I Photographed 14 Dogs Interacting With Their Humans

My own dogs Lily (Labrador) and Poppy (golden retriever) inspired me to pursue photography. In 2016, my family moved from South Africa to New Zealand. We decided to let the girls stay with my mom-in-law on a small holding. At that time I had 2 small kids to settle into a new life and I didn't know if I'd be able to photograph other people's dogs because I missed my own so much. Every time we were out on a walk we would love on other people's dogs like weirdos. I started to photograph friends' pets in Auckland to get my doggy fix. I've photographed families, weddings, newborns, etc. but nothing lights me up like photographing dogs and them with their people. I like to show that special connection between them and their dogs because I understand just how special that is & what that love means.

To create a comfortable environment for the dogs and their owners, I shoot from my home studio. I like that I can control the light, different size, and color props to sit on & I can eliminate distractions of other dogs or people close by. I like to set a relaxed mood where my clients can feel at home. When they get to me we chat and get to know each other before I get them to sit for their photo. We take lots of breaks to play, drink water, and give high-reward treats. By the end of a shoot, dogs know me as the treat lady and when they're not getting treats they're on my lap getting scratched. My cheeks are usually sore from smiling after a photo session.

On a photoshoot, I will take photographs of humans or families with their pet(s) looking at the camera because that's the portrait that most people want to hang on the wall & show off on social media. But once that photograph is made, I like to encourage them to interact with each other as if I'm not there with my camera. A lot of times people and their dogs will do tricks, hug or kiss, or simply go in for belly rubs. I feel like this is when they let their guard down, share genuine emotion & show their true beautiful selves.

I'll never forget one of the first dogs and golden retriever I photographed in New Zealand. I'm still friends with him and his mom today & see them regularly. I was so in love with him and he LOVED the pats I was giving him. I really had to focus to put myself behind the camera and take his photo. It was tough not to spend all my time doting on him. Oscar was all in it for the treats. Oscar would tell you he doesn't get fed at home but we know that's not true. He was drooling so much for snacks, the dribble got longer and bigger, and I told his owners to leave the drool for a creative picture. I got a photograph of him looking to the side with such a big slobber the focus in the photo, that is now a big A2 wall art in their dining room. It makes quite the conversation piece!