Bracken the Cockerpoo – ANXIOUS dog photography in South YORKSHIRE
Some sessions feel like catching up with old friends—because that’s exactly what they are. Bracken, a curly ball of Cockerpoo energy, joined me once again for his second dog photography experience—this time to mark a belated first birthday with his amazing humans, Katie and Rich.
We headed to Grenoside Woods for that soft evening light, surrounded by forest trails, weathered logs, and the kind of quiet only a late winter walk in the woods can bring. Bracken may only be one, but he’s already a total pro in front of the camera—and this session gave us space to celebrate his growing confidence and the bond he shares with his people.
Our first session together captured Bracken as a smaller pup, still figuring out the world. This time, we met a young dog with bounce, and just the right amount of cheekiness. His expressive eyes and the way he lights up around Katie and Rich is genuinely wonderful to witness.
It’s such a joy to revisit dogs as they grow—it’s not just about capturing how they look, but how their character unfolds over time. Particularly with my anxious or reactive clients, it can show different stages of their journey and highlight progress they have made.
Grenoside Woods gave us everything we needed—shady paths, textured bark, mossy logs, and golden-hour glow filtering through the trees. This kind of natural location is ideal for dogs like Bracken who love to explore, but still benefit from a relaxed pace and lots of freedom to move.
I can’t say enough good things about Bracken’s humans. Katie and Rich are the kind of people who show up with treats, patience, and love for their pup. They know Bracken inside out and work with him beautifully during sessions—making sure he’s calm, engaged, and most of all, having fun.
It’s always a privilege to work with owners who truly see and support their dogs, and their connection shines through in every frame. Whether Bracken was perching on a log or trotting down a woodland trail, he always had one eye on his people—and that’s exactly what I love to photograph.
When dogs come back for a second (or third!) session, we’re able to go deeper—not just in terms of the images, but in how relaxed and natural everything feels. Bracken already knew what to expect, and that familiarity brought out a new level of comfort and charisma.
Plus, capturing the before and after of a dog's puppy-to-young-adult transformation is a really rewarding thing I get to do as a photographer.
Whether it’s a first session or a follow-up like Bracken’s, I create relaxed, dog-led photography experiences in beautiful natural locations. From soft woodland light to windswept hillsides, every session is shaped around your dog’s comfort, personality, and connection with you.