Willow & Fawn: Border Terrier Portrait Session in Royston

Some dog portrait sessions are about one dog at a time.
This one always needed to be about two.

From the very start, the priority for Willow & Fawn’s session was making sure we captured them together. They’re companions in everyday life, and that relationship mattered just as much as any individual portrait. Once we knew we had that shared image in the bag, everything else became a little more relaxed.

Photographing dogs together first

When dogs live side by side, their connection shows in subtle ways — how close they sit, how aware they are of one another, and how comfortable they feel sharing space. For Willow & Fawn, photographing them together was non-negotiable for their owner, and I completely agreed.

Once we’d captured a strong portrait of them side by side, we were able to slow things down and photograph each dog individually, without pressure. That structure tends to work well in dog portrait sessions: secure the most important image first, then let the session unfold naturally.

Choosing the right backdrop for Border Terriers

Olive green and navy blue backdrops

Willow and Fawn’s coats played a big part in the visual decisions for this session. Their wiry Border Terrier fur has a beautiful mix of tones, and the olive green backdrop complemented that perfectly — soft, natural, and flattering without pulling attention away from the dogs themselves.

We also experimented with a navy blue backdrop, which I’m personally very fond of. It creates a stronger contrast and really helps the dogs stand out from the background. Both options worked well, and it’s often these small choices that give a gallery its quiet variety while still feeling cohesive.

Letting personality lead the session

Although Willow & Fawn are clearly a pair, they each brought very different energy into the studio. One is younger, one a little more settled — and that naturally influenced how each portrait unfolded.

With dogs, there’s only so much you can ask of them. Trying to force a pose or expression rarely ends well. Instead, I always work with what the dog gives me on the day — their energy level, their curiosity, and their patience.

The window of opportunity in a dog portrait session can be short, which isn’t a problem in itself. It just means staying focused and ready to capture expressions as they happen.

One thing I’m always aiming for, whether I’m photographing dogs or people, is that moment where the subject looks straight down the barrel of the lens. That direct connection is a big part of my style. Everything else either side of that moment is a bonus — and often those unexpected frames end up being favourites.

A relaxed dog photography experience in Royston

All of my dog portrait sessions take place at my home studio in Royston, and I always allow up to an hour. Some dogs need time to settle into a new space, while others walk in and are immediately unfazed by what’s going on.

Depending on the dog’s size, I’ll photograph them either seated higher on a bench or lower to the ground. Sessions are broken into short bursts, with time in between for dogs to sniff around, explore, and reset. That breathing room makes a huge difference.

I also let clients know in advance that I have my own dog at home. Most of the time this isn’t an issue, but if a dog would be more comfortable without another around, I’ll always make arrangements. Clear communication beforehand is key — every dog is different, and that’s absolutely fine.

If you’d like to see more of my dog portrait sessions, you can see more on my
Dog Portfolio page.

Why these portraits matter

Dogs are part of the family, and unfortunately, they’re not around forever.

Over the years, I’ve had people get in touch asking about dog portrait sessions, only to return later saying they wish they’d booked — because their dog was no longer with them. Those conversations stay with you.

That’s why sessions like Willow & Fawn’s matter. These portraits aren’t just for now; they’re for the years ahead. A finished print on the wall becomes something lasting — a way of remembering, honouring, and celebrating a dog exactly as they were.

And that, more than anything, is why photographing dogs like Willow & Fawn is always worth taking the time to do properly.

If you’re based in Royston, Hertfordshire, or nearby Cambridgeshire and you’ve been thinking about having your dog photographed, this is your sign not to put it off. Dog portrait sessions are calm, flexible, and shaped entirely around your pet — whether they’re full of energy or happy to sit and watch the world go by. If you’d like to talk through what a session could look like for your dog, you’re very welcome to get in touch and ask any questions before booking.