It honestly feels like it’s been puppies, puppies everywhere lately! And doesn’t this recent sunshine feel so good for the soul!
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of being covered in the squishiest, sleepiest, most delicious little pups belonging to friends and let me tell you, it has taken serious strength not to casually pop one in my car and drive off into the sunset. Add to that a wonderfully energetic shoot with Olive, the most beautiful Bracco Italia (all legs, elegance and joyful chaos) and it’s safe to say animals have very much been the stars of my camera roll. I’ve loved every second.
I always encourage families to bring their dogs along to photoshoots. They are part of the family. They bring personality, movement, spontaneity and occasionally complete and utter hilarity. The perfectly posed moment you imagined? It might be interrupted by a zoomie, tongue-out grin, or a full-body shake mid-shot. And that’s often where the magic lives.
There’s a phrase people love to repeat: “Never work with animals or children.” But I’ve always thought that depends entirely on your personality.If you crave rigid control and perfectly predictable outcomes, then yes, it may test you. But if you enjoy energy, quick thinking, and the kind of unscripted moments that make images feel alive? It’s a joy.
Working with animals is less about control and more about collaboration. It’s about reading the room (or the field), responding quickly, and embracing what unfolds instead of forcing what you imagined.
For those of you who also enjoy that unpredictability or who simply want better photos of your own dog, here are a few gentle but game-changing tips:
1. Work with their energy, not against it
If they’re playful, lean into it. Capture the run, the leap, the tail mid-wag.
If they’re calm, slow the session down. Sit with them. Let them settle.
Trying to make a high-energy pup “sit perfectly still” for long periods rarely ends well (for anyone).
2. Get on their level
One of the simplest but most effective shifts: lower your camera.
Photographing from your dog’s eye line instantly creates connection. It draws the viewer into their world rather than looking down on it.
Yes, it might mean kneeling/lying in the grass. It’s worth it.
3. Focus on the eyes
Just like with humans, the eyes tell the story. Sharp, well-lit eyes make all the difference.
If you can, position them so natural light is hitting their face rather than behind them, especially if they have darker fur.
4. Keep sessions short and sweet
Animals have a window. When it closes, it closes.
Plan for bursts of shooting rather than long, drawn-out setups. Have treats ready. Take mini breaks. Keep it positive.
5. Embrace the in-between moments
Some of my favourite images aren’t the “sit and smile” ones.
They’re the head tilt.
The muddy paw mid-air.
The owner laughing as their dog barrels past them.
Those unscripted seconds are often the ones families treasure most because they feel real.
Ultimately, photographing animals is about presence. You have to be alert, adaptable, and willing to let go of perfection. But in return, you get authenticity. Movement, emotion, stories. And sometimes… you get covered in puppies, which, if we’re honest, is never a bad day at work!
As ever, I am here to help if you need, you can contact me at rachelmullinsphotography@gmail.com
In the meantime, enjoy this glorious sunshine!
‘Development on the Downs beyond Barton Park – going ahead?’ – letter from Peter Morgan in response to Ian Mellor
