A Cockapoo Called Thor (And a Very Exciting Tesco Toy)

Thor might be one of the coolest dog names I’ve had in the studio recently, and sessions like this are exactly why I love creating dog portrait photography

This four-year-old cockapoo came into my professional home studio in Royston, Hertfordshire full of energy, full of curiosity, and very ready to explore absolutely everything. His owners are in the process of moving into a new home and wanted something special to take with them - large, beautifully printed portraits of the dog they’re completely in love with.

And honestly, Thor delivered.

Why Cockapoos Photograph So Well

Cockapoos (and doodle breeds in general) are fantastic in front of the camera.

They’re expressive. Alert. Full of personality.

But it’s also the coat. That slightly shaggy, textured fur catches light beautifully and adds real depth to portraits. You can almost feel the softness in the image. Combined with their eye contact and animated expressions, it makes cockapoo photography incredibly rewarding.

Thor was no exception. Friendly, excited, and occasionally desperate to hop off the shooting table to explore the studio, he gave us a brilliant mix of full-body portraits and tighter headshots that really showed off his eyes and nose detail.

Inside Thor’s Studio Session

We kept the look clean and modern with an olive green paper backdrop - earthy, simple, and a great contrast to Thor’s light golden coat.

Treats helped. Toys helped more.

In fact, Thor’s favourite toy had been bought from Tesco on the way to the shoot because it had been forgotten at home. That turned out to be a blessing. A brand new toy in a new environment? Maximum excitement. Maximum expression.

At one point he even interacted with my own miniature schnauzer, Ted, which added to the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of the session.

His owners were fully involved throughout, excited about creating something meaningful for their new house - portraits that won’t just sit on a phone but will be printed large and displayed proudly.

That’s always the goal.

You can see a short behind-the-scenes clip from the session below, just to show how relaxed (and slightly chaotic in the best way) dog portrait sessions can be.

A Professional Studio Environment Designed for Dogs

I work from a dedicated professional studio within my home in Royston, Hertfordshire, specialising in professional dog portrait photography.

It’s not a makeshift set-up in a living room - it’s a controlled, purpose-built space designed to create high-quality portraits while keeping dogs comfortable and not overwhelmed.

For many dogs, a quieter home studio environment works far better than a busy commercial space. It allows them to settle, explore safely, and show their personality - which is exactly what we want in great dog portrait photography.

Thinking About Cockapoo Portraits of Your Own?

If you have a cockapoo (or another doodle breed) and have ever thought, “We should really get some proper photos done” - this is your sign. As a professional photographer based in Royston, I focus on creating artwork that feels timeless

Whether it’s to celebrate a new puppy, mark a milestone, or create artwork for your home, professional dog portraits are something you’ll never regret having.

If you’re based in or around Royston, Hertfordshire and would like to chat about a session for your own dog, just fill out the contact form on my website. I’m always happy to answer questions and talk through how it works.

And yes - bringing the favourite toy is recommended. Even if it’s from Tesco.

Every breed brings something different to the studio — from energetic cockapoos to characterful terriers. You can see another recent session featuring a Border Terrier portrait session here.

See more example of my dog portrait work here. See if you can spot your dog’s breed.