Recently I had the pleasure of photographing a very special dog called Poppy along the beautiful Fleetwood seafront.
At 14½ years old, Poppy is enjoying her senior years, and her owner wanted to create some lasting memories in a place that meant something to them both. Like many older dogs, every walk and every adventure becomes that little bit more precious, making it the perfect time to capture some professional portraits.
Planning The Session
Before the shoot, we spent time discussing Poppy's personality, favourite locations and any challenges we might need to work around on the day.
Poppy is a reactive dog, so it was important that the session was planned carefully to ensure she remained comfortable and relaxed throughout. Every dog is different, and one of the most rewarding parts of my job is adapting each session to suit the individual dog rather than expecting them to fit a particular mould.
A Relaxed Morning on Fleetwood Promenade
Fleetwood provided a wonderful backdrop for the session. The wide open promenade, sea views and natural light created a beautiful setting while also giving us plenty of space to work around any distractions.
As always, there was no rush. We allowed Poppy time to explore, sniff and settle into the environment. Some of the most natural portraits come when dogs are simply allowed to be themselves.
Despite her age, Poppy was an absolute star throughout the session and rewarded us with some wonderful expressions and moments.
Why Senior Dog Photography Matters
One of the most common things I hear from clients is:
"I wish I'd done this sooner."
Our dogs are never with us long enough, and professional photographs become increasingly valuable as the years pass.
Senior dogs often have a quiet dignity and character that younger dogs haven't yet developed. Their grey muzzles, gentle expressions and years of companionship tell a story that deserves to be remembered.
The Finished Images
When I delivered Poppy's gallery, her owner was delighted with the results and later left this lovely review:
"Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish. I have a 14.5 year old pug who is reactive to other dogs and I wanted some professional pictures of her on our local prom/sea front. Phil asked a number of relevant questions about Poppy and what I wanted. I felt he was very engaged and understanding.
On the day of the shoot Phil and his super helpful assistant (wife) could not have done a better job. They looked for the best shots while taking Poppy's temperament into consideration at all times.
The pictures were ready to view the next day. When they arrived I was bowled over! I knew they would be good but they far exceeded expectations. Fantastic service, highly recommend."
Thank you, Chris, for trusting me to photograph Poppy and create these memories for you.
Thinking About a Photoshoot for Your Own Dog?
Whether your dog is young, old, reactive, energetic or somewhere in between, every session is tailored to their personality and needs.
If you'd like to create some lasting memories of your own dog, I'd love to hear from you.
