From the Streets of Sydney to Hyde Park: My Journey as a Dog Photographer
Photography is a journey—a blend of art, passion, and experience—and for me, that journey began on the vibrant streets of Sydney. From street photography to wildlife in South Africa, and eventually to capturing dogs in London, every step has been filled with creativity, challenge, and discovery. Here, I’d like to share the evolution of my work and how it led to becoming The London Dog Photographer.
Discovering Photography on the Streets of Sydney
Back in 2015, while living in Sydney, Australia, I found myself drawn to the creative potential of photography. Sydney’s bustling streets were filled with stories waiting to be captured. I was fascinated by the spontaneity of street photography—capturing candid moments of people, the movement of the city, and the unique architectural backdrop.
Street photography taught me the art of observation—finding beauty in everyday situations and capturing fleeting moments that would otherwise go unnoticed. It required quick thinking, the ability to anticipate, and a knack for composition. This formative experience gave me a strong foundation in understanding how to bring out the essence of a subject, a skill that would prove invaluable in the years to come.
A Safari to Remember: The Wild Inspiration
While I had honed my skills in the urban landscape, it was two trips, a trip to Iceland to photograph the Icelandic horses and safari in South Africa that opened my eyes to the world of wildlife photography. This was an entirely different challenge—capturing wild animals in their natural habitat required patience, timing, and an understanding of light and movement. The African savannah became my open-air studio, where I sought to create fine art from the wild.
Photographing animals like zebras and nyalas from a safari truck meant working with ever-changing conditions. Yet, with the right natural light—often during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon—I was able to create images that looked as though they were taken in a studio. The interplay of light, shadow, and the natural beauty of these animals allowed me to create captivating, fine art photographs that spoke to the raw elegance of the wild.
This experience taught me not only the technical aspects of lighting and composition but also the importance of working with unpredictable subjects. Each photograph had to capture the essence of the moment, and the satisfaction of achieving that with a wild animal was like nothing else.
From the Wild to the City: Dogs as the Perfect Subjects
Upon returning to London, I realised that my love for capturing animals could be fulfilled closer to home, with a subject that was just as unpredictable and full of character—dogs. Inspired by the joy and challenge of wildlife photography, I decided to focus my lens on man’s best friend. The bustling streets of London, its sprawling parks, and cosy homes offered the perfect setting to explore dog photography in a way that was both artistic and deeply personal.
Dog photography, like wildlife photography, requires patience, a keen eye, and an understanding of behaviour. Each dog has its own personality, and my job is to bring that personality to life through the camera. Whether capturing a joyful run through Hyde Park or a quiet moment lounging in the sun, I use my experience from street and wildlife photography to tell each dog’s story authentically and beautifully.
Bringing It All Together: The London Dog Photographer
The journey from Sydney’s streets to the African savannah and eventually to London’s parks has been a deeply fulfilling evolution of my work. Each stage taught me something new: street photography sharpened my instincts for candid moments, wildlife photography deepened my appreciation for patience and timing, and dog photography allowed me to combine these skills to capture the love and personality of our pets.
As The London Dog Photographer, my mission is to celebrate the unique bond between dogs and their owners. Every photoshoot is an adventure—a chance to explore, discover, and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. My journey as a photographer continues, and I am grateful for every dog I’ve had the chance to capture, each one adding to the story I tell with my camera.
