There are some dogs that are an absolute joy to photograph, and Maggie definitely falls into that category! Here mum is the wonderful Jo from ProgDog Dog Training, and they joined me for Maggie's Pawfect Moments Experience in August 2021.
The Pawfect Moments Experience includes both a Studio Style session and an Outdoor Location Session, which we arranged on separate dates a couple of weeks apart to ensure it didn't become too much for Maggie.
Outdoor Session
One of the great things about choosing a Bespoke option like the Pawfect Moments Experience is that you can choose a location which is personal to you if you wish, to make your images even more personal.
Maggie's outdoor session took place at a spot Jo chose which was close to their home, and is one of their favourite spots to get out and enjoy some time together, and is normally a nice quiet spot to walk. We had a wonderful combination of meadows, shady spots and a lovely brook running under the trees, which gave us a great variety of different settings.
If there is an image to epitomise Maggie's first session it is this one of Mags in the water. As we got to this spot, Jo told me that this was the first place where Maggie ever learned to paddle, and how she would love a photo here if possible.
The light was dreadful with harsh shadows and dark under a quite thick tree canopy, my autofocus HATED the lighting conditions, there weren't many places to get into a good position, I ended up lying in the mud, and just as we got set up, what seemed like an entire company of ramblers trekked across the bridge over the river - no doubt wondering what on earth we were doing!
I remember saying to Jo on the day that I couldn't guarantee we'd got the shot due to the conditions.... so I was absolutely thrilled when I got home, uploaded the images and saw THIS shot.
I sent it to Jo as a sneak preview of the session, and I was absolutely thrilled when she share it on her social media channels with this wonderful comment:
Jo & Maggie
Oh my!! We've just been sent a sneak peek of how our photo shoot yesterday is going to turn out and I am SO happy it's unreal!! Not only do I adore this stunning shot, but it's in a very, very special place for us. This is where Mag first got introduced to and found her confidence in water. This is her favourite ever place to go paddling and our peaceful place. And this is where I learned to skim my first ever stone, which basically feels like I've made it in life.
It's not only a beautiful photo of our girl, there's a story behind it, there's a life we live together. I could not be happier and now I can't wait to see how the whole shoot has turned out.
Thank you so much Sandie, this is so much more to us than just a beautiful shot!
Studio Style Session
A couple of weeks later, it was time for the second part of Maggie's Pawfect Moments Experience, which took place at Jo and Iain's home in Leicestershire. As I don't have a studio, I offer At Home Studio Style sessions, where I bring a full studio set up into the comfort of your own home.
The great thing about an At Home Session is that it's somewhere that is very familiar and comfortable for your dog, which is much more conducive to a successful photo shoot. After all, the best photos are where your dog is relaxed and comfortable!
Jo had a very clear vision that she wanted simple portraits of Maggie, so we didn't use any props during her session, instead focusing on black-on-black portraits which she specifically wanted (e.g. a black dog against a black background).
Again Maggie absolutely rocked her session and earned all those sausages!
What Maggie and Jo thought
I love to ask my clients (both canine and human) a little bit about them and what they thought of their Pawfect Moments Experience - so Maggie and Jo have kindly answered a few questions for me:
How did Maggie come to live with her humans?
She was rehomed to us
What's your favourite toy and why?
Chewbacca...mum still doesn't know why and that's a secret I'm keeping to myself 😉
What would your human say is the naughtiest thing you've done?
Me? Naughty? I'm a very good girl!
What dog-friendly place would you recommend to your friends and why?
The Birstall Pet Shop, absolutely brilliant independent local pet shop with the BEST customer service around
What's your favourite place to go for a walk?
Well, that all depends on my mood. Sometimes I want to run and run in the middle of nowhere, and other times I want to go and train with mum as we walk along the street. It changes on a daily basis
What's your favourite thing to do with your human?
TRAINING!
Why did you decide to bring your dog for a photo shoot?
I wanted some beautiful shots for both my business website and for our home
What was your biggest worry about the photo shoot (either before booking or before the day)?
The weather, haha!
How was your experience on the day?
Brilliant! Very relaxed and lots of fun!
What did you enjoy the most?
How relaxed it was
What did you think of your photo shoot? What was your favourite bit and why?
How STUNNING I look! And it meant I got to put my training into practice too
What did you think of the portraits/artwork you received?
Beautiful!! We absolutely LOVE them! I have them all over my website, haha!
How did you feel when you first saw the photos from your photoshoot?
Emotional!
What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking of booking a photoshoot for their dog?
Absolutely book Sandie! You won't regret it.
Want to know more? Find out about booking your own Pawfect Moments Experience here
