Photographing not one, but two Spaniels, put my skills to the test on this beautiful woodland photoshoot!
On Halloween I headed out with Louis & Lily’s owners to photograph them on a gorgeous autumn day at Hirst Wood. Louis, the elder dog, settled into his portraits early, while Lily, his much livelier younger sister, took a little more patience - we had to wait for her zoomies to run out!
Photographing one dog is a conversation. Photographing two is chairing a meeting where one member wants to get through the agenda slowly and the other has already left the room 😂 With two dogs at different paces, they absolutely put my skills to the test on this shoot. As always we gave them plenty of time to sniff and run around; an essential part of keeping their attention for longer. We also set up the double shot a number of times, staying patient and using squeakers and treats to help me lock focus and get them both looking the same way. So, if you're wondering whether your own pair could ever sit still long enough for a photo together, the truth is they don't need to - they just need someone patient enough to wait for the second that they do!
Why Hirst Wood works as a photo location
Hirst Wood sits just outside Saltaire, an ancient woodland tucked between the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and the River Aire. It's the sort of place locals walk their dogs every day without thinking twice about it, but it earns its place as a shoot location.
The woodland is wide and open, so light gets in. On the afternoon we were there, it filtered through the trees in exactly the way you hope for in late autumn: warm, low and soft. The wide paths give dogs room to move and owners room to breathe. In a short walk you have woodland, water and canal side to work with, so a shoot can feel varied without needing to move to a different location. There’s also the fabulous Higher Ground Cafe just up the road for coffee and a cake, or Salt Beer Factory if you fancy something a bit stronger.
There's apparently evidence of people living and working in Hirst Wood back in the Iron Age, and the wood was given to the people of Shipley in 1921. Today it’s still a much loved destination.
Thinking about a photoshoot for your own dogs?
Lily and Louis's owners described their photos as "stunning", which is about the best review a photographer can hope for. I photograph dogs (and horses) on location across Yorkshire - in the woods, on the moors and anywhere else your dog is happiest. Whether you've got one steady old soul, a pair of whirlwinds or a bit of both, I'd love to hear about them.
Gift vouchers make a lovely Christmas present for the dog lovers in your life. Order by 18 December for guaranteed delivery.
