Great to catch up with the Bear of London recently whilst photographing in the big capital. This gorgeous dog was named “Bear” and lived 8 floors up with his owners in this London apartment.  The shot below was taken on the balcony followed by a few more images inside before heading out to his garden run.  Still can’t believe the heat on that day – i think we were all in need of refreshments after finishing the session.

On Wednesday 25th August 2010, I shall be embarking on one of my biggest challenges in the world of pet photography. No, it is not the photography of my own Schnauzer dog “Millie,” nor is it entering into a fenced off area with tame lions and tigers ! Yes from 05:33 until 20:32, I will be covering as wide an area as possible on my bicycle armed with my trusty camera, a bag of tricks and a stash of chocolate biscuits for myself. The aim to photograph as many dogs as possible from dawn until dusk. Okay, I may well meet a cat or two in various neighbourhoods, and they will be shot as well. Who knows I may even shoot the dog owners themselves if I find them not “picking up” after their dog!

On a serious note, I have the utmost respect for the Dogs Trust and their dedicated staff having seen closely the tremendous work that they have done over the years with the rehoming and rehabilitation of many dogs. This project has been in my head for many months and only now has been the right time for me to bring it to fruition.

I have no idea how many dogs will be captured throughout this memorable day but rest assured wherever you be hiding pooches, I shall find you! We’ll also be accompanied during part of the day by a well known BBC celebrity in Scottish circles, who will lend a helping hand ! All monies raised will go directly to the Dogs Trust.

Donations can be made in advance of the event by sponsoring me via this web page. Donations may also be made on the day to the Dogs Trust Team that will be supporting me on my travels. Plus ALL monies raised from the direct sales of any professional reprints will also go directly to the Dogs Trust.

For all those donating, there is an opportunity to win a professional dog photography shoot and large framed print by simply guessing the TOTAL number of DOGS that I manage to photograph between the hours as specified above. Whoever is the nearest to the total will win the prize. The prize winner’s shoot will take place either in Ayrshire or in your neck of the woods the next time I am on my travels to that area. Thank you in advance for your support and you’ll no doubt see images from the event in due course!

The event is listed at http://www.justgiving.com/shoot-the-dog

Many thanks in anticipation, Paul Walker

Labradoodles, I keep seeing them everywhere and then had the please of photographing two within a relatively short space of time recently. They are often a challenge, since the dark coated Labradoodles with their curly coats and facial fur often makes the presence of eyes hard to find. The lighting is also critical when photographing such dogs. I say dogs, but am often tempted to say “teddy bears” as their loving nature and boucning walk does amuse me. People often say they make great pets and after photographing Danyr and Dixie recently I have to agree with such statements.

Labradoodle dog image

Dog Photographer

Labradoodle Dogs

Finally the snow arrived, just in time for Christmas along with two Hungarian Vizsla’s, “Sam & Ruby” around 9 am this morning. The photo shoot was an early Christmas present and the snow and light that presented themselves were certainly favourable.  These two characters were certainly active and seemed to love playing in the Ayrshire snow.  Thank you to all of our customers throughout the UK, past and present and their pets for making this an extra special year. We have some great plans for 2010 that will be revealed in early January and we really look forward to some of the dogs, cats and horses that are already scheduled to be photographed in 2010.

Hungarian Vizsla's in Ayrshire snow

Imagine my confusion when a dog named with the same surname as me arrived for his photo session.  His name being “Walker”.  A fine figure of a dog, but everytime the owner commanded “Walker” to sit, I felt like being back at school again with my name being called out.  Walker was a rescue dog and real credit to the owners has developed into a great character.  I thoroughly enjoyed shooting him (not literally) and thought I’d share this picture on the blog.

Springer Spaniel image

This was a really enjoyable session with Meg, the Springer Spaniel from Barassie.  It was that time of year when sticky willows were ever present.  Fortunately these only attached to the dog towards the end of the shoot. Spaniels are such happy dogs and thrive in the great outdoors.

The open golf championship may have been all eventful at Turnberry a little up the coast from us, yet we had are own event to contend with just north of Turnberry involving “Saul”, the Kerry Blue Terrier dog or Gaelachgorm the Navigator to quote his pedigree name.  Saul was not fond of other dogs so the environment was carefully selected.  Circling winds and ever changing light may have affected Tiger Woods golf game yet the styling of the Kerry Blue terrier coat also meant that you had to pick your moments carefully.   I also stood in something that I shouldn’t have whilst crossing water yet, a good hosing down of the shoes on returning home soon fixed that.

Kerry Blue Terrier dog image

At a recent wedding, it a was a great surprise to see “Soloman” the chocolate labrador still patrolling the grounds of the Cornhill House hotel. I think the owner commented that he was 12 years old. He has certainly mastered the art of selective hearing yet is still capable of a bit of canter when the expectation of a biscuit arrives on the scene. Not that there were many to be found in this bunch of daffodils!

What a wonderful temperament “Sugar” the Dalmation dog had.  Extremely loyal and with some very distinctive back spot markings that were more heart shaped.