.
Or if you want to jump right into planning your own dog photography session, all you need to do is…
