Dog Walk Photography at Hawthorn Dene

Just around this time of year, with the first few sunny days drying up the winter clag, the wild garlic coming through to our woodlands carpet, and the buds bursting into leaves on the trees, I started to see all the Hairy Dog Photography gift vouchers given as Christmas presents come back to me.

So before they all roll in, I like to get a few practice sessions in with my own hairy dog, Kasper. Not that all the photography kits have been sitting idle since last Autumn – far from it! Pet portraits happen all year round – especially sessions with my portable studio kit (which pops up in your living room) and sessions on the beach for hardy dogs and owners! Weddings also keep me busy all Winter. But keeping up with a lively dog ​​on his favorite walk and getting pin sharp, beautiful photos is a very different skill for capturing a client’s wedding.

A few weeks ago, sick of the local muddy footpaths and woods, Kasper and I escaped up to Hadrian’s Wall and were rewarded with a crispy, hazy day with beautiful views in every direction. The photo below shows the dog in a stile, with a stunning but low key view in the background. I have it on my wall in a frame now – the dog needn’t always be the center of attention in a Hairy Dog photograph!

Environmental portraiture with beautiful landscape and dog.

Today’s walk also involved the car but we kept it local and headed off to one of our favorite walks at Hawthorn Dene. It was (mercifully) quite dry underfoot, and as always, it was a joy to see the greenery beginning to break through, although some long dead Autumn leaves were still hanging around…

It’s always worth the effort on the rare days we see a spot of Spring sunshine and it beats trudging round Herrington Country Park, or the local mud-pits which once were fields!

Spring dog walk photography in the north east

A few dead leaves, backlit, during a pet portrait session near Sunderland

The last of the snowdrops at Hawthorn Dene, against a colorful backdrop

Action photography of a dog running through some woods in the north east

Dramatic pet portraits by Hairy Dog Photography.

Why wait until your dog is old and tired before booking your shoot, or buying a very good friend a Hairy Dog gift voucher? It’s better to catch your pet in the prime of his life, at his most sparkling and engaging! Do feel free to call or email with any questions – 07866127732 or 01915845442. Email – [email protected]