Dog Portrait Photography for Bessie the Cocker Spaniel by Sam Carter

Main website: http://www.pawprintsphotography.co.uk/

I get to meet a lot of dogs in the course of my work, and every single one of them is an individual personality. Bessie the Cocker Spaniel was no exception. Bessie won her pet portrait as a prize in a dog show in the category of pet and owner who look a like. From the second I walked through the door of Bessie's home her tail never stopped wagging. She was so full of beans and really playful with the camera.

• Spaniels are one of the oldest breeds of domestic dogs.  It is thought they arrived in England during Cesar's invasion around 54-55 BC and  probably originated in Spain.

• They were originally bred for hunting to flush game out of dense foliage.  Cocker Spaniels were not recognised as a specific breed until after 1892. 

• In the 1930's the Cocker Spaniel was the most popular breed of dog in Britain and it has been the most successful breed at winning 'Best in Show' at Crufts, winning on 7 occasions.

 Here are a few of the images from Bessie's photo shoot. If you would like more information about our pet photography please visit our website at www.pawprintsphotography.co.uk.

Cat Photography of Sophie & Lily

Main website: http://www.pawprintsphotography.co.uk/

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to photograph Sophie and Lily, two very sweet black cats in Surrey.  Although neither were particularly interested in having their photograph taken, and much preferred to sit on the window sill and watch the world go by outside, we still managed to get some great shots of the two of them.

Here are just a few of the shots from the day.  If you would like more information on our pet photography services please visit our website at http://www.pawprintsphotography.co.uk/ or email us at enquiries@samcarterphotography.com

Pet Photography for Jet, Coco & Buddy

Main website: http://www.pawprintsphotography.co.uk/

In early October I drove to Petersfield in Hampshire to photograph Jet and Coco, two Pointers, and Buddy, a beautiful tri-coloured horse.

I photographed Jet and Coco first using a studio style with a white background and then we moved out into the garden and I photographed them whilst they mooched about enjoying themselves and the Autumn sunshine.  They were both very good with the camera, and Coco seemed to actively 'pose' for me.

We then moved down to the paddock to photograph Buddy the horse, who was also a real little show off for the camera.

Here are a few of the images from the shoot.

If you would like more information on our pet photography services please visit our main website at http://www.pawprintsphotography.co.uk/, or email us at enquiries@samcarterphotography.com

Pet Photography for Bailey the Cocker Spaniel in Hampshire

Main website:  http://www.pawprintsphotography.co.uk/

Last week I travelled to Winchester in Hampshire to photograph Bailey, a gorgeous Cocker Spaniel.  Bailey is a rescue dog owned by Kate and her family and had won his photographic pet portrait in a dog show in the category of waggiest tail - and it certainly was!

Bailey was brilliant to photograph and very playful.  Here are a few of the images from the shoot.

If you would like information on pet portraits please visit our main website at http://www.pawprintsphotography.co.uk/ or email us on enquiries@samcarterphotography.com

Dog Days & Growing Old

Main website: www.pawprintsphotography.co.uk

My dog, Eddie is turning into a bit of a grumpy old man as he is reaching his senior years.  I catch him walking around mumbling under his breath frequently and the other day he walked into the room and stopped still with an expression on his face that I swear said 'oh damn, I've forgotten what I came in here for'. 

But despite this he still finds happiness in the simple things.  A bit of sunshine, a moth to chase, passing wind and leaving the room before anyone notices it was him, and of course destroying as many toys as possible!

Happiness is laying in the sun and the satisfaction of having just eaten your favourite ball!

A Walk on the Wild Side - Blackbird Photography By Sam Carter

Sam Carter is an award winning photographer specialising in pet and animal photography throughout Hampshire and Surrey.

Main website: www.pawprintsphotography.co.uk

Although most of the animals I photograph are usually pets, this week I managed to grab a few sneaky shots of some baby blackbirds.

The mum had decided that in the grapevine, 3 inches above my front door, was the perfect place to build her nest this year.  It actually only took her about 3 days to build the nest and then she was straight on it, I assumed sitting on eggs.  I counted the 3 weeks that the eggs should take to hatch and listened out for any little chirps that might indicate some new arrivals.  Mum was off the nest for prolonged periods by now but I couldn't hear any cheaps or chirps.

Yesterday, while she was off foraging I took the opportunity to grab a couple of photographs to see if there was anything in the nest or whether the fortune I was spending on blackbird seed, suet pellets and meal worms was all in vain.  I held the camera above my head, careful not to get too close to the nest or to touch it, and fired off 3 images.

Not only did she have chicks in there but there were 4 of them!  From the looks of them I would guess that they are coming up for about 2 weeks old.  Baby birds are not the most graceful or elegant looking animals, they tend to be all beak.  Few people would probably use the word 'cute' to describe them, but I think they are.  Mind you, I'm a sucker for any baby animal!

If you need help or advice about wild birds nesting in your garden or baby wild birds, you can get information from the RSPB's website by clicking here.

If you have a pet, whether its furry, feathered or scaled, take a look at our website and see just how affordable it is to have a professional photographic portrait of your pet carried out. http://www.pawprintsphotography.co.uk/.

Pet Portrait Photography for Cats Nellie & Murphy by Paw Prints Pet Photography By Sam Carter

  

Sam Carter is a full time professional photographer based in Hampshire and covering all of Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and West Sussex.  As well as pet photography Sam also carries out portrait and wedding photography in Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and West Sussex.  Sam's pet photography work includes photography for dogs, cats, parrots and birds, and all other types of pets.
Main website:  www.pawprintsphotography.co.uk

Earlier this week I was asked to photograph two cats from surrey named Nellie and Murphy.  Cats are usually a little more difficult to photograph than dogs as they are generally less interested in what you are doing than dogs, but these two were real stars.

As with all animals I photograph, in order to capture the personality and spirit of these two cats I photographed them while they went about their normal behaviour, be that sunbathing, easting or napping.  I spent most of the time photographing them outside but also did a few 'studio' style shots using artificial lighting and a black background.  Both Nellie and Murphy were very good, not at all bothered by the equipment and more than happy to sit or lay down in front of the background. 

 These are a few of the images taken on the day.  If you have a cat, dog or other pet that you would like photographed  have a look at our website at www.pawprintsphotography.co.uk or call us on 07943 953009 for details of our pet photography service and have your furry or feathered friend captured in wonderful images!

Pet Portrait Photography for Oggy the Scarlet Macaw From Surrey by Pet Photographer Sam Carter

Sam Carter is a professional photographer working throughout Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and West Sussex.  She specialises in pet portrait photography, wedding photography and portrait photography.  Using her mobile studio she runs all her pet portrait session from the comfort of your own home, garden or other location of your choosing.
Main website: www.pawprintsphotography.co.uk

I recently had the great pleasure of being asked to photograph Oggy, a beautiful Scarlet Macaw from Surrey.  His owner, Lisa, was unfortunately re-homing Oggy and wanted a professional portrait of him before he left.

Oggy was an absolute star.  He wasn't at all bothered about having a camera pointed at him and didn't bat an eye lid at any of the photographic equipment I used.

It was a beautiful day so we started the session outside.  The sun really brought our the bright reds, yellows and blues in Oggy's feathers.  We then moved inside for some 'studio' style shots using backgrounds and studio lighting.  Again Oggy was an absolute dream and didn't seem at all phased by the equipment, you would have thought he did this every day!

Here are just a few of the images taken on the day.

If you would like your furry, feathered or scaled friend photographed in wonderful professional images then contact us now on 07943 953009, email enquiries@samcarterphotography or visit our website at www.pawprintsphotography.co.uk.

Pet Portrait Photography for Suzie the Jack Russel by Sam Carter Photography

Website: www.pawprintsphotography.com     www.samcarterphotography.com
I recently carried out a photo session for Suzie, a wonderful little Jack Russell Terrier.  This is what Jen (Suzie's owner) had to say about it:

"Suzi loved her photoshoot! She really enjoyed being the centre of attention and the relaxed atmosphere put her at ease. Sam was sensitive to Suzi's feelings and careful not make her feel uncomfortable or anxious with the equipment.

My partner and I were both delighted with the results. Suzi looks so beautiful and we have some very special pictures of her which will be treasured. I would highly recommend this service; excellent pictures and all taken with consideration for Suzi."
Jen Holden, Southampton

Thank you Jen and Suzie, it was a lot of fun and Suzie was a real star.

Getting an animal's character to show through in a portrait is not easy and you can't ask them to stand or pose in a certain way to get the photo you want the way you can with people - even the most obedient dog will only sit or stay for a little while before they get bored and walk off. I can have an idea in my head of a great shot I want to take but the animal usually has other ideas about what they want to do.


My philosophy when it comes to pet portraits is one of oberservation. I let the animal go about it's normal behaviour, playing, sleeping or whatever activity it would usually do. Not only does this help the animal to relax (yes, even animals get camera shy!) but they will interact with me keeping their interest in staying with me and not walking off.

Patience and adaptability are essential. A camera can be a very intimidating thing for an animal to have pointed at it. Some animals will not bat an eyelid at a stranger in their home pointing a camera at them but others will be more warey so I have to let the pet get used to me in its own time. I also have to be able to use lighting that the animal is happy with. Some, like Suzie, will be comfortable with studio lights flashing, others will not and I than use natural light to best effect.

Taking photographs in this way lets the animals character show through and I can get some great photos of the 'personality' that the owner knows and loves.

Of course, pet portraits don't just have to be for dogs. A portrait of any pet makes a wonderful and warming addition to any home and fantastic gifts for friends and family.

For details of our pet portrait packages please visit our main website at http://www.pawprintsphotography.co.uk/

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