The Dog Blog by Love Phodography

A Journey of Passion and Purpose - My Dog My Life

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Tue, 07 May 2024 16:32:44 GMT

Why I Started Love Phodography and Love Dog Co.

When I started Love Phodography and Love Dog Co, it wasn't just about business. It was about a passion for dogs and a commitment to their health and happiness. This is my story and why I believe in building a community of like-minded dog owners who share this vision.

A Love for Dogs

I have to admit, I came to the world of dogs later in life, oh boy how much did I miss out on in my early years not having a furball by my side. From the moment I brought home my first puppy, I knew there was something special about the bond between humans and dogs. They give us unconditional love (as long as you have food!), loyalty, and companionship. In return, I wanted to ensure that I gave them the best life possible. A life where I learnt to understand and work with his needs as much as i can, learning from him and from pet specialists to ensure that his natural instincts are nurtured and respected.

The Birth of Love Phodography

As I spent more time with my dog, I realised that capturing their unique personalities through photography brought me immense joy. I loved seeing the expressions, the playfulness, and the way they interacted with the world. It wasn't long before I decided to use this passion and diversify my photography business and Love Phodography was born.

Love Phodography is about more than just taking photos—it's about telling a story. I wanted to create a space where dog owners could celebrate their pets and keep memories that would last a lifetime and where dogs can relax and enjoy the time without any pressure to perform or behave. Each photoshoot is a unique opportunity to capture the essence of a dog and the special bond with their owners.

The Inspiration Behind Love Dog Co

While working on Love Phodography, I noticed that many dog products on the market weren't as healthy or eco-friendly as they could be. As someone who cares deeply about the environment and my dogs' well-being, I felt compelled to make a change. This led to the creation of Love Dog Co, a company focused on providing eco-friendly dog treats, toys, and grooming products.

Love Dog Co is built on the belief that we can reduce our use of plastic as dog owners by making small simple changes. We buy in bulk from responsible suppliers (most of our products are shipped totally plastic free!) and package into Compostable pouches (even the little window is made from corn starch!) so you can treat your dog whilst being kind to the planet too! Our toys and grooming products are made with sustainability in mind, reducing our environmental footprint and minimising plastic wherever possible

The need to help others

Both Love Phodography and Love Dog Co are driven by a desire to connect with other dog lovers who prioritise their dogs' health and happiness.

Being a dog parent isn't always easy and there's a myriad of information out there that tells you what to do without telling you why you're doing it and often forgets to prioritise your dog's welfare and natural instincts Through our bucket list activities and social media, I aim to create a community where we can share tips, stories, and experiences so that you and your dog can pick and choose what will help THEM life the life they deserve!

I believe that by coming together, we can make a difference in our dogs' lives. Whether it's through fun activities, health-conscious products, or simply sharing the joy that dogs bring, my goal is to inspire others to give their dogs the best life possible.... I'm delighted to introduce "The Ultimate Dog Bucket List - Pawsitive Adventures"

The Ultimate Dog Bucket List - Pawsitive Adventures

I really wanted a way of sharing all the knowledge I have and amazing people I have learned form with like minded dog parents - whernther you have a big one, a little one, an old one or a puppy our "The Ultimate Dog Bucket List - Pawsitive Adventures" community will be a place where you can get great ideas for new things to do with your dog that you both enjoy! Initially we're going to be emailing out some new ideas every month but you'll also get special offers, product trials and even the occasional opportunity to become a dog model!!

I'm excited to see our community expand and I look forward to hearing your stories, seeing your photos, and sharing your experiences. Together, we can create a space where dogs are celebrated, cared for, and loved.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Here's to many more adventures with our beloved dogs!

Discover the Best Dog-Friendly Bluebell Woods in Hampshire

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 14:36:05 GMT

Enjoying Hampshire's Bluebell Woods safely and respectfully with your dog

Are you and your furry friend longing for an adventure amidst nature's breathtaking beauty?

Look no further than Hampshire, where vibrant bluebell woods await you and your canine companion. From tranquil trails to vibrant meadows, Hampshire boasts an array of dog-friendly bluebell woods, offering the perfect setting for a memorable outing. Let's head out on an adventure through the best bluebell spots to enjoy with your dog!

Hinton Ampner - A Canine Paradise

Nestled near Alresford, Hinton Ampner enchants visitors with its sweeping landscapes and captivating bluebell displays. This National Trust property warmly welcomes four-legged friends on leads, allowing them to explore the woodland trails while you enjoy the sea of bluebells. Before your visit check out a map of Hinton Ampner and the surrounding area - on past the main entrance to the house there is a woodland (up a hill) that I believe is owned by the estate which boasts incredibly unspoilt trails through the bluebells - an absolute must to capture precious moments as your dog revels in the scents and sights of nature's wonders!

Roydon Woods - Where Nature Embraces Dogs

Managed by the Hampshire Wildlife Trust, Roydon Woods near Brockenhurst beckons dog owners and nature enthusiasts alike.

With its extensive network of dog-friendly paths weaving through ancient woodland, this idyllic sanctuary offers a harmonious blend of tranquility and adventure. Unleash your dog's spirit of exploration as you wander amidst the enchanting bluebells, creating cherished memories together!

Micheldever Wood - A Haven for Canine Adventurers

Situated near Winchester, Micheldever Wood is an amazing location to immerse yourselves in nature's splendour, beware though, it's very popular so getting there early (or late) is a must if you want to get your car parked!!

As you wander through the dog-friendly trails, enveloped by the sweet fragrance of bluebells, you'll witness a symphony of colours that captivates the senses, there are trails off of paths that meander right through the amazing blooms, perfect for exploring

The deeper you go into the woods the better the bluebells get and if you have a nervous dog exit the car park to the left hand side and you'll find beautiful bluebells on trails that are much quieter - the bluebells may not be as abundant here but even nervous dogs deserve their own bluebell walk in peace!

Mottisfont - Ancient Woodland

Set behind the Mottisfont main estate and house you can access the bluebell wood from a number of directions with the most popular being from Sperywell direction.

You'll see lovely wide paths cutting through the beautiful blooms in this ancient woodland (and keep an eye out for some of the younger trees that have grown in very interesting directions!)

Make sure you take some of the smaller paths through the woods to discover other beautiful springtime flowers nestled amongst the bluebells

You can find a big circular walk around the area on the National Trust website HERE

Crabb Wood in Farley Mount Country Park - A Tail-Wagging Experience

Treat your dog to an unforgettable escapade at Farley Mount Country Park, overlooking the scenic Hampshire countryside near Winchester.

In particular I recommend finding Crabb Wood car park with its dog-friendly paths meandering through lush woodlands adorned with vibrant bluebells.

Crabb Wood is almost completely flat and the main trails are very well maintained so a great bluebell walk with your dog and a pushchair / wheelchair. There's also a couple of picnic tables just off the car park so why not make a day of it?!

How to enjoy Bluebell Woods in Hampshire responsibly

When adventuring in bluebell woods with your dog, it's essential to follow the unwritten etiquette to ensure a harmonious experience for everyone . Here are some polite practices to keep in mind:

Controlled Encounters : If your dog encounters another dog on the trail, ensure your pet is under control. Approach slowly and be mindful of the other dog's body language. Some dogs may be nervous or reactive, so it's essential to maintain a safe distance if needed. As the pawrent to an aging (but shouty!) Mini Dachshund I can't tell you how awesome it is when my dog has the choice to greet or not greet another dog. Your dog may be the kindest, most gentle furball in the world so let's give them the chance to learn manners and enjoy the company of other dogs who may not be as confident!
Leash Courtesy: If you notice another dog is on a lead, it's courteous to leash your own dog, even if they are off-leash friendly. This helps prevent any unexpected interactions that could lead to tension or discomfort for either dog and their owner.
Picking Up After Your Pet: Always carry waste bags and promptly clean up after your dog. Leaving waste behind not only detracts from the natural beauty of the woodland but also poses a health risk to other visitors and wildlife.
Respect for Nature : Bluebell woods are delicate ecosystems, and trampling on the flowers can damage them irreparably. Stay on designated paths and discourage your dog from straying off-trail. Additionally, please don't go picking bluebells, this can disrupt their growth and future bloom cycles and may result in people not being able to enjoy these magnificent blooms in future generations!

Hampshire's dog-friendly bluebell woods offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and canine companionship. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll, an invigorating hike, or simply a peaceful retreat amidst nature's wonders, these enchanting woodlands beckon you and your furry friend to embark on an unforgettable adventure.

And if you're a bluebell fan like me, then why not consider capturing the memories of your woodland adventure with a Bluebell Bliss Mini Photoshoot ? These fleeting blooms provide a picturesque backdrop for capturing the joy and companionship shared between you and your canine friend amidst nature's splendour.

Whether it's a playful romp through the bluebells or a serene moment of reflection, these photographs will serve as timeless reminders of the bond forged amidst the beauty of Hampshire's countryside.

So, gather your beloved pup, strike a pose amidst these beautiful blooms and treasure the magic of this fleeting season forever captured in photographs.

Building Trust and Connection: The Impact of Authentic Dog Business Imagery

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 20:53:57 GMT

Wagging Tails and Winning Hearts: Creating Trust through Genuine Visuals

Trust is the cornerstone of any successful dog business. Whether you're a dog trainer, a pet sitter, a dog biscuit baker, a dog walker or a dog groomer, establishing trust and connection with your clients is paramount. In today's digital age, where first impressions are often made online, authentic imagery plays a crucial role in building that trust and connection.

If trust is the cornerstone then authenticity is key when it comes to visual branding. Customers want to see real moments, genuine interactions, and the true essence of your dog business. Stock photos may be convenient, but they lack the authenticity and personality that professional dog photography brings to the table.

From the two photos below, which one would you choose to care for your furry best friend?

As a Professional dog photographer in Hampshire, I specialise in capturing authentic moments that reflect the heart and soul of your business. From candid shots of playful pups to heartfelt interactions between you and your furry clients, each photograph tells a story and fosters a sense of connection with your audience.

When potential customers see genuine imagery on your website, social media profiles, or marketing materials, they're more likely to trust your brand and feel confident in choosing your services. Authentic visuals create an emotional connection that goes beyond words, evoking feelings of warmth, trust, and reliability.

I bet like me your Instagram feed is jammed full of photos of dogs?! Tell me, how many times have you seen this stock image pop up?

Now don't get me wrong, I think it's a great photo, I love it and I can see so many different ways it can be used - the clever use of negative space (the white bit above the dog) is perfect for your copy, the dog is looking nice and relaxed with beautifully sitting ears and it's engaging... BUT what does it say about YOU and YOUR dog business?

Authentic dog business imagery sets you apart from competitors who rely on generic stock photos, I'll say that again!!

Authentic dog business imagery sets you apart from competitors!!

By showcasing the real faces and personalities behind your business, you humanise your brand and create a memorable impression that resonates with customers.

In conclusion, authentic dog business imagery is not just about aesthetics; it's about building trust and connection with your audience .

By investing in professional brand photography for your dog business that captures the essence of you and your business, you can create a lasting impression that turns potential clients into loyal customers.

Get in touch with us today for a FREE consultation - no catches, no gimmicks just an opportunity to clarify your dog business' visual branding

The Power of Visual Branding: Elevate Your Dog Business with Professional Photography

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 20:21:40 GMT

Unleashing the Potential of Your Brand through Tailored Imagery

In the competitive landscape of dog businesses, visual branding plays a pivotal role in attracting and retaining great customers.

From dog trainers to dog groomers, dog walkers and pet sitters, establishing a unique brand identity sets you apart in a crowded market. In today's digital age, where consumers are inundated with content, captivating imagery has become more important than ever. That's where professional photography comes into play.

As a micro dog business owner (defined by having fewer than 10 employees and turning over less than £1.8 million), investing in professional photography can significantly elevate your brand presence and communication with your audience. Whether you're showcasing your services, products, or the bond between you and your furry clients, high-quality visuals leave a lasting impression.

Professional dog photographers like myself, specialise in capturing authentic moments that resonate with your target audience. Through personalised photoshoots, we bring your brand story to life, creating an emotional connection with potential customers.

From action shots of training sessions to candid moments of canine companionship, a sneaky snuggle with a soggy doggy after their bath to belly rubs on a walk, each image communicates your brand values and expertise with no need for explanation

Moreover, in today's social media-driven world, captivating visuals are essential for engaging your audience and driving traffic to your website or social media profiles. Professional photographs not only enhance the aesthetics of your online presence but also build trust and credibility among your followers.

Visual branding is the cornerstone of any successful business, especially in the pet industry, where emotions run high, and first impressions matter. Professional photography offers a unique opportunity to showcase the personality and values of your dog business, setting you apart from competitors and attracting loyal customers.

Investing in professional photography is not just about creating beautiful images; it's about strategically positioning your dog business for success. By harnessing the power of visual branding, you can elevate your brand perception, attract more customers, and stand out in a competitive market.

If you're ready to WoW your potential customers with images of your amazing business, please get in touch so see how we can help you realise your visual branding power.

Choosing the Perfect Photoshoot Location for your Dog

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 10:58:21 GMT

More Than Just a Pretty Picture: Capturing Your Dog's Spirit in the Perfect Place

Finding the perfect spot for your dog's photoshoot can feel as overwhelming as choosing the right filter on Instagram (please tell me you don't do that!). But fear not, pawrents! Whether your dog is a playful puppy or a seasoned senior, a nervous nellie or a boundless ball of energy, there's a location out there that will set them up for the most pawsome portraits ever. Let's delve into dog-centric locales tailored to every tail-wagger:

The Boundless Beagle (or Bulldozer):

Open fields, beaches, or woodland trails are ideal for energetic explorers. We will let them run free (while ensuring safety, of course!) and capture their joy in motion.

Down here in Hampshire we have the perfect access to such a wide variety of locations, from the New Forest to the endless miles of beautiful Bournemouth Beaches, The stunning South Downs to the Jurassic Coast, the choices are endless!

With your boundless bundle of energy we can afford to have to walk to the best spots without your dog becoming tired or disinterested!

The Anxious Adventurer:

For nervous pups who prefer quieter spaces, seek secluded gardens, meadows, or even your own back garden. Familiar surroundings reduce stress, allowing them to blossom in front of the lens.

We can often find quieter times of the day in more popular locations if there's a special place in your pup's heart that you'd like to visit and can always opt for soft natural light that won't be too overwhelming.

The Leash-Limited Liberator:

For dogs who can't roam free, there are some incredible secure dog parks to choose from. If you don't know anywhere we always have some suggestions to offer.

Or if you prefer opt for my dog friendly studio photoshoot with controlled environments. We'll keep them engaged with treats and toys, and consider incorporating props like the chairs, sofas, boxes and baskets I have!

The Mastered Marvel:

For well-trained dogs, the world is your oyster! Consider urban settings like city parks, bustling streets, or even historical landmarks. These locations add another layer of personality to their portraits and open up such a huge array of stunning locations

Imagine your dog stood proudly at the end of a beach groyne gazing out to sea or in between the stone arches of a local cathedral

The Young Pup:

Puppies have short attention spans. We'll keep sessions short and engaging with familiar parks, gardens, or in the studio. Playful props and muted colours highlight your pup without distraction and help guide them to where we want them to be without stress

The Silver Snuggler:

Senior dogs may tire easily. We'll choose quiet, familiar locations that don't involve a long walk to the best spots or even their favourite sunspot in your own home

By focus on gentle interactions we can capture their wisdom and quiet beauty in soft, warm light.

The Gentle Giant:

Large breeds can be epic in spacious settings like open fields, lakes, or forests. We'll avoid busy areas so they can relax and enjoy the space

Capturing the majestic beauty of a gentle giant requires rest breaks and quiet coaching and the outtakes can be as epic as the final portraits too!

The Pint-Sized Powerhouse :

Small dogs can sometimes get lost in vast landscapes. We will opt for locations that have low growing foliage or fallen trees and logs.

We'll get creative with close-up shots that highlight their big personalities.

Beyond the Map:

The perfect location doesn't always have to be a new adventure. Sometimes, the most meaningful spot is somewhere close to your heart. Think about your dog's favourite walk, the park where you first met, or even somewhere on your dog adventure bucket list! These spaces can evoke happy memories and capture the unique bond you share.

The most important factor is creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience for your furry friend. So, don't be afraid to get creative, explore your options, and let your love for them shine through in every photo!

Remember:

Always ensure you choose a photographer who will prioritise safety and comfort. Choosing locations appropriate for your dog's breed, age, and limitations.
Consider time of day. Avoid harsh midday sun and opt for softer morning or evening light.
Pack essentials. Water, treats, toys (hide the ball in your bag until you need it if you have a ball obsessive dog!) and poop bags are your photoshoot superheroes.
Let your dog be themselves. Don't force poses or create stressful situations. Capture their natural personality and unique spirit with a calm and positive rewarding approach

With the right location and a dash of paw-sitivity, your dog's photoshoot will be a walk in the park (pun intended!). So, get creative, explore these tailored options, and get ready to capture some unforgettable tail-wagging memories!

If you've found the pawfect location for your photoshoot and now just need someone to capture the magic please get in touch, we'd love to help you capture your furever memories!

Frosty New Forest Dog Walk

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 15:58:29 GMT

Mash Turns 11!

Happy 11th birthday to the ever-so-handsome Mash! This chocolate and tan dachshund may not be leaping through the frosty bracken anymore but his charm and personality shine brighter than any winter sun! To celebrate his birthday we've always done some kind of doggy photoshoot - event going as far as having a dog cake smash on his 9th birthday!

This year, as the frost lay heavily on the ground, we embarked on a magical journey to the frosty wonderland of the New Forest. As a professional dog photographer with a passion for capturing unique human-dog connections outdoors, I knew this picturesque setting would be perfect for commemorating another year of love, wags, and (gentle) explorations for my best friend

There were 2 images that truly stole my heart: Mash, mosying around having a great time sniffin' in the winter sun, his head tilted inquisitively, his ears perked, and a playful twinkle in his eyes.

They're not photos of us together, but they perfectly encapsulate his spirit and our unbreakable connection. I knew instantly that the photo to the right deserved a special place in my home.

So, I had it printed onto a large piece of wall art, transforming it into a stunning conversation starter. Every time I look at it, I'm reminded of the countless adventures we've shared, the quiet moments of connection, and the unconditional love that shines through in his every glance.

Mash's spirit may be more "saunter through the snow" than "leap through drifts," these days but his joyful sniffings, his proud tail wags, and his mischievous glint in the eye as he completely ignores me frantically shaking his favourite bag of treats, tell a story of pure contentment.

As always, capturing these precious expres sions without force or stress was key. After 11 years of photographing him he knows every single one of my tricks and noises so I just have to slow down, continue to use positive reinforcement and trust in our strong bond to coax out his most authentic self, resulting in photographs overflowing with his unique personality.

As a fellow dog lover and professional photographer, I understand that even our senior pups (maybe especially our senior pups??!) hold a special place in our hearts. And what better way to celebrate their unique personalities than with photographs that capture their essence, be it playful leaps or quiet moments of contemplation?

If you're looking for a dog photographer who prioritises dog's first with positive rewards, celebrates your unique bond with your pup, and creates stunning outdoor portraits that will melt your heart, then look no further! Contact Love Phodography today and let's create memories that will last a lifetime.

Unleashing Your Brand Story: Creative Colour Ideas for Your Dog Biz Photoshoot

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 12:44:36 GMT

Your competition can be tough. But fear not, pawsome pet biz owners!

Your branding photoshoot isn't just about capturing cute pups (though that's definitely essential!). It's an opportunity to unleash your brand story and make your business resonate with your ideal clients. Ready to ditch the generic paw prints and sniff out some creative ways to showcase your unique essence? Grab your leash and let's explore!

Show, Don't Tell (and colourise!):

Action speaks louder than words! Go beyond staged portraits and capture candid moments that showcase your brand's vibe and let your colours shine.

Belly rubs framed in warm yellows for playful energy, tail wags set against calming greens for a sense of relief, or heartwarming interactions bathed in soft purples for compassionate havens. These genuine moments will connect with your audience on an emotional level, making your brand feel real and relatable, all while weaving your colour story into every frame.

Tell Stories, Not Just Pretty Pictures (with a colour narrative!):

Craft a cohesive photo series that weaves a narrative about your brand, using colour as a guiding thread. Showcase your natural dog treats with treats jars in your brand colours in the background,

Capture the transformative power of training, with before-and-after shots where a nervous pup's collar changes with their newfound confidence or show your revolutionary new dog bowls against bold backgrounds in your company colours.

Or highlight the joy of building a community around shared love for dogs, where a kaleidoscope of canine companions and their humans come together in a harmonious blend of your chosen colours. Use captions to add another layer to your story, engaging your audience and inviting them into your world of vibrant hues.

Let the Props Do the Talking (in colour!):

Elevate your visuals with thematic props that spark curiosity and reflect your brand colours. Think your vets all using the same colour stethoscope with contrasting scrubs, agility hurdles painted in your signature energetic orange, adorable toys in soft pinks and blues for compassionate havens, or even chef hats in stylish black and white for gourmet dog treat bakers.

Playful costumes can add a touch of fun (just make sure your dog is comfortable and happy with what they’re wearing way before the photoshoot), like superhero capes in your brand's vibrant shades or detective hats in classic Sherlock Holmes brown for investigative sniffing sessions.

Remember, props should be authentic to your brand and enhance the story you're telling through colour.

Get Personal with Your Team (and their colour accents!):

Your team is what sets you apart! Feature your humans in action, interacting with the pups and showcasing your expertise, with their clothing or accessories subtly echoing your brand colours.

Whether it's a trai ner in a cool blue shirt demonstrating agility techniques, a groomer in her signature black tabbard with a raspberry colour towel gently pampering a nervous rescue dog, or the warm smile of a shelter volunteer in a sunshine yellow jacket, showcasing your human connections fosters trust and builds community around your brand, you absolutely don’t have to wear a uniform to reinforce your colour palette.

Bonus Tip:

Remember, consistency is key! Align your photoshoot visuals with your overall brand aesthetic and online presence. Make sure your photos tell the same story as your website, social media, and other marketing materials, and let your chosen colours weave through everything you do.

By unleashing your creativity, showcasing your unique essence, and letting your brand colours lead the way, your dog business branding photoshoot can go from generic snapshots to compelling stories that wag tails, win hearts, and leave a lasting impression. So go forth, capture the magic of your brand, and watch your online pack grow bigger and more engaged than ever before!

If you need some help colourising your brand photos then get in touch or book a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss how we can help grab your target market's attention and keep hold of it like a dog does with a bone!

A Tail-Wagging Tale

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 11:52:22 GMT

Capturing Goose's Majestic Spirit in the New Forest

Golden leaves crunching underfoot, the crisp air alive with the scent of damp earth and fallen foliage – autumn in the New Forest is a magical time, and even more so when shared with a four-legged companion like Goose, the majestic Rhodesian Ridgeback whose soulful eyes and playful spirit recently stole my heart.

Meeting Simon and Deb, Goose's pawrents, I instantly understood the depth of their bond. The way they looked at her, the gentle laughter that followed her every playful prance, it was clear this wasn't just a dog and her humans – it was a family, connected by an invisible thread woven from loyalty, love, and endless tail wags.

And then there was the water. Oh, the water! I knew Goose loved to splash around, but nothing prepared me for the sheer exuberance that erupted when she reached the edge of the stream that runs through our favourite New Forest Dog Walk. She was a tawny streak of joy, splashing, rolling, and chasing after water droplets and of course, the inevitable stick!

Capturing these moments, the wild and the playful, the gentle and the serene, that was the true magic of this photoshoot.

Each photograph becomes a treasured memory of Goose's spirit, a testament to the unique bond she shares with her family.

As we ventured into the heart of the forest, Goose transformed. Sun-dappled paths became her runway, fallen logs her balance beams, and the hushed woods echoed with the music of her joyful barks.

Capturing her essence in this wild wonderland felt like painting a portrait of pure freedom, her sleek muscles rippling beneath her burnished coat as she chased shadows and explored hidden glades.

But Goose wasn't just wild energy. There were moments of quiet tenderness, too. Watching her nuzzle against Simon's hand, seeking comfort and reassurance, or the way she nestled contentedly between Deb's legs whilst I changed my lens, reminded me of the profound connection that transcends words and flourishes in the language of love and shared breath.

As I hand Simon their finished album, I see him take a deep breath. It's a reflection not just of my work, but of the love they hold for Goose and the memories we've woven together in the heart of the ancient forest.

For in these photographs, Goose isn't just a dog; she's a family legacy, a reminder that life, like autumn leaves, may change its hue, but the love that binds us endures, vibrant and eternal.

"Helen is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about dogs it made the shoot so much more enjoyable.
Great service, good value and simply amazing pictures.
Many thanks Helen."
Simon, Debbie and of course Goose.

If your dog is more than "just a dog" and deserves to be celebrated, I would love you to get in contact and see how we can create and capture their perfect day , giving you memories to treasure of your furry best friend

Please just get in touch to see the magic for yourselves

Boosting Your Dog Biz Branding for Social Media Success

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 09:50:05 GMT

In the competitive world of online dog businesses, making your bark louder than the rest can feel like a daunting task. But fear not, pawsome entrepreneurs! Revamping your branding for social media can be the gateway to igniting engagement and attracting your ideal clientele. Let's delve into some actionable tips to make your online presence fetch the attention it deserves:

1. Know Your Target Audience:

Before unleashing your brand into the digital wilderness, take a step back and sniff out your core values. What makes your dog business unique? Are you the playful pup of the party, the reliable pack leader, or the compassionate haven offering safe spaces? Understanding your essence lays the foundation for building a consistent and captivating brand story.

2. Find Your Visual Voice:

Let's face it, images are the currency of online attention. But to truly stand out, your visuals need to go beyond just showing happy pups from Stock Libraries. Inject your brand personality into every frame. Think vibrant colours for the playful pup, sleek minimalism for the pack leader, or heartwarming close-ups for the compassionate haven. Your photos should tell a story, evoke emotions, and leave viewers yearning for more. If you need some help defining the essence or personality of your business you can take our fun FREE QUIZ

3. Beyond the Pawprints: Content that Makes You Sit & Stay:

While adorable puppy pics are a must, diversify your content for maximum engagement. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your team, offer helpful tips and tricks for dog owners, or delve into inspiring stories of the pups you help. Showcase your expertise, build trust, and create a community around your brand, not just cute faces.

4. Unleash the Magic of Storytelling:

Stories are like magnets for social media followers. Craft captivating narratives featuring your furry clients, from heartwarming adoption journeys to playful training sessions. Use captions to weave a connection, pose questions to spark conversation, and encourage user-generated content by asking viewers to share their own stories. Make your audience feel invested, not just entertained.

5. Be a Social Butterfly:

Social media is all about interaction. Respond to comments promptly and with personalised warmth. Engage in relevant conversations, share user-generated content, and participate in trending hashtags. To build genuine connections with your online audience, don't just broadcast, make sure you are listening & engaging with those around you

Bonus Tip:

Remember, consistency is key! Develop a content calendar to ensure regular engagement and maintain your brand's voice across all platforms.

By following these tips, you can transform your dog business branding into a social media magnet. So go forth, unleash your inner communicator, and watch your online pack grow. Just don't forget to offer plenty of treats for all the new friends you'll meet along the way!

Are you being pulled in different directions with your ideas to help build your dog business brand? You can book a free CONSULTATION CALL with us with absolutely no obligation! Just an opportunity to connect with a fellow dog business, verbalise your ideas and get clarity in the best way forward for your business!

Capturing Everlasting Moments: Why a Professional Dog Photoshoot Should Be on Your 2024 To-Do List

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 12:13:59 GMT

As we step into the pawsome year of 2024, there's no better time to celebrate the unconditional love and joy our furry friends bring into our lives!

And what better way to immortalise these moments than with a professional dog photoshoot by Love Photography – your go-to dog photographer in Hampshire, UK!

The Magic Behind the Lens

Your fur baby is more than just a pet; they are family. A professional dog photoshoot isn't just about capturing adorable snapshots; it's about freezing the magic, the quirks, and the pure love your four-legged companion showers upon you every day. Love Photography specializes in revealing the personality and charm of your furry friend, creating timeless images that you'll cherish forever.

Unique Locations, Tail-Wagging Fun

Whether your dog is a beach enthusiast, a park explorer, or a backyard playtime champion, Love Photography knows how to make every session uniquely special. From vibrant meadows to golden sunsets, our photography sessions are not just about taking pictures – they're about creating an experience that both you and your dog will remember fondly..

A Perfect Gift for Your Furry Friend

Imagine the excitement in your dog's eyes when they realize they're the star of their very own photoshoot! Our team at Love Photography understands the importance of making your dog feel comfortable and ensuring a stress-free environment. This results in genuine expressions and candid moments that truly capture your dog's essence.

Trendy Pup Portraits for Social Media Stardom

In the age of Instagram and Facebook, every pup deserves their moment in the spotlight! Love Photography provides you with stunning, shareable images that will make your dog the talk of the town – or at least the talk of your social media circles. Plus, who can resist the allure of a professionally shot, adorable dog portrait as your profile picture?

How to Book Your Session

Ready to make 2024 the year your dog becomes a photography sensation? Booking a session with Love Photography is as easy as a belly rub! Simply visit our website, explore our portfolio, and reach out to us to discuss your preferences and schedule your session.

This year, let Love Photography turn your dog's wagging tail, perky ears, and soulful eyes into art that you can treasure forever. Embrace the joy, celebrate the bond, and let us capture the love that makes your dog one in a million.

Here's to a year filled with furry memories and timeless photographs!

Love Phodography Partners with StreetVet to Create Heartwarming Calendar for a Cause

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 12:45:15 GMT

Helen Rushton from Love Phodography, has spent the past year in collaboration with StreetVet, a charity committed to delivering essential veterinary care and services to the pets of people experiencing homelessness.

Together, they have embarked on a journey to capture the profound and heartwarming bond between humans and their pets during StreetVet's outreach clinics across the UK. These captivating images will be used to create a calendar aimed at raising vital funds for StreetVet's remarkable mission.

In a remarkable display of compassion and dedication, Helen from Love Phodography has visited some of StreetVet's outreach clinics across the UK. Her lens has not only captured stunning snapshots of the unique relationships between homeless individuals and their beloved pets and shed light on the profound impact of these bonds on both humans and animals but also of the amazing volunteer vets and vet nurses and their pets

The collaborative calendar project aims to not only showcase the resilience and love that transcends the challenges of homelessness but also to generate crucial financial support for StreetVet's ongoing initiatives. The funds raised from the calendar will directly contribute to providing essential veterinary care and other necessary services for the pets of those experiencing homelessness.

Love Phodography and StreetVet are excited to present this extraordinary collection of images that not only celebrates the bond between humans and their pets but also calls attention to the vital work being carried out by StreetVet. The calendar will serve as a reminder of the incredible strength of the human-animal connection and the positive impact it has on the lives of those facing adversity.

With this project, Love Phodography and StreetVet hope to inspire change, foster compassion, and make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and their cherished companions. This heartwarming calendar will be available for purchase, and all proceeds will go directly to StreetVet to further their mission of delivering free essential veterinary care and services to pets in need.

IVC have very kindly sponsored the printing and distribution of the calendar this year so to purchase your copy, and help those in need, please visit THIS LINK

Capturing Canine Character: Top Tips for Autumn Dog Photography

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 11:22:46 GMT

Autumn is a magical season, with its vibrant foliage, crisp air, and golden sunlight.

It's the perfect time to capture the natural beauty of your furry friend against the backdrop of nature's colourful canvas.

Getting photos of your dog should be a fun experience for you both, the more relaxed you are and the more you go with what your dog is doing the better your photos - if your dog isn’t a sit and stay kinda guy then go with the action shots, alternatively if your dog loves a pootle rather than a hook about then go for some sit stays with the lovely autumnal leave!

Here are a few of my top tips to get you started - I would LOVE to see your results so if you have a moment tag #tailwaggingpawtraits in your images on Insta so I can see!

Timing is Key: Golden hour, that magical time shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most flattering and warm light for photography. In autumn, the low angle of the sun creates soft, golden hues, casting a warm glow on your dog's fur. Plan your photo sessions during these times to capture the essence of the season.

Choose Your Location: Seek out parks, forests, and natural areas that showcase the vibrant autumn colours. Scenic locations with colourful foliage, such as red and orange leaves or golden birch trees, make for stunning backdrops that will complement your dog's coat. Ensure the location is safe and comfortable for your pet.

Bring Treats and Toys : Dogs can be easily distracted, so having a few of their favourite treats or toys on hand can be a game-changer. Use these items to get their attention and encourage natural expressions. Treats can also be used to reward them for a job well done during the photoshoot.
Use a Fast Lens or “Portrait” mode on your camera phone : A lens with a wide aperture (low f-number, e.g., f/1.4 or f/2.8) allows for a shallow depth of field, creating a beautiful bokeh effect. This will help isolate your dog from the background, making them the central focus of the photograph while blurring the autumn scenery in the background.
Capture Action Shots : Dogs are known for their boundless energy, which can be a great advantage for action shots. Let your dog run, jump, or play in the leaves, and use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action. These dynamic shots can convey the joy and spirit of your pet in their natural element. Bring someone with you to throw leaves into the air around your dog for those super special images!

Get Down to Their Level: Shooting at your dog's eye level can give a unique perspective and a more intimate feel to your photos. Kneel down or lie on the ground to capture their world from their point of view. This approach can result in more engaging and personal shots.
Choose Coordinating Colours : Consider the colours of your dog's coat when selecting your photography props and accessories. Earthy tones, like warm browns, reds, or oranges, will complement the fall foliage and create a harmonious look in your images.
Capture Candid Moments : Sometimes the most heartwarming photographs are those that capture the unscripted moments of joy, curiosity, or contentment in your dog's life. Be patient and watch for those spontaneous expressions and activities that define your pet's personality.

Post-Processing: Don't forget to edit your photos to enhance their beauty further, there are plenty of free apps out there for photo processing. Light touch-ups, colour correction, and minor adjustments can help your images pop. Be cautious not to overdo it, as the goal is to enhance, not alter, your dog's natural charm.
Safety First: While chasing that perfect shot, never compromise your dog's safety or comfort. Watch out for hazards like sharp sticks, thorns, or any potential allergens. Keep your dog hydrated, and ensure they are comfortable during the photoshoot.

Remember that every dog is unique, and capturing their individuality in the context of autumn's beauty can make for truly special photographs. So, get outside, embrace the season, and have fun while creating lasting memories with your furry companion. Autumn's stunning colours, when combined with your dog's irresistible charm, can result in breathtaking photos that you'll treasure for years to come.

If you’re struggling to get the photos you pictured in your mind you can always book a photoshoot with us! At Love Phodography, we're not just in the business of photography – we're in the business of capturing stories. Stories that revolve around wagging tails, wet noses, and the unbreakable bonds between dogs and their humans.

Our goal is to turn every photoshoot into a fun and memorable adventure. It's not just about snapping pictures; it's about creating an experience filled with joy, laughter, and the unspoken language that exists between a dog and their best friend. We understand that each dog has its own individual character, quirks, and charm – and we make it our mission to capture those special qualities in every photograph.

Everything we do is based around treat rewards so your dog has the absolute best time ever and the photos reflect that joy! We photograph on location and in our dog friendly studio in Romsey, every session we do is tailor made to you and your dog so your story is unique!

We also offer Gift Vouchers so if you're searching for the perfect gift to celebrate the unique connection between a pet and their owner, look no further. Our dog photoshoot gift vouchers are your ticket to an unforgettable experience and you can read more about them HERE

I hope you enjoy this incredibly photogenic season and look forward to seeing your photos in Instagram! Don't forget to tag us #TailWaggingPawtraits

8 awesome ideas to keep your dog safe this Christmas so they can enjoy the festive period as much as you do

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 10:31:57 GMT

Christmas is so exciting isn’t it? A tree glistening in the corner laden with shiny baubles, bells and bows and a huge stack of fabulous smelling boxes all wrapped up around it.

�� Bowls of fancy chocolates and nuts scattered around the house perfect for picking as you pass.

�� People coming and going at different times to normal - not the mention the big jovial man in a red and white costume, arriving in the middle of the night to munch his way through yet another plate of mince pies and milk…

So much to look forward to… So much to confuse the heck outta your furry best friend!

So how can you make sure your dog enjoys Christmas as much as the rest of the family? We’ve come up with a few ideas to help you…

Visitor Rules

If you have a dog that loves to be super affectionate (aka bouncing all over the place) when new people come in the house, consider setting some rules for your visitors that you let them know before they arrive;

On the run up to Christmas reinforce your dog’s training to not jump up on people rewarding them when all four paws are on the floor
Consider keeping your dog safely in the house whilst you go out to greet your guests and use the dog free time to remind your guests of your house rules - that could be things like ignoring the dog until they’re calm with paws on the floor, no feeding the dog titbits regardless of how “cute” their begging is and keeping any temptations out of the dogs reach (is it just me whose dog rummages through anyone’s handbag on the floor in the vain attempt to find food?!��

The Christmas Tree

You’ll read a hundred guides that say about putting all your baubles at the top of your tree to minimise temptation for your dog and whilst this is good advice there could be an even better way (especially if you’re like me and the Christmas tree decorations have to be placed exactly so or it drives you nuts!)… Take the time to sit with your dog by the Christmas tree and let them have a sniff, every time they look away from the tree reward them with a treat . They’ll soon get the idea that the tree is actually very boring and the good stuff, as always, is with you!

Christmas pressies under the tree

Maximise the chance of keeping your Christmas pressies intact by making sure there is absolutely nothing scrummy smelling in the floor where your dog can get to. I always keep Mash’s gifts containing treats well away from everything else where he has absolutely no chance of getting to them. If they are showing interest in the pile of presents (and lets face it, we all like to have a sneaky shake of the pressies, your dog is only doing what’s natural!) Then take the time to reward them every time they come away from them.

Give your dog a safe space

Make your dog’s bed extra comfy with a new blanket and put it somewhere a little out of the way so they can escape to the comfort of their own space if it all gets a little much. Make sure the kids know that when the dog goes to their bed they must leave him alone

Change in routine

Regardless of what each day holds, try and give your dog some kind of normal routine - you could make sure their morning walk is a little longer than normal and will not only meet their sniffs and toilet needs but will give you a little time to get on with things as your dog has a good sleep after.

If you always feed your dog at specific times try and make sure you can stick to these throughout the Christmas period. A regular feeding routine can minimise the change of toilet habits so by sticking close to what’s normal you can minimise the chances of an unwanted little surprise waiting for you behind the sofa

Be food and snack savvy

We all know that chocolate isn’t great for dogs, it contains a chemical called theobromine as well as caffeine - These 2 chemicals are used medicinally as a heart stimulant, diuretic and blood vessel dilator and neither of which can be metabolised by a dog’s digestive system which is why dogs are more sensitive to the chemical effects so keep the choccies out of reach (more for you that way too, win, win!)

Dogs are also incredibly sensitive to the artificial sweetener Xylito l, which is found in a huge array of food stuff (including chewing gum, mints and even pasta sauce!). Consuming even the smallest amount can cause your dog to become severely ill as their blood sugar levels dramatically drop. If your dog consumes Xylitol its an urgent trip to the vets for intervention so make sure your dog can’t get to anything that may contain Xylitol

Christmas cake, stollen and mince pies all contain raisins, currants and / or sultanas, all of which are toxic to dogs. The effects can often be delayed (from 24 - 72 hours) but can possibly causing vomiting and diarrhoea, and sometimes kidney failure, keep them in a tin where only the humans can get to them

We all want our dogs to be able to enjoy a Christmas treat like we do so stock up on some scrummy treatos and even a Christmas dinner made specifically for dogs - Mash always enjoys his Three Bird Feast from Lily’s Kitchen

Talking of food…

If your family is anything like mine we all enjoy a leisurely long Christmas dinner full of all the family’s favourite foods… To make sure Mash isn’t creating havoc or getting bored I always buy some long lasting snacks for him - a hairy rabbit ear (great for worms) is a great snack for a small dog or look at the super awesome Yak Snacks which are 100% natural, grain & gluten free as well as a whole host of other good stuff! Antlers are another long lasting chew we love to use

Did your brother ever make you lick a battery?!

No? Just me then! �� There are hundreds of things around at Christmas that all need batteries, the new toys, electrical gadgets and fairy lights to name a few. Make sure covers are secure after inserting any batteries and don’t leave the batteries lying around where your dog can reach them.

We hope you found our 8 Awesome tips to keep your dog safe this Christmas helpful? If you did please share it with a friend or follow us on social media - you can find out more fabulous furry fun over on our Instagram account Mash_at_LovePhodography

If you love giving your doggo the best life ever and fancy treating them to a super Christmas Gift of a photoshoot please get in touch helen@lovephodography.co.uk Let's have a chat about your furry friend and everything they love so we can tailor make a photoshoot to create beautiful memories for you and your dog

We hope you all have a fabulous Christmas and a Happy New Year,

Love from Mash & Helen x

5 Dog Photography Tips To Capture Your Senior Dog’s Heart & Soul

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 10:15:38 GMT

Senior dogs are extra special! Discover dog photography tips to help you capture your canine companion’s heart and soul in photos you’ll treasure forever.

Senior dogs make my heart skip a beat. The years of love, memories and companionship between owner and a senior dog are just so immensely special.

Your dog may be slower now than before, or a little more cantankerous perhaps - that’s completely an old girl or guy’s prerogative! But their love and unique personality is something to be rejoiced in and celebrated.

So today we’re looking at some tips to help you capture your senior dog in photos while ensuring they’re completely comfortable and at ease.

#1 Go at your dog’s pace

When your dog was younger they may have been gung-ho and keen to run at 100 mph - relax, dog photography isn’t a race! There’s something very special about embracing the calm and capturing your dog in all their natural glory.

#2 Make it special to them

Take them to their favourite place, or to do their favourite thing. Whether that’s swimming, sniffing or snoozing in the warm sunshine - these memories are to be savoured and cherished.

#3 Accept your dog completely as they are

There’s nothing wrong with a bath or a brush before a dog photoshoot, but if your dog isn’t usually the preened and polished type, then don’t overdo it. When you look at these photos in years to come, you’ll want to remember them exactly as they were.

#4 Get in front of the camera

Ok, I know most of us do not delight in the concept of being in front of the camera, but I promise you, even if it’s just for a couple of shots, you’ll never regret it.

These photos can be just for you, you never have to show a soul if you don’t want to. But I know you will hold these photos dear and be so glad you chose to brave it out and join your dog in the spotlight!

#5 Choose a dog portrait photography session

I can’t tell you how many people get in touch when their dog becomes ill. This is a hugely emotive and sensitive subject, but honestly, booking a dog portrait photography session is a decision you will be so relieved you made.

All of my dog photoshoots are tailored to the individual dog. We will make it a special experience that your dog will enjoy. And you’ll have some very special photos to hold on to for a lifetime.

In Conclusion

Years of love and devotion are a special gift that we never want to take for granted. Your senior dog is a BIG part of your life, so take lots of pictures, embrace those special moments and make every day and woof count.

If you’d like to talk about a dog photoshoot for the love of your life, please just click the button below and book a free, no-obligation chat with me.

I’d love to hear from you.

DIY Puppy Photoshoot tips for awesome photos of your pup!

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 14:08:35 GMT

How to take awesome photos of your puppy

As a dog photographer, I have lots of awesome puppy photoshoot tips for you that will help you take fabulous photos of your little bundle of joy in your very own DIY Pup py Photoshoot!

Puppies grow up so fast, and whilst you’re probably tired from all the late night toilet trips outside, possibly a little bit frazzled that it’s a little harder than you were expecting ( I know I was, I cried for 4 weeks when Mash came home wondering what the heck I’d let myself in for!), grab a double espresso and let’s explore how to take photos of your puppy so you have a lasting memory of these special days when they are teeny, squishy, bundles of floof!

How To Prepare For A DIY Puppy Photoshoot - In the house

You probably feel that your brand new pup seems to swing between being fast asleep or zooming around at a rate of knots with nothing in between but trust me, there are times between the two that make for great times to get photos as well of course the obligatory puppy asleep shots.

The first few weeks when puppy comes home can be a great time for getting sleepy pics and also you’re probably already working on “sit” so this can be really helpful for your DIY puppy Photoshoot

Have a look around your house at where the light from outside coming through a window or door is good - you don’t want direct light shining onto your pup but defused light from a window is lovely (you can read more about this on my 12 tips to taking stunning photos of your furry best friend here ), and get some scrummy training treats ready in a little pot along with a squeaky toy in your pocket (be careful when you sit down, it will squeak!)

Make sure any clutter is cleared away, there’s absolutely nothing worse than capturing a beautiful moment only to realise there is a huge soggy half eaten dinosaur or similar appearing out of your puppy’s head!

I personally prefer to use a background that’s native to the house rather than a blanket draped over something so again make sure your background is clean and clear of clutter

Take a photo without puppy in it and check for any distractions in the background then take your puppy outside to run off a little steam and get any necessaries done (I once had a puppy pee with excitement during her puppy Photoshoot which was absolutely fine in the studio but not so good when you’re trying to toilet train at home!)

When you’ve done all this it’s time to get shooting!

Sit or lie on the floor, camera ready, and lure your puppy with a treat or toy to where you want them to be and ask them to sit

Before you tell them what a great good boy or girl they are, snap a pic or 3 and then reward them with a treat. The only difference from this and positive reward training is you’re pausing for a brief second to take the photo before giving them praise and reward.

Beware, your natural reaction is to excitedly praise your dog as soon as their bum hits the floor… at which point your puppy is so pleased they made you happy the bum comes straight back up and your puppy wants payment! As with all photography, timing is absolutely everything

I thought it would be a good test to see what happens with Mash, my 9 year old dachshund, who is very used to having his photo taken (& usually moves in for his reward as soon as he hears the camera shutter go!). Obviously when videoing there is no camera shutter noise but sure enough as soon as I said “good boy” he was off looking for his wages ��

You’ll need to take an awful lot of photos to get the one killer shot so you need to be patient, also remember though your puppy doesn’t have a big attention span at the moment so little and often is the key, there’s nothing worse than you getting frustrated when your puppy hasn’t done anything other than being a puppy.

Creative Photos of your Puppy

I love to us e items of scale to show how little puppies are, one of my favourite photos of Mash is him curled up in my slippers �� You can get really creative using height charts, your puppy’s first toy, letter boards and even your front door! So much cuteness is almost a good enough reason to get another puppy!

Newborn Puppy Photoshoot tips

You may not always get the chance to get great photos of your puppy before they come home but let’s face it an 8 -10 week old puppy still counts as newborn right?!

Props For A Puppy Photoshoot

Collect some baskets or crates you have around your home and use as props for your Photoshoot of your newborn puppy

You could also include accessories for the puppy, such as a pretty collar or bandana. Their first toy to snuggle up with or their new fluffy blanket can make these lovely moments when puppy has a full belly and is sleepy turn into a super easy DIY newborn puppy Photoshoot!

Go a little careful with using fresh flowers, we’ve all seen beautiful photos of puppies with flower crowns and collars but before using please make sure they are in no way harmful to you puppy, as you’ve probably already discovered new puppies discover & learn about the world around them with their mouths and it’s just not worth the risk to your puppies health

How to take newborn puppy photos

The best time to take these snuggly, sleep photos of your newborn puppy is just after they’ve been out to the garden after a meal. With bellies full of food they’ll be super sleepy so as they start to drop off place them gently in the basket or crate or whatever you’re using, keep your hands on them til they settle and slowly take your hands away as they fall into a deeper sleep.

If you’ve placed your puppy well (make sure their head is a little higher than the rest of their body with nose pointing out or up) you can use the opportunity to get different pics from lots of angles - close ups of the nose, paws, wide angle from eye height, from above, the possibilities are endless! Enjoy these moments and if your puppy starts to dream pop your camera into video mode and take a few seconds of filming for you to look back on too.

DIY Puppy photos outside

If you’re shooting outside then consider hiring a secure field or using a large garden if pup doesn’t have recall yet so they can run off lead. There’s nothing more distracting in a photo that a lead holding your puppy back and whilst we as professional dog photographers have lots of super whizzy editing tools to remove leads from our photos you probably won’t won’t to bother with all the work!

Just as with photos of your puppy inside make sure where you’re photographing is free of clutter, I saw a lovely puppy photo the other day but couldn’t tear my eyes away from the telegraph pole sticking out of puppy’s head!

When photographing on your phone it’s easiest to look for an area where the light is behind you so there are no hard shadows on puppy’s face and so your phone can adjust it’s settings to having a quick shutter speed as there will be lots of light falling onto your puppy.

Get low down on your belly and just snap away as your puppy explores the world around them, as they’re getting tired (this can quite literally be after 10 minutes, remember they shouldn’t be walked for long on your bones that are still growing) you can try asking your puppy to sit but don’t be surprised if this doesn’t happen the first few times, there’s far more important things for your puppy to be doing!

Also please don't worry if your puppy isn't looking at you, the inquisitive nature of a puppy is something that really appeals to us hoomums so if making squeaky noises or blowing raspberries isn't working, just capture the natural moments as they unfold.

Most importantly of all, make sure you and your puppy are you’re enjoying yourselves, and take a few selfies with your puppy! These precious moments don’t last for long

In Conclusion

Have fun trying out these puppy photoshoot tips with your little bundle of joy. Remember, patience is key and if your pup (or you) begins getting frustrated, just take a break and if you're really not getting the results you're looking for please get in touch with any questions or to book one of my super cute Puppy Photoshoots

I’d love to see your beautiful photos. Please tag me on Instagram @mash_at_lovephodography and share the puppy love!

Happy snapping!

When Harry met Lisa - a pawfect match!

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 09:56:23 GMT

There's nothing like the love between a human and their dog!

Lisa and Harry had the best time when they joined us for their studio dog photoshoot

Discover how to photograph your black dog so you can actually see them

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 12:08:03 GMT

Did you know, black dogs tend to stay longer in rescue centres than other colour dogs? Could it be that you’re not alone in struggling with your black dog photography? As a professional dog photographer I’d definitely say they can be harder to photograph than other coloured dogs but it’s absolutely not impossible to be able to capture their unique personalities the same as you can any other dog.

So, how do you take good photographs of a black dog? Let’s explore!

Take advantage of the light for black dog photography

Lighting makes an enormous difference to all of your photos, but if you’re taking snaps of a black dog then the right lighting is vital.

While full sunshine may sound like ideal conditions in terms of light, it can actually throw up some difficulties! Hello shadows, squinty eyes and sunbeams spoiling your shots. In full sunshine unless your black dog is directly facing into the sun, some of them will be in sunlight contrasting harshly with the parts that are in shadow.

It doesn’t matter if you’re using a phone camera or a professional DSLR there is only so much range in the camera’s ability to expose for the bright bits and the black bits. (That’s technical jargon incase you didn’t realise!!)

As a pro dog photographer I have the advantage of powerful editing software that allows me to bring out fine detail in all areas of the exposure range but you’ll be hard pressed to get this on a camera phone, but I’m not a pro dog photographer I hear you scream at your screen, so what light is going to help you get the best shots of your black dog…

It may not make much sense, overcast days are actually our favourite! The cloud cover acts as a HUGE soft box defusing sunlight evenly across your dog, bye bye deep shadows caused by eyebrows and big snozzes! And if you’re looking to get the details of your black dog’s features you probably won’t be including the sky in your shot so it doesn’t matter how miserable it looks!

Pick the right time of day

We all know that the sun is at its’ brightest in the middle of the day, that’s why we don’t walk our doggies at lunchtime in the middle of summer. As well as the heat of the day, the light of the day is at its’ most intense so to get better photos of your black dog go our first thing in the morning after the sun has risen or late afternoon.

Either end of the day also give us a beautiful quality of light, it tends to be warmer which can help your black dog not look blue and your photos will have a more pleasing feel to you when you look at them

Choose the right background

Whether a colourful backdrop, a light and natural scenery behind your dog or a well lit room, your background can transform the photos you take of your black dog.

I love photographing black dogs on the beach, the lightness of the sand and sea adds a beautiful contrast to the black of a dog and similarly old fashioned buildings - the ones not made from red bricks - add a beautiful contrast to your black dog photography

Use accessories to add some colour

A snazzy collar or a bright bandana can help to break up your dog’s dark coat and draw attention to their beautiful face.

By separating the area between head and body with some colour, you’re adding what we call a “Leading Line” into your image, directing your viewers where you want them to look

In this image to the left it's not the dog's collar adding the colour and leading line by the lady's red blouse - the top half is exactly the same height as the doggo's head and the bottom part of her blouse separates her from the dog's leg whilst still being right next to her.

Whilst we're talking about colour, and this applies to all your photos, try and keep your colour palette complimentary with other a few colours but using different tones of those colours - notice her tan boots are picking out the tan in the stone work and her tweed jacket is separating her from the wall without colours clashing. I really cannot stress how important the "little things" are when creating stunning photos of your dogs!

Try out silhouette photography

If you want to go a little arty with photos of your black dog why not photograph them as a silhouette?

Set up the scene in your viewfinder, maybe your dog sitting in profile to you (profile is really important otherwise you’ll just have a black blob instead of a black dog!).

Then expose for the sky and not for the dog - this works really well in brighter light rather than the overcast day we wanted before

Make sure there is nothing between your dog and the background as if you’re exposing for the sky everything else will be black and you want to make sure you have a clear view of your dog in profile with nothing distracting you from them

(Pexels Photo 104972)

How to take photos of a black dog indoors

Photographing black dogs indoors can be a little more tricky, it’s always best to use natural light if possible, light defusing in through a voile over a window is perfect!

Turn off any internal lights, whilst this may seem barmy given we need as much light as possible to photograph the dog, each light source is a different colour and can end up not only adding strange colour casts to your photos but also shadows where you don’t want them (unless you’re like me and need to hide the big box of clutter by the side of the sofa!)

Choose a light coloured chair (rather than your dark colour sofa) and position it close to a window at about 45 degrees and get your dog to sit with his head towards the window rather than his behind! By having a particular scrummy treatos in your hand you can get your dog to follow where you position the treat to get the best light on their face

Another little trick is to use natural tiles that you may have in your kitchen, hallway or garden type room. These can be a beautiful plain background to contrast to your dog and they’ll can also act as a natural reflector bouncing the light up under your doggo too

Editing is magic!

Taking great photos is only half of the job. When you choose a professional dog photographer, our kit allows us to adjust to our subject to get the best possible images. But it doesn’t stop there - in post production we can change the contrast, select specific areas to lighten or darken, and even change the colour of the background so it works more seamlessly to highlight your dog without them blending in

If you don’t have editing software then you can try experimenting with the exposure and hues on your phone’s editing app. You could even try out the filters on your phone app (*Shudder*)

In conclusion

So to get better photos of your dog, go out at the right time of day and use the scenery around your to add contrast. Stay away from harsh sunshine and try using a collar or harness that contrasts with your black dog but co-ordinates with the background colours. Easy right??!! Don’t worry, it takes time, patience and practise to get it right but think of the adventures you’ll have with your dog whilst practising!

You can always get more tips and tricks to the secrets professional dog photographers use by signing up for your free Guide HERE

If all this seems like way too much hard work you could book a professional dog photoshoot so you can take advantage of all the pro whizzy gear, expert know-how and super magical editing dust!

Get your paws on some stunning photos of your black dog without all the faff today.

Simply book a free call below and let’s talk dog!

Prepare for your PAWFECT Dog Photoshoot

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 14:38:56 GMT

Preparing for your pawfect dog photoshoot shouldn't be hard!

If you are investing in a dog photoshoot you're going to want to make sure you get great photos and whilst absolutely, we'll always do that, there are a few things you can do to help make sure everything goes according to plan! Don't get me wrong, if you don't do anything, you and your dog are still going to have the best time on your dog photoshoot but if you're anything like me you'd rather be prepared!

Grooming your dog for their dog photoshoot

Just like humans it's always best to book your dog in for grooming a week or so ahead of your photoshoot - I'm sure you, like me, have walked out of the hairdressers before and felt like you're not looking like "you" - can you images putting a picture of you, straight out of the hair dressers, on the wall above your fireplace??! After a couple of days though you are looking and feeling fabulous! That's time time you want everyone to see how amazing you are!

If your doggo doesn't need to visit the grooming parlour, give them a quick bath (if they're used to baths!) before you come or just give them a good brush over. There's absolutely no point stressing you and / or the dog out by bathing or grooming ahead of your photoshoot if they're not used it it - your photoshoot is supposed to be a fun filled adventure full of memories you'll enjoy looking back on!

BTW - I can't promise your dog will finish their photoshoot looking as fabulous as when they started - more on that in a moment!!

Have a little practise before your photoshoot

It's always a great excuse to revisit your dog's training before their photoshoot. Grab some scrummy treatos before you head out on your walk and at various points along the way as your dog to " sit ", " stay " (whilst you walk a couple of metres away from them), " down " (if they're not a dachshund who refuses to "down" unless he's on carpet, yes hello Mr Mash, I'm talking about you!) and of course " come "

Make it fun! Give lots of treatos and praise and just enjoy the time really being together doing things

What's your favourite dog walk?

Where do you and your dog love to spend time? Do you have a favourite place in the world that encapsulates all the adventures your and your dog enjoy? If you're not sure then let me know and I can talk you through some of Mash & my favourite places to go, we know beaches, quiet walks, woods, forests, cities all across the south so have plenty of inspiration if you're fresh out!

Once we have the location sorted we'll plan a rough route - from experience, if your dog loves the water we're best off taking a route where we end up near the water rather than start off in the water so we can make the most of them looking fab first and THEN get the photos of them having fun in the water! In 9 years of photographing dogs I am still yet to meet someone who wants to hug a wet dog, maybe you'll be the first but best to hedge our bets and end on a high!

Humans do your bit!

I know this is a dog photoshoot, of your dog, for your dog BUT... There's nothing more precious that a couple of photos of YOU and your dog!

Trust me, I'm a photographer because I hate being in front of the camera and yet the picture hanging over my mantelpiece is of Mash AND me!! Having a professional dog photoshoot is the perfect excuse to jump in a few photos too - if you hate them we'll delete them but I know how important it is that we at least try, so...

Before your dog photoshoot delve through your wardrobe and plan your outfit - there's a whole blog on what to wear for your dog photoshoot but if you don't have time to read that right now here's a little summary

LOCATION

The location of your dog photoshoot should influence your outfit - for example if you're going to the forest a sundress and flip flops are probably not the best outfit to choose, similarly, you may look and feel a little out of sorts if you're wearing your beautiful tweed jacket and wellies to the beach in the middle of summer!

LAYERS

Wearing layers is a great way to add variety into your photoshoot. You could add a wrap or a scarf, pop your favourite jacket over your blouse, bring along a hat, whatever you fancy, the only rules are stick to one or two colours and go for shades & tones of those colours so your images work well together

LOGOS

Well not just logos but any writing / cartoon characters / large pictures across your top should be avoided at all costs. They are not only distracting but very much date your images and you'll want your investment to last through the years

LEGS

Blue jeans, chinos, linen trousers, basically any trousers that have a tailored waist are going to look fabulous, whether you're a skinny jeans, bootcut, flare or straight kinda gal (I don't know what the male versions are I'm sorry!) pop on those blue jeans and you can't go wrong

LE SHOESES (Lame I know but you try finding a word for "boots" that starts with an L!)

You know that lovely pair of leather boots you've been eyeing up but really can't justify the cost of - now you can! Nothing sets an outfit off better than a good pair of boots - wellie boots, knee high boots (for the ladies), walking boots or Timberlands, it's doesn't matter as long as your shoes are comfy, clean, a little bit practical and not dayglo trainers (but weirdly Converse all stars always work too!)!!

Special Needs

I can't stress how important it is to make sure you have a detailed discussion with your dog photographer about any special needs your dog may have, before your dog photo session. This could include things like

Food allergies
Anxiety
Fear of strangers / other dogs
What they are motivated by
What we should avoid at all costs

Even the most well balanced, well loved dogs may have a small issue that if it's not talked about could upset them during their photo session so to make sure everything runs smoothly don't be afraid to voice any niggles beforehand

Enjoying your dog photoshoot

All that's left to do is download your "preparing for your dog photoshoot" checklist 9click on the image below)) and make sure you leave plenty of time for your dog session - I never rush my dog photoshoots. It's a joy to be out and about experiencing adventures with these most noble animals capturing their awesomeness in the great outdoors and hope you enjoy it as much as I will!

Ava's New Forest Dog photoshoot

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 18:31:33 GMT

After re-scheduling Ava's New Forest Dog Photoshoot a number of times I was really looking forward to meeting her at my favourite New Forest dog walk, Puttles Bridge.

Puttles has a little bit of everything - well behaved trees (yes trees can misbehave, I'll write a blog on that one day I promise!), a mix of graded and well worn paths, bridges, fallen down logs, a lovely stream and wide open meadows full of heather in the late summer, you can see why it's my favourite New Forest Walk!

The perfect light for Dog photography

Strange as it may sound, summer can be very hit and miss for great light, it doesn't have the clarity a crisp autumn or spring day has so you can often get a kind of muddy light however on this lovely august evening everything was perfect! It hadn't been too hot during the day so Ava would be able to run around without getting too hot and we hit my favourite spot just as the fading light was filtering through the trees.

Whilst this location in the New Forest isn't well known for it's heather it really does have a lovely swathe of purpley pink heather in the meadow to the west of the stream so we had a great opportunity to get good light on a very black dog and show how shiney her coat is whilst being surrounded my beautiful colours.

After doing lots of running in and out of the stream we calmed things down a little by doing a few stationary portraits in the meadow to show off all her best bits so without any further ado, some of my favourite images from Ava's New Forest Dog photoshoot

If reading about Ava's New Forest Dog photoshoot has inspired you to have your furry best friend photographed please get in touch so we can chat through their favourite places to walk and get a plan together to tailor make your tail wagging pawtrait session!

7 Pawesome Dog Birthday Ideas to make your dog’s tail wag!

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 13:36:18 GMT

Your dog’s birthday or gotcha day is on the horizon and you’re looking for inspiration to make it a special day full of things your dog will love!

Mash and I have you covered with a list of 7 pawesome dog birthday ideas that we think your bestie will LOVE! So, let’s get planning your dog’s pawfect birthday!

7 Pawesome Dog Birthday Ideas...

1. Take a trip to your pup’s favourite pet shop

Take your pup for a birthday outing and let them choose some super scrummy treatos in your local petstore, our favourites at the moment are Yora hand-baked biscuits

I love the fact that Yora is a completely sustainable pet food supplier and Mash loves the taste of these hand-baked biscuits

2. Arrange a dog pawty in the park

You don’t have to do party food or even decorate just invite your dog’s favourite friends to get together and play whilst you catch up with your friends too!

If you really want to push the boat out you could instigate some pawty games - 6 legged race? Musical Sits? Paws the Pawcel? Sorry, couldn't resist!

3. Bake a dog birthday cake

The way to a dog's heart is through his tummy - ok so we made that up but how about baking your pooch a dog birthday cake to celebrate?!

Recipe

Carrot & Apple Birthday Cake for Dogs (with yoghurty peanut butter icing!)

THE CAKE:

2 Cups Grated Carrot

3 Cups Wholemeal Flour

1/2 Cup Rolled Oats

2 Teaspoon Cinnamon

1/2 Cup Applesauce

4 Free Range Eggs (Beaten)

THE YOGHURTY PEANUT BUTTER ICING:

1 ½ Cups Plain Greek Yogurt

1 Cup Smooth Natural Peanut Butter (unsalted with no added sugars)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 175 C/ 350F. Lightly grease a 25cm round cake tin or we used 3 x springform mini cake tins

Combine grated carrot, beaten eggs and applesauce in a medium bowl.
Combine flour, oats and cinnamon in a large bowl.
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients to form a thick batter.
Spoon the mixture evenly into the cake tin/s and place in the oven.
Bake for 25 minutes (may vary depending on oven). Allow to cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.
If you’re not using the mini cake tins, once cooled, cut out 3 x circles to create the cake layers. You could use a large cup to cut out the circles
Using a spoon, mix together the yoghurt and peanut butter and spread your icing mixture to each layer of the cake (including the top layer)
Place each layer on top of each other and press together.
Sprinkle with carrot peel gratings for extra texture & decoration

TIP: With the leftover icing you could make bone or paw shaped decorations by putting in a shaped ice cube tray and putting in the fridge to set

4. Or buy a dog birthday cake!

Now if you’re not a confident baker like me (I can burn water even though I trained as a chef as part of my university course!) you can always skip baking your own pup cake and order one instead!

I recently ordered the most beautiful little dog birthday cake from Roccycocotreats (you can find her on Etsy or her own website by clicking on the link)

How much nicer does this cake look compared to the one I baked? Definitely worth the money I’d say!!

5. Your dog's favourite walkies

After all that cake you’ll want some exercise so why not head out to your dog’s favourite walk? Let them take the lead and stop and sniff all those weemails to make it truly their birthday walk. You could even play some games along the way (throw some treats onto the ground for hide and seek or play piggy in the middle using a ball thrown between 2 hoomans)

6. Indulge your dog with an edible dog birthday card

If after that exercise you’re starting to feel peckish… How about a super awesome edible birthday card for your best buddy?

Yes you read that right, the amazing guys at D is for Dog make fantastic, raw hide free, edible birthday cards for dogs!

We chose “chompable cheddar” as Mash is as much a cheese fiend as I am. Let’s put it this way, I barely got the chance to take a photo of the card before it was gone!

7. Set up a dog birthday photoshoot

Get a large waterproof background and tape it to a wall near a large window or patio doors. Decorate with some great birthday decorations such a bunting, balloons, confetti etc. Before you bring the cake in, take a few photos of your dog to check you can get your decorations and bunting in the frame then bring in their cake and snap away!

Our dogs deserve to be celebrated and utterly spoiled all year round but it's even more fun to make their birthday even more special. Don’t furget to take plenty of photos of your dog tucking into their birthday pupcake and having a blast with their friends. Use the hashtag #tailwaggingpawtraits so we can see the fun time you had!

Check out these top dog photography tips to help you take some fab photos on the day.

Does your dog deserve the best?

If you’d like to make your dog’s birthday or gotcha day extra special, why not get in touch to discuss a special dog birthday photoshoot ?

If you don’t want to deal with the mess of a dog birthday photoshoot, don’t have to room or the time to be baking then our Dog birthday photoshoots are the perfect answer! Just click on the link above for more information

Your dog will get their very own personalised birthday cake and card, plenty of fun playing in our dog friendly studio and special birthday belly rubs.

You are very welcome to pop on your party hats too and join in the fun and as part of the dog birthday photoshoot you’ll get your favourite photo as a large print mounted and ready to frame, plus 5 birthday cards with your pup’s photo on to send to your family and friends AND the second best bit? We do all the tidying up so you don’t have to!

Click here to find out more about our extra special Dog Birthday Photoshoots

Let’s make the memories last forever!

Best dog photoshoots in 2021, Hampshire

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 12:13:08 GMT

A look back at our 2021 best dog photoshoots...

It's almost impossible to choose your best dog photoshoots, every dog is different, their personality and love for life shines through in their images and there are always far too many great shots to choose from! As a professional dog photographer I think it's a really useful task to do at the end of the year, I can put a line in the sand of what I achieved and learn from the images.

So incase you have absolutely no interest in my musings I'll get straight to sharing the images - if you would like to know a little more about what I do and how I do it, read on!

I'm really lucky to have both a dog friendly photo studio and amazing locations to photograph dogs outside on my doorstep and I think we all took advantage of being outside and meeting up with people after being locked down in 2020!

However, photographing dog portraits in the studio is really useful for dogs who may have selective recall, mobility issues or just to get those really cute photos if dogs interacting with props!

New Forest dog photography locations

There are so many incredible locations through the New Forest for Dog Photoshoots - from lovely meandering streams to wide open spaces filled with heather the possibilities to get great outdoor dog portraits are endless. The one thing all of the outdoor dog photos above have in common is great light! Shooting first thing or last thing in the day generally means the light is better and often these fabulous locations are quieter too. A couple of my favourite places include Puttles Bridge and Half Moon Common, really easy to get to and park and awesome backdrops without the need to go too far

Dorset beaches best for Dog photoshoots

When i'm looking for a beach location for my dog photoshoots I want a place that has more than just endless miles of sand and sea, features like piers, rocks, groynes and dunes are fabulous for adding a variety of looks within the dog's photo session. Hengistbury Head is absolutely pawfect! There's a great meadow between the beach and parking where we can run off some energy then you can access the beach with it's stunning rock groynes via some hidden sand dunes that tend to be really quiet if you go at the right time of day!

I absolutely love to photograph dogs at Hengistbury Head so if you would like an outdoor dog photoshoot on the beach get in touch using the button below and we can arrange your tail wagging pawtrait session!

12 Dog Photography Tips For STUNNING Photos Of Your Best Friend

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Sun, 26 Dec 2021 13:33:53 GMT

Discover top hacks from a professional dog photographer that are going to transform the photos you take of your dog! With these dog photography tips, you’ll no longer be pointing and shooting in the dark or relying on filters to spruce up your shots!

Learn how to host your very own dog photoshoot and take photos of your dog like a pro with these 12 simple dog photography tips.

Let’s get started!

#1 - Lighting is everything!

If you’re shooting inside, use the light from a window or patio doors to light your dog, turn off any lamps so you only have one colour of light and play around with where works the best for you and your dog.

I have a lovely vintage armchair right next to my patio doors at home and it makes for a great location for an impromptu dog photoshoot, there’s no direct sun on the chair but plenty of natural light.

#2 - Experiment with angles

The most common mistake I see as a professional dog photographer is that people only take photos from where they happen to be, try getting down low at eye level with your dog for a more personal connection - yes it means you may get muddy or your back and knees hurt as you squeeze yourself into the most odd positions, welcome to my world!

#3 - Best phone Camera settings for dog photography

Among professional photographers there’s an old saying often attributed to “Weegee” (mid 20th century American “spot news” photographer Arthur Fellig) that says “f8 and be there” are the most important settings - what this means is basically don’t get too engrossed with your settings it’s much better to capture the moment imperfectly than miss the moment but have the perfect settings.

Camera phones these days are pretty clever and the auto settings do 90% of the battle for you but there are a couple of quick tricks you can use to instantly improve your photos

Choose the orientation that best fits your subject - yes you hold your camera phone upright to make a call but you don’t have to do the same when your using the camera on it - choosing between portrait & landscape orientation can completely change your composition
Tap on the screen on your dog's eye for the camera phone to focus AND expose for that area, if you can’t control the light you can always slide up the exposure around the dog’s eye to lighten that area of the image thus exposing for their face
If your phone has the “portrait” function have a play around with it - phones with 2 lenses are able to focus on the subject and add (or remove) the depth of the image thus blurring out the background.

Blurring the background is great to highlight what you want to photograph but beware, I often find that due to the shape of Mash’s ears they are either

blurred or the gap between his ear and face isn’t blurred when using this mode and it’s too distracting in the photo so I prefer to edit the images afterwards

#4 - Check your frame for stunning dog photos

Before you start photographing your dog have a look at the area that will be in the frame of your picture - can you see your socks on the radiator behind or is there a power lead trailing across where your dog will be? Tidy up the area before you start to take photos so your dog doesn’t get bored and stop reacting to you

#5 - Don’t be afraid to take LOTS of photos of your dog

Snap away and capture lots of pics. You can go through and delete the ones that aren’t so good later on, often a tiny movement of your dog's head or eyes is the difference between a good shot and a great shot.

#6 - Exercise your dog before your photoshoot

If you have an energetic dog then don’t try to plan your dog photoshoot before walkies! Let them run off some energy before you settle down for your shoot. Also plan your Photoshoot before their dinner and use very high value treats to ask your dog to do something, you can always reduce their dinner afterwards

#7 - Use a squeaky toy, odd noises and treats to get your dogs attention

I always use noises and treats to ask a dog to do something BUT don’t over do it! Too many noises or squeaks can increase your dog’s excitement and you may not end up getting anything done. Similarly, only treat reward your dog when you get what you’re looking for or if they’ve had a really good go at something, too many treats like too many noises will reduce their effectiveness.

#8 - Refrain from firing too many commands at your dog

We want your dog to be relaxed, so try not to overdirect your muse! By all means ask them to sit or lay down - but just be mindful not to overdo it. We want this to be fun for both of you! Always use praise when your dog has done what you asked them to do, it’s nice for your dog to know it got it right but also gives you invaluable seconds to fire off another shot before rewarding them!

#9 - Timing

The timing of your shot is super important, put your camera into burst mode to capture lots of images in succession. This is particularly helpful if you have a very energetic or active dog.

#10 - Patience!

If either you or your dog is becoming stressed, take a break! Play with your dog for a bit then try again, there’s nothing worse than seeing photos of dogs who are showing clear stress signals that are being ignored - ears back, refusing to look at the camera, whale eye, lip licking are all signs that your dog is not happy with the situation so stop what you’re doing, you can always try again.

#11 - Practise basic dog training!

I always stress how helpful it can be to run through your dog’s basic commands before their professional dog Photoshoot so why should your Photoshoot be any different? Get your dog used to staying in position as you bring something up that breaks your eye contact as that’s what will happen with your camera during the shoot

#12 - Sneaky sausage!

If you have a very clever dog or if you take a lot of photos of your dog you may find that they will come out of their pose as soon as they hear your camera phone “shutter” noise… To get the best out of Mash I have to silence my phone so he doesn’t know when the shot has been taken and stays where he is until I reward him, in the studio he’s often licking my lens before I’ve even looked at the back of the camera!

In Conclusion

Have fun experimenting with these simple dog photography tips! Time spent with your dog is never wasted, so don’t worry too much if you don’t get the perfect shot off the bat.

Professional dog photographers take years honing our craft and skills… and a lot of the magic takes place during the editing process!

If you’d like to discuss a professional dog photoshoot with me then please just book a call here ! I’d love to hear all about you and your lovely dog.

I am based in Hampshire, but I love to travel and meet new pups all over the country, so let’s talk!

11 Super Christmas gifts under £20 for dachshund lovers

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 16:05:40 GMT

If you’re anything like you you absolutely love anything dachshund! I have dachshund socks, dachshund jumpers, dachshund pens, dachshund mugs, you name it, I have it and yet… Every Christmas I still get smellies that I’ll never use and other gifts that make me question whether the gift giver actually knows me at all!!

So I’ve designed a fabulous list of what I have on my Christmas list this year for you to leave open on your computer or accidentally email to your entire contact list in the hope that some of these Dachshund Christmas gifts for dog lovers find their way under your Christmas Tree this year!

So let’s jump straight in…

I love this Lovely Samantha Hall designs sausage dog cosmetic purse

https://www.inyourdoghousegifts.com/products/dachshund-cosmetic-bag

And for when you need something larger to pop your stuff into, this Sausage dog tote bag is a really funky gift idea for dachshund lovers!

https://www.boutiquegifts.co.uk/sausage-dog-canvas-tote-bag

if it's home decor you like how about this Stunning dachshund traits wall print by Well Bred Design

https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/wellbreddesign/product/dachshund-dog-breed-traits-print

Whilst I love to shop local or small this gift guide for dachshund loves really wouldn't be complete without this lovely Dachshund coaster holder by Next

https://www4.next.co.uk/style/st382236/659057#659057

and this glass Dachshund water bottle by Dunelm

https://www.dunelm.com/product/bertie-the-sausage-dog-grey-glass-bottle-1000165678?defaultSkuId=30691801

If you do love to shop small Shop check out our very own gorgeous wire hair dachshund Bone China mug and matching ceramic coaster set from Clever Sausage Crafts (loads of different dachshund and other breed designs also available, use CSC10 for 10% off)

https://www.lovephodography.co.uk/productpage/Bone-China-Wire-Dachshund-Mug-with-matching-ceramic-coaster-p349598914

I can't wait to smell this lovely Wood and Whiskers vanilla bean candle

https://www.countryandhome.co.uk/candles/woof-whiskers-vanilla-bean-candle/

I'm such a sucker for wire hair dachshunds, I've already got a name picked out for when I pluck up the courage to add another sausage to my family! until then, this great specs case from Sophie Allport will have to do!

https://www.devotedtodachshunds.co.uk/product/wire-haired-dachshund-glasses-case/

I loved crafting these beautiful dachshund cushion covers, they're such gorgeous fabric and would look fabulous gracing your sofa!

https://www.lovephodography.co.uk/productpage/Watercolour-Black-&-Tan-Dachshund-Cushion-with-Repeating-Design-p350084520

and my last 2 favourites include this gorgeous little sausage with personalisation options

https://englishhound.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/dachshund

And finally, you can gift some one a tea towel right? Especially if it’s as classy as this one from London Pooch art collection, HINT HINT I LOVE THIS!!!

https://londonpooch.co.uk/shop/tea-towels/dachshund-tea-towel/

Marketing for Dog Businesses - How and when to use pet celebration days

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 11:55:33 GMT

There are so many International this day, National that day, nowadays that it’s hard to decide what you should include in your marketing plan because let’s face it, if you celebrated every day you’d not get a lot of work done!

So unless you have a pet business that’s all about low low price and high volume (think DFS all year round sale!) you will need to get a plan in place as to how and what dates to use to promote your business

So where should we start?

Your Ideal Customer . Who are your ideal customers and what would THEY be interested in? Do they gravitate towards a certain dog breed, are they more likely to own a rescue dog than a pedigree dog? Do they perceive themselves as a dog parent or is the dog just that, a dog?

Next in the planning stage is to find celebration dates that align with your business’ brand and ethos . Are you all about making charitable donations to rescue homes? Maybe you’ve launched a range of eco products to your product range? Are you an advocate for dog well being?

Thirdly you’ll want to find if there are celebration days linked directly to the services you offer - for example July 26th in National Dog Photography day, is there a National Dress up your dog day (yes there is, January 14th) if you sell bandanas and bows, is there a National treat your dog day (close enough, National spoil your dog day is August 10th) for a business that sells dog treats… and so on

Tying in on this theme, you may want to shout out to the pet businesses you partner with on their celebration days, a great excuse to talk about great services you have received.

Finally, when looking through the huge long lists of pet celebration day that you can easily find with a Google search, which days resonate with you personally ? (Sticks hand in the air - National Dachshund day is celebrated on the longest day of the year (but of course!), I’m going to be all over that!) YOU are a HUGE part of the reason people will buy from your business so be authentic and share celebration days that tickle your fancy

I’ve copy and pasted every celebration day I can find into this post below, I am absolutely NOT going to be using all of them but you can see which dates are important to me and my business by downloading my "Pet Celebration Day planner" pdf - some of the dates will hopefully resonate with you and your business and sharing my list with you will hopefully help you to visualise what's important to you in YOUR business

Your complete guide to National & International pet celebration days

JANUARY

National Train Your Dog Month
Unchain a Dog Month
Walk Your Pet Month

Special Days/Holidays:

Jan. 1: New Year’s Day
Jan. 2: National Pet Travel Safety Day
Jan. 14: National Dress Up Your Pet Day
Jan. 24: Change a Pet’s Life Day
Jan. 25: National Fun At Work Day
Jan. 29: Seeing Eye dog anniversary

FEBRUARY

Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
Dog Training Education Month
International Hoof Care Month
National Cat Health Month
National Prevent a Litter Month
Responsible Pet Owners Month
Pet dental health month
Spay/Neuter Awareness Month (“Beat the Heat” month)

Special Days/Holidays:

Feb. 2: Groundhog Day
Feb. 3: National Golden Retriever Day
Feb. 3: Annual Doggy Date Night
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day
Feb. 14: Pet Theft Awareness Day
Feb. 20: Love Your Pet Day
Feb. 22: National Walk Your Dog Day
Feb. 23: International dog biscuit day
Feb. 23: World Spay Day

MARCH

Poison Prevention Awareness Month

Special Days/Holidays:

March 3: If Pets Had Thumbs Day
March 13: K-9 Veterans Day
March 14: National Save a Spider Day
March 23: National Puppy Day
March 28: Respect Your Cat Day
March 30: Take a Walk in the Park Day

APRIL

Canine Fitness Month
National Adopt a Greyhound Month
National Heartworm Awareness Month
National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
National Pet Month (UK)
Prevent Lyme disease in dogs Month
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

Special Days/Holidays:

April 3: Every Day Is Tag Day
April 8: National Dog Fighting Awareness Day
April 10: National Hug Your Dog Day
April 11: National Pet Day
April 11: Celebrate Shelter Pets Day
April 11: Dog Therapy Appreciation Day
April 21: Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day
April 22: Earth Day
April 23: National Lost Dog Awareness Day
April 24: World Veterinary Day
April 25: National Pet Parents Day
April 27: National Little Pampered Dog Day
April 28: International Guide Dog Day
April 30: Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
April 30: National Therapy Animal Day
April 30: Hairball Awareness Day (apparently that's really a thing!!)

MAY

Chip Your Pet Month
Lyme Disease Prevention Month
National Foster Care Month
National Pet Month
Pet Cancer Awareness Month
Pet Sitter Safety Month
Responsible Animal Guardian Month

Special Days/Holidays:

May 1: National Purebred Dog Day
May 2: Mayday for Mutts
May 3: National Specially-abled Pets Day
May 8: Vet Nurse Day
May 8: National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
May 8: National Dog Mom’s Day
May 9: Mother’s Day
May 14: International Chihuahua Appreciation Day
May 20: National Rescue Dog Day

JUNE

National Foster a Pet Month
National Microchipping Month
National Pet Preparedness Month

Special Days/Holidays:

June 8: Best Friends Day
June 8: World Pet Memorial Day
June 21: National Dog Party Day
June 25: Take Your Dog to Work Day

JULY

National Lost Pet Prevention Month
National Pet Hydration Awareness Month

Special Days/Holidays:

July 1: ID Your Pet Day
July 4: Independence Day
July 5: Pet Remembrance Day
July 15: National Pet Fire Safety Day
July 21: National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day
July 21: No Pet Store Puppies Day
July 25: National Parents Day
July 26: National Dog Photography Day
July 31: National Mutt Day

AUGUST

National Immunization Awareness Month
National Wellness Month
Rawgust (celebrating raw feeding for pets)

Special Days/Holidays:

Aug. 1: DOGust Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs
Aug. 4: Assistance Dog Day
Aug. 5: Work Like a Dog Day
Aug. 10: Spoil Your Dog Day
Aug. 15: National Check the Chip Day
Aug. 16: St. Roch’s Day (a patron saint of dogs)
Aug. 21: International Homeless Animals Day
Aug. 23: International Blind Dog Day
Aug. 26: National Dog Day
Aug. 28: Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
Aug. 30: National Holistic Pet Day

SEPTEMBER

Animal Pain Awareness Month
National Disaster Preparedness Month
National Pet Insurance Month
National Service Dog Month
Pet Sitter Education Month
Responsible Dog Ownership Month

Special Days/Holidays:

Sept. 8: National Dog Walker Appreciation Day
Sept. 12: National Pet Memorial Day
Sept. 12: National Hug Your Hound Day
Sept. 13: Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day
Sept. 18: Puppy Mill Awareness Day
Sept. 18: AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day
Sept. 25: World’s Largest Pet Walk
Sept. 28: World Rabies Day

OCTOBER

Adopt-A-Dog Month (American Humane Association)
National Animal Safety and Protection Month
National Pet Wellness Month
National Pit Bull Awareness Month

Special Days/Holidays:

Oct. 1: National Black Dog Day
Oct. 4: World Animal Day
Oct. 4: World Pets Day
Oct. 13: Pet Obesity Awareness Day
Oct. 17: National Fetch Day
Oct. 30: National Pit Bull Awareness Day

NOVEMBER

Adopt a Senior Pet Month
National Pet Awareness Month
National Senior Pet Month
Pet Cancer Awareness Month (AVMA)
Pet Diabetes Month

Special Days/Holidays:

Nov. 7: National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
Nov. 17: Take a Hike Day
Nov. 20: National Adoption Day

DECEMBER

Safe Toys and Gifts Month

Special Days/Holidays:

Dec. 2: National Mutt Day (again)
Dec. 9: International Day of Veterinary Medicine
Dec. 17: Underdog Day

15 super easy ways to ease your dog through firework season

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 11:01:01 GMT

Whilst I love Autumn, the colours, playing in the crunchy leaves, cold crisp mornings I have to admit I am not a fan of fireworks! I can see the appeal of organised displays, getting all dressed up in your floofy hats and gloves and enjoying a magnificent spectacle but the random fireworks being set off in the neighbourhood for the weeks leading up to and after the 5th of November, I could really do without! Whether you have a new puppy and don't know what their reaction to fireworks will be, an old hound who trembles uncontrollably throughout the whole of November or anything in between, we've put together our top 15 super easy ways to get your dog through Firework Season.

Get prepared prior to November the 5th

On the run up to bonfire night or New Year’s Eve play some firework noises in your house to acclimatise them to unusual noises in a controlled manner. Use treats to reward your dog for not reacting. If you have an extremely reactive dog acclimatising may do more harm than food, speak to your behaviourist about ideas on how to work with your dog reacting to fireworks before it's upon you

Check your dogs microchip is up to date & ensure your garden is safe from escape opportunities - the fight / flight instinct in dogs is incredible when they find themselves under great pressure. When there are big displays on in your area, leave your dog's collar & tags on just incase they go manage to get out.

Check local events to see when displays are happening, if you have neighbours who regularly have fireworks at home ask them when they’re planning to let them off so you have advance warning of potential issues

If you know your dog reacts badly to fireworks through previous experience consider using plug in infusers like Pet Remedy or trying a thunder jacket - there’s lots to choose from on t’interweb

Walk before dusk so you minimise the chances of being outside when fireworks are being set off - if you can, make sure your dogs gets an extra long walk so they want to relax in the evening

What to do with your dog when fireworks are being let off

Try & make sure you are at home when you know fireworks will be happening, it’s obviously impossible to anticipate every eventuality but just being there will help your dog settle and not become distressed

Draw the curtains and put on some music / the TV. A dog’s incredible hearing will still be able to hear the fireworks but the noise coming from inside your house may be enough to muffle the sound of the fireworks and distract your dog

Make a den - make sure there’s a cosy spot your dog can go to if they want & don’t force them to do anything they don’t want

Play some games (hide the treat, make your own treat dispensers from old plastic (washed out thoroughly) bottles that your dog has to push around to get to the treats etc)

If your dog is up for it why not do some training inside or learn a new trick? Using lots of scrummy treat rewards will distract your dog from what's happening outside

Stressed dogs reacting to Fireworks

Forgive your dog and do not punish them if they are destructive or have an accident inside, different dogs may react with different behaviours if stressed

Make sure your dog has access to water, a stressed or anxious dog may pant more & can get very thirsty

Do not force your dog to anything, if they want to hide then let them, if they want comfort & support that’s fine too - contrary to popular belief it’s absolutely fine to comfort your dog without any adverse effects. Ignoring your dogs fear may make the situation worse

Ignore the noises and stay calm yourself. Dogs pick up so many cues from humans, let them know there’s nothing to be frightened of

One last thing to remember when dealing with your dog & Fireworks

REMEMBER REMEMBER the 5th of November - If you hear fireworks nearby please make sure you keep an eye out for discarded firework shells & packaging when you’re out walking next, even spent fireworks give out a very strong smell your dog may be interested in

We hope you and your doggles can get through firework season safely, if you'd like to celebrate your dog and show them how much they mean to you please check out our awesome Tail Wagging Pawtrait sessions - there will definitely be no signs of stress or fear only relaxed fun when you book a photoshoot with us!

PS - I have to share this outtake photo of Mash with you all, because it makes me laugh!!

When asking him to settle for a photo I always use very high value treats (it's how I got his eyes to look up by following the treat). the blanket drooped around his head giving him a very interesting hairstyle ��

Thinking of going camping with your dog? Our top 10 tips to the perfect camping holiday with your dog!!

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 12:11:13 GMT

I really wish someone had written this top 10 tips to camping with your dog before our recent camping trip! We’d booked a dog friendly campsite, packed everything we thought we needed and yet it wasn’t a great experience at all, so much so we ended up coming home a day early.

What went wrong I hear you ask, well it was a combination of factors, really little things that ended up trigger stacking Mash my mini dachshund (& me if I’m honest) to the extent that neither of us could relax and enjoy ourselves.

From the vast numbers of dogs staying at the dog friendly campsite to not being able to take your dog into the shower block (& not wanting to leave him in the tent or the car). People around us helpfully trying to quiet Mash down when an incredibly stressed dog who wanted to take on the world sat next to us in the cafe and other dogs owners letting their dog come and say hello because “he’s really friendly” even though Mash wasn’t comfy - all in all we learnt a lot!

Hopefully by reading this blog you can learn from our mistakes and not have to experience them yourself so you & your pup can have a fab camping trip without the dramas! So here we go… 10 top tips to camping with your dog

How big is the campsite?

Check how many pitches are available at your dog friendly campsite before you book. It sounds silly but as soon as I read dog friendly on the website I was sold! Little did I think about what could happen if there were 100 odd other campers with their dogs! You can hear it now - one dog barked and the rest answered!! Mash ended up with one ear open at all times & didn’t relax as a result!

How dog Friendly?

Check where your dog is allowed to go at your dog friendly campsite! If there’s more than one if you are camping this isn’t such an issue but as it’s just me I need to be able to take Mash in the toilet / shower with me not tie him up outside (dog theft anyone?!) and of course it’s not safe for him to be left in the tent alone. Maybe I should only go camping in a van but that’s not on the cards!!

I’ve found an awesome Greener Camping site near Okehampton called Ruby Country Camping that I called before booking, they only have 12 pitches, dogs allowed everywhere (even in the loo / showers) and each pitch has it's own mown area in a meadow setting - perfect!

Not every pitch is created equal!

When you book ask for a pitch that is away from passing foot traffic if possible, who cares if it’s further to the loo, you’ll all relax more without constant distractions of passers by

Eating out

If you have a reactive or nervous dog (or even to be fair, any dog, they’re not keen on forced encounters) try and make sure you choose a table to one side of the seating area, away from the entrance that way you can see who’s coming in & distract your dog before there’s an issue… similarly, if there’s another dog already seated sit as far away from them as possible - your dog might be friendly but theirs may not want a forced introduction!

Extra special treats

Start your trip away with some extra special scrummy treats for your dog - a great yak snack or antlers will occupy your dog whilst you set up camp and are great for when you want to cook or indeed do anything when you can’t watch your dog 100% of the time!! We highly recommend (and are a retailer for, just click on the image below to go to our shop) Green & Wild's range of eco friendly toy toys & treats

Take a long line

Even if your dog is a chilled dog who spends most of their time relaxing when at home it’s a great idea to take a dog anchor with you to tie them to, allows you both to relax without fear of finding your dog checking out the contents of your waste bin or even worse your neighbour’s!!

Super camping with your dog top tip!

Another idea we found helped massively was a wind breaker around the edge of camp so Mash felt more enclosed & didn’t have to be on guard constantly

Take a travel water bottle

We’ve tried all kind of travel water bowls & bottles and ended up with lots and lots of wet bags & no water! Our absolute favourite is the one below from Betty & Butch it carries food as well as water and comes with a handy collapsable bowl!

Take the opportunity to explore….

And explore & explore! Lovely long walks with new sniffs will help tire your dog out and help you work up an appetite so you can all relax later… if you have a young dog or a dog that can walk forever then think about taking some brain games (check out our brain games blog) to occupy them when you get back to camp

Dog bed

The same way your dog has their “safe place” at home it’s a great idea to bring their bed with them and give the dog their space to retire too when they want. Just like you a good night's sleep is important to keep stress levels down so you can enjoy your adventures in top form

Last but not least - Beware of the dark!

OMG I never realised just how incredible a dogs eyesight is in the dark - popping out to the loo Mash was off before I’d finished opening the tent - luckily he was wearing a glow in the dark collar (can’t recommend these glow in the dark collars highly enough) & I could see him … playing with a hedgehog over the other side of the campsite! (Apologies to the man in the tent next to the hedgehog, I’m sure my giggling and rather rubbish whispered telling Mash off in the middle of the night once I’d caught him weren’t appreciated!) ��

If you'd like a copy of our free "camping with your dog" checklist scroll down and enter in your details and your list will wing it's way direct to your inbox!

The Importance of Print

info@helenrushtonphotography.co.uk (Helen Rushton) — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 10:58:39 GMT

I often get asked what I think about camera phones and how it affects my business...

... People always seem really disappointed that as a professional dog photographer I don’t go off on a rant about how camera phones are taking away our business... Because basically they aren’t!

If you know me you’ll know that I truly believe that ALL photos are important - the snap on a camera phone of the dog dressed up in sunglasses and a hat or of your kids doing something silly as well as the professional photos capturing your family unit, the relationships between you all and the characters we professional photographers work so hard to capture.

Where phone snaps do fall down, in my opinion, is they seem forever consigned to your phone, rarely do people get them printed, popped in a frame and put up on the wall and that is a real shame.

Hand on heart, when was the last time you sat down and looked through your amazing memories on your phone or computer or in your Facebook albums? I’m guessing it’s quite likely never and that’s a shame. Yes sure you scrolled back frantically through your camera roll to show great auntie Agatha the pic of Buster leaping over the log but can you imagine the fun you could have looking back through boxes of actual printed photos?

Whenever I visit my mum and dad I am often found in dad’s study picking out a box of photos (my dad has them all labelled by year!) to look through, on occasion I’ll show a photo to mum and dad and ask who is in it which more often than not results in stories being fondly remembered and shared.

These photos are a small part of history, of a time gone by never to come again, and a reminder of everything in our life that has shaped us into who we are now.

Some of these photos I don’t remember at all (what were my parents thinking with that hair cut?!), some of them remind me of the special people in my life that are no longer here and some of them just remind me of fun times I’ve had

Would I spend time looking through photos from 30 or ahem! 40 years ago on a phone or a computer? Absolutely not! We spend so much time on screens these days as it is so it’s a welcome break to get away from the computer or phone and enjoy reliving old memories, holding the slightly yellowing photos in my hands and being grateful that my dad was a very keen amateur photographer and whilst at the time I hated sitting on a stool with my brother whilst dad was screeching SMILE at us, I am so thankful he did.

Why don’t you make some time this weekend to print off your photos from your phone - they don’t have to be big, (there are lots of companies out there who offer amazingly cheap 6 x 4 prints like photobox, snappy snaps, printerpix etc), and get them put in a box to look through one afternoon.

Who cares that they might fade in time or not be the perfect colour balance? Who cares that they may be a little soft in focus or not perfectly composed?

These pics are your history, your memories, your family heirloom

If when you’ve printed out your photos you realise that there’s so much more about your dog or your family you want to capture then why not book a professional photoshoot so you can add some photos in frames around your house to remind you that your do or your family is special... Photo memories matter and I would love for you to have the same boxes of photos of you and your family as I do of mine.

All of our photo collections include some kind of physical print, even the digital collections - there’s no extra charge for them it’s just something I firmly believe in and want you to be able to keep these special memories forever.

If you'd like to add to your family album or start the photo journey of your new pupper, get in touch by using the button below...

The Dog Blog by Love Phodography

A Journey of Passion and Purpose - My Dog My Life

Why I Started Love Phodography and Love Dog Co.

A Love for Dogs

The Birth of Love Phodography

The Inspiration Behind Love Dog Co

The need to help others

The Ultimate Dog Bucket List - Pawsitive Adventures

Discover the Best Dog-Friendly Bluebell Woods in Hampshire

Enjoying Hampshire's Bluebell Woods safely and respectfully with your dog

Hinton Ampner - A Canine Paradise

Roydon Woods - Where Nature Embraces Dogs

Micheldever Wood - A Haven for Canine Adventurers

Mottisfont - Ancient Woodland

Crabb Wood in Farley Mount Country Park - A Tail-Wagging Experience

How to enjoy Bluebell Woods in Hampshire responsibly

Building Trust and Connection: The Impact of Authentic Dog Business Imagery

Wagging Tails and Winning Hearts: Creating Trust through Genuine Visuals

Authentic dog business imagery sets you apart from competitors!!

The Power of Visual Branding: Elevate Your Dog Business with Professional Photography

Unleashing the Potential of Your Brand through Tailored Imagery

Choosing the Perfect Photoshoot Location for your Dog

More Than Just a Pretty Picture: Capturing Your Dog's Spirit in the Perfect Place

The Boundless Beagle (or Bulldozer):

The Anxious Adventurer:

The Leash-Limited Liberator:

The Mastered Marvel:

The Young Pup:

The Silver Snuggler:

The Gentle Giant:

The Pint-Sized Powerhouse :

Beyond the Map:

Remember:

Frosty New Forest Dog Walk

Mash Turns 11! ﻿

Unleashing Your Brand Story: Creative Colour Ideas for Your Dog Biz Photoshoot

Your competition can be tough. But fear not, pawsome pet biz owners!

Show, Don't Tell (and colourise!):

Tell Stories, Not Just Pretty Pictures (with a colour narrative!):

Let the Props Do the Talking (in colour!):

Get Personal with Your Team (and their colour accents!):

Bonus Tip:

A Tail-Wagging Tale

Capturing Goose's Majestic Spirit in the New Forest

"Helen is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about dogs it made the shoot so much more enjoyable. Great service, good value and simply amazing pictures. Many thanks Helen." Simon, Debbie and of course Goose.

Boosting Your Dog Biz Branding for Social Media Success

1. Know Your Target Audience:

2. Find Your Visual Voice:

3. Beyond the Pawprints: Content that Makes You Sit & Stay:

4. Unleash the Magic of Storytelling:

5. Be a Social Butterfly:

Bonus Tip:

Capturing Everlasting Moments: Why a Professional Dog Photoshoot Should Be on Your 2024 To-Do List

As we step into the pawsome year of 2024, there's no better time to celebrate the unconditional love and joy our furry friends bring into our lives!

The Magic Behind the Lens

Unique Locations, Tail-Wagging Fun

A Perfect Gift for Your Furry Friend

Trendy Pup Portraits for Social Media Stardom

How to Book Your Session

Love Phodography Partners with StreetVet to Create Heartwarming Calendar for a Cause

Helen Rushton from Love Phodography, has spent the past year in collaboration with StreetVet, a charity committed to delivering essential veterinary care and services to the pets of people experiencing homelessness.

Capturing Canine Character: Top Tips for Autumn Dog Photography

Autumn is a magical season, with its vibrant foliage, crisp air, and golden sunlight.

﻿ It's the perfect time to capture the natural beauty of your furry friend against the backdrop of nature's colourful canvas.

8 awesome ideas to keep your dog safe this Christmas so they can enjoy the festive period as much as you do

Christmas is so exciting isn’t it? A tree glistening in the corner laden with shiny baubles, bells and bows and a huge stack of fabulous smelling boxes all wrapped up around it.

Visitor Rules

The Christmas Tree

Christmas pressies under the tree

Give your dog a safe space

Change in routine

Be food and snack savvy

Talking of food…

Did your brother ever make you lick a battery?!

We hope you all have a fabulous Christmas and a Happy New Year,

Love from Mash & Helen x

5 Dog Photography Tips To Capture Your Senior Dog’s Heart & Soul

Senior dogs are extra special! Discover dog photography tips to help you capture your canine companion’s heart and soul in photos you’ll treasure forever.

#1 Go at your dog’s pace

#2 Make it special to them

Mash Turns 11!

"Helen is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about dogs it made the shoot so much more enjoyable.
Great service, good value and simply amazing pictures.
Many thanks Helen."
Simon, Debbie and of course Goose.

It's the perfect time to capture the natural beauty of your furry friend against the backdrop of nature's colourful canvas.

How To Prepare For A DIY Puppy Photoshoot - In the house

Take advantage of the light for black dog photography

2. Arrange a dog pawty in the park

4. Or buy a dog birthday cake!