Older dog photoshoot at Bradgate Park

Max is a 12 year old cockerpoo, from when cockerpoos weren’t the popular breed they have become. He is doing super well and this session is definitely not an end of life session. Max should have a long time before the rainbow bridge but it’s lovely to take photos of him being well and happy and the love he both gives and receives from his “parents”, a love that also brings them closer together. It’s the same with kids, isnt’ it- be them furry or not- : when we see the one we love being loving to our “kids”, we love them one more.

Black dogs are notoriously hard to photograph so finding the right light is paramount. I had to find a nice background which is easy in Bradgate Park as it’s varied and beautiful in all season. This was summer time, in the evening, with a soft light.  Getting him to look at his mum wasn’t difficult, he was very well trained and totally focused on her. 

Dog photography requires a lot more editing than what I normally do, I edit the dog carefully and the background too. For a black dog like Max, I have to lift the shadows a bit so we see his eyes, his curls. I hadn’t noticed how much red his fur is around his mouth, he looks like he’s just drunk some hot chocolate!

For another dog photoshoot, click here.

If you have a dog, whatever their age, capturing them as well as your relationship to them, gives you precious memories, as sadly they get old faster than we do.