Just because your pup is not a social butterfly, it doesn't mean you can't have beautiful artwork of them
Guardians of reactive/nervous pups often think that their dog cannot be photographed. However, as a reactive dog owner myself, I can assure you this is not the case. My mission is to create stunning artwork of all dogs, as they are all special and loved by their guardians. You and your pup deserve to have beautiful portraits; do not let anyone else tell you otherwise.
Why you?
Because I'm a dog behaviour nerd and have experience with nervous/reactive dogs, my sessions are highly personalised so that I can cater to your and your pup's every need.
Being a natural light photographer also means that you don't have to come to a studio with strange smells and equipment, you don't have to wait for your turn amongst other people and dogs, and I can give your furry best the space they need.
Furthermore, I have a mirrorless camera that doesn't click, which is perfect for sound-sensitive pups. It also has a flip screen, so I don't have to cover my face during the session (some pets find that distressing).
How will you ensure that my dog looks relaxed and happy in the pictures?
The most important thing in the case of nervous/reactive dogs is keeping them under threshold and setting them up for success.
If your pup is nervous or reactive, I will suggest meeting at a secure field (the costs are included in the session fee). I will give them time to get used to me and the location on their own terms, and they won't be forced into any situation where they might feel uncomfortable. I can stick to my long lens for the entire session if they need space, and I can use my voice to get their attention instead of my noise makers.
Can you create pretty pictures in a secure field?
The best way to answer this question is to show you some examples. All of the images below were taken at secure fields.
My commitment
I am proud to announce that I am now a Professional Member of the Pet Professional Network.
The Pet Professional Network is the first international business support organisation and educational platform for kind, ethical and trusted pet professionals. Working in collaboration with world class training and behavioural institutes, business and mindset coaches, they help raise the standards of animal welfare providing members with a safe community to grow or expand their business and connect with like-minded professionals.
Having undergone a personal assessment, ensuring I meet their high standards and force and fear free philosophy, I have been invited to join their supportive community and will continue to receive ongoing group coaching.
By being a member I am committed to giving my clients the best and most effective long-term support and will also encourage other professionals to reach out and help support each other, in a safe coaching environment.
'If you're looking for a top quality keepsake of your dog (or dogs) which not only looks beautiful, captures their personality, and will look more like a piece of art than a photo Dogs in Focus Photography is who you need. Not only is Diane a fantastically skilled and accomplished photographer, she has a wonderful understanding of dog body language and uses this to get the best out of the dogs she's capturing without compromising their welfare. She gets to know her canine clients before the shoot to ensure she has a plan that will work and make the dog (and human!) as comfortable as possible. During our session, there was absolutely no pressure, no rush and no judgement if my dogs were a bit tired or overwhelmed or needed a break, or if they simply didn't want to pose! I would trust Diane to photograph all of my dogs as she listened to what I had to say about their likes and dislikes and their level of training, plus she had some wonderful 'tricks' up her sleeve to capture some amazing photos. So if you've been put off booking a professional shoot in the past because you've been worried how your dog would cope because they're too shy/bouncy/aggressive/anxious/reactive/hyperactive, please be assured that Diane will create a relaxed, professional and fun environment so that she can capture some magical memories for you to keep forever.'
Natalie Light
Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist
ABTC registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist & Animal Training Instructor
Director of PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers)
